bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Topically Administered Steroids, Antibiotics, and Sodium Hyaluronate on Bleb-Related Infection Onset: The Japan Glaucoma Society Survey of Bleb-Related Infection Report 4
Authors: Sagara Hideto , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Imaizumi Kimihiro , Sekiryu Tetsuju
Published: September 2017

Purpose.To investigate the impact of topically administered ophthalmic medications on the onset and severity of bleb-related infections.Methods.Data obtained from 104 eyes of 104 patients with bleb-related infections were analyzed. We assigned an infection stage to each eye (stage 1–4) and analyzed the onset severity.Results.Steroids and antibiotics were routinely administered to 13 (12.5%) and 42 (40.4%) eyes, respectively. The median stage of steroid-administered eyes was 3 versus 1 for eyes without steroid administration (P=0.012). The median duration from surgery to infection for the steroid-administered eyes was 2.0 years versus 5.8 years for eyes without steroid administration (P=0.030). The median duration from surgery to infection for the antibiotic-administered eyes was 6.4 years versus 3.9 years for eyes without antibiotic administration (P=0.025). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that infections were severe in the steroid-administered eyes (odds ratio: 4.57). No infections developed within 16 weeks postoperatively. No relationship was detected between sodium hyaluronate and the analyzed factors.Conclusions.Topical steroid administration beyond the immediate postoperative period may affect severe and earlier onset bleb-related infections. Conversely, topical antibiotic administration may be effective in suppressing earlier onset bleb-related infections.
The Synergistic Interplay between Vitamins D and K for Bone and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review
Authors: van Ballegooijen Adriana J. , Pilz Stefan , Tomaschitz Andreas , Grübler Martin R. , Verheyen Nicolas
Published: September 2017

Vitamins D and K are both fat-soluble vitamins and play a central role in calcium metabolism. Vitamin D promotes the production of vitamin K-dependent proteins, which require vitamin K for carboxylation in order to function properly. The purpose of this review is to summarize available evidence of the synergistic interplay between vitamins D and K on bone and cardiovascular health. Animal and human studies suggest that optimal concentrations of both vitamin D and vitamin K are beneficial for bone and cardiovascular health as supported by genetic, molecular, cellular, and human studies. Most clinical trials studied vitamin D and K supplementation with bone health in postmenopausal women. Few intervention trials studied vitamin D and K supplementation with cardiovascular-related outcomes. These limited studies indicate that joint supplementation might be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Current evidence supports the notion that joint supplementation of vitamins D and K might be more effective than the consumption of either alone for bone and cardiovascular health. As more is discovered about the powerful combination of vitamins D and K, it gives a renewed reason to eat a healthy diet including a variety of foods such as vegetables and fermented dairy for bone and cardiovascular health.
How Usual Is “Play As You Usually Would”? A Comparison of Naturalistic Mother-Infant Interactions with Videorecorded Play Sessions in Three Cultural Communities
Authors: Abels Monika , Papaligoura Zaira , Lamm Bettina , Yovsi Relindis D.
Published: September 2017

In developmental research, mothers are frequently asked to “play as you usually would.” In this study, maternal behavior towards their three-month-olds in three cultural communities (Nso, Cameroon; Gujarati, India; Athens, Greece) was compared between videorecorded “play” situations and naturalistic observations. If there is consistency, videorecorded “play” episodes can be used as a proxy for daily behavior. Body contact, body stimulation, face-to-face situations, and object stimulation were coded. While individual mothers showed consistent levels of body contact and face-to-face and object stimulation in both situations, there were also high correlations across the different types of behaviors. Only body contact and object stimulation correlate significantly across behavioral frames but not with each other across or within either observational frame. They can therefore be understood as behaviors with some discriminatory power. Mothers generally show a higher frequency of behaviors in the videorecorded play situations than during the everyday observations across all three communities. However, the samples differ in the extent to which three of the four behaviors are seen more in the videorecorded play sessions. A broader and general understanding of mothers’ ethnotheories and daily activities in each community is required in order to interpret videographed “play as you usually would” situations.
The Parameters Optimizing Design of Double Suspension Arm Torsion Bar in the Electric Sight-Seeing Car by Random Vibration Analyzing Method
Authors: Zhou Shui-Ting , Chiu Yi-Jui , Lin I-Hsiang
Published: September 2017

This study is about the impact of the performance and the sensitivity analysis for parameters of the torsion bar suspension in the electric sight-seeing car, which the authors’ laboratory designed and which is used in the authors’ university. The suspension stiffness was calculated by using the virtual work principle, the vector algebra, and tensor of finite rotation methods and was verified by the ADAMS software. Based on the random vibration analysis method, the paper analyzed the dynamic tire load (DTL), suspension working space (SWS), and comfort performance parameters. For the purpose of decreasing the displacement of the suspension and limiting the frequency of impacting the stop block, the paper examined the three parameters and optimized the basic parameters of the torsion bar. The results show that the method achieves a great effect and contributes an accurate value for the general layout design.
Cell Signaling with Extracellular Thioredoxin and Thioredoxin‐Like Proteins: Insight into Their Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Léveillard Thierry , Aït-Ali Najate
Published: September 2017

Thioredoxins are small thiol‐oxidoreductase enzymes that control cellular redox homeostasis. Paradoxically, human thioredoxin (TXN1) was first identified as the adult T cell leukemia‐derived factor (ADF), a secreted protein. ADF has been implicated in a wide variety of cell‐to‐cell communication systems acting as a cytokine or a chemokine. TRX80 is a truncated TXN1 protein with cytokine activity. The unconventional secretion mechanism of these extracellular thioredoxins is unknown. The thioredoxin system is relying on glucose metabolism through the pentose phosphate pathway that provides reducing power in the form of NADPH, the cofactor of thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD). While a complete extracellular TXN system is present in the blood in the form of circulating TXN1 and TXNDR1, the source of extracellular NADPH remains a mystery. In the absence of redox regenerating capacity, extracellular thioredoxins may rather be prooxidant agents. Rod‐derived cone viability factor (RdCVF) is the product of intron retention of the nucleoredoxin‐like 1 (NXNL1) gene, a secreted truncated thioredoxin‐like protein. The other product encoded by the gene, RdCVFL, is an enzymatically active thioredoxin. This is a very singular example of positive feedback of a superthioredoxin system encoded by a single gene likely emerging during evolution from metabolic constraints on redox signaling.
miR‐128 Is Implicated in Stress Responses by Targeting MAFG in Skeletal Muscle Cells
Authors: Caggiano Rocco , Cattaneo Fabio , Moltedo Ornella , Esposito Giovanni , Perrino Cinzia , Trimarco Bruno , Ammendola Rosario , Faraonio Raffaella
Published: September 2017

MAFG (v‐Maf avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog G) is a bZIP‐type transcriptional regulator that belongs to the small MAF (sMAFs) protein family. By interacting with other bZIP transcription factors, sMAFs can form homo‐ and heterodimers governing either repressive or activating transcriptional functions. As heterodimeric partner of Nrf2, MAFG positively influences the ARE‐dependent antioxidant/xenobiotic pathways, at least in condition of a correct MAFG:Nrf2 balance. MicroRNAs (miRs) participate to different regulatory networks being involved as fine‐tuning regulators of gene expression. However, the connections between cellular surveillance to stresses mediated by MAFG:Nrf2 and miR regulations are not well understood. Here, we explored the impact of miR‐128 in expression of genes related to stress response. Bioinformatic predictions coupled with functional analysis revealed the presence of miR‐128 binding site in the 3′UTR of MAFG. Ectopic miR‐128 expression correlated with reduced expression of endogenous MAFG‐dependent genes and negatively affected ARE‐mediated molecular phenotype based on Nrf2 activity. Indeed, miR‐128 impairs redox‐dependent pathways induced in response to oxidative stress. Moreover, in condition of hypoxia, MAFG induction correlated with reduced levels of miR‐128. This lead to increased mRNA levels of HMOX‐1 and x‐CT for blunting stress. Overall, these findings identify MAFG as novel direct target of miR‐128.
Valsalva-Related Subretinal Hemorrhage as a Presenting Symptom of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
Authors: Subhi Yousif , Sørensen Torben L.
Published: September 2017

Purpose. To describe a case of Valsalva-related subretinal hemorrhage as a presenting symptom of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). The patient refrained from treatment against our best advice, and thus this is also a rare case of the natural course of an untreated PCV. Methods. Case report. Results. A 66-year-old female with a respiratory infection coughed intensely until exhaustion, after which she developed visual symptoms on the right eye. Primary care ophthalmologist examined the patient on the same day of the onset of symptoms and referred her to our tertiary medical retinal service for detailed retinal diagnosis including fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. The right eye had a large subretinal hemorrhage and pigment epithelium detachment in the lower temporal arcade with foveal involvement. Against our best advice, the patient refused treatment. In the following 9 months, the BCVA decreased from 68 to 55 ETDRS letters, the subretinal hemorrhage almost regressed, pigment epithelium detachments persisted, and macular edema, intraretinal cysts, and subretinal fibrosis developed. Conclusions. Although classic Valsalva retinopathy with preretinal hemorrhage in most cases can be managed by careful observation and no treatment, this case demonstrates that Valsalva-related subretinal hemorrhage needs different attention and approach.
Galectin-3, a Druggable Vulnerability for KRAS-Addicted Cancers
Authors: Seguin Laetitia , Camargo Maria F. , Wettersten Hiromi I. , Kato Shumei , Desgrosellier Jay S. , von Schalscha Tami , Elliott Kathryn C. , Cosset Erika , Lesperance Jacqueline , Weis Sara M. , Cheresh David A.
Published: September 2017

Identifying the molecular basis for cancer cell dependence on oncogenes such as KRAS can provide new opportunities to target these addictions. Here, we identify a novel role for the carbohydrate-binding protein galectin-3 as a lynchpin for KRAS dependence. By directly binding to the cell surface receptor integrin αvβ3, galectin-3 gives rise to KRAS addiction by enabling multiple functions of KRAS in anchorage-independent cells, including formation of macropinosomes that facilitate nutrient uptake and ability to maintain redox balance. Disrupting αvβ3/galectin-3 binding with a clinically active drug prevents their association with mutant KRAS, thereby suppressing macropinocytosis while increasing reactive oxygen species to eradicate αvβ3-expressing KRAS-mutant lung and pancreatic cancer patient–derived xenografts and spontaneous tumors in mice. Our work reveals galectin-3 as a druggable target for KRAS-addicted lung and pancreas cancers, and indicates integrin αvβ3 as a biomarker to identify susceptible tumors.

Significance: There is a significant unmet need for therapies targeting KRAS-mutant cancers. Here, we identify integrin αvβ3 as a biomarker to identify mutant KRAS–addicted tumors that are highly sensitive to inhibition of galectin-3, a glycoprotein that binds to integrin αvβ3 to promote KRAS-mediated activation of AKT. Cancer Discov; 7(12); 1464–79. ©2017 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1355
Euflammation Attenuates Central and Peripheral Inflammation and Cognitive Consequences of an Immune Challenge after Tumor Development
Authors: Bever Savannah R. , Liu Xiaoyu , Quan Ning , Pyter Leah M.
Published: September 2017

Objective: Repeated subthreshold bacterial exposures in rodents cause novel euflammation that attenuates neuroinflammation and sickness behaviors upon subsequent infectious challenges to the host without eliciting illness behavior. The investigation of bacterial exposure effects on brain and behavior is clinically relevant because bacterial-based antitumor treatments are used successfully, but are suboptimal due to their illness side effects. In addition, behavioral consequences (depression, cognitive impairments) to homeostatic challenges that are associated with inflammation are prevalent and reduce the quality of life in cancer patients and survivors. Therefore, this study tested the potential for euflammation to attenuate behavioral consequences of an immune challenge in tumor-bearing mice. Methods: Mice with and without oral tumors in their flank underwent the established peripheral euflammatory protocol or vehicle treatment, followed by an acute peripheral immune challenge (lipopolysaccharide [LPS] injection) or PBS. Cognitive function and sickness behavior were assessed after the challenge, and peripheral and central inflammatory responses were measured. Results: Euflammation reduced LPS-induced peripheral and central inflammation in all mice; however, neuroinflammation was less attenuated in tumor-bearing mice compared with tumor-free controls. LPS-induced lethargy and cognitive impairments were more pronounced among tumor-bearing mice and were effectively attenuated with euflammation. Cognitive changes were independent of brain-derived growth factor gene expression in the hippocampus. Conclusion: These results suggest that induction of euflammation may be useful in alleviating the negative side effects of bacterial-based tumor treatments and in potentially attenuating common behavioral comorbidities associated with cancer or other chronic diseases.
Short-Term Vitamin D3 Supplementation in Children with Neurodisabilities: Comparison of Two Delivery Methods
Authors: Penagini Francesca , Borsani Barbara  , Maruca Katia , Giosia Valeria , Bova Stefania , Mastrangelo Massimo , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo , Mora Stefano
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims: Vitamin D deficiency is common in children with neurodisabilities. Oral vitamin D3 may not be absorbed appropriately due to dysphagia and tube feeding. The aim of this study was to compare efficacy of vitamin D3 buccal spray with that of oral drops. Methods: Twenty-four children with neurodisabilities (5–17 years) and vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D ≤20 ng/mL) were randomized to receive vitamin D3 buccal spray 800 IU/daily (n = 12) or oral drops 750 IU/daily (n = 12) for 3 months during winter. Results: Both groups had a significant increase in 25(OH)D (z = 150; p < 0.0001). The differences between baseline and final parathyroid hormone measurements did not reach significance in both groups. Markers of bone formation and resorption did not change significantly in both groups. The satisfaction with the formulation was significantly higher in the patients using spray. Conclusion: Vitamin D3 supplementation with buccal spray and oral drops are equally effective in short-term treatment of vitamin D deficiency in children with neurodisabilities. Buccal spray may be more acceptable by the patients.
Development of Laboratory Investigations in Disorders of Sex Development
Authors: Audí Laura , Camats Núria , Fernández-Cancio Mónica , Granada María L.
Published: September 2017

Scientific knowledge to understand the biological basis of sex development was prompted by the observation of variants different from the 2 most frequent body types, and this became one of the fields first studied by modern pediatric endocrinology. The clinical observation was supported by professionals working in different areas of laboratory sciences which led to the description of adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis, the enzymes involved, and the different deficiencies. Steroid hormone measurements evolved from colorimetry to radioimmunoassay (RIA) and automated immunoassays, although gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry are now the gold standard techniques for steroid measurements. Peptide hormones and growth factors were purified, and their measurement evolved from RIA to automated immunoassays. Hormone action mechanisms were described, and their specific receptors were characterized and assayed in experimental materials and in patient tissues and cell cultures. The discovery of the genetic basis for variant sex developments began with the description of the sex chromosomes. Molecular technology allowed cloning of genes coding for the different proteins involved in sex determination and development. Experimental animal models aided in verifying the roles of proteins and also suggested new genes to be investigated. New candidate genes continue to be described based on experimental models and on next-generation sequencing of patient DNAs.
Outcome of Bronchopulmonary Sequestration with Massive Pleural Effusion after Intrafetal Vascular Laser Ablation
Authors: Gottschalk Ingo , Strizek Brigitte , Mallmann Michael R. , Müller Andreas , Geipel Annegret , Gembruch Ulrich , Klaritsch Philipp , Csapo Bence , Berg Christoph
Published: September 2017

Objective: To assess the outcome of 12 fetuses with bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) and massive pleural effusion after intrafetal vascular laser ablation (VLA). Methods: All fetuses with BPS and massive pleural effusion that were treated with intrafetal VLA during a 5-year period (2012-2016) were reviewed for safety, intrauterine course, and postnatal outcome. Results: In the study period, 12 fetuses with BPS were treated with VLA. In 7 (58.3%) fetuses, complete cessation of blood flow was achieved after the first VLA, while in 5 (41.7%) fetuses, residual perfusion of the feeding vessel was demonstrated at follow-up. A second intervention was successful in 4 of 5 (80%) fetuses. Overall, in 11 of 12 (91.7%) fetuses, complete coagulation of the feeding vessel could be achieved, followed by a reduction in size or complete resolution of the BPS. All 11 fetuses with successful prenatal intervention were live-born at a median gestational age of 39+1 (range, 37+5-41+2) weeks. Postnatally, 2 (18.2%) of the 11 newborns underwent sequestrectomy, as well as the preterm newborn on which a second fetal intervention was not feasible. Conclusion: VLA is an effective and safe treatment of BPS that appears to be of benefit in improving prognosis and decreasing the need for postnatal sequestrectomy.
Identification of Small and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Markers in Peripheral Blood Using Cytokinesis-Blocked Micronucleus and Spectral Karyotyping Assays
Authors: El-Zein Randa A. , Abdel-Rahman Shereen , Santee Kyle J. , Yu Robert , Shete Sanjay
Published: September 2017

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive form of lung cancer. There is an urgent need to develop tools to identify individuals at high risk of developing SCLC. We have previously reported that the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay is a strong predictor of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we investigate the sensitivity of the CBMN endpoints as predictors of SCLC risk. We conducted the CBMN assay on SCLC patients (n = 216), NSCLC patients (n = 173), and healthy controls (n = 204). Per sample, 1,000 binucleated cells (BN) were scored, and 3 endpoints, micronuclei (BN-MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (BN-NPB), and nuclear buds(BN-BUD), were recorded. Spectral karyotyping was also conducted on SCLC patients (n = 116) and NSCLC patients (n = 137) to identify genomic regions unique to each disease. Significantly higher levels of CBMN endpoints were observed in both cancer groups compared to controls. BN-NPBs were significantly higher among SCLC patients compared to NSCLC patients (p < 0.001). Chromosomes 5 and 17 were associated with BN-MN, and chromosomes 5, 18, 20, and 22 were associated with BN-NPBs in SCLC patients. Given the high frequency of chromosome aberrations observed in SCLC, events such as reinsertion of the micronucleus and chromothripsis may be potential mechanisms for the genetic instability in these patients.
Ergebnisse universitärer Forschung in der Naturheilkunde: Klinische Phytotherapie
Authors: Melzer Jörg
Published: September 2017

Das Spektrum universitärer Forschung in der Naturheilkunde/Komplementärmedizin wird anhand klinischer Phytotherapie bei Patienten mit chronischen Erkrankungen aufgezeigt. Methoden der Evidenzbasierten Medizin (EbM) werden angewandt (Metaanalyse, randomisierte kontrollierte Studie (RCT), Beobachtungsstudie), um sowohl die Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit pflanzlicher Extrakte als auch die Kombinationsbegründung und Konfounder in Studien zu pflanzlichen Arzneimitteln zu untersuchen: Zwei Metaanalysen zeigen - bei der Reanalyse der Rohdaten nach Intention-to-treat-Prinzip - eine signifikante und klinisch relevante Reduktion, zum einen gastrointestinaler Symptome durch das Kombinationspräparat STW5 bei 273 Patienten mit funktioneller Dyspepsie und zum anderen der krankheitsspezifischen Mortalität bei 602 Patienten mit alkoholtoxischer Leberzirrhose durch das Monopräparat Silymarin - jeweils im Vergleich zu Placebo. Zwei RCTs zeigten i) bei 204 Patienten mit Fingergelenkspolyarthrose unter topischer Anwendung eines Arnika-Gels keine signifikante Unterlegenheit im Vergleich zu einem nichtsteroidalen Antirheumatikum bezüglich Schmerz sowie Handfunktion und ii) bei 182 Patienten mit somatoformen Störungen mit der Behandlung durch das Kombinationspräparat Ze 185 (4 Pflanzenextrakte) im Vergleich zur 3er-Kombination und Placebo eine signifikante Reduktion depressiver und ängstlicher Symptome. Eine Beobachtungsstudie mit 1541 ambulanten Patienten mit unipolaren leicht- bis mittelgradigen depressiven Episoden ergab, ähnlich wie bei synthetischen Antidepressiva, eine negative Assoziation zwischen Erkrankungsdauer, Symptomstärke und Erkrankungsalter mit dem Outcome. Je nach klinischer Fragestellung eignen sich verschiedene Methoden der EbM zur Untersuchung pflanzlicher Extrakte hinsichtlich der eingangs erwähnten Aspekte.
Double Interstitial Deletion of the Long Arm of Chromosome 6 in a Patient with Pierre Robin Sequence, Dysmorphisms, and Severe Developmental Delay
Authors: Parmeggiani Giulia , Bigoni Stefania , Buldrini Barbara , Garani Giampaolo , Clauser Luigi , Galiè Manilo , Ferlini Alessandra , Fini Sergio
Published: September 2017

Reported here is the case of a 1.8-year-old boy with a 9.6- Mb deletion in 6q13q14.1 and an 11.2-Mb deletion in 6q21q22.31, ascertained through array CGH, as the result of a complex de novo chromosome rearrangement. The clinical picture of this patient is characterized by severe psychomotor delay, dysmorphic features, and some congenital defects. Although, as reported in the literature, phenotypes associated with 6q deletions may vary, an attempt was made to associate the patient's symptoms to either deletion, comparing them to previously reported cases. Only a limited specific correlation was found, probably due to the prevalence of very common symptoms.
Thyroidectomy Improves Tracheal Anatomy and Airflow in Patients with Nodular Goiter: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sorensen Jesper Roed , Lauridsen Jeppe Faurholdt , Døssing Helle , Nguyen Nina , Hegedüs Laszlo , Bonnema Steen Joop , Godballe Christian
Published: September 2017

Objective: A large goiter may cause compression of the trachea. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of thyroidectomy on tracheal anatomy and airflow and to correlate this with changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with benign nodular goiter. Methods: Magnetic resonance images of the neck and respiratory flow-volume curves, including both inspiration and expiration, were performed prior to and 6 months following surgery. HRQoL was measured by selected scales from the thyroid-specific patient-reported outcome (ThyPRO). Cohen’s effect size (ES) was calculated as mean change divided by standard deviation at baseline. ES of 0.2–0.5 were defined as small, 0.5–0.8 as moderate, and values >0.8 as large. Results: Sixty-five patients completed all examinations. Median goiter volume was 58 mL (range, 14–642 mL) before surgery with surgical removal of a median of 43 g (range, 8–607 g). Six months after surgery, tracheal narrowing and deviation were diminished by a median of 26% (ES = 0.67, p < 0.001) and 33% (ES = 0.61, p < 0.001), respectively. Correspondingly, each 10% decrease in goiter volume resulted in 1.0% less tracheal narrowing (p < 0.001). Concomitantly, a small improvement was seen in forced inspiratory flow at 50% of forced vital capacity (ES = 0.32, p < 0.001). A reduction in tracheal narrowing was associated with improvements in the Impaired Daily Life scale (0.33 points per 1% decrease in tracheal narrowing, p = 0.03) of the ThyPRO questionnaire. Conclusions: In patients with symptomatic benign nodular goiter, thyroidectomy resulted in substantial improvements in tracheal anatomy and improvements in inspiratory flow, which were followed by gains in HRQoL. This information is pertinent when counseling patients before choice of treatment.
Facial Edema in an Elderly Man: An Unusual Presentation of Nonepisodic Angioedema with Eosinophilia
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Muneta Kanako , Watanabe Ken
Published: September 2017

Nonepisodic angioedema with eosinophilia (NEAE) is a rare allergic disease with a young Japanese and East Asian female predominance. NEAE features transient, nonrecurrent angioedema and peripheral blood eosinophilia without visceral organ involvement. Angioedema in NEAE occurs on the extremities, while the trunk and face are rarely involved. Here, we report a case of NEAE affecting only the face in an 80-year-old Japanese man. He was otherwise healthy and took no medication until the sudden development of angioedema on the face. The extremities and trunk were not involved. Skin biopsy examination revealed eosinophilic infiltration and degranulation between collagen bundles through the entire dermis, and perivascular and perifollicular infiltration of eosinophils and lymphocytes, but no evidence of vasculitis. Peripheral hypereosinophilia and high serum thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) level were noted. Visceral organ involvement, parasite infection, and an allergic response were not detected in the patient. Administration of oral corticosteroid improved his symptoms rapidly and dramatically with improvements in the blood eosinophil count and serum TARC level. After the corticosteroid was discontinued, no recurrence was observed for 3 years. Thus, he was diagnosed as having NEAE. It should be noted that angioedema with eosinophilia might occur with an unusual presentation and might develop in elderly patients.
No Association between Vitiligo and Obesity: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Dragoni Federica , Conti Rossana , Cazzaniga Simone , Colucci Roberta , Pisaneschi Lisa , Naldi Luigi , Moretti Silvia
Published: September 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitiligo and body mass index (BMI) to assess the possible association between vitiligo and obesity. Subjects and Methods: This was a case-control study on a total of 400 participants, i.e., 200 patients with vitiligo and 200 healthy volunteers. Medical assessments were performed by dermatologists using the modified Vitiligo European Task Force form. The height and weight of all of the participants were measured and used to calculate the BMI. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models. Adjustment for age and gender was carried out preliminarily in the case-control analysis, whereas a forward stepwise selection algorithm was used to assess which independent factors were associated with a BMI ≥30 or a BMI ≤18.5. Results: Comparison of the vitiligo and control groups revealed the absence of a significant association. The multivariate analysis of factors associated with a high BMI (≥30) in vitiligo patients showed a significant association between a high BMI and a sudden onset of vitiligo (p = 0.021; OR = 3.83; 95% CI 1.22-11.99) and the presence of inflammation and pruritus (p = 0.031; OR = 3.26; 95% CI 1.11-9.57). No significant association was observed in the analysis of factors associated with a low BMI (≤18.5) in vitiligo patients. Conclusion: In this study, vitiligo did not appear to be associated with a high BMI; obesity might not be a risk factor for vitiligo, in contrast to most autoimmune diseases which are significantly associated with obesity.
Prevalence of Cerebral Microbleeds in Patients With Continuous‐Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Yoshioka Daisuke , Okazaki Shuhei , Toda Koichi , Murase Sho , Saito Shunsuke , Domae Keitaro , Miyagawa Shigeru , Yoshikawa Yasushi , Daimon Takashi , Sakaguchi Manabu , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: September 2017

Background

The prevalence of cerebral microbleeds (
CMB
s) in gradient echo T2*‐weighted brain
MRI
has a positive correlation with hemorrhagic stroke incidence. However, the prevalence of
CMB
s in patients with left ventricular assist devices (
LVADs
) has not been evaluated. We evaluated the prevalence of
CMB
s and the relationship with hemorrhagic stroke incidence in patients with LVADs.

Method and Results

We analyzed results from brain
MRI
in prospective examinations of 35 consecutive patients who had undergone
LVAD
explantation for heart transplantation or recovery since 2011. The number and distribution of
CMB
s were counted, then the relationship between baseline characteristics and adverse events during
LVAD
support were analyzed. The mean age was 37.7±12.4 years and the mean
LVAD
duration was 2.43±1.08 years. Thirty‐four (97%) patients had at least one
CMB
. Nine (26%) developed hemorrhagic stroke during
LVAD
support, and patients with hemorrhagic stroke had a significantly greater number of
CMB
s compared with patients without hemorrhagic stroke (5 [interquartile range (
IQR
), 4–7] versus 9 [
IQR
, 5–23]; odds ratio 1.14 [95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.02–1.32],
P
=0.05). There was no significant relationship between age,
LVAD
support duration, or systolic blood pressure during
LVAD
. However, patients who had at least one episode of bacteremia (9 [
IQR
, 4–16] versus 5 [
IQR
, 3–7],
P
=0.06) and pump pocket infection (14 [
IQR
, 4–27] versus 5 [
IQR
, 3–7],
P
=0.08) showed a trend toward a greater number of
CMB
s than patients without bacteremia.

Conclusions

Thirty‐four (97%) patients with continuous‐flow
LVAD
had at least one
CMB
, and the number of
CMB
s were more prevalent in patients with hemorrhagic stroke and in patients with
LVAD
‐related infection.
PEA‐15 (Phosphoprotein Enriched in Astrocytes 15) Is a Protective Mediator in the Vasculature and Is Regulated During Neointimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Greig Fiona H. , Kennedy Simon , Gibson George , Ramos Joe W. , Nixon Graeme F.
Published: September 2017

Background

Neointimal hyperplasia following angioplasty occurs via vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. The mechanisms involved are not fully understood but include mitogen‐activated protein kinases ERK1/2 (extracellular signal–regulated kinases 1 and 2). We recently identified the intracellular mediator PEA‐15 (phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes 15) in vascular smooth muscle cells as a regulator of
ERK
1/2‐dependent proliferation in vitro.
PEA
‐15 acts as a cytoplasmic anchor for
ERK
1/2, preventing nuclear localization and thereby reducing
ERK
1/2‐dependent gene expression. The aim of the current study was to examine the role of
PEA
‐15 in neointimal hyperplasia in vivo.

Method and Results

Mice deficient in
PEA
‐15 or wild‐type mice were subjected to wire injury of the carotid artery. In uninjured arteries from PEA‐15–deficient mice,
ERK
1/2 had increased nuclear translocation and increased basal
ERK
1/2‐dependent transcription. Following wire injury, arteries from PEA‐15–deficient mice developed neointimal hyperplasia at an increased rate compared with wild‐type mice. This occurred in parallel with an increase in a proliferative marker and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. In wild‐type mice,
PEA
‐15 expression was decreased in vascular smooth muscle cells at an early stage before any increase in intima:media ratio. This regulation of
PEA
‐15 expression following injury was also observed in an ex vivo human model of hyperplasia.

Conclusions

These results indicate, for the first time, a novel protective role for
PEA
‐15 against inappropriate vascular proliferation.
PEA
‐15 expression may also be repressed during vascular injury, suggesting that maintenance of
PEA
‐15 expression is a novel therapeutic target in vascular disease.
A new species of the genus Mongolotettix Rehn, 1928 from Inner Mongolia, China (Acrididae, Acridoidea, Orthoptera)
Authors: SHI JIAN-PING , DANG YAN , YIN ZHAN
Published: September 2017

The grasshopper genus Mongolotettix Rehn, 1928 is a median genus of family Acrididae. It contains 10 species that are distributed in Far Eastern Asian countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Russia (Bolívar, 1898; Uvarov, 1914; Caudell, 1921; Bei-Bienko & Mishchenko, 1951; Chogsomzhav,1974; Li & Lian, 1994; Yin et al, 1996; Wan et al. 1998, Xie & Li 2000, Yin, Xia et al, 2003; Yin, Zhang et al, 2003; Yin et al, 2004; Kim & Kim, 2005; Huang et al, 2010; Shi et al. 2016; Storozhenko, 2016; Eades et al. 2017; Zhang et al, 2017 and Zheng et al, 2017). In the present paper, we describe a new species of the genus from Inner Mongolia, China. Type specimens are deposited in the Natural Museum of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China.
Successful Placement of a BAHA Implant in a Patient With Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Brown Jason R. , Milgraum D. Micah , Riyaz Farhaad R. , Jahnke Marla N. , Thottam Prasad John
Published: September 2017

Introduction:

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a spectrum of mechanobullous disorders characterized by blistering following minor trauma or traction to the skin. Hearing loss in this population is poorly described in the otolaryngology literature, and its treatment oftentimes results in external auditory canal skin irritation.

Case Presentation:

We present the case of a 26-year-old female with EB and mixed hearing loss unable to wear conventional hearing aids due to sequelae of the external auditory canals. An osseointegrated implant was used as other hearing aids were deemed to be too destructive of the external auditory canal skin.

Management and Outcome:

Our patient underwent placement of a right bone-anchored hearing aid with minimal disruption of the surrounding skin using a minimally invasive punch technique. Over 1 year of follow-up, her course was complicated by 1 simple cellulitic infection at the surgical site treated successfully with oral antibiotics.

Discussion:

The literature regarding the otolaryngologic manifestations of EB is sparse. The otologic sequelae are particularly overlooked in the workup and management. Based on the results of this case study, it appears that an osseointegrated implant can be safely utilized to treat significant mixed or conductive hearing loss in patients with EB.
Effectiveness of Adenotonsillectomy and Risk of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency in Children With Prader-Willi Syndrome
Authors: Padia Reema , Muntz Harlan , Pfeffer Kathleen , Meier Jeremy
Published: September 2017

Objectives:

(1) Review effectiveness of adenotonsillectomy (T&A) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PW). (2) Examine the incidence of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) after T&A in this population. (3) Compare outcomes of T&A in PW and Trisomy 21 (T21) patients.

Methods:

Outcomes after T&A in a PW cohort were retrospectively reviewed and compared to those in patients with T21.

Results:

The study cohort included 22 PW patients. They were compared to 47 T21 patients who also underwent T&A. Eighteen percent (N = 4) of the PW patients had postoperative VPI requiring a corrective procedure, while there were no patients within the T21 cohort who had identified VPI ( P < .05). In those patients that had a postoperative polysomnogram, the mean decrease in obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) of the PW and T21 patients measured 8.4 and 4.7 points, respectively ( P = .3).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated a higher rate of VPI after T&A in PW children as compared to another at-risk cohort, T21 patients. While the OAHI decreased after T&A in both groups, a significant number of children with PW or T21 had persistent OSA. Further investigation into the optimal management of OSA, while preventing treatment complications such as VPI, is needed for children with these high-risk conditions
Variability of flax fibre morphology and mechanical properties in injection moulded short straw flax fibre-reinforced PP composites
Authors: Soete Karen , Desplentere Frederik , Lomov Stepan V , Vandepitte Dirk
Published: September 2017

The influence of compounding and injection moulding on the initial variability and morphology of short straw flax fibres is determined and the mechanical properties for the injection moulded fibre reinforced composites are measured. It is found that the composition of the straw flax, flax fibre bundles and woody parts, together with the cutting process strongly affects the initial fibre morphology and its variability. In the initial fibres, small particles as well as long fibres with large width were found. A filter was used to reject the fibres with an aspect ratio below 15 before calculating statistics because these fibres have a negligible contribution to the composite reinforcement. After processing, the initial fibre length and width decrease strongly (−38% to −66% for length and −22% to −72% for width). Also, the variability is affected resulting in a standard deviation shifted towards lower fibre lengths and widths (−55% for length and −71% for width). The improvement of mechanical properties of the flax compound compared to the pure matrix material for the injection-moulded samples is found to be similar to the results for compounds with further processed flax fibres such as scutched and hackled fibres. An increase of tensile strength by 20% was found, for stiffness the increase is in the order of 50–70%. This indicates that despite the very large variability of the initial straw flax fibres and the strong changes of the variability in each processing step, a compound is obtained with improved mechanical properties.
Micro-mechanical failure prediction of radar-absorbing structure dispersed with multi-walled carbon nanotubes considering multi-scale modeling
Authors: Nam Young-Woo , Shin Jae-Hwan , Choi Jae-Hun , Kwon Hyun-Seok , Shin Jae-Sung , Lee Won-Jun , Kim Chun-Gon
Published: September 2017

Conventional radar-absorbing structure is typically manufactured with high weight percentage (wt.%) of carbonaceous nano-conductive particles in the polymer matrix to tailor its microwave absorbing performance. However, these manufacturing methods have some physical limitations with regard to fabrication, due to the high viscosity in the polymer matrix and, inhomogeneous in mechanical and electrical properties. No study has been conducted with micro-mechanical failure prediction of radar-absorbing structure dispersed with multi-walled carbon nanotubes. In order to address these limitations, radar-absorbing structures dispersed with multi-walled carbon nanotubes were designed in the Ku-band (12.4–18 GHz). Additionally, to establish and verify the micro-mechanical failure analysis based on multiscale modeling, finite element analysis was carried out using the Mori–Tanaks mean-field homogenization model within the representative volume element model in the microstructure. In order to verify the Hashin criteria of radar-absorbing structure dispersed with multi-walled carbon nanotube (0.5 wt.%, 1.0 wt.% and 1.5 wt.%), mechanical tests (tensile, compressive and shear test) were conducted according to ASTM standards. In this paper, radar-absorbing structure with irregularly arranged filler and matrix with representative volume element was modeled from the micro-mechanical point of view and the results from Hashin failure criterion were verified both by simulations and experimental results of prediction strengths within the expected error range (lower than 6%). The reliability of application in micro-mechanical prediction of radar-absorbing structure was confirmed considering the multi-scale modeling.
Impacts of neighboring countries on military expenditures
Authors: Yesilyurt M Ensar , Elhorst J Paul
Published: September 2017

Using the latest spatial econometric techniques and data pertaining to 144 countries over the period 1993–2007, this article tests and compares four frequently used spatial econometric models and eight matrices describing the mutual relationships among the countries, all within a common framework, which helps clarify the impact of neighboring countries on military expenditures. Furthermore, it utilizes two different data sources. Due to this setup, it provides one of the most thorough spatial analyses of military expenditures so far. Furthermore, it confirms but also challenges the results of several previous studies. Military spending measured as a ratio of GDP in one country indeed depends primarily on the spending of other countries, but in a limited number of cases, it also depends on control variables that can be observed in other countries, among which are the level of GDP, the occurrence of international wars, and the political regime. The most likely specification of the matrix describing the relationships among countries is the first-order binary contiguity matrix based on land or maritime borders, extended to include two-sided relationships among the five countries that are permanent members of the UN Security Council and one-sided relationships to all other countries. Finally, cross-sectional approaches are rejected in favor of dynamic spatial panel data approaches due to their controls for habit persistence, country, and time-period fixed effects.
Membership matters
Authors: Gates Scott
Published: September 2017

Unable to attract enough voluntary recruits, many rebel groups rely on force to fill their ranks. Given that the group used force to compel individuals to join, a coerced conscript would be presumed unlikely to be loyal and would be expected to desert at the first opportunity. Yet, groups that have relied on coerced recruitment retain their members just as well as, if not better than, rebel armies that rely on voluntary methods of recruitment. This is a puzzle. How do rebel groups maintain allegiance and prevent desertion, especially if they rely on abduction to staff their ranks? A recruit can be forced to join a rebel group, but continuing to rely on coercion to enforce retention is too costly and not sustainable. These groups must find a way to reduce the costs of retention. The solution to this puzzle rests in the mechanisms of socialization that shape the allegiance of forcibly recruited soldiers. Socialization mechanisms are traced through three outcomes: compliance (or Type 0 socialization), role learning (Type I socialization), and norm internalization (Type II socialization). Integrating socialization theory and a rational choice analysis demonstrates that mechanisms that alter preferences through Type II socialization are effective in retaining recruits; the highest level of retention occurs when several mechanisms work in concert. Illustrative case studies of the Lord’s Resistance Army from Uganda, the Revolutionary United Front in Sierra Leone, the Maoists in Nepal, and the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) show that a reliance on child soldiers, group assets (pecuniary and non-pecuniary), organizational structure, and the nature of military contestation shape when different mechanisms are effective or not.
How Members of Parliament understand and respond to climate change
Authors: Willis Rebecca
Published: September 2017

Action on climate change, to meet the targets set in the 2015 Paris Agreement, requires strong political support at the national level. Whilst the political and governance challenges of climate change have been discussed at length, there is little understanding of how politicians, as influential individuals within the political system, understand or respond to climate change. This article presents findings from 14 qualitative interviews with Members of the UK Parliament, to discuss how politicians conceptualise climate change, and their deliberations on whether or how to act on the issue. First, it reviews an interdisciplinary literature from sociology, political theory and science and technology studies, to investigate how politicians navigate their work and life. Second, it presents ‘composite narratives’ to provide four different MPs’ stories. Last, it draws conclusions and implications for practice. It highlights three crucial factors: identity, or how politicians consider the climate issue in the context of their professional identity and the cultural norms of their workplace; representation, how politicians assess their role as a representative, and whether proposed political action on climate is seen as compatible with this representative function; and working practices, how day-to-day work rituals and pressures influence the aims, ambitions and engagement of politicians with climate change.
Social Class Origin and Assortative Mating in Britain, 1949–2010
Authors: Henz Ursula , Mills Colin
Published: September 2017

This article examines trends in assortative mating in Britain over the last 60 years. Assortative mating is the tendency for like to form a conjugal partnership with like. Our focus is on the association between the social class origins of the partners. The propensity towards assortative mating is taken as an index of the openness of society which we regard as a macro level aspect of social inequality. There is some evidence that the propensity for partners to come from similar class backgrounds declined during the 1960s. Thereafter, there was a period of 40 years of remarkable stability during which the propensity towards assortative mating fluctuated trendlessly within quite narrow limits. This picture of stability over time in social openness parallels the well-established facts about intergenerational social class mobility in Britain.