bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pattern of Elevated Liver Function Tests in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Predicts Fibrosis Stage and Metabolic-Associated Comorbidities
Authors: Shirin Dor , Peleg Noam , Sneh-Arbib Orly , Cohen-Naftaly Michal , Braun Marius , Shochat Tzipora , Issachar Assaf , Shlomai Amir
Published: July 2018

Background: Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and with abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) most commonly present with elevated hepatocellular enzymes (H pattern), but a subset of patients is found to have elevated cholestatic enzymes (C pattern) or a mixed (M) pattern. Aims and Methods: To determine whether the epidemiologic background and comorbidities, as well as the degree of liver fibrosis, differ between NAFLD patients with different patterns of elevated LFTs by retrospectively analyzing data of 106 patients with a biopsy-proven diagnosis of NAFLD. The pattern of elevated LFTs was determined by adopting the “R-Ratio” formula commonly used for drug-induced liver injury. Results: Advanced fibrosis (F > 2) was found in 15 out of 48 (31.3%) patients with a C pattern of elevated LFTs as compared to 2 out of 44 (4.5%) in M patients and 2 out of 11 (18.2%) in H patients (p = 0.004). Group C patients are older and also had a higher prevalence of diabetes, a higher mean hemoglobin A1c, and a higher prevalence of hypertension, as well as a trend for a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia. Conclusions: Using a simple formula incorporating routine LFTs can help to categorize NAFLD patients as low or high risk for advanced fibrosis stage and metabolic-associated comorbidities.
Withdrawal Symptoms after Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor Discontinuation: Systematic Review
Authors: Fava Giovanni A. , Benasi Giada , Lucente Marcella , Offidani Emanuela , Cosci Fiammetta , Guidi Jenny
Published: July 2018

Background: Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) are widely used in medical practice. Their discontinuation has been associated with a wide range of symptoms. The aim of this paper is to identify the occurrence, frequency, and features of withdrawal symptoms after SNRI discontinuation. Methods: PRISMA guidelines were followed to conduct a systematic review. Electronic databases included PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and MEDLINE from the inception of each database to June 2017. Titles, abstracts, and topics were searched using a combination of the following terms: “duloxetine” OR “venlafaxine” OR “desvenlafaxine” OR “milnacipran” OR “levomilnacipran” OR “SNRI” OR “second generation antidepressant” OR “serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor” AND “discontinuation” OR “withdrawal” OR “rebound.” Only published trials in the English language were included. Results: Sixty-one reports met the criteria for inclusion. There were 22 double-blind randomized controlled trials, 6 studies where patients were treated in an open fashion and then randomized to a double-blind controlled phase, 8 open trials, 1 prospective naturalistic study, 1 retrospective study, and 23 case reports. Withdrawal symptoms occurred after discontinuation of any type of SNRI. The prevalence of withdrawal symptoms varied across reports and appeared to be higher with venlafaxine. Symptoms typically ensued within a few days from discontinuation and lasted a few weeks, also with gradual tapering. Late onset and/or a longer persistence of disturbances occurred as well. Conclusions: Clinicians need to add SNRI to the list of drugs potentially inducing withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation, together with other types of psychotropic drugs. The results of this study challenge the use of SNRI as first-line treatment for mood and anxiety disorders.
Regulation of Apoptosis and Radiation Sensitization in Lung Cancer Cells via the Sirt1/NF-κB/Smac Pathway
Authors: Ji Kaihua , Sun Xiaohui , Liu Yang , Du Liqing , Wang Yan , He Ningning , Wang Jinhan , Xu Chang , Liu Qiang
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: SirT1, a conserved NAD+-dependent deacetylase, has been implicated in modulating cell survival and stress responses, and it appears to play an important role in tumorigenesis and cancer resistance to chemoradiotherapy. The mechanism of SirT1 in cancer chemoradiotherapy remains to be further elucidated, which could provide potential targets for cancer therapy. Methods: We performed colony formation, immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, RNA interference, and western blotting assays to determine whether SirT1 regulates radiation sensitization and which mechanisms and/or pathways it takes in lung cancer cell lines A549 and H460. Results: Initially, the expression of SirT1 was found to be negatively correlated with radiosensitivity in lung cancer cell lines A549 and H460. RNA interference with siSirT1 against SirT1 specifically reduced SirT1 expression and induced radiosensitivity both in A549 and H460 cell lines. In contrast, the radiosensitivity was significantly reduced once SirT1 was activated by resveratrol. Immunofluorescence assay and apoptosis analysis indicated that the effect of SirT1 on the radiosensitivity observed in the A549 and H460 cell lines was mainly achieved by regulating DNA damage repair and apoptosis processes. Furthermore, the expression of SirT1 negatively modulated the expression of apoptosis-related protein NF-κB and its downstream regulator of Smac. Conclusion: Our results indicate that SirT1 regulates apoptosis and radiation sensitization in lung cancer cell lines A549 and H460 via the SirT1/NF-κB/Smac pathway.
MicroRNA-218 Negatively Regulates Osteoclastogenic Differentiation by Repressing the Nuclear Factor-κB Signaling Pathway and Targeting Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Yang Lei , Zhang Dan , Gao Chao , Wu Jie , Zhu Yunxia , Zhang Hogxiu
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a common disease associated with estrogen deficiency leading to bone loss and bone tissue changes. The resultant bone fragility and increased risk of fracture has serious adverse effects on health and quality of life of the elderly, making it an important health issue. MicroRNA-218 (miR-218) is closely related to the development of osteoporosis. In this study, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms of miR-218 in osteoclastogenesis. Methods: We investigated miR-218 levels on differentiation of RAW 264.7 cells into osteoclasts compared with normal cells. Next, RAW 264.7 cells were transfected with miR-218 mimics or inhibitors to study the role of miR-218 in osteoclastogenic differentiation. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was performed to determine osteoclastogenic differentiation. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were used to identify and validate miR-218 target genes. Results: miR-218 was downregulated following RAW 264.7 cell differentiation into osteoclasts. miR-218 overexpression attenuated osteoclast differentiation, whereas low miR-218 expression promoted it as demonstrated by increased expression of osteoclast-specific genes and TRAP staining. Bioinformatics analysis and the luciferase reporter assay showed that tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), a cell membrane receptor of TNF (TNF is an activator of nuclear factor-κB [NF-κB]), is a direct target of miR-218. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that miR-218 regulates osteoclastogenic differentiation negatively by repressing NF-κB signaling by targeting TNFR1, suggesting that targeting miR-218 may be a therapeutic approach in postmenopausal osteoporosis.
MicroRNA-141 Inhibits the Proliferation of Penile Cavernous Smooth Muscle Cells Associated with Down-Regulation of the Rhoa/Rho Kinase Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Ying , Jia Linpei , Ji Wei , Li Hai
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: The role of the RhoA/Rho kinase signaling pathway in diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction has been partially understood. Methods: In the present study, we explored the changes of the RhoA/Rho associated kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway in diabetic erectile dysfunction in vivo and the effects of microRNA-141 on the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in vitro. Results: The mRNA and protein expressions of RhoA and ROCK2 were significantly increased while the expression of microRNA-141 was decreased in the penile cavernous smooth muscle cells of rats with diabetic erectile dysfunction. Moreover, increased expression of microRNA-141, decreased expressions of RhoA and ROCK2 (mRNA and protein), accelerated cell proliferation rate and reduced cell apoptosis were found in the microRNA-141 mimics group and the siRNA-Rho group. The microRNA-141 expression in the microRNA-141 inhibitors + siRNA-Rho group was significantly decreased. microRNA-141 specifically bound to Rho-3’-UTR and down-regulated the expression of Rho gene at the post transcriptional level. Conclusion: Decreased expression of miR-141 is associated with up-regulation of RhoA and ROCK2 in the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in rats with diabetic erectile dysfunction. miR-141 inhibits the growth of penile cavernous smooth muscle cells associated with down-regulation of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in vitro.
The Role of Canonical Wnt Signaling in Regulating Radioresistance
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Tao Leilei , Yi Jun , Song Haizhu , Chen Longbang
Published: July 2018

Radioresistance is a major obstacle in radiotherapy for cancer, and strategies are needed to overcome this problem. Currently, radiotherapy combined with targeted therapy such as inhibitors of phosphoinosotide 3-kinase/Akt and epidermal growth factor receptor signaling have become the focus of studies on radiosensitization. Apart from these two signaling pathways, which promote radioresistance, deregulation of Wnt signaling is also associated with the radioresistance of multiple cancers. Wnts, as important messengers in the tumor microenvironment, are involved in cancer progression mainly via canonical Wnt signaling. Their role in promoting DNA damage repair and inhibiting apoptosis facilitates cancer resistance to radiation. Thus, it seems reasonable to target Wnt signaling as a method for overcoming radioresistance. Many small-molecule inhibitors that target the Wnt signaling pathway have been identified and shown to promote radiosensitization. Therefore, a Wnt signaling inhibitor may help to overcome radioresistance in cancer therapy.
MiR-410 Acts as a Tumor Suppressor in Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Cells by Directly Targeting ERLIN2 via the ERS Pathway
Authors: Wu Hewen , Li Junli , Guo En’en , Luo Suxia , Wang Guohui
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Endoplasmic reticulum lipid raft-associated 2 (ERLIN2) is reported to be overexpressed in human breast cancer cells and plays an important role in cell proliferation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and are involved in the development of multiple malignancies, including breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanism of the aberrant ERLIN2 expression in human breast cancer remains poorly understood. Methods: MiR-410 expression level was analyzed using Real-time PCR, and ERLIN2 expression was analyzed using Western blot, Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The effect of miR-410 on ERLIN2 3’UTR intensity was performed using a luciferase assay. Cell proliferation was analyzed using CCK-8 and colony formation assay, together with an Annexin V-PE/7-AAD kit for cell apoptosis assay. Cell migration and invasion was detected using a Transwell migration and invasion assay. Methylation specific PCR was used to examine whether miR-410 promoter was demethylated. Results: In this study, we validated that ERLIN2 was a direct target of miR-410 and miR-410 suppressed ERLIN2 expression at the post-transcriptional level. Importantly, the regulation of ERLIN2 by miR-410 was estrogen receptor (ER) dependent. Functional studies demonstrated that miR-410 inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, but promoted cell apoptosis. However, inhibition of miR-410 resulted in opposite effects. A xenograft nude mouse model further confirmed that miR-410 suppressed breast tumor growth. In addition, miR-410 modulated the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes. ERLIN2 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as EMT. ERLIN2 overexpression can restore the cell proliferation, migration and invasion that were inhibited by miR-410. Furthermore, our data demonstrated that miR-410 inhibition suppressed the expression of endoplasmic reticulum-stress (ERS)-related genes, while ERLIN2 knockdown abrogated the effects of miR-410 inhibitor. Finally, we showed that miR-410 was downregulated in human ER-positive breast cancer tissues, inversely correlated with ERLIN2. We further demonstrated the downregulation of miR-410 in breast cancer might be due to the hypermethylation of its promoter. Conclusions: Our study indicates that miR-410 suppresses cell growth, migration and invasion by directly downregulating ERLIN2 in ER positive breast cancer, acting as a tumor suppressor. Our study also suggests that miR-410 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for patients with ER positive breast cancer.
Development of a Genetic and Clinical Data-Based (GC) Risk Score for Predicting Survival of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients After Tumor Resection
Authors: Chen Shengsen , Wang Chao , Cui An , Yu Kangkang , Huang Chong , Zhu Mengqi , Chen Mingquan
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the transport of long-chain fatty acids for β-oxidation. Increasing evidence has indicated that CPT1A plays an important role in carcinogenesis. However, the expression and prognostic value of CPT1A in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been extensively studied. Methods: Here, we collected 66 post-operative liver cancer tissue samples. Gene profile expression was tested by RT-PCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed and multivariate analysis with Cox’s Proportional Hazard Model was used for confirming the selected markers’ predictive efficiency for HCC patients’ survival. A simple risk scoring system was created based on Cox’s regression modeling and bootstrap internal validation. Results: Cox multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that CPT1A, tumor size, intrahepatic metastasis, TNM stage and histological grade were independent risk factors for the prognosis of HCC patients after surgery. Our genetic and clinical data-based (GC) risk scoring system revealed that HCC patients whose total score≥3 are more likely to relapse and die than patients whose total score < 3. Finally, the good discriminatory power of our risk scoring model was validated by bootstrap internal validation. Conclusions: The genetic and clinical data-based risk scoring model can be a promising predictive tool for liver cancer patients’ prognosis after operation.
Na+-Leak Channel, Non-Selective (NALCN) Regulates Myometrial Excitability and Facilitates Successful Parturition
Authors: Reinl Erin L. , Zhao Peinan , Wu Wenjie , Ma Xiaofeng , Amazu Chinwendu , Bok Rachael , Hurt K. Joseph , Wang Yong , England Sarah K. 
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Uterine contractility is controlled by electrical signals generated by myometrial smooth muscle cells. Because aberrant electrical signaling may cause inefficient uterine contractions and poor reproductive outcomes, there is great interest in defining the ion channels that regulate uterine excitability. In human myometrium, the Na+ leak channel, non-selective (NALCN) contributes to a gadolinium-sensitive, Na+-dependent leak current. The aim of this study was to determine the role of NALCN in regulating uterine excitability and examine its involvement in parturition. Methods: Wildtype C57BL/6J mice underwent timed-mating and NALCN uterine expression was measured at several time points across pregnancy including pregnancy days 7, 10, 14, 18 and 19. Sharp electrode current clamp was used to measure uterine excitability at these same time points. To determine NALCN’s contribution to myometrial excitability and pregnancy outcomes, we created smooth-muscle-specific NALCN knockout mice by crossing NALCNfx/fx mice with myosin heavy chain Cre (MHCCreeGFP) mice. Parturition outcomes were assessed by observation via surveillance video recording cre control, flox control, smNALCN+/-, and smNALCN-/- mice. Myometrial excitability was compared between pregnancy day 19 flox controls and smNALCN-/- mice. Results: We found that in the mouse uterus, NALCN protein levels were high early in pregnancy, decreased in mid and late pregnancy, and then increased in labor and postpartum. Sharp electrode current clamp recordings of mouse longitudinal myometrial samples from pregnancy days 7, 10, 14, 18, and 19 revealed day-dependent increases in burst duration and interval and decreases in spike density. NALCN smooth muscle knockout mice had reduced myometrial excitability exemplified by shortened action potential bursts, and an increased rate of abnormal labor, including prolonged and dysfunctional labor. Conclusions: Together, our findings demonstrate that the Na+ conducting channel NALCN contributes to the myometrial action potential waveform and is important for successful labor outcomes.
Association Between Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-2α (HIF-2α) Expression and Colorectal Cancer and Its Prognostic Role: a Systematic Analysis
Authors: Han Susu , Huang Tao , Li Wen , Liu Shanshan , Yang Wei , Shi Qi , Li Hongjia , Ren Jianlin , Hou Fenggang
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Although some studies showed that HIF-2α expression was correlated with an unfavorable prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC), the prognostic results remain conflicting in CRC. The present study was performed to evaluate the association between HIF-2α expression and the clinicopathological features of this disease and to examine the potential prognostic role of HIF-2α expression in CRC. Methods: Pooled odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated from available publications, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used to estimate the required sample information. Results: HIF-2α protein expression was more frequent in CRC than in normal colonic tissues (OR = 150.49, P < 0.001), higher in male than female CRC patients (OR = 1.47, P = 0.008), and lower in high-grade than low-grade CRC (OR = 0.49, P = 0.029). TSA verified the reliability of the above results. HIF-2α expression was not linked to the prognosis of CRC in overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), metastasis-free survival, and relapse-free survival, and no significant correlation was found between HIF-2α alteration and OS or disease-free survival (DFS) of CRC. Expression of both HIF-2α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA, VEGFB, or VEGFC) was associated with a poor metastasis-free survival of CRC (HR = 6.95, HR = 113.51, and HR = 8.11, respectively). No association was observed between HIF-2α expression and DFS in other cancers, but HIF-2α expression was correlated with a worse DFS of CRC (HR = 1.23, P = 0.037). Moreover, HIF-2α expression was linked to a good survival benefit in some cancers (B-cell lymphoma and lung adenocarcinoma: OS, multiple myeloma: DSS, breast cancer: distant metastasis-free survival, liposarcoma: distant recurrence-free survival) (all HRs < 1, Ps < 0.05). Conclusions: HIF-2α expression may be associated with the carcinogenesis of CRC, which is higher in males than in females, negatively linked to tumor differentiation, and correlated with a worse DFS of CRC. Additional prospective studies are needed.
Impacto do etanol e consumo de café na qualidade de sono de acadêmicos de medicina
Authors: Martinez Gabriel , Escãno Heitor Castanharo , Sousa Maria Helena de , Pinto Clovis Antonio Lopes
Published: July 2018

Introdução: O consumo de etanol e café podem ser retratados como disruptores de sono principalmente em estudantes de medicina, o que pode prejudicar o bem estar e as atividades cotidianas desses graduandos. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade de sono e sua possível correlação entre o consumo de etanol e café em estudantes da Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí. Modelo de estudo: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 143 estudantes de medicina que responderam os questionários específicos referentes à qualidade de sono (PSQI–BR), consumo de etanol (AUDIT) e consumo de café. A associação entre essas variáveis foi avaliada através de testes de qui-quadrado e análise de regressão linear. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram que 65,7% dos estudantes que responderam o questionário apresentaram índice de qualidade de sono ruim (PSQI–BR > 5 pontos), 71,3% apresentaram consumo de baixo risco de etanol. A qualidade de sono apresentou correlação fraca (R = 0.251), porém significativa (p = 0.020) somente com o consumo de etanol. Conclusão: A presença desse resultado sinaliza a necessidade de projetos e cuidados que visem a promoção da qualidade de vida dos estudantes de medicina.
BCG In the treatment of recurrent. Genital condyloma accuminatum
Authors: Shan Chen Jen , Lucon Antonio Marmo , Srougi Miguel
Published: July 2018

Introduction: The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmissible disease. The treatment of Condyloma Accuminatum is a great challenge because of the high recurrence rate and of the lack of any drug efficient in its elimination. Objective: To assess the efficacy of the treatment with Imuno BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) for bearers of condylomas recurrent for more than 2 years. Patients and Methods: Patients with age between 18 and 60 years, having a history of more than 2 years of genital warts, were included, attended as from 01-08-2011; bearers of serious diseases, immunodeficiency or users of immune-suppressors, being excluded. The procedure adopted began with a biopsy of the wart(s) with local anesthetic, followed by the electro-coagulation of all the warts and bases of the biopsies, a solution with 80 mg of Imuno BCG dissolved in 2 ml of saline solution 0.9% was applied to all the genital area, including the cauterized areas. The area was covered with plastic for 2 hours and afterwards washed with water. The local application of Imuno BCG was repeated for 8 consecutive weeks. At the end of the second month the cases were re-assessed. When there was clinical recurrence a new procedure with the same drug was undertaken, but with 3 weekly applications made by the patient himself for 8 weeks. Result: Sixteen patients completed 2-year follow-up. The cure rate was of 62.5%. Of the 10 patients cured, 6 (37.5%) used one series of Imuno BCG, 1 (6.25%) used 2 series, and 3 (18.75%) used 3 series. Of the 6 patients who were not cured, there was a reduction in the number of cauterizations from 5.5 times (over an average period of the disease of 51.6 months) to 2.4 cauterizations (over an average follow-up period of 52.3 months) after the use Imuno BCG. The collateral effects of the use of Imuno BCG were insignificant. Conclusion: Topical BCG is a good option for the treatment of recurrent condylomas, with minimal collateral effect. It may be used even on PPD-negative patients. However, this result must be confirmed with larger sample populations and control-group studies.
Miosite relacionada ao vírus da dengue
Authors: Gomes Paloma Feitosa Pinho , Franco Laila Morais Nahass , Castro Géssyka Soares , Melo Neuza Helena de Paula , Faria Talitha Araújo
Published: July 2018

A dengue é uma doença infecciosa viral causada por um arbovírus, havendo quatro sorotipos virais diferentes, todos relacionados com dengue clássica, podendo causar várias formas clínicas. No Brasil, desde 2010, existem os quatro sorotipos circulando. A mialgia é uma queixa recorrente na doença, mas raramente são descritos quadros de miosite. Esta, quando ocorre, afeta principalmente os membros inferiores culminando com a diminuição ou até a incapacitação transitória do deambular, o que ocasiona a busca por atendimento médico. O objetivo do presente estudo é relatar sobre a miosite viral como manifestação da dengue em dois casos ocorridos no mesmo período em Paracatu-MG.
Temporal Trends in Contemporary Use of Ventricular Assist Devices by Race and Ethnicity
Authors: Breathett Khadijah , Allen Larry A. , Helmkamp Laura , Colborn Kathryn , Daugherty Stacie L. , Blair Irene V. , Jones Jacqueline , Khazanie Prateeti , Mazimba Sula , McEwen Marylyn , Stone Jeff , Calhoun Elizabeth , Sweitzer Nancy K. , Peterson Pamela N.
Published: July 2018

Background

The proportion of racial/ethnic minorities receiving ventricular assist devices (VADs) has previously been less than expected. It is unclear if trends have changed since the broadening of access to insurance in 2014 and the rapid adoption of VAD technology.

Methods and Results

Using the Interagency Registry of Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support, we analyzed time trends by race/ethnicity for 10 795 patients (white, 67.4%; African-American, 24.8%; Hispanic, 6.3%; Asian, 1.5%) who had a VAD implanted between 2012 and 2015. Linear models were fit to the annual census-adjusted rate of VAD implantation for each racial/ethnic group, stratified by sex and age group. From 2012 to 2015, African-Americans had an increase in the census-adjusted annual rate of VAD implantation per 100 000 (0.26 [95% confidence interval, 0.17–0.34]) while other ethnic groups exhibited no significant changes (white: 0.06 [−0.03 to 0.14]; Hispanic: 0.04 [−0.05 to 0.12]; Asian: 0.04 [−0.04 to 0.13]). Stratified by sex, rates increased in both African-American men and women (
P
<0.05), but the change in rate was highest among African-American men (men 0.37 [0.28–0.46]; women 0.16 [0.07–0.25]; interaction with sex
P
=0.004). Stratified by age group, rates increased in African-Americans aged 40 to 69 years and Asians aged 50 to 59 years (
P
<0.05). The observed differential change in VAD implantation rate by age group was significant among African-Americans (interaction with age,
P
<0.01) and Asians (interaction with age,
P
=0.02).

Conclusions

From 2012 to 2015, VAD implantation rates increased among African-Americans but not other racial/ethnic groups. The greatest increase in rate was observed among middle-aged African-American men, suggesting a decline in racial disparities. Further investigation is warranted to reduce disparities among women and older racial/ethnic minorities.
Recanalization in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Aguiar de Sousa Diana , Lucas Neto Lia , Canhão Patrícia , Ferro José M.
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

The role of recanalization of the occluded dural sinus or vein in the outcome of patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is not established. We aimed to systematically review, in patients with CVT, (1) the recanalization rate and its association with (2) clinical outcome and (3) CVT recurrence.

Methods—

Systematic search in MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), Cochrane Library, and
clinicaltrials.gov
(inception to September 2017). We considered cohort studies reporting the recanalization rate in adult patients with CVT treated with anticoagulation. Reported rates of venous recanalization at the last follow-up, functional outcome defined using the modified Rankin scale at last follow-up dichotomized for favorable (0–1) and unfavorable (2–6) outcome, and recurrence rate of CVT according to recanalization status were extracted independently by 2 authors. Meta-analyses of proportions were performed using Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. Functional outcomes according to the recanalization status were compared using meta-analysis and ordinal logistic regression. We conducted sensitivity analyses for time to assessment of recanalization and study quality.

Results—

Four hundred sixty-eight studies were identified, and 19 studies were included. (1) We found report of 694 patients with recanalization in the follow-up among 818 cases of CVT. The overall pooled proportion of patients achieving recanalization was 85% (95% confidence interval, 80–89; I
2
=58%). In studies with higher methodological quality, the recanalization rate was 77% (95% confidence interval, 70–82; I
2
=0%). (2) There was a significant increase in the chance of favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale, 0–1) in patients with recanalization with a pooled odds ratio of 3.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.2–8.9; I
2
=32%) in the random effects meta-analysis and a common odds ratio of 3.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.7–6.3) in the ordinal logistic regression. (3) Data on CVT recurrence according to recanalization was scarce.

Conclusions—

The overall rate of recanalization in patients receiving anticoagulation was 85%, but exclusion of severe patients from follow-up imaging is a plausible source of bias. Lack of venous recanalization was associated with worse clinical outcome.
An Empirical Evaluation of Rule Extraction from Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Qinglong , Zhang Kaixuan , Ororbia II Alexander G. , Xing Xinyu , Liu Xue , Giles C. Lee
Published: July 2018

Rule extraction from black box models is critical in domains that require model validation before implementation, as can be the case in credit scoring and medical diagnosis. Though already a challenging problem in statistical learning in general, the difficulty is even greater when highly nonlinear, recursive models, such as recurrent neural networks (RNNs), are fit to data. Here, we study the extraction of rules from second-order RNNs trained to recognize the Tomita grammars. We show that production rules can be stably extracted from trained RNNs and that in certain cases, the rules outperform the trained RNNs.
Recognition Dynamics in the Brain under the Free Energy
Principle
Authors: Kim Chang Sub
Published: July 2018

We formulate the computational processes of perception in the framework of the principle of least action by postulating the theoretical action as a time integral of the variational free energy in the neurosciences. The free energy principle is accordingly rephrased, on autopoetic grounds, as follows: all viable organisms attempt to minimize their sensory uncertainty about an unpredictable environment over a temporal horizon. By taking the variation of informational action, we derive neural recognition dynamics (RD), which by construction reduces to the Bayesian filtering of external states from noisy sensory inputs. Consequently, we effectively cast the gradient-descent scheme of minimizing the free energy into Hamiltonian mechanics by addressing only the positions and momenta of the organisms' representations of the causal environment. To demonstrate the utility of our theory, we show how the RD may be implemented in a neuronally based biophysical model at a single-cell level and subsequently in a coarse-grained, hierarchical architecture of the brain. We also present numerical solutions to the RD for a model brain and analyze the perceptual trajectories around attractors in neural state space.
A distinctive new species of Thelocactus (Cactaceae) from Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: DAVIS TRISTAN J. , HERNÁNDEZ HÉCTOR M. , STARR GREG D. , GÓMEZ-HINOSTROSA CARLOS
Published: July 2018

Thelocactus tepelmemensis, a distinctive new species of Cactaceae from northern Oaxaca, Mexico, is described and illustrated. The new species is closest to T. leucacanthus but differs significantly from this and other species in the genus by a combination of morphological characters: smaller, red-purple flowers; stems with ribs consistently vertical; lower number of spines per areole, these being usually shorter; ovoid fruit; and seeds with conjunct micropyle. The new species is found in a narrow canyon growing on steep limestone rock faces protected from direct afternoon sun. The only known population appears to be locally common but geographically restricted.
Vincetoxicum xinpingense (Asclepiadeae, Asclepiadoideae, Apocynaceae), a new species from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: JIANG LI-QIONG , LI YUAN-YUAN , ZHU XIN-XIN , WANG YUE-HUA , PENG HUA
Published: July 2018

Vincetoxicum xinpingense, a new species from the Ailao Mountains in Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to V. sublanceolatum, Tylophora forrestii, and T. chingtungensis, but can be distinguished by several characters: shape and size of leaves, size of corolla lobes, length and shape of corona, attachment position of corona to the anthers, and orientation of pollinia. In addition, conservation status and other relevant notes are provided.
Printed, or just indelible? On the earliest legitimate names, authorship and typification of the taxa described from Italy by Huter, Porta and/or Rigo
Authors: GALASSO GABRIELE , BARTOLUCCI FABRIZIO , PERUZZI LORENZO
Published: July 2018

Information about the earliest legitimate names, authorship and typification is provided for 16 taxa described from Italy by R. Huter, P. Porta and/or G. Rigo. Lectotypes are designated for the following eight taxa: Achillea rupestris, Achillea moschata var. calcarea, Bellis margaritifolia, Cerastium campanulatum var. granulatum, Leucanthemum laciniatum, Melampyrum barbatum var. variegatum, Tanacetum tridactylites, and Vicia serinica.
A remarkable new species of Sinotilla Lelej (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae: Smicromyrmini) from Taiwan and an overview of color diversity in East Asian mutillid females
Authors: OKAYASU JURIYA , WILLIAMS KEVIN A. , LELEJ ARKADY S.
Published: July 2018

A remarkable new species, Sinotilla nigrothoracica sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on females from Taiwan. This new species is characteristic in having indistinct hypostomal teeth and a black mesosoma with the lateral margins strongly convergent posteriorly. An overview of female color patterns in the far-eastern Palaearctic and eastern Oriental regions is also presented.
Endophallus structure: a promising tool for cryptic species identification in Timarcha Samouelle, 1819 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae)
Authors: PETITPIERRE EDUARD , ANICHTCHENKO ALEXANDER
Published: July 2018

Contrary to the subtle differences of habitus found between many species of Timarcha their internal sacs of male genitalia have shown a remarkable variation. Thirty-two Palaearctic taxa, mostly from the Iberian Peninsula, have been analyzed for this trait, which can be used for species diagnosis and also for establishing species groups of close relatedness in agreement mainly with genetic analyses. According with this trait, new synonymies and taxonomical changes are proposed: T. intermedia carmelenae Petitpierre, 2013 stat. nov., T. intermedia kiesenwetteri Kraatz, 1879 stat. nov., T. intermedia lugens Rosenhauer, 1856 stat. nov.; T. sinuatocollis monserratensis Bechyné, 1962 comb. nov.; T. piochardi Fairmaire, 1874 stat. nov.; T. tortosensis Bechyné, 1948 stat. nov.; T. perezii Fairmaire, 1884 syn. nov. and T. asturiensis Kraatz, 1879 syn. nov. = T. geniculata Germar, 1824. Furthermore, the endophalli of T. hummeli, T. carmelenae, T. kiesenwetteri, T. lugens, T. tenebricosa, T. parvicollis, T. insparsa, T. marginicollis, T. balearica, T. strangulata spp., T. calceata, T. scabripennis, T. espanoli, T. monticola, T. cyanescens, T. interstitialis, T. aurichalcea, T. oblongula, T. hispanica and T. granadensis are illustrated. One new species, T. aitanae sp. nov. is described.
Lifetime Evolution of Outer Tropical Cyclone Size and Structure as Diagnosed from Reanalysis and Climate Model Data
Authors: Schenkel Benjamin A. , Lin Ning , Chavas Daniel , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Oppenheimer Michael , Brammer Alan
Published: July 2018

The present study examines the lifetime evolution of outer tropical cyclone (TC) size and structure in the North Atlantic (NA) and western North Pacific (WNP). The metric for outer TC size is the radius at which the azimuthal-mean 10-m azimuthal wind equals 8 m s−1 ( r8) derived from the NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) and GFDL High-Resolution Forecast-Oriented Low Ocean Resolution model (HiFLOR). Radial profiles of the azimuthal-mean 10-m azimuthal wind are also analyzed to demonstrate that the results are robust across a broad range of wind radii. The analysis shows that most TCs in both basins are characterized by 1) minimum lifetime r8 at genesis, 2) subsequent substantial increases in r8 as the TC wind field expands, 3) peak r8 values occurring near or after the midpoint of the TC lifetime, and 4) nontrivial decreases in r8 and outer winds during the latter part of the TC lifetime. Compared to the NA, WNP TCs are systematically larger up until the end of their lifetime, exhibit r8 growth and decay rates that are larger in magnitude, and are characterized by an earlier onset of lifetime maximum r8 near their lifetime midpoint. In both basins, the TCs exhibiting the largest r8 increases are the longest lived, especially those that traverse the longest distances (i.e., recurving TCs). Finally, analysis of TCs undergoing extratropical transition (ET) shows that NA TCs exhibit negligible changes in r8 during ET, while WNP ET cases either show r8 decreases (CFSR) or negligible changes in r8 (HiFLOR).
Impacts of the 1900–74 Increase in Anthropogenic Aerosol Emissions from North America and Europe on Eurasian Summer Climate
Authors: Undorf S. , Bollasina M. A. , Hegerl G. C.
Published: July 2018

The impact of North American and European (NAEU) anthropogenic aerosol emissions on Eurasian summer climate during the twentieth century is studied using historical single- and all-forcing (including anthropogenic aerosols, greenhouse gases, and natural forcings) simulations from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). Intermodel agreement on significant linear trends during a period of increasing NAEU sulfate emissions (1900–74) reveals robust features of NAEU aerosol impact, supported by opposite changes during the subsequent period of decreasing emissions. Regionally, these include a large-scale cooling and associated anticyclonic circulation, as well as a narrowing of the diurnal temperature range (DTR) over Eurasian midlatitudes. Remotely, NAEU aerosols induce a drying over the western African and northern Indian monsoon regions and a strengthening and southward shift of the subtropical jet consistent with the pattern of temperature change. Over Europe, the temporal variations of observed temperature, pressure, and DTR tend to agree better with simulations that include aerosols. Throughout the twentieth century, aerosols are estimated to explain more than a third of the simulated interdecadal forced variability of European near-surface temperature and more than half between 1940 and 1970. These results highlight the substantial aerosol impact on Eurasian climate, already identifiable in the first half of the twentieth century. This may be relevant for understanding future patterns of change related to further emission reductions.
Diagnostic Analysis of Various Observation Impacts in the 3DVAR Assimilation System of Global GRAPES
Authors: Zhang Lihong , Gong Jiandong , Wang Ruichun
Published: July 2018

Observation impact studies have received increasing amounts of research attention. The impacts of observations on numerical weather prediction (NWP) are highly dependent on assimilation algorithm, prediction system, and observation source. Therefore, the major NWP centers worldwide have each developed their own diagnostic techniques to assess observation impacts. However, similar diagnostic techniques have not yet been developed in China. In this study, a diagnostic technique was exploited with the randomized perturbation method in the Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction System (GRAPES) 3DVAR system, and then applied to evaluate observation impacts for various regions of the world. It was found that a reasonable and stable estimation could be obtained when the number of perturbations was greater than 15. Because of differences in observations in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, refractivity data from GNSS radio occultation (GNSS-RO), satellite radiance, and atmospheric motion vector data had more impact in the Southern Hemisphere than in the Northern Hemisphere. However, radiosonde data, aircraft, and surface data were more important in the Northern Hemisphere. Low-impact observation points were located in data-rich areas, whereas high-impact observation points were located in data-poor areas. In the equatorial region, the contributions of observations to the analysis were smaller than those in the nonequatorial regions because of the lack of proper mass–wind balance relationship. Radiosondes contributed the largest impact in China and its surrounding regions, with contributions of radiosondes and GNSS-RO data exceeding 60% of the total contributions, except for wind speed below 700 hPa.
Elevated serum YKL-40 correlates with clinical characteristics in patients with polymyositis or dermatomyositis
Authors: Gao Ming-Zhu , Wei Yun-Yu , Xu Qiang-Wei , Ji Rong , Han Zhi-Jun , Jiang Ting-Wang
Published: July 2018

Background

Serum YKL-40 has been proved to be a promising biomarker for estimating the disease activity of several autoimmune diseases. However, its utility in polymyositis or dermatomyositis has not been established. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of YKL-40 in patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis.

Method

Patients with definite polymyositis/dermatomyositis who visited the Second People’s Hospital of Wuxi between April 2016 and March 2017 were prospectively enrolled. Eighty-seven healthy individuals were set as a control. Serum YKL-40 of all participants was determined using ELISA. The associations between YKL-40 and clinical characteristics of polymyositis/dermatomyositis were analysed using the Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney test and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

A total of 99 patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis were enrolled. The patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis had significantly higher serum YKL-40 concentration. Patients with interstitial lung disease had significantly higher YKL-40 concentration than those without. Serum YKL-40 was positively correlated with myositis disease activity assessment visual analogue scale, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and ferritin. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of YKL-40 for identifying interstitial lung disease was 0.82.

Conclusions

Serum YKL-40 is a useful biomarker for estimating disease activity or severity of polymyositis/dermatomyositis.
Examining the Association Between Massage Parlors and Neighborhood Crime
Authors: Huff Jessica , Wallace Danielle , Riggs Courtney , Katz Charles M. , Choate David
Published: July 2018

Although massage parlors have been associated with illicit activities including prostitution, less is known about their association with neighborhood crime. Employing the Computer Automated Dispatch/Record Management System (CAD/RMS), online user review, licensing, Census, and zoning data, we examine the impact of massage parlors on crime in their surrounding neighborhoods. Using spatial autoregressive models, our results indicate the total number of massage parlors was associated with increased social disorder. The presence of illicit massage parlors in adjacent neighborhoods was associated with crime and physical disorder in the focal neighborhoods. This study has consequences for how police address crime associated with massage parlors. Specifically, the use of online user review forums could be an effective way to identify illicit massage parlors. Recommendations for policing and code enforcement are discussed.
The Long-Term Economic Impact of Criminalization in American Childhoods
Authors: Smith James P.
Published: July 2018

This article documents arrest and conviction histories before age 26 years of Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) respondents using a retrospective module that I designed. I find strong positive cohort effects in rising probabilities of arrest for all demographic subgroups. This increased contact with the criminal justice system across birth cohorts was at a more rapid rate over time among Whites and women. These rising rates of arrests and convictions are associated with lower probabilities of being married, lower weeks worked, lower hourly wages, and lower family incomes during the adult years. The size of the estimated associations is quite large.
Motivation for movement: Influences for walking event participation
Authors: Beauchemin James D , Gibbs Todd A , Granello Paul F , Gabana Nicole T
Published: July 2018

Background:

There is widespread evidence of the health and wellness benefits associated with moderate physical activity, and lack of engagement with these behaviours remains a significant contributor to the burden of chronic disease in the US adult population. There are clear benefits to identifying motivational factors that facilitate increased personal adherence to physical activity behaviours.

Objective:

This study explored motivational influences on personal adherence to physical activity by examining the factors related to the behaviours of participants in an organised walking event.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey involving items for demographic variables, walking habits, perceived wellness, fulfilment of psychological needs, presence of chronic illness and motives for physical activity.

Setting:

The study sample included participants in a large US Midwestern walking event ( N = 345) across a variety of demographic characteristics.

Method:

Study participants completed an online survey that gathered information related to personal demographics, behaviours and sources of motivation as measured by the Motives for Physical Activity Measure–Revised scale. This instrument was developed within the context of self-determination theory to measure different motives for implementing behaviours associated with physical activity.

Results:

Findings revealed different intrinsic (competence, enjoyment and social) and extrinsic (fitness and appearance) motivational influences on participation in walking events that varied based upon demographic characteristics.

Conclusion:

Motives for participation in walking events, as a mode of health promotion, are influenced by demographic characteristics and health states, and may be relevant for focused efforts to promote engagement with physical activity programming.
Managing diverse teams by enhancing team identification: The mediating role of perceived diversity
Authors: Shemla Meir , Wegge Jürgen
Published: July 2018

Although diversity provides a greater pool of knowledge and perspectives, teams often do not realize the potential offered by these additional informational resources. In this study, we develop a new model seeking to explain when and how teams that are diverse in terms of educational background utilize the afforded informational variety by engaging in deeper elaboration of task-relevant information. We found that collective team identification moderated the relationship between educational team diversity and elaboration of task-relevant information, such that under high (low) levels of team identification, educational diversity was positively (negatively) related to information elaboration. As expected, this moderating effect was shown to be mediated simultaneously through two different types of perceived team diversity. We found that the negative path was mediated through a perceived diversity measure reflecting a split into subgroups, whereas the positive path was mediated through a perceived diversity measure reflecting perceived educational heterogeneity. Taken together, this study contributes to the team diversity literature by shedding light on the important role of collective team identification in unlocking the potential of objective educational team diversity, by uncovering the underlying mechanisms accounting for this effect, and by demonstrating the usefulness of distinguishing between different types of perceived diversity.