bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autologous Adipose Tissue Graft to Treat Hypertensive Leg Ulcer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chopinaud M. , Labbé D. , Creveuil C. , Marc M. , Bénateau H. , Mourgeon B. , Chopinaud E. , Veyssière A. , Dompmartin A.
Published: July 2017

Background: Adipose tissue is an abundant source of mesenchymal stem cells, called adipose-derived stem cells, which have anti-inflammatory and trophic effects to enhance overall tissue repair. Objective: To determine the healing effects of autologous adipose tissue graft on hypertensive leg ulcers. Methods: Prospective pilot study in 1 French dermatology department. Ten patients with a hypertensive leg ulcer were enrolled from April 2013 to June 2015. The primary end point was the wound closure rate at each follow-up visit. The secondary end points were wound characteristics, pain assessment and adverse events. Results: One patient, the only smoker, was lost to follow-up at month 5 (M5). For the 9 non-smokers, wound surfaces constantly and significantly decreased: the median wound closure rate was 73.2% at M3 and 93.1% at M6, p < 0.001. The median wound closure rate of the 10 patients was 63.2% at M3, p < 0.001. Percentages of fibrin and necrosis decreased, granulation tissue increased significantly. Pain rapidly and significantly decreased. No recurrence or adverse event was observed. Conclusion: Our data suggest that autologous adipose tissue grafting induces pain relief and promotes wound healing with a good skin quality. Large prospective controlled randomized studies are required to confirm these results.
Evaluation of the Impact of Cognitive Training on Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Grasso Maria Grazia , Broccoli Marco , Casillo Paolo , Catani Sheila , Pace Luca , Pompa Alessandra , Rizzi Francesco , Troisi Elio
Published: July 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in a group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods: Thirty-four patients were included in this study and randomly allocated either to treatment with multidisciplinary rehabilitation plus cognitive training or to treatment with multidisciplinary rehabilitation alone. Results: After 3 months of cognitive treatment, the patients assigned to the rehabilitation plus cognitive training group displayed an improvement in the cognitive test of executive function and a marked improvement in quality of life (QoL). The patients treated with multidisciplinary rehabilitation without cognitive training improved in the physical composite score alone. Both groups of patients displayed an improvement in depression, though the improvement was confirmed at the 6-month follow-up examination (p = 0.036) only in patients treated with multidisciplinary rehabilitation plus cognitive training. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment is the best approach to treat MS. The specific effect of each treatment needs to be assessed to be able to determine its role within a multidisciplinary approach. Cognitive rehabilitation is an important aspect of this multidisciplinary approach insofar as it may improve the QoL of MS people.
Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations Are Associated with Silent Brain Infarcts in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Patients
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , Nasr Deena M. , Wood Christopher P. , Iyer Vivek N.
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose: There is a high prevalence of right-to-left shunting pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs), which are stroke risk factors, in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) patients. While the prevalence of ischemic complications in HHT patients is known, the prevalence of silent brain infarcts (SBI) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for SBI in HHT patients. Materials and Methods: Our institutional HHT database was queried to identify HHT patients who received a baseline screening brain MRI from January 2000 to February 2017. This study group was further refined by excluding patients who had a history of clinical ischemic disease as defined by having a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Brain MRIs were reviewed for SBI. Baseline data on demographics, Curacao criteria, presence of PAVMs, and cardiovascular risk factors were collected. The primary outcome was SBI prevalence. We also examined which baseline patient characteristics were associated with SBI through univariate chi-square and Student t tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Three hundred fifty three consecutive HHT patients from January 2000 to February 2017 with a screening brain MRI and no prior history of stroke/TIA were included. SBI prevalence was 9.9% (35/353). SBI patients were more likely to have PAVMs than non-SBI patients (80.6 vs. 53.1%, p = 0.005). The median age was 66 in the SBI group and 52 in the non-SBI group (p = 0.006). SBI patients had higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia (34.3 vs. 9.8%, p < 0.0001), hypertension (48.6 vs. 22.0%, p = 0.005), and tobacco use (25.7 vs. 9.8%, p = 0.005). No patients under 30 had SBI. In the 60-69 age group, the prevalence of SBI was 18.8% with rates of 28.6% in the PAVM group and 10.5% in the non-PAVM group. For patients ≥70 years old, the prevalence of SBI was 21.4% overall and 27.6% in the PAVM group and 10.5% in the non-PAVM group. On multivariate analysis, PAVMs (OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.46-10.40) and increasing age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07) were independently associated with SBI. Conclusions: Overall, a similar 10% SBI prevalence in the HHT cohort was noted as compared to the general population. However, the prevalence of SBI was higher in HHT patients with PAVMs when compared to that of the general population, particularly among patients than 60 years old. These findings highlight the need to accurately identify, and when appropriate, treat PAVMs in the HHT population especially given the multiple significant, clinical consequences of SBI.
Insight into Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Gross Pathological Specimen Shrinkage and Its Influence on TNM Staging
Authors: Lacout Alexis , Chamorey Emmanuel , Thariat Juliette , El Hajjam Mostafa , Chevenet Carole , Schiappa Renaud , Marcy Pierre Yves
Published: July 2017

Introduction: This study aimed at comparing thyroid cancer staging when taking into account the differences between the “T” assessment” using ultrasound (US) and histopathological measurements. Material and Methods: This retrospective study included all consecutive differentiated follicular thyroid cancer (DTC) and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) patients who underwent postoperative histopathological staging assessment at a single institution. Anaplastic thyroid carcinomas were excluded from the present study. Each malignant thyroid nodule was precisely evaluated by measuring its long axis using both US and gross specimen histopathological examination. T stage classification was attributed to each tumor as regards US (solely according to the tumor dimension) and histopathology: (1) solely according to the tumor dimension and (2) according to the tumor dimension and extrathyroidal extension features when present. Results: Retrospective comparison between US and histopathology size of the operated thyroid nodules showed a mean diminution of 7.52% of the tumor long axis. Tumors ≤10 mm at histopathological examination showed a larger decrease in size of 13% (p = 0.054, statistically significant) compared to the US measurements. Ten out of 72 (13.8%) patients showed final T downstaging in comparison to US assessment: (US) T2 to T1b in 6 patients (1 MTC) and (US) T1b to T1a in 4 patients (1 MTC). Two (2.9%) DTC patients were downstaged from stage 2 to stage 1. Conclusion: Precise thyroid tumor US measurement may differ significantly from that obtained by histopathological assessment, which may result in a different TNM staging and subsequent patient management.
Time Course of Radiological Imaging and Variable Interindividual Symptoms in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia Associated with p.Arg487His Mutation in the VCP Gene
Authors: Hirano Makito , Yamagishi Yuko , Yanagimoto Satoshi , Saigoh Kazumasa  , Nakamura Yusaku , Kusunoki Susumu
Published: July 2017

To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the time course of radiological imaging of 3 patients from 2 families with VCP-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and dementia. Both families shared the same p.Arg487His mutation in the VCP gene encoding valosin-containing protein. The first patient started to have a typical form of ALS, followed by dementia 7 years later. The second patient, a brother of the first one, had frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism. The third patient had simultaneous ALS and dementia. All patients seemed to have progressive brain atrophy as their clinical symptoms progressed. The common and characteristic finding was atrophy of the temporal lobes including the hippocampi. The relation between imaging findings and symptoms varied considerably among the 3 patients.
Fundus Findings in Wernicke Encephalopathy
Authors: Serlin Tal , Moisseiev Elad
Published: July 2017

Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome resulting from thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, classically characterized by the triad of ophthalmoplegia, confusion, and ataxia. While commonly associated with chronic alcoholism, WE may also occur in the setting of poor nutrition or absorption. We present a 37-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and presented with visual disturbance with bilateral horizontal nystagmus, confusion, and postural imbalance. Fundus examination revealed bilateral optic disc edema with a retinal hemorrhage in the left eye. Metabolic workup demonstrated thiamine deficiency. Her symptoms resolved after thiamine treatment. This case raises the awareness of the possibility of posterior segment findings in WE, which are underreported in WE.
Defining Standards in Experimental Microsurgical Training: Recommendations of the European Society for Surgical Research (ESSR) and the International Society for Experimental Microsurgery (ISEM)
Authors: Tolba René H. , Czigány Zoltán , Osorio Lujan Suzanne , Oltean Mihai , Axelsson Michael , Akelina Yelena , Di Cataldo Antonio , Miko Iren , Furka Istvan , Dahmen Uta , Kobayashi Eiji , Ionac Mihai , Nemeth Norbert
Published: July 2017

Background: Expectations towards surgeons in modern surgical practice are extremely high with minimal complication rates and maximal patient safety as paramount objectives. Both of these aims are highly dependent on individual technical skills that require sustained, focused, and efficient training outside the clinical environment. At the same time, there is an increasing moral and ethical pressure to reduce the use of animals in research and training, which has fundamentally changed the practice of microsurgical training and research. Various animal models were introduced and widely used during the mid-20th century, the pioneering era of experimental microsurgery. Since then, high numbers of ex vivo training concepts and quality control measures have been proposed, all aiming to reduce the number of animals without compromising quality and outcome of training. Summary: Numerous microsurgical training courses are available worldwide, but there is no general agreement concerning the standardization of microsurgical training. The major aim of this literature review and recommendation is to give an overview of various aspects of microsurgical training. We introduce here the findings of a previous survey-based analysis of microsurgical courses within our network. Basic principles behind microsurgical training (3Rs, good laboratory practice, 3Cs), considerations around various microsurgical training models, as well as several skill assessment tools are discussed. Recommendations are formulated following intense discussions within the European Society for Surgical Research (ESSR) and the International Society for Experimental Microsurgery (ISEM), based on scientific literature as well as on several decades of experience in the field of experimental (micro)surgery and preclinical research, represented by the contributing authors. Key Messages: Although ex vivo models are crucial for the replacement and reduction of live animal use, living animals are still indispensable at every level of training which aims at more than just a basic introduction to microsurgical techniques. Modern, competency-based microsurgical training is multi-level, implementing different objective assessment tools as outcome measures. A clear consensus on fundamental principles of microsurgical training and more active international collaboration for the sake of standardization are urgently needed.
Neuroanatomical Correlates of Hypophonia in Subcortical Vascular Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Yoon Ji Hye , Ahn Yisuh , Kim Sook Hui , Chin Juhee , Park Seongbeom , Na Duk L.
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: Early detection and intervention may alter the disease course of subcortical vascular cognitive impairment (SVCI). Patients with SVCI have white matter ischemia that disrupts connections between the cortex and subcortical gray matter and therefore manifest various symptoms such as motor disturbances and behavioral/cognitive dysfunction. Reduced vocal loudness, or hypophonia, is one of the common motor symptoms of SVCI, but few studies have systematically investigated it in this patient population. The main purpose of this investigation was to identify neural pathways underlying hypophonia in patients with SVCI. Methods: Eighty-eight patients with SVCI and 21 normal controls performed phonation tasks. Diffusion tensor imaging data from 73 patients were utilized to measure white matter changes associated with hypophonia. Results: Correlational analyses between white matter fractional anisotropy values and the decibel level of the “sustained phonation” task identified the left midbrain cerebral peduncle (corticobulbar tract), external capsule, corona radiata/internal capsule, and bilateral frontal white matter as possible neural correlates for hypophonia. Conclusion: Our results support the notion that hypophonia in SVCI patients might be caused by the impairment of the pyramidal and extrapyramidal systems. This study provides a unique contribution towards understanding the neuropathology of hypophonic features in this population.
Effects of Transobturator Midurethral Sling Surgery on Sexual Functions: One-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Aslan Ergul , Gungor Ugurlucan Funda , Bilgic Dilek , Yalcin Onay , Kizilkaya Beji Nezihe
Published: July 2017

Aim: To evaluate sexual functions of women having stress urinary incontinence (SUI) preoperatively and 6 months and 12 months after undergoing a transobturator tape (TOT) ± pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery. Methods: One hundred-ninety-five women with SUI ± POP were recruited and 150 sexually active women who had clinical ± urodynamic SUI and underwent TOT ± POP surgery were included in this prospective study. Urogynecologic symptoms were evaluated preoperatively, at 6 months, and 12 months by Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Results: One hundred fifty women completed the study. Seventy-four underwent TOT-only and 76 underwent TOT + concomitant surgery. Mean total scores of FSFI were 21.7 ± 7.8, 22 ± 8.7, and 22.1 ± 8 in the preoperative period, postoperative 6, and 12 months, respectively. There was significant improvement in desire and total scores in the TOT-only group, whereas there was no significant difference in the TOT + concomitant surgery group except for significant worsening in the lubrication domain. The frequency of sexual intercourse increased while that of coital incontinence decreased after surgery. Conclusions: In our study, TOT was associated with decrease in coital incontinence and significant improvement in desire. In addition, there was significant improvement in FSFI desire and total scores in the TOT-only group, whereas no significant difference was observed in the TOT + concomitant surgery group except for the worsening of lubrication.
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in 2 Patients Using Antipsychotic Drugs
Authors: Taki Koichiro , Kida Teruyo , Fukumoto Masanori , Sato Takaki , Oku Hidehiro , Ikeda Tsunehiko
Published: July 2017

Purpose: To report our findings in 2 patients who developed a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and were chronic users of antipsychotic medications. Case Presentation: Case 1 was a 62-year-old woman who had a sudden reduction of vision in her right eye to 20/2,000. Her fundus showed signs of an impending CRVO with marked macular edema. She had been taking antipsychotic drugs (quetiapine fumarate and risperidone) for about 2 years. She refused anti-VEGF therapy for her macular edema but selected systemic kallidinogenase. Two days later, the macular edema was significantly reduced but the number of cotton wool spots (CWS) was increased. Ten days later, the macular edema was resolved and her BCVA improved to 20/60. The CWS gradually disappeared, and her BCVA improved to 20/20. Case 2 was a 43-year-old man who presented with vision reduction in his right eye of 1 week’s duration. His BCVA was 20/50 and his fundus showed signs of a CRVO-related macular edema with CWS in the peripapillary area. He had been taking sulpiride (DogmatylTM) for depression for 1 year, and his blood test showed an increase in red blood cells and hematocrit. Anti-VEGF therapy was performed, and the macular edema was resolved with vision improving to 20/20. There has been no recurrence to date in both cases. Conclusions: These results indicate that a CRVO can be a complication of chronic use of antipsychotic medications. However, early treatment can lead to good outcomes. Clinicians should question patients who develop a sudden CRVO whether they are using antipsychotic medications.
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1 Facilitates the Development of Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Tong Yang-Fei , Wang Yan , Ding Yuan-Yuan , Li Jing-Mei , Pan Xi-Chun , Lu Xiao-Lan , Chen Xiao-Hong , Liu Ya , Zhang Hai-Gang
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: Adult cardiomyocytes can re-enter cell cycle as stimulated by prohypertrophic factors although they withdraw from cell cycle soon after birth. p21WAF1/CIP1, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, has been implicated in cardiac hypertrophy, however, its precise contribution to this process remains largely unclear. Methods: The gene expression profile in left ventricle (LV) of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats was determined using quantitative PCR array and verified by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Hypertrophic response of H9c2 cells and neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) were induced by angiotensin II (1 µmol/L). Cardiac hypertrophy of mice was elicited by isoproterenol (ISO) infusion (40 mg/kg per day for 14 days). p21-adenovirus and p21-siRNA were employed to transfect NRVM, and sterigmatocystin (STE, 3 mg/kg, ip, qd) was used to inhibit p21 activity. mRNA and protein expression levels of α- and β-myosin heavy chain (MHC), p21WAF1/CIP1, calcineurin (CaN) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) were assayed by realtime PCR and WB, respectively. Results: Sixteen genes showed two-fold or greater changes between SHR and WKY rats, in which the expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 was upregulated by 4.15-fold (P=0.002) and reversed by losartan. Surface area, protein content, mRNA and protein expressions of β-MHC, ANP and p21WAF1/CIP1 in H9c2 cells treated with AngII elevated significantly compared with control group. p21-Ad transfection markedly increased the surface area and β-MHC mRNA expression of normal NRVMs, and p21-siRNA transfection decreased them in AngII-treated NRVMs. STE treatment decreased HW/BW and cross-sectional area, expression levels of β-MHC, ANP and p21 significantly in ISO-treated mice. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that p21 facilitates the development of cardiac hypertrophy, and regulating the expression of p21 may be an approach to attenuate hypertrophic growth of cardiomyocytes.
Differential Role of Rapamycin in Epidermis-Induced IL-15-IGF-1 Secretion via Activation of Akt/mTORC2
Authors: Bai Yang , Xu Rui , Zhang Xueyuan , Zhang Xiaorong , Hu Xiaohong , Li Yashu , Li Haisheng , Liu Meixi , Huang Zhenggen , Yan Rongshuai , He Weifeng , Luo Gaoxing , Wu Jun
Published: July 2017

Backgroud/Aims: The effects of rapamycin (RPM) on wound healing have been previously studied. However, reciprocal contradictory data have been reported, and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to uncover differential role of RPM in regulation of wound healing and explore the possible mechanism. Methods: C57BL/6J mice and epidermal cells were treated with different doses of RPM. The wound re-epithelialization was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The expression of IL-15 and IGF-1 were detected by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR. Epidermal cell survival was determined by CCK-8 assays. Moreover, the mTORC1 and mTORC2 pathway were examined by western blot analysis. Results: This study showed that differential doses of RPM could lead to separate consequences in epidermis. Histological analyses showed that low-dose RPM promoted wound healing, and enhanced the expression of IL-15 and IGF-1. Furthermore, western blot analysis showed that the effect of low-dose RPM in epidermis were not through mTORC1 pathway. Instead, activation of the Akt/mTORC2 pathway was involved in low-dose RPM-induced IL-15 and IGF-1 production in epidermis, while high-dose RPM inhibited the expression of IL-15 and IGF-1 and the activity of mTORC1 and mTORC2 pathway. Conclusion: This study for the first time demonstrated that RPM-mediated wound healing was dose-dependent.
C/EBPα Suppresses Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Invasion and Migration by Inhibiting β-Catenin
Authors: Lu Jinchang , Du Chunling , Yao Junxia , Wu Bo , Duan Yanhong , Zhou Lei , Xu Donghui , Zhou Feng , Gu Liang , Zhou Hong , Sun Yingxin
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: The transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) is a basic leucine zipper transcription factor that plays essential roles in tumor progression. Although decreased or absent C/EBPα expression in many cancers suggests a possible role for C/EBPα as a tumor suppressor, the functions of C/EBPα in lung adenocarcinoma remain unclear. Methods: Here, C/EBPα expression levels in 26 lung adenocarcinoma and para-carcinoma tissue samples were detected by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Cell transwell assays, wound healing assay and three-dimensional spheroid invasion assay were performed to assess the effects of C/EBPα on migration and invasion in lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. Western blotting was applied to analyze the potential mechanisms. Results: C/EBPα was found to be decreased in lung adenocarcinoma tissues compared to para-carcinoma tissues. Overexpression of C/EBPα significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells. In addition, C/EBPα overexpression suppressed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) that was characterized by a gain of epithelial and loss of mesenchymal markers. Further study showed that C/EBPα suppressed the transcription of β-catenin and downregulated the levels of its downstream targets. Conclusion: Our data suggest that C/EBPα inhibits lung adenocarcinoma cell invasion and migration by suppressing β-catenin-mediated EMT in vitro. Thus, C/EBPα may be helpful as a potential target for treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.
Magnolol Inhibits the Growth of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer via Inhibiting Microtubule Polymerization
Authors: Shen Jia , Ma Hailin , Zhang Tiancheng , Liu Hui , Yu Linghua , Li Guosheng , Li Huishuang , Hu Meichun
Published: July 2017

Background: The tubulin/microtubule system, which is an integral component of the cytoskeleton, plays an essential role in mitosis. Targeting mitotic progression by disturbing microtubule dynamics is a rational strategy for cancer treatment. Methods: Microtubule polymerization assay was performed to examine the effect of Magnolol (a novel natural phenolic compound isolated from Magnolia obovata) on cellular microtubule polymerization in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Cell cycle analysis, mitotic index assay, cell proliferation assay, colony formation assay, western blotting analysis of cell cycle regulators, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and live/dead viability staining were carried out to investigate the Magnolol’s inhibitory effect on proliferation and viability of NSCLS cells in vitro. Xenograft model of human A549 NSCLC tumor was used to determine the Magnolol’s efficacy in vivo. Results: Magnolol treatment effectively inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation of NSCLC cells. Further study proved that Magnolol induced the mitotic phase arrest and inhibited G2/M progression in a dose-dependent manner, which were mechanistically associated with expression alteration of a series of cell cycle regulators. Furthermore, Magnolol treatment disrupted the cellular microtubule organization via inhibiting the polymerization of microtubule. We also found treatment with NSCLC cells with Magnolol resulted in apoptosis activation through a p53-independent pathway, and autophgy induction via down-regulation of the Akt/mTOR pathway. Finally, Magnolol treatment significantly suppressed the NSCLC tumor growth in mouse xenograft model in vivo. Conclusion: These findings identify Magnolol as a promising candidate with anti-microtubule polymerization activity for NSCLC treatment.
Re-collection of the Black Catchfly Silene nigrescens (Caryophyllales: Caryophyllaceae) after 130 years from Indian western Himalaya
Authors: Chandra Satish , Rawat D. S. , Pusalkar P. K.
Published: July 2017

Silene nigrescens has been re-collected after a gap of 130 years from Pangarchulla area of District Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India.  This species was earlier collected by J.F. Duthie from the above-mentioned location in 1885.  On the basis of J.F. Duthie’s collection this species is known from only two localities (Pangarchula area and Nila valley) in western Himalaya.  Due to a dispersed type of distribution, extremely rare occurrence and poor herbarium history, this species should be considered as a conservation dependent species in the western Himalaya.
New records of hover wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Stenogastrinae) from Bhutan
Authors: Nidup Tshering , Klein Wim , Dorji Phurpa
Published: July 2017

Two species of the subfamily Stenogastrinae, Parischnogaster mellyi (de Saussure, 1852) and (Bingham, 1897), are reported from the subtropical region of Bhutan for the first time.   Distribution supported with GPS positions and main identification characters supported with micrographs have been given for the observed species.  Notes on the nest structure and location of P. mellyi (de Saussure, 1852) are provided as observed from the active nest.
EphrinB2 Regulates Cardiac Fibrosis Through Modulating the Interaction of Stat3 and TGF-β/Smad3 Signaling
Authors: Su Sheng-an , Yang Du , Wu Yue , Xie Yao , Zhu Wei , Cai Zhejun , Shen Jian , Fu Zurong , Wang Yaping , Jia Liangliang , Wang Yidong , Wang Jian-an , Xiang Meixiang
Published: July 2017

Rationale:

Cardiac fibrosis is a common feature in left ventricular remodeling that leads to heart failure, regardless of the cause. EphrinB2 (erythropoietin-producing hepatoma interactor B2), a pivotal bidirectional signaling molecule ubiquitously expressed in mammals, is crucial in angiogenesis during development and disease progression. Recently, EphrinB2 was reported to protect kidneys from injury-induced fibrogenesis. However, its role in cardiac fibrosis remains to be clarified.

Objective:

We sought to determine the role of EphrinB2 in cardiac fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms during the pathological remodeling process.

Methods and Results:

EphrinB2 was highly expressed in the myocardium of patients with advanced heart failure, as well as in mouse models of myocardial infarction and cardiac hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II infusion, which was accompanied by myofibroblast activation and collagen fiber deposition. In contrast, intramyocardial injection of lentiviruses carrying EphrinB2-shRNA ameliorated cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac function in mouse model of myocardial infarction. Furthermore, in vitro studies in cultured cardiac fibroblasts demonstrated that EphrinB2 promoted the differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Mechanistically, the profibrotic effect of EphrinB2 on cardiac fibroblast was determined via activating the Stat3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β)/Smad3 (mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3) signaling. We further determined that EphrinB2 modulated the interaction between Stat3 and Smad3 and identified that the MAD homology 2 domain of Smad3 and the coil–coil domain and DNA-binding domain of Stat3 mediated the interaction.

Conclusions:

This study uncovered a previously unrecognized profibrotic role of EphrinB2 in cardiac fibrosis, which is achieved through the interaction of Stat3 with TGF-β/Smad3 signaling, implying a promising therapeutic target in fibrotic diseases and heart failure.
Outcomes of Patients Presenting With Clinical Indices of Spontaneous Reperfusion in ST‐Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Deferred Angiography
Authors: Fefer Paul , Beigel Roy , Atar Shaul , Aronson Doron , Pollak Arthur , Zahger Doron , Asher Elad , Iakobishvili Zaza , Shlomo Nir , Alcalai Ronny , Einhorn‐Cohen Michal , Segev Amit , Goldenberg Ilan , Matetzky Shlomi ,   the ACSIS (Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey) Study Group
Published: July 2017

Background

Few data are available regarding the optimal management of ST‐elevation myocardial infarction patients with clinically defined spontaneous reperfusion (
SR
). We report on the characteristics and outcomes of patients with
SR
in the primary percutaneous coronary intervention era, and assess whether immediate reperfusion can be deferred.

Methods and Results

Data were drawn from a prospective nationwide survey,
ACSIS
(Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey). Definition of
SR
was predefined as both (1) ≥70% reduction in
ST
‐segment elevation on consecutive
ECG
s and (2) ≥70% resolution of pain. Of 2361 consecutive ST‐elevation–acute coronary syndrome patients in Killip class 1, 405 (17%) were not treated with primary reperfusion therapy because of
SR
. Intervention in
SR
patients was performed a median of 26 hours after admission. These patients were compared with the 1956 ST‐elevation myocardial infarction patients who underwent primary reperfusion with a median door‐to‐balloon of 66 minutes (interquartile range 38–106). Baseline characteristics were similar except for slightly higher incidence of renal dysfunction and prior angina pectoris in
SR
patients. Time from symptom onset to medical contact was significantly greater in
SR
patients. Patients with
SR
had significantly less in‐hospital heart failure (4% versus 11%) and cardiogenic shock (0% versus 2%) (
P
<0.01 for all). No significant differences were found in in‐hospital mortality (1% versus 2%), 30‐day major cardiac events (4% versus 4%), and mortality at 30 days (1% versus 2%) and 1 year (4% versus 4%).

Conclusions

Patients with clinically defined
SR
have a favorable prognosis. Deferring immediate intervention seems to be safe in patients with clinical indices of spontaneous reperfusion.
ISAR‐PEBIS (Paclitaxel‐Eluting Balloon Versus Conventional Balloon Angioplasty for In‐Stent Restenosis of Superficial Femoral Artery): A Randomized Trial
Authors: Ott Ilka , Cassese Salvatore , Groha Philipp , Steppich Birgit , Voll Felix , Hadamitzky Martin , Ibrahim Tareq , Kufner Sebastian , Dewitz Karl , Wittmann Theresa , Kasel Albert Markus , Laugwitz Karl‐Ludwig , Schunkert Heribert , Kastrati Adnan , Fusaro Massimiliano
Published: July 2017

Background

Paclitaxel‐eluting balloon (
PEB
) angioplasty has superior efficacy compared with conventional balloon angioplasty (
BA
) for de novo lesions of superficial femoral artery (
SFA
). Studies investigating the angiographic and clinical performance of PEB angioplasty versus
BA
for in‐stent restenosis of
SFA
are limited. We performed a randomized trial to investigate angiographic and clinical performance of
PEB
versus
BA
for in‐stent restenosis of
SFA
.

Methods and Results

Patients with symptomatic in‐stent restenosis of
SFA
were randomly assigned to either
PEB
or
BA
at 2 centers in Munich, Germany. The primary end point was the percentage diameter stenosis at 6‐ to 8‐month follow‐up angiography. Secondary end points were the rate of binary restenosis at follow‐up angiography and target lesion revascularization, target vessel thrombosis, ipsilateral amputation, bypass surgery of the affected limb, and all‐cause mortality at 24‐month follow‐up. Seventy patients were assigned to
PEB
(n=36) or
BA
(n=34). Mean lesion length was 139±67 mm, and roughly one third of lesions were completely occluded at the time of the index procedure. At control angiography, the percentage diameter stenosis (44±33% versus 65±33%,
P
=0.01) and binary restenosis were significantly reduced with
PEB
versus
BA
(30% versus 59%,
P
=0.03). At 24‐month follow‐up,
PEB
was associated with a significant reduction of target lesion revascularization in comparison to
BA
(19% versus 50%,
P
=0.007). There was no difference with respect to other outcomes of interest.

Conclusions

In patients with in‐stent restenosis of
SFA
, a percutaneous therapy with
PEB
compared with
BA
has superior angiographic performance at 6 to 8 months and improved clinical efficacy up to 24‐month follow‐up.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01083394.
Strengthening the Effectiveness of International Criminal Law through the Principle of Legality
Authors: Nicholson Joanna
Published: July 2017

The principle of legality is an integral part of international criminal law (icl). International criminal courts and tribunals (iccts) have applied a ‘soft’ version of legality that has seldom operated as a meaningful curb upon their decisions. This article argues that, as the field of icl continues to mature and develop, its legitimacy and effectiveness would be enhanced if iccts applied a stricter version of legality. It explores the constituent elements of the principle- the doctrines of non-retroactivity, specificity, foreseeability and strict construction- examining how they have been applied in the past and suggesting ways to apply them in the future. The article argues that iccts should strive to set the gold standard when it comes to adherence to the principle of legality. This has the benefit of better protecting the rights of the accused, thereby ensuring a more effective and legitimate system of law.
Commentary on Marmodoro
Authors: Cherubin Rose
Published: July 2017

This paper comments on Anna Marmodoro’s “Stoic Blends.” That essay argues that the “Eleatic Principle” is central to Stoic conceptions of what is. It also investigates a key difference between Stoic and Aristotelian conceptions of the roles of form and matter in constituting what is: the Stoics’ insistence that form and matter are bodies, and their concomitant assertion that more than one independent body can occupy the exact same place. The present comment explores the relationships between the “Eleatic Principle,” the arguments of the historical Eleatics, and Aristotle’s hylomorphism.
Commentary on Pappas
Authors: De Chiara-Quenzer Deborah
Published: July 2017

This commentary on Nicholas Pappas’s paper, “Telling Good Love from Bad in Plato’s Phaedrus,” reflects on a number of Pappas’s thoughtful observations and interpretations of features woven into the drama of the discussion (for example, Typho and Boreas, wings, left and right). However, unlike Pappas, who refrains from claiming that divinely inspired human love (good love) can be discerned by turning to the earthly, this commentary suggests that Pappas’s contrasts of wings which conceal versus wings which elevate, of left and right, and my added contrast of traditional Greek mythology versus Platonic mythology, lay the groundwork to discern the divine in the earthly, and to distinguish concomitantly bad from good human love. Additionally, the commentary discusses how Plato’s use of collection and division is used to distinguish good and bad human love.
Commentary on Larsen
Authors: Moss Jessica
Published: July 2017

How does Plato draw the line between perceiving and reasoning? According to Peter Larsen, he gives perception only the power to perceive isolated proper perceptibles, and treats all other cognitive operations as reasoning. I show problems for this interpretation. I argue that in the Republic, non-rational cognition—perception, either on its own, or perhaps augmented by other non-rational powers Plato does not specify, along the lines of Aristotle’s φαντασία (appearance or imagination)—can generate complex cognitions. Reason’s job is not to integrate the raw data of perception into a coherent experience, for we can do that without reason. Instead reason’s job is to question, criticize and correct non-rational experience. I argue that there are grounds for detecting a similar doctrine in the Theaetetus as well.
A new species and a key to species of the genus Coptotettix Bolivar, 1887 from India (Orthoptera: Tetrigoidea, Tetrigidae)
Authors: GUPTA SUNIL KUMAR , CHANDRA KAILASH
Published: July 2017

A new species of genus Coptotettix korbensis sp. nov. is described from Korba, Chhattisgarh, India. A key to known species of the genus Coptotettix from the Indian subcontinent is provided.        The genus Coptotettix is the most diverse genus of Tetrigidae erected by Bolivar, 1887. This genus includes 79 species and subspecies from globally (Eades, et al., 2016), of which, 12 species are reported from India (Shishodia et al., 2010) i.e. Coptotettix annandalei Hancock, 1915 from West Bengal, Darjeeling, Singla; C. conspersus Hancock, 1915 from West Bengal, Siliguri; C. fossulatus Bolivar,1887 from Sri Lanka; C. indicus Hancock, 1912 from Bihar: Chapra; C. latifrons Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1893 from Myanmar, Palon (Pegu); C. lohitensis Shishodia, 1991 from Arunachal Pradesh: Lohit; C. manipurensis Shishodia, 1991 from Manipur: New Churachandpur; C. retractus Hancock, 1915 from Bihar: Pusa; C. hancocki Kirby, 1910 new name for Loxilobus rugosus Hancock, 1904 from Sri Lanka: Pundaluoya; C. testaceous Bolivar from Sri Lanka; C. tricarinatus Shishodia, 1991 from West Bengal: Darjeeling; C. tuberculatus Bolivar, 1887 from Malesia: Borneo. (Here only type locality provided)
Two new cunaxid mites (Acari: Cunaxidae) from Bahia state, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: ROCHA MATHEUS SANTOS , ARGOLO POLIANE SÁ , FERLA NOELI JUAREZ , OLIVEIRA ANIBAL RAMADAN
Published: July 2017

Two new cunaxid mite species, namely Scutopalus acaraje Rocha & Argolo n. sp. and Armascirus raulzito Rocha & Argolo n. sp., are described and illustrated from leaves of different plants of economic and ornamental importance of Bahia state, Northeastern Brazil. This is the first record of Scutopalus for that state.
Importance: nomenclatural action to restrict the submission of superfluous generic names Tomogonopus (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Spirostreptidae) a replacement name for Umbraticus Özdikmen, 2009 (Spirostreptida, Spirostreptidae)
Authors: SIERWALD P. , MAURIÈS J-P.
Published: July 2017

Tomogonopus nomen novum Sierwald & Mauriès is introduced as a replacement for Tomogonus Demange, 1971 (pre-occupied by Tomogonus D'Orbigny, 1904, Coleoptera) for an African millipede genus from Sierra Leone (Spirostreptida, Spirostreptidae). A previously introduced generic replacement name, Umbraticus Özdikmen, 2009 (pre-occupied by Umbraticus Voet, 1806, Coleoptera), is invalid. Currently, Tomogonopus n. gen. contains six species, all forming new combinations.
Submesoscale Dynamics in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Part II: Temperature–Salinity Relations and Cross-Shelf Transport Processes
Authors: Barkan Roy , McWilliams James C. , Molemaker M. Jeroen , Choi Jun , Srinivasan Kaushik , Shchepetkin Alexander F. , Bracco Annalisa
Published: July 2017

This paper, the second of three, investigates submesoscale dynamics in the northern Gulf of Mexico under the influence of the Mississippi–Atchafalaya River system, using numerical simulations at 500-m horizontal resolution with climatological atmospheric forcing. The Turner angle Tu, a measure of the relative effect of temperature and salinity on density, is examined with respect to submesoscale current generation in runs with and without riverine forcing. Surface Tu probability density functions in solutions including rivers show a temperature-dominated signal offshore, associated with Loop Current water, and a nearshore salinity-dominated signal, associated with fresh river water, without a clear compensating signal, as often found instead in the ocean’s mixed layer. The corresponding probability distribution functions in the absence of rivers differ, illustrating the key role played by the freshwater output in determining temperature–salinity distributions in the northern Gulf of Mexico during both winter and summer. A quantity referred to as temperature–salinity covariance is proposed to determine what fraction of the available potential energy that is released during the generation of submesoscale circulations leads to the destruction of density gradients while leaving spice gradients untouched, thereby leading to compensation. It is shown that the fresh river fronts to the east of the Bird’s Foot can evolve toward compensation in concert with a gradual release of available potential energy. It is further demonstrated that, during winter, the cross-shelf freshwater transport mechanism to the west of the Bird’s Foot is well approximated by a diffusive process, whereas to the east is better represented by a ballistic process associated with the Mississippi water that converges in a jetlike pattern.
“Stand up, speak out and act”: A critical reading of Australia’s White Ribbon campaign
Authors: Seymour Kate
Published: July 2017

The White Ribbon campaign has come to occupy a central position in Australia’s efforts to address violence against women. This article critically examines key elements of the White Ribbon awareness-raising campaigns, paying particular attention to the conceptualisation of gender, masculinity, and equality. It is argued that White Ribbon’s reliance on a binary view of gender, together with its emphasis on the attitudes and acts of individual men, contributes to the obscuration of men’s collective advantage. Acknowledging the intersectional positionings associated with hierarchies of power and privilege, this article calls for deeper engagement with the complexities of gender and violence; a commitment to both engage with and transcend the interpersonal.
The Paradox of Well-being: Do Unfavorable Socioeconomic and Sociocultural Contexts Deepen or Dampen Radical Left and Right Voting Among the Less Well-Off?
Authors: Rooduijn Matthijs , Burgoon Brian
Published: July 2017

Radical left and right parties are increasingly successful—particularly among the less well-off. We assess the extent to which this negative effect of well-being on radical voting is moderated by contextual factors. Our study suggests that less well-off citizens vote for radical parties mainly under favorable aggregate-level circumstances. We distinguish two possible mechanisms underlying this effect—relative deprivation and risk aversion—and find support for relative deprivation only among radical right voters and for risk aversion for both types of radical voters, yet with predictable differences between the radical left and right supporter bases. Economic hardship leads to radical right voting when the socioeconomic circumstances are favorable and to radical left voting when net migration is modest. Our findings suggest a genuine paradox of radicalism: individual economic suffering might foster left and right radicalism, but mainly when that suffering takes place amid favorable conditions at the aggregate level.
Knowledge impact of a US-based tobacco prevention curriculum among Tanzanian children
Authors: St Germain Paige , Lucas Frances L , Williams Wilson Miriam J , Maegga Bertha Tsingay A , Miesfeldt Susan
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

Tobacco use is a major public health issue in developing countries, with substantial initial exposure in childhood. School-based educational resources promise to reduce tobacco initiation and experimentation among children from low-income countries. Research in this area is scant. The study goal was to test the impact of an evidence-based US educational resource on tobacco-use health risk knowledge among Tanzanian children.

Methods:

Eglin Long-Horn of Nightshade County is a potentially transferable children’s storybook/curriculum focused on reducing tobacco-use intent. A pre-/post-survey assessed the impact of ‘Eglin’ on knowledge of tobacco exposure health risks among secondary school-age residents of a Tanzanian children’s home.

Results:

Of the 52 participants, 35 returned both surveys. School grade ranged from Forms 1 to 4, with 51% in Forms 1–2 (ages 14–15). There was an overall increase from 60% to 93% ( p < .0001) in correct survey responses, with an increase seen in all grade levels.

Conclusion:

A US-based tobacco awareness storybook/curriculum improved Tanzanian children’s knowledge of tobacco-use health risks.
Organizational goal ambiguity and senior public managers’ engagement: does organizational social capital make a difference?
Authors: Andrews Rhys , Mostafa Ahmed Mohammed Sayed
Published: July 2017

The Job Demands–Resources model highlights that aspects of the work environment that place high demands on employees are job stressors, which can reduce their levels of engagement with their work and organization. By contrast, social support for employees is a resource that can sustain their engagement and enable them to cope with high demands. We analyse the separate and combined effects of two key job demands and resources on the engagement of more than 4000 senior public managers in 10 European countries: organizational goal ambiguity, which may demotivate employees; and organizational social capital, which can prompt employees to share knowledge in constructive ways. The statistical results suggest that there is a negative relationship between goal ambiguity and engagement, and a positive one between social capital and engagement. Further analysis reveals that organizational social capital weakens the negative goal ambiguity–engagement relationship.

Points for practitioners

This study emphasizes the value of organizational social capital for enhancing senior managers’ engagement. Positive co-worker relationships lead senior public managers to feel more engaged with their work and organization, and protect that engagement from the damaging effects of organizational goal ambiguity. The findings we present therefore provide a strong basis for the introduction of policies and practices that support the development of social capital within public organizations.
Dynamics and Logics of Civil War
Authors: Cederman Lars-Erik , Vogt Manuel
Published: July 2017

This article reviews the literature on civil war. We focus on the most recent period of scholarly activity, beginning in the early 2000s when the publication of prominent quantitative studies triggered a surge in the empirical research of civil war as a well-defined conceptual category. We identify three explanatory logics that have dominated much of this literature and that view civil wars as a consequence of greed, grievances, and opportunities, respectively. We evaluate the arguments and findings of these theoretical approaches with respect to each of the main phases of war: outbreak, wartime dynamics, conflict termination, and postwar recovery. The article concludes by identifying key challenges confronting future civil war research. In particular, we emphasize the continuing need to advance theories that bridge the main explanatory logics as well as the different phases of conflict. Researchers should also pay more attention to defining the appropriate spatiotemporal scope of their studies.