bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Putting veterans with heart failure FIRST improves follow-up and reduces readmissions
Authors: Ogunwole Serena Michelle , Phillips Jason , Gossett Amber , Downs John Richard
Published: January 2019

Background

Despite improvements in length of stay and mortality, congestive heart failure (CHF) remains the most common cause of 30-day readmissions to the hospital. Though multiple studies have found that early follow-up after discharge (eg, within 7 days) is critical to improving 30-day readmissions, implementation strategies are challenging in resource-limited settings. Here we present a quality improvement initiative aimed at improving early follow-up while maximising available resources.

Methods

This was a medical resident-driven initiative. A process map of the discharge and follow-up appointment process was created that identified multiple areas for improvement. Based on these findings, a two-part intervention was implemented. First, heart failure discharge education with focus on early follow-up was disseminated to providers throughout the internal medicine department. Subsequently, improved identification of high-risk patients (FailureInterventionRiskStratificationTool) and innovative use of the existing electronic medical record (EMR) were employed to sustain and improve on gains from the first set of interventions.

Results

We increased our 7-day follow-up rate from 47% to 57% (p=0.429) and decreased the average time to follow-up from 17.6 days to 8.7 days (p=0.016) following the first intervention. The percentage of patients readmitted within 30 days after discharge at baseline (2012–2013) and following the first intervention (education and standardisation of follow-up scheduling) and second intervention (risk stratification, intensive follow-up and EMR change) was 25% and 21%, respectively. Thirty-day mortality rate decreased from 10% in 2011 to 7.16% in December 2015.

Conclusion

Close hospital discharge follow-up and identification of high-risk patients with CHF are useful approaches to reduce readmissions. Using the existing EMR tool for identifying high-risk patients and improving adherence to best practices is an effective intervention. In patients with CHF these strategies improved time to follow-up and 30-day readmissions while decreasing mortality.
Improving the therapeutic window of conventional opioids: novel differential signaling modulators
Authors: Viscusi Eugene R
Published: January 2019

Conventional opioids are widely used for acute pain management in the postoperative setting. However, a primary concern with conventional opioids is their therapeutic window—the range between doses that produce the desired therapeutic effect (analgesia) and doses that produce unwanted opioid-related adverse events (ORAEs). Conventional µ receptor opioids have a narrow therapeutic window in part because of their mechanism of action (MoA): they bind to µ receptors and non-selectively activate two intracellular signaling pathways, leading to analgesia and to ORAEs. This review explores the clinical potential of µ receptor ligands with differential signaling. Agents with a ‘differential signaling” MoA represent an innovative approach that may enhance the therapeutic window. These agents modulate µ receptor activity to selectively engage downstream signaling pathways associated with analgesia while limiting activity in downstream signaling pathways that lead to ORAEs. Differential signaling may fulfill an unmet need in the management of postoperative pain.
Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome between 1999 and 2014 in the United States adult population and the impact of the 2007–2008 recession: an NHANES study
Authors: Marcotte-Chénard Alexis , Deshayes Thomas A. , Ghachem Ahmed , Brochu Martin
Published: January 2019

To document changes in prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the United States adult population between 1999 and 2014 and to explore how variations in the dietary intakes explain changes in MetS prevalence and its components over time. A total of 38 541 individuals (aged 20–85 years; National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2014) were studied. Outcome variables were MetS, waist circumference (WC), plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides, fasting glucose (FG) levels, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, dietary intakes (total daily energy, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, sodium, and alcohol intakes), the poverty income ratio (PIR) and sociodemographic data (age, sex, ethnicity). Overall, the prevalence of the MetS significantly increased between 1999 and 2014 (27.9% to 31.5%). High plasma FG levels and high WC increased between 1999 and 2014, while the prevalence of the other components of MetS decreased or remained stable. Interestingly, a significant peak in MetS prevalence was observed in 2007–2008 compared with 1999–2006 (34.4% vs 27.6%), accompanied by a concomitant increase in WC and plasma FG levels, as well as a decrease in plasma HDL-c. Finally, significant decreases were observed for the PIR, total daily energy intake, sodium, and all macronutrient intakes in 2007–2008 compared with 1999–2006 (all P < 0.01). Results showed that the MetS prevalence significantly increased between 1999 and 2014 in the United States adult population, with a peak in 2007–2008. Interestingly, the 2007–2008 peak in MetS prevalence was accompanied by decreases in the PIR, total daily energy, and macronutrients intakes, suggesting potential impact of the 2007–2008 recession.
The study of dynamics for credit default risk by backward stochastic differential equation method
Authors: Tian Kun , Xiong Dewen , Yan Wenchao , Yuan George Xianzhi
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we discuss the dynamics of credit default risk for bilateral collateralized credit valuation adjusted (BCCVA) for counterparty credit risk with two positive collateral accounts by assuming default times for both investor and counterparty satisfying the density hypothesis, and the contagion risk between them being reflected by the density process. We first split the price process into three key parts, and then describe the dynamics of each part by using backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs). As applications, we introduce the “double” Cox model, in which the BSDEs have their specific forms and thus results in this paper generalize and improve corresponding theoretic results in the existing literature. We also would like to point out that, in this paper, we do not pay attention to explore how the introduction of default contagion impacts with true market data for the BCCVA predicted by for a model without contagion versus a model with contagion, but will plan to conduct the study on the impact for BCCVA with or without contagion in a separate research project.
Kinetics of selenite interactions with Boom Clay: adsorption–reduction interplay
Authors: Hoving Alwina L. , Münch Melanie A. , Bruggeman Christophe , Banerjee Dipanjan , Behrends Thilo
Published: January 2019

The speciation of selenium (Se) in clay-rich host rocks is important within the framework of geological disposal of radioactive waste since it affects its migration. Removal of selenite from formation water can be caused by reduction and adsorption. Reduction could potentially be inhibited or delayed by adsorption. Here, the interplay of adsorption and reduction of selenite was investigated in batch experiments with Boom Clay and its separated size fractions. In all experiments, dissolved Se concentrations (Se
aq
) showed a fast initial decrease that was followed by a slower decline until removal was almost complete. X-ray absorption spectroscopy indicated that adsorption of selenite accounted for the fast removal of Se
aq
followed by slower selenite reduction. Eventually, almost all solid-bound Se
IV
became reduced to Se
0
in all experiments. The progress of Se
aq
removal and Se
IV
reduction to Se
0
could be described by a kinetic model involving reversible adsorption on clay minerals and reduction by pyrite. This implies that the reduction of selenite to Se
0
is not significantly hindered or delayed by selenite adsorption on clay minerals. Pyrite is probably the most relevant reductant for selenite in Boom Clay, although reduction by Fe
II
structurally bound in clay minerals might provide an additional pathway for selenite reduction in clay rocks.
Enumerating Connected Subgraphs and Computing the Myerson and Shapley Values in Graph-Restricted Games
Authors: Skibski Oskar , Rahwan Talal , Michalak Tomasz P. , Wooldridge Michael
Published: January 2019

At the heart of multi-agent systems is the ability to cooperate to improve the performance of individual agents and/or the system as a whole. While a widespread assumption in the literature is that such cooperation is essentially unrestricted, in many realistic settings this assumption does not hold. A highly influential approach for modelling such scenarios are graph-restricted games introduced by Myerson [36]. In this approach, agents are represented by nodes in a graph, edges represent communication channels, and a group can generate an arbitrary value only if there exists a direct or indirect communication channel between every pair of agents within the group. Two fundamental solution-concepts that were proposed for such games are the
Myerson value
and the
Shapley value
. While an algorithm has been developed to compute the Shapley value in arbitrary graph-restricted games, no such general-purpose algorithm has been developed for the Myerson value to date. With this in mind, we set out to develop for such games a general-purpose algorithm to compute the Myerson value, and a more efficient algorithm to compute the Shapley value. Since the computation of either value involves enumerating all connected induced subgraphs of the game’s underlying graph, we start by developing an algorithm dedicated to this enumeration, and then we show empirically that it is faster than the state of the art in the literature. Finally, we present a sample application of both algorithms, in which we test the Myerson value and the Shapley value as advanced measures of node centrality in networks.
Call for proposals
Authors: Koenig Sven , Das Sanmay , Paradis Rosemary , Rovatsos Michael , Mattei Nicholas
Published: January 2019

ACM SIGAI invites funding proposals for artificial intelligence (AI) activities with a strong outreach component to either students, researchers, or practitioners not working on AI technologies or to the public in general.
Events
Authors: Rovatsos Michael
Published: January 2019

This section features information about upcoming events relevant to the readers of AI Matters, including those supported by SIGAI. We would love to hear from you if you are organizing an event and would be interested in cooperating with SIGAI, or if you have announcements relevant to SIGAI. For more information about conference support visit sigai.acm.org/activities/requesting_sponsor-ship.html.
AI education matters
Authors: Furey Heidi , Martin Fred
Published: January 2019

In this column, we introduce our Model AI Assignment, A Module on Ethical Thinking about Autonomous Vehicles in an AI Course, and more broadly introduce a conversation on ethics education in AI education.
Cumulative Disadvantage in the American Criminal Justice System
Authors: Kurlychek Megan C. , Johnson Brian D.
Published: January 2019

Research on inequality in punishment has a long and storied history, yet the overwhelming focus has been on episodic disparity in isolated stages of criminal case processing (e.g., arrest, prosecution, or sentencing). Although theories of cumulative disadvantage exist in criminology, they are seldom adapted to account for treatment in the criminal justice system. We provide an overview of the concept of cumulative disadvantage in the life course and review evidence on the development of cumulative disadvantages across stages of the criminal justice system. In doing so, we appraise the empirical research on policing, prosecution, and the courts and consider how these largely separate bodies of scholarship are inherently connected. We conclude with a call for future research that focuses more explicitly on the ways that life-course disadvantages shape contact with the criminal justice system and how these processes work to perpetuate patterns of disadvantage within the system and in subsequent life outcomes.
Distance to Specialist Medical Care and Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Rural Saskatchewan
Authors: Spagnuolo Catherine M. , McIsaac Michael , Dosman James , Karunanayake Chandima , Pahwa Punam , Pickett William
Published: January 2019

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep-disordered breathing condition. Patients with OSA symptoms are often not diagnosed clinically, which is a concern, given the health and safety risks associated with unmanaged OSA. The availability of fewer practicing medical specialists combined with longer travel distances to access health care services results in barriers to diagnosis and treatment in rural communities. This study aimed to (1) determine whether the proportion of adults reporting OSA symptoms in the absence of a sleep apnea diagnosis in rural populations varied by travel distance to specialist medical care and (2) assess whether any distance-related patterns were attributable to differences in the frequency of diagnosis among adults who likely required this specialist medical care. We used a cross-sectional epidemiologic study design, augmented by analysis of follow-up survey data. Our study base included adults who completed a 2010 baseline questionnaire for the Saskatchewan Rural Health Study. Follow-up occurred until 2015. 6525 adults from 3731 households constituted our sample. Statistical models used log-binomial regression. Rural adults who reported the largest travel distances (≥250 km) to specialist medical care were 1.17 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.29) times more likely to report OSA symptoms in the absence of a sleep apnea diagnosis than those who reported the smallest (<100 km; referent) distances. However, the proportion of sleep apnea diagnoses was low and unaffected by reported travel distance among adults who likely required this specialist medical care. Our findings suggest factors other than travel distance may be contributing to the low sleep apnea diagnostic rate. This remains important as undiagnosed and untreated OSA has serious implications on the health of people and populations, but effective treatments are available. Health care access barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of OSA require evaluation to inform health care planning and delivery.
A Case of Pregnancy Complicated with Evans Syndrome with Sequential Development of Autoimmune Warm Antibody Hemolytic Anemia and Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Suzuki Haruka , Yamanoi Koji , Ogura Jumpei , Hirayama Takahiro , Yasumoto Koji , Shitanaka Shimpei , Inayama Yoshihide , Sakai Mie , Ohara Tsutomu , Suginami Koh
Published: January 2019

The simultaneous or sequential development of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is known as Evans syndrome. We experienced a case of Evans syndrome that developed AIHA during pregnancy and ITP long after delivery. The patient was a 35-year-old pregnant woman (gravida 2, para 1). A routine blood test at 28 weeks of gestation revealed moderate macrocytic anemia. Her haptoglobin level was markedly low, and a direct antiglobulin test (DAT) was positive. Based on these results, AIHA was considered. A healthy female newborn with bodyweight 3575 g was vaginally delivered uneventfully. After delivery, the DAT remained positive, but anemia did not develop. At 203 days after delivery, ITP was detected. Because AIHA and ITP developed sequentially, she was diagnosed with Evans syndrome. When AIHA occurs during pregnancy, long-term follow-up is needed because ITP can develop sequentially.
Temporal Characteristics of Heat Waves and Cold Spells and Their Links to Atmospheric Circulation in EURO-CORDEX RCMs
Authors: Plavcová Eva , Kyselý Jan
Published: January 2019

We study summer heat waves and winter cold spells and their links to atmospheric circulation in an ensemble of EURO-CORDEX RCMs in Central Europe. Results of 19 simulations were compared against observations over 1980–2005. Atmospheric circulation was represented by circulation types and supertypes derived from daily gridded mean sea level pressure. We examined observed and simulated characteristics of hot and cold days (defined using percentiles of temperature anomalies from the mean annual cycle) and heat waves and cold spells (periods of at least three hot/cold days in summer/winter). Although the ensemble of RCMs reproduces on average the frequency and the mean length of heat waves and cold spells relatively well, individual simulations suffer from biases. Most model runs have an enhanced tendency to group hot/cold days into sequences, with several simulations leading to extremely long heat waves or cold spells (the maximum length overestimated by up to 2-3 times). All simulations also produce an extreme winter season with (often considerably) higher number of cold days than in any observed winter. The RCMs reproduce in general the observed circulation significantly conducive to heat waves and cold spells. Zonal flow reduces the probability of temperature extremes in both seasons, while advection of warm/cold air from the south-easterly/north-easterly quadrant plays a dominant role in developing heat waves/cold spells. Because of these links, the simulation of temperature extremes in RCMs is strongly affected by biases in atmospheric circulation. For almost all simulations and all circulation supertypes, the persistence of supertypes is significantly overestimated (even if the frequency of a given supertype is underestimated), which may contribute to development of too-long heat waves/cold spells. We did not identify any substantial improvement in the EURO-CORDEX RCMs in comparison to previous ENSEMBLES RCMs, but the patterns of the biases are generally less conclusive as to general RCMs’ drawbacks.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study of Motor Effect
Authors: Inguaggiato Emanuela , Bolognini Nadia , Fiori Simona , Cioni Giovanni
Published: January 2019

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is an emerging tool to improve upper limb motor functions after stroke acquired in adulthood; however, there is a paucity of reports on its efficacy for upper limb motor rehabilitation in congenital or early-acquired stroke. In this pilot study we have explored, for the first time, the immediate effects, and their short-term persistence, of a single application of anodal tDCS on chronic upper limb motor disorders in children and young individuals with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy (UCP). To this aim, in a crossover sham-controlled study, eight subjects aged 10-28 years with UCP underwent two sessions of active and sham tDCS. Anodal tDCS (1.5 mA, 20 min) was delivered over the primary motor cortex (M1) of the ipsilesional hemisphere. Results showed, only following the active stimulation, an immediate improvement in unimanual gross motor dexterity of hemiplegic, but not of nonhemiplegic, hand in Box and Block test (BBT). Such improvement remained stable for at least 90 minutes. Performance of both hands in Hand Grip Strength test was not modified by anodal tDCS. Improvement in BBT was unrelated to participants’ age or lesion size, as revealed by MRI data analysis. No serious adverse effects occurred after tDCS; some mild and transient side effects (e.g., headache, tingling, and itchiness) were reported in a limited number of cases. This study provides an innovative contribution to scientific literature on the efficacy and safety of anodal tDCS in UCP. This trial is registered with NCT03137940.
The Elevated Serum Level of IFN-γ in Patients with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Remains Unchanged after Spinal Cord Stimulation
Authors: Kamieniak Piotr , Bielewicz Joanna , Grochowski Cezary , Litak Jakub , Bojarska-Junak Agnieszka , Daniluk Beata , Trojanowski Tomasz
Published: January 2019

Objectives. We investigated the influence of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) on IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and TGF-β serum levels in failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) patients. The study will try to give new insights into the mechanism of SCS action and the role of IFN-γ and other cytokines in neuropathic pain (NP) development. Materials and Methods. Clinical and biochemical assessment was conducted in four groups of patients: group 0 consisted of 24 FBSS patients qualified to SCS therapy, group 1 included 17 patients who were one month after implantation, group 2 featured 12 patients who were 3 months after the implantation, and group C (the control group) with no NP. Clinical status was assessed with the use of Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Pain Rating Index of McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The plasma concentrations of IFN-γ were ascertained by an immunoenzymatic method. Results. We found a significant difference between the patients before SCS and controls’ serum level of IFN-γ. Similarly, a significantly higher level of TNF-α and significantly lower level of IL-10 in FBSS patients than controls were observed. The significant differences were not observed between SCS patients 3 months after the procedure and controls’ serum level of IFN-γ and other cytokines. We noticed a positive correlation between IFN-γ concentration with NRS back value before SCS and positive correlation between IFN-γ concentration after SCS with NRS leg value before SCS. Higher IFN-γ concentrations accompanied higher NRS values. Levels of TGF-β and IL-10 may correlate with physical ability and depressive behavior. Conclusions. SCS did not influence serum cytokine levels significantly. Serum concentration of IFN-γ may be recognized as an occasional pain factor because of its significantly higher level in FBSS patients versus controls and higher IFN-γ value accompanying higher pain intensity.
Fermions Tunneling and Quantum Corrections for Quintessential Kerr-Newman-AdS Black Hole
Authors: Javed Wajiha , Babar Rimsha
Published: January 2019

This paper is devoted to study charged fermion particles tunneling through the horizon of Kerr-Newman-AdS black hole surrounded by quintessence by using Hamilton-Jacobi ansatz. In our analysis, we investigate Hawking temperature as well as quantum corrected Hawking temperature on account of generalized uncertainty principle. Moreover, we discuss the effects of correction parameterβon the corrected Hawking temperatureTe-H, graphically. We conclude that the temperatureTe-Hvanishes whenβ=100, whereas forβ<100andβ>100, the temperature turns out to be positive and negative, respectively. We observe that the graphs ofTe-Hw.r.t. quintessence parameterαexhibit behavior only for the particular ranges, i.e.,0<α<1/6, charge0<Q≤1, and rotation parameter0<a≤1. For smaller and larger values of negativeΛ, as horizon increases, the temperature decreases and increases, respectively.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Trans-Sacral Epiduroscopic Laser Decompression Compared to Percutaneous Epidural Neuroplasty
Authors: Moon Bong Ju , Yi Seong , Ha Yoon , Kim Keung Nyun , Yoon Do Heum , Shin Dong Ah
Published: January 2019

Percutaneous epidural neuroplasty (PEN) is an effective and safe procedure for herniated lumbar disc (HLD). Although PEN has an advantage of adhesiolysis, this procedure cannot decompress the protruded disc. Recently, trans-sacral epiduroscopic laser decompression (SELD) for HLD has been introduced as a promising alternative methodology. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of SELD compared to PEN, as well as the change in protruded disc volume after SELD through pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in patients with HLD. Thirty consecutive patients underwent SELD (SELD group), and 45 patients underwent PEN (PEN group). The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for leg pain; Oswestry Disability Index (ODI); 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12); preoperative and postoperative 4-, 12-, and 24-week Macnab criteria; and preoperative and 24-week postoperative lumbar spinal MRIs after SELD were obtained. There was no significant difference in age, sex, duration of symptoms, and the distributions of disc level between the two groups (allP>0.05). Between the SELD and PEN groups, preoperative VAS, ODI, and SF-12 scores had no significant differences. However, the VAS, ODI, and SF-12 scores improved significantly after the procedures by postoperative week 24 in each group (allP<0.05). Furthermore, improvements of VAS, ODI, SF-12, and success rate of Macnab criteria in the SELD group were better than those in the PEN group (allP<0.05). The protruded disc volume after SELD decreased significantly (P=0.034). All clinical and functional outcomes of patients undergoing SELD and PEN for HLD improved following the procedures. Notably, SELD was superior to PEN regarding the degree of improvement in clinical and functional outcomes. Therefore, we suggest that SELD can be used as an effective alternative to PEN to provide improved clinical and functional outcomes in patients with HLD.
A Simple Surgical Approach for the Management of Acquired Severe Lower Punctal Stenosis
Authors: Mandour Sameh S. , Said-Ahmed Khaled E. , Khairy Hany A. , Elsawy Moataz F. , Zaky Marwa A.
Published: January 2019

Purpose. Evaluation of using pigtail probe to detect and open severely stenosed lower lacrimal punctum followed by self-retaining bicanalicular intubation. Study design. A prospective nonrandomized clinical study. Methods. The study included 24 patients with severe lower punctal stenosis (grade 0 according to Kashkouli scale) attending at Menoufia University Hospitals. The upper punctum and canaliculus were patent. All patients were complaining of epiphora and had a thorough ophthalmological examination including dye disappearance test and slit-lamp examination. Pigtail probe was used from patent upper punctum to detect the lower stenosed punctum which was opened with a scalpel. Syringing of the lower lacrimal passages was done to confirm its patency, and self-retaining silicone bicanalicular stent was inserted. The silicone tube was left in place for 6 months before it was removed. Patients were then followed-up for 1 year after the surgery. Results. One year after surgery, epiphora was absent (grade 0) in 16 eyes (66.7%) and was present only occasionally (grade 1) in 4 eyes (16.7%). The difference from preoperative epiphora was statistically significant. One year after surgery, fluorescein dye disappearance time was grade 1 (<3 minutes) in 20 cases (83.3%), and grade 2 (3–5 minutes) in 4 cases (16.7%). There was a statistically significant difference compared with preoperative results. Conclusion. Using the pigtail probe is effective in treatment of severe punctal stenosis. Maintaining the punctal opening and prevention of restenosis can be achieved by using self-retaining bicanalicular stent after confirmation of nasolacrimal duct patency. This trial is registered with NCT03731143.
Psychiatric Assessment in Patients with Mild Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Bruni Antonella , Martino Iolanda , Caligiuri Maria Eugenia , Vaccaro Maria Grazia , Trimboli Michele , Segura Garcia Cristina , De Fazio Pasquale , Gambardella Antonio , Labate Angelo
Published: January 2019

Objectives. The findings of previous studies focused on personality disorders in epileptic patients are difficult to interpret due to nonhomogeneous samples and noncomparable methods. Here, we aimed at studying the personality profile in patients with mild temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) with psychiatric comorbidity. Materials and Methods. Thirty-five patients with mTLE (22 males, mean age 40.7±12.1) underwent awake and sleep EEG, 3T brain MRI, and an extensive standardized diagnostic neuropsychiatric battery: Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R), Beck Depression Inventory-2, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Drug history was collected in detail. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis was performed on TCI-R data, while all other clinical and psychological variables were compared across the resulting clusters. Results. Scores of Harm Avoidance (HA), Reward Dependence (RD), Persistence (P), Cooperativeness (C), and Self-Transcendence (ST) allowed the identification of two clusters, describing different personality subtypes. Cluster 1 was characterized by an early onset, more severe anxiety traits, and combined drug therapy (antiepileptic drug and Benzodiazepine/Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) compared to Cluster 2. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that different personality traits may play a role in determining the clinical outcome in patients with mTLE. Specifically, lower scores of HA, RD, P, C, and ST were associated with worse clinical outcome. Thus, personality assessment could serve as an early indicator of greater disease severity, improving the management of mTLE.
Long-Term Clinical Outcomes after Mix and Match Implantation of Two Multifocal Intraocular Lenses with Different Adds
Authors: Jiang Yuanfeng , Bu Shaochong , Tian Fang , Liang Jingli , Wang Tiecheng , Xing Xiuli , Zhang Hong , Zhang Xiaomin
Published: January 2019

Purpose. To compare long-term clinical outcomes between patients with bilateral implantation of +3.0 diopter (D) multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) and mix and match implantation of +2.5 D and +3.0 D multifocal IOLs. Material and Methods. This retrospective observer-masked cohort study comprised 66 eyes of 33 patients with two different strategies of binocular multifocal IOLs implantation: bilateral +3.0 D (17 patients) (bilateral group) and mix and match +2.5 D and +3.0 D (16 patients) (blended group). Patients were recruited 1 year (±3 months) after second-eye surgery. The primary effectiveness endpoint was binocular uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UCIVA) at 70 cm. The secondary assessments included binocular visual quality tests and quality-of-vision questionnaire. Results. The blended group showed clinically better UCIVA (0.10 ± 0.07 logMAR) at 70 cm than the bilateral group (0.26 ± 0.09 logMAR) with a difference of 0.16 ± 0.08 logMAR (P<0.001). Similar binocular visual acuities were achieved between the two groups at the near and far distance. The binocular defocus curves showed better performance in the blended group from 50 cm to 1 m. The mean binocular contrast sensitivities under the photopic conditions with or without glare and mesopic condition without glare were clinically better in the blended group. Both the groups reported low rate of visual phenomena, high rate of spectacle independence, and satisfaction. Conclusions. Comparing with bilateral implantation of +3.0 D multifocal IOLs during the cataract surgery, mix and match implantation of +2.5 D and +3.0 D multifocal IOLs provides a wider depth of binocular focus, especially for intermediate distances, and better binocular visual quality.
Pain Clinic in Tibet, China: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Shen Le , Zhang Xin , Dawawuzhu  , Labaciren  , Zhang Yuelun , Xu Zhonghuang , Huang Yuguang
Published: January 2019

Pain disease is a worldwide problem.The prevalence of chronic pain in developed and developing countries has been reported in some published research. However, little knowledge of situation of pain clinic in Tibet is known. Tibet Autonomous Region People’s Hospital established the first pain clinic in Tibet. This study collected and analyzed the data of medical records of pain clinic in Tibet Autonomous Region People’s Hospital from September 2017 to August 2018. The results showed that the total amounts of patients visiting pain clinic were very small, the most common pain diseases were postherpetic neuralgia and sciatica, and more female patients visited the pain clinic than male patients. All these results indicate that the hospital and government need to pay more attention to the development and promotion of pain medicine in Tibet to make Tibetans being accessed to high-quality pain clinic service.
A crítica literária e o ensino da literatura na era digital
Authors: Abreu Mirhiane Mendes de
Published: January 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo debater, a partir do ensino da literatura, o consumo e o valor da interatividade digital e da crítica literária nas transformações por que passa a leitura. Para isso, foi proposto um paralelo entre o papel da crítica literária e os fenômenos do ciberespaço, a fim de examinar o ato crítico como ingrediente essencial na dinâmica da leitura e seu lugar na escola.
Modernidades “periféricas”, literaturas policêntricas: Dostoiévski, Machado de Assis e o “figurino” europeu
Authors: Pereira Ana Carolina Huguenin
Published: January 2019

F. Dostoiévski e Machado de Assis reelaboraram, através da literatura, os contextos históricos de países que se modernizavam combinando influências estrangeiras às próprias tradições. A partir dos anos 1880 a literatura russa passou por processo de grande difusão internacional, multiplicando-se a influência das obras dostoievskianas, inclusive no Brasil. Neste contexto, a produção literária de um país considerado “periférico” em relação aos centros industriais europeus transportou-se das “margens” – simbólicas e fronteiriças – para ocupar lugar de destaque no “centro” da modernidade oitocentista. O artigo defende que a modernidade, enquanto processo histórico amplo, não guarda “centros” estáticos, mas engloba grande variedade humana em múltiplos diálogos.
Paisagem e arte
Authors: Araujo Andreia Maria Bezerra de
Published: January 2019

O presente artigo pretende proporcionar uma aproximação ao entendimento da apreensão estética da natureza passando por várias lentes, desde a teoria filosófica grega na antiguidade à concepção da natureza sob o ponto de vista utilitário, da visão moderna, até as intervenções paisagísticas contemporâneas, abordando o tratamento recebido pela paisagem decorrente das ações do ser humano, as quais acompanham a variação de comportamento da sociedade segundo suas ideologias, seus objetivos políticos e econômicos – uma dinâmica que repercute na arte, na arquitetura, bem como na arquitetura paisagística. Para tanto, são discutidos importantes filósofos como Georg Simmel, em seu texto Filosofia da Paisagem, e Joachin Ritter, em Paisagem: Função da Estética na Sociedade Moderna, entre outros autores, fundamentais para o entendimento do surgimento da noção da paisagem. Através de uma abordagem estética, da percepção sensorial, procura-se apresentar a função da arte como instância resgatadora da paisagem, da natureza perdida na memória do ser humano.
Myocardial Microvascular Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Amigues Isabelle , Russo Cesare , Giles Jon T. , Tugcu Aylin , Weinberg Richard , Bokhari Sabahat , Bathon Joan M.
Published: January 2019

Background:

The goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of myocardial microvascular dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients without clinical cardiovascular disease and its association with RA characteristics and measures of cardiac structure and function.

Methods:

Participants with RA underwent rest and vasodilator stress N-13 ammonia positron emission tomography and echocardiography. Global myocardial blood flow was quantified at rest and during peak hyperemia. Myocardial flow reserve (MFR) was calculated as peak stress myocardial blood flow/rest myocardial blood flow. A small number of asymptomatic and symptomatic non-RA controls were also evaluated.

Results:

In RA patients, mean±SD MFR was 2.9±0.8, with 29% having reduced MFR (<2.5). Male sex and higher interleukin-6 were significantly associated with lower MFR, while the use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors was associated with higher MFR. Lower MFR was associated with higher left ventricle mass index and higher left ventricle volumes but not with ejection fraction or diastolic dysfunction. RA and symptomatic controls had comparable MFR (mean±SD: 2.9±0.8 versus 2.55±0.6;
P
=0.48). In contrast, MFR was higher in the asymptomatic controls (mean±SD: 3.25±0.7) although not statistically different.

Conclusions:

Reduced MFR was observed in a third of RA patients without clinical cardiovascular disease and was associated with a measure of inflammation and with higher left ventricle mass and volumes. MFR in RA patients was similar to controls referred for clinical scans (symptomatic controls). Whether reduced MFR contributes to the increased risk for heart failure in RA remains unknown.
Selective BMP-9 Inhibition Partially Protects Against Experimental Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Tu Ly , Desroches-Castan Agnès , Mallet Christine , Guyon Laurent , Cumont Amélie , Phan Carole , Robert Florian , Thuillet Raphaël , Bordenave Jennifer , Sekine Ayumi , Huertas Alice , Ritvos Olli , Savale Laurent , Feige Jean-Jacques , Humbert Marc , Bailly Sabine , Guignabert Christophe
Published: January 2019

Rationale:

Although many familial cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension exhibit an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with the majority having mutations in essential constituents of the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) signaling, the specific contribution of the long-term loss of signal transduction triggered by the BMPR2 (type 2 BMP receptor) remains poorly characterized.

Objective:

To investigate the role of BMP9, the main ligand of ALK1 (Activin receptor-like kinase 1)/BMPR2 heterocomplexes, in pulmonary hypertension.

Method and Results:

The absence of BMP9 in
Bmp9
−/−
mice and its inhibition in C57BL/6 mice using neutralizing anti-BMP9 antibodies substantially prevent against chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension judged by right ventricular systolic pressure measurement, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary distal arterial muscularization. In agreement with these observations, we found that the BMP9/BMP10 ligand trap ALK1
ECD
administered in monocrotaline or Sugen/hypoxia (SuHx) rats substantially attenuate proliferation of pulmonary vascular cells, inflammatory cell infiltration, and regresses established pulmonary hypertension in rats. Our data obtained in human pulmonary endothelial cells derived from controls and pulmonary arterial hypertension patients indicate that BMP9 can affect the balance between endothelin-1, apelin, and adrenomedullin. We reproduced these in vitro observations in mice chronically exposed to hypoxia, with
Bmp9
−/−
mice exhibiting lower mRNA levels of the vasoconstrictor peptide ET-1 (endothelin-1) and higher levels of the 2 potent vasodilator factors apelin and ADM (adrenomedullin) compared with
Bmp9
+/+
littermates.

Conclusions:

Taken together, our data indicate that the loss of BMP9, by deletion or inhibition, has beneficial effects against pulmonary hypertension onset and progression.
Absent or Excessive Corpus Luteum Number Is Associated With Altered Maternal Vascular Health in Early Pregnancy
Authors: von Versen-Höynck Frauke , Narasimhan Purnima , Selamet Tierney Elif Seda , Martinez Nadine , Conrad Kirk P. , Baker Valerie L. , Winn Virginia D.
Published: January 2019

Identifying modifiable factors that contribute to preeclampsia risk associated with assisted reproduction can improve maternal health. Vascular dysfunction predates clinical presentation of preeclampsia. Therefore, we examined if a nonphysiological hormonal milieu, a modifiable state, affects maternal vascular health in early pregnancy. Blood pressure, endothelial function, circulating endothelial progenitor cell numbers, lipid levels, and corpus luteum (CL) hormones were compared in a prospective cohort of women with infertility history based on number of CL: 0 CL (programmed frozen embryo transfer [FET], N=18); 1 CL (spontaneous conception [N=16] and natural cycle FET [N=12]); or >3 CL associated with in vitro fertilization [N=11]. Women with 0 or >3 CL lacked the drop in mean arterial blood pressure compared with those with 1 CL (both
P
=0.05). Reactive hyperemia index was impaired in women with 0 CL compared with 1 CL (
P
=0.04) while baseline pulse wave amplitude was higher with > 3 CL compared with 1 CL (
P
=0.01) or 0 CL (
P
=0.01). Comparing only FET cycles, a lower reactive hyperemia index and a higher augmentation index is noted in FETs with suppressed CL compared with FETs in a natural cycle (both
P
=0.03). The number of angiogenic and nonangiogenic circulating endothelial progenitor cell numbers was lower in the absence of a CL in FETs (
P
=0.01 and
P
=0.03). Vascular health in early pregnancy is altered in women with aberrant numbers of CL (0 or >3) and might represent insufficient cardiovascular adaptation contributing to an increased risk of preeclampsia.
Time Course of Ischemic and Bleeding Burden in Elderly Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Randomized to Low‐Dose Prasugrel or Clopidogrel
Authors: Crimi Gabriele , Morici Nuccia , Ferrario Maurizio , Ferri Luca A. , Piatti Luigi , Grosseto Daniele , Cacucci Michele , Mandurino Mirizzi Alessandro , Toso Anna , Piscione Federico , De Carlo Marco , Elia Luigi Raffaele , Trimarco Bruno , Bolognese Leonardo , Bovenzi Francesco M. , De Luca Giuseppe , Savonitto Stefano , De Servi Stefano
Published: January 2019

Background

Elderly patients have high ischemic and bleeding rates after acute coronary syndrome; however, the occurrence of these complications over time has never been studied. This study sought to characterize average daily ischemic rates (
ADIRs
) and average daily bleeding rates (
ADBRs
) over 1 year in patients aged >74 years with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention who were randomized in the Elderly
ACS
2 trial, comparing low‐dose prasugrel (5 mg daily) with clopidogrel (75 mg daily).

Methods and Results

ADIRs
and
ADBRs
were calculated as the total number of events, including recurrent events, divided by the number of patient‐days of follow‐up and assessed within different clinical phases: acute (0–3 days), subacute (4–30 days), and late (31–365 days). Generalized estimating equations were used to test the least squares mean differences for the pairwise comparisons of
ADIRs
and
ADBRs
and the pairwise comparison of clopidogrel versus prasugrel effects. Globally,
ADIRs
were 2.6 times (95%
CI,
2.4–2.9) higher than
ADBRs
.
ADIRs
were significantly higher in the clopidogrel arm than in the low‐dose prasugrel arm in the subacute phase (
P
adj
<0.001) without a difference in
ADBRs
(
P
adj
=0.35). In the late phase,
ADIRs
remained significantly higher with clopidogrel (
P
adj
<0.001), whereas
ADBRs
were significantly higher with low‐dose prasugrel (
P
adj
<0.001).

Conclusions

Ischemic burden was greater than bleeding burden in all clinical phases of 1‐year follow‐up of elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. Low‐dose prasugrel reduced ischemic events in the subacute and chronic phases compared with clopidogrel, whereas bleeding burden was lower with clopidogrel in the late phase.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01777503.
Misturatosphaeria viridibrunnea sp. nov. (Teichosporaceae, Pleosporales) from Thailand
Authors: BOONMEE SARANYAPHAT , WIJAYAWARDENE NALIN N. , BHAT D. JAYARAMA , TENNAKOON DANUSHKA S. , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: January 2019

We introduce a new species, Misturatosphaeria viridibrunnea, isolated from dead branches of an unidentified terrestrial dicotyledonous plant in Chiang Rai, Thailand. The new species is characterized by fusiform, 1-septate, olivaceous brown to dark brown, regularly 4-guttulate ascospores with slightly longitudinal striations on surface. Misturatosphaeria viridibrunnea is easily distinguishable from other species in the genus by smaller-sized ascomata, asci and ascospores. Phylogenetic analyses using a combined gene analysis of LSU and ITS sequence data indicated that the new species belongs to Teichosporaceae (Pleosporales). A detailed morphological description and illustration of the new species is provided.
The typification and identity of Hieracium australe Fr. (Asteraceae)
Authors: ORSENIGO SIMONE , GOTTSCHLICH GÜNTER , GALASSO GABRIELE
Published: January 2019

The name Hieracium australe Fr. (Asteraceae) is typified by specimens collected on the ancient walls of Sforza Castle in Milan (Italy) by Luigi Fenaroli in 1926 and distributed through the Flora Italica Exsiccata series under the name Hieracium australe Fr. subsp. mediolanense Fenaroli & Zahn. The identity and the taxonomic position of this neglected species is discussed.
A new Oriental genus of Iassini leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Iassinae) with description of four new species
Authors: DAI WU , ZHANG XINMIN , Zhang Yalin , DIETRICH C. H.
Published: January 2019

Sinojassus gen. nov. of tribe Iassini is described based on: two new species from China, S. loberus Dai, Zhang & Zhang sp. nov. (type species), S. aspinus Dai, Zhang & Zhang sp. nov.; one new species from China and Thailand, S. compressus Dai, Zhang & Zhang sp. nov.; and one new species from Vietnam, S. webbi Dai & Dietrich sp. nov. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations and a key to species are provided. The new genus resembles Coriojassus Evans, Hyalojassus Evans and Trocnadella Singh-Pruthi in the structure of the male genitalia. The style has an elongate apodeme and short apophysis, the connective is absent, and the aedeagus is simple, without processes, and connected to other parts of the genitalia by membranous ligaments. A key to Oriental genera of Iassini is also provided.
Novel reproductive mode in a torrent frog Micrixalus saxicola (Jerdon) from the Western Ghats, India
Authors: GURURAJA KOTAMBYLU VASUDEVA
Published: January 2019

Reproductive modes in anurans are highly diverse despite external fertilization being a constraint. There are 39 reproductive modes documented so far (Wells, 2007). An apparently new reproductive mode is reported in a torrent frog, Micrixalus saxicola, an endemic and ancient anuran frog of the Western Ghats, considering the type of cavity made inside the lotic water body, involvement of the female in digging the cavity and concealing the eggs.
A systematic review of the genus Tanypus Meigen from Japan, with a description of T. nakazatoi sp. nov. (Diptera: Chironomidae: Tanypodinae)
Authors: KOBAYASHI TADASHI
Published: January 2019

One species of the genus Tanypus Meigen, 1803, T. punctipennis Meigen, 1818 was previously recorded from Japan. Herein Tanypus nakazatoi sp. nov. is described and figured based on all life stages. Tanypus kraatzi (Kieffer, 1913) is recorded for the first time from Japan, and all stages are redescribed and figured. Tanypus formosanus (Kieffer, 1912) sensu Niitsuma (2001) is recognized as T. kraatzi.
Ceratophysella taiguensis sp. nov. (Collembola, Hypogastruridae) from China, with an annotated checklist of Chinese Ceratophysella Börner, 1932
Authors: JIA JUNLI , SKARŻYŃSKI DARIUSZ , LI YOULIAN
Published: January 2019

A new species of the Ceratophysella denticulata group is described from Shanxi province, China. Because of the presence of prolonged empodial appendages and reduced number of setae on dens C. taiguensis sp. nov. resembles: C. kapoviensis Babenko, 1994, C. kutyrevae Babenko, 1994, C. robustiseta Skarżyński & Smolis, 2006, C. sedecimocellata (Yosii, 1962) and C. vargovychi Skarżyński et al., 2001. A checklist of the Ceratophysella Börner, 1932 species hitherto recorded from China is also given. The present list contains 14 species, including C. anshanensis (Wu & Xie, 2007) comb. nov., C. quinidentis (Jia et al., 2005) comb. nov., C. xiaoi (Tamura, 1998) comb. nov., C. yinae (Yue & Fu, 2000) comb. nov. and C. zhangi (Zhao, 1998) comb. nov.
A new Mesozoic-aged rhagionemestriid fly (Diptera: Nemestrinoidea) from China
Authors: NEL ANDRÉ
Published: January 2019

Sinomusca mostovskii gen. et sp. n. (Diptera: Rhagionemestriidae) is described from the Yixian Formation, Liaoning Province, China. It is the second representative of this Mesozoic family with well preserved body structures. The rounded head with holoptic eyes and antennal structures of this fossil are similar to those of the Eremochaetidae.