bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TP53INP1 Downregulation Activates a p73-Dependent DUSP10/ERK Signaling Pathway to Promote Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ng Kai-Yu , Chan Lok-Hei , Chai Stella , Tong Man , Guan Xin-Yuan , Lee Nikki P , Yuan Yunfei , Xie Dan , Lee Terence K , Dusetti Nelson J , Carrier Alice , Ma Stephanie
Published: July 2017

Identifying critical factors involved in the metastatic progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may offer important therapeutic opportunities. Here, we report that the proapoptotic stress response factor TP53INP1 is often selectively downregulated in advanced stage IV and metastatic human HCC tumors. Mechanistic investigations revealed that TP53INP1 downregulation in early-stage HCC cells promoted metastasis via DUSP10 phosphatase-mediated activation of the ERK pathway. The DUSP10 promoter included putative binding sites for p73 directly implicated in modulation by TP53INP1. Overall, our findings show how TP53INP1 plays a critical role in limiting the progression of early-stage HCC, with implications for developing new therapeutic strategies to attack metastatic HCC. Cancer Res; 77(17); 4602–12. ©2017 AACR.
Combining Local Immunotoxins Targeting Mesothelin with CTLA-4 Blockade Synergistically Eradicates Murine Cancer by Promoting Anticancer Immunity
Authors: Leshem Yasmin , O'Brien James , Liu Xiufen , Bera Tapan K. , Terabe Masaki , Berzofsky Jay A. , Bossenmaier Birgit , Niederfellner Gerhard , Tai Chin-Hsien , Reiter Yoram , Pastan Ira
Published: July 2017

Immune checkpoint blockade using antibodies to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) benefits a limited number of cancer patients. SS1P and LMB-100 are immunotoxins that target mesothelin. We observed delayed responses to SS1P in patients with mesothelioma suggesting that antitumor immunity was induced. Our goal was to stimulate antitumor immunity by combining SS1P or LMB-100 with anti–CTLA-4. We constructed a BALB/c breast cancer cell line expressing human mesothelin (66C14-M), which was implanted in one or two locations. SS1P or LMB-100 was injected directly into established tumors and anti–CTLA-4 administered i.p. In mice with two tumors, one tumor was injected with immunotoxin and the other was not. The complete regression rate was 86% for the injected tumors and 53% for the uninjetced tumors. No complete regressions occurred when drugs were given separately. In regressing tumors, dying and dead tumor cells were intermingled with PMNs and surrounded by a collar of admixed eosinophils and mononuclear cells. Tumor regression was associated with increased numbers of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ cells and blocked by administration of antibodies to CD8. Surviving mice were protected from tumor rechallenge by 66C14 cells not expressing mesothelin, indicating the development of antitumor immunity. The antitumor effect was abolished when a mutant noncytotoxic variant was used instead of LMB-100, showing that the antitumor response is not mediated by recognition of a foreign bacterial protein. Our findings support developing a therapy composed of immunotoxins and checkpoint inhibitors for patients. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(8); 685–94. ©2017 AACR.
High and Low Responders in a Comprehensive Lifestyle Program for Weight Loss - Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Melchart Dieter , Wühr Erich , Weidenhammer Wolfgang
Published: July 2017

Background/Objectives: Unhealthy lifestyle is often related to overweight and obesity and thus to chronic diseases. Web-based programs might be an option for a comprehensive approach to improving long-term weight management. Data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the impact of a lifestyle program on weight reduction were used for a secondary analysis. The objectives were (a) to identify potential predictors for marked weight loss, (b) to explore associations of weight reduction with changes in health-related variables, and (c) to evaluate whether self-monitoring of the daily lifestyle is associated with weight loss. Methods: 67 subjects with a body mass index of 28-35 who underwent the 1-year ‘Individual Health Management' (IHM) program were included in the analysis (mean age 49.8 years, 79% female). Two subgroups (high response: ≥7.5% weight reduction vs. low response: <7.5%) were compared in terms of sociodemographic data, baseline values, and pre-post changes of various risk and protective factors. A logistic regression was performed to identify potential predictors of weight loss. Results: 70% of the subjects fulfilled the criterion of high response. There were no statistically significant differences between the two subgroups with respect to sociodemographic and baseline data. Regression analysis failed to identify any predictors for the amount of weight reduction. Subjects with high response showed a more distinct improvement in life satisfaction and neurovegetative stability. The findings indicated an association between the level of self-monitoring and weight loss. Conclusions: More research is needed to establish optimal strategies for maximizing the longer-term maintenance of weight loss and prevention effects. For weight reduction, support strategies like feedback learning through self-monitoring, reporting systems, and self-performance measurement with questionnaires might ameliorate high-intensity lifestyle modification programs.
Prenatal Imaging Findings of Pontine Tegmental Cap Dysplasia: Report of Four Cases
Authors: Blondiaux Eléonore , Valence Stéphanie , Friszer Stéphanie , Rodriguez Diana , Burglen Lydie , Ducou le Pointe Hubert , Blouet Marie , Garel Catherine
Published: July 2017

Objectives: To describe the prenatal imaging findings in pontine tegmental cap dysplasia (PTCD), a rare congenital malformation of the hindbrain so far reported postnatally only and characterized by a typical appearance of the pons with malformations of the vermis and the cerebellar peduncles. Methods: This retrospective multicenter study retrieved 4 cases of PTCD over a 10-year period. Prenatal ultrasonography and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were reviewed and compared to postnatal or postmortem data. Results: In all cases, the parents were referred between 22 and 27 weeks of gestation for characterization of a small cerebellar diameter <3rd centile. The prenatal diagnosis of PTCD was suspected in 1/4 cases, while in 3/4 cases the suggested prenatal diagnosis was pontocerebellar hypoplasia. In all cases, PTCD was characterized by ventral pontine hypoplasia with absence of bulging of the pons and by the tegmental cap protruding into the fourth ventricle on prenatal MRI. Parents opted for termination of pregnancy in 1 case. In the 3 other cases, the children presented with global developmental delay and multiple cranial nerve impairment. Conclusion: PTCD is a differential diagnosis of pontocerebellar hypoplasia and should be discussed on prenatal MRI in the presence of the tegmental cap protruding into the fourth ventricle.
Early Evaluation of the Fetal Heart
Authors: Hernandez-Andrade Edgar , Patwardhan Manasi , Cruz-Lemini Mónica , Luewan Suchaya
Published: July 2017

Evaluation of the fetal heart at 11-13 + 6 weeks of gestation is indicated for women with a family history of congenital heart defects (CHD), a previous child with CDH, or an ultrasound finding associated with cardiac anomalies. The accuracy for early detection of CHD is highly related to the experience of the operator. The 4-chamber view and outflow tracts are the most important planes for identification of an abnormal heart, and can be obtained in the majority of fetuses from 11 weeks of gestation onward. Transvaginal ultrasound is the preferred route for fetal cardiac examination prior to 12 weeks of gestation, whereas, after 12 weeks, the fetal heart can be reliably evaluated by transabdominal ultrasound. Cardiac defects, such as ventricular septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, Ebstein's anomaly, or cardiac tumors, are unlikely to be identified at ≤14 weeks of gestation. Additional ultrasound techniques such as spatiotemporal image correlation and the evaluation of volumes by a fetal-heart expert can improve the detection of congenital heart disease. The evaluation of the fetal cardiac function at 11-13 + 6 weeks of gestation can be useful for early identification of fetuses at risk of anemia due to hemoglobinopathies, such as hemoglobin Bart's disease.
Mixed Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Duodenum: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hammami Muhammad Bader , Chhaparia Anuj , Piao Jinhua , Zhou Yihua , Hachem Christine , Lai Jinping
Published: July 2017

Despite being the largest part of the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the small intestine accounts for only 1–1.4% of all GI malignancies. Adenocarcinoma is the most common primary small bowel malignancy, with the most common site being the duodenum. On the other hand, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the duodenum is extremely uncommon. We report the first case of mixed adenocarcinoma and SCC occurring in the third part of duodenum (D3). Our patient, a 64-year-old female with history of GERD, hypertension, and IDDM presented with 4 weeks of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Tomographic imaging of her abdomen demonstrated a distended stomach and a proximal duodenum with narrow caliber changes at the level of D3. An EGD revealed a tight stricture at D3 that could not be traversed. Stricture biopsies revealed duodenal mucosa with two small foci of SCC (positive for p63 and CK5/6) and adenocarcinoma (positive for CK7 and Moc31). Peritoneal metastases were detected on exploratory laparotomy, making the tumor surgically incurable. As she progressively declined and with worsening liver enzymes and general debility, she was not a candidate for chemotherapy and was eventually discharged on home hospice. Small bowel SCC/adenocarcinoma is an exceedingly uncommon cancer, making further case reports such as ours important to understand the nature of this entity and establish management guidelines.
Visual Ratings of Medial Temporal Lobe Atrophy Correlate with CSF Tau Indices in Clinical Variants of Early-Onset Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Granadillo Elias , Paholpak Pongsatorn , Mendez Mario F. , Teng Edmond
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: Prior studies of late-onset Alzheimer disease (AD) have reported that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tau levels correlate with hippocampal/medial temporal lobe atrophy. These findings suggest that CSF tau indices in AD may reflect tau-related neurodegeneration in the medial temporal lobe. However, it remains uncertain whether elevated CSF tau levels in the clinically heterogeneous subtypes of early-onset AD (EOAD; amnestic, posterior cortical atrophy [PCA], and logopenic progressive aphasia [LPA]) are attributable to similar underlying mechanisms. Methods: We identified 41 EOAD patients (18 amnestic, 14 with LPA, and 9 with PCA) with CSF and brain MRI data. Semiquantitative ratings were used to assess medial temporal lobe atrophy and PCA, which were compared to CSF biomarker indices. Results: Lower CSF tau levels were seen in PCA relative to amnestic EOAD and LPA, but similar ratings for medial temporal lobe atrophy and PCA were seen across the groups. After adjustments for demographics and cognitive performance, both total (p = 0.004) and hyperphosphorylated (p = 0.026) tau levels correlated with medial temporal lobe atrophy across this EOAD cohort. Conclusions: These results replicate prior findings in late-onset AD and support the hypothesis that CSF tau levels primarily reflect tau-related neurodegenerative changes in the hippocampus/medial temporal lobe across the clinical subtypes of EOAD.
Distinguishing Depressive Pseudodementia from Alzheimer Disease: A Comparative Study of Hippocampal Volumetry and Cognitive Tests
Authors: Sahin Sevki , Okluoglu Önal Tugba , Cinar Nilgun , Bozdemir Meral , Çubuk Rahmi , Karsidag Sibel
Published: July 2017

Background and Aim: Depressive pseudodementia (DPD) is a condition which may develop secondary to depression. The aim of this study was to contribute to the differential diagnosis between Alzheimer disease (AD) and DPD by comparing the neurocognitive tests and hippocampal volume. Materials and Methods: Patients who met criteria of AD/DPD were enrolled in the study. All patients were assessed using the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), clock-drawing test, Stroop test, Benton Facial Recognition Test (BFRT), Boston Naming Test, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Hippocampal volume was measured by importing the coronal T1-weighted magnetic resonance images to the Vitrea 2 workstation. Results: A significant difference was found between the AD and DPD groups on the WMS test, clock-drawing test, Stroop test, Boston Naming Test, MMSE, GDS, and left hippocampal volume. A significant correlation between BFRT and bilateral hippocampal volumes was found in the AD group. No correlation was found among parameters in DPD patients. Conclusions: Our results suggest that evaluation of facial recognition and left hippocampal volume may provide more reliable evidence for distinguishing DPD from AD. Further investigations combined with functional imaging techniques including more patients are needed.
Low Oxygen Consumption is Related to a Hypomethylation and an Increased Secretion of IL-6 in Obese Subjects with Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome
Authors: Lopez-Pascual Amaya , Lasa Arrate , Portillo María P. , Arós Fernando , Mansego María L. , González-Muniesa Pedro , Martinez J. Alfredo
Published: July 2017

Background: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation is an epigenetic modification involved in gene expression regulation, usually via gene silencing, which contributes to the risks of many multifactorial diseases. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of resting oxygen consumption on global and gene DNA methylation as well as protein secretion of inflammatory markers in blood cells from obese subjects with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS). Methods: A total of 44 obese participants with SAHS were categorized in 2 groups according to their resting oxygen consumption. DNA methylation levels were evaluated using a methylation-sensitive high resolution melting approach. Results: The analyzed interleukin 6 (IL6) gene cytosine phosphate guanine (CpG) islands showed a hypomethylation, while serum IL-6 was higher in the low compared to the high oxygen consumption group (p < 0.05). Moreover, an age-related loss of DNA methylation of tumor necrosis factor (B = -0.82, 95% CI -1.33 to -0.30) and long interspersed nucleotide element 1 (B = -0.46; 95% CI -0.87 to -0.04) gene CpGs were found. Finally, studied CpG methylation levels of serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade E member 1 (r = 0.43; p = 0.01), and IL6 (r = 0.41; p = 0.02) were positively associated with fat-free mass. Conclusions: These findings suggest a potential role of oxygen in the regulation of inflammatory genes. Oxygen consumption measurement at rest could be proposed as a clinical biomarker of metabolic health.
ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ЯКОСТІ ЛІКАРСЬКИХ ЗАСОБІВ РОСЛИННОГО ПОХОДЖЕННЯ: СТАН ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ
Authors: Baula O. P. , Derkach T. M.
Published: July 2017

Мета роботи. Аналіз сучасного стану забезпечення якості лікарських засобів рослинного походження, окреслення проблем, що потребують дослідження й опрацювання, та перспективних шляхів їх вирішення.Матеріали і методи. Лікарська рослинна сировина та лікарські засоби рослинного походження; системний підхід, інформаційний пошук, статистичні методи, узагальнення та аналіз.Результати й обговорення. Досліджено сучасні світові підходи до забезпечення якості лікарських засобів рослинного походження порівняно із ситуацією в Україні. Ключовими факторами є забезпечення якості лікарської рослинної сировини за рахунок її стандартизації, а також дотримання вимог належної виробничої практики на всіх етапах виробництва. Побудовано схему, що ілюструє взаємозв’язок між факторами безпеки та якості, заходами щодо контролю якості та етапами виробництва лікарських засобів рослинного походження.Висновки. Найважливішими проблемами регулювання обігу лікарських засобів рослинного походження є: створення єдиної класифікації продуктів, що містять лікарську рослинну сировину; стандартизація сировини (розробка нових методів дослідження вихідної рослинної сировини та забезпечення в ній визначеної концентрації АФІ); відсутність узгоджених підходів до створення системи забезпечення якості лікарських засобів рослинного походження, що повинні охопити усі елементи, які вливають на якість, ефективність та безпеку.
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ АНАТОМІЧНОЇ БУДОВИ ПІДЗЕМНИХ ОРГАНІВ РОДОВИКА ЛІКАРСЬКОГО (SANGUISORBA OFFICINALIS L. )
Authors: Kudrya V. V. , Marchyshyn S. M. , Sira L. M. , Rudenko V. P. , Dakhym I. S.
Published: July 2017

Мета роботи. Родовик лікарський (Sanguisorba о№ сіпаіів L.) - багаторічна трав’яниста рослина, підземні органи якої здавна використовують у медицині як в'яжучий і кровоспинний засіб. Офіційною медициною використовуються препарати родовика лікарського з кореневища з коренями.         У наукових джерелах недостатньо інформації про фармакогностичне вивчення підземних органів родовика лікарського, тому метою нашої роботи було вивчити анатомічну будову, встановити і зіставити діагностичні ознаки кореневищ і коренів, зібраних восени на першому і другому роках вегетації даного виду.Матеріали і методи. Виготовлення мікропрепаратів проводили за загальноприйнятими методами. Використовували мікроскоп МС 10 (окуляри Х5, Х10, 15, об’єктиви Х10, Х40). Мікрофотографії зроблені фотокамерою Sаmsung PL50.Результати й обговорення. Кореневище. Підземна частина родовика лікарського представлена багаторічним епігеогенним кореневищем з придатковими коренями. Кореневище поступово дерев’яніє, стає пухким, порожнистим у центрі. Анатомічна будова кореневища безпучкова. Молоді однорічні кореневища вкриті темно-бурим, поздовжньо зморшкуватим корком. У особин другого року вегетації клітини корка ущільнюються, починають злущуватись. Первинна кора однорічних кореневищ представлена шарами крупноклітинної паренхіми. Ксилема і флоема паренхіматизовані, пронизані розширеними радіальними серцевинними променями. В клітинах накопичуються прості і складні крохмальні зерна, часто зустрічаються друзи. Помітно виділяється щільне кільце камбію. Провідна система представлена судинами. Механічні волокна розташовані відокремлено, невеликими ділянками поблизу судин або утворюють суцільне кільце поряд з камбієм. Серцевина з міжклітинниками, паренхімні клітини з крохмальними зернами і друзами кальцій оксалату. Корені мають вторинну будову. Корок шаруватий, кільця з коричневим або жовтуватим вмістом чергуються з кільцями світлішими або безбарвними. Зона камбію багатошарова, темніша, добре помітна. Ксилема промениста. Трахеїди пористі. Серцевинних променів багато. У клітинах наявні дрібні прості овальні та округлі крохмальні зерна, друзи та поодинокі призматичні або багатогранні кристали кальцію оксалату. У дворічних коренів зовнішній шар корка товстий, темно-коричневий, з тріщинами; чітко виділяються річні кільця ксилеми, серцевинних променів багато, волокна лубу чисельні, здерев’янілі.Висновки. Досліджено анатомічну будову підземних органів родовика лікарського, зібраних на першому і другому роках вегетації. Виявлено мікроскопічні діагностичні ознаки кореневищ і коренів.
ПІДБІР КІЛЬКОСТЕЙ ДОПОМІЖНИХ РЕЧОВИН ПРИ СТВОРЕННІ КАПСУЛ З ГУСТИМ ЕКСТРАКТОМ ЧЕБРЕЦЮ ПОВЗУЧОГО З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ РЕГРЕСІЙНОГО АНАЛІЗУ
Authors: Zarivna N. O. , Тryhubchak О. V.
Published: July 2017

Мета роботи. Підбір кількостей допоміжних речовин при одержані порошкової маси на основі густого екстракту чебрецю повзучого.Матеріали і методи. Густий екстракт чебрецю повзучого, який отримували згущенням у роторному випарювачі LABOROTA4001 при температурі 80 °С рідкого екстракту чебрецю повзучого. Дослідження впливу кількостей допоміжних речовин для одержання порошкової маси з густим екстрактом чебрецю повзучого проводили за допомогою регресійного аналізу (симетричний композиційний ротатабельний уніформ-план другого порядку).Результати й обговорення. Вивчено вплив кількісних факторів на показники якості порошкової маси з густим екстрактом чебрецю повзучого, за допомогою рівнянь регресії досліджено взаємозв’язок між ними. Встановлено, що збільшення кількості неусіліну UFL 2 позитивно впливає на швидкість течії через насадку, тоді як збільшення кількості натрію кроскармелози підвищує значення насипної густини суміші до і після усадки та значно зменшує кут природного укосу. Надаючи рівнянням регресії канонічного вигляду та провівши аналіз ліній рівного виходу отримано оптимальний склад порошкової маси з густим екстрактом чебрецю повзучого.Висновок. На основі комплексу проведених досліджень запропоновано склад порошкової маси з густим екстрактом чебрецю повзучого: густого екстракту чебрецю повзучого (сухий залишок - 80 %) в перерахунку на сухий - 0,075 г, неусіліну UFL 2 - 0,02 г, натрію кроскармелози - 0,022 г, МКЦ 101 - 0,078 г.
СУЧАСНИЙ СТАН СТВОРЕННЯ, ВИРОБНИЦТВА ТА ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ШВИДКОРОЗЧИННИХ ОРАЛЬНИХ ПЛІВОК
Authors: Demchuk M. B. , Melnyk Yu. Ya. , Hroshovyi T. A. , Skorokhoda V. J.
Published: July 2017

Мета роботи. Опрацювати та узагальнити літературні дані щодо основних характеристик, особливостей технології, можливостей використання швидкорозчинних оральних плівок.Матеріали і методи. Огляд літератури про лікарську форму - швидкорозчинні оральні плівки.Результати й обговорення. Швидкорозчинні оральні плівки являють собою дуже тонку плівку площею 5-20 см2, яку пацієнт може поміщати на язик або слизову оболонку у ротовій порожнині. Слина, що змочує плівку, приводить до її швидкої гідратації і прилипання до місця застосування. Рецептура швидкорозчинних оральних плівок складається із діючих речовин, водорозчинних полімерів, пластифікаторів, підсолоджувачів, ароматизаторів, речовин, що стимулюють слиновиділення. Для виготовлення плівок використовують метод виливання з випаровуванням розчинника, напівтвердого виливання, гарячої екструзії розплаву, роликового ущільнення. Для оцінки якості плівок визначають механічні показники, органолептичні характеристики, рН поверхні плівки, прозорість, однорідність вмісту, розпадання, розчинення, кількісне визначення.Висновки. Розглянуто основні характеристики, особливості технології, можливості використання плівок, що здатні прикріплюючись до слизової оболонки рота швидко вивільняти лікарські речовини.
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ СТАБІЛЬНОСТІ ТА ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ УМОВ ЗБЕРІГАННЯ І ТЕРМІНУ ПРИДАТНОСТІ МАЗІ «ЕСТАН»
Authors: Shram N. A. , Moshchits V. F. , Dmytriievskyi D. I.
Published: July 2017

Мета роботи. Дослідження стабільності мазі «Естан» в процесі зберігання та визначення умов і терміну придатності. Матеріали і методи. Об’єктом досліджень була мазь «Естан» для лікування геморою, що містить у гідрофільній поліетиленоксидній основі лідокаїну гідрохлорид та екстракти кори дуба і насіння каштану кінського. У процесі зберігання дослідних зразків мазі за допомогою фізичних, фізико-хімічних, фармако-технологічних і мікробіологічних методів визначали такі показники відповідно до вимог Державної Фармакопеї України (ДФУ): зовнішній вигляд, однорідність, масу вмісту контейнера та його герметичність, рН, розмір часток, кількісний вміст таніну, есцину, лідокаїну гідрохлориду та консервантів, мікробіологічну чистоту.Результати й обговорення. Результати проведених досліджень показали, що мазь «Естан» є стабільною при зберіганні у сухому, захищеному від світла прохолодному місці протягом 2 років. Зберігання при кімнатній температурі приводило до незначного підвищення рН.Висновки. Проведено дослідження стабільності мазі «Естан» для лікування геморою в процесі зберігання. Експериментально доведено, що всі показники якості препарату відповідають вимогам проекту методик контролю якості. Встановлено режим зберігання мазі «Естан» - у сухому темному прохолодному місці протягом 2 років.
Left Ventricular Assist Device Malfunctions
Authors: Kormos Robert L. , McCall Michael , Althouse Andrew , Lagazzi Luigi , Schaub Richard , Kormos Michael A. , Zaldonis Jared A. , Sciortino Christopher , Lockard Kathleen , Kuntz Nicole , Dunn Elizabeth , Teuteberg Jeffrey J.
Published: July 2017

Background:

Reports of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) malfunction have focused on pump thrombosis. However, the device consists of the pump, driveline, and peripherals, all of which are potentially subject to failure.

Methods:

Prospectively collected data were reviewed for all LVAD device malfunctions (DMs) occurring in rotary LVADs implanted at a single center between April 2004 and May 2016. Durable LVADs included 108 Heartmate II (HM II) and 105 HeartWare VAD (HVAD). DM data were categorized according to device type and into categories related to the component that failed: (1) controller, (2) peripheral components, and (3) implantable blood pump or its integral electric driveline. Pump-related events were analyzed as pump-specific (suspected or confirmed thrombosis) or nonpump-specific (driveline failure). DM rates were reported as events per 1000 patient-days, and Cox proportional hazard models were used for time-to-event analyses. Cumulative rates of malfunction were examined for the main components of each type of LVAD.

Results:

Types of DM included controller failure (30%), battery failure (19%), or patient cable failure (14%), whereas only 13% were because of pump failure. DMs were more common in the HM II device (3.73 per 1000 patient-days versus 3.06 per 1000 patient-days for the HVAD,
P
<0.01). A higher rate of pump-specific malfunctions was discovered in those implanted with an HM II versus an HVAD (0.55 versus 0.39, respectively;
P
<0.01) and peripheral malfunctions (2.32 versus 1.78 for the HM II and HVAD, respectively;
P
<0.01); no difference occurred in the incidence of controller DM between the 2 LVADs. Patients with HVAD were 90% free of a pump-specific malfunction at 3 years compared with 56% for the HM II (log-rank
P
<0.003). Only 74% of the patients with HM II were free of pump thrombosis at 3 years compared with 90% of the patients with HVAD. Freedom from failure of the integrated driveline was 79% at 3 years for the HM II but 100% for the HVAD (log-rank
P
<0.02).

Conclusions:

Device malfunction is much broader than pump failure alone and occurs for different components at different rates based on the type of LVAD.
Blood Pressure and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis
Authors: Bansal Nisha , McCulloch Charles E. , Lin Feng , Alper Arnold , Anderson Amanda H. , Cuevas Magda , Go Alan S. , Kallem Radhakrishna , Kusek John W. , Lora Claudia M. , Lustigova Eva , Ojo Akinlolu , Rahman Mahboob , Robinson-Cohen Cassianne , Townsend Raymond R. , Wright Jackson , Xie Dawei , Hsu Chi-yuan , Appel Lawrence J. , Feldman Harold I. , He Jiang , Lash James P.
Published: July 2017

We recently reported a linear association between higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) and risk of mortality in hemodialysis patients when SBP is measured outside of the dialysis unit (out-of-dialysis-unit-SBP), despite there being a U-shaped association between SBP measured at the dialysis unit (dialysis-unit-SBP) with risk of mortality. Here, we explored the relationship between SBP with cardiovascular events, which has important treatment implications but has not been well elucidated. Among 383 hemodialysis participants enrolled in the prospective CRIC study (Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort), multivariable splines and Cox models were used to study the association between SBP and adjudicated cardiovascular events (heart failure, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and peripheral artery disease), controlling for differences in demographics, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and dialysis parameters. Dialysis-unit-SBP and out-of-dialysis-unit-SBP were modestly correlated (
r
=0.34;
P
<0.001). We noted a U-shaped association of dialysis-unit-SBP and risk of cardiovascular events, with the nadir risk between 140 and 170 mm Hg. In contrast, there was a linear stepwise association between out-of-dialysis-unit-SBP with risk of cardiovascular events. Participants with out-of-dialysis-unit-SBP ≥128 mm Hg (top 2 quartiles) had >2-fold increased risk of cardiovascular events compared with those with out-of-dialysis-unit-SBP ≤112 mm Hg (3rd SBP quartile: adjusted hazard ratio, 2.08 [95% confidence interval, 1.12–3.87] and fourth SBP quartile: adjusted hazard ratio, 2.76 [95% confidence interval, 1.42–5.33]). In conclusion, among hemodialysis patients, although there is a U-shaped (paradoxical) association of dialysis-unit-SBP and risk of cardiovascular disease, there is a linear association of out-of-dialysis-unit-SBP with risk of cardiovascular disease. Out-of-dialysis-unit blood pressure provides key information and may be an important therapeutic target.
Implications of American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Cholesterol Guidelines on Statin Underutilization for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes Mellitus Among Several US Networks of Community Health Centers
Authors: Akhabue Ehimare , Rittner Sarah S. , Carroll Joseph E. , Crawford Phillip M. , Dant Lydia , Laws Reesa , Leo Michael C. , Puro Jon , Persell Stephen D.
Published: July 2017

Background

Little is known about statin underutilization among diabetes mellitus patients cared for in community health centers, which tend to serve socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Implications of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (
ACC
/
AHA
) guidelines on preexisting gaps in statin treatment in this population are unclear.

Methods and Results

We included 32 440 adults (45% male, 63% nonwhite, 29% uninsured/Medicaid) aged 40 to 75 years with diabetes mellitus who received care within 16 community health center groups in 11 states in the Community Health Applied Research Network during 2013. Statin prescribing was analyzed as a function of concordance with the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel 2001 and
ACC
/
AHA
2013 guidelines. More patients’ treatments were concordant with the
ACC
/
AHA
(52.8%) versus the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (36.2%) guideline. Female sex was associated with lower concordance for both (odds ratio [
OR
] 0.90,
CI
0.85‐0.94; and
OR
0.84,
CI
0.80‐0.88, respectively). Being insured, an Asian/Pacific Islander, or primarily Spanish speaking were associated with greater concordance for both guidelines: 35.5% (11 526/32 440) were concordant with neither guideline, the majority (79.7%) having no statin prescribed; 28.2% (9168/32 440) were concordant with
ACC
/
AHA
but not the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel. 8.7% of these patients had a low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol >160 mg/dL despite having a moderate‐ or high‐intensity statin prescribed. And 11.6% (3772/32 440) were concordant with the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel but not with
ACC
/
AHA
. Most of these patients had a low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol between 70 and 99 mg/dL with no or a low‐intensity statin prescribed.

Conclusions

Opportunities exist to improve cholesterol management in diabetes mellitus patients in community health centers. Addressing care gaps could improve cardiovascular disease prevention in this high‐risk population.
Platelet‐Derived Factor V Is a Critical Mediator of Arterial Thrombosis
Authors: Ren Meiping , Li Rong , Chen Ni , Pang Ningbo , Li Yongjie , Deng Xin , Wang Liqun , Luo Mao , Liu Yan , Hao Haiyan , Liu Yong , Sun Hongmin , Wu Jianbo
Published: July 2017

Background

Coagulation factor V (
FV
) plays a key role in hemostasis, is present in plasma and platelets, and has both pro‐ and anticoagulant properties; however, the contribution of platelet‐derived
FV
to arterial thrombosis remains undetermined.

Methods and Results

Using transgenic mice with various levels of
FV
gene expression that was restricted to the plasma or platelets, the roles of platelet
FV
were evaluated in the regulation of arterial thrombosis and platelet activation. Mice with higher levels of platelet
FV
exhibited faster thrombotic occlusion of the carotid artery after injury compared with mice with lower platelet
FV
levels. Infusion of platelets with higher levels of
FV
into transgenic mice with undetectable levels of platelet
FV
reduced the time to carotid artery occlusion. In contrast, infusion of purified recombinant plasma
FV
into mice with undetectable platelet
FV
levels failed to reduce the carotid occlusion times following injury. Evaluation of isolated platelets revealed that platelet‐derived
FV
was critical for the regulation of platelet activation. These effects were associated with an increased level of expression of P‐selectin and increased
cGMP
in platelets.

Conclusions

We established that platelet‐derived
FV
is a critical mediator of arterial thrombosis that involves platelet activation.
Text-Critical Witnesses and Methodology for Isolating a Distinctive D-Text in Acts
Authors: Epp Eldon Jay
Published: July 2017

Within the past decade, a few leading New Testament textual critics have challenged two major, long-standing convictions by urging that we should speak no longer (1) of “text-types” or (2) of two textual streams in the Acts of the Apostles. Certainly the term “type” is too rigid and definitive to describe our textual groups, and “textual clusters” is more appropriate. The present essay concerns whetherdual textscan be identified certifiably in Acts, thereby distinguishing a “D-Textual Cluster” from an alternate cluster headed by Codex Vaticanus (B) and Codex Sinaiticus ( א). It is clear that all D-Text Primary witnesses are mixed texts that, over time in various ways, have been conformed and assimilated to the increasingly dominant B-Cluster, as well as to the ascending Byzantine text.

A fresh method, however, is proposed and illustrated at length (1) to identify a tightly cohesive group of Primary witnesses to a D-Textual Cluster, which (2) reveals that these D-Text readings virtually always are opposed by the א-B-Cluster. The result is a strong testimony to the early existence of dual textual streams in Acts that stand firmly over against one another.

The fresh aspect of the method involves, for each variation -unit, (1) identifying the Primary witnessesavailablefor a given reading; (2)countingthe number supporting a presumptive D-Text reading; (3)countingthose that do not; and (4) calculating thepercentagesof witnesses agreeing and not agreeing to the readings in question. Three or more Primary witnesses must be present in a variation-unit to be included. The global figures show that available Primary D-Text witnesses agree with one another 88% of the time on readings in 425 variation-units, while 97% of the time these readings are opposed by both א and B together.
Deconstructing the Bottlenecks Caused by Waste Legislation: End-of-Waste Regulation
Authors: Turunen Topi
Published: July 2017

The wide interpretation of the concept of waste in eu waste legislation caused by the precautionary principle might cause bottlenecks for the efficient recovery of waste materials. Article 6 of the Waste Framework Directive regulates on the end-of-waste criteria according to which materials can cease to be waste and be removed from the scope of application of the waste legislation and its precautionary measures. Precautionary measures are based on the insufficient knowledge on the impacts of using waste materials and therefore should be replaced with more precise quality standards if the information is available. The criteria of Article 6 require a lot of information on the quality of the materials ceasing to be waste. The bottlenecks of waste recovery can be removed through end-of-waste provisions where the adequate information is provided and the provisions have been laid down to ensure that no adverse environmental or human health impacts are created.
The eu-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement – A Successful Attempt to Protect Vietnam’s Environment While Pushing for Economic Integration?
Authors: Stockhaus Heidi
Published: July 2017

The new free trade agreement with the European Union will bring Vietnam’s economic integration to a new level once it enters into force. In the past, the associated economic growth has led to environmental deterioration due to inappropriate regulations and poor enforcement. Currently, environmental problems are visible everywhere and attract the attention of citizens as well as lawmakers. The new free trade agreement establishes a framework for sustainable development in the context of trade and investment. The relevant provisions aim to maintain Vietnam’s right to regulate for the targeted protection level, require the country to take measures to mitigate the pressure on the environment, and open the door for cooperation with the European Union. However, it remains to be seen, whether these provisions balance the risks associated with the increase in trade and investment through the free trade agreement.
The Role of Law and the Rule of Law in China’s Quest to Build an Ecological Civilization
Authors: Barresi Paul A.
Published: July 2017

Decades of rapid industrialization have caused a dramatic decline in environmental quality in the People’s Republic of China, which has prompted Chinese officials to call for redirecting China’s modernization efforts toward the construction of an ‘ecological civilization’ (shengtai wenming 生态文明). The many environmental laws that China has enacted since 1979, which borrow heavily from Western precedents, are a vital part of this effort. Unfortunately, these laws have been plagued by both compliance and enforcement problems. Cultural factors are largely to blame. The many Western-style features of China’s environmental laws depend for their effectiveness on the cultural dimensions of a strong rule of law, which are in tension with essential elements of China’s ancient legal tradition. China’s environmental laws would be more effective allies in its quest to build an ecological civilization if they were aligned more closely with that tradition in at least four ways.
Amorphophallus shyamsalilianum, a New Species (Araceae) from Bhandara District, Maharashtra State, India
Authors: GADPAYALE JAGANNATH V. , SOMKUWAR SUBHASH R. , CHATURVEDI ALKA A.
Published: July 2017

Amorphophallus shyamsalilianum is described as a new species from Bhandara district (MS), India. It differs from Amorphophallus konkanensis and A. bhandarensis by the size and shape of its tubers with long offsets, by the lengths of pedicel and peduncle as well as by the reproductive structures which also vary by the arrangement of pistillate flowers; sterile flowers; male flowers; protruding spadix-appendix and seed shape. The plant grows on bunds of paddy field and was collected from three different sites within Bhandara district.
Thismia bryndonii (Thismiaceae), a new species from Maliau Basin, Sabah, Borneo
Authors: TSUKAYA HIROKAZU , SUETSUGU KENJI , SULEIMAN MONICA
Published: July 2017

Thismia Griffith (1845: 341) in Thismiaceae or Burmanniaceae (sensu APG 2016) consists of more than 60 species (Ridley 1924, Jonker 1948, Stone 1980, van Steenis 1982; Merckx 2008). Many new species in this genus have been discovered, and 12 have been described after 2010 (e.g., Dančak et al. 2013, Nuraliev et al. 2014, 2015, Chantanaorrapint & Sridith 2015, Li & Bi 2013, Hroneš et al. 2015). Considering that the majority of these species were collected only once (Jonker 1948), it is likely that many more undescribed species remain hidden in the forests, particularly in the tropical rain forests of Southeast Asia. Borneo is one of the most biodiverse areas for mycoheterotrophs, and our recent botanical exploration in Borneo revealed many previously undescribed mycoheterotrophic species (e.g., Tsukaya et al. 2011, 2014a,b, 2016, Tsukaya & Okada 2005, 2012a,b,c, 2013a,b, Tsukaya & Hidayat 2016, Tsukaya & Suetsugu 2014). In 2016, we conducted a botanical survey in the Malaiu Basin, Sabah, Borneo, with the permission of the Maliau Basin Management Committee (YS/MBMC/2016/184) and the Sabah Biodiversity Council [access license JKM/MBS.1000-2/2JLD.5(23)]. The Maliau Basin Conservation Area (MBCA) is a huge basin surrounded by sandstone ridges and covers approximately 39,000 ha. Few botanical explorations have previously been conducted in this area. During the survey, we encountered a specimen from the MBCA that apparently belongs to Thismia section Euthismia Schltr. subsect. Odoardoa Schlechter (1921: 31) because it has a free inner perianth, spreading, creeping and vermiform roots, perianth lobes equal in length and size, but it differs from all known species. Here, we describe this new species with a revised key to the species of this genus in Malesia.
Teucrium amplexicaule (Lamiaceae), a neglected name for a Spanish endemic
Authors: CRESPO MANUEL B. , ALONSO Ma ÁNGELES , MARTÍNEZ-AZORÍN MARIO
Published: July 2017

Lamiaceae is one of the most diversified families in the Mediterranean basin. In particular, the Iberian Peninsula and Northern Africa concentrate about one third of the described taxa (Greuter & al. 1989, Navarro & al. 2002), many of which are endemics with very narrow distribution areas.
Nutlet and leaf micromorphology in some Turkish species of Teucrium L. (Lamiaceae)
Authors: ECEVIT-GENÇ GÜLAY , ÖZCAN TANER , DIRMENCI TUNCAY
Published: July 2017

Nutlet and leaves micromorphology of 27 Teucrium taxa were examined using SEM. The significant variation was found on the nutlet surface ornamentation and indumentum and this is mainly useful at the sectional level. Besides, trichome micromorphology is crucial to distinguish of some species inside some sections. The epidermal features of the nutlets which are specific to each section were determined. There are eglandular and glandular trichomes on the leaves and the nutlets. The glandular trichomes have two types: clavate and subsessile. The clavate glandular trichomes consist of short and long clavate. The eglandular trichomes have two types: simple unbranched and simple branched trichomes. The simple unbranched trichomes are classified as thin-walled and thick walled. The indumentum type has high taxonomical value among the species. Furthermore, leaf and nutlet micromorphological features of T. chamaedrys subsp. lydium, T. chamaedrys subsp. tauricola, T. chamaedrys subsp. sinuatum, T. divaricatum subsp. graecum, T. flavum subsp. hellenicum, T. leucophyllum have been comparatively presented for the first time. The leaf features of T. aladagense, T. chamaedrys subsp. trapezunticum and nutlet features of T. divaricatum subsp. divaricatum are also reported in detail for the first time.
New species of Myrcia sect. Aulomyrcia and notes on Myrcia pinifolia (Myrtaceae)
Authors: LIMA DUANE F. , DOS SANTOS LEIDIANA L. , GOLDENBERG RENATO , LUCAS EVE J.
Published: July 2017

A new species of Myrcia sect. Aulomyrcia is presented along with taxonomic notes on M. pinifolia. Myrcia tetraloba is a new species found in campo rupestre and cerrado vegetation from the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. This species resembles Myrcia hirtiflora, but differs mainly in its 4-merous flowers and unreflexed calyx lobes (vs. 5-merous, strongly reflexed). Myrcia pinifolia is a very distinctive narrow-leaved species, widely misidentified in herbaria and recognised here as belonging to Myrcia sect. Aulomyrcia; a lectotype is here chosen and a new synonym is proposed for this species.
Environmental Stress as Related to the Visual Mechanism
Authors: Enoch Jay M.
Published: July 2017

The effects of some forms of environmental stress upon performance of a visual task are reviewed. In particular, attention has been directed toward those factors related to high-speed flight, high-altitude flight and exposure to extremes of radiation, both visible and non-visible. The major problems are presented and some general solutions are suggested.
Body Position and the Strength and Endurance of Manual Pull
Authors: Caldwell Lee S.
Published: July 2017

Response strength and the duration of a sub-maximal holding response (endurance) were measured at twenty body positions. The magnitude of the holding response for each subject was 80 per cent of his maximum response strength at the poorest of the twenty positions. A corrected r of 0.88 (p < 0.01) was obtained between the measures of strength and endurance. Thus, it may be assumed that a change in body position, control placement, or body stabilization which increases strength will reduce the effort required to maintain a given force on the control, and that the endurance of the holding response will be proportionately increased. Further, available data on strength may be used to estimate the effect of body stabilization, etc., on the endurance of iometric muscle tensions.
The Estimation of Vehicular Velocity as a Function of Visual Stimulation
Authors: Salvatore Santo
Published: July 2017

This study reports an investigation of the ability of subjects to estimate the velocity of the vehicle in which they travel. The experiment restricted sensory stimulation to the visual modality. The factor of interest is locus of retinal stimulation. Velocity and acceleration were the other variables. Time of observation was held constant to one second. Results show that the locus of retinal stimulation is significant in determining the accuracy of the estimates. Peripheral visual stimulation results in more accurate estimates of velocity than frontal visual stimulation. The acceleration of the vehicle alters the results.
Human Factors in the United Kingdom
Authors: Cumming Gordon , Corkindale Kenneth
Published: July 2017

This overview of human factors begins in the days of World War I with the organization of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Medical Research Council. The historical development includes details of various efforts in the field as they relate to flying, physiology, and personnel selection. The authors show the relationship between industrial and government uses of human factors. A brief history of the Ergonomics Society is also presented, with percentage figures for the various specialties that comprise its membership.
Muscle Fatigue Induced by Sustained Isometric Contraction
Authors: Gillani Noorallah V. , Ghista Dhanjoo N.
Published: July 2017

An important potential thermodynamic criterion for the condition of muscle fatigue induced by a single sustained isometric contraction is discussed, and a method is suggested for its use in determining the duration for which any given static contraction will be sustained before the condition of fatigue is reached. In a healthy rested muscle, under given environmental conditions, the production of a critical amount of heat caused by local regional metabolism is postulated as a necessary response to sustained static effort beyond 15% MVC before fatigue can occur. Muscle response is expressed here as a percent of maximum voluntary contraction (% MVC), a relative unit for each group of muscles which is a suitable measure of the actual level of physiological stimulus for any muscle. A relation between static muscle tension, the duration for which such a tension is sustained, and the critical amount of heat produced until the onset of fatigue is derived. It is assumed that the amount of heat liberated in the muscle during regional metabolism can be measured.
An Evaluation of Holograms as Training and Job Aids
Authors: Frey Allan H. , Eichert Edwin S.
Published: July 2017

This study was concerned with an evaluation of holography in training and for job aids. Experimentation comparing holograms, line drawings, and photographs as methods of presenting visual information is reported. It appears that with the tasks used, holograms generally are as good as or better visual aids than either photographs or line drawings. The use of holograms tends to reduce errors rather than speed assembly time in assembly tasks. They also seem to enhance the discovery of errors when the subject is attempting to locate assembly errors in a construction. The results of this experimentation suggest that serious consideration should be given to the use of holography in the development of job aids and in training. Applications in technical documentation and storage relevant to the use of holograms as job aids are also considered.