bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergency Department Visits Related to Functional Abdominal Pain in the Pediatric Age Group
Authors: Pant Chaitanya , Deshpande Abhishek , Sferra Thomas J , Olyaee Mojtaba , Bornstein Victor
Published: January 2017

To analyze visits to and admissions from the emergency department (ED) in children with a primary diagnosis of functional abdominal pain (FAP). This was a cross-sectional study using data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (HCUP-NEDS 2008–2012). FAP-related ED visits were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. The most frequent secondary diagnoses associated with FAP-related ED visits were also extracted. In 2012, a total of 796,665 children presented to the ED with a primary diagnosis of FAP. This correlated to a rate of 11.5 ED visits/1000 population. The highest incidence of ED visits was observed for children in the 10–14-year age group; median (IQR) age of 11 (8) years. In analyzing the temporal trends associated with FAP-related ED visits, we observed an increase in both the overall number of visits (14.0%) as well as the population-adjusted incidence (16.0%) during the period 2008–2012. This coincided with a decreasing trend in hospital admissions from the ED; from 1.4% in 2008 to 1.0% in 2012 (−28.5%). The overwhelming majority (96.7%) of patients with FAP who presented to the ED were treated and released. On multivariate analysis, the leading factor associated with an increased likelihood of admission from the ED was teaching hospital status (aOR 2.07; 95% CI 1.97 to 2.18). The secondary diagnosis most commonly associated with FAP-related ED visits was nausea and/or emesis (19.8%). Pediatric FAP-related ED visits increased significantly from the period 2008 to 2012. However, the incidence of hospital admissions from the ED declined during the same period.
Patency of the vein of Labbé after venous stenting of the transverse and sigmoid sinuses
Authors: Raper Daniel M S , Ding Dale , Chen Ching-Jen , Buell Thomas J , Crowley R Webster , Liu Kenneth C
Published: January 2017

Background

Venous sinus stenting is an emerging treatment for patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and evidence of venous stenosis. Stents placed across the transverse and sigmoid sinuses often cover the vein of Labbé (VOL), a major anastomotic vein draining the cerebral hemisphere. The patency of the VOL after stenting and its clinical implications are poorly understood.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of a prospectively collected database of patients undergoing venous sinus stenting. Pre- and post-stent angiography were compared to assess changes in VOL patency, clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Results

The study cohort comprised 56 patients. The stent covered the VOL in 92.9% of cases. Thirty-two cases with VOL coverage had evaluable angiograms immediately after stent placement. Among these, VOL filled normally in 75.0%, exhibited diminished caliber with normal transit time in 3.1%, filled sluggishly in 18.8%, and was occluded in 3.1%. Follow-up was assessed in patients with at least 3 months' angiographic follow-up (46 patients, mean 7.2 months). Of these, normal filling was seen in 71.7%, diminished caliber in 26.1%, and sluggish filling in 2.2% of cases. Neither stent coverage of the VOL nor its patency immediately after stenting or at follow-up correlated with stent-adjacent stenosis. There were no neurological sequelae from coverage of the VOL or alteration of its drainage pattern.

Conclusions

In the majority of venous stenting cases involving the transverse and sigmoid sinuses, the VOL remains widely patent. Complete VOL occlusion rarely occurs after stenting and may not result in clinical sequelae. Stent coverage of the VOL should not deter the therapeutic use of venous sinus stenting.
Horse: anaesthetic management for open castration of a Belgian draught horse with interventricular septum defect, aortic regurgitation and ventricular premature depolarisations
Authors: Cerasoli Ilaria , Melis Sanne , van Loon Gunther , De Clercq Dominique , Brunsting Julie , Schauvliege Stijn
Published: January 2017

A 2 years and 11 months old Belgian draught horse stallion with a membranous ventricular septal defect, severe aortic regurgitation, mild left ventricular enlargement and ventricular premature depolarisations was anaesthetised to perform open castration. A balanced anaesthetic approach, involving intravenous use of romifidine (80 µg/kg), morphine (0.1 mg/kg) and lidocaine (1 mg/kg) for premedication, followed by induction of anaesthesia with ketamine (2.2 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.06 mg/kg) and maintenance with isoflurane, lidocaine CRI (50 µg/kg/min) and intratesticular lidocaine 2 per cent (10 ml in each testicle) was used to optimise the cardiovascular stability and enhance the safety of the procedure. A multimodal analgesic approach was provided, aiming to reduce the amount of isoflurane required to maintain a surgical plane of anaesthesia. A smooth and uneventful recovery was obtained. The present case report describes an anaesthetic protocol that could be applied in similar cases.
Phylogenetic analysis of two single-copy nuclear genes revealed origin and complex relationships of polyploid species of Hordeum in Triticeae (Poaceae)
Authors: Hu Qianni , Sun Genlou
Published: January 2017

Two single-copy nuclear genes, the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) and thioredoxin-like gene (HTL), were used to explore the phylogeny and origin of polyploid species in Hordeum. Our results were partly in accord with previous studies, but disclosed additional complexity. Both RPB2 and HTL trees confirmed the presence of Xa genome in H. capense and H. secalinum, and that H. depressum originated from H. californicum together with other American diploids, either H. intercedens or H. pusillum. American diploids solely contributed to the origin of H. depressum. The Asian diploids, either H. bogdanii or H. brevisubulatum, contributed to the formation of American polyploids except H. depressum. RPB2 and HTL sequences showed that H. roshevitzii did not contribute to the origin of American tetraploids. Our data showed a close relationship between the hexaploids H. procerum and H. parodii and the tetraploids H. brachyantherum, H. fuegianum, H. guatemalense, H. jubatum, and H. tetraploidum. The involvement of the diploid H. pusillum and the tetraploid H. jubatum in the formation of H. arizonicum was also indicated in the HTL phylogeny. Our results suggested a possible gene introgression of W- and P-genome species into the tetraploid H. jubatum and the hexaploid H. procerum.
Quality of Breast Cancer Information on the Internet by African Organizations: An Appraisal
Authors: Akuoko Cynthia Pomaa
Published: January 2017

Objective. The aim of this study was to appraise the quality of information on BC available at websites run by organizations in Africa.Methods. Three searches were conducted using Google search engine to generate a list of websites. The identified websites were assessed using European Commission (EC) quality criteria for health-related websites, which comprises different assessment areas including, completeness, transparency and honesty, authority, privacy and data protection, updating of information, accountability, and accessibility.Results. Thirteen (13) websites were included in the evaluation. Majority of the websites evaluated had low scores on the completeness and transparency of their websites. Scores on accessibility were however moderate and high for most of the websites. Breast cancer-specific organizations provided the highest quality information, particularly in terms of completeness. The overall lowest and highest quality scores were 9 and 43 out of 63, respectively, and 77% of the included websites scored less than 50% of the total quality score.Conclusion. This review has provided evidence of inadequate and inaccurate BC information provided by some cancer organizations in Africa. Considerable effort is required to make BC information on the Internet a valuable and up-to-date source for both professionals and patients.
The Neumann Problem for a Degenerate Elliptic System Near Resonance
Authors: An Yu-Cheng , Suo Hong-Min
Published: January 2017

This paper studies the following system of degenerate equations-divpx∇u+qxu=αu+βv+g1x,v+h1x,x∈Ω,-div(p(x)∇v)+q(x)v=βu+αv+g2(x,u)+h2(x),x∈Ω,∂u/∂ν=∂v/∂ν=0,x∈∂Ω.HereΩ⊂Rnis a boundedC2domain, andνis the exterior normal vector on∂Ω. The coefficient functionpmay vanish inΩ¯,q∈Lr(Ω)withr>ns/(2s-n),  s>n/2. We show that the eigenvalues of the operator-div(p(x)∇u)+q(x)uare discrete. Secondly, when the linear part is near resonance, we prove the existence of at least two different solutions for the above degenerate system, under suitable conditions onh1,h2,g1, andg2.
Synovial Osteochondromatosis at the Carpometacarpal Joint of the Thumb
Authors: Yonekura Satoru , Hagiwara Hiroyoshi , Nishimura Takahiro , Amagai Hiroshi , Yamamura Mayu , Miyamoto Osamu , Nakama Sueo
Published: January 2017

Synovial osteochondromatosis (SOC) is a benign tumor characterized by synovial connective tissue metaplasia. SOC commonly affects major joints including the knee followed by the hip, elbow, and wrist. SOC cases in the hand are not reported as often as SOC of major joints. Particularly SOC of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb is rare. We report on a 57-year-old female with primary SOC of the carpometacarpal joint of her left thumb. Surgical excision was performed and the patient had no symptoms with full range of motion of her left thumb. At 3 years of follow-up, there was no recurrence.
Trajectory-Based Hierarchical Adaptive Forwarding in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Wang Hao , Chen Liangyin , Liu Shijia , Fu Songtao , Luo Qian , Yin Feng , Sun Limin , Li Zhanghua
Published: January 2017

This paper proposes a Trajectory-Based Hierarchical Adaptive Forwarding (THAF) scheme, tailored and optimized for the efficient multihop vehicle-to-vehicle (v2v) data delivery in vehicular ad hoc networks. We utilize the trajectories of vehicles provided by GPS-based navigation systems to predict forward delay and access area in a privacy-preserving manner. Different from existing trajectory-based forwarding schemes, we establish a hierarchical VANET topology to optimize forwarding path and adopt adaptive diffusion strategy to forward data in light-traffic situations. Through theoretical analysis and extensive simulation, it is shown that our design performs better than the existing schemes.
Description of Changes in Crystal Orientations by the Elements of Logarithm of a Rotation Matrix
Authors: Onaka Susumu , Hayashi Kunio
Published: January 2017

The logarithmln⁡Rof rotation matrixRis a skew symmetric tensor consisting of three independent elements of real numbers. In addition to the Euler angles and the axis/angle pair, the elements ofln⁡Rcalled the log angles are also the set of three parameters ofR. In this paper, we will show that the concept of the log angles is also useful to discuss changes in crystal orientations. The changes inRas a function of the position are given by the changes in the log angles. As an example, orientation changes caused by arrays of dislocations in a plastically deformed Cu single crystal are discussed.
Four-Terminal Square Piezoresistive Sensors for MEMS Pressure Sensing
Authors: Hossain Awlad , Mian Ahsan
Published: January 2017

The sensitivity of four-terminal piezoresistive sensors commonly referred to as van der Pauw (VDP) structure is investigated. The VDP sensor is considered to be fabricated on (100) silicon due to its potential application in MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) pressure sensors. The sensitivity of the VDP sensor may be affected by misalignment during the etching/diffusion process, the nonuniformity of piezoresistive coefficients through the sensor thickness, and pad size with respect to the sensor size. For this particular analysis, the effect of VDP stress sensitivity on variations in pad sizes and through-the-thickness π-coefficient variation are studied as the effect of misalignment has already been investigated by researchers. Two three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA) models are first developed for both traditional VDP resistance and equivalent four-wire bridge measurements. Then, the FEA models are validated with the closed form analytical solutions for point contacts (“zero” pad size) under different biaxial loads. Once the FEA models are validated, additional simulations are conducted to understand the influence of different parameters on the voltage measurements for an equivalent four-wire bridge configuration. It is observed that pad size and through-the-thickness nonuniformity in piezoresistive constants adversely affect the sensor sensitivity.
Revocable ID-Based Signature with Short Size over Lattices
Authors: Hung Ying-Hao , Tseng Yuh-Min , Huang Sen-Shan
Published: January 2017

In the past, many ID-based signature (IBS) schemes based on the integer factorization or discrete logarithm problems were proposed. With the progress on the development of quantum technology, IBS schemes mentioned above would become vulnerable. Recently, several IBS schemes over lattices were proposed to be secure against attacks in the quantum era. As conventional public-key settings, ID-based public-key settings have to offer a revocation mechanism to revoke misbehaving or malicious users. However, in the past, little work focuses on the revocation problem in the IBS schemes over lattices. In this article, we propose a new revocable IBS (RIBS) scheme with short size over lattices. Based on the short integer solution (SIS) assumption, we prove that the proposed RIBS scheme provides existential unforgeability against adaptive chosen-message attacks. As compared to the existing IBS schemes over lattices, our RIBS scheme has better performance in terms of signature size, signing key size, and the revocation mechanism with public channels.
Chemotherapy Plus Cetuximab versus Chemotherapy Alone for Patients with KRAS Wild Type Unresectable Liver-Confined Metastases Colorectal Cancer: An Updated Meta-Analysis of RCTs
Authors: Lv W. , Zhang G. Q. , Jiao A. , Zhao B. C. , Shi Y. , Chen B. M. , Zhang J. L.
Published: January 2017

Purpose. Our study analyses clinical trials and evaluates the efficacy of adding cetuximab in systematic chemotherapy for unresectable colorectal cancer liver-confined metastases patients. Materials and Methods. Search EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for RCTs comparing chemotherapy plus cetuximab with chemotherapy alone for KRAS wild type patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLMs). We calculated the relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence interval and performed meta-analysis of hazard ratios (HRs) for the R0 resection rate, the overall response rate (ORR), the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results. 1173 articles were retrieved and 4 RCTs were available for our study. The four studies involved 504 KRAS wild type patients with CRLMs. The addition of cetuximab significantly improved all the 4 outcomes: the R0 resection rate (RR 2.03, p=0.004), the ORR (RR 1.76, p<0.00001), PFS (HR 0.63, p<0.0001), and also OS (HR 0.74, p=0.04); the last outcome is quite different from the conclusion published before. Conclusions. Although the number of patients analysed was limited, we found that the addition of cetuximab significantly improves the outcomes in KRAS wild type patients with unresectable colorectal cancer liver-confined metastases. Cetuximab combined with systematic chemotherapy perhaps suggests a promising choice for KRAS wild type patients with unresectable liver metastases.
Stochastic Models for the Infectivity Function in an Infinite Population of Susceptible Individuals
Authors: Arunachalam Viswanathan , Blanco Liliana
Published: January 2017

Two stochastic models to study the course of the transient behaviour of the total infectivity present in an infinite population of susceptible individuals are developed. The conditional intensity function of the contagion comprises two components: one is due to the external sources only and the other is the contribution of each of the infected persons which is nonstationary in nature. The statistical characteristics of the number of infected individuals at any time are explicitly obtained. Estimation of the model parameters is also indicated.
Identification of CCR2 and CD180 as Robust Pharmacodynamic Tumor and Blood Biomarkers for Clinical Use with BRD4/BET Inhibitors
Authors: Yeh Tammie C. , O'Connor Greg , Petteruti Philip , Dulak Austin , Hattersley Maureen , Barrett J. Carl , Chen Huawei
Published: January 2017

Purpose: AZD5153 is a novel BRD4/BET inhibitor with a distinctive bivalent bromodomain binding mode. To support its clinical development, we identified pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers for use in clinical trials to establish target engagement.

Experimental Design: CCR2 and CD180 mRNAs, initially identified from whole transcriptome profiling, were further evaluated by quantitative PCR in hematologic cell lines, xenografts, and whole blood from rat, healthy volunteers, and patients with cancer. MYC and HEXIM1 mRNAs were also evaluated.

Results: RNA-sequencing data showed consistent decreases in CCR2/CD180 expression across multiple hematologic cell lines upon AZD5153 treatment. Evaluation of dose dependence in MV4,11 cells confirmed activity at clinically relevant concentrations. In vivo downregulation of CCR2/CD180 mRNAs (>80%) was demonstrated in MV4,11 and KMS-11 xenograft tumors at efficacious AZD5153 doses. Consistent with in vitro rat blood data, an in vivo rat study confirmed greater inhibition of CCR2/CD180 mRNA in whole blood versus MYC at an efficacious dose. Finally, in vitro treatment of whole blood from healthy volunteers and patients with cancer demonstrated, in contrast to MYC, almost complete downregulation of CCR2/CD180 at predicted clinically achievable concentrations.

Conclusions: Our data strongly support the use of CCR2 and CD180 mRNAs as whole blood PD biomarkers for BRD4 inhibitors, especially in situations where paired tumor biopsies are unavailable. In addition, they can be used as tumor-based PD biomarkers for hematologic tumors. MYC mRNA is useful as a hematologic tumor-based biomarker but suboptimal as a whole blood biomarker. Utility of HEXIM1 mRNA may be limited to higher concentrations. Clin Cancer Res; 23(4); 1025–35. ©2017 AACR.
Dasatinib Changes Immune Cell Profiles Concomitant with Reduced Tumor Growth in Several Murine Solid Tumor Models
Authors: Hekim Can , Ilander Mette , Yan Jun , Michaud Erin , Smykla Richard , Vähä-Koskela Markus , Savola Paula , Tähtinen Siri , Saikko Leena , Hemminki Akseli , Kovanen Panu E. , Porkka Kimmo , Lee Francis Y.F. , Mustjoki Satu
Published: January 2017

Dasatinib, a broad-range tyrosine kinase inhibitor, induces rapid mobilization of lymphocytes and clonal expansion of cytotoxic cells in leukemia patients. Here, we investigated whether dasatinib could induce beneficial immunomodulatory effects in solid tumor models. The effects on tumor growth and on the immune system were studied in four different syngeneic mouse models (B16.OVA melanoma, 1956 sarcoma, MC38 colon, and 4T1 breast carcinoma). Both peripheral blood (PB) and tumor samples were immunophenotyped during treatment. Although in vitro dasatinib displayed no direct cytotoxicity to B16 melanoma cells, a significant decrease in tumor growth was observed in dasatinib-treated mice compared with vehicle-treated group. Further, dasatinib-treated melanoma-bearing mice had an increased proportion of CD8+ T cells in PB, together with a higher amount of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Dasatinib-mediated antitumor efficacy was abolished when CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were depleted with antibodies. Results were confirmed in sarcoma, colon, and breast cancer models, and in all cases mice treated daily with dasatinib had a significant decrease in tumor growth. Detailed immunophenotyping of tumor tissues with CyTOF indicated that dasatinib had reduced the number of intratumoral regulatory T cells in all tumor types. To conclude, dasatinib is able to slow down the tumor growth of various solid tumor models, which is associated with the favorable blood/tumor T-cell immunomodulation. The assessment of synergistic combinatorial therapies with other immunomodulatory drugs or targeted small-molecule oncokinase inhibitors is warranted in future clinical trials. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(2); 157–69. ©2017 AACR.
Temporally Distinct PD-L1 Expression by Tumor and Host Cells Contributes to Immune Escape
Authors: Noguchi Takuro , Ward Jeffrey P. , Gubin Matthew M. , Arthur Cora D. , Lee Sang Hun , Hundal Jasreet , Selby Mark J. , Graziano Robert F. , Mardis Elaine R. , Korman Alan J. , Schreiber Robert D.
Published: January 2017

Antibody blockade of programmed death-1 (PD-1) or its ligand, PD-L1, has led to unprecedented therapeutic responses in certain tumor-bearing individuals, but PD-L1 expression's prognostic value in stratifying cancer patients for such treatment remains unclear. Reports conflict on the significance of correlations between PD-L1 on tumor cells and positive clinical outcomes to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. We investigated this issue using genomically related, clonal subsets from the same methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma: a highly immunogenic subset that is spontaneously eliminated in vivo by adaptive immunity and a less immunogenic subset that forms tumors in immunocompetent mice, but is sensitive to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy. Using CRISPR/Cas9-induced loss-of-function approaches and overexpression gain-of-function techniques, we confirmed that PD-L1 on tumor cells is key to promoting tumor escape. In addition, the capacity of PD-L1 to suppress antitumor responses was inversely proportional to tumor cell antigenicity. PD-L1 expression on host cells, particularly tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), was also important for tumor immune escape. We demonstrated that induction of PD-L1 on tumor cells was IFNγ-dependent and transient, but PD-L1 induction on TAMs was of greater magnitude, only partially IFNγ dependent, and was stable over time. Thus, PD-L1 expression on either tumor cells or host immune cells could lead to tumor escape from immune control, indicating that total PD-L1 expression in the immediate tumor microenvironment may represent a more accurate biomarker for predicting response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy, compared with monitoring PD-L1 expression on tumor cells alone. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(2); 106–17. ©2017 AACR.
The Journey of “Geographic Atrophy” through Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Schmitz-Valckenberg Steffen
Published: January 2017

“Geographic atrophy” is a concise term that has been firmly established for the description of the end-stage manifestation of nonexudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). “Geographic lesions” resembling sharply demarcated continents on a map have been originally described in the German literature in 1854 (landkartenartiger/inselförmiger Zungenfratt) for a manifestation later called “geographic tongue” in English. In 1970, Gass was the first to describe “geographic areas of atrophy” in “senile macular choroidal degeneration.” Within a decade, the disease itself was named “geographic atrophy.” Today, various meanings of the term are used in parallel both in research and in routine clinical care. Currently, we are on the verge of better understanding the different forms of atrophy development, manifestation, and progression in AMD, which will pave the way for a more rational approach to their nomenclature and classification.
The Burden of Hidradenitis Suppurativa in a Cohort of Patients in Southern Finland: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kluger Nicolas , Ranta Martta , Serlachius Martina
Published: January 2017

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that impacts the quality of life. Methods: We evaluated its burden in a cohort of 26 Finnish patients in a single-center cross-sectional study. Demographic data, disease history, clinical data, treatment patterns, and workability were collected. Patients responded to the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-21). Results: Mean age of HS patients was 44.2 years and mean diagnostic delay was 13.7 years. Pain was rated the most bothersome symptom. Mean DLQI score was 8.31. Women consistently had higher scores than men for every item of the DLQI. Mean BDI-21 score was 10.69. Higher Hurley stage at visit (p = 0.001), female gender (p = 0.018), and higher BDI-21 score (p = 0.022) were variables that significantly affected the total DLQI score, whereas female gender (p = 0.004) was the only variable that significantly affected the total BDI-21 score using stepwise regression analysis. Conclusions: The burden of HS is for the first time reported in Finland. The diagnostic delay is longer than previously reported and the results suggest that women are impacted by the disease more than men.
Hemodynamic Support With a Microaxial Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Device (Impella) Protects Against Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Flaherty Michael P. , Pant Sadip , Patel Samir V. , Kilgore Tyler , Dassanayaka Sujith , Loughran John H. , Rawasia Wasiq , Dawn Buddhadeb , Cheng Allen , Bartoli Carlo R.
Published: January 2017

Rationale:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), particularly in those with severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. The impact of partial hemodynamic support with a microaxial percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pLVAD) on renal function after high-risk PCI remains unknown.

Objective:

We tested the hypothesis that partial hemodynamic support with the Impella 2.5 microaxial pLVAD during high-risk PCI protected against AKI.

Methods and Results:

In this retrospective, single-center study, we analyzed data from 230 patients (115 consecutive pLVAD-supported and 115 unsupported matched-controls) undergoing high-risk PCI with ejection fraction ≤35%. The primary outcome was incidence of in-hospital AKI according to AKI network criteria. Logistic regression analysis determined the predictors of AKI. Overall, 5.2% (6) of pLVAD-supported patients versus 27.8% (32) of unsupported control patients developed AKI (
P
<0.001). Similarly, 0.9% (1) versus 6.1% (7) required postprocedural hemodialysis (
P
<0.05). Microaxial pLVAD support during high-risk PCI was independently associated with a significant reduction in AKI (adjusted odds ratio, 0.13; 95% confidence intervals, 0.09–0.31;
P
<0.001). Despite preexisting CKD or a lower ejection fraction, pLVAD support protection against AKI persisted (adjusted odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence intervals, 0.25–0.83;
P
=0.04 and adjusted odds ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence intervals, 0.12–0.28;
P
<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions:

Impella 2.5 (pLVAD) support protected against AKI during high-risk PCI. This renal protective effect persisted despite the presence of underlying CKD and decreasing ejection fraction.
Sheet-Like Remodeling of the Transverse Tubular System in Human Heart Failure Impairs Excitation-Contraction Coupling and Functional Recovery by Mechanical Unloading
Authors: Seidel Thomas , Navankasattusas Sutip , Ahmad Azmi , Diakos Nikolaos A. , Xu Weining David , Tristani-Firouzi Martin , Bonios Michael J. , Taleb Iosif , Li Dean Y. , Selzman Craig H. , Drakos Stavros G. , Sachse Frank B.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Cardiac recovery in response to mechanical unloading by left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) has been demonstrated in subgroups of patients with chronic heart failure (HF). Hallmarks of HF are depletion and disorganization of the transverse tubular system (t-system) in cardiomyocytes. Here, we investigated remodeling of the t-system in human end-stage HF and its role in cardiac recovery.

Methods:

Left ventricular biopsies were obtained from 5 donors and 26 patients with chronic HF undergoing implantation of LVADs. Three-dimensional confocal microscopy and computational image analysis were applied to assess t-system structure, density, and distance of ryanodine receptor clusters to the sarcolemma, including the t-system. Recovery of cardiac function in response to mechanical unloading was assessed by echocardiography during turndown of the LVAD.

Results:

The majority of HF myocytes showed remarkable t-system remodeling, particularly sheet-like invaginations of the sarcolemma. Circularity of t-system components was decreased in HF versus controls (0.37±0.01 versus 0.46±0.02;
P
<0.01), and the volume/length ratio was increased in HF (0.36±0.01 versus 0.25±0.02 µm
2
;
P
<0.0001). T-system density was reduced in HF, leading to increased ryanodine receptor–sarcolemma distances (0.96±0.05 versus 0.64±0.1 µm;
P
<0.01). Low ryanodine receptor–sarcolemma distances at the time of LVAD implantation predicted high post-LVAD left ventricular ejection fractions (
P
<0.01) and ejection fraction increases during unloading (
P
<0.01). Ejection fraction in patients with pre-LVAD ryanodine receptor–sarcolemma distances >1 µm did not improve after mechanical unloading. In addition, calcium transients were recorded in field-stimulated isolated human cardiomyocytes and analyzed with respect to local t-system density. Calcium release in HF myocytes was restricted to regions proximal to the sarcolemma. Local calcium upstroke was delayed (23.9±4.9 versus 10.3±1.7 milliseconds;
P
<0.05) and more asynchronous (18.1±1.5 versus 8.9±2.2 milliseconds;
P
<0.01) in HF cells with low t-system density versus cells with high t-system density.

Conclusions:

The t-system in end-stage human HF presents a characteristic novel phenotype consisting of sheet-like invaginations of the sarcolemma. Our results suggest that the remodeled t-system impairs excitation-contraction coupling and functional recovery during chronic LVAD unloading. An intact t-system at the time of LVAD implantation may constitute a precondition and predictor for functional cardiac recovery after mechanical unloading.
Typification, revision of the synonymy and range extension of Craniolaria integrifolia (Martyniaceae)
Authors: HASSEMER GUSTAVO
Published: January 2017

Here, I review the synonymy of Craniolaria integrifolia and typify this name and its synonyms, including the taxonomically complicated species C. argentina. The distribution of C. integrifolia is also greatly extended by the discovery of a gathering of this species from Piauí, north-eastern Brazil, and the recognition of overlooked gatherings from Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, where the type specimen most probably originated from. An updated identification key to the species of Craniolaria is also provided.
Nomenclature note on Arenaria depauperata (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: CHANDRA SATISH , RAWAT DHARMENDRA S. , PUSALKAR PRASHANT K.
Published: January 2017

On the basis of recent molecular studies (e.g., Harbaugh et al. 2010, Greenberg & Donoghue 2011, Dillenberger & Kadereit 2014, Sadeghian et al. 2015), the genus Arenaria Linnaeus (1753: 423), as traditionally circumscribed, cannot be manteined, and 4 genera are currently recognized: Eremogone Fenzl (1833: 13) [≡ Arenaria subg. Eremogone (Fenzl) Fenzl (1842: 360)], Odontostemma Bentham ex Don (1831: 449) [≡ Arenaria subg. Odontostemma (Benth. ex Don) Williams (1895: 603)], Solitaria (McNeill 1962: 128) Sadeghian & Zarre (2015: 667) (≡ Arenaria subg. Solitaria McNeill), and Arenaria s.str. The criticism of this genus also occurs at lower ranks (subgenus, section, series) as showed by several botanists (e.g., McNeill 1962, Jackson & Parnell 1987, Li-hua 1996, Valcárcel et al. 2006, Iamonico 2013, Pusalkar & Singh 2015).
Review of the genus Microtachycines Gorochov with two new species (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae, Aemodogryllinae) from China
Authors: QIN YANYAN , LIU XIANWEI , LI KAI
Published: January 2017

This work involves a review of the genus Microtachycines, including descriptions of two new species: Microtachycines elongatus sp. nov., Microtachycines fallax sp. nov.. A key to the species of Microtachycines is presented.
Multimodel Ensemble Sea Level Forecasts for Tropical Pacific Islands
Authors: Widlansky Matthew J. , Marra John J. , Chowdhury Md. Rashed , Stephens Scott A. , Miles Elaine R. , Fauchereau Nicolas , Spillman Claire M. , Smith Grant , Beard Grant , Wells Judith
Published: January 2017

Sea level anomaly extremes impact tropical Pacific Ocean islands, often with too little warning to mitigate risks. With El Niño, such as the strong 2015/16 event, comes weaker trade winds and mean sea level drops exceeding 30 cm in the western Pacific that expose shallow-water ecosystems at low tides. Nearly opposite climate conditions accompany La Niña events, which cause sea level high stands (10–20 cm) and result in more frequent tide- and storm-related inundations that threaten coastlines. In the past, these effects have been exacerbated by decadal sea level variability, as well as continuing global sea level rise. Climate models, which are increasingly better able to simulate past and future evolutions of phenomena responsible for these extremes (i.e., El Niño–Southern Oscillation, Pacific decadal oscillation, and greenhouse warming), are also able to describe, or even directly simulate, associated sea level fluctuations. By compiling monthly sea level anomaly predictions from multiple statistical and dynamical (coupled ocean–atmosphere) models, which are typically skillful out to at least six months in the tropical Pacific, improved future outlooks are achieved. From this multimodel ensemble comes forecasts that are less prone to individual model errors and also uncertainty measurements achieved by comparing retrospective forecasts with the observed sea level. This framework delivers online a new real-time forecasting product of monthly mean sea level anomalies and will provide to the Pacific island community information that can be used to reduce impacts associated with sea level extremes.
Oceanic Origins of Historical Southwest Asia Precipitation During the Boreal Cold Season
Authors: Hoell Andrew , Barlow Mathew , Cannon Forest , Xu Taiyi
Published: January 2017

While a strong influence on cold season southwest Asia precipitation by Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs) has been previously established, the scarcity of southwest Asia precipitation observations prior to 1960 renders the region’s long-term precipitation history largely unknown. Here a large ensemble of atmospheric model simulations forced by observed time-varying boundary conditions for 1901–2012 is used to examine the long-term sensitivity of November–April southwest Asia precipitation to Pacific SSTs. It is first established that the models are able to reproduce the key features of regional variability during the best-observed 1960–2005 period and then the pre-1960 variability is investigated using the model simulations.

During the 1960–2005 period, both the mean precipitation and the two leading modes of precipitation variability during November–April are reasonably simulated by the atmospheric models, which include the previously identified relationships with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the multidecadal warming of Indo-Pacific SSTs. Over the full 1901–2012 period, there are notable variations in precipitation and in the strength of the SST influence. A long-term drying of the region is associated with the Indo-Pacific warming, with a nearly 10% reduction in westernmost southwest Asia precipitation during 1938–2012. The influence of ENSO on southwest Asia precipitation varied in strength throughout the period: strong prior to the 1950s, weak between 1950 and 1980, and strongest after the 1980s. These variations were not antisymmetric between ENSO phases. El Niño was persistently related with anomalously wet conditions throughout 1901–2012, whereas La Niña was not closely linked to precipitation anomalies prior to the 1970s but has been associated with exceptionally dry conditions thereafter.
Correction of Dual-PRF Doppler Velocity Outliers in the Presence of Aliasing
Authors: Altube Patricia , Bech Joan , Argemí Oriol , Rigo Tomeu , Pineda Nicolau , Collis Scott , Helmus Jonathan
Published: January 2017

In Doppler weather radars, the presence of unfolding errors or outliers is a well-known quality issue for radial velocity fields estimated using the dual–pulse repetition frequency (PRF) technique. Postprocessing methods have been developed to correct dual-PRF outliers, but these need prior application of a dealiasing algorithm for an adequate correction. This paper presents an alternative procedure based on circular statistics that corrects dual-PRF errors in the presence of extended Nyquist aliasing. The correction potential of the proposed method is quantitatively tested by means of velocity field simulations and is exemplified in the application to real cases, including severe storm events. The comparison with two other existing correction methods indicates an improved performance in the correction of clustered outliers. The technique proposed is well suited for real-time applications requiring high-quality Doppler radar velocity fields, such as wind shear and mesocyclone detection algorithms, or assimilation in numerical weather prediction models.
“It’s Not Balancing out Like It Should Be”: Perceptions of Local Climate Variability in Native Oklahoma
Authors: Peppler Randy A.
Published: January 2017

Fieldwork was conducted in 2009–11 with Native American agriculturalists and traditionalists in southwestern Oklahoma on the form and use of their weather and climate knowledge: how it is constituted, how it is used in agricultural decision-making, and the extent to which their own weather knowledge is valued in light of other forms of weather information available. Conversations rekindled memories of knowledge imparted and stories told by previous generations and illuminated observational signs some still rely upon. Conversations also revealed that while the agriculturalists and traditionalists are acculturated into contemporary society, they still hold tightly to culturally important ways of knowing about and being in the world and are keen observers of their local environments. Given the contemporary relevance of climate change and its impacts on Indigenous peoples, this paper focuses on their observations and thoughts about climate variability: Have you noticed changes? What impacts do these changes have on you, including both on your agricultural activities and your trusted observational signs? What do you think about the public discourse on climate change? According to most, a changing climate is a real phenomenon perceived at the local scale and is impacting their ability to observe relied-upon indicators, and has caused them to make changes in their agricultural endeavors. The knowledge professed by those in this study can be placed within the larger context of Indigenous environmental knowledge formation, as it follows closely with that discovered through archival research and that described by other inquiries from around the world.
A Strategic Perspective on the Arctic
Authors: Huitfeldt Tønne
Published: January 2017

Strategically, the Arctic enjoys the unique – and also somewhat precarious – position as a ‘buffer zone’ between the two superpowers; the USA and the USSR. On the outskirts of the Arctic region, the Barents Sea has become, in military-political terms, one of the most important sea areas in the world. A factor of prime significance in this connection has been the growing Soviet emphasis on a forward naval strategy linked with the massive build-up of the Northern Fleet and the Kola base. Against this backdrop, the author analyses the strategic importance of the Polar region, and the changes brought about by the discovery of oil, natural gas and minerals in Northern Siberia, Canada and Alaska as well as on the continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean. Although the development and transit of these new resources could become a stabilizing factor in the area, there are still unresolved problems as regards division of rights and boundaries. The main strategic importance of the Polar region will still be derived from its location between the two superpowers. The author finds that the situation as it now develops in the Polar region could be exploited to achieve two important aims of Norwegian foreign policy: to strengthen Norway's ties with its Atlantic partners, and to increase the assurance of the Soviet Union. In order to achieve these aims, a common policy should be worked out in cooperation with other NATO members who have interests in the Polar region, i.e. Denmark, Iceland, Canada and the United States.
The Effect of Prior Muscle Exertions on Simple Movements
Authors: Lance Brian M. , Chaffin Don B.
Published: January 2017

Simple discrete arm movements were studied before and after muscle exertion. Results showed that fatiguing muscle exertions do not seem to alter the speed of initiation of responses but do alter movement time, particularly for movement associated with final corrective action.
The Effects of Carbon Monoxide on Dual-Task Performance
Authors: Putz Vernon R.
Published: January 2017

Thirty adult, nonsmokers were exposed for four hours to one of three concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) 5 ppm, 35 ppm, and 70 ppm to produce blood levels of either 1%, 3%, or 5% carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) after the third hour of exposure. Performance in the double blind study was assessed by a tracking task paired with a peripheral monitoring task, each possessing two levels of difficulty. The results indicated that visual-manual tracking was significantly impaired by about 30%, during the fourth hour of exposure to 70 ppm of CO, when 5% COHb was reached, as compared to performance at 5 ppm and 35 ppm. The impairment occurred only during the high frequency tracking condition. Response times of subjects to the peripheral light-intensity-changes also increased during the third and fourth hours. The findings suggested that an assessment of the effects of low-level CO on human performance should include an analysis of the demand characteristics of the tasks as well as data on concentration and exposure duration.
An Objective Study of Two Medicolegal Systems—Libyan and British
Authors: Benomran F A
Published: January 2017

This work presents important information about the medicolegal systems in two different countries through the author's personal experience during his work. In Libya, the Medicolegal Centres, attached to the Justice Department, receives all cases referred by the Director of Public Prosecution or by the Judge. These constitute a wide range of cases which include in descending order of frequency, age estimation, injuries, autopsies, sexual offences, criminal responsibility, medical mishaps, disputed paternity and nullity of marriage. In Scotland, the Department of Forensic Medicine and Science at the University of Glasgow receive only a proportion of the total number of cases investigated by the Procurator Fiscal in Glasgow. These are exclusively deaths that require medicolegal autopsies, which average 458 per year. The Medicolegal Centre in Benghazi receives all referrals from the courts, which average 1780 cases per year, but autopsies constitute only 14.4% (256 cases per year). A total of 1144 autopsies performed in Glasgow during a period of 2.5 years, and 7121 medicolegal cases investigated in Benghazi during a period of 4 years (1022 of that were autopsies), are presented in 12 tables and duly discussed. The outstanding observation is the marked male preponderance in deaths from unnatural causes in Benghazi, (80% of the total), compared to less marked male preponderance in Glasgow, (60% of the total). This is explained by the fact that due to social custom in Libya, females have limited outdoor activities and lead a rather domestic life compared to females in Britain.
Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Cancer: An Unusual Case of Pancreatitis
Authors: Jamieson A. , Connell J.M.C
Published: January 2017

Acute pancreatitis is a common clinical problem. This case of acute pancreatitis was due to a most uncommon underlying aetiology, a non-functioning neuroendocrine tumour of the pancreas.
Injury Prevention in Scotland — The Case for a National Strategy
Authors: Stone D. , Muir R. , Logan J. , Gorman D.
Published: January 2017

In children and young adults, injury overshadows other causes of death and is a major contributor to acute and long-term disability. Yet injury is more amenable to prevention than most other causes of ill health. The purpose of this paper is to present the case for the development and implementation of a national injury prevention strategy for Scotland. Systematic reviews of the evidence have identified a series of specific interventions that have been shown to reduce injury incidence, mortality or morbidity. Research suggests that over half of all traumatic deaths are avoidable in children. In addition to the responsibilities of individuals, parents, carers, schools and employers to prevent or to reduce the probability of injury, responsibility for injury prevention and the protection of the public from injury hazards lies with a range of national and local agencies in the UK. These vary across the country and are unco-ordinated. To reduce the number of deaths and disorders resulting from injury, and the costs associated with treating and caring for injured people and their families, we contend that the most pressing current need is to develop a national strategy for Scotland.
Survey of Provision of Echocardiography in Scottish District General Hospitals
Authors: Banerjee S. , Francis C.M.
Published: January 2017

A telephone survey of echocardiography services in district general hospitals in Scotland was carried out in 1999. The study showed wide variation in the echocardiography services among the district hospitals in terms of equipment, personnel and service provision. The number of echocardiograms performed by a centre is partly dependent on the demand but is more critically influenced by the local provision of service. In particular, sufficient numbers of trained technicians hold the key to efficient high output services. The survey has provided a platform for comparison of echocardiography services among the district general hospitals in Scotland. We hope that this will encourage individual district hospitals to audit their echocardiography service with a special emphasis on the role of the technician.
Sarcoma Arising Adjacent to a Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Rana B , Shetty S , Grigoris P , Reid R
Published: January 2017

We present the case of a 79-year-old woman who developed a high grade spindle cell sarcoma adjacent to total hip arthroplasty 13 years after the index operation. MRI scan appeared to show a direct communication between the tumour and intra medullary canal through a breach in the femoral cortex.