bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitors: A Need for Eradication?
Authors: Santagostino Elena , Young Guy , Escuriola Ettingshausen Carmen , Jimenez-Yuste Victor , Carcao Manuel
Published: February 2019

The development of inhibitors against factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates represents a significant treatment complication for hemophilia. Immune tolerance induction (ITI) therapy eradicates inhibitors in 60–80% of patients, resulting in a normal FVIII response. This article, based on presentations at the 6th International Coagulation Meeting, held in Barcelona, Spain, in September 2017, provides an overview of management approaches for patients with inhibitors and briefly tabulates four cases of ITI therapy (first-line or rescue ITI therapy in pediatric and adult patients) with successful outcomes. Switching FVIII product from recombinant FVIII to plasma-derived FVIII/VWF concentrate may be helpful in eradicating inhibitors. The rate of decline of inhibitor titer in the initial stages of ITI therapy is a good indicator of the success or failure of therapy, although prognostic biomarkers are needed. The development of the bispecific monoclonal antibody emicizumab, which was recently shown to reduce bleeding in inhibitor patients, offers a potential alternative therapeutic option. However, the benefits of inhibitor eradication, including a wider choice of cheaper therapeutic products for preventing and treating bleeds, suggest that at least one attempt of ITI therapy should be offered to patients who develop inhibitors.
Isoliquiritigenin Attenuates Neuroinflammation in Traumatic Brain Injury in Young Rats
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Xiong Xin , Sui Yutong
Published: February 2019

Objectives: Inflammation and apoptosis play a critical role in the pathological progress of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Isoliquiritigenin is a bioactive component extracted from licorice roots, which possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. This study aims to investigate the potential effects of isoliquiritigenin on neuroinflammation in a rat model of TBI. Methods: The SH-SY5Y cells were subjected to cell injury induced by shear stress and the effect of isoliquiritigenin on cell apoptosis was measured. Male rats received a controlled cortical impact to induce TBI and were then treated with isoliquiritigenin (20 mg/kg). Brain edema and contusion volume were measured to assess brain damage. Morris water maze, the beam-balance test, and the beam-walk test were performed to evaluate the cognitive and motor functions. Results: Levels of proinflammatory cytokines and apoptotic regulators were measured. Results showed that isoliquiritigenin reduced shear stress-induced cell apoptosis in vitro. In young rats subjected to TBI, treatment of isoliquiritigenin reduced brain damage and attenuated motor and cognitive impairments. Isoliquiritigenin also reduced the level of proinflammatory cytokines and Bax and increased Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL in TBI rats. Conclusions: These findings suggest that isoliquiritigenin possesses beneficial effects in TBI by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis.
Effects of Breath-Hold Deep Diving on the Pulmonary System
Authors: Schipke Jochen D. , Lemaitre Frederic , Cleveland Sinclair , Tetzlaff Kay
Published: February 2019

This short review focuses on pulmonary injury in breath-hold (BH) divers. When practicing their extreme leisure sport, they are exposed to increased pressure on pulmonary gas volumes, hypoxia, and increased partial gas pressures. Increasing ambient pressures do present a serious problem to BH deep divers, because the semi-rigid thorax prevents the deformation required by the Boyle-Mariotte law. As a result, a negative-pressure barotrauma (lung squeeze) with acute hemoptysis is not uncommon. Respiratory maneuvers such as glossopharyngeal insufflation (GI) and glossopharyngeal exsufflation (GE) are practiced to prevent lung squeeze and to permit equalizing the paranasal sinuses and the middle ear. GI not only impairs venous return, thereby provoking hypotension and even fainting, but also produces intrathoracic pressures likely to induce pulmonary barotrauma that is speculated to induce long-term injury. GE, in turn, further increases the already negative intrapulmonary pressure, thereby favoring alveolar collapse (atelectasis). Finally, hypoxia seemingly not only induces brain injury but initiates the opening of intrapulmonary shunts. These pathways are large enough to permit transpulmonary passage of venous N2 bubbles, making stroke-like phenomena in deep BH divers possible.
Quantitative Analysis of Free Amino Acids and Urea Derived from Isolated Corneocytes of Healthy Young, Healthy Aged, and Diseased Skin
Authors: Hussain Hina , Ziegler Jörg , Hause Gerd , Wohlrab Johannes , Neubert Reinhard H.H.
Published: February 2019

Background/Aims: Free amino acids (FAAs) and urea, present inside the corneocytes, can be important indicators of skin condition. However, due to the lack of a standard extraction protocol for FAAs from corneocytes, conflicting research results have been reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study was (1) to standardize the extraction protocol and (2) to investigate FAA profiles in healthy young and healthy old volunteers, as well as in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis patients. Methods: Skin samples were collected from four groups (healthy young, healthy old, and psoriasis and atopic dermatitis patients) with 5 volunteers per group. Corneocytes were isolated and examined microscopically. FAAs and urea were extracted from the isolated corneocytes, and their amounts were quantified using LC-ESI/MS/MS (after derivatization with Fmoc-Cl) and colorimetric methods, respectively. Results: The micrographs of the corneocytes showed no morphological features attributable to age or disease conditions. The highest and lowest concentrations of total FAAs and urea were observed in the healthy old group and the healthy young group, respectively. Unlike the other FAAs and urea, citrulline was found at a higher level in the healthy young group than in the disease groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that the levels of FAAs and urea in the skin are affected by age and skin conditions (healthy/diseased). However, further studies are needed to show the effects of different skin conditions on the levels of FAAs and urea.
Psychosocial Screening in Disorders/Differences of Sex Development: Psychometric Evaluation of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool
Authors: Ernst Michelle M. , Gardner Melissa , Mara Constance A. , Délot Emmanuèle C. , Fechner Patricia Y. , Fox Michelle , Rutter Meilan M. , Speiser Phyllis W. , Vilain Eric , Weidler Erica M. , Sandberg David E. ,   The DSD-Translational Research Network Leadership Group and Psychosocial Workgroup
Published: February 2019

Background/Aims: Utilization of a psychosocial screener to identify families affected by a disorder/difference of sex development (DSD) and at risk for adjustment challenges may facilitate efficient use of team resources to optimize care. The Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT) has been used in other pediatric conditions. The current study explored the reliability and validity of the PAT (modified for use within the DSD population; PAT-DSD). Methods: Participants were 197 families enrolled in the DSD-Translational Research Network (DSD-TRN) who completed a PAT-DSD during a DSD clinic visit. Psychosocial data were extracted from the DSD-TRN clinical registry. Internal reliability of the PAT-DSD was tested using the Kuder-Richardson-20 coefficient. Validity was examined by exploring the correlation of the PAT-DSD with other measures of caregiver distress and child emotional-behavioral functioning. Results: One-third of families demonstrated psychosocial risk (27.9% “Targeted” and 6.1% “Clinical” level of risk). Internal reliability of the PAT-DSD Total score was high (α = 0.86); 4 of 8 subscales met acceptable internal reliability. A priori predicted relationships between the PAT-DSD and other psychosocial measures were supported. The PAT-DSD Total score related to measures of caregiver distress (r = 0.40, p < 0.001) and to both caregiver-reported and patient self-reported behavioral problems (r = 0.61, p < 0.00; r = 0.37, p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study provides evidence for the reliability and validity of the PAT-DSD. Given variability in the internal reliability across subscales, this measure is best used to screen for overall family risk, rather than to assess specific psychosocial concerns.
Endovascular Reconstruction of Intracranial Aneurysms with the Pipeline Embolization Device in Pediatric Patients: A Single-Center Series
Authors: Shirani Peyman , Mirbagheri Saeedeh , Shapiro Maksim , Raz Eytan , Mowla Ashkan , Semsarieh Bita , Riina Howard A. , Nelson Peter K.
Published: February 2019

Background: Pediatric intracranial aneurysms tend to differ in etiology, size, and location from their adult counterparts, and they are often less amenable to microsurgical clip reconstruction techniques. Endovascular treatment with detachable coils is an accepted treatment technique for pediatric patients, though high recurrence rates have been reported with coil embolization of large and giant aneurysms in this population. While the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) is FDA-approved for adult intracranial aneurysms, the use of PEDs in pediatric patients is considered off-label. Case Descriptions: We present 3 cases of pediatric intracranial aneurysms in a 5-year-old male, a 12-year-old male, and a 12-year-old female who presented with symptoms including seizure, headache, and blurred vision. The 2 male patients were found to have intradural vertebral artery saccular aneurysms, while the female patient had a paraophthalmic right internal carotid complex aneurysm. After endovascular reconstruction of the aneurysms with PEDs, follow-up angiography showed complete occlusion of the previous aneurysms with no residual aneurysm filling in all 3 cases. Conclusion: While further investigation is needed, the evidence presented here supports the conclusion that the PED can be an effective and viable treatment strategy in the pediatric population.
Risk Factors for Wound Infections after Deformity Correction Surgery in Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Authors: Janjua M. Burhan , Toll Brandon , Ghandi Shashank , Sebert Michael E. , Swift Dale M. , Pahys Joshua M. , Samdani Amer F. , Hwang Steven W.
Published: February 2019

Objective: This study aims to elucidate surgical risk factors in neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) with respect to wound site infection after spinal fusion. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients treated surgically for NMS between January 2008 and December 2016 (minimum 6 months’ follow-up). A sub-cohort of 60 patients with minimum 2 years of follow-up data was also analyzed. Results: In 102 patients (53 boys and 49 girls), the mean age at surgery was 14.0 years (SD ±2.7). Mean follow-up was 2.53 years (±1.66), and mean time to presentation of infection was 2.14 months (±4.95). The overall perioperative complication rate was 26.5%, with 14.7% of patients developing deep wound infection. Gram-negative bacteria were responsible for 60% of infections; 20% were Gram positive, and 20% involved both types. Pulmonary comorbidities (p = 0.007), pre- to postoperative increase in weight (p = 0.010), exaggerated lumbar lordosis at follow-up (p = 0.008), history of seizures (p = 0.046), previous myelomeningocele repair (p = 0.046), and previous operations (p = 0.013) were significant risk factors for infection. Conclusion: Our data suggest that in the pediatric population treated surgically for NMS, wound infection is strongly associated with postoperative increase in body weight, residual lumbar lordosis, pulmonary comorbidity, history of myelomeningocele repair, seizures, and previous operations.
Implementation of Molecular RHD Typing at Two Blood Transfusion Institutes from Southeastern Europe
Authors: Guzijan Gordana , Jovanovic Srzentic Snezana , Pavlovic Jankovic Natasa , Djilas Iva , Lilić Marko
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Determination of RhD variants in blood donors, pregnant women, and newborns is important for transfusion strategies, in order to prevent RhD alloimmunisation and hemolytic disease of fetuses and newborns. Implementation of molecular RHD typing in two transfusion institutes is presented in this article, from Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Belgrade (Serbia). Study Design and Methods: Blood donors’ RhD was checked by direct agglutination assays (tube) and indirect antiglobulin test (gel). Molecular RHD typing was performed by PCR-SSP with fluorometric signal detection in both centres. Donors were selected by weak RhD serological reactivity (Banja Luka, 85 samples; Belgrade, 62 samples) or serologically RhD-negative C/E-positive results (Banja Luka, 92 samples; Belgrade, 61 samples). Results: Among serologically determined weak D donors from the institute from Banja Luka, weak D type 3 was the most frequent (58.8%), followed by type 1 (35.3%) and DNB (1.2%), whereas results obtained at the Belgrade institute were distributed between weak D type 1 (41.9%), type 3 (30.7%), type 14 (6.5%), type 15 (1.6%), and DNB with anti-D (1.6%). In 17.7% of serologically typed weak D samples from the Belgrade institute, the molecular typing result was standard D. Additionally, RHD presence was detected in 9.8% of serologically RhD-negative, C/E-positive samples from both institutes. Conclusion: Rh molecular testing was successfully implemented in both blood transfusion institutes in Banja Luka and Belgrade. This study proved the efficiency of serological algorithms for weak D, as well as the presence of the RHD gene among serologically tested RhD-negative, C/E-positive samples.
Reversal Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction: A Mice Experimental Model
Authors: Narváez Barros Alonso , Guiteras Roser , Sola Anna , Manonelles Anna , Morote Juan , Cruzado Josep M.
Published: February 2019

Background/Aims: Reversible unilateral ureteral obstruction (R-UUO) is a model of renal injury used to study the structural and functional recovery of the kidneys after relief of the obstruction. This model has a prominent potential for the study of inflammatory and immune processes, cellular and tissue regeneration. Here we sought to describe a model of renal injury and repair R-UUO in mice. Methods: Eight week-old C57BL/6J male mice were divided into 5 groups (n = 5 each): UUO day 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. R-UUO was performed with a microvascular clamp. At day 3, the ureteral clamp was removed and nephrectomy of the contralateral kidney was performed. Mice were sacrificed 48 h afterwards (day 5). An extra group with unilateral nephrectomy without UUO was added. Wild type mice were used as controls. Blood and tissue samples were collected for creatinine, immunohistochemistry and kidney mRNA gene expression analysis. Results: In the analysis of the obstructed kidney, we observed acute kidney injury with creatinine that doubled its baseline value; histological signs of tubular damage; increased inflammatory response evaluated by F4/80 macrophage; upregulation of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines such as IL-2, MCP-1, CD40 and TGF-β1 and increased α-smooth muscle actin staining and mild fibrosis. Once the clamp was removed, we observed the amelioration of the kidney function, pathological lesions and the inflammatory response. Conclusion: This R-UUO model is an easy, reproducible and reliable method to assess kidney recovery after obstructive uropathy. In this setting, the use of this model may help to a better understanding of the process of kidney repair.
General Aspects of Primary Cancer Prevention
Authors: Krstic Miodrag N. , Mijac Dragana D. , Popovic Dusan D. , Pavlovic Markovic Aleksandra , Milosavljević Tomica
Published: February 2019

Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide next to cardiovascular diseases. Despite the advancement in screening, early diagnosis, and development in treatment technology in last several decades, cancer incidence overall, particularly that of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, is far from being controlled, and is expected to increase worldwide. Summary: Although numerous preclinical and population-based clinical studies have already made important progress in restraining the overall cancer incidence and mortality, the full potential of preventive strategy is still far from being realized, and remains at an early stage. There are several major challenges regarding this issue, and one of the crucial challenges is to maintain the balance between risks and benefits. As a result of past investments, primary prevention nowadays include the integration of various activities such as lifestyle changes to reduce risk, screening to detect early lesions, vaccines and preventive therapies aimed to actively interrupt the carcinogenic pathway. Long-term aspirin use seems to have the largest potential effect on the general population on cancer incidence and mortality overall, especially GI cancers. Helicobacter pylori eradication reduces the risk for gastric cancer and is advocated regardless of the symptoms and stage of disease. Metformin and statins are promising in cancer prevention in patients with type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D supplementation is promising in the prevention of colorectal adenoma recurrence. Key Message: However, additional studies are warranted to establish the potential of various agents and to identify more specific and highly targeted new agents for chemoprevention in digestive oncology.
Reduced Hypoxic Tissue and Cognitive Improvement after Revascularization Surgery for Chronic Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Shimada Yasuyoshi  , Kobayashi Masakazu  , Yoshida Kenji  , Terasaki Kazunori  , Fujiwara Shunrou , Kubo Yoshitaka , Beppu Takaaki , Ogasawara Kuniaki
Published: February 2019

Background: Hypoxic but viable neural tissue is seen on 1-(2–18F-fluoro-1-[hydroxymethyl]ethoxy) methyl-2-nitroimidazole (18F-FRP170) positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with chronic cerebral ischemia with a combination of misery perfusion and moderately reduced oxygen metabolism. Cognitive function sometimes improves after revascularization surgery in patients with chronic cerebral ischemia. Objectives: We used brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and 18F-FRP170 PET to determine whether hypoxic tissue was reduced following the restoration of cerebral perfusion after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with severe stenosis of the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) and whether the reduction in hypoxic tissue was associated with cognitive improvement. Method: Eighteen patients with abnormally reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the affected cerebral hemispheres on preoperative brain perfusion SPECT ­underwent CEA. They underwent 18F-FRP170 PET and neuropsychological tests preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Brain perfusion SPECT was also performed 6 months postoperatively. Regions of interest were placed in the bilateral middle cerebral artery territories on SPECT and PET images, and the ratio of values in the affected versus contralateral hemispheres was calculated. Results: The CBF ratio (p = 0.0006) and 18F-FRP170 ratio (p = 0.0084) were significantly increased and reduced, respectively, after surgery compared to the corresponding ratios before surgery. The difference in the 18F-FRP170 ratio (postoperative – preoperative value) was negatively correlated with the difference in the CBF ratio (ρ = –0.695; p = 0.0009). The difference in the 18F-FRP170 ratio was significantly lower in patients with postoperative improved cognition compared to that in those without (p = 0.0007). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the difference in the 18F-FRP170 ratio for detecting postoperative improved cognition was significantly greater than that for the difference in the CBF ratio (difference between areas, 0.278; p = 0.0248). Conclusions: Hypoxic tissue is reduced following the restoration of cerebral perfusion with revascularization surgery in patients with severe atherosclerotic stenosis of the cervical ICA. The reduction in hypoxic tissue is associated with cognitive improvement in such patients.
Wasp fauna (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae, Chrysididae, Dryinidae, Tiphiidae, Mutillidae, Scoliidae, Pompilidae, Vespidae, Sphecidae, Crabronidae & Trigonalyidae) of Mordovia State Nature Reserve and its surroundings in Russia
Authors: Ruchin Alexander , Antropov Аlexander
Published: February 2019

Information is presented on 249 vespine species from 11 families in two regions of Mordovia (including Mordovia State Nature Reserve (MSNR)) and three districts of Nizhny Novgorod region (including Sarov) in Russia.  Of these, 31 species are new to the Republic of Mordovia.  Fauna of separate families of wasps in Mordovia State Nature Reserve is represented by 220 species: one species in Bethylidae, 31 in Chrysididae, two in Tiphiidae, two in Mutillidae, one in Scoliidae, 28 in Pompilidae, 37 in Vespidae, nine in Sphecidae, 108 in Crabronidae, and one in Trigonalyidae.  The biodiversity of wasps in the reserve is very high.  Of the 283 species of wasps in Mordovia, 220 (77.7%) are found within the reserve.  Species characteristics such as geographic distribution and certain aspects of biology are also provided.  There is an obvious extension of the ranges of three species, Priocnemis fastigiata, Sceliphron deforme, and Scolia hirta, to the north.
Comparative Safety of Aspiration Thrombectomy Catheters Utilizing Prospective, Active Surveillance of the NCDR CathPCI Registry
Authors: Majithia Arjun , Matheny Michael E. , Paulus Jessica K. , Marinac-Dabic Danica , Robbins Susan , Ssemaganda Henry , Hewitt Kathleen , Ponirakis Angelo , Loyo-Berrios Nilsa , Moussa Issam , Drozda Joseph , Normand Sharon-Lise , Resnic Frederic S.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Current strategies for ensuring the postmarket safety of medical devices are limited by small sample size and reliance on voluntary reporting of adverse events. Prospective, active surveillance of clinical registries may provide early warnings in the postmarket evaluation of medical device safety but has not been demonstrated in national clinical data registries.

Methods and Results:

The CathPCI DELTA (Data Extraction and Longitudinal Trend Analysis) study was designed to assess the feasibility of prospective, active safety surveillance of medical devices within a national cardiovascular registry. We sought to assess the ability of our surveillance strategy to avoid false safety alerts by conducting an active safety surveillance study of aspiration thrombectomy catheters using data within the National Cardiovascular Data Registry CathPCI registry, where no difference in safety outcomes were anticipated for the primary in-hospital safety outcome of death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We performed a propensity-matched analysis of 5 aspiration thrombectomy catheter devices used during percutaneous coronary intervention among 95 925 patients presenting with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction between January 1, 2011 and September 30, 2013. After 33 months of surveillance, no safety alerts were triggered for the primary safety endpoints of death or MACE, with no between-catheter differences observed. The absolute risk of death during acute hospitalization ranged from 5.11% to 5.32% among the most commonly used aspiration thrombectomy catheter devices, with relative risks for death ranging from 0.96 to 1.03. The absolute risk of MACE ranged from 9.78% to 10.18%, with relative risks for MACE ranging from 0.99 to 1.02. There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of death or MACE between any of the aspiration thrombectomy catheter devices analyzed.

Conclusions:

The CathPCI DELTA study demonstrates that prospective, active safety surveillance of national clinical registries is feasible to provide near-real-time safety assessments of new medical devices.
High Carbon Monoxide Levels from Charcoal Combustion Mask Acute Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by Hookah (Waterpipe) Smoking in Young Adults
Authors: Rezk-Hanna Mary , Mosenifar Zab , Benowitz Neal L. , Rader Florian , Rashid Mohamad , Davoren Katherine , Moy Norma B. , Doering Lynn , Robbins Wendie , Sarna Linda , Li Ning , Chang L. Cindy , Elashoff Robert M. , Victor Ronald G.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Hookah smoking is marketed to youth as a harmless alternative to cigarettes. Although cigarette smoking acutely impairs endothelial function, the effect of smoking fruit-flavored hookah tobacco is unknown. Because charcoal traditionally is used to heat the hookah tobacco in the waterpipe, hookah smoke delivers tobacco toxicants and nicotine plus charcoal combustion products: not only carbon-rich nanoparticles, oxidants that may destroy nitric oxide and impair endothelial function, but also large amounts of carbon monoxide (CO), a putative vasodilator molecule.

Methods:

To test the acute effect of hookah smoking on endothelial function, in young adult hookah smokers (n=30, age 26±1 years, mean±SE), we measured plasma nicotine, exhaled CO, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) before and after charcoal-heated hookah smoking. To remove the effect of charcoal combustion, the same measurements were performed when the same flavored hookah tobacco product was heated electrically (n=20). As a positive internal control, we studied age-matched cigarette smokers (n=15) who smoked 1 cigarette. To isolate the effect of the CO boost on FMD, hookah smokers (n=8) inhaled a 0.1% CO gas mixture to approximate their CO boost achieved with charcoal-heated hookah smoking.

Results:

Nicotine levels increased similarly with all types of smoking, whereas exhaled CO increased 9- to 10-fold more after charcoal-heated hookah than after either electrically heated hookah or cigarette smoking. FMD did not decrease after smoking charcoal-heated hookah but instead increased by +43±7% (
P
<0.001). In contrast, FMD decreased by –27±4% (
P
<0.001) after smoking electrically heated hookah, comparable to the decrease after cigarette smoking. FMD increased markedly by 138±71% (
P
<0.001) after breathing CO gas, 2.8 times more than the increase induced in the same subjects after smoking charcoal-heated hookah (
P
<0.001), despite comparable increases in exhaled CO (24±1 versus 28±3 ppm, hookah versus CO).

Conclusions:

Smoking hookah tobacco, similar to cigarette tobacco, acutely impairs endothelial function. With traditional charcoal-heated hookah smoking, the acute endothelial dysfunction is masked by high levels of carbon monoxide, a potent vasodilator molecule generated by charcoal combustion. With respect to large-artery endothelial function, smoking hookah is not harmless.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifiers: NCT 03616002 and NCT 03067701.
Autoantibodies Against β
1
‐Adrenoceptor Exaggerated Ventricular Remodeling by Inhibiting CTRP9 Expression
Authors: Du Yunhui , Zhang Shihan , Yu Haicun , Wu Ye , Cao Ning , Wang Wen , Xu Wenli , Li Yuming , Liu Huirong
Published: February 2019

Background

Autoantibodies against the second extracellular loop of the β
1
‐adrenoceptor (β
1
‐
AA
) act similarly to agonist of β
1
‐adrenergic receptor, which plays an important role in the pathophysiological characteristics of ventricular remodeling. Recently, considerable lines of evidence have suggested that CTRP9 (C1q tumor necrosis factor–related protein 9) is a potent cardioprotective cardiokine and protects the heart from ventricular remodeling. The aim of this study was to determine the role of
CTRP
9 in ventricular remodeling induced by β
1
‐
AA
.

Methods and Results

Blood samples were collected from 131 patients with coronary heart disease and 131 healthy subjects. The serum levels of β
1
‐
AA
and
CTRP
9 were detected using
ELISA
. The results revealed that
CTRP
9 levels in β
1
‐
AA
–positive patients were lower than those in β
1
‐
AA
–negative patients, and serum
CTRP
9 concentrations were inversely correlated with β
1
‐
AA
. β
1
‐
AA
monoclonal antibodies (β
1
‐
AA
mAbs) were administered in mice with and without
rAAV
9‐
cTnT
‐Full Ctrp9‐
FLAG
virus for 8 weeks. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction/Western analysis showed that cardiomyocyte
CTRP
9 expression was significantly reduced in β
1
‐
AA
mAb–treated mice. Moreover, compared with the β
1
‐
AA
mAb alone group, cardiac‐specific
CTRP
9 overexpression improved cardiac function, attenuated adverse remodeling, and ameliorated cardiomyocyte apoptosis and fibrosis. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that
CTRP
9 overexpression decreased the levels of G‐protein–coupled receptor kinase 2 and promoted the activation of AMP‐dependent kinase pathway. However, cardiac‐specific overexpression of
CTRP
9 had no effect on the levels of 
cAMP
and protein kinase A activity elevated by β
1
‐AAmAb.

Conclusions

This study provides the first evidence that the long‐term existence of β
1
‐
AA
mAb suppresses cardiac
CTRP
9 expression and exaggerates cardiac remodeling, suggesting that
CTRP
9 may be a novel therapeutic target against pathologic remodeling in β
1
‐
AA
–positive patients with coronary heart disease.
Complex Role for E‐Prostanoid 4 Receptors in Hypertension
Authors: Herrera Marcela , Yang Ting , Sparks Matthew A. , Manning Michael W. , Koller Beverly H. , Coffman Thomas M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Prostaglandin E
2
(
PGE
2
) is a major prostanoid with multiple actions that potentially affect blood pressure (
BP
).
PGE
2
acts through 4 distinct E‐prostanoid (
EP
) receptor isoforms:
EP
1 to
EP
4. The
EP
4 receptor (
EP
4R) promotes
PGE
2
‐dependent vasodilation, but its role in the pathogenesis of hypertension is not clear.

Methods and Results

To address this issue, we studied mice after temporal‐ and cell‐specific deletion of
EP
4R. First, using a mouse line with loss of
EP
4 expression induced universally after birth, we confirm that
EP
4R mediates a major portion of the acute vasodilatory effects of infused
PGE
2
. In addition,
EP
4 contributes to control of resting
BP
, which was increased by 5±1 mm Hg in animals with generalized deficiency of this receptor. We also show that
EP
4 is critical for limiting elevations in
BP
caused by high salt feeding and long‐term infusion of angiotensin
II
. To more precisely identify the mechanism for these actions, we generated mice in which
EP
4R loss is induced after birth and is limited to smooth muscle. In these mice, acute
PGE
2
‐dependent vasodilation was attenuated, indicating that this response is mediated by
EP
4R in vascular smooth muscle cells. However, absence of
EP
4R only in this vascular compartment had a paradoxical effect of lowering resting
BP
, whereas the protective effect of
EP
4R on limiting angiotensin II–dependent hypertension was unaffected.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings support a complex role for
EP
4R in regulation of
BP
and in hypertension, which appears to involve actions of the
EP
4R in tissues beyond vascular smooth muscle cells.
Angiography‐Based Machine Learning for Predicting Fractional Flow Reserve in Intermediate Coronary Artery Lesions
Authors: Cho Hyungjoo , Lee June‐Goo , Kang Soo‐Jin , Kim Won‐Jang , Choi So‐Yeon , Ko Jiyuon , Min Hyun‐Seok , Choi Gun‐Ho , Kang Do‐Yoon , Lee Pil Hyung , Ahn Jung‐Min , Park Duk‐Woo , Lee Seung‐Whan , Kim Young‐Hak , Lee Cheol Whan , Park Seong‐Wook , Park Seung‐Jung
Published: February 2019

Background

An angiography‐based supervised machine learning (
ML
) algorithm was developed to classify lesions as having fractional flow reserve ≤0.80 versus >0.80.

Methods and Results

With a 4:1 ratio, 1501 patients with 1501 intermediate lesions were randomized into training versus test sets. Between the ostium and 10 mm distal to the target lesion, a series of angiographic lumen diameter measurements along the centerline was plotted. The 24 computed angiographic features based on the diameter plot and 4 clinical features (age, sex, body surface area, and involve segment) were used for
ML
by XGBoost. The model was independently trained and tested by 2000 bootstrap iterations. External validation with 79 patients was conducted. Including all 28 features, the
ML
model with 5‐fold cross‐validation in the 1204 training samples predicted fractional flow reserve ≤0.80 with overall diagnostic accuracy of 78±4% (averaged area under the curve: 0.84±0.03). The 12 high‐ranking features selected by scatter search were involved segment; body surface area; distal lumen diameter; minimal lumen diameter; length of a lumen diameter <2.0 mm, <1.5 mm, and <1.25 mm; mean lumen diameter within the worst segment; sex; diameter stenosis; distal 5‐mm reference lumen diameter; and length of diameter stenosis >70%. Using those 12 features, the
ML
predicted fractional flow reserve ≤0.80 in the test set with sensitivity of 84%, specificity of 80%, and overall accuracy of 82% (area under the curve: 0.87). The averaged diagnostic accuracy in bootstrap replicates was 81±1% (averaged area under the curve: 0.87±0.01). External validation showed accuracy of 85% (area under the curve: 0.87).

Conclusions

Angiography‐based
ML
showed good diagnostic performance in identifying ischemia‐producing lesions and reduced the need for pressure wires.
New Hemilophini, Aerenicini and Calliini from French Guiana, transference and notes on Hemilophini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae)
Authors: TAVAKILIAN GÉRARD L. , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO
Published: February 2019

Two new genera and four new species of Hemilophini are described from French Guiana: Guyarolea lalannecassoui, gen. nov., sp. nov.; Cendiunopsis garnieri, gen. nov., sp. nov.; Isomerida fourneti, sp. nov.; Lapazina arnaudi sp. nov. Differences between Isomerida albicollis (Laporte, 1840) and I. invicta Galileo & Martins, 1996, are commented. Phoebemima Tippmann, 1960 is transferred to Aerenicini, and a new species is described from French Guiana: P. durantoni, sp. nov. A new genus and new species of Calliini is described from French Guiana: Hemilophopsis simius, sp. nov. A key to species of Lapazina is provided. The three new genera and Phoebemima durantoni are included in previous keys.
Cognitive Load and Situation Awareness for Soldiers: Effects of Message Presentation Rate and Sensory Modality
Authors: Hollands Justin G. , Spivak Tzvi , Kramkowski Eric W.
Published: February 2019

Objective:

We sought to determine the influence of message presentation rate (MPR) and sensory modality on soldier cognitive load.

Background:

Soldiers commonly communicate tactical information by radio. The Canadian Army is equipping soldiers with a battle management system (BMS), which also allows them to communicate by text.

Method:

We varied presentation modality (auditory vs. visual) and MPR (fast or slow) in an experiment involving a tactical scenario. Participants (soldiers) received messages and periodically provided situation reports to higher level command, and the scored reports were used to provide a measure of situation awareness (SA). The detection response task (DRT) and NASA-TLX were used to measure cognitive load.

Results:

The fast MPR reduced DRT accuracy and increased response times relative to slow MPR. The NASA-TLX results also showed higher subjective workload ratings for several subscales with fast MPR. Messages presented visually produced greater cognitive load, with slower DRT response times for the visual than the auditory condition. SA scores were higher with slower MPR and auditory presentation. There was no statistical interaction of presentation modality and rate for any measure.

Conclusion:

Fast MPR and visual presentation increased cognitive load and degraded SA.

Application:

These findings show that the DRT can be used to measure workload effectively in a tactical military context and that the method of information presentation affects how soldiers process information in a BMS.
Intergroup commonality, political ideology, and tolerance of enemy collateral casualties in intergroup conflicts
Authors: Schori-Eyal Noa , Halperin Eran , Saguy Tamar
Published: February 2019

Despite their pernicious effect on intergroup conflict, collateral casualties are seen as inevitable and justified by many members of the groups involved, particularly those who endorse a right-wing ideology. Drawing on social psychological literature, we examined whether a perception of commonality between in-group and out-group can be beneficial for reducing tolerance to collateral causalities. We hypothesized that viewing the out-group as sharing commonalities with the in-group can reduce processes of out-group delegitimization, which are common among right-wingers in intractable conflicts, and may therefore serve to explain reduction in tolerance to collateral casualties. Three correlational studies were conducted among Jewish-Israelis in the context of the conflict with the Palestinians to test this. In Study 1, right-wing political ideology was associated with stronger support for enemy collateral casualties, and the effect was moderated by perceived intergroup commonality. While leftists were overall non-supportive of collateral casualties, rightists who perceived high intergroup commonality were less tolerant of collateral casualties than those low on intergroup commonality. In Study 2, conducted during violent escalation, we replicated these results while controlling for anger, fear, and hatred. In Study 3, we found that the effect was mediated by delegitimization of the out-group. These results extend the range of beneficial impact of intergroup commonality, and imply that it may be used as a tool to promote conflict resolution.
Father’s Involvement When Bringing Baby Home: Efficacy Testing of a Couple-Focused Transition to Parenthood Intervention for Promoting Father Involvement
Authors: Shapiro Alyson F. , Gottman John M. , Fink Brandi C.
Published: February 2019

The goal of the present research was to test the efficacy of the Bringing Baby Home couple-focused psychoeducational program for promoting father involvement and related satisfaction. A randomized clinical trial design was used to randomly assign 136 pregnant couples to either an intervention or control group. Father involvement post-intervention was assessed through self-report of engagement in parenting tasks. Intent-to-treat analysis of covariance analyses indicated that fathers who participated in the Bringing Baby Home program reported significantly more involvement in parenting tasks, satisfaction with the division of parenting labor, and feeling appreciated by their wives. Both husbands and wives were also more satisfied with the division of labor when fathers were more involved in parenting. Results suggest that couple-focused psychoeducational programs can be successful for promoting father involvement.
Synthesis and optical properties of PVC-CdS-based nanocomposites
Authors: Ramazanov MA , Hajiyeva FV , Babayev YA , Valadova GV , Nuriyeva SG , Shirinova HA
Published: February 2019

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)–cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocomposite films were successfully synthesized by ex situ solution casting method. Scanning electron microscopy showed that CdS nanoparticles are well monodispersed in the PVC matrix. From the ultraviolet (UV) spectra of nanocomposites, the width of the forbidden band for polymer nanocomposites was determined by extrapolation method. UV-visible optical spectra revealed that the optical band of nanocomposites is increased with increasing concentration of CdS nanoparticles in the PVC matrix. It was found that the band gap is 3.8 eV for PVC-3% CdS nanocomposites, 2.7 eV for PVC-5% CdS, and 2.35 eV for PVC-10% CdS nanocomposites. Photoluminescence spectrum of PVC-CdS-based nanocomposites shows two luminescent peaks at the wavelengths of 436 nm and 472 nm at the luminescence spectrum which belongs to CdS nanoparticles. Photoluminescence study shows that PVC-CdS nanocomposites exhibit a great blue shift (approximately 100 nm) compared with bulk CdS nanoparticles.
Reverse Squeeze Maxillary Sinus Barotrauma
Authors: Misirovs Rasads , Mohamad Shwan
Published: February 2019

A young female patient presented to ear, nose, and throat clinic with long history of left sided facial pain exacerbated while flying and being in high altitude. Examination of nasal cavity and computed tomography scan of sinuses suggested left maxillary sinus barotrauma. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed completely resolving her symptoms. Based on her symptoms and examination findings she had reverse squeeze sinus barotrauma.
Drug Courts and Net-Widening in U.S. Cities: A Reanalysis Using Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Lilley David R. , Stewart Megan C. , Tucker-Gail Kasey
Published: February 2019

Although drug courts were intended to reduce the justice system involvement of drug offenders, a recent study found evidence that drug courts were associated with increased (rather than decreased) arrests for minor misdemeanor drug offenses (Lilley, 2017; Walsh, 2011). However, the previous study did not utilize an equivalent comparison group and may have relied on a large sample size to generate findings. The current study tested the robustness of those findings by analyzing only cities with over 50,000 population, including four additional years of data, and utilizing a more equivalent comparison group that was propensity-matched to reduce the possibility that a preexisting difference may have generated higher arrest outcomes among drug court jurisdictions. Net-widening, arrest, and crime challenges and implications for drug court policies and law enforcement roles are also discussed.
Human Nature and Biotechnological Enhancement: Some Theological Considerations
Authors: McKenny Gerald
Published: February 2019

Theologies of human nature routinely reflect the insights of evolutionary biology, for which human biological nature is variable, changing and indeterminate in its boundaries with other living things. However, these theologies do not yet reflect what biotechnology discloses about human biological nature, namely, that it is malleable and indeterminate in its boundaries with machines. Does respect for human biological nature as created by God, or protection of the human person whose nature it is, require us to refrain from taking advantage of its malleability and indeterminacy to select or design functions and traits? Or should we welcome malleability and indeterminacy as conditions for us to fulfill a vocation to determine our nature or bring it to perfection? And do malleability and indeterminacy render obsolete the notion that we look to our nature to determine what our good is? This article answers these questions.
The theory of symptom complexes, mind and madness
Authors: Daker Mauricio V
Published: February 2019

Kahlbaum’s seminal approach to symptom complexes, as opposed to disease entities, is still relevant. Many psychopathologists have approached mental symptom complexes without prejudging them as necessary physical deficits or diseases, favouring a broader dimensional and anthropological view of mental disorders. Discussions of symptom complexes gained prominence in psychiatry in the early twentieth century – through Hoche – and in the period leading up to World War II – through Carl Schneider. Their works, alongside those of Kraepelin, Bumke, Kehrer, Jaspers and others, are reviewed in relation to the theme of symptom complexes, the mind, and mental disorders. A particular feature of symptom complexes is their relationship to aspects of the normal mind and how this affects clinical manifestations. It is further suggested that symptom complexes might offer a useful bridge between the psychic and the biological in theories of the mind.
Assembling European health security: Epidemic intelligence and the hunt for cross-border health threats
Authors: Bengtsson Louise , Borg Stefan , Rhinard Mark
Published: February 2019

The securitization of health concerns within the European Union has hitherto received scant attention compared to other sectors. Drawing on the conceptual toolbox of actor-network theory, this article examines how a ‘health security assemblage’ rooted in EU governance has emerged, expanded, and stabilized. At the heart of this assemblage lies a particular knowledge regime, known as epidemic intelligence (EI): a vigilance-oriented approach of early detection and containment drawing on web-scanning tools and other informal sources. Despite its differences compared to entrenched traditions in public health, EI has, in only a decade’s time, gained central importance at the EU level. EI is simultaneously constituted by, and performative of, a particular understanding of health security problems. By ‘following the actor’, this article seeks to account for how EI has made the hunt for potential health threats so central that detection and containment, rather than prevention, have become the preferred policy options. This article draws out some of the implications of this shift.
The Promotion of Avoidable Ignorance in the British Journal of Social Work (Gambrill, 2018): A Very Short Reply
Authors: Holloway Margaret , Golightley Malcolm
Published: February 2019

This reply from the Editors of the British Journal of Social Work to a recently published invited article in Research on Social Work Practice (a substantially similar version of which had been previously rejected by the BJSW), affirms the importance and timeliness of rigorous debate within social work about science and evidence-based practice but summarises the BJSW reviewers reasons for rejecting the article submitted to the BJSW. The reply concludes by calling for wider contributions to this debate.
Associations of Hormonal Biomarkers With Mental Health and Healthy Behaviors Among Mothers of Very-Low-Birthweight Infants
Authors: Cho June , Su Xiaogang , Holditch-Davis Diane
Published: February 2019

Objectives:

To examine the concurrent use of self-report questionnaires and hormonal biomarkers, specifically levels of testosterone and cortisol, along with demographic variables and corrected age (CA) in the assessment of mental health and healthy behaviors among mothers of very-low-birthweight (VLBW, BW < 1,500 g) infants at five time points over 2 years post birth.

Method:

Data on 40 mothers from a neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary medical center in the southeast United States were collected from the medical record, standard questionnaires for the mother (depressive symptoms, perceived stress, anxiety, mental health status, parenting stress, and healthy lifestyle behaviors), and biochemical measurement of maternal testosterone and cortisol using enzyme immunoassay at birth, 40 weeks’ postmenstrual age, and 6, 12, and 24 months CA.

Results:

Maternal self-report of mental health improved from birth to 6 or 12 months then worsened at 24 months. Mixed linear models showed that mothers with higher testosterone levels had more depressive symptoms and smoked more, whereas mothers with higher cortisol levels had healthier behaviors and exercised more. Testosterone levels were negatively correlated with cortisol levels. Marital status, education, and health insurance were the most predictive demographic variables for the levels of hormonal biomarkers, mental health, and healthy behaviors.

Conclusions:

The use of self-report and biochemical measurement was effective in assessing maternal mental health and healthy behaviors over 2 years post birth, when mothers of VLBW infants tend to experience more mental health problems and parenting difficulties than mothers of normal-BW full-term infants.