bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which Infectious Blood Donors Could Be Identified by the Donor History Questionnaire - Comparison of Blood Donors Infected with HIV or HCV with Notified Cases from General Population in Germany
Authors: Preußel Karina , Offergeld Ruth
Published: February 2018

Background: Potential risks for transfusion-transmissible infections are identified by donor history questionnaires (DHQs), and donors with higher risks are deferred from donation. We assessed to which extent the currently used DHQs support the identification of infections among blood donors. Methods: Between 2006 and 2013, we analyzed data from notified HIV and HCV cases in the general population and positive blood donors in Germany. Logistic regressions were used to identify relevant infection risks. We estimated the possible effect of improved capture of risk factors for donor selection by calculation of population attributable fractions (PAF). Results: Risky sexual contacts - MSM as well as heterosexual contacts - were the most prominent infection risks among HIV-infected donors. Whereas MSM contacts were significantly less reported by donors than by cases from the general population, 58% of donors disclosed heterosexual risks compared to 26% of notified cases. The complete identification of heterosexual risk contacts might prevent acceptance of 53% of HIV-infected donors. HCV-infected donors were more likely to report heterosexual exposure, imprisonment, and piercing/tattoo than notified HCV cases. Improved recording of piercing/tattoo could prevent acceptance of 16% of HCV-infected donors. Conclusion: Donor selection should be improved with special attention to the identification of (hetero)sexual risk factors, invasive procedures (piercing/tattoo and imprisonment) applying well-designed DHQs, effective donor education, and confidential environment in all steps of the selection process.
Conjunctival Dehiscence and Scleral Necrosis following Iodine-125 Plaque Brachytherapy for Uveal Melanoma: A Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Berry Duncan E. , Grewal Dilraj S. , Mruthyunjaya Prithvi
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Plaque brachytherapy is currently the most common treatment for uveal melanoma and has many known potential complications. Here we present 3 cases of early conjunctival and scleral necrosis following iodine-125 plaque. Methods: This study was conducted as a retrospective case series. Results: We identified 3 cases of early conjunctival and scleral necrosis following iodine-125 plaque. All patients were managed conservatively with resolution of the necrosis. Conclusions: While delayed corneoscleral necrosis following plaque brachytherapy has been previously reported, occurring many months to years after treatment, the 3 cases in this series presented within 2–6 weeks in the postoperative period. While we were unable to identify a specific etiology, we believe this represents a distinct clinical entity of post-brachytherapy cornea-scleral necrosis that is important to recognize. Possible causes include acute radiation toxicity, mechanical trauma, and/or conjunctival microinfection.
Need of Emergency Surgery in Elderly Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Survival Analysis during 2009–2015
Authors: Miilunpohja Sami , Kärkkäinen Jussi , Hartikainen Juha , Jyrkkä Johanna , Rantanen Tuomo , Paajanen Hannu
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: The role of emergency surgery is decreasing in the treatment of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). We investigated the need of urgent surgery and outcome of elderly UGIB patients who often have cardiovascular comorbidities with antithrombotic medication. Methods: All consecutive adult patients who received emergency treatment for suspected gastrointestinal bleeding between January 2009 and December 2011 were registered in an electronic database (n = 1,643). A total of 569 patients with a first-time UGIB were identified, of whom 282 were ≥70 years old. Age-specific incidence rates, risk factors for bleeding and need of endoscopic or emergency surgery were studied. Long-term mortality was compared to age-adjusted control subjects (n = 569) without bleeding. Results: The age-specific incidence of UGIB increased from 156 to 401 cases per 100,000 inhabitants from age 60–69 to 80–89 years, respectively. Cardiovascular comorbidities and antithrombotic therapies (acetosalicylic acid 51 vs. 27%; warfarins 25 vs. 11%) related to UGIB were more common in patients over than under 70 years of age (p < 0.0001). Early endoscopic therapy was successful in over 95% of patients, whereas emergency surgery was needed only in 6 (2%) patients ≥70 years old. Hospital mortality (7.8%) was acceptable in these patients, but the 5-year mortality (40%) was significantly higher than in controls (20%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Today, emergency surgery is seldom needed in the patients with UGIB. In comparison to the age-matched control population, long-term survival was significantly lower after UGIB in the elderly.
Is Enhanced One-Stage Hepatectomy a Safe and Feasible Alternative to the Two-Stage Hepatectomy in the Setting of Multiple Bilobar Colorectal Liver Metastases? A Comparative Analysis between Two Pioneering Centers
Authors: Torzilli Guido , Viganò Luca , Cimino Matteo , Imai Katsunori , Vibert Eric , Donadon Matteo , Mansour Doaa , Castaing Denis , Adam Ren
Published: February 2018

Background: Two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) is the present standard for multiple bilobar colorectal metastases (CLM). As alternative, ultrasound-guided one-stage hepatectomy (E-OSH) has been proposed even for deep-located nodules to compare TSH and E-OSH. Methods: All consecutive TSH at the Paul Brousse Hospital and E-OSH at the Humanitas Research Hospital were considered. The inclusion criteria were ≥6 CLM, ≥3 CLM in the left liver, and ≥1 lesion with vascular contact. A total of 74 TSH and 35 E-OSH were compared. Results: The 2 groups had similar characteristics. Drop-out rate of TSH was 40.5%. In comparison with the cumulated hepatectomies of TSH, E-OSH had lower blood loss (500 vs. 1,100 mL, p = 0.009), overall morbidity (37.1 vs. 70.5%, p = 0.003), severe morbidity (14.3 vs. 36.4%, p = 0.04), and liver-specific morbidity (22.9 vs. 40.9%, p = 0.02). R0 resection rate was similar between groups. E-OSH and completed TSH had similar overall survival (5-year 38.2 vs. 31.8%), recurrence-free survival (3-year 17.6 vs. 17.7%), and recurrence sites. Conclusions: E-OSH is a safe alternative to TSH for multiple bilobar deep-located CLM. Whenever feasible, E-OSH should even be considered the preferred option because it has excellent safety and oncological outcomes equivalent to completed TSH, without the drop-out risk.
Radiation Exposure during Ureterorenoscopy and Laser Lithotripsy: An Analysis of Stone Characteristics
Authors: Hadjipavlou Marios , Lam Vincent , Seth Jai , Anjum Faqar , Sriprasad Seshadri
Published: February 2018

Introduction and Objectives: Stone formers often have a chronic exposure to significant quantities of ionising radiation from radiological investigations and interventions. Predicting radiation exposure would allow the clinician to quantify expected cumulative radiation and find strategies to minimise exposure. We evaluated radiation exposure during ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy (URS + LL) for a single stone episode and correlated the results to stone characteristics. Method: Data was collected retrospectively for all patients undergoing URS + LL in our institution over a 1 year period. Patients with multiple stones, staghorn stones or incomplete stone clearance were excluded to simplify the analysis. Patient characteristics, fluoroscopy data and stone characteristics were recorded. Results: We included 302 consecutive patients in the study. The majority of stones were located in the renal calyces/pelvis (54%) with the rest located in the upper (18%), middle (13%) and lower ureter (15%). Mean stone diameter was 9.9 mm (range 4–30 mm). Mean radiation exposure time during URS + LL was 44 s (range 12–119 s) with a mean total radiation exposure of 7.5 milligray (mGy; range 1.2–29.7 mGy). Renal stones were associated with 27% higher radiation exposure compared to ureteral stones (8.3 vs. 6.7 mGy; p = 0.02). There was a positive correlation between stone diameter and radiation exposure (Spearman’s correlation coefficient ρ = 0.28; p < 0.001). Stones with diameter greater than 10 mm were associated with 37% higher radiation exposure compared to smaller stones (9.1 vs. 6.6 mGy; p < 0.001). Conclusion: There is a direct correlation between stone burden, as well as location, and radiation exposure during URS + LL. Clinicians should consider strategies to reduce total radiation exposure in recurrent stone formers at risk of high radiation exposure by limiting screening time, using pulsed rather than continuous fluoroscopy, management with primary URS + LL, or using ultrasound guidance.
Posterior Hyaloid Dissection: Let’s Make It Easy with Blue
Authors: Sararols Laura , Bañon Karim , Londoño Gabriel , Castilla Miguel , Guarro Mercé
Published: February 2018

Purpose: Our aim is to present in this online supplementa ry video (see www.karger.com/doi/10.1159/000486348) an easy new surgical technique using blue dye to dissect the posterior hyaloid when performing pars plana vitrectomy. Procedures: Dual-Blue stain is injected in vitreous cavity just after central vitrectomy is performed. The distribution of the blue stain will allow us to know if there is a posterior vitreous detachment or not (“blue lake fashion” or “blue jelly fashion,” respectively) and as an excellent visualization of the vitreous fibers is accomplished, dissection of the posterior hyaloid can be performed without difficulty. Results: This procedure allows a much more simple, fast, and safe dissection of posterior hyaloid even for an inexperienced vitreoretinal surgeon. The cleavage plane between the retina and the posterior hyaloid is easily differentiated. Conclusions: A more controlled and easy dissection of posterior hyaloid during vitrectomy is accomplished with this simple technique without adding any extra cost. Message of the paper: An easy technique that allows a much easier dissection of the posterior hyaloid during vitrectomy improving visualization and decreasing risks. No extra cost, nor time is needed.
Relation of Paraoxonase 1 Activity with Biochemical Variables, Brachial Artery Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Diabetes with or without Obesity
Authors: Karakaya Pinar , Ozdemir Bahar , Mert Meral , Okuturlar Yildiz
Published: February 2018

Aim: The sodium-sparing effect of insulin leads to increase in total sodium pool of the body which is a chronic stimulus for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). In our study we aimed to determine the relationship between ANP and microvascular complications of diabetes. Methods: 60 patients, 30-70 years old, with the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are enrolled into the study. Patients with a chronic disease other than DM are excluded. Blood samples for routine biochemical tests are taken after at least 12 h fasting at 8-9 am. Blood samples for glucose and insulin levels are taken 2 h after a standard meal. Blood tubes with EDTA are used for ANP levels. The microvascular complications of the patients are evaluated. Results: 32 of the patients had microvascular complications. Age, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, and ANP levels were significantly higher in the group with microvascular complications. There were no significant differences in waist-to-hip ratio, blood glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, postprandial insulin, fasting HOMA, postprandial HOMA as well as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and lipid levels between the two groups. When the relationship between ANP and obesity, retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, diabetes time, HbA1c, or sex are evaluated separately, the only significant parameters related to ANP were obesity and retinopathy. Conclusion: In our study we have found that there was a significant relationship between ANP levels and microvascular complications of diabetes. Future studies are needed to show if ANP is the stimulus of microvascular complication development/progression or only an epiphenomenon.
Dermoscopic Findings and Their Therapeutic Implications in Trichostasis Spinulosa: A Retrospective Study of 306 Patients
Authors: Kelati Awatef , Aqil Niema , Mernissi Fatima Zahra
Published: February 2018

Background: Data about the contribution and the implications of dermoscopy in trichostasis spinulosa (TS) are lacking in the literature. Objective: To describe dermoscopic features of TS in a large sample of patients and to correlate dermoscopy with clinical characteristics of the patients and therapeutic responses to medical treatments. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted (from October 2015 to June 2016) at the Department of Dermatology of Fez in Morocco. Dermoscopic signs were divided into signs of hair retention (SHR) and follicular keratosis (FK). Results: SHR was severe in 8.8% and minimal in 40.5% of all cases. Vellus hairs were observed in 81.6% of all cases and hair tufts were described in 48.7%. Dermoscopic blackhead-like structures (DBH) were found in 53.9% of all cases. FK was observed as orange-yellowish keratotic plugs in 92.7% of all cases. Therapeutic demand was significantly related to female gender (p = 0.002) and recurrences after medical treatment (p = 0.004). Complete improvement after medical treatment was only described in patients with DBH and minimal SHR (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Dermoscopy not only increases the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis in TS, but a new description of dermoscopic classification has also been proposed leading to therapeutic implications.
Chromosome Nomenclature and Cytological Characterization of Sacred Lotus
Authors: Meng Zhuang , Hu Xiaoxu , Zhang Zhiliang , Li Zhanjie , Lin Qingfang , Yang Mei , Yang Pingfang , Ming Ray , Yu Qingyi , Wang Kai
Published: February 2018

Sacred lotus is a basal eudicot plant that has been cultivated in Asia for over 7,000 years for its agricultural, ornamental, religious, and medicinal importance. A notable characteristic of lotus is the seed longevity. Extensive endeavors have been devoted to dissect its genome assembly, including the variety China Antique, which germinated from a 1,300-year-old seed. Here, cytogenetic markers representing the 10 largest megascaffolds, which constitute approximately 70% of the lotus genome assembly, were developed. These 10 megascaffolds were then anchored to the corresponding lotus chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization using these cytogenetic markers, and a set of chromosome-specific cytogenetic markers that could unambiguously identify each of the 8 chromosomes was generated. Karyotyping was conducted, and a nomenclature based on chromosomal length was established for the 8 chromosomes of China Antique. Comparative karyotyping revealed relatively conserved chromosomal structures between China Antique and 3 modern cultivars. Interestingly, significant variations in the copy number of 45S rDNA were detected between China Antique and modern cultivars. Our results provide a comprehensive view on the chromosomal structure of sacred lotus and will facilitate further studies and the genome assembly of lotus.
Normative Basal Values of Hormones and Proteins of Gonadal and Adrenal Functions from Birth to Adulthood
Authors: Fanelli Flaminia , Baronio Federico , Ortolano Rita , Mezzullo Marco , Cassio Alessandra , Pagotto Uberto , Balsamo Antonio
Published: February 2018

In clinical practice, it is fundamental to compare the results of hormonal examinations obtained in the laboratory with reliable reference values. This is particularly difficult when faced with rare conditions, such as disorders of sex development, where not routinely assayed peptide hormones as well as intermediate steroid metabolites are often needed and local reliable reference values are not available. There are considerable differences among techniques and assays used in clinical and research laboratories. In fact, laboratory hormonology is undergoing a critical transition between techniques for quantitative determination: established immunoassays and mass spectrometry. Harmonizing results from different laboratories is a major challenge along the path leading to the establishment of consensus reference intervals for steroid hormones. Most of the efforts are being concentrated on testosterone, with very encouraging results being provided by the harmonization of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry results. However, this goal is still far from being achieved for the other steroid and small-molecule hormones, and a much more challenging perspective is foreseeable for protein hormones. In addition to technical issues, the importance of the definition and of the characterization of the reference population as well as sampling and processing methodology should not be underestimated, as these aspects may impact on hormonal axis and compound stability. The aim of the present review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the circulating reference values in basal condition of the hormones and proteins involved in sex development reported to date in the peer-reviewed literature. We present a series of tables where we have collected the reference intervals for each specific hormone and protein.
Assessing Extracellular Volume in Hemodialysis Patients Using Intradialytic Blood Pressure Slopes
Authors: Liu Hao , Lu Rong , Shastri Shani , Sonderman Mark , Van Buren Peter Noel
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Extracellular volume (ECV) overload is a mortality risk factor in hemodialysis patients, but no standard approach exists to objectively assess this clinically. We aimed to quantify relationships between slopes of repeated intradialytic blood pressure (BP) measurements and ECV. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 71 hemodialysis patients, we calculated BP slopes from all intradialytic measurements using Gaussian regression. We measured extracellular and total body water (TBW) with bioimpedance spectroscopy. We analyzed unconditional and conditional associations between BP slope and volume metrics with mixed linear models and sensitivity analyses using non-linear intradialytic BP trajectory. Results: Mean systolic intradialytic BP slope (IBPS) was –0.06 (0.1) mm Hg/min. Post-dialysis extracellular water (ECW)/weight was the volume metric mostly strongly associated with slope (r = 0.34, p = 0.007 for unconditional analysis; β = 1.45, p = 0.001 for conditional analysis). Among subjects with post-dialysis systolic BP ≥130 mm Hg, the association strengthened (r = 0.40, p = 0.006; β = 1.42, p = 0.003). ECV was more strongly associated with the BP slope than with pre-dialysis, post-dialysis, or delta systolic BP (r = –0.07, 0.19, 0.28; p = 0.6, 0.1, 0.03). In nonlinear models, BP trajectory also had the strongest association with post-dialysis ECW/body weight (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In hypertensive hemodialysis patients, measurements of ECV excess are more strongly associated with IBPSs than with pre-dialysis, post-dialysis, or change in systolic BP. Among varying volume metrics, post-dialysis ECW/weight has the strongest association with these slopes. Determining IBPS is a novel method to optimize clinical assessment of ECV in hemodialysis patients.
Transgenic Overexpression of IL-37 Protects Against Atherosclerosis and Strengthens Plaque Stability
Authors: Liu Jing , Lin Jibin , He Shaolin , Wu Chun , Wang Boyuan , Liu Jie , Duan Yanping , Liu Tianxiao , Shan Shengshuai , Yang Keping , Dong Nianguo , Ji Qingwei , Huang Kai , Li Dazhu
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Recently, studies have shown that interleukin-37 (IL-37) is involved in atherosclerosis-related diseases. However, the regulatory mechanisms of IL-37 in atherosclerosis remain unknown. This study aims to determine the role of IL-37 in atherosclerosis and to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved. Methods: IL-37 expression in human atherosclerotic plaques was detected by immunohistochemical staining and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Oil Red O staining was used to measure the size of plaques. Cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo was tested by flow cytometric analysis and terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, respectively. Protein expression levels of IL-37, IL-18Rα and p-Smad3 were measured by Weston blotting. Results: Immunohistochemical staining revealed that IL-37 was highly expressed in human atherosclerotic plaques. Intracellular cytokine staining revealed that infiltrated CD4+ T lymphocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), but not macrophages, were the major sources of IL-37. Mice that overexpressed IL-37 exhibited significant improvements in their atherosclerotic burden, as demonstrated by reduced plaque size, increased collagen levels, and reduced numbers of apoptotic cells in vivo. Subsequently, mechanistic studies showed that IL-37 played an anti-atherosclerotic role, at least partially, through reducing inflammation by promoting the differentiation of the T helper cell anti-inflammatory phenotype, and through increasing plaque stability by decreasing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/13-mediated degradation of collagen and inhibiting VSMCs apoptosis. Conclusion: IL-37 may be a novel potential therapeutic target in patients with atherosclerotic heart disease.
Cyclic Mechanical Stretch Induced Smooth Muscle Cell Changes in Cerebral Aneurysm Progress by Reducing Collagen Type IV and Collagen Type VI Levels
Authors: Liu Peixi , Song Yaying , Zhou Yingjie , Liu Yingjun , Qiu Tianming , An Qingzhu , Song Jianping , Li Peiliang , Shi Yuan , Li Sichen , Quan Kai , Yang Guo-Yuan , Zhu Wei
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Cerebral aneurysm growth is characterized by continuous structural weakness of local smooth muscle cells, though the mechanism is unclear. In this study, we examine protein changes in cerebral aneurysm and human brain vascular smooth muscle cells after cyclic mechanical stretch. We further explore the relationship between the smooth muscle cell changes and reductions in the levels of collagen types IV and VI. Methods: Saccular cerebral aneurysms (n=10) were collected, and temporal artery samples were used as controls. Quantitative proteomics were analyzed and histopathological changes were examined. Smooth muscle cells were cultured in a flexible silicone chamber and subjected to 15% cyclic mechanical stretch. The effect of stretch on the cell viability, function, gene and protein expression were further studied for the understanding the molecular mechanism of aneurysm development. Results: Proteomics analysis revealed 92 proteins with increased expression and 88 proteins with decreased expression compared to the controls (p<0.05). KEGG pathway analysis showed that the change in focal adhesion and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, suggesting the involvement of collagen type IV and VI. The aneurysm tissue exhibited fewer smooth muscle cells and lower levels of collagen type IV and VI. Human brain vascular smooth muscle cell culture showed spindle-like cells and obvious smooth muscle cell layer. Cell proteomics analysis showed that decreased expression of 118 proteins and increased expression of 32 proteins in smooth muscle cells after cyclic mechanical stretch. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that focal adhesion and ECM-receptor interaction were involved. After cyclic mechanical stretch, collagen type IV and IV expression were decreased. Moreover, the stretch induced MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression elevation. Conclusion: We demonstrated that collagen type IV and VI were decreased in cerebral aneurysms and continuous cyclic mechanical stretch induced smooth muscle cell changes. Smooth muscle cell protection provides an additional therapeutic option to prevent the growth of cerebral aneurysms.
Inhibition of Suicidal Erythrocyte Death by Indirubin-3’-Monoxime
Authors: Liu Chunqiu , Jiang Peipei , Xu Yuanhong , Zheng Meijuan , Qiao Jinpin , Zhou Xueyong , Huang Dake , Bian Maohong
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Qing Dai is a prized traditional Chinese medicine whose major component, indirubin, and its derivative, indirubin-3’-monoxime (IDM), have inhibitory effects on the growth of many human tumor cells and pronounced anti-leukemic activities. However, the effects of IDM on mature human erythrocytes are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the potential impact of IDM on erythrocytes and the mechanisms underlying that impact. Methods: Utilizing flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy, phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface was estimated by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). The relative cell size, expressed in arbitrary units, was evaluated by forward scatter in a flow cytometer. Fluo-3 fluorescence was used to bewrite changes in cytosolic Ca2+ activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was assessed by 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescence, and ceramide abundance was evaluated by FITC-conjugated specific antibodies. Results: The 24-h exposure of human erythrocytes to IDM (12 µM) significantly decreased the percentage of annexin V-binding erythrocytes and the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). IDM (3-12 µM) did not significantly modify the ceramide level or DCFH-DA fluorescence. Energy depletion (removal of glucose for 24 hours) significantly increased annexin V binding and Fluo-3 fluorescence and diminished forward scatter, and these effects were significantly mitigated by IDM (12 µM). Moreover, the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin (1 µM, 60 min) and oxidative stress (30 min exposure to 0.05 mM tert-butyl hydroperoxide, t-BHP) similarly triggered eryptosis, which was also significantly suppressed by IDM. Conclusions: IDM is a novel inhibitor of suicidal erythrocyte death following ionomycin treatment, t-BHP treatment and energy depletion. Thus, IDM may counteract anemia and impairment of microcirculation, at least in part, by inhibition of Ca2+ entry into erythrocytes.
Downregulation of PRAME Suppresses Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through the Activation of P53 Mediated Pathway
Authors: Zhu Hanzhang , Wang Jingrui , Yin Junjie , Lu Bei , Yang Qijun , Wan Yafeng , Jia Changku
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: The expression of PRAME and its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the functional role of PRAME in HCC development and exploring the molecular mechanism. Methods: We first detected PRAME expression in 96 human HCC tissue samples and correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of the patients. We then established stable HCC cell lines with PRAME overexpression and knockdown followed by functional analysis in vitro. Further, we examined the relationship between PRAME and p53 pathway in vitro by using Western blotting. Finally, PRAME expression was detected to evaluate its correlation with p-p53 and p53 pathway related apoptotic proteins in xenograft tumor mouse model using immunohistochemistry. Results: PRAME expression was significantly higher in HCC tissues than in adjacent non-tumor tissues and their expression was positively correlated with alpha fetoprotein levels and tumor size. In addition, PRAME expression was associated with AJCC stage and is a potential biomarker of poor prognosis regarding 5-year overall survival in HCC. In vitro studies, we found that PRAME expression was higher in HCC cell lines than in normal hepatic cell line. Inhibited cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis was observed in PRAME knockdown HCC cells. Futher, increased cell apoptosis was correlated with the proportion of cells in G0/G1 stage, activated p53 mediated apoptosis, and increased cyclin p21 expression. Xenograft analysis in nude mice also found that PRAME knockdown inhibited tumorigenesis while PRAME overexpression had opposite effect. Conclusions: In HCC, PRAME serves as a potential biomarker for poor prognosis and novel therapeutic target in treating this cancer. PRAME is a potential biomarker of poor prognosis in HCC. PRAME surpresses HCC cell death in vitro and in vivo by regulating p53 apoptotic signaling and may serve as a potential therapeutic target in HCC.
Metabolomics Reveals Protection of Resveratrol in Diet-Induced Metabolic Risk Factors in Abdominal Muscle
Authors: Chen Guoyou , Ye Guozhu , Zhang Xinbo , Liu Xiaoxiao , Tu Yingfeng , Ye Zengjie , Liu Jincheng , Guo Qi , Wang Zhiguo , Wang Lin , Dong Sijun , Fan Yuhua
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Abdominal obesity is recognized as the main reason of metabolic syndrome, which is closely related to disordered skeletal and/or abdominal muscle metabolic functions. Metabolomics is a comprehensive assessment system in biological metabolites. The aim of our present study is to investigate the diet-induced metabolic risk factors by metabolic in the abdominal muscles and clarify the relationship between atheroprotective effects of Resveratrol (Rev) and abdominal muscles metabolic components during the development of atherosclerosis. Methods: The mice were randomly divided into three groups including normal group (N), high fat diet (HFD or H) group and high fat diet with Rev treated group (HR). GC-MS combined with pattern recognition approaches were employed to obtain comprehensive metabolic signatures and related differential metabolites after 24 week HFD feeding. Oil Red O staining and Electron microscopy technology (EMT) were employed to detect the size of fatty plaques and intracellular lipid accumulation, respectively. Results: The result indicated that 22 types of metabolites in the abdominal muscles were obviously altered by HFD feeding group. Moreover, Rev treatment obviously increased 11 different kinds of metabolites, most of which were involved in the carbohydrate, amino acid and lipid metabolisms. Importantly, these elevated different metabolites were involved in pathways mainly related to galactose metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism in abdominal muscles. Oil Red O staining and Electron microscopy showed less lipid accumulation in the lesions and decreased intracellular lipid deposition in the foam cells in HR group. Conclusions: We concluded that Rev produced a beneficial effect partially by modulating multiple metabolism pathways and metabolites in the abdominal muscles, which may provide a new protective mechanism of Rev on the progression of atherosclerosis. These notably changed metabolites might be potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets during development of metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis.
Developing a Clinical Approach to Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Hadley Michael B. , Baumgartner Jill , Vedanthan Rajesh
Published: February 2018

Nearly 3 billion people are exposed to household air pollution emitted from inefficient cooking and heating stoves, and almost the entire global population is exposed to detectable levels of outdoor air pollution from traffic, industry, and other sources. Over 3 million people die annually of ischemic heart disease or stroke attributed to air pollution, more than from traditional cardiac risk factors such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, or smoking. Clinicians have a role to play in reducing the burden of pollution-attributable cardiovascular disease. However, there currently exists no clear clinical approach to this problem. Here, we provide a blueprint for an evidence-based clinical approach to assessing and mitigating cardiovascular risk from exposure to air pollution. We begin with a discussion of the global burden of pollution-attributable cardiovascular disease, including a review of the mechanisms by which particulate matter air pollution leads to cardiovascular outcomes. Next, we offer a simple patient-screening tool using known risk factors for pollution exposure. We then discuss approaches to quantifying air pollution exposures and cardiovascular risk, including the development of risk maps for clinical catchment areas. We review a collection of interventions for household and outdoor air pollution, which clinicians can tailor to patients and populations at risk. Finally, we identify future research needed to quantify pollution exposures and validate clinical interventions. Overall, we demonstrate that clinicians can be empowered to mitigate the global burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to air pollution.
Assessment of the fullPIERS Risk Prediction Model in Women With Early-Onset Preeclampsia
Authors: Ukah U. Vivian , Payne Beth , Hutcheon Jennifer A. , Ansermino J. Mark , Ganzevoort Wessel , Thangaratinam Shakila , Magee Laura A. , von Dadelszen Peter
Published: February 2018

Early-onset preeclampsia is associated with severe maternal and perinatal complications. The fullPIERS model (Preeclampsia Integrated Estimate of Risk) showed both internal and external validities for predicting adverse maternal outcomes within 48 hours for women admitted with preeclampsia at any gestational age. This ability to recognize women at the highest risk of complications earlier could aid in preventing these adverse outcomes through improved management. Because the majority (≈70%) of the women in the model development had late-onset preeclampsia, we assessed the performance of the fullPIERS model in women with early-onset preeclampsia to determine whether it will be useful in this subgroup of women with preeclampsia. Three cohorts of women admitted with early-onset preeclampsia between 2012 and 2016, from tertiary hospitals in Canada, the Netherlands, and United Kingdom, were used. Using the published model equation, the probability of experiencing an adverse maternal outcome was calculated for each woman, and model performance was evaluated based on discrimination, calibration, and stratification. The total data set included 1388 women, with an adverse maternal outcome rate of 7.3% within 48 hours of admission. The model had good discrimination, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80 (95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.86), and a calibration slope of 0.68. The estimated likelihood ratio at the predicted probability of ≥30% was 23.4 (95% confidence interval, 14.83–36.79), suggesting a strong evidence to rule in adverse maternal outcomes. The fullPIERS model will aid in identifying women admitted with early-onset preeclampsia in similar settings who are at the highest risk of adverse outcomes, thereby allowing timely and effective interventions.
Alleged Christian Crosses in Herculaneum and Pompeii
Authors: Cook John Granger
Published: February 2018

The thesis that cil 4, 10062 and two cruciform artefacts in Herculaneum and Pompeii are Christian crosses, which indicate a pre-Vesuvian Christian presence in Campania, cannot be sustained. cil 4, 10062 most probably portrays a scrawl. The cruciform indentation in a wall of Herculaneum was probably left by the support for a shelf. The bas relief of a bakery in Pompeii likely indicates some kind of baker’s tool.
Deconstructing Religion: Some Thoughts on Where We Go From Here — A Hermeneutical Proposal
Authors: Hedges Paul
Published: February 2018

This paper overviews contemporary debates on the deconstruction / historization of the category ‘religion’. It argues that a hard deconstruction which seeks to suggest the term is an empty signifier and analytically useless is unfounded philosophically and empirically. However, a soft deconstruction which accepts the problems of employing the term, especially as found in the World Religions Paradigm, but suggests that ‘religion’ remains a useful tool to describe a specific social reality, is well founded. The article extends current debates by showing how philosophical hermeneutics, especially as exemplified by Hans-Georg Gadamer’s work, supports the soft deconstructive approach and further shows the conceptual inadequacy of hard deconstruction.
Multiple Religious Belonging and the ‘Deconstruction’ of Religion
Authors: Oostveen Daan F.
Published: February 2018

In this article I briefly survey the meaning of ‘religion’ in the context of multiple religious belonging and the consequences of the so-called deconstruction of religion to it. I argue that we can distinguish three hermeneutics on religion and religious diversity in theology and religious studies: a hermeneutics of multiple religions, a hermeneutics of hybrid religiosity and a hermeneutics of deconstruction. Both a hermeneutics of hybrid religiosity and a hermeneutics of deconstruction challenge the common understanding of multiple religious belonging as belonging to multiple religious traditions. Following Wouter Hanegraaff and Paul Hedges, I will argue that the deconstruction of religion could make us aware that the idea of religious traditions are ultimately reified imaginative formations, which give rise to the so-called ‘World Religions’ paradigm. Following from this, we can learn how the imagination of multiple religions to which an individual can belong is always in interaction with the imagination of a hybrid or dynamic religious belonging.
Nomenclatural and taxonomic study in species of Viola (Violaceae) from Argentina
Authors: NICOLA MARCELA VIVIANA , SALOMÓN LUCIANA , ZULOAGA FERNANDO OMAR
Published: February 2018

During the revision of Viola for the Flora of Argentina project we detected names which need an exhaustive nomenclatural and taxonomic study. As a result of our analysis 43 lectotypes and three neotypes are designated for accepted names and synonyms of the genus as currently recognised by the present authors. Moreover, we encountered a nomen nudum, and present here a new combination and five new synonyms.
Marchesinia principensis (Marchantiophyta, Lejeuneaceae), a new liverwort species from Príncipe, West Africa
Authors: MÜLLER FRANK , SHEVOCK JAMES R.
Published: February 2018

A new species, Marchesinia principensis (Marchantiophyta, Lejeuneaceae), is described and illustrated from Príncipe, Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, West Africa. It was discovered in cloud-mist hardwood forests at elevations of 500–690 m. This new species most closely resembles Marchesinia excavata, but differs in the broad reniform underleaves, 5–6 × as wide as the stem, >2 × as wide as long, the narrow angle (< 90°) that the ventral margin of the lobe makes with the keel, and the usually flat ventral margin of the lobe. M. principensis is, furthermore, a more robust plant than M. excavata.
A review of the Subtribe Lebiina Bonelli (Lebiini, Carabidae, Coleoptera) from Southwest of Saudi Arabia
Authors: RASOOL IFTEKHAR , ABDEL-DAYEM MAHMOUD S. , FELIX RON F.F.L. , ALDHAFER HATHAL M.
Published: February 2018

In this paper, descriptions, illustrations, distributional maps and a key for the subtribe Lebiina Bonelli, 1810 of Lebiini are presented for the two genera, Lebia Latreille, 1802 and Matabele, Peringuey, 1896 and six species from the southwest of Saudi Arabia. Lebia raeesae sp. n is described as a new species, L. melanacra (Chaudoir, 1878) and L. melanura (Dejean, 1831) are new records to the fauna of the country. Thus, the Saudi fauna of Lebiina based on this study has increased from three to six species.
The aggressive call of Dendropsophus cruzi (Pombal & Bastos, 1998) (Anura; Hylidae) in Central Brazil
Authors: ANDREANI TAINÃ LUCAS , OLIVEIRA SEIXAS REZENDE , GUERRA VINÍCIUS , BASTOS ROGÉRIO PEREIRA , DE MORAIS ALESSANDRO RIBEIRO
Published: February 2018

Dendropsophus cruzi (Pombal & Bastos, 1998) is a small hylid (male snout-to-vent length = 16.3–19.4 mm; female SVL = 21.3–25.0 mm) that is allocated in the D. microcephalus group (Faivovich et al. 2005). It is commonly found in Open and forested areas from Central Brazil to Provincia Velasco, Departamento de Santa Cruz, Bolivia (Frost 2017; Tessarolo et al. 2016). Pombal & Bastos (1998) described the advertisement call of D. cruzi as a single pulsed note. Posteriorly, studies uncovered relationships between dominant frequency variation in the advertisement calls of D. cruzi and variation in the SVL and mass of males (Bastos et al. 2003), as well as the existence of a clinal geographic pattern in the variation of acoustic parameters of these calls (Tessarolo et al. 2016). However, the acoustic communication in anurans is usually mediated by more than one vocalization type (Toledo et al. 2015). Due the importance of call types in the social context of anurans (e.g., Reichert 2011; Forti et al. 2017), we expand the vocal repertoire of D. cruzi by describing its aggressive call.
Report of a Workshop on Theoretical and Observational Studies of Polar Lows” of the European Geophysical Society Polar Lows Working Group
Authors: Heinemann Gunther , Claud Chantal
Published: February 2018

A workshop on theoretical and observational studies of polar lows was held in St. Petersburg, Russia, 23–26 September 1996. An international group with scientists and students from Canada, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States participated in the workshop. The papers presented covered the fields of climatological studies, studies using numerical models, and satellite studies for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Two polar low cases were investigated in more detail during working groups sessions: The polar low “Le Cygne” occurring 13–16 October 1993 over the Norwegian Sea, and a Southern Hemisphere polar low occurring 30 July–1 August 1986 over the Weddell Sea. Programs related to polar low research were presented in order to coordinate the international efforts in investigating polar mesocyclones. The workshop showed the progress achieved by using 1) the synergetic combination of the satellite data presently available, and 2) mesoscale numerical models for the understanding of the development and the physical processes of polar mesocyclones.
Storytelling in the Meteorology Classroom
Authors: Knox John A. , Croft Paul J.
Published: February 2018

The current explosion of scientific information available to science educators puts increasing pressure on conventional educational approaches. One educational technique that (a) facilitates the communication of essential knowledge, (b) is supported by cognitive science theory, and (c) is easily implemented in the atmospheric science classroom is the reformulating of lectures into stories. “Storytelling” here is understood to describe the oral or written communication of a “connected narrative of important events.” Stories differ from other pedagogical approaches, such as the traditional fact-laden lecture, through the network of multiple linkages between different characters, events, and facts in a story. Facts in a lecture may simply follow one after another; events in a story, by contrast, must follow from previous facts and the logic in the story itself.

An account is given of the lead author's use of storytelling in an atmospheric dynamics course at the University of Wisconsin—Madison. In the 2-hour-per-week laboratory, the course material was cast in the form of stories—stories that framed the basic knowledge, conveyed key concepts, and related key topics to one another. Stories were delivered orally in class and through an informal laboratory workbook. The rationale for this approach, the stories told, and the students' reactions are described. An example of storytelling in a global climate change course is also provided to illustrate the usefulness of storytelling in a wide range of meteorology courses.
Remote Sensing of Tropospheric Temperature and Water Vapor by Integrated Observing Systems
Authors: Westwater Edgeworth R.
Published: February 2018

In the last decade, substantial advances have been made in the remote sensing of tropospheric temperature and water vapor. Techniques include measurement of virtual temperature by Radio Acoustic Sounding Systems (RASS), the combination of RASS with satellite soundings, the measurement of precipitable water vapor by Global Positioning Systems, the measurement of water vapor profiles by Raman and differential absorption lidar, and the measurement of both temperature and water vapor profiles by Fourier Transform Infrared Radiometers. However, none of the techniques, by itself, is capable of satisfying most meteorological and climate needs. Thus, determination of profiles from combinations of data and sensors is the only practical way of satisfying these needs. In this paper, some of the techniques used for combining remote sensor data are outlined, some of the current sensors are described, and then examples of data derived from these combinations are presented. The role of the radiosonde in remote sensor evaluation, retrievals, and calibration is discussed. Finally, some of the new possibilities for combined remote sensors are presented.
Solid Variant of Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of the Temporal Bone
Authors: Saez Neil , Sharma Giriraj K. , Barnes Christian H. , Lu Yuxin , Hsu Frank P. , Huoh Kevin C. , Djalilian Hamid R. , Lin Harrison W.
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are benign, rapidly growing osteolytic lesions. Solid variant of ABC (SVABC) is a rare subtype of ABC that has not been reported in the temporal bone.

Methods:

We report the case of a 6-year-old boy presenting with a slowly enlarging bony protuberance over the right zygomatic/malar eminence region. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 2.6 × 5.8 × 5.1 cm temporal bone mass involving the right mastoid, petrous, and temporal squamosal calvarium, with extradural intracranial extension to the middle cranial fossa.

Results:

The patient underwent preoperative embolization of feeder arteries followed by combined neurosurgical and neurotologic resection. Histopathology revealed characteristic ABC features with interspersed areas of intralesional osteoid formation.

Conclusion:

Solid variant of ABCs are rare lesions of the skull base that present a diagnostic challenge given their unique radiographic and histologic features. Thorough cytogenetic evaluation is warranted to rule out potential malignant secondary causes. Early surgical resection is essential due to the risk of intracranial extension. This is the first report of ABC of any type with concurrent involvement of the squamous, mastoid, and petrous portions of the temporal bone and the first report of SVABC of the temporal bone.
They Couldn’t Get My Soul
Authors: Goodwin Megan
Published: February 2018

During the 1980s and early 1990s, hundreds of women recovered memories of suffering extraordinary and nefarious torments at the hands of loved ones and trusted authority figures—a phenomenon that came to be known as satanic ritual abuse (SRA). In this article, I argue that late twentieth-century satanic ritual abuse discourse helped perpetuate intolerance toward non-Christian religions and foreclose conditions of possibility for benign religious difference in the United States. Psychological diagnoses related to satanic ritual abuse fueled popular anxieties regarding the sexual peril of American minority religions. Perpetuating diagnoses of satanic ritual abuse reinforced popular suspicions that religious minorities are dangerous, particularly when it comes to matters of sexuality.