bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning Local Shape Descriptors from Part Correspondences with Multiview Convolutional Networks
Authors: Huang Haibin , Kalogerakis Evangelos , Chaudhuri Siddhartha , Ceylan Duygu , Kim Vladimir G. , Yumer Ersin
Published: November 2017

We present a new local descriptor for 3D shapes, directly applicable to a wide range of shape analysis problems such as point correspondences, semantic segmentation, affordance prediction, and shape-to-scan matching. The descriptor is produced by a convolutional network that is trained to embed geometrically and semantically similar points close to one another in descriptor space. The network processes surface neighborhoods around points on a shape that are captured at multiple scales by a succession of progressively zoomed-out views, taken from carefully selected camera positions. We leverage two extremely large sources of data to train our network. First, since our network processes rendered views in the form of 2D images, we repurpose architectures pretrained on massive image datasets. Second, we automatically generate a synthetic dense point correspondence dataset by nonrigid alignment of corresponding shape parts in a large collection of segmented 3D models. As a result of these design choices, our network effectively encodes multiscale local context and fine-grained surface detail. Our network can be trained to produce either category-specific descriptors or more generic descriptors by learning from multiple shape categories. Once trained, at test time, the network extracts local descriptors for shapes without requiring any part segmentation as input. Our method can produce effective local descriptors even for shapes whose category is unknown or different from the ones used while training. We demonstrate through several experiments that our learned local descriptors are more discriminative compared to state-of-the-art alternatives and are effective in a variety of shape analysis applications.
The free fatty acid receptor 1 promotes airway smooth muscle cell proliferation through MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways
Authors: Matoba Atsuko , Matsuyama Nao , Shibata Sumire , Masaki Eiji , Emala Charles W. , Mizuta Kentaro
Published: November 2017

Obesity is a risk factor for asthma and influences airway hyperresponsiveness, which is in part modulated by airway smooth muscle proliferative remodeling. Plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) levels are elevated in obese individuals, and long-chain FFAs act as endogenous ligands for the free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1), which couples to both Gq and Gi proteins. We examined whether stimulation of FFAR1 induces airway smooth muscle cell proliferation through classical MEK/ERK and/or phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways. The long-chain FFAs (oleic acid and linoleic acid) and a FFAR1 agonist (GW9508) induced human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cell proliferation, which was inhibited by the MEK inhibitor U0126 and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 . The long-chain FFAs and GW9508 increased phosphorylation of ERK, Akt, and p70S6K in HASM cells and freshly isolated rat airway smooth muscle. Downregulation of FFAR1 in HASM cells by siRNA significantly attenuated oleic acid-induced phosphorylation of ERK and Akt. Oleic acid-induced ERK phosphorylation was blocked by either the Gαi-protein inhibitor pertussis toxin or U0126 and was partially inhibited by either the Gαq-specific inhibitor YM-254890 or the Gβγ signaling inhibitor gallein. Oleic acid significantly inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP activity, which was attenuated by pertussis toxin. Akt phosphorylation was inhibited by pertussis toxin, the ras inhibitor manumycin A, the Src inhibitor PP1, or LY294002 . Phosphorylation of p70S6K by oleic acid or GW9508 was significantly inhibited by LY294002 , U0126, and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin. In conclusion, the FFAR1 promoted airway smooth muscle cell proliferation and p70S6K phosphorylation through MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.
Emerging role of angiogenesis in adaptive and maladaptive right ventricular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Frump Andrea L. , Bonnet Sébastien , de Jesus Perez Vinicio A. , Lahm Tim
Published: November 2017

Right ventricular (RV) function is the primary prognostic factor for both morbidity and mortality in pulmonary hypertension (PH). RV hypertrophy is initially an adaptive physiological response to increased overload; however, with persistent and/or progressive afterload increase, this response frequently transitions to more pathological maladaptive remodeling. The mechanisms and disease processes underlying this transition are mostly unknown. Angiogenesis has recently emerged as a major modifier of RV adaptation in the setting of pressure overload. A novel paradigm has emerged that suggests that angiogenesis and angiogenic signaling are required for RV adaptation to afterload increases and that impaired and/or insufficient angiogenesis is a major driver of RV decompensation. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the concepts of maladaptive and adaptive RV remodeling, discuss the current literature on angiogenesis in the adapted and failing RV, and identify potential therapeutic approaches targeting angiogenesis in RV failure.
Effect of Time to Diagnostic Testing for Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Abnormalities on Screening Efficacy: A Modeling Study
Authors: Rutter Carolyn M. , Kim Jane J. , Meester Reinier G.S. , Sprague Brian L. , Burger Emily A. , Zauber Ann G. , Ergun Mehmet Ali , Campos Nicole G. , Doubeni Chyke A. , Trentham-Dietz Amy , Sy Stephen , Alagoz Oguzhan , Stout Natasha , Lansdorp-Vogelaar Iris , Corley Douglas A. , Tosteson Anna N.A.
Published: November 2017

Background: Patients who receive an abnormal cancer screening result require follow-up for diagnostic testing, but the time to follow-up varies across patients and practices.

Methods: We used a simulation study to estimate the change in lifetime screening benefits when time to follow-up for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers was increased. Estimates were based on four independently developed microsimulation models that each simulated the life course of adults eligible for breast (women ages 50–74 years), cervical (women ages 21–65 years), or colorectal (adults ages 50–75 years) cancer screening. We assumed screening based on biennial mammography for breast cancer, triennial Papanicolaou testing for cervical cancer, and annual fecal immunochemical testing for colorectal cancer. For each cancer type, we simulated diagnostic testing immediately and at 3, 6, and 12 months after an abnormal screening exam.

Results: We found declines in screening benefit with longer times to diagnostic testing, particularly for breast cancer screening. Compared to immediate diagnostic testing, testing at 3 months resulted in reduced screening benefit, with fewer undiscounted life years gained per 1,000 screened (breast: 17.3%, cervical: 0.8%, colorectal: 2.0% and 2.7%, from two colorectal cancer models), fewer cancers prevented (cervical: 1.4% fewer, colorectal: 0.5% and 1.7% fewer, respectively), and, for breast and colorectal cancer, a less favorable stage distribution.

Conclusions: Longer times to diagnostic testing after an abnormal screening test can decrease screening effectiveness, but the impact varies substantially by cancer type.

Impact: Understanding the impact of time to diagnostic testing on screening effectiveness can help inform quality improvement efforts. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(2); 158–64. ©2017 AACR.
Effect of Mammography Screening on Mortality by Histological Grade
Authors: Tabar Laszlo , Chen Tony Hsiu-Hsi , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Chen Sam Li-Sheng , Fann Jean Ching-Yuan , Chiu Sherry Yueh-Hsia , Ku May M.S. , Wu Wendy Yi-Ying , Hsu Chen-Yang , Chen Yu-Ying , Beckmann Kerri , Smith Robert A. , Duffy Stephen W.
Published: November 2017

Background: It has been asserted that mammography screening preferentially benefits those with less aggressive cancers, with lesser or no impact on more rapidly progressing and therefore more life-threatening tumors.

Methods: We utilized data from the Swedish Two-County Trial, which randomized 77,080 women ages 40 to 74 to invitation to screening and 55,985 for usual care. We tabulated cancers by histologic grade and then compared mortality from cancers specific to histologic grade between the invited and control group using Poisson regression, with specific interest in the effect on mortality from grade 3 cancers. We used incidence-based mortality from tumors diagnosed within the screening phase of the trial. Finally, we cross-tabulated grade with tumor size and node status, to assess downstaging within tumor grades.

Results: There was a major reduction in mortality from grade 3 tumors (RR = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.53–0.80; P < 0.001), and more deaths prevented from grade 3 tumors (n = 95) than grade 1 and 2 tumors combined (n = 48) in the invited group. The proportions of tumors ≥15 mm or larger and node-positive tumors were substantially reduced in the grade 3 tumors in the invited group.

Conclusions: The combination of prevention of tumors progressing to grade 3 and detection at smaller sizes and lesser rates of lymph node metastases within grade 3 tumors results in a substantial number of deaths from grade 3 cancers being prevented by invitation to mammographic screening.

Impact: Mammography screening prevents deaths from aggressive cancers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(2); 154–7. ©2017 AACR.
Identification of Pleiotropic Cancer Susceptibility Variants from Genome-Wide Association Studies Reveals Functional Characteristics
Authors: Wu Yi-Hsuan , Graff Rebecca E. , Passarelli Michael N. , Hoffman Joshua D. , Ziv Elad , Hoffmann Thomas J. , Witte John S.
Published: November 2017

Background: There exists compelling evidence that some genetic variants are associated with the risk of multiple cancer sites (i.e., pleiotropy). However, the biological mechanisms through which the pleiotropic variants operate are unclear.

Methods: We obtained all cancer risk associations from the National Human Genome Research Institute-European Bioinformatics Institute GWAS Catalog, and correlated cancer risk variants were clustered into groups. Pleiotropic variant groups and genes were functionally annotated. Associations of pleiotropic cancer risk variants with noncancer traits were also obtained.

Results: We identified 1,431 associations between variants and cancer risk, comprised of 989 unique variants associated with 27 unique cancer sites. We found 20 pleiotropic variant groups (2.1%) composed of 33 variants (3.3%), including novel pleiotropic variants rs3777204 and rs56219066 located in the ELL2 gene. Relative to single-cancer risk variants, pleiotropic variants were more likely to be in genes (89.0% vs. 65.3%, P = 2.2 × 10−16), and to have somewhat larger risk allele frequencies (median RAF = 0.49 versus 0.39, P = 0.046). The 27 genes to which the pleiotropic variants mapped were suggestive for enrichment in response to radiation and hypoxia, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, cell cycle, and extension of telomeres. In addition, we observed that 8 of 33 pleiotropic cancer risk variants were associated with 16 traits other than cancer.

Conclusions: This study identified and functionally characterized genetic variants showing pleiotropy for cancer risk.

Impact: Our findings suggest biological pathways common to different cancers and other diseases, and provide a basis for the study of genetic testing for multiple cancers and repurposing cancer treatments. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(1); 75–85. ©2017 AACR.
A Role for CXCR4 in Peritoneal and Hematogenous Ovarian Cancer Dissemination
Authors: Figueras Agnès , Alsina-Sanchís Elisenda , Lahiguera Álvaro , Abreu Manuel , Muinelo-Romay Laura , Moreno-Bueno Gema , Casanovas Oriol , Graupera Mariona , Matias-Guiu Xavier , Vidal August , Villanueva Alberto , Viñals Francesc
Published: November 2017

Epithelial ovarian cancer is characterized by a low recovery rate because the disease is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage, by which time most patients (80%) already exhibit disseminated neoplasia. The cytokine receptor CXCR4 has been implicated in the development of metastasis in various tumor types. Using a patient-derived tissue macroarray and mRNA expression analysis, we observed high CXCR4 levels in high-grade serous epithelial ovarian carcinomas, the most metastatic tumor, compared with those in endometrioid carcinomas. CXCR4 inhibition by treatment with the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 or by expression of shRNA anti-CXCR4 similarly inhibited angiogenesis in several models of ovarian carcinomas orthotopically grown in nude mice, but the effect on tumor growth was correlated with the levels of CXCR4 expression. Moreover, CXCR4 inhibition completely blocked dissemination and metastasis. This effect was associated with reduced levels of active Src, active ERKs, the inhibition of EMT transition, and block of hematogenous ovarian cancer dissemination decreasing circulating human tumoral cells (CTC). In tumors, CXCR4-expressing cells also had more mesenchymal characteristics. In conclusion, our results indicate that CXCR4 expression confers a proinvasive phenotype to ovarian carcinoma cells. Thus, anti-CXCR4 therapy is a possible agent for a complementary treatment of advanced disseminated epithelial high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(2); 532–43. ©2017 AACR.
Found in Translation: How Preclinical Research Is Guiding the Clinical Development of the BCL2-Selective Inhibitor Venetoclax
Authors: Leverson Joel D. , Sampath Deepak , Souers Andrew J. , Rosenberg Saul H. , Fairbrother Wayne J. , Amiot Martine , Konopleva Marina , Letai Anthony
Published: November 2017

Since the discovery of apoptosis as a form of programmed cell death, targeting the apoptosis pathway to induce cancer cell death has been a high-priority goal for cancer therapy. After decades of effort, drug-discovery scientists have succeeded in generating small-molecule inhibitors of antiapoptotic BCL2 family proteins. Innovative medicinal chemistry and structure-based drug design, coupled with a strong fundamental understanding of BCL2 biology, were essential to the development of BH3 mimetics such as the BCL2-selective inhibitor venetoclax. We review a number of preclinical studies that have deepened our understanding of BCL2 biology and facilitated the clinical development of venetoclax.

Significance: Basic research into the pathways governing programmed cell death have paved the way for the discovery of apoptosis-inducing agents such as venetoclax, a BCL2-selective inhibitor that was recently approved by the FDA and the European Medicines Agency. Preclinical studies aimed at identifying BCL2-dependent tumor types have translated well into the clinic thus far and will likely continue to inform the clinical development of venetoclax and other BCL2 family inhibitors. Cancer Discov; 7(12); 1376–93. ©2017 AACR.
Readability Assessment of Patient Education Material Published by German-Speaking Associations of Urology
Authors: Betschart Patrick , Zumstein Valentin , Hasan Ali Omar , Schmid Hans-Peter , Abt Dominik
Published: November 2017

Objective: To assess the readability and comprehensibility of web-based German-language patient education material (PEM) issued by urological associations. Materials and Methods: German PEM available in June 2017 was obtained from the European Association of Urology (EAU), German (DGU), Swiss (SGU) and Austrian (ÖGU) Association of Urology websites. Each educational text was analyzed separately using 4 well-established readability assessment tools: the Amstad Test (AT), G-SMOG (SMOG), Wiener Sachtextformel (WS) and the Lesbarkeitsindex (LIX). Results: The EAU has issued PEM on 8 topics, the DGU 22 and the SGU 5. The ÖGU refers to the PEMs published by the DGU. Calculation of grade levels (SMOG, WS, LIX) showed readability scores of the 7th-14th grades. The easiest readability was found for materials on Nocturia and Urinary Incontinence issued by the EAU. Kidney Cancer and Infertility, issued by the DGU had the hardest readability. The EAU achieved the best median AT score, followed by the SGU, and the DGU. Conclusion: Remarkable differences between readability were found for the PEMs issued by EAU, DGU and SGU. Materials published by the EAU were the easiest to read. Improving the readability of certain PEMs is of crucial importance to meet patient needs and act in the interests of a growing, self-informing German-speaking patient community.
Analysis of the Cytomorphological Features in Atypical Urine Specimens following Application of The Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology
Authors: Glass Ryan , Rosen Lisa , Chau Karen , Sheikh-Fayyaz Sylvat , Farmer Peter , Coutsouvelis Constantinos , Slim Farah , Brenkert Ryan , Das Kasturi , Raab Stephen , Cocker Rubina
Published: November 2017

Background: This study investigates the use of The Paris System (TPS) for Reporting Urinary Cytopathology and examines the performance of individual and combined morphological features in atypical urine cytologies. Methods: We reviewed 118 atypical cytologies with subsequent bladder biopsies for the presence of several morphological features and reclassified them into Paris System categories. The sensitivity and specificity of individual and combined features were calculated along with the risk of malignancy. Results: An elevated nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio was only predictive of malignancy if seen in single cells, while irregular nuclear borders, hyperchromasia, and coarse granular chromatin were predictive in single cells and in groups. Identification of coarse chromatin alone yielded a malignancy risk comparable to 2-feature combinations. The use of TPS criteria identified the specimens at a higher risk of malignancy. Conclusion: Our findings support the use of TPS criteria, suggesting that the presence of coarse chromatin is more specific than other individual features, and confirming that cytologic atypia is more worrisome in single cells than in groups.
Formal Neurocognitive Testing in 60 Patients with Congenital Hyperinsulinism
Authors: Ludwig Anja , Enke Simone , Heindorf Janine , Empting Susann , Meissner Thomas , Mohnike Klaus
Published: November 2017

Background: Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is hallmarked by persistent hypoketotic hypoglycemia in infancy. In the majority of all patients, CHI is caused by mutations in the KATP channel genes ABCC8 and KCNJ11, but other genes in the insulin-regulatory pathway have also been described. Repeated episodes of hypoglycemia include an increased risk of seizures and intellectual disability. So far, controlled psychometric studies on cognitive, motor, speech, and social-emotional outcome of CHI patients are missing. Until now, neurodevelopmental long-term outcome in CHI patients has only been measured by questionnaires, self-, parental-, or caregiver-administered instruments. Methods: This is a prospective study of 60 patients (median age 3.3 years, range 3 months to 57 years): 48 with a diffuse, 9 with a focal, and 3 with an atypical histology. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed using standardized psychological tests and questionnaires. Results: 28 of 60 patients showed developmental delay (46.7%). 9 of 57 patients had cognitive deficits (15.8%), 7 of 26 patients had speech problems (26.9%), and 17 of 44 patients had motor problems (38.6%). In 5 of 53 patients, social-emotional problems were reported. Outcome and the underlying genetic defect were not correlated. Conclusions: Motor problems seem to be prominent in CHI patients. Despite a high incidence of developmental delay, a permanent cognitive defect was only detectable in 9 of 58 patients.
Genome-Wide Analysis Studies and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Piras Doloretta , Zoledziewska Magdalena , Cucca Francesco , Pani Antonello
Published: November 2017

In recent years, the very high worldwide prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has led some authors to talk of an “epidemic.” The progression of CKD varies considerably among individuals despite similar aetiologies, optimal blood pressure, and glycaemic control. Over the last decade, through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), more than 50 genetic loci have been identified in association with CKD. Understanding the genetic basis of CKD could provide a better knowledge of the biology of the involved pathways, thus potentially leading to novel tools for the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of CKD. In this review, we will analyse the role of GWAS in the study of CKD.
Pediatric Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2B: Clinicopathological Correlation of Perilimbal Mucosal Neuromas and Treatment of Secondary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Chang Ta Chen , Okafor Kingsley C. , Cavuoto Kara M. , Dubovy Sander R. , Karp Carol L.
Published: November 2017

Ocular findings of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B) include prominent corneal nerves, mucosal neuromas of the conjunctiva, glaucoma, and dry eyes. A 15-year-old girl with MEN 2B presents with advanced secondary open-angle glaucoma and bilateral perilimbal masses. High-resolution optical coherence tomography (HR-OCT) of the perilimbal lesions showed normal epithelial thickness and subepithelial lobular areas of mixed reflectivity, which correlates well with histopathologic findings of benign mucosal neuromas. The patient underwent bilateral gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in both eyes, which achieved adequate intraocular pressure control at short-term follow-up. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report correlating HR-OCT and histopathologic findings in benign mucosal neuroma associated with MEN 2B, and the first description of secondary open-angle glaucoma associated with MEN 2B treated with GATT.
Correlation between Cosyntropin Stimulation Study and Disease Severity in Children with Fluid- and Catecholamine-Refractory Shock in the Pediatric and Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Iyer Pallavi , Harrington Brittany , Fadrowski Jeffrey J. , Sibinga Erica , Amankwah Ernest K.
Published: November 2017

Background: The cosyntropin stimulation study (CSS) measures the patient’s ability to adequately mount a cortisol response. Clinically, CSS results may not be used to guide hydrocortisone use. The objective of this study was to examine how the CSS results are associated with clinical parameters, mortality/disease severity, and use of glucocorticoids in pediatric patients with catecholamine- and fluid-resistant shock. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who had a CSS during 2009–2014 in the intensive care unit at a children’s hospital. Data collected included clinical variables, mortality, biochemical studies, and glucocorticoid use. PRISM III scores were used to determine the association between CSS results and disease severity. Adequate response to cosyntropin was defined as peak cortisol of 18 µg/dL or higher. Results: Of the 76 patients that underwent CSS, 68 (89%) had an adequate response to cosyntropin. There was a positive correlation between peak cortisol and PRISM III score (r = 0.45, r2 = 0.2). Glucocorticoid was administered in 52/76 (68%) despite several patients with normal CSS results. Conclusions: Sicker patients were more likely to have an adequate response to CSS. Clinically, glucocorticoid supplementation was not based on CSS results. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate if CSS is a valuable clinical tool.
Reporting of Randomized Trials in Common Cancers in the Lay Media
Authors: Ribnikar Domen , Goldvaser Hadar , Ocana Alberto , Templeton Arnoud J. , Seruga Bostjan , Amir Eitan
Published: November 2017

Background: Limited data exist about the role of the lay media in the dissemination of results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in common cancers. Methods: Completed phase III RCTs evaluating new drugs in common cancers between January 2005 and October 2016 were identified from ClinicalTrials.gov. Lay media reporting was identified by searching LexisNexis Academic. Scientific reporting was defined as presentation at an academic conference or publication in full. Associations between reporting in the lay media before scientific reporting and study design and sponsorship were evaluated using logistic regression. Results: Of 180 RCTs identified, 52% were reported in the lay media and in 27%, lay media reporting occurred before scientific reporting with an increasing trend over time (p = 0.009). Reporting in the lay media before scientific reporting was associated with positive results (OR: 2.10, p = 0.04), targeted therapy compared to chemotherapy (OR: 4.75, p = 0.006), immunotherapy compared to chemotherapy (OR: 7.60, p = 0.02), and prostate cancer compared to breast cancer (OR: 3.25, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Over a quarter of all RCTs in common cancers are reported in the lay media before they are reported scientifically with an increasing proportion over time. Positive trials, studies in prostate cancer, and trials of immunotherapy are associated with early reporting in the lay media.
Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Authors: Asmarats Lluis , Rodés-Cabau Josep
Published: November 2017

Chronic oral anticoagulation therapy is the standard therapy for preventing thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, oral anticoagulation has been associated with an increased risk of bleeding events, and despite the improvements linked to the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants, more than one third of atrial fibrillation patients still remain untreated. Over the past decade, percutaneous left atrial appendage closure has emerged as a valid alternative to anticoagulation therapy for the prevention of stroke/systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. In this article, we provide an updated overview of current transcatheter left atrial appendage closure devices and review the results associated with left atrial appendage closure, focusing on procedural and late outcomes, and pointing to future directions.
Derivation and Validation of a Geriatric‐Sensitive Perioperative Cardiac Risk Index
Authors: Alrezk Rami , Jackson Nicholas , Al Rezk Mohanad , Elashoff Robert , Weintraub Nancy , Elashoff David , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: November 2017

Background

Surgical patients aged 65 and over face a higher risk of cardiac complications from noncardiac surgery. The Revised Cardiac Risk Index (
RCRI
) and the Gupta Myocardial Infarction or Cardiac Arrest (MICA) calculator are widely used to predict this risk, but they are not specifically designed to predict
MICA
in geriatric patients. Our hypothesis is that a new geriatric‐sensitive index, derived from geriatric data, will capture this population's unique response to risk factors.

Methods and Results

The model was developed using the
NSQIP
(National Surgical Quality Improvement Program) 2013 geriatric cohort (N=584,931) (210,914 age ≥65) and validated on the
NSQIP
2012 geriatric cohort (N= 485,426) (172,905 age ≥65). Least Angle Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression was used for initial variable selection. The Geriatric‐Sensitive Cardiac Risk Index (
GSCRI
) was then evaluated in the 2012 data set. The area under the curve (
AUC
) was compared among the
GSCRI
,
RCRI
, and Gupta
MICA
in the 2012 data set. The
GSCRI
had an
AUC
of 0.76 in the validation cohort among geriatric patients. When the Gupta
MICA
was tested on geriatric patients in the validation cohort, a significant deterioration (≈17%) was noted, as well as a significant underestimation of the risk. The
GSCRI AUC
of 0.76 in the geriatric subset was significantly greater (
P
<0.001) than those in the
RCRI
(
AUC
=0.63) or Gupta
MICA
(
AUC
=0.70) models, outperforming the
RCRI
and Gupta
MICA
models in geriatric patients by 13% and 6%, respectively, with a Δ
AUC
and
P
‐value of 0.13 (
P
<0.001), and 0.06 (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

The
GSCRI
is a significantly better predictor of cardiac risk in geriatric patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.
Smooth Muscle–Selective Nuclear Factor‐κB Inhibition Reduces Phosphate‐Induced Arterial Medial Calcification in Mice With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Yoshida Tadashi , Yamashita Maho , Horimai Chihiro , Hayashi Matsuhiko
Published: November 2017

Background

Hyperphosphatemia is a major factor promoting the formation of arterial medial calcification in chronic kidney disease (
CKD
). However, arterial medial calcification begins to occur during the early stages of
CKD
, when hyperphosphatemia is not yet apparent. It is predicted that other factors also play a role. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of pro‐inflammatory nuclear factor‐κB (
NF
‐κB) signaling in smooth muscle cells (
SMC
s) for phosphate‐induced arterial medial calcification in
CKD
mice.

Methods and Results

We first sought to establish a novel mouse model of
CKD
with arterial medial calcification.
CKD
was induced in
DBA
/2 mice by feeding them a low concentration of adenine, and these mice were fed a normal or high‐phosphorus diet. Severe calcification was seen in
CKD
mice fed the high‐phosphorus diet, while it was undetectable in
CKD
mice fed the normal phosphorus diet or control mice fed the high‐phosphorus diet. Arterial medial calcification was accompanied by phenotypic switching of
SMC
s into osteogenic cells. Interestingly,
NF
‐κB inhibitors, tempol and triptolide, both reduced arterial medial calcification in
CKD
mice fed the high‐phosphorus diet. Moreover, formation of arterial medial calcification, as well as
SMC
phenotypic switching, was also markedly attenuated in transgenic mice, in which the
NF
‐κB activity was inhibited selectively in
SMC
s. Mechanistic studies revealed that Krüppel‐like factor 4 was involved in
NF
‐κB‐induced
SMC
phenotypic switching and calcification.

Conclusions

Results of the present studies suggest that the
NF
‐κB signaling in
SMC
s plays an important role in high phosphate‐induced arterial medial calcification in
CKD
.
Rethinking Secrecy in Religion
Authors: MacGillavry David William
Published: November 2017

Secrecy is often studied as a social phenomenon in which certain information is concealed from a targeted audience out of fear of the repercussions, if this information were to fall into the wrong hands. It is therefore surprising that people are relatively willing to share their secrets with others. Traditionally, this behaviour has been explained on the bases of the assumption that people are naturally inclined to reveal their secrets. However, new evidence from the cognitive sciences and social psychology calls this assumption, and thus the theories of secrecy which rely on it, into question. In this article I present a re-interpretation of secrecy in light of this new evidence and evaluate what implications this holds for the study of secrecy in religion.
Forms of Justice in Aeschylus’ Eumenides
Authors: Dugdale Eric , Gerstbauer Loramy
Published: November 2017

In this article, we explore the forms of justice presented in Aeschylus’ Eumenides. Most scholarship hitherto has focused on the shift from retaliatory justice to trial by court of law enacted in the play. However, the verdict pronounced in Orestes’ favor does not bring about resolution, but rather threatens to destabilize the polis, as the Furies redirect their anger against Athens. Indeed, the play can be seen as a study in the limitations of criminal justice. Our article examines the resolution of the conflict in the post-trial phase of the play in the light of principles and practices of modern restorative justice. Such comparison is not intended as arguing for correspondence. Rather, the aim is to understand more fully the dynamics of Athena’s intervention by analyzing it against key elements of restorative justice.
Is There a Polis in Euripides’ Medea?
Authors: Perris Simon
Published: November 2017

The polis is a dominant force in scholarship on Greek tragedy, including Euripides’ Medea. This paper addresses the question of whether there is, in fact, a polis (i.e. a Greek-style city-state) in the play.

The polis proper does not often feature in tragedy. Euripides’ Corinth, like many urban centres in tragedy, is a generic palatial settlement ruled by a king. It is not a community of citizens. Creon is a non-constitutional absolute hereditary monarch, and it is a commonplace of tragedy that absolute sole role is antithetical to the idea of the polis.

Medea is exiled, not ostracised; she is never a metic. Her relationships and actions are governed by elite xenia, not citizenship. Thus, though ‘political’ interpretations of Medea are all to the good, polis-centric interpretations become much less attractive once one observes the almost complete absence of the polis from the play.
Two new Isotomidae species (Collembola: Entomobryomorpha) from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
Authors: MENDONÇA MARIA CLEIDE DE , QUEIROZ GABRIEL COSTA
Published: November 2017

In the present paper, two new species of Isotomidae belonging to the genera Isotomiella Bagnall, 1939 and Paracerura Deharveng & Oliveira, 1994 are described and illustrated. Isotomiella denticulata sp. nov. is distinguished from all known species specially by a single tooth in the inner edge of the unguis, a unique feature among the members of the genus. Paracerura bella sp. nov., differs from other congeners with respect to overall coloration, the sensillary pattern on tergite abd. IV–V and type of chaetae on both lateral margins of dens. Both species are described from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
New records of Iranian bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) and their host plants
Authors: AMINI SUDABE , NOZARI JAMASB , MANDELSHTAM MICHAIL YU. , KNÍŽEK MILOŠ , ETEMAD VAHID , FACCOLI MASSIMO
Published: November 2017

Bark and ambrosia beetles from the subfamily Scolytinae are among the most important pests in forests of Northern Iran. During investigations conducted in 2013–2016 in different parts of northern forests, the species Crypturgus cribrellus Reitter, Liparthrum bartschti Mühl, Scolytus varshalovitchi Michalski, Scolytus sulcifrons Rey, Scolytus triarmatus (Eggers) and Trypophloeus granulatus (Ratzeburg) were recorded for the first time in Iran; Trypophloeus and Liparthrum were new genera for Iran. As new host plants we found Zelkova sp. for Scolytus varshalovitchi, Michalski, Populus sp. for Liparthrum bartschti, Mühl, Alnus sp. and Pterocarya fraxinifolia for Taphrorychus lenkoranus Reitter, Pterocarya fraxinifolia for Ernoporicus caucasicus (Lindemann), Carpinus sp. for Pteleobius vittatus (Fabricius), Parrotia persica for Scolytus intricatus (Ratzeburg), Alnus sp. and Pterocarya fraxinifolia for Hypothenemus eruditus (Westwood).
Three new species of Synagelides Strand, 1906 from China (Araneae: Salticidae)
Authors: LIU KEKE , CHEN ZHIWU , XIAO YONGHONG , XU XIANG , PENG XIANJIN
Published: November 2017

The new species Synagelides jinggangshanensis sp. nov. (♀), S. tangi sp. nov. (♂ and ♀) and S. yinae sp. nov. (♀) from China are described. Distribution data, detailed morphological characteristics, illustrations of body and copulatory organs are presented.
Health literacy, self-care agency, health status and social support among elderly Chinese nursing home residents
Authors: Liu Yong-bing , Xue Ling-ling , Xue Hui-ping , Hou Ping
Published: November 2017

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between health literacy, self-care agency, social support and health status among elderly Chinese nursing home residents in Xinjiang.

Design:

Participants were selected using a stratified cluster random sampling design.

Setting:

The study was conducted from September 2011 to June 2012 in 44 nursing homes in four cities of Xinjiang, China.

Methods:

A total of 1,452 participants aged between 60 and 99 years met the study inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Chinese Citizen Health Literacy Questionnaire, the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale, the Social Support Rating Scale, the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire and the Activities of Daily Living Scale. Subsequently, 1,452 questionnaires were distributed with a response rate of 96.14% (1,396 of 1,452).

Results:

Path analysis with structural equation modelling was used to test a hypothesised model linking health literacy to self-care agency, social support and health status. The optimal fitted model indicated that pathways linking health literacy to health status consisted of one direct path (path coefficient = .074) and three indirect paths (path coefficient = .194), with a total path coefficient of health literacy to health status being .268.

Conclusion:

Improving health literacy may enable older adults to more appropriately use self-care agency and social support as part of health promotion. The outcomes of this study suggest that to enhance the effects of health promotion interventions, health professionals should aim at raising the health literacy levels of elderly people in China.
Utilization of Lean Techniques in Pharmacy Residency Training: Modifying the PGY1 Management and Leadership Experience
Authors: Arthur Karen J. , Kania Deanna S. , White Christina A.
Published: November 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to utilize lean process improvement principles to enhance the health-system pharmacy administration learning experience within a postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) residency program. Summary: The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center adopted the use of lean to improve customer service and workplace efficiency. The Residency Advisory Council, overseeing the 6 pharmacy residency programs, felt that training residents in a proven process improvement technique would benefit the service and assist in developing problem-solving skills. Yellow Belt training was incorporated into the residency programs in 2012, and the Yellow Belt project for the 2014-2015 residency class was the modification of the PGY1 Health-System Pharmacy Administration learning experience. Residents focused on a few key areas as part of their completion plan: educating residents and preceptors on the importance of leadership activities, establishing a list of consistent topic discussions to be held during the administration learning experience, confirming a topic list for the pharmacy practice management and leadership seminars, piloting collaborative precepting for the administration experience, revising the staff development program, and increasing resident involvement in the PGY1 interview process. Two portions of the project lacked effective and timely communication, and as a result, those areas were not fully implemented. The remainder of the items achieved 100% completion. Conclusion: Lean techniques were effectively utilized within a residency program to enhance the health-system pharmacy administration learning experience. Successful implementation of lean requires engagement of stakeholders within the health-system, timely communication, frequent reassessments, and accountability.
The impact of students with left-behind experiences on childhood: The relationship between negative life events and depression among college students in China
Authors: Han Li , Zhao Sheng-yu , Pan Xuan-ying , Liao Chuan-Jing
Published: November 2017

Background:

The number of left-behind children in rural China has increased dramatically over the last decade. It is reported that about 21.88% of child population with an estimated number of 61 million are left-behind children whose parents leave them to work in cities. We conducted a cross-sectional study to explore the impacts of left-behind experience (LBE) on college students’ depression and other influencing factors.

Aim:

This study discusses the mediation effect of self-esteem together with psychological resilience on college students with depression and negative life events of left-behind. The study also discusses the regulation effect of LBE.

Methods:

A total of 788 college students were selected from three universities in Sichuan and Chongqing (367 with LBEs, 421 without LBEs). Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Check List (ASLEC), Self-Esteem Scale (SES), Resilience Scale of Chinese Adolescent (RSCA) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to measure the negative life events, self-esteem, psychological resilience and depression, respectively. Bootstrap program was used to test the mediation effect, and multiple-group analysis was used to examine the regulation effect for LBE.

Results:

Scores of ASLEC for the college students with LBEs were higher than those without LBEs (8.59 ± 3.57) vs (7.06 ± 3.38), p < .001). The scores of LBE, ASLEC and SDS were positively correlated with the college students with LBEs ( r = .21 to .29, p < .01), while the scores of RSCA and SES were negatively correlated ( r = −.30 to −.59, p < .01). The mediation effect of college students’ self-esteem and psychological resilience between negative life events and depression was significant (mediating effect = .08, .13, .07; p < .01). Thus, the college students’ self-esteem and psychological resilience on negative life events had strong mediation effect on depression. The test of Bootstrap showed that the mediation effect of self-esteem and psychological resilience was significant (95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.04–0.76]). The LBE had regulation effect on college students’ self-esteem and psychological resilience. (The constraint model fitting degree of variation is Δχ2 = 2,120.68, Δ df = 8, p < .001.) The self-esteem and psychological resilience of college students with LBEs can be used to mediate the relation between negative life events and depression, whereas those without LBEs cannot.

Conclusion:

Self-esteem and psychological resilience fully mediates college students’ negative life events and depression, which is regulated by their previous LBEs.
From Protests to the Ban: Demonstrations against the ‘Jewish’ Films in Interwar Vienna and Bratislava
Authors: Szabó Miloslav
Published: November 2017

Taking the example of the protests against the films All Quiet on the Western Front (1930–1) and Le Golem (1936) in interwar Austria and Slovakia, this study addresses the links between antisemitism, nationalism and cinema in Central Europe that historical research has so far overlooked. Unlike other demonstrations against the talkies, campaigns against so-called ‘Jewish’ films were not an expression of linguistic nationalism, as they pointed to the ‘destructive’ impact of capitalism, socialism or modern art, which in the ideology of antisemitism were allegedly personified by ‘Jews’. The conservatives and radicals who called for a ban of those ‘Jewish’ films considered it a first step towards the creation of a national community without ‘Jews’. In Austria the moderate and radical opponents of A ll Quiet on the Western Front ultimately reached their goal through a joint effort. In Slovakia they only managed to get the film Le Golem completely banned when the geopolitical conditions changed after the mutilation of Czechoslovakia on the eve of the Second World War. The fact is that in both cases, moderate nationalists placed themselves in the ambivalent position of pioneers of antisemitism and ultimately facilitated fascist and Nazi radicals in the practical implementation of their postulates.
‘A2 is Normal’ – Thai Secondary School English Teachers’ Encounters with the CEFR
Authors: Franz Jens , Teo Adisa
Published: November 2017

Thailand has seen several English language curriculum reforms over the last 20 years, all of which were found to have failed to lift Thai students’ standard of English language proficiency across all levels of study. In 2014, the Thai Ministry of Education announced the introduction of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), in combination with Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), as its latest policy to improve the standard of English learning and teaching in Thailand’s schools. The establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 and concerns about the economic competitiveness of the Thai labour force were provided as the underlying rationale for this policy change.

This case study, using Grounded Theory Methodology combining semi-structured in-depth interviews, a questionnaire and document analysis, addresses the question of how this education policy change was experienced and perceived by English language teachers at state secondary schools across four provinces in the south of Thailand. A marked divergence in individual teachers’ knowledge and appreciation of the policy plans was observed, with the majority of respondents displaying indifference to and ignorance of the policy. The Ministry had in 2015 tested all civil servant English teachers in a CEFR-referenced online placement test, where 94% had failed to reach the targeted proficiency level of B2. Consequently, the framework was perceived primarily as an English proficiency test for teachers, a European assessment scale which had been applied to them, but which had had no further application to either classroom teaching or student assessment. These findings are framed in the wider context of curriculum reform and English language teaching in Thailand. Comparisons with other English curriculum reform policies based on the CEFR are made, and the emphasis on testing teachers’ language proficiency is reflected upon through the wider debate on language teacher proficiency.
A Thin Line between Love and Hate: 1 John 4:7–12
Authors: Jenkins Hilliard B.
Published: November 2017

This sermon argues that God sent Jesus so that we could live fully, ought to love one another, and that God lives in us. All this is based upon God’s love for us, which we should in turn share with others.
An investigation of the Byzantine text of the Johannine Epistles
Authors: Paulson Gregory S.
Published: November 2017

This article investigates the text-critical methods used in the Nestle-Aland 27th edition, the Nestle-Aland 28th edition, Editio Critica Maior, the Hodges-Farstad edition, and the Robinson-Pierpont edition in attempting to reconstruct the Byzantine text of the Johannine Epistles.
A structural analysis of 1 John
Authors: Jones Peter Rhea
Published: November 2017

Jones argues that while Law and Bultmann have made significant contributions to our understanding the structure of 1 John, neither provides a completely persuasive argument. Jones argues that 1 John is a pastoral-polemic communication with an organic unity with three movements of thought: (i) God as light (1:5–2:27); (ii) God as righteousness (2:28–4:6); and (iii) God as love (4:7–5:12). Moreover, Jones asserts that abiding in God is the principal metaphor for 1 John, expressed theologically as believing in Christ Jesus and expressed ethically as loving one another.
This is what a minister looks like: The expanding Baptist definition of minister
Authors: Durso Pamela R.
Published: November 2017

In 1956, H. Richard Niebuhr and Daniel D. Williams asserted that to the traditional definition of minister as pastor-preacher must be added teacher, chaplain, missionary, evangelist, counselor, and countless others. What Niebuhr and Williams observed as happening within American churches in general was also true within Baptist churches. Beginning sometime around mid-century, Baptist churches hired staff members to lead and plan their music programs; to work with preschoolers, children, teenagers, college students, and senior adults; and to oversee administration, education, and recreational activities. Around the 1970s, some Baptist churches recognized and publicly identified these staff members as ministers and began ordaining them. Women were among these newly ordained ministers. By the 1980s and 1990s, the number of ordained Baptist women had increased significantly, and the number of recognized ministry positions both inside and outside the church also increased significantly. Women were obviously beneficiaries of the trend of ordaining as ministers those serving in positions other than pastor-preacher, or perhaps women were leading the way and were trendsetters for Baptists. Either way, Baptist women were in the mix in this move toward the broader definition of minister.