bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contracting C2C12 myotubes release CCL2 in an NF-κB-dependent manner to induce monocyte chemoattraction
Authors: Miyatake Shouta , Bilan Philip J. , Pillon Nicolas J. , Klip Amira
Published: November 2015

Muscle inflammation following exercise is characterized by expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Exercise also increases muscle macrophages derived from circulating monocytes. However, it is unknown whether muscle cells themselves attract circulating monocytes, or what is the underlying mechanism. We used an in vitro system of electrical stimulation (ES) causing C2C12 myotube contraction to explore whether monocyte chemoattraction ensues and investigated the mediating chemoattractants. Conditioned medium from ES-contracted myotubes caused robust chemoattraction of THP-1 monocytes across Boyden chambers. Following ES, expression of several known monocyte chemokines [C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) and C-X-C motif ligand (CXCL)1, -2, and -5] was elevated, but of these, only recombinant CCL2 effectively reproduced monocyte migration. Electrically stimulated myotubes secreted CCL2, and neutralization of CCL2 in conditioned medium or antagonizing the CCL2 receptor (CCR2) in THP-1 monocytes inhibited ES-induced monocyte migration. N-benzyl- p-toluene sulfonamide (BTS), a myosin II-ATPase inhibitor, prevented ES-induced myotube contraction but not CCL2 gene expression and secretion. The membrane-permeant calcium chelator BAPTA-AM reduced ES-induced CCL2 secretion. Hence, electrical depolarization, rather than mechanical contraction, drives the rise in CCL2, with partial calcium input. ES activated the NF-κB pathway; NF-κB inhibitors reduced ES-induced CCL2 gene expression and secretion and repressed ES-induced THP-1 chemoattraction. Thus, electrically stimulated myotubes chemoattract monocytes through NF-κB-regulated CCL2 secretion.
Mechanical Recanalization following i.v. Thrombolysis: A Retrospective Analysis regarding Secondary Hemorrhagic Infarctions and Parenchymal Hematomas
Authors: Höltje J. , Bonk F. , Anstadt A. , Terborg C. , Pohlmann C. , Urban P. P. , Brüning R.
Published: November 2015

Introduction. In acute stroke by occlusion of the proximal medial cerebral artery (MCA) or the distal internal carotid artery, intravenous thrombolysis is an established treatment. Another option is mechanical recanalization. It remains unclear if the combination of both methods poses an additional bleeding risk. The aim of this retrospective analysis is to determine the proportion of hemorrhagic infarctions and parenchymal hematomas.Methods. Inclusion criteria were an occlusion of the carotid T or proximal MCA treated with full dose thrombolysis and mechanical recanalization. 31 patients were selected. Devices used were Trevo, Penumbra Aspiration system, Penumbra 3D Retriever, and Revive. The initial control by computed tomography was carried out with a mean delay to intervention of 10.9 hours (SD: 8.5 hours).Results. A slight hemorrhagic infarction (HI1) was observed in 2/31 patients, and a more severe HI2 occurred in two cases. A smaller parenchymal hematoma (PH1) was not seen and a space-occupying PH2 was seen in 2/31 cases. There was no significant difference in the probability of intracranial bleeding after successful (thrombolysis in cerebral infarctions 2b and 3) or unsuccessful recanalization.Conclusion. The proportion of intracranial bleeding using mechanical recanalization following intravenous thrombolysis appears comparable with reports using thrombolysis alone.
Thermal-Hydraulic Assessment of W7-X Plasma Vessel Venting System in Case of 40 mm In-Vessel LOCA
Authors: Urbonavičius E. , Kaliatka T.
Published: November 2015

This paper presents assessment of the capacity of W7-X venting system in response to in-vessel LOCA, rupture of 40 mm diameter pipe during operation mode “baking.” The integral analysis of the coolant release from the cooling system, pressurisation of PV, and response of the venting system is performed using RELAP5 code. The same coolant release rate was introduced to the COCOSYS code, which is a lumped-parameter code developed for analysis of processes in containment of the light water reactors and the detailed analysis of the plasma vessel and the venting system is performed. Different options of coolant release modeling available in COCOSYS are compared to define the base case model, which is further used for assessment of the other parameters, that is, the failure of one burst disk, the temperature in the environment, and the pressure losses in the piping of venting system. The performed analysis identified the best option for coolant release modeling and showed that the capacity of the W7-X venting system is enough to prevent overpressure of the plasma vessel in the case of in-vessel LOCA.
A New Robust Diagnostic Plot for Classifying Good and Bad High Leverage Points in a Multiple Linear Regression Model
Authors: Alguraibawi Mohammed , Midi Habshah , Imon A. H. M. Rahmatullah
Published: November 2015

Identification of high leverage point is crucial because it is responsible for inaccurate prediction and invalid inferential statement as it has a larger impact on the computed values of various estimates. It is essential to classify the high leverage points into good and bad leverage points because only the bad leverage points have an undue effect on the parameter estimates. It is now evident that when a group of high leverage points is present in a data set, the existing robust diagnostic plot fails to classify them correctly. This problem is due to the masking and swamping effects. In this paper, we propose a new robust diagnostic plot to correctly classify the good and bad leverage points by reducing both masking and swamping effects. The formulation of the proposed plot is based on the Modified Generalized Studentized Residuals. We investigate the performance of our proposed method by employing a Monte Carlo simulation study and some well-known data sets. The results indicate that the proposed method is able to improve the rate of detection of bad leverage points and also to reduce swamping and masking effects.
Sharp-Hook Acupuncture (Feng Gou Zhen) for Patients with Periarthritis of Shoulder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ji Laixi , Wang Haijun , Cao Yuxia , Yan Ping , Jin Xiaofei , Nie Peirui , Wang Chaojian , Li Rangqian , Zhang Chunlong , Yang Mingxiao , Yang Jie
Published: November 2015

TheFeng Gou Zhen(sharp-hook acupuncture) as a traditional form of ancient acupuncture is said to be particularly effective for managing periarthritis of shoulder. We conducted this randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness ofFeng Gou Zhenas an add-on compared to conventional analgesics for patients with PAS. 132 patients were randomly assigned in a 1 : 1 ratio to either a acupuncture group receiving sharp-hook acupuncture plus acupoint injection with conventional analgesics or a control group. Patients from both groups were evaluated at week 0 (baseline), week 1, and week 4. The primary outcome measure was the change from baseline shoulder pain, measured by Visual Analogue Scale at 7 days after treatment. Secondary outcome measures include the (i) function of shoulder joint and (ii) McGill pain questionnaire. The results showed that patients in acupuncture group had better pain relief and function recovery compared with control group (P<0.05) at 1 week after treatment. Moreover, there were statistical differences between two groups in VAS and shoulder joint function and McGill pain questionnaire at 4 weeks after treatment (P<0.05). Therefore, the sharp-hook acupuncture helps to relieve the pain and restore the shoulder function for patients with periarthritis of shoulder.
Optimising the (Microwave) Hydrothermal Pretreatment of Brewers Spent Grains for Bioethanol Production
Authors: Wilkinson Stuart , Smart Katherine A. , Cook David J.
Published: November 2015

For the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass, it is important to optimise the thermochemical pretreatment which is required to facilitate subsequent liberation of monomeric sugars. Here, we report optimisation of pretreatment conditions for brewers spent grains (BSG) with the main objectives of (1) working at commercially relevant high solids content, (2) minimising energy and chemical inputs, and (3) maximising downstream sugar yields.
Studies indicated there to be a play-off between pretreatment solids content, the usage of an acid catalyst, and pretreatment temperature. For example, yields of 80–90% theoretical glucose could be obtained following pretreatment at 35% w/v solids and 200°C, or at 140–160°C with addition of 1% HCl. However, at very high solids loadings (40–50% w/v) temperatures of 180–200°C were necessary to attain comparable sugar yields, even with an acid catalyst. The feasibility of producing bioethanol from feedstocks generated using these protocols was demonstrated (but not optimised) at laboratory scale.
A Review of the Updated Pharmacophore for the Alpha 5 GABA(A) Benzodiazepine Receptor Model
Authors: Clayton Terry , Poe Michael M. , Rallapalli Sundari , Biawat Poonam , Savić Miroslav M. , Rowlett James K. , Gallos George , Emala Charles W. , Kaczorowski Catherine C. , Stafford Douglas C. , Arnold Leggy A. , Cook James M.
Published: November 2015

An updated model of the GABA(A) benzodiazepine receptor pharmacophore of the α5-BzR/GABA(A) subtype has been constructed prompted by the synthesis of subtype selective ligands in light of the recent developments in both ligand synthesis, behavioral studies, and molecular modeling studies of the binding site itself. A number of BzR/GABA(A) α5 subtype selective compounds were synthesized, notably α5-subtype selective inverse agonist PWZ-029 (1) which is active in enhancing cognition in both rodents and primates. In addition, a chiral positive allosteric modulator (PAM), SH-053-2′F-R-CH3 (2), has been shown to reverse the deleterious effects in the MAM-model of schizophrenia as well as alleviate constriction in airway smooth muscle. Presented here is an updated model of the pharmacophore for α5β2γ2 Bz/GABA(A) receptors, including a rendering of PWZ-029 docked within the α5-binding pocket showing specific interactions of the molecule with the receptor. Differences in the included volume as compared to α1β2γ2, α2β2γ2, and α3β2γ2 will be illustrated for clarity. These new models enhance the ability to understand structural characteristics of ligands which act as agonists, antagonists, or inverse agonists at the Bz BS of GABA(A) receptors.
Clinical Trial and In Vitro Study for the Role of Cartilage and Synovia in Acute Articular Infection
Authors: Langenmair Elia R. , Kubosch Eva J. , Salzmann Gian M. , Beck Samuel , Schmal Hagen
Published: November 2015

Objective. Osteoarthritis is a long‐term complication of acute articular infections. However, the roles of cartilage and synovia in this process are not yet fully understood. Methods. Patients with acute joint infections were enrolled in a prospective clinical trial and the cytokine composition of effusions compared in patients with arthroplasty (n = 8) or with intact joints (n = 67). Cytokines and cell function were also analyzed using a human in vitro model of joint infection. Results. Synovial IL‐1β levels were significantly higher in patients with arthroplasty (p = 0.004). Higher IL‐1β concentrations were also found in the in vitro model without chondrocytes (p < 0.05). The anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐10 were consistently expressed in vivo and in vitro, showing no association with the presence of cartilage or chondrocytes. In contrast, FasL levels increased steadily in vitro, reaching higher levels without chondrocytes (p < 0.05). Likewise, the viability of synovial fibroblasts (SFB) during infection was higher in the presence of chondrocytes. The cartilage‐metabolism markers aggrecan and bFGF were at higher concentrations in intact joints, but also synthesized by SFB. Conclusions. Our data suggest an anti‐inflammatory effect of cartilage associated with the SFBs’ increased resistance to infections, which displayed the ability to effectively synthesize cartilage metabolites.The trial is registered with DRKS 00003536, MISSinG.
Early-Age Strength Measurement of Shotcrete
Authors: Mohajerani Abbas , Rodrigues Daniel , Ricciuti Christian , Wilson Christopher
Published: November 2015

Shotcrete or sprayed concrete is a special concrete designed for spraying onto a surface, as a construction material. With shotcrete application as a ground support system ever-present in both mining and tunnelling sectors, a major requirement of drive progression is to determine when it is safe to reenter beneath freshly sprayed concrete. Accurately determining this time is of paramount importance. Generally, this reentry time is based on measuring the developing strength of shotcrete until an adequate strength value is reached. The issue with current practice is that there is no widely accepted or generally preferred method that accurately assesses the shotcrete lining’s true early-age strength. However, there are a number of strength tests that are commercially available and used in the industry; these include the soil penetrometer, needle penetrometer, bolt screws, beam end testers, and drilled core samples. This paper researches into these testing methods and their characteristics in order to determine their accuracy, testing ranges, and suitability for in situ use in the tunnelling and mining industry. The investigation ultimately reveals that current methods all have substantial shortcomings. Based on these findings, recommendations are proposed for the applicable use of the current testing methods and recommendations for future improvements.
Impedance Operator Description of a Metasurface with Electric and Magnetic Dipoles
Authors: Felbacq Didier
Published: November 2015

A metasurface made of a collection of nanoresonators characterized by an electric dipole and a magnetic dipole was studied in the regime where the wavelength is large with respect to the size of the resonators. An effective description in terms of an impedance operator was derived.
A Segmental Approach with SWT Technique for Denoising the EOG Signal
Authors: Rajesh Naga
Published: November 2015

The Electrooculogram (EOG) signal is often contaminated with artifacts and power-line while recording. It is very much essential to denoise the EOG signal for quality diagnosis. The present study deals with denoising of noisy EOG signals using Stationary Wavelet Transformation (SWT) technique by two different approaches, namely, increasing segments of the EOG signal and different equal segments of the EOG signal. For performing the segmental denoising analysis, an EOG signal is simulated and added with controlled noise powers of 5 dB, 10 dB, 15 dB, 20 dB, and 25 dB so as to obtain five different noisy EOG signals. The results obtained after denoising them are extremely encouraging. Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values between reference EOG signal and EOG signals with noise powers of 5 dB, 10 dB, and 15 dB are very less when compared with 20 dB and 25 dB noise powers. The findings suggest that the SWT technique can be used to denoise the noisy EOG signal with optimum noise powers ranging from 5 dB to 15 dB. This technique might be useful in quality diagnosis of various neurological or eye disorders.
Mechanistic Studies on the Use ofPolygonum multiflorumfor the Treatment of Hair Graying
Authors: Han Ming-Nuan , Lu Jian-Mei , Zhang Guang-Yuan , Yu Jie , Zhao Rong-Hua
Published: November 2015

Polygonum multiflorumis a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history in hair growth promotion and hair blackening. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect and the mechanism ofPolygonum multiflorumin hair blackening. C57BL/6 mice hair fade was induced with H2O2and used in this research. Hair pigmentogenesis promotion activities of Polygonum Multiflorum Radix (PMR, raw crude drug), Polygonum Multiflorum Radix Preparata (PMRP, processed crude drug), and their major chemical constituent TSG were investigated. The regulation effects of several cytokines and enzymes such as POMC,α-MSH, MC1R, ASIP, MITF, TYR, TRP-1, and TRP-2 were investigated. PMR group gave out the most outstanding black hair among all groups with the highest contents of total melanin,α-MSH, MC1R, and TYR. Promotion of hair pigmentogenesis was slightly decreased after processing in the PMRP group. TSG as the major constituent of PMR showed weaker hair color regulation effects than both PMR and PMRP. PMR, but not PMRP, should be used to blacken hair. Theα-MSH, MC1R, and TYR were the major targets in the medicinal use of PMR in hair graying. Chemical constituents other than TSG may contribute to the hair color regulation activity of PMR.
Nondestructive Damage Assessment of Composite Structures Based on Wavelet Analysis of Modal Curvatures: State-of-the-Art Review and Description of Wavelet-Based Damage Assessment Benchmark
Authors: Katunin Andrzej
Published: November 2015

The application of composite structures as elements of machines and vehicles working under various operational conditions causes degradation and occurrence of damage. Considering that composites are often used for responsible elements, for example, parts of aircrafts and other vehicles, it is extremely important to maintain them properly and detect, localize, and identify the damage occurring during their operation in possible early stage of its development. From a great variety of nondestructive testing methods developed to date, the vibration-based methods seem to be ones of the least expensive and simultaneously effective with appropriate processing of measurement data. Over the last decades a great popularity of vibration-based structural testing has been gained by wavelet analysis due to its high sensitivity to a damage. This paper presents an overview of results of numerous researchers working in the area of vibration-based damage assessment supported by the wavelet analysis and the detailed description of the Wavelet-based Structural Damage Assessment (WavStructDamAs) Benchmark, which summarizes the author’s 5-year research in this area. The benchmark covers example problems of damage identification in various composite structures with various damage types using numerous wavelet transforms and supporting tools. The benchmark is openly available and allows performing the analysis on the example problems as well as on its own problems using available analysis tools.
A Directional Antenna in a Matching Liquid for Microwave Radar Imaging
Authors: Latif Saeed I. , Flores Tapia Daniel , Rodriguez Herrera Diego , Solis Nepote Mario , Pistorius Stephen , Shafai Lotfollah
Published: November 2015

The detailed design equations and antenna parameters for a directional antenna for breast imaging are presented in this paper. The antenna was designed so that it could be immersed in canola oil to achieve efficient coupling of the electromagnetic energy to the breast tissue. Ridges were used in the horn antenna to increase the operating bandwidth. The antenna has an exponentially tapered section for impedance matching. The double-ridged horn antenna has a wideband performance from 1.5 GHz to 5 GHz (3.75 GHz or 110% of impedance bandwidth), which is suitable for breast microwave radar imaging. The fabricated antenna was tested and compared with simulated results, and similar bandwidths were obtained. Experiments were conducted on breast phantoms using these antennas, to detect a simulated breast lesion. The reconstructed image from the experiments shows distinguishable tumor responses indicating promising results for successful breast cancer detection.
Th1 and Th17 Cells in Tuberculosis: Protection, Pathology, and Biomarkers
Authors: Lyadova I. V. , Panteleev A. V.
Published: November 2015

The outcome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection ranges from a complete pathogen clearance through asymptomatic latent infection (LTBI) to active tuberculosis (TB) disease. It is now understood that LTBI and active TB represent a continuous spectrum of states with different degrees of pathogen “activity,” host pathology, and immune reactivity. Therefore, it is important to differentiate LTBI and active TB and identify active TB stages.
CD4+ T cells play critical role during Mtb infection by mediating protection, contributing to inflammation, and regulating immune response. Th1 and Th17 cells are the main effector CD4+ T cells during TB. Th1 cells have been shown to contribute to TB protection by secreting IFN‐γ and activating antimycobacterial action in macrophages. Th17 induce neutrophilic inflammation, mediate tissue damage, and thus have been implicated in TB pathology. In recent years new findings have accumulated that alter our view on the role of Th1 and Th17 cells during Mtb infection. This review discusses these new results and how they can be implemented for TB diagnosis and monitoring.
A Comparative Study on Multiwavelet Construction Methods and Customized Multiwavelet Library for Mechanical Fault Detection
Authors: Yuan Jing , Wei Chenjun , Zou Bo , Zhu Jun , Wei Ying , Zi Yanyang , Zhou Yu
Published: November 2015

Inner product transform principle reveals that the basis functions most relevant or similar to the fault features are pivotal to the meaningful fault detection. Customized multiwavelet methods and practices have continued to improve over the recent years, focused on two-scale similarity transform (TST), lifting transform (LT), and lifting scheme (LS). Due to the respective advantages and disadvantages, a comparative study on the multiwavelet construction methods by TST, symmetric and dissymmetric LT, and LS is discussed in the paper, covering the differences of construction theories, the synthetic analyses of construction strategies, and the comparison of waveform characteristics along with their applicable occasions. Comprehensively utilizing the capabilities of the construction methods, a novel customized multiwavelet library is established for the accurate fault detection. The proposed method is applied to incipient fault detection of rolling bearing for electric locomotive to verify the effectiveness and feasibility.
Patch Classifier of Face Shape Outline Using Gray-Value Variance with Bilinear Interpolation
Authors: Kang Seokhoon , Kim Seonwoon
Published: November 2015

This paper proposes a method to classify whether a landmark, which consists of the outline in a face shape model in the shape model based approaches, is properly fitted to feature points. Through this method, the reliability of information can be determined in the process of managing and using the shape. The enlarged face image by image sensor is processed by bilinear interpolation. We use the gray-value variance that considers the texture feature of skin for classification of landmarks. The gray-value variance is calculated in skin area of the patch constructed around the landmark. In order to make a system strong to poses, we project the image of face to the frontal face shape model. And, to fill out each area, the area with insufficient pixel information is filled out with bilinear interpolation. When the fitting is properly done, it has the variance with a low value to be calculated for smooth skin texture. On the other hand, the variance for misaligned landmark shows a high variance by the background and facial contour gradient. We have proposed a classifier using this characteristic and, as a result, classified the true and false in the landmark with an accuracy of 83.32% through the patch classifier.
Effects of Liraglutide Combined with Short-Term Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion on Glycemic Control and Beta Cell Function in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ke Weijian , Liu Liehua , Liu Juan , Chen Ailing , Deng Wanping , Zhang Pengyuan , Cao Xiaopei , Liao Zhihong , Xiao Haipeng , Liu Jianbin , Li Yanbing
Published: November 2015

The objective of this paper is to investigate the effects of liraglutide in combination with short-term continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy on glycemic control and beta cell function in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thirty-nine eligible newly diagnosed T2DM patients were recruited and randomized to receive either of two therapies: short-term CSII alone (CSII alone group) or CSII in combination with liraglutide (CSII + Lira group) for 12 weeks. Blood glucose control, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) indices, and acute insulin response (AIR) were compared between the two groups. The patients in CSII + Lira group achieved euglycemia with equivalent insulin dosage in shorter time (1 (0) versus 2 (3) days,P=0.039). HbA1c at the end of study was comparable between two groups (6.3±0.7% versus6.0±0.5%, for CSII alone group and CSII + Lira group, resp.,P=0.325). The increment of AIR was higher in CSII + Lira group (177.58 (351.57) μU·min/mL versus 58.15 (51.30) μU·min/mL,P<0.001). However, after stopping liraglutide, its effect on beta cell function disappeared completely. Liraglutide combined with short-term CSII was effective in further improving beta cell function, but the beneficial effects did not sustain after suspension of the therapy.
Kinect-Based Vision System of Mine Rescue Robot for Low Illuminous Environment
Authors: Shang Wanfeng , Cao Xiangang , Ma Hongwei , Zang Hailong , Wei Pengkang
Published: November 2015

This paper presents Kinect-based vision system of mine rescue robot working in illuminous underground environment. The somatosensory system of Kinect is used to realize the hand gesture recognition involving static hand gesture and action. AK-curvature based convex detection method is proposed to fit the hand contour with polygon. In addition, the hand action is completed by using the NiTE library with the framework of hand gesture recognition. In addition, the proposed method is compared with BP neural network and template matching. Furthermore, taking advantage of the information of the depth map, the interface of hand gesture recognition is established for human machine interaction of rescue robot. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of Kinect-based vision system as a feasible and alternative technology for HMI of mine rescue robot.
The Effect of Tianmai Xiaoke Pian on Insulin Resistance through PI3-K/AKT Signal Pathway
Authors: Wang Nana , Li Tiegang , Han Ping
Published: November 2015

In the clinical setting, given the potential adverse effects of thiazolidinediones and biguanides, we often have difficulty in treatment that no other insulin sensitizers are available for use in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients. Tianmai Xiaoke Pian (TMXKP) is a traditional Chinese medicine tablet, which is comprised of chromium picolinate, Tianhuafen, Maidong, and Wuweizi. To understand its mechanism of action on insulin resistance, TMXKP (50 mg/kg orally) was tested in T2DM rats (induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin). Eight weeks later, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed. Area under the curve (AUC) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated, and PI3-K/AKT signal pathway-related genes and proteins were tested by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis in muscle, adipose, and liver tissues, respectively. TMXKP significantly reduced FBG, OGTT, AUC, and HOMA-IR in diabetic ratsP<0.05. Furthermore, we also observed that TMXKP could significantly decreaseIRS-1,IRS-2,PI3-K p85α, andAKT2gene expression and also IRS-1, IRS-2, PI3-K, AKT2, and p-AKT2 protein expression levelsP<0.05in diabetic rats. These findings confirm that TMXKP can alleviate insulin resistance in T2DM rats through the PI3K/AKT pathway. Thus TMXKP appears to be a promising insulin sensitizer.
Characterisation of the Oxygenation Response to Inspired Oxygen Adjustments in Preterm Infants
Authors: Sadeghi Fathabadi Omid , Gale Timothy J. , Lim Kathleen , Salmon Brian P. , Dawson Jennifer A. , Wheeler Kevin I. , Olivier Jan C. , Dargaville Peter A.
Published: November 2015

Background: Oxygen saturation (SpO2) targeting in the preterm infant may be improved with a better understanding of the SpO2 responses to changes in inspired oxygen (FiO2). Objective: We investigated the first-order FiO2-SpO2 relationship, aiming to quantify the parameters governing that relationship, the influences on these parameters and their variability. Methods: In recordings of FiO2 and SpO2 from preterm infants on continuous positive airway pressure and supplemental oxygen, we identified unique FiO2 adjustments and mapped the subsequent SpO2 responses. For responses identified as first-order, the delay, time constant and gain parameters were determined. Clinical and physiological predictors of these parameters were sought in regression analysis, and intra- and inter-subject variability was evaluated. Results: In 3,788 h of available data from 47 infants at 31 (28-33) post-menstrual weeks [median (interquartile range)], we identified 993 unique FiO2 adjustments followed by a first-order SpO2 response. All response parameters differed between FiO2 increments and decrements, with increments having a shorter delay, longer time constant and higher gain [2.9 (1.7-4.8) vs. 1.3 (0.58-2.6), p < 0.05]. Gain was also higher in less mature infants and in the setting of recent SpO2 instability, and was diminished with increasing severity of lung dysfunction. Intra-subject variability in all parameters was prominent. Conclusions: First-order SpO2 responses show variable gain, influenced by the direction of FiO2 adjustment and the severity of lung disease, as well as substantial intra-subject parameter variability. These findings should be taken into account in adjustment of FiO2 for SpO2 targeting in preterm infants.
Neuroticism in Remitted Major Depression: Elevated with Early Onset but Not Late Onset of Depression
Authors: Gade Anders , Kristoffersen Marius , Kessing Lars Vedel
Published: November 2015

Background: The personality trait of neuroticism is strongly related to depression, but depression is etiologically heterogeneous. Late-onset depression (LOD) may be more closely related to vascular factors, and previous studies of neuroticism in LOD versus early-onset depression (EOD) have not been consistent. Method: We examined neuroticism, extraversion and perceived stress in 88 fully remitted depressed patients with a mean age of 60 years and with a history of hospitalization for major depressive disorder. Patients were divided into those with onset after and those with onset before 50 years of age (LOD and EOD, respectively), and the two groups were compared both with each other and with matched control groups of healthy subjects. Results: EOD patients showed increased levels of neuroticism in comparison with both LOD and matched controls, who did not differ. The association between age of onset and neuroticism was confirmed in analyses based on age of depression onset as a continuous variable. Conclusion: Neuroticism may be an etiological factor in EOD but not or less so in LOD. This finding contributes to the growing evidence for etiological differences between early- and late-onset late-life depression.
Limited Prognostic Value of SUVmax Measured by F-18 FDG PET/CT in Newly Diagnosed Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Kim Seong-Jang , Chang Samuel
Published: November 2015

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) measured by 18-F fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (F-18 FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in newly diagnosed small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of newly diagnosed SCLC patients who were given a histological diagnosis from June 2008 to June 2014. 82 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were enrolled for final analysis (male n = 75, female n = 7). The relationship between SUVmax and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was evaluated. Results: Median follow-up was 25.0 months (range 11.6-55.5 months). The median OS was 11.2 months (range 1.6-55.5 months), and the median PFS was 6.1 months (range 0.9-55.5 months). Survival analysis showed no statistical differences in OS and PFS between high and low SUVmax groups. Conclusion: This study does not support the use of SUVmax of pretreatment F-18 FDG PET/CT scans as a prognostic tool for patients with SCLC.
Evaluation of Salivary Secretor Status of Blood Group Antigens in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus
Authors: Bakhtiari Sedigheh , Toosi Parviz , Dolati Fariba , Bakhshi Mahin
Published: November 2015

Objective: To investigate the relationship between secretion or nonsecretion of blood group antigens into the saliva and oral lichen planus (OLP). Subjects and Methods: In this study, 30 patients (women: 22, men: 8) with OLP were examined as the case group and 30 subjects without OLP matched for age and gender as the control group. Diagnosis of OLP was confirmed by clinical and histopathological examinations according to WHO criteria. The control group was randomly selected from healthy individuals without pathological oral changes seeking dental treatment. In both groups, blood group type was determined by hemagglutination, and unstimulated saliva was collected using the Navazesh technique. Establishment of salivary secretor status was carried out using the Wiener agglutination test. The data were analyzed using a χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression. Results: The patients with OLP (cases), including 22 (36.7%) women and 8 (13.3%) men with a mean age of 51 ± 14.16 years, were compared with healthy subjects (controls), comprised of 25 (41.7%) women and 5 (8.3%) men with a mean age of 50.7 ± 13.56 years. A large majority of the people examined in both groups were secretors of blood group A. On the other hand, most OLP patients were blood group B. In the case group, 25 subjects (84.4%) were secretors and 5 (16.6%) were nonsecretors. In the control group, 24 subjects (80.0%) were secretors and 6 (20.0%) were nonsecretors. There was no significant difference between the case and control groups for secretor status (p = 0.73). Conclusion: The present study did not indicate a significant difference in salivary secretor status between OLP patients compared to controls.
Calcium Signaling Pathway Genes
RUNX2
and
CACNA1C
Are Associated With Calcific Aortic Valve Disease
Authors: Guauque-Olarte Sandra , Messika-Zeitoun David , Droit Arnaud , Lamontagne Maxime , Tremblay-Marchand Joël , Lavoie-Charland Emilie , Gaudreault Nathalie , Arsenault Benoit J. , Dubé Marie-Pierre , Tardif Jean-Claude , Body Simon C. , Seidman Jonathan G. , Boileau Catherine , Mathieu Patrick , Pibarot Philippe , Bossé Yohan
Published: November 2015

Background—

Calcific aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a life-threatening disease with no medical therapy. The genetic architecture of AS remains elusive. This study combines genome-wide association studies, gene expression, and expression quantitative trait loci mapping in human valve tissues to identify susceptibility genes of AS.

Methods and Results—

A meta-analysis was performed combining the results of 2 genome-wide association studies in 474 and 486 cases from Quebec City (Canada) and Paris (France), respectively. Corresponding controls consisted of 2988 and 1864 individuals with European ancestry from the database of genotypes and phenotypes. mRNA expression levels were evaluated in 9 calcified and 8 normal aortic valves by RNA sequencing. The results were integrated with valve expression quantitative trait loci data obtained from 22 AS patients. Twenty-five single-nucleotide polymorphisms had
P
<5×10
−6
in the genome-wide association studies meta-analysis. The calcium signaling pathway was the top gene set enriched for genes mapped to moderately AS-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Genes in this pathway were found differentially expressed in valves with and without AS. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms located in
RUNX2
(runt-related transcription factor 2), encoding an osteogenic transcription factor, demonstrated some association with AS (genome-wide association studies
P
=5.33×10
−5
). The mRNA expression levels of
RUNX2
were upregulated in calcified valves and associated with eQTL-SNPs.
CACNA1C
encoding a subunit of a voltage-dependent calcium channel was upregulated in calcified valves. The eQTL-SNP with the most significant association with AS located in
CACNA1C
was associated with higher expression of the gene.

Conclusions—

This integrative genomic study confirmed the role of RUNX2 as a potential driver of AS and identified a new AS susceptibility gene,
CACNA1C
, belonging to the calcium signaling pathway.
Pulmonary Artery Denervation Reduces Pulmonary Artery Pressure and Induces Histological Changes in an Acute Porcine Model of Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Rothman Alexander M.K. , Arnold Nadine D. , Chang William , Watson Oliver , Swift Andrew J. , Condliffe Robin , Elliot Charlie A. , Kiely David G. , Suvarna S. Kim , Gunn Julian , Lawrie Allan
Published: November 2015

Background—

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality and limited treatment options. Recent studies have shown that pulmonary artery denervation improves pulmonary hemodynamics in an experimental model and in an early clinical trial. We aimed to evaluate the nerve distribution around the pulmonary artery, to determine the effect of radiofrequency pulmonary artery denervation on acute pulmonary hypertension induced by vasoconstriction, and to demonstrate denervation of the pulmonary artery at a histological level.

Methods and Results—

Histological evaluation identified a circumferential distribution of nerves around the proximal pulmonary arteries. Nerves were smaller in diameter, greater in number, and located in closer proximity to the luminal aspect of the pulmonary arterial wall beyond the pulmonary artery bifurcation. To determine the effect of pulmonary arterial denervation acute pulmonary hypertension was induced in 8 pigs by intravenous infusion of thromboxane A
2
analogue. Animals were assigned to either pulmonary artery denervation, using a prototype radiofrequency catheter and generator, or a sham procedure. Pulmonary artery denervation resulted in reduced mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance and increased cardiac output. Ablation lesions on the luminal surface of the pulmonary artery were accompanied by histological and biochemical alteration in adventitial nerves and correlated with improved hemodynamic parameters.

Conclusions—

Pulmonary artery denervation offers the possibility of a new treatment option for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Further work is required to determine the long-term efficacy and safety.
Efficacy of Ex Vivo Autologous and In Vivo Platelet Transfusion in the Reversal of P2Y
12
Inhibition by Clopidogrel, Prasugrel, and Ticagrelor
Authors: O’Connor Stephen A. , Amour Julien , Mercadier Anne , Martin Réjane , Kerneis Mathieu , Abtan Jérémie , Brugier Delphine , Silvain Johanne , Barthélémy Olivier , Leprince Pascal , Montalescot Gilles , Collet Jean-Philippe
Published: November 2015

Background—

Allogenic platelet transfusions (PT) are administered to treat excessive bleeding in patients on P2Y
12
receptor inhibitors (RI). We assessed the effect of ex vivo and in vivo PT on platelet activation and aggregation in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy.

Methods and Results—

In the Antagonize P2Y
12
Treatment Inhibitors by Transfusion of Platelets in an Urgent or Delayed Timing After Acute Coronary Syndrome or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Presentation-Acute Coronary Syndrome (APTITUDE-ACS) study, patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome or for elective percutaneous coronary intervention, receiving loading doses of clopidogrel (600 mg, n=13 or 900 mg, n=12), prasugrel 60 mg (n=10), or ticagrelor 180 mg (n=10) were included. PT was performed ex vivo by mixing platelet-rich plasma from blood sampling performed at baseline in increasing proportions with platelet-rich plasma sampled 4 hours after loading dose. The percentage restoration of residual platelet aggregation achieved with 80% proportion PT (residual platelet aggregation 80% PT mix/residual platelet aggregation baseline×100) significantly decreased with increasing potency of P2Y
12
RI (83.9±11%, 73±14%, 66.3±15%, 40.9±19% for clopidogrel 600 mg, clopidogrel 900 mg, prasugrel, and ticagrelor, respectively;
P
for trend <0.0001). In the APTITUDE-Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (APTITUDE-CABG) study, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein-platelet reactivity index, a specific marker of the P2Y
12
RI drug–effect, was assessed before and after in vivo PT administered for excessive bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery while on a maintenance dose of aspirin and clopidogrel (n=45), prasugrel (n=6), or ticagrelor (n=3). When compared with baseline, there was a significant relative increase of 23.1% in platelet activation after PT transfusion (42.2±23.6% versus 56.6±18.2%;
P
=0.0008).

Conclusions—

PT restores platelet reactivity in patients with acute coronary syndrome/percutaneous coronary intervention and in patients undergoing cardiac surgery on P2Y
12
RI while bleeding with a less effect with increasing potency of P2Y
12
inhibition.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.recherche-biomedicale.sante.gouv.fr/pro/comites/coordonnees.htm
and
http://www.cnil.fr/
. Unique identifiers: No. 301111 and No. 1547216v0.
mActive: A Randomized Clinical Trial of an Automated mHealth Intervention for Physical Activity Promotion
Authors: Martin Seth S. , Feldman David I. , Blumenthal Roger S. , Jones Steven R. , Post Wendy S. , McKibben Rebeccah A. , Michos Erin D. , Ndumele Chiadi E. , Ratchford Elizabeth V. , Coresh Josef , Blaha Michael J.
Published: November 2015

Background

We hypothesized that a fully automated mobile health (
mH
ealth) intervention with tracking and texting components would increase physical activity.

Methods and Results

mA
ctive enrolled smartphone users aged 18 to 69 years at an ambulatory cardiology center in Baltimore, Maryland. We used sequential randomization to evaluate the intervention's 2 core components. After establishing baseline activity during a blinded run‐in (week 1), in phase I (weeks 2 to 3), we randomized 2:1 to unblinded versus blinded tracking. Unblinding allowed continuous access to activity data through a smartphone interface. In phase
II
(weeks 4 to 5), we randomized unblinded participants 1:1 to smart texts versus no texts. Smart texts provided smartphone‐delivered coaching 3 times/day aimed at individual encouragement and fostering feedback loops by a fully automated, physician‐written, theory‐based algorithm using real‐time activity data and 16 personal factors with a 10 000 steps/day goal. Forty‐eight outpatients (46% women, 21% nonwhite) enrolled with a mean±
SD
age of 58±8 years, body mass index of 31±6 kg/m
2
, and baseline activity of 9670±4350 steps/day. Daily activity data capture was 97.4%. The phase I change in activity was nonsignificantly higher in unblinded participants versus blinded controls by 1024 daily steps (95% confidence interval [
CI
], −580 to 2628;
P
=0.21). In phase
II
, participants receiving texts increased their daily steps over those not receiving texts by 2534 (95%
CI
, 1318 to 3750;
P
<0.001) and over blinded controls by 3376 (95%
CI
, 1951 to 4801;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

An automated tracking‐texting intervention increased physical activity with, but not without, the texting component. These results support new
mH
ealth tracking technologies as facilitators in need of behavior change drivers.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://ClinicalTrials.gov/
. Unique identifier:
NCT01917812
.
Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Substrate Remodeling and Ablation Outcome of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Qiao Yu , Shi Rui , Hou Bingbo , Wu Lingmin , Zheng Lihui , Ding Ligang , Chen Gang , Zhang Shu , Yao Yan
Published: November 2015

Background

The effect of alcohol consumption on substrate remodeling and ablation outcome of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (
PAF
) remains unknown.

Methods and Results

We performed circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (
CPVI
) and voltage mapping of left atrium (
LA
) during sinus rhythm in 122 consecutive patients with symptomatic
PAF
(age, 55.4±9.4 years; 73.8% men). Low‐voltage zones (
LVZ
s) were semiquantitatively estimated and presented as low‐voltage index (
LVI
). Each patient's daily alcohol consumption history was recorded at baseline and classified into alcohol abstainers, moderate drinkers, and heavy drinkers based on the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism definition. Follow‐up was ≥12 months for
AF
recurrence. Alcohol abstainers and moderate and heavy drinkers were 70 (57.4%), 13 (10.6%), and 39 (32.0%), respectively. In total,
LVZ
s were observed in 44 patients (36.1%). Daily alcohol consumption independently predicted presence of
LVZ
s (odds ratio [
OR
], 1.097; 95% confidence interval [
CI
], 1.001–1.203;
P
=0.047). During mean follow‐up of 20.9±5.9 months, 40 patients (35.1%) experienced
AF
recurrence. Success rate was 81.3%, 69.2%, and 35.1% in alcohol abstainers, moderate drinkers, and heavy drinkers, respectively (overall log rank,
P
<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that both alcohol consumption and
LVI
were independent predictors of
AF
recurrence (hazard ratio [
HR
], 1.579; 95%
CI
, 1.085–2.298;
P
=0.017;
HR
, 2.188; 95%
CI
, 1.582–3.026;
P
<0.001, respectively). Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed that
LVZ
s acted as a partial mediator in effect of alcohol consumption on
AF
ablation outcomes.

Conclusions

Daily alcohol consumption was associated with atrial remodelling, and heavy drinkers have substantial risk for
AF
recurrence after
CPVI
.
Pentecostal Hermeneutics and the Society for Pentecostal Studies
Authors: Archer Kenneth J.
Published: November 2015

This address engages two interrelated pentecostal hermeneutical concerns. The first section identifies an emergence of a pentecostal theological hermeneutic integrated around a holy triad—Holy Spirit, Holy Scripture, and holy community. This resulted when Pentecostals took a linguistic and postmodern turn. The second section focuses upon the significance of the Society for Pentecostal Studies (SPS) as a hermeneutical community. SPS is a unique and diverse interpretive community comprised primarily of Pentecostals and Charismatics. SPS must live in the tension of being and performing as an academic society committed to rigorous standards of research while being a diverse community of scholars who also maintain close relationships with pentecostal and charismatic denominations, educational institutions, and coalitions.
Well-Being Thresholds and Moral Priority
Authors: Adler Matthew D.
Published: November 2015

A welfarist basic minimum is a level of well-being which is the threshold for minimally adequate lives and which serves, in some sense, as a line of moral priority. In his ambitious and philosophically sophisticated book, Dale Dorsey takes on the task of specifying a welfarist basic minimum. His account revolves around the concept of a “project”: a long-term preference that determines the subject’s actions and decisions and provides narrative unity to her life. Dorsey argues that the welfarist basic minimum is a life whose subject achieves at least one valued project. In this review essay, I present three objections to Dorsey’s views. First, his distinction between projects and other preferences is unclear, and his treatment of the problem of adaptive valuations inadequate. Second, it is very implausible that every life with at least one valued project is better than every life with none. Finally, Dorsey’s specific account of moral priority yields the Nauseating Implication (my term) that giving a single below-threshold person a single valued project morally justifies depriving an indefinite number of worse-off individuals of all their non-project goods.