bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory Activities ofStauntonia hexaphyllaLeaf Constituents on Rat Lens Aldose Reductase and Formation of Advanced Glycation End Products and Antioxidant
Authors: Hwang Seung Hwan , Kwon Shin Hwa , Kim Set Byeol , Lim Soon Sung
Published: February 2017

Stauntonia hexaphylla(Thunb.) Decne. (Lardizabalaceae) leaves (SHL) have been used traditionally as analgesics, sedatives, diuretics, and so on, in China. To date, no data have been reported on the inhibitory effect of SHL and its constituents on rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Therefore, the inhibitory effect of compounds isolated from SHL extract on RLAR and AGEs was investigated to evaluate potential treatments of diabetic complications. The ethyl acetate (EtOAC) fraction of SHL extract showed strong inhibitory activity on RLAR and AGEs; therefore, EtOAc fraction (3.0 g) was subjected to Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, for further fractionation, with 100% MeOH solvent system to investigate its effect on RLAR and AGEs. Phytochemical investigation of SHL led to the isolation of seven compounds. Among the isolated compounds, chlorogenic acid, calceolarioside B, luteolin-3′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside exhibited significant inhibitory activity against RLAR with IC50in the range of 7.34–23.99 μM. In addition, 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) propionic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and luteolin-3′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against formation of AGEs, with an IC50value of 115.07–184.06 μM, compared to the positive control aminoguanidine (820.44 μM). Based on these findings, SHL dietary supplements could be considered for the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes complication.
Utilizing Fullerenols as Surfactant for Carbon Nanotubes Dispersions Preparation
Authors: Ji Jianlong , Qiao Chang , Liu Yali , Zhang Wendong , Sang Shengbo , Yang Xing , Jian Aoqun , Duan Qianqian , Zhang Qiang , Liu Ying
Published: February 2017

Dispersions of individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are crucial for nanodevices and polymer/CNTs nanocomposites. In this paper, stable and homogenous dispersions of individual multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been synthesized. The factors influencing the dispersibility mechanism, including the surfactant concentration and the pH value, have been investigated. SEM images display the impurities sticking on MWCNTs which have been removed. The oxygen-containing groups on the surface of MWCNTs sample have been detected through FT-IR and Raman spectra. All experimental results illustrate that using fullerenols as surfactant can greatly improve the dispersibility of MWCNTs. Moreover, the prepared dispersions exhibit good stability that the sediment percentage of fullerenols-MWCNTs is only 5.2% after 5 days.
Bactericide, Immunomodulating, and Wound Healing Properties of TransgenicKalanchoe pinnataSynergize with Antimicrobial Peptide Cecropin P1 In Vivo
Authors: Lebedeva A. A. , Zakharchenko N. S. , Trubnikova E. V. , Medvedeva O. A. , Kuznetsova T. V. , Masgutova G. A. , Zylkova M. V. , Buryanov Y. I. , Belous A. S.
Published: February 2017

Procedure of manufacturingK. pinnatawater extracts containing cecropin P1 (CecP1) from the formerly described transgenic plants is established. It included incubation of leaves at +4°C for 7 days, mechanical homogenization of leaves using water as extraction solvent, and heating at +70°C for inactivating plant enzymes. Yield of CecP1 (after heating and sterilizing filtration) was 0.3% of total protein in the extract. The water extract ofK. pinnata+ CecP1 exhibits favorable effect on healing of wounds infected withS. aureus(equal to Cefazolin) and with a combination ofS. aureuswithP. aeruginosa(better than Cefazolin). Wild-typeK. pinnataextract exhibited evident microbicide activity againstS. aureuswithP. aeruginosabut it was substantially strengthened inK. pinnata+ CecP1 extract.K. pinnataextracts (both wild-type and transgenic) did not exhibit general toxicity and accelerated wound recovery. Due to immunomodulating activity, wild-typeK. pinnataextract accelerated granulation of the wound bed and marginal epithelialization even better thanK. pinnata+ CecP1 extract. Immunomodulating and microbicide activity ofK. pinnatasynergizes with microbicide activity of CecP1 accelerating elimination of bacteria.
Paracrine Effects of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells in Survival and Cytokine Expression after 90% Partial Hepatectomy
Authors: Kieling Carlos Oscar , Uribe-Cruz Carolina , López Mónica Luján , Osvaldt Alessandro Bersch , Silveira Themis Reverbel da , Matte Ursula
Published: February 2017

Acute liver failure is a complex and fatal disease. Cell-based therapies are a promising alternative therapeutic approach for liver failure due to relatively simple technique and lower cost. The use of semipermeable microcapsules has become an interesting tool for evaluating paracrine effects in vivo. In this study, we aimed to assess the paracrine effects of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) encapsulated in sodium alginate to treat acute liver failure in an animal model of 90% partial hepatectomy (90% PH). Encapsulated BMMC were able to increase 10-day survival without enhancing liver regeneration markers. Gene expression ofIl-6andIl-10in the remnant liver was markedly reduced at 6 h after 90% PH in animals receiving encapsulated BMMC compared to controls. This difference, however, was neither reflected by changes in the number of CD68+ cells nor by serum levels of IL6. On the other hand, treated animals presented increased caspase activity and gene expression in the liver. Taken together, these results suggest that BMMC regulate immune response and promote apoptosis in the liver after 90% PH by paracrine factors. These changes ultimately may be related to the higher survival observed in treated animals, suggesting that BMMC may be a promising alternative to treat acute liver failure.
A Damaged Constitutive Model for Rock under Dynamic and High Stress State
Authors: Li Yan-Long , Ma Zong-Yuan
Published: February 2017

The main research work of this paper focuses on the theoretical prediction of the constitutive relationship for rock, concrete, and other quasi-brittle materials under dynamic and complex stress state and the influence of dynamic mechanical behavior of rock on practical engineering problems was studied. A damaged elastoplastic model (DEPM) is established for the investigation and prediction of static or dynamic mechanical behavior of rock material. The mechanical behavior (brittleness or plasticity) and dynamic response (due to underground impact pressure and high-velocity impact of projectile) of rock under high in situ stress were investigated via the DEPM combined with the explicit finite element method. This paper suggests the influence of the brittle or plastic mechanical behavior of rock material on deep underground rock engineering.
Vibration-Induced Nystagmus: A Biomarker for Vestibular Deficits - A Synopsis
Authors: Hamann Karl-Friedrich
Published: February 2017

A review of more than 20 years of experience with vibratory stimulation in vestibular diseases is given. Vibrations in a frequency frame of 30-60 Hz are applied on the mastoid during 20 s. Eye movements are recorded by video-oculography to detect a vibration-induced nystagmus (VIN). A VIN occurs in cases of a side difference between the peripheral vestibular receptors beating to the side of better excitability. In patients with central lesions, a VIN does not appear generally, only exceptionally if the lesion is located laterally in the brain stem. In healthy subjects, a VIN does not occur. The VIN can be considered as an additional tool to detect a peripheral side difference and can reduce the need for caloric stimulation.
Biomarkers in Autoimmune Salivary Gland Disorders: A Review
Authors: Hofauer Benedikt , Thuermel Klaus , Gahleitner Constanze , Knopf Andreas
Published: February 2017

Salivary glands are frequent sites of manifestations of autoimmune disorders in the head and neck. Sjögren syndrome, sarcoidosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and IgG4-related sialadenitis represent the most important autoimmune salivary gland disorders. Due to the lack of specific symptoms, diagnosis of these conditions remains a challenge. Diagnosis is usually based on classification criteria involving clinical tests, histopathological evaluation, and serological examinations. Depending on the disease, biomarkers are of different value and have to be interpreted carefully. In Sjögren syndrome, antibodies against Ro/SS-A and La/SS-B are essential and part of established classification criteria. In sarcoidosis, biomarkers such as angiotensin-converting enzyme, serum amyloid A, adenosine deaminase, and soluble interleukin-2 receptor are not suitable to confirm a diagnosis due to low sensitivity and specificity, but allow a differentiation between active and inactive disease. In patients with suspected granulomatosis with polyangiitis, positivity for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) allows a diagnosis without histopathological confirmation in selected cases. In the head and neck, limited manifestations are common, in which less patients are positive for ANCA and histopathological confirmation is required. Diagnosis of IgG4-related sialadenitis solely based on elevated IgG4 serum levels is not possible. The concentration of blood plasmablasts is reported to have a higher diagnostic value.
Individual Biomarkers Using Molecular Personalized Medicine Approaches
Authors: Zenner Hans P.
Published: February 2017

Molecular personalized medicine tries to generate individual predictive biomarkers to assist doctors in their decision making. These are thought to improve the efficacy and lower the toxicity of a treatment. The molecular basis of the desired high-precision prediction is modern “omex” technologies providing high-throughput bioanalytical methods. These include genomics and epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, microbiomics, imaging, and functional analyses. In most cases, producing big data also requires a complex biomathematical analysis. Using molecular personalized medicine, the conventional physician's check of biomarker results may no longer be sufficient. By contrast, the physician may need to cooperate with the biomathematician to achieve the desired prediction on the basis of the analysis of individual big data typically produced by omex technologies. Identification of individual biomarkers using molecular personalized medicine approaches is thought to allow a decision-making for the precise use of a targeted therapy, selecting the successful therapeutic tool from a panel of preexisting drugs or medical products. This should avoid the treatment of nonresponders and responders that produces intolerable unwanted effects.
Correlation of High-Resolution Manometric Findings with Symptoms of Dysphagia and Endoscopic Features in Adults with Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: von Arnim Ulrike , Kandulski Arne , Weigt Jochen , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: February 2017

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) presents with dysphagia, but data about motility patterns using high-resolution manometry (HRM) are rare. We aimed at evaluating esophageal motility patterns in EoE and their correlation to endoscopic and dysphagia scores. Methods: Twenty-six EoE patients and 23 controls were included after 4 weeks of treatment with proton pump inhibitors. Dysphagia and endoscopic scores were evaluated before performing HRM. EoE patients were classified to have fibrostenotic (FS) or inflammatory (IF) type. HRM analysis was performed according to the Chicago classification (CC) system. Results: According to the CC, the HRM findings in EoE and controls were normal in 11 (42%) and 20 (88.5%), p < 0.0001. Weak and failed peristaltic integrity was only seen in EoE patients (failed 1/2.7%, weak 7/26.9%, p = 0.004). Of the EoE patients, 17 had IF and 9 presented with FS type. HRM parameters showed no differences according to the EoE subtype. The endoscopic score in the FS subtype was significantly higher than in EoE with IF subtype (5.33 vs. 3.58, p = 0.001). No significant difference was seen in dysphagia scores in EoE subtypes. Discussion: HRM findings in EoE are often diagnostic, but they are non-specific and do not correlate with the severity of dysphagia or endoscopic appearance. The clinical impact of HRM in EoE needs further evaluation.
CD14+CD16++ “nonclassical” monocytes are associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Urbanski Karol , Ludew Dominik , Filip Grzegorz , Filip Magdalena , Sagan Agnieszka , Szczepaniak Piotr , Grudzien Grzegorz , Sadowski Jerzy , Jasiewicz-Honkisz Barbara , Sliwa Tomasz , Kapelak Boguslaw , McGinnigle Eilidh , Mikolajczyk Tomasz , Guzik Tomasz
Published: February 2017

Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation are key mechanisms of vascular disease. We hypothesised that heterogeneity of monocyte subpopulations may be related to the development of vascular dysfunction in coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, we examined the relationships between monocyte subsets (CD14++CD16– “classical – Mon1”, CD14++CD16+ “intermediate – Mon2” and CD14+CD16++ “nonclassical – Mon3”), endothelial function and risk factor profiles in 130 patients with CAD undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. This allowed for direct nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability assessment using isometric tension studies ex vivo (acetylcholine; ACh- and sodium- nitropruside; SNP-dependent) in segments of internal mammary arteries. The expression of CD14 and CD16 antigens and activation markers were determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using flow cytometry. Patients with high CD14+CD16++ “nonclassical” and low CD14++CD16- “classical” monocytes presented impaired endothelial function. High frequency of CD14+CD16++ “nonclassical” monocytes was associated with increased vascular superoxide production. Furthermore, endothelial dysfunction was associated with higher expression of activation marker CD11c selectively on CD14+CD16++ monocytes. Nonclassical and classical monocyte frequencies remained independent predictors of endothelial dysfunction when major risk factors for atherosclerosis were taken into account (β =0.18 p=0.04 and β =-0.19 p=0.03, respectively). In summary, our data indicate that CD14+CD16++ “nonclassical” monocytes are associated with more advanced vascular dysfunction measured as NO-bioavailability and vascular reactive oxygen species production.
Platelet turnover predicts outcome after coronary intervention
Authors: Iliev Liana , Bruno Veronika , Rohla Miklos , Egger Florian , Weiss Thomas , Hübl Wolfgang , Willheim Martin , Wojta Johann , Huber Kurt , Freynhofer Matthias
Published: February 2017

Elevated platelet turnover contributes to high platelet reactivity. High platelet reactivity after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic value of platelet turnover and function with regard to MACE after PCI with stent implantation. In this prospective observational study, 486 consecutive patients after PCI on aspirin and clopidogrel were included to determine platelet turnover (mean platelet volume (MPV), reticulated platelet fraction (RPF)) and platelet function (multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA), vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein-phosphorylation (VASP-P) assay). At six-months follow-up, MACE occurred in 10.7 % of patients. RPF (odds ratio [OR]=1.173 (95% confidence interval [CI 95 %] 1.040–1.324), p=0.009) and MPV (OR=1.459 (CI 95 % 1.059–2.008), p=0.021) were univariable predictors of MACE, whereas VASP-P (OR=1.016 (CI 95 % 1.000–1.032), p=0.052) and MEA (OR=0.999 (CI 95 % 0.980–1.017), p=0.895) failed to predict MACE. RPF remained the only platelet variable independently associated with MACE. The best model to predict MACE included: troponin I (OR=1.007 (CI 95 % 1.002–1.012), p=0.009), RPF (OR=1.136 (CI 95 % 1.001–1.288), p=0.048), CRP (OR=1.008 (CI 95 % 1.001–1.014), p=0.023) and history of myocardial infarction (OR=2.039 (CI 95 % 1.093–3.806), p=0.025). RPF (OR=1.211 (CI 95 % 1.042–1.406), p=0.012) was also independently associated with in-hospital bleedings. In conclusion, RPF as index of platelet turnover is an independent predictor of MACE and bleeding events in PCI patients on dual antiplatelet therapy. Since RPF can reliably be quantified along with routine haemograms, RPF might easily be applied in the setting of cardiovascular risk prediction.
Pregnancy outcome of first trimester exposure to the vitamin K antagonist phenprocoumon depends on duration of treatment
Authors: Padberg Stephanie , Meister Reinhard , Hüttel Eleanor , Beck Evelin , Schaefer Christof
Published: February 2017

The aim of this observational cohort study was to specify the risk of the vitamin K antagonist (VKA) phenprocoumon during first trimester of pregnancy, in particular to estimate the risk of birth defects and spontaneous fetal loss. Four hundred eight pregnancies with phenprocoumon exposure were compared to 1,642 pregnancies neither exposed to VKA nor to other major teratogens or fetotoxicants. There was no typical warfarin embryopathy in our exposed cohort. However, the overall rate of major birth defects was significantly increased (7.4 % vs 2.3 %; adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] 2.14; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.4–3.4). With early cessation until five completed gestational weeks the birth defect risk was similar to the comparison cohort (2.4 % vs 2.3 %; ORadj 1.07; 95 % CI 0.2–3.6). With treatment duration exceeding seven gestational weeks the rate of major birth defects increased up to five-fold (10.8 % vs 2.3 %; ORadj 5.18; 95 % CI 2.0–11.6). The overall risk of spontaneous abortion (SAB) was 38.0 % vs 17.5 % in the comparison cohort (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj] 2.9; 95 % CI 2.2–3.9). The treatment duration had a significant effect on the hazard of SAB (HRadj 1.12; 95 % CI 1.01–1.25 per each additional exposure week). Phenprocoumon and other VKA carry an embryotoxic risk. This risk seems to be time-dependent with a steep risk increase for birth defects and also for fetal loss after week 5. If maternal disease permits, VKA therapy should be switched to safer alternatives such as heparins immediately after early recognition of pregnancy.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
High levels of latent antithrombin in plasma from patients with antithrombin deficiency
Authors: de la Morena-Barrio María , Sandoval Edna , Llamas Pilar , Wypasek Ewa , Toderici Mara , Navarro-Fernández José , Rodríguez-Alen Agustin , Revilla Nuria , López-Gálvez Raquel , Miñano Antonia , Padilla José , de la Morena-Barrio Belén , Cuesta Jorge , Vicente Vicente , Corral Javier
Published: February 2017

Antithrombin is an anticoagulant serpin that efficiently inhibits multiple procoagulant proteases. The cost for the structural flexibility required for this function is the vulnerability to mutations that impact its folding pathway. Most conformational mutations identified in serpins cause polymerisation. Only three mutations in SERPINC1 affecting two residues have been found to favour transformation to the latent conformation of antithrombin, another hyperstable non-anticoagulant form with strong antiangiogenic activity that constitutes 3 % of plasma antithrombin in healthy subjects. The analysis of latent antithrombin in 141 unrelated patients with antithrombin deficiency carrying 89 different SERPINC1 mutations identified four cases with higher levels than that of controls: p.Pro439Thr, p.Pro461Ser, p.Met283Val, and p.His401Tyr, the last also with circulating polymers. Heating of plasma at 42°C exacerbated the transformation to the latent conformation in p.Pro439Thr and p.Pro461Ser. The conformational effect of p.Met283Val, the mutation associated with the highest levels of latent antithrombin detected in four members of a family, was verified in a recombinant model. Antithrombin deficiency in these cases should be classified as pleiotropic based on the impaired reactivity and low heparin affinity of the variant. Despite high levels of latent antithrombin (up to 80 μg/ml in p.Met283Val carriers), no vascular defects were described in carriers of these mutations. In conclusion, our study identifies new residues involved in the structural stability of antithrombin (and potentially of all serpins). High levels of endogenous latent antithrombin seem to play a minor antiangiogenic effect. Finally, pleiotropic deficiencies may be caused by mutations inducing transformation to the latent conformation.
Academic Outcomes in Children With Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Oster Matthew E. , Watkins Stephanie , Hill Kevin D. , Knight Jessica H. , Meyer Robert E.
Published: February 2017

Background—

Most studies evaluating neurocognitive outcomes in children with congenital heart defects (CHD) have focused on high-risk patients or used specialized, resource-intensive testing. To determine the association of CHD with academic outcomes and compare outcomes according to the severity of CHD, we linked state educational records with a birth defects registry and birth certificates.

Methods and Results—

We performed a retrospective cohort study using data from the North Carolina Birth Defects Monitoring Program, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services vital records. We performed logistic regression, adjusting for maternal education, race/ethnicity, enrollment in public pre-Kindergarten, and gestational age, to determine the association of CHD with not meeting standards on reading and math end-of-grade examinations in third grade in 2006 to 2012. Of 5624 subjects with CHD and 10 832 with no structural birth defects, 2807 (50%) and 6355 (59%) were linked, respectively. Children with CHD had 1.24× the odds of not meeting standards in either reading or math (95% confidence interval, 1.12–1.37), with 44.6% of children with CHD not meeting standards in at least one of these areas compared with 37.5% without CHD. Although children with both critical and noncritical CHD had poorer outcomes, those with critical CHD were significantly more likely to receive exceptional services compared with the noncritical group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–1.86).

Conclusions—

Children with all types of CHD have poorer academic outcomes compared with their peers. Evaluation for exceptional services should be considered in children with any type of CHD.
African American Stroke Survivors
Authors: Skolarus Lesli E. , Freedman Vicki A. , Feng Chunyang , Burke James F.
Published: February 2017

Background—

Blacks have higher stroke incidence and experience greater poststroke disability than whites. To optimize care for stroke survivors, it is important to understand the amount of care that they receive and the implications for stroke caregivers.

Methods and Results—

Data from 2 nationally representative, population-based studies, the NHATS (National Health and Aging Trends Study) linked to the NSOC (National Study of Caregiving), were used to identify elderly stroke survivors and their caregivers. We compared hours of care received and unmet activity need among the 581 white and 225 black stroke survivors. We then performed racial comparisons of positive and negative aspects of caregiving reported by caregivers of black and white stroke survivors. Black stroke survivors were more likely than white stroke survivors to have a caregiver (62.5% versus 49.7%;
P
<0.01) and received on average more hours of help per week (31.7 versus 20.5;
P
<0.01). There was little racial difference in unmet need for assistance. Caregivers of black stroke survivors reported more positive aspects of caregiving than caregivers of white stroke survivors (6.8 versus 6.0;
P
<0.01). There was no racial difference in negative aspects of caregiving, depression, or anxiety.

Conclusions—

Black stroke survivors received an average of ≈11 more hours of care than white stroke survivors without substantial differences in unmet need. Despite providing more hours of care, caregivers of black stroke were more positive about their caregiver role than caregivers of white stroke survivors.
Impaired Health Status, Psychological Distress, and Personality in Women and Men With Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Mommersteeg Paula M.C. , Arts Lindy , Zijlstra Wobbe , Widdershoven Jos W. , Aarnoudse Wilbert , Denollet Johan
Published: February 2017

Background—

Patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD; wall irregularities, stenosis <60%), and women with NOCAD in particular, remain underinvestigated. We examined sex and gender (S&G) differences in health status, psychological distress, and personality between patients with NOCAD and the general population, as well as S&G differences within the NOCAD population.

Methods and Results—

In total, 523 patients with NOCAD (61±9 years, 52% women) were included via coronary angiography and computed tomography as part of the TWIST (Tweesteden Mild Stenosis) study. Generic health status (12-item Short Form physical and mental scales and fatigue), psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety and depressive symptoms and Global Mood Scale negative and positive affect), and personality (Type D personality) were compared between patients with NOCAD and an age- and sex-matched group of 1347 people from the general population. Frequency matching was performed to obtain a similar sex distribution in each age–decile group. Both men and women with NOCAD reported impaired health status, more psychological distress, and Type D personality compared with men and women in the reference group. Women reported more psychosocial distress compared with men, but no significant sex-by-group interaction effects were observed. Women with NOCAD reported impaired health status, more anxiety, and less positive affect, but no differences in depressive symptoms, angina, or Type D personality when compared with men with NOCAD. Age, education, employment, partner, and alcohol use explained these S&G differences within the NOCAD group.

Conclusions—

In both men and women, NOCAD was associated with impaired health status, more psychological distress, and Type D personality when compared with a reference population. Factors reflecting S&G differences explained these S&G findings in patient-reported outcomes.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01788241.
Sex Differences in Inflammatory Markers and Health Status Among Young Adults With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lu Yuan , Zhou Shengfan , Dreyer Rachel P. , Spatz Erica S. , Geda Mary , Lorenze Nancy P. , D’Onofrio Gail , Lichtman Judith H. , Spertus John A. , Ridker Paul M. , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: February 2017

Background—

Young women (≤55 years of age) with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have higher mortality risk than similarly aged men. Elevated inflammatory markers are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular outcomes after AMI, but little is known about whether young women have higher inflammatory levels after AMI compared with young men.

Methods and Results—

We assessed sex differences in post-AMI inflammatory markers and whether such differences account for sex differences in 12-month health status, using data from 2219 adults with AMI, 18 to 55 years of age, in the United States. Inflammatory markers including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 were measured 1 month after AMI. Overall, women had higher levels of hsCRP and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 after AMI compared with men, and this remained statistically significant after multivariable adjustment. Regression analyses showed that elevated 1-month hsCRP was associated with poor health status (symptom, function, and quality of life) at 12 months. However, the association between hsCRP and health status became nonsignificant after adjustment for sociodemographics, comorbidities, and treatment factors. Half of these patients had residual inflammatory risk (hsCRP >3 mg/L) compared with a third who had residual cholesterol risk (Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >100 mg/dL).

Conclusions—

Young women with AMI had higher inflammatory levels compared with young men. Elevated 1-month hsCRP was associated with poor health status at 12 months after AMI, but this was attenuated after adjustment for patient characteristics. Targeted anti-inflammatory treatments are worthy of consideration for secondary prevention in these patients if ongoing trials of anti-inflammatory therapy prove effective.
Dealings with ccp and kmt in British Hong Kong: The Shanghai Bankers, 1948–1951 (在英屬香港面對中國共產黨和中國國民黨──上海銀行家的抉擇與挑戰,1948〜1951年)
Authors: Lee (李培德) Pui-Tak
Published: February 2017

The year 1949 was a great divide in modern Chinese history. How Shanghai bankers responded to it is an interesting question to address. For those bankers who chose to leave Shanghai and settle in British Hong Kong, can we suppose they were permanently separated from China or Taiwan? It is generally assumed that once the Shanghai bankers confined themselves to their new home in Hong Kong or moved on to other locations in the United States or elsewhere, they immediately severed all ties with either mainland China under the ccp (Chinese Communist Party) or Taiwan under the kmt (Kuomintang or Guomindang). Such an assumption leads to a mistaken argument that the departure of Chinese bankers from Shanghai cut short their involvements in China politics. Perhaps it is true that some emigrant bankers never returned, but others remained in touch with their home in China, whether because they were solicited by the agents who were sent to the colony by the ccp in China and the kmt in Taiwan, or, because they took the initiative in reaching across the borders to mainland China or Taiwan. From their sanctuary in Hong Kong, how did the bankers conduct cross-border relations after 1949?

This paper will go beyond the general assumption that the Shanghai bankers turned to Hong Kong solely for the colony’s being a sanctuary during the political and economic turmoil of the 1940s. Instead, these bankers continued to engage in political confrontation to the ccp and the kmt after they fled Shanghai. This paper argues that once they were in the colony, they had to address several problems. These included, first, to choose their final destination in either Shanghai, Hong Kong or Taipei; second, whether to continue or quit their banking careers and thirdly, to find a solution in order to counteract the alignment with either the ccp or the kmt.

1949年是中國近代史的分水嶺，上海銀行家對面對動盪不安的局勢會作出怎樣的回應，是一個很值得討論的問題。一旦銀行家選擇離開上海，轉移到英屬香港，他們就可完全脫離國共內戰的地理範疇──中國大陸或臺灣嗎？一般的研究無不認為已從香港轉移到香港的上海銀行家，目的為遠離包括在大陸執政的中國共產黨或撤退至臺灣的國民黨。本文指出，這樣的設想是對當時處於動盪政治經濟局勢的上海銀行家的錯誤理解。事實上，當時是有一部份從上海撤離的銀行家並不願意再被捲入政治，但是有更多已在境外的銀行家，透過自己在國共兩黨的代表，與中國大陸或臺灣保持緊密之聯繫，也有許多銀行家是主動地發展出跨境的管道來維持與中國大陸或臺灣的關係。值得探討的是，1949年之後，這些以英屬香港為基地的跨境聯繫是如何運作的呢？

本文探討1940年代末在中國變動的政治與經濟局勢下，香港不僅為離開上海的銀行家提供一個安全的庇護所，同時更是這些銀行家在離開上海後繼續面對中國共產黨和國民黨，進行各種活動的最重要境外基地。本文指出這些上海銀行家在移居香港之際所要面對的諸多問題。首先，如何在上海、香港和臺北三地之間作出選擇，哪裏是他們最佳的落腳處？其次，是否要繼續和如何維持銀行的業務？最後，應如何因應中國共產黨和中國國民黨向他們的統戰而作出適當的反應？ (This article is in English).
Two new Zingiber (Zingiberaceae) species from Northeast India
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Singh Sushil Kumar , Sharma Sachin , Triboun Pramote
Published: February 2017

With 158 species, Zingiber Miller (1754), is one of the largest genera of Zingiberaceae mainly distributed from tropical to warm temperate Asia (WCSP 2015, Triboun et al. 2014, Chen et al. 2011 and references therein). In India, the genus is represented by 27 species (Rao & Verma 1972, Srivastava & Rao 1994, Jain & Prakash 1995, Kumar et al. 2013, Tripathi & Singh 2006, Sabu 2006, Sabu et al. 2013, Rajkumar & Leong-Škorničková 2013, Thongam et al. 2013, Thongam & Konsam 2014), of which 15 species are recorded from northeastern India, which is a hotspot for Zingiberaceae.
A new species of Moldenhawera (Leguminosae) from Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Vivas Caio Vinicius , Gaiotto Fernanda Amato , Queiroz Luciano Paganucci
Published: February 2017

Moldenhawera is a small genus of caesalpinioid legumes from eastern Brazil, characterized by the presence of T-shaped trichomes, flowers lacking a hypanthium, clawed petals with wrinkled margins, and dimorphic androecium with only one fertile stamen. Moldenhawera longipedicellata is described as a new species from the Atlantic Forest phytogeographical domain in Espírito Santo State, Brazil. It is similar to M. floribunda, M. polysperma and M. papillanthera by presenting slender staminodia filaments, longer than the anthers. However, it can be distinguished from those related species by the once-pinnate leaves (vs. bipinnate), flowers with long pedicels (2–5.9 cm long) and larger sepals (16–25 × 4–8 mm) and petals (petal claw 10–19 mm long and petal blade 14–24 × 13–23 mm).
Larval morphology of Plagiosterna adamsii (Baly) and P. aenea (Linnaeus)
with resurrection of Gastrolinoides Chûjô & Kimoto and P. formosana (Bates) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae)
Authors: CHO HEE-WOOK , ŚWIĘTOJAŃSKA JOLANTA
Published: February 2017

Larvae of Plagiosterna adamsii (Baly, 1864) and P. aenea (Linnaeus, 1758) are redescribed and illustrated in detail, with discussion of the previous misinterpretations. The first instar larva of Plagiosterna adamsii is described for the first time. The original name and citation of P. adamsii is confirmed. The genus Gastrolinoides Chûjô & Kimoto, 1960 is resurrected from synonymy with Plagiosterna Motschulsky, 1860. Plagiosterna formosana (Bates, 1866) is resurrected from synonymy with P. aenea. A key to the larvae of the Palaearctic Plagiosterna is provided. Tubercular pattern, pigmentation and sclerotized platelets of the integument are used as diagnostic characters for particular species.
Molecular phylogeny of the tribe Torini Karaman, 1971 (Actinopterygii: Cypriniformes) from the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: BORKENHAGEN KAI
Published: February 2017

Freshwater fishes of the cyprinid tribe Torini are widespread in Africa the Middle East and Indomalaya. The relationships of Middle-Eastern Torini are analysed based on mitochondrial markers (Cyt b, ND4) of the majority of relevant species. I present a larely well resolved phylogeny, which confirms the validity of the morphologically defined genera Arabibarbus, Carasobarbus, Mesopotamichthys and Pterocapoeta. The Torini originated in Indomalaya and colonised Africa via the Middle East. Morocco was colonised two times independently, first from sub-Saharan Africa and secondly along the southern margin of the Mediterranean Sea. The Tigris–Euphrates system is an important crossroad for the colonisation of the Jordan River, the Orontes River and the watercourses of the Arabian Peninsula by freshwater fishes. The Jordan lost its connection to the Euphrates earlier than the Orontes. The Arabian Peninsula was colonised from the Tigris–Euphrates system in at least two independent events.
The Central Role of Ocean Dynamics in Connecting the North Atlantic Oscillation to the Extratropical Component of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation
Authors: Delworth Thomas L. , Zeng Fanrong , Zhang Liping , Zhang Rong , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Yang Xiaosong
Published: February 2017

The relationship between the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) variability is investigated using models and observations. Coupled climate models are used in which the ocean component is either a fully dynamic ocean or a slab ocean with no resolved ocean heat transport. On time scales less than 10 yr, NAO variations drive a tripole pattern of SST anomalies in both observations and models. This SST pattern is a direct response of the ocean mixed layer to turbulent surface heat flux anomalies associated with the NAO. On time scales longer than 10 yr, a similar relationship exists between the NAO and the tripole pattern of SST anomalies in models with a slab ocean. A different relationship exists both for the observations and for models with a dynamic ocean. In these models, a positive (negative) NAO anomaly leads, after a decadal-scale lag, to a monopole pattern of warming (cooling) that resembles the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO), although with smaller-than-observed amplitudes of tropical SST anomalies. Ocean dynamics are critical to this decadal-scale response in the models. The simulated Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) strengthens (weakens) in response to a prolonged positive (negative) phase of the NAO, thereby enhancing (decreasing) poleward heat transport, leading to broad-scale warming (cooling). Additional simulations are used in which heat flux anomalies derived from observed NAO variations from 1901 to 2014 are applied to the ocean component of coupled models. It is shown that ocean dynamics allow models to reproduce important aspects of the observed AMO, mainly in the Subpolar Gyre.
A Simple Model of the Life Cycle of Mesoscale Convective Systems Cloud Shield in the Tropics
Authors: Roca R. , Fiolleau T. , Bouniol D.
Published: February 2017

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are important to the water and energy budget of the tropical climate and are essential ingredients of the tropical circulation. MCSs are readily observed in satellite infrared geostationary imagery as cloud clusters that evolve in time from small structures to well-organized large patches of cloud shield before dissipating. The MCS cloud shield is the result of a large ensemble of mesoscale dynamical, thermodynamical, and microphysical processes. This study shows that a simple parametric model can summarize the time evolution of the morphological characteristics of the cloud shield during the life cycle of the MCS. It consists of a growth–decay linear model of the cloud shield and is based on three parameters: the time of maximum extent, the maximum extent, and the duration of the MCS. It is shown that the time of maximum is frequently close to the middle of the life cycle and that the correlation between maximum extent and duration is strong all over the tropics. This suggests that 1 degree of freedom is left to summarize the life cycle of the MCS cloud shield. Such a model fits the observed MCS equally well, independent of the duration, size, location, and propagation characteristics, and its relevance is assessed for a large number of MCSs over three boreal summer periods over the whole tropical belt. The scaling of this simple model exhibits weak (strong) regional variability for the short- (long-) lived systems indicative of the primary importance of the internal dynamics of the systems to the large-scale environment for MCS sustainability.
Impact of Hospital-Wide Comprehensive Pain Management Initiatives
Authors: Lester Paula E. , Shehata Janet , Fazzari Melissa , Islam Shahidul
Published: February 2017

This project aimed to improve pain management through clinician education, updated assessment tools, computer resources, and improved ordering and delivery systems. Clinicians were surveyed and results analyzed using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney testing and χ2 testing. Prescribing patterns were evaluated by comparing proportions of prescription orders and dose intervals. Cochran-Armitage Trend Test was used for linear trends in proportion of prescription orders over time. Knowledge scores improved significantly for nurses ( P = .004) and nurse practitioners/physician assistants ( P < .0001). Patient surveys showed a reduction in the percentage of patients dissatisfied with pain control. There was a decrease of 3.6% in intramuscular orders of opioids ( P < .0001). A significant reduction was found in the percentage of orders of potentially high initial doses of opioids of hydromorphone and morphine after implementing an electronic alert. This project demonstrates that a comprehensive educational strategy with improved assessment tools, clinical resources, and educational programming can have a significant impact on pain management.
The seidozerite supergroup of TS-block minerals: nomenclature and classification, with change of the following names: rinkite to rinkite-(Ce), mosandrite to mosandrite-(Ce), hainite to hainite-(Y) and innelite-1T to innelite-1A
Authors: Sokolova E. , Cámara F.
Published: February 2017

Here we report a nomenclature and classification for the seidozerite-supergroup minerals. The TS (Titanium-Silicate) block is the main structural unit in all seidozerite-supergroup structures; it consists of a central O (O = Octahedral) sheet and two adjacent H (H = Heteropolyhedral) sheets where Si2O7groups occur in the H sheets. The TS block is characterized by a planar minimal cell based on translation vectors, t1and t2, the lengths of these vectors are t1 ≈ 5.5 and t2 ≈ 7 Å, and t1 ^ t2 is close to 90°. The forty-five minerals of the sedozerite supergroup are divided into four groups based on the content of Ti and topology and stereochemistry of the TS block: in rinkite, bafertisite, lamprophyllite and murmanite groups, Ti (+ Nb + Zr + Fe3++Mg + Mn) = 1, 2, 3 and 4 apfu (atoms per formula unit), respectively. All TS-block structures consist either solely of TS blocks or of two types of block: the TS block and an I (Intermediate) block that comprises atoms between two TS blocks. Usually, the I block consists of alkali and alkaline-earth cations, H2O groups and oxyanions (PO4)3-, (SO4)2-and (CO3)2-.The general formula of the TS block is as follows AP2BP2MH2MO4(Si2O7)2X4+n, where MH2and MO4= cations of the H and O sheets; MH = Ti, Nb, Zr, Y, Mn, Ca + REE, Ca;MO = Ti, Zr, Nb, Fe3+, Fe2+, Mg, Mn, Zn, Ca, Na; AP and BP = cations at the peripheral (P) sites = Na, Ca + REE, Ca, Zn, Ba, Sr, K; X = anions = O, OH, F, H2O; XO4+n=XO4 +XPn, n = 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 4; XP= XPMand XPA= apical anions of MH and AP cations at the periphery of the TS block.
Circumstantiation: taking a broader look at circumstantial meanings
Authors: Dreyfus Shoshana , Bennett Isabelle
Published: February 2017

This paper argues for a view of circumstantial meaning as a region of ideational meaning that is instantiated across a range of lexicogrammatical structures: from the rank of the clausal constituent of circumstance in both directions: up to clause rank and down to below or within constituent rank (eg as Qualifier). This paper brings together and extends the work of Halliday & Matthiessen (An Introduction to Functional Grammar, 2004) on expansion and circumstantiation, and the work of Martin (English Text: System and Structure, 1992) within the discourse semantic system of ideation. Each type of circumstantial meaning is defined structurally, that is, according to rank, and semantically, according to type. Analysis of circumstantial meanings is conducted on a small corpus of four introductions to journal articles in order to demonstrate the use of viewing circumstantial meaning in this way.
Serum cyclophosphamide activity in patients treated for small cell carcinoma of the lung.
Authors: Sarpel S C , Lad T , Epstein R B
Published: February 2017

Cyclophosphamide requires in vivo activation for its cytotoxicity. A bioassay of serum cyclophosphamide activity based on inhibition of normal peripheral blood CFU-C by serum from cyclophosphamide-treated patients was developed. Seventeen patients with small cell cancer of the lung were studied before and after cyclophosphamide administration in an attempt to correlate serum cytotoxicity in vitro with clinical response to chemotherapy. A correlation (r = 0.61, p less than 0.01) was discovered between serum cytotoxicity in vitro and subsequent leukopenia in vivo. However, a dose-response relationship was not found between serum cytotoxicity and response to chemotherapy. Besides drug dosage and blood level, other factors govern the sensitivity of small cell lung cancer to chemotherapy.
Evaluation of prognostic factors in chemotherapy of recurrent brain tumors.
Authors: Eagan R T , Scott M
Published: February 2017

We have evaluated the prognostic significance of several easily obtainable and commonly used factors in patients with primary brain tumors (recurrent after irradiation) undergoing chemotherapy. Age, sex, tumor grade, on-study performance score, time from initial diagnosis to initial postirradiation progression, and prior chemotherapy or no were evaluated for affects on tumor response. None of the six factors significantly correlated with response to therapy. The above six factors plus response to chemotherapy were evaluated for their affects on time to progression and survival. Tumor regression following chemotherapy most strongly correlated with prolonged time to progression and survival. A good on-study performance score (not, or only minimally, symptomatic) significantly correlated with prolonged survival, but not with prolonged time to progression. Surprisingly, tumor grade did not significantly correlate with response, time to progression, or survival. Further study is required, but initial data analyses would suggest that essentially all patients with all grades of recurrent tumor could be used in chemotherapeutic trials with proper pretreatment stratification.
A comparison of the quality of participation of community affiliates and that of universities in the Northern California Oncology Group.
Authors: Koretz M M , Jackson P M , Torti F M , Carter S K
Published: February 2017

The quality of participation in the performance of clinical trials of university members and community affiliates of the Northern California Oncology Group is evaluated and compared. The data, based on 738 patients on 33 protocols, were collected during a one year period, July 1, 1980--June 30, 1981. The comparisons are made on three types of criteria: accrual distribution, with respect to study phase and modality multiplicity; data quality, generally reflecting protocol adherence; and data completeness. The performance of the community affiliates was found to equal or surpass that of the university members in most measures. Therefore, it is concluded that the community affiliates are functioning as full and valuable participants in the Northern California Oncology Group.
Hairy cell leukemia: lessons learned in twenty-five years.
Authors: Golomb H M
Published: February 2017

This review was written to highlight the lessons learned in HCL in the past 25 years. It should serve as a guideline to practicing hematologists and oncologists regarding the diagnosis and management of HCL patients. It should stimulate investigators in training to realize that a disease can be understood with time; however, additional clinical observations and laboratory experiments may help to improve the survival rate even more.
The influential T cell in B-cell neoplasms.
Authors: Kay N E , Oken M M , Perri R T
Published: February 2017

Investigations of human B-cell malignancies have generally focused on the monoclonal B-cell populations. Until recently there has been little emphasis on the thymus (T) lymphocyte in these disorders. Current studies, however, suggest that quantitative and qualitative disorders of T cells are generally seen both in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and in multiple myeloma. This review will focus on two major concepts. First, it will define the quantitative and functional T-cell abnormalities in B-cell malignancies including evidence suggesting a causal link between the T-cell abnormalities and certain observed disease manifestations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma. Secondly, it will review data demonstrating that these T cells may be influenced by in vivo and in vitro manipulations and will outline some of the possible resultant clinical effects.