bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing into the Mechanism of Alkaline Citrus Extract Promoted Apoptosis in Pulmonary Fibroblasts of Bleomycin‐Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis Mice
Authors: Wu Qi , Zhou Yao , Feng Fan-chao , Jin Yi-han , Wang Zhi-chao , Zhou Xian-mei
Published: March 2018

We extracted the primary pulmonary fibroblasts of the normal and bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis mice and investigated the functioning mechanism of citrus alkaline extract (CAE) in the induction of pulmonary fibroblast apoptosis. The expression intensity of vimentin of the pulmonary fibroblasts in the model mice was higher than that in the normal mice. Meanwhile, the positive expression rate and expression intensity of alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) of the pulmonary fibroblasts in the model mice were higher than those in the normal mice. Results of MTT showed that pulmonary fibroblast activity of the normal and model mice has been significantly inhibited by CAE in a concentration‐dependent manner. The results of flow cytometer analysis showed that the proportion of pulmonary fibroblast apoptosis in the model mice has been profoundly increased by CAE treatment in a dosage‐dependent manner. Besides we found that the expression of Cleaved‐Caspase 3, Cleaved‐Caspase 8, Cleaved‐poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase (Cleaved‐PARP), and Fas and Fas Ligand (FasL) was markedly increased after CAE treatment. A further study showed that the expression of Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and prostaglandin E receptor 2 (EP2) was dependant on the concentration of CAE, indicating that CAE‐regulated receptor apoptosis of Fas was probably related to COX‐2. The results of fluorescence detection of oxidative stress showed that the level of oxidative stress was significantly increased after CAE treatment. Furthermore, the results of Western Blot showed that the phosphorylation level of p38 (p‐p38) was markedly increased, suggesting that CAE probably has regulated COX‐2 through increased p‐p38 following oxidative stress. Our results therefore suggest that CAE can effectively induce pulmonary fibroblast apoptosis of the normal and model mice, and its functioning mechanism is probably related to the p38/COX‐2/Fas signaling pathway regulated by oxidative stress.
Phytochemicals That Influence Gut Microbiota as Prophylactics and for the Treatment of Obesity and Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Carrera-Quintanar Lucrecia , López Roa Rocío I. , Quintero-Fabián Saray , Sánchez-Sánchez Marina A. , Vizmanos Barbara , Ortuño-Sahagún Daniel
Published: March 2018

Gut microbiota (GM) plays several crucial roles in host physiology and influences several relevant functions. In more than one respect, it can be said that you “feed your microbiota and are fed by it.” GM diversity is affected by diet and influences metabolic and immune functions of the host’s physiology. Consequently, an imbalance of GM, or dysbiosis, may be the cause or at least may lead to the progression of various pathologies such as infectious diseases, gastrointestinal cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, and even obesity and diabetes. Therefore, GM is an appropriate target for nutritional interventions to improve health. For this reason, phytochemicals that can influence GM have recently been studied as adjuvants for the treatment of obesity and inflammatory diseases. Phytochemicals include prebiotics and probiotics, as well as several chemical compounds such as polyphenols and derivatives, carotenoids, and thiosulfates. The largest group of these comprises polyphenols, which can be subclassified into four main groups: flavonoids (including eight subgroups), phenolic acids (such as curcumin), stilbenoids (such as resveratrol), and lignans. Consequently, in this review, we will present, organize, and discuss the most recent evidence indicating a relationship between the effects of different phytochemicals on GM that affect obesity and/or inflammation, focusing on the effect of approximately 40 different phytochemical compounds that have been chemically identified and that constitute some natural reservoir, such as potential prophylactics, as candidates for the treatment of obesity and inflammatory diseases.
Generalized Beamforming Design for Cooperative MIMO Multirelay Networks with Infinite Constraints and Imperfect CSI
Authors: Yu Haiyang , Duan Wei , Sun Qiang , Wang Xia , Wang Jue , Li Jun , Choi Jaeho
Published: March 2018

A generalized base station-relay-user equipment (BS-Relay-UE) beamforming design is investigated for a cooperative multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) multirelay networks with imperfect channel state information (CSI). In order to minimize the worst-case mean square error (MSE) which is subject to a semi-infinite (SI) relay power constraints, a generalized optimal beamforming structure for the relay amplifying matrix is effectively proposed, and then the SI relay power constraints are converted into linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) version. In such conversion, the objective problem recasts as a decoupled biconvex semidefinite programming (SDP) one which can be efficiently solved by the proposed alternating algorithm. The system performance has been verified in terms of worst-case MSE using a set of qualitative analyses. The results show us that the proposed beamforming method outperforms the conventional schemes and can also effectively reduce the computational complexity when it is compared to the cutting-set schemes and also to the nonrobust ones.
Enhanced Suppressive Activity of Regulatory T Cells in the Microenvironment of Malignant Pleural Effusions
Authors: Budna Joanna , Kaczmarek Mariusz , Kolecka-Bednarczyk Agata , Spychalski Łukasz , Zawierucha Piotr , Goździk-Spychalska Joanna , Nowicki Michał , Batura-Gabryel Halina , Sikora Jan
Published: March 2018

Cancer metastatic spread to serous cavity causes malignant pleural effusions (MPEs), indicating dismal prognosis. Tumor microenvironment can implement suppressive activity on host immune responses. Thus, we investigated the prevalence of Tregs and the relationship between them and TGF-βand IL-10 concentrations and measured expression ofFOXP3,CTLA-4,CD28, andGITRgenes, as well as protein expression of selected genes in benign effusions and MPEs. The percentage of Tregs was determined by means of multicolor flow cytometry system. TGF-βand IL-10 concentrations were measured using human TGF-β1 and IL-10 ELISA kit. Relative mRNA expression of studied genes was analyzed by real-time PCR. The frequency of Tregs was significantly higher in MPEs compared to benign effusions; however, the level of TGF-βand IL-10 in analyzed groups was comparable, and no correlation between concentrations of TGF-βand IL-10 and percentage of Tregs was observed. Relative mRNA expression of all the genes was higher in CD4+CD25+compared to CD4+CD25−cells. In CD4+CD25+cells from MPEs, relative mRNA expression ofFOXP3,CTLA-4, andCD28genes was significantly higher than in benign effusions; however, the level of CD4+CD25+CTLA-4+cells in analyzed groups showed no significant differences. We found numerous genes correlations in an entire CD4+CD25+cell subset and CD4+CD25+cells from MPEs. Enhanced suppressive activity of Tregs is observed in the microenvironment of MPEs. Understanding of relations between cellular and cytokine immunosuppressive factors in tumor microenvironment may determine success of anticancer response.
Higher Absolute Lymphocyte Counts Predict Lower Mortality from Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Afghahi Anosheh , Purington Natasha , Han Summer S. , Desai Manisha , Pierson Emma , Mathur Maya B. , Seto Tina , Thompson Caroline A. , Rigdon Joseph , Telli Melinda L. , Badve Sunil S. , Curtis Christina N. , West Robert B. , Horst Kathleen , Gomez Scarlett L. , Ford James M. , Sledge George W. , Kurian Allison W.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in pretreatment biopsies are associated with improved survival in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We investigated whether higher peripheral lymphocyte counts are associated with lower breast cancer–specific mortality (BCM) and overall mortality (OM) in TNBC.

Experimental Design: Data on treatments and diagnostic tests from electronic medical records of two health care systems were linked with demographic, clinical, pathologic, and mortality data from the California Cancer Registry. Multivariable regression models adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, cancer stage, grade, neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy use, radiotherapy use, and germline BRCA1/2 mutations were used to evaluate associations between absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), BCM, and OM. For a subgroup with TIL data available, we explored the relationship between TILs and peripheral lymphocyte counts.

Results: A total of 1,463 stage I–III TNBC patients were diagnosed from 2000 to 2014; 1,113 (76%) received neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy within 1 year of diagnosis. Of 759 patients with available ALC data, 481 (63.4%) were ever lymphopenic (minimum ALC <1.0 K/μL). On multivariable analysis, higher minimum ALC, but not absolute neutrophil count, predicted lower OM [HR = 0.23; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.16–0.35] and BCM (HR = 0.19; CI, 0.11–0.34). Five-year probability of BCM was 15% for patients who were ever lymphopenic versus 4% for those who were not. An exploratory analysis (n = 70) showed a significant association between TILs and higher peripheral lymphocyte counts during neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusions: Higher peripheral lymphocyte counts predicted lower mortality from early-stage, potentially curable TNBC, suggesting that immune function may enhance the effectiveness of early TNBC treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 24(12); 2851–8. ©2018 AACR.
ER+ Breast Cancers Resistant to Prolonged Neoadjuvant Letrozole Exhibit an E2F4 Transcriptional Program Sensitive to CDK4/6 Inhibitors
Authors: Guerrero-Zotano Angel L. , Stricker Thomas P. , Formisano Luigi , Hutchinson Katherine E. , Stover Daniel G. , Lee Kyung-Min , Schwarz Luis J. , Giltnane Jennifer M. , Estrada Monica V. , Jansen Valerie M. , Servetto Alberto , Gavilá Joaquín , Perez-Fidalgo J. Alejandro , Lluch Ana , Llombart-Cussac Antonio , Bayar Mohamed Amine , Michiels Stefan , André Fabrice , Arnedos Mónica , Guillem Vicente , Ruiz-Simon Amparo , Arteaga Carlos L.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to identify biomarkers of resistance to endocrine therapy in estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancers treated with prolonged neoadjuvant letrozole.

Experimental Design: We performed targeted DNA and RNA sequencing in 68 ER+ breast cancers from patients treated with preoperative letrozole (median, 7 months).

Results: Twenty-four tumors (35%) exhibited a PEPI score ≥4 and/or recurred after a median of 58 months and were considered endocrine resistant. Integration of the 47 most upregulated genes (log FC > 1, FDR < 0.03) in letrozole-resistant tumors with transcription-binding data showed significant overlap with 20 E2F4-regulated genes (P = 2.56E−15). In patients treated with the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib before surgery, treatment significantly decreased expression of 24 of the 47 most upregulated genes in letrozole-resistant tumors, including 18 of the 20 E2F4 target genes. In long-term estrogen-deprived ER+ breast cancer cells, palbociclib also downregulated all 20 E2F4 target genes and P-RB levels, whereas the ER downregulator fulvestrant or paclitaxel only partially suppressed expression of this set of genes and had no effect on P-RB. Finally, an E2F4 activation signature was strongly associated with resistance to aromatase inhibitors in the ACOSOG Z1031B neoadjuvant trial and with an increased risk of relapse in adjuvant-treated ER+ tumors in METABRIC.

Conclusions: In tumors resistant to prolonged neoadjuvant letrozole, we identified a gene expression signature of E2F4 target activation. CDK4/6 inhibition suppressed E2F4 target gene expression in estrogen-deprived ER+ breast cancer cells and in patients' ER+ tumors, suggesting a potential benefit of adjuvant CDK4/6 inhibitors in patients with ER+ breast cancer who fail to respond to preoperative estrogen deprivation. Clin Cancer Res; 24(11); 2517–29. ©2018 AACR.
Data Analysis Strategies in Medical Imaging
Authors: Parmar Chintan , Barry Joseph D. , Hosny Ahmed , Quackenbush John , Aerts Hugo J.W.L.
Published: March 2018

Radiographic imaging continues to be one of the most effective and clinically useful tools within oncology. Sophistication of artificial intelligence has allowed for detailed quantification of radiographic characteristics of tissues using predefined engineered algorithms or deep learning methods. Precedents in radiology as well as a wealth of research studies hint at the clinical relevance of these characteristics. However, critical challenges are associated with the analysis of medical imaging data. Although some of these challenges are specific to the imaging field, many others like reproducibility and batch effects are generic and have already been addressed in other quantitative fields such as genomics. Here, we identify these pitfalls and provide recommendations for analysis strategies of medical imaging data, including data normalization, development of robust models, and rigorous statistical analyses. Adhering to these recommendations will not only improve analysis quality but also enhance precision medicine by allowing better integration of imaging data with other biomedical data sources. Clin Cancer Res; 24(15); 3492–9. ©2018 AACR.
Identification of Pik3ca Mutation as a Genetic Driver of Prostate Cancer That Cooperates with Pten Loss to Accelerate Progression and Castration-Resistant Growth
Authors: Pearson Helen B. , Li Jason , Meniel Valerie S. , Fennell Christina M. , Waring Paul , Montgomery Karen G. , Rebello Richard J. , Macpherson Arthi A. , Koushyar Sarah , Furic Luc , Cullinane Carleen , Clarkson Richard W. , Smalley Matthew J. , Simpson Kaylene J. , Phesse Toby J. , Shepherd Peter R. , Humbert Patrick O. , Sansom Owen J. , Phillips Wayne A.
Published: March 2018

Genetic alterations that potentiate PI3K signaling are frequent in prostate cancer, yet how different genetic drivers of the PI3K cascade contribute to prostate cancer is unclear. Here, we report PIK3CA mutation/amplification correlates with poor survival of patients with prostate cancer. To interrogate the requirement of different PI3K genetic drivers in prostate cancer, we employed a genetic approach to mutate Pik3ca in mouse prostate epithelium. We show Pik3caH1047R mutation causes p110α-dependent invasive prostate carcinoma in vivo. Furthermore, we report that PIK3CA mutation and PTEN loss coexist in patients with prostate cancer and can cooperate in vivo to accelerate disease progression via AKT–mTORC1/2 hyperactivation. Contrasting single mutants that slowly acquire castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), concomitant Pik3ca mutation and Pten loss caused de novo CRPC. Thus, Pik3ca mutation and Pten deletion are not functionally redundant. Our findings indicate that PIK3CA mutation is an attractive prognostic indicator for prostate cancer that may cooperate with PTEN loss to facilitate CRPC in patients.

Significance: We show PIK3CA mutation correlates with poor prostate cancer prognosis and causes prostate cancer in mice. Moreover, PIK3CA mutation and PTEN loss coexist in prostate cancer and can cooperate in vivo to accelerate tumorigenesis and facilitate CRPC. Delineating this synergistic relationship may present new therapeutic/prognostic approaches to overcome castration/PI3K–AKT–mTORC1/2 inhibitor resistance. Cancer Discov; 8(6); 764–79. ©2018 AACR.

See related commentary by Triscott and Rubin, p. 682.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 663
A questão social da fluoretação das águas e a efetivação do direito à saúde
Authors: Sousa Emerson Tavares de , Pinheiro Yago Tavares , Araújo Jaiza Samara Macena de , Araújo Jailton Macena de
Published: March 2018

A ampliação do conceito de saúde, historicamente acompanhado pelo contexto mundial de globalização da cultura de respeito e proteção dos direitos humanos, influenciou de forma significativa a criação e implementação de dispositivos jurídicos visando à garantia da seguridade social em todos os níveis como condição sine qua non para qualidade de vida e dignidade das pessoas. Nesse sentua ido, este trabalho tem como objetivo discutir as interfaces do direito que alicerçam a fluoretação das águas em território nacional como mecanismo básico essencial para a promoção de saúde bucal integral, universal e plena.
Responsabilidade penal de pais Testemunhas de Jeová por recusa de tratamento médico em crianças e adolescentes
Authors: Dias Eduardo Rocha , Norões Mariane Paiva
Published: March 2018

Examina-se, neste estudo, decisão da Sexta Turma do Superior Tribunal de Justiça no Habeas Corpus n. 268.459/SP, proferida em 02 de setembro de 2014, que discutiu a responsabilidade penal dos pais por recusa de transfusão sanguínea em paciente menor de idade. A metodologia utilizada foi do tipo documental-bibliográfico, com pesquisa pura de abordagem qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória. O referido habeas corpus aborda o caso de uma adolescente de 13 anos, que deu entrada no hospital em virtude de grave estado de saúde provocado por anemia falciforme. O quadro clínico da paciente exigia, com urgência, transfusão de sangue para salvaguardar sua vida. Todavia, seus pais, por razão de convicção religiosa da seita Testemunhas de Jeová, assinaram declaração recusando o referido tratamento, dando, assim, ensejo ao óbito da menor impúbere. O fato gerou precedente judicial no STJ, permitindo ao médico fazer a transfusão de sangue sempre que o paciente menor de idade estiver em iminente perigo de morte, independentemente da escolha religiosa de seus representantes legais. lui-se queo caso no Habeas Corpus n. 268.459/SP é marcado por uma colisão entre o direito à vida dacriança e do adolescente e o direito à liberdade de consciência e de crença dos pais, que foiponderada pela Sexta Turma do STJ.
Percepções acerca da responsabilidade civil do psiquiatra por erro de diagnóstico na internação compulsória
Authors: Aronne Ricardo , Monteiro Fabio de Holanda
Published: March 2018

O presente artigo tem como objetivo fazer uma abordagem sobre responsabilidade civil do psiquiatra por erro de diagnóstico na internação compulsória. Ainda que o internamento compulsório seja determinado por ordem judicial, não se deve desconsiderar que o mesmo ''exige laudo médico devidamente motivado. O diagnóstico que serve de base para a  decisão judicial deve ser sério e minucioso, a fim de que possa ser não somente o indicador do transtorno mental que acomete o indivíduo, mas também para que possa apontar o tratamento mais adequado, principalmente se houver indicação de internação.
Avaliação da propaganda de medicamentos isentos de prescrição em farmácias comunitárias do Município de Niterói (RJ, Brasil)
Authors: Silva Patricky Santos , Rangel Brena da Costa Campos , Castilho Selma Rodrigues de
Published: March 2018

O presente trabalho trata-se de estudo transversal para coleta e análise do cumprimento da legislação sanitária em peças de propaganda de medicamentos de venda livre, destinadas aos consumidores, veiculadas em farmácias e drogarias privadas no município de Niterói. Das 826 peças publicitárias de medicamentos coletadas em 80 farmácias, 379 eram inéditas; aproximadamente 99,5% das peças apresentaram algum tipo de irregularidade frente à RDC n. 96/2008, com média de 5,1 infrações por peça analisada, sendo 16 o número máximo de infrações observadas em uma única peça. Os resultados apontam para o risco que o atual panorama da propaganda de medicamentos no país oferece à população, diariamente exposta a essa fonte de (des)informação, e para a necessidade de uma fiscalização mais efetiva da propaganda de medicamentos direcionada a público leigo.
O direito à água e saúde pública
Authors: Ribeiro Wladimir António
Published: March 2018

O "Tema em Debate" desta edição da Revista de Direito Sanitário trata do direito à água e saúde pública. São três artigos, os dois primeiros analisam a fluoretação da água e, o último, a gestão dos recursos hídricos. Como veremos, há um fio de Ariadne que os une: o tema da democracia, ou a política como mediadora dos conflitos sociais por meio do direito e de si mesma.
The bat fauna (Mammalia: Chiroptera) of the United Arab Emirates: a review of published records and museum specimens with conservation notes
Authors: Judas J. , Csorba Gabor , Benda Petr
Published: March 2018

The bat fauna of United Arab Emirates (UAE) has so far received very little attention.  This paper presents a review of published records and voucher specimens in museum collections.  We reviewed 39 references and identified 116 records concerning nine species belonging to five families.  Fifteen of these records mention 71 specimens of six species in collections.  Distribution maps of known locations are provided for each species.  Most records (70%) date back more than 10 years and two species have not been recorded for more than 40 years.  Based on the bat fauna of Oman, a more thoroughly investigated neighbouring country, the presence of at least nine other, still unrecorded, species is expected.  The status of bats in UAE and their conservation concerns are discussed.  We encourage further field studies of the bat fauna of UAE.
Fish diversity and the conservation status of a wetland of Cooch Behar District, West Bengal, India
Authors: Das Ram Krishna
Published: March 2018

A study was carried out from March 2016 to February 2017 to investigate the diversity of fishes and the conservation status of Bochamari Beel, a natural wetland of Cooch Behar District, West Bengal, India.  The study revealed the occurrence of 40 species of fishes belonging to 31 genera under six orders and 15 families.  Cyprinidae was the dominant family with 14 species followed by Channidae with four species, Ambassidae and Bagridae with three species each, Nandidae, Mastacembelidae, Belontiidae, Siluridae and Clariidae with two species each whereas Cobitidae, Belonidae, Gobiidae, Anabantidae, Tetraodontidae and Notopteridae were represented by a single species each.  The status of species of this beel included one Endangered species, one Vulnerable species and four Near Threatened species.  The maximum fish diversity was recorded in the monsoon season (H’=2.876) as compared with pre monsoon (H’=2.124) and post monsoon (H’ =1.735).  The evenness index varied from 0.640 (post monsoon) to 0.822 (monsoon), which indicates uneven distribution of fishes in this beel.  Indiscriminate fishing throughout the year, along with extensive weed infestation could be responsible for depletion of fish diversity in this beel.
Five new additions to the grass flora of Tripura State, India
Authors: Ghosh Sampa , Bhattacharyya Debjyoti
Published: March 2018

Five species of grasses (Poaceae) viz., Acroceras munroanum (Balansa) Henrard, Cyrtococcum patens var. latifolium (Honda) Ohwi, Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees, Panicum maximum Jacq. and Pseudechinolaena polystachya (Kunth) Stapf are reported here for the first time as new records for the state Tripura, India.
Breeding behaviour of the Coromandel Marsh Dart Damselfly (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae: Ceriagrion coromandelianum (Fabricius)) in central India
Authors: Thaokar Nilesh R. , Verma Payal R. , Andrew Raymond J.
Published: March 2018

Ceriagrion coromandelianum (Fabricius) is one of the most common damselflies in the Indian subcontinent.  It flies among bushes and breeds in stagnant pools, small garden tanks, tubs and ornamental cement ponds containing submerged and/or floating vegetation.  The oviposition behaviour of C. coromandelianum was observed at the botanical garden of Hislop College, Nagpur, India, where small underground cement tubs are utilized to grow macrophytes.  C. coromandelianum displays a refined hierarchy of preferences for oviposition and chooses floating leaves of Nymphaea nouchali (69%) over Lemna paucicostata (23%) and submerged Hydrilla verticillata (8%).  In an uninterrupted oviposition bout, the female deposits 283 eggs in 16 rows (N=5) on the under surface of the N. nouchali leaf.  The tiny leaves of L. paucicostata holds 7.8 eggs in 4.8 rows (N=10).  In H. verticillata, the internode region of the stem can house 25.4 eggs (N=10).  One or two eggs are also found neatly inserted in the thin leaf base of H. verticillata. Decaying plant material is never used for oviposition.  The present investigation also clearly demonstrates that the choice of oviposition substrate not only depends upon the presence of aquatic species in the water body but also on the spatial location of the oviposition site.
The status of Nepal’s mammals
Authors: Amin Rajan , Baral Hem Sagar , Lamichhane Babu Ram , Poudyal Laxman Prasad , Lee Samantha , Jnawali Shant Raj , Acharya Krishna Prasad , Upadhyaya Gopal Prasad , Pandey Megh Bahadur , Shrestha Rinjan , Joshi Dipesh , Griffiths Janine , Khatiwada Ambika Prasad , Subedi Naresh
Published: March 2018

The main objectives of the Nepal National Mammal Red Data Book (RDB) were to provide comprehensive and up-to-date accounts of 212 mammal species recorded in Nepal, assess their status applying the IUCN Guidelines at Regional Levels, identify threats and recommend the most practical measures for their conservation.  It is hoped that the Mammal RDB will help Nepal achieve the Convention on Biological Diversity target of preventing the extinction of known threatened species and improving their conservation status.  Of the 212 mammal species assessed, 49 species (23%) were listed as nationally threatened.  These comprise nine (18%) Critically Endangered species, 26 (53%) Endangered species and 14 (29%) Vulnerable species.  One species was considered regionally Extinct.  A total of seven species (3%) were considered Near Threatened and 83 species (39%) were Data Deficient.  Over sixty percent of Nepal’s ungulates are threatened and almost half of Nepal’s carnivores face extinction (45% threatened).  Bats and small mammals are the least known groups with 60 species being Data Deficient.  Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation are the most significant threats.  Other significant threats include illegal hunting, small and fragmented populations, reduction of prey base, human wildlife conflict and persecution, climate change, invasive species, disease and inadequate knowledge and research.  Adequate measures to address these threats are described.  It was also concluded that re-assessments of the status of certain mammal groups be carried out every five years and the setting up of a national online species database and mapping system would also greatly help in land-use planning and policies.
Extension in its distribution range and a new record for the cicada genus Salvazana Distant, 1913 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cryptotympanii) from India
Authors: Hajong Sudhanya Ray , Thangkiew Rodeson
Published: March 2018

The cicada genus Salvazana Distant, 1913 is reported for the first time from India with the discovery of Salvazana mirabilis mirabilis Boulard, 2002 from Shillong in the northeastern state of Meghalaya in India.  This extends the northwestern distributional range of the genus Salvazana by more than a thousand kilometers.  Brief descriptions of the specimen along with photographs of various structures are provided.
Seasonal distribution and abundance of earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta) in relation to the edaphic factors around Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), Udupi District, southwestern coast of India
Authors: Kumar T.S. Harish , Siddaraju M. , Bhat C.H. Krishna , Sreepada K.S.
Published: March 2018

Seasonal distribution and abundance of four species of earthworms belonging to three families—Rhinodrilidae (Pontoscolex corethrurus), Megascolecidae (Megascolex konkanensis and Metaphire houlleti) and Octochaetidae (Karmiella karnatakensis)—were studied in three habitats (residential, agricultural and forest) along with edaphic factors around Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), Karnataka, India between September 2014 and August 2016.  Among the four species, P. corethrurus was collected throughout the year and was most abundant in residential habitats such as colacasia garden, coconut and banana pits.  M. konkanensis was collected from coconut plantations, banana plantations and forest soil during monsoon and post-monsoon periods.  M. houlleti was collected from manure heaps, coconut and banana pits of residential habitat, coconut plantations and forest soil.  K. karnatakensis was collected from garden soil in residential habitat during the post-monsoon period, coconut plantations and soil mixed with forest leaf litter during monsoon and post-monsoon periods.  The soil temperature differ significantly during different seasons in residential (P= 0.01) and agricultural (P=0.03) habitats whereas moisture shows highly significant difference in agricultural habitat (P=0.00037) during different seasons.  P. corethrurus showed positive correlation with organic carbon during pre-monsoon and C/N ratio during monsoon in the residential habitat.  It shows negative correlation with pH during the monsoon period.  M. houlleti showed positive correlation with organic carbon in residential habitat during the pre-monsoon and in forest habitat during monsoon periods.  M. konkanensis showed positive correlation with electrical conductivity in agricultural habitats during monsoon period.  K. karnatakensis showed positive correlation with moisture during monsoon and with C/N ratio during post-monsoon period in forest habitats.
Spatial and temporal patterns of stork sightings (Aves: Ciconiidae) in National Chambal Sanctuary of Gangetic River system
Authors: Sharma R. K. , Singh L. A.K.
Published: March 2018

During 1984–86 and 1995–2016 winter surveys five stork species were observed in 12 study zones of the river Chambal in the Ganga tributary system.  Comparative temporal and spatial analyses of stork distribution are presented from two broad stretches of the river, 205km of Pali-Rajghat in the upstream and 230km of Rajghat-Pachhnada in the downstream.  Different species show different distribution patterns.  Study zones IV+V comprising 113km in the upstream and XI+XII comprising 75km in the downstream accounted for 66% of total stork sightings.  About 56% of total sightings were recorded downstream of Rajghat.  The Painted Storks Mycteria leucocephala comprised 52% of total stork sightings.  Eleven districts adjoining river Chambal recorded low rainfall prior to 2008 when sighting of storks abruptly increased, particularly in the downstream.  It is important to continue the monitoring of water birds in the National Chambal Sanctuary as it could lead to initiating conservation interventions in habitats in the region which experience extreme ecological conditions and fluctuations in populations.
A preliminary but incomplete checklist of Gujarat spiders
Authors: Vyas R. V. , Parasharya B. M.
Published: March 2018

Response on recent publication of “Yadav et al., 2017, Spiders of Gujarat: A preliminary checklist” is need to revised.  On careful reading of this paper, we found that there are certain mistakes in the paper and omissions of certain published information. Here in this note we draw attention of the authors and readers to rectify the errors and prepare a fresh checklist.
Time to Endovascular Treatment and Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Mulder Maxim J.H.L. , Jansen Ivo G.H. , Goldhoorn Robert-Jan B. , Venema Esmee , Chalos Vicky , Compagne Kars C.J. , Roozenbeek Bob , Lingsma Hester F. , Schonewille Wouter J. , van den Wijngaard Ido R. , Boiten Jelis , Albert Vos Jan , Roos Yvo B.W.EM. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , van Zwam Wim H. , Majoie Charles B.L.M. , van der Lugt Aad , Dippel Diederik W.J. ,   for the MR CLEAN Registry Investigators
Published: March 2018

Background:

Randomized, clinical trials in selected acute ischemic stroke patients reported that for every hour delay of endovascular treatment (EVT), chances of functional independence diminish by up to 3.4%. These findings may not be fully generalizable to clinical practice because of strict in- and exclusion criteria in these trials. Therefore, we aim to assess the association of time to EVT with functional outcome in current, everyday clinical practice.

Methods:

The MR CLEAN Registry (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in The Netherlands) is an ongoing, prospective, observational study in all centers that perform EVT in The Netherlands. Data were analyzed from patients treated between March 2014 and June 2016. In the primary analysis we assessed the association of time from stroke onset to start of EVT and time from stroke onset to successful reperfusion with functional outcome (measured with the modified Rankin Scale), by means of ordinal logistic regression.

Results:

We analyzed 1488 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent EVT. An increased time to start of EVT was associated with worse functional outcome (adjusted common odds ratio, 0.83 per hour; 95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.89) and a 2.2% increase in mortality. Every hour increase from stroke onset to EVT start resulted in a 5.3% decreased probability of functional independence (modified Rankin Scale, 0–2). In the 742 patients with successful reperfusion, every hour increase from stroke onset to reperfusion was associated with a 7.7% decreased probability of functional independence.

Conclusions:

Time to EVT for acute ischemic stroke in current clinical practice is strongly associated with functional outcome. Our data suggest that this association might be even stronger than previously suggested in reports on more selected patient populations from randomized, controlled trials. These findings emphasize that functional outcome of EVT patients can be greatly improved by shortening onset to treatment times.
Device Therapies Among Patients Receiving Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators in the Cardiovascular Research Network
Authors: Greenlee Robert T. , Go Alan S. , Peterson Pamela N. , Cassidy‐Bushrow Andrea E. , Gaber Charles , Garcia‐Montilla Romel , Glenn Karen A. , Gupta Nigel , Gurwitz Jerry H. , Hammill Stephen C. , Hayes John J. , Kadish Alan , Magid David J. , McManus David D. , Multerer Deborah , Powers J. David , Reifler Liza M. , Reynolds Kristi , Schuger Claudio , Sharma Param P. , Smith David H. , Suits Mary , Sung Sue Hee , Varosy Paul D. , Vidaillet Humberto J. , Masoudi Frederick A.
Published: March 2018

Background

Primary prevention implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) reduce mortality in selected patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction by delivering therapies (antitachycardia pacing or shocks) to terminate potentially lethal arrhythmias; inappropriate therapies also occur. We assessed device therapies among adults receiving primary prevention ICDs in 7 healthcare systems.

Methods and Results

We linked medical record data, adjudicated device therapies, and the National Cardiovascular Data Registry ICD Registry. Survival analysis evaluated therapy probability and predictors after ICD implant from 2006 to 2009, with attention to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Coverage With Evidence Development subgroups: left ventricular ejection fraction, 31% to 35%; nonischemic cardiomyopathy <9 months’ duration; and New York Heart Association class IV heart failure with cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator. Among 2540 patients, 35% were <65 years old, 26% were women, and 59% were white. During 27 (median) months, 738 (29%) received ≥1 therapy. Three‐year therapy risk was 36% (appropriate, 24%; inappropriate, 12%). Appropriate therapy was more common in men (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43–2.35). Inappropriate therapy was more common in patients with atrial fibrillation (adjusted HR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.68–2.87), but less common among patients ≥65 years old versus younger (adjusted HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54–0.95) and in recent implants (eg, in 2009 versus 2006; adjusted HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46–0.95). In Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Coverage With Evidence Development analysis, inappropriate therapy was less common with cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator versus single chamber (adjusted HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36–0.84); therapy risk did not otherwise differ for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Coverage With Evidence Development subgroups.

Conclusions

In this community cohort of primary prevention patients receiving ICD, therapy delivery varied across demographic and clinical characteristics, but did not differ meaningfully for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Coverage With Evidence Development subgroups.
Impact of Type 2 Myocardial Infarction (MI) on Hospital‐Level MI Outcomes: Implications for Quality and Public Reporting
Authors: Arora Sameer , Strassle Paula D. , Qamar Arman , Wheeler Evan N. , Levine Alexandra L. , Misenheimer Jacob A. , Cavender Matthew A. , Stouffer George A. , Kaul Prashant
Published: March 2018

Background

The
International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
coding system does not recognize type 2 myocardial infarction (
MI
) as a separate entity; therefore, patients with type 2
MI
continue to be categorized under the general umbrella of non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (
NSTEMI)
. We aim to evaluate the impact of type 2
MI
on hospital‐level
NSTEMI
metrics and discuss the implications for quality and public reporting.

Methods and Results

We conducted a single‐center retrospective analysis of 1318 patients discharged with a diagnosis of
NSTEMI
between July 2013 and October 2014. The Third Universal Definition was used to define type 1 and type 2
MI
. Weighted Kaplan–Meier curves were used to analyze risk of mortality and readmission. Overall, 1039 patients met
NSTEMI
criteria per the Third Universal Definition; of those, 264 (25.4%) had type 2
MI
. Patients with type 2
MI
were older, were more likely to have chronic kidney disease, and had lower peak troponin levels. Compared with type 1 MI patients, those with type 2
MI
had higher inpatient mortality (17.4% versus 4.7%,
P
<0.0001) and were more likely to die from noncardiovascular causes (71.7% versus 25.0%,
P
<0.0001). Despite weighting for patient characteristics and discharge medications, patients with type 2
MI
had higher mortality at both 30 days (risk ratio: 3.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.67–7.88) and 1 year (risk ratio: 1.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.44–2.73) after discharge. Type 2
MI
was also associated with a lower 30‐day cardiovascular‐related readmission (risk ratio: 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.12–2.06).

Conclusions

NSTEMI
metrics are significantly affected by type 2
MI
patients. Type 2
MI
patients have distinct etiologies, are managed differently, and have higher mortality compared with patients with type 1
MI
. Moving forward, it may be appropriate to exclude type 2
MI
data from
NSTEMI
quality metrics.
Intracranial Arterial Dolichoectasia and Stenosis
Authors: Zhai Fei-Fei , Yan Shuang , Li Ming-Li , Han Fei , Wang Quan , Zhou Li-Xin , Ni Jun , Yao Ming , Zhang Shu-Yang , Cui Li-Ying , Jin Zheng-Yu , Zhu Yi-Cheng
Published: March 2018

Background and Purpose—

Intracranial arterial dolichoectasia (IADE) is a poorly understood arteriopathy compared with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). We aimed to investigate the risk factors of IADE and ICAS and their relationship with neuroimaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease in a population-based study.

Methods—

This study comprised 1237 participants (aged 57.2±9.4 years, 37.6% men) who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography. IADE was assessed based on basilar artery dolichoectasia (diameter, height of bifurcation, and laterality of basilar artery) and dilation of basilar artery and internal carotid artery (intracranial volume-adjusted diameter ≥2 SD). ICAS was defined as any degree of stenosis in at least 1 intracranial artery. The neuroimaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease, including lacunes, white matter hyperintensities, microbleeds, dilated perivascular spaces, and brain atrophy, were evaluated.

Results—

Basilar arterial dolichoectasia was observed in 3.6% (45/1237); intracranial arterial dilation in 5.9% (67/1142); and ICAS in 15.7% (194/1237). Older age, higher systolic blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, higher LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and lower HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were associated with the presence of ICAS (all
P
<0.001), whereas only older age was associated with IADE. ICAS was associated with lacunes (odds ratio, 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.96–4.34;
P
<0.001), increased white matter hyperintensities volume (β±SE, 0.54±0.13;
P
<0.001), and brain atrophy (β±SE, −1.16±0.21;
P
<0.001), whereas basilar arterial dolichoectasia was mainly associated with dilated perivascular spaces in basal ganglia (odds ratio, 2.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.20–4.02;
P
=0.01) and, to a lesser extent, associated with lacunes and microbleeds.

Conclusions—

IADE and ICAS had different risk factor profiles and associated with different imaging phenotypes of cerebral small vessel disease, suggesting different underlying mechanisms.
Changes in the Status of the Palestinian Elite Families: The Al-Jaʿbarī and the Al-Maṣrī Organizations
Authors: Chorev-Halewa Harel
Published: March 2018

This article presents a new approach for analyzing the characteristics and historical transformations of an institution central to Palestinian society and the Fertile Crescent at large – the Elite Family. The approach perceives elite families in the twentieth century as complex organizations with three fundamental traits: structure, distinct goals and strategy. Based on the cases of the al-Jaʿbarī family from Hebron and the al-Maṣrī family from Nablus, the article comparatively examines the ways each family dealt with historical shifts from the early twentieth century through the late 1970s and how this affected its sociopolitical status. My principal argument is that the three attributes of goals, structure and strategy – which were influenced by local conditions too – shaped the different ways in which the two families managed changes and challenges, and directly determined the degree to which each endured in the sociopolitical arena. This approach challenges the prevalent view of the West Bankʼs elite families as “traditional” players that were doomed to fall from grace due to the major upheaval that the Palestinians experienced during the second half of the twentieth century.
Context in the History of International Law
Authors: Fitzmaurice Andrew
Published: March 2018

This article examines recent, and contrasting, methodological developments in the history of international law. These include the recent defense of anachronism by leading historians of international law, on the one hand, as well as a growing number of studies that focus upon the practice of international law, on the other. The article contends that contextual history need not cut the past off from the present, as some critics have maintained. At the same time, it calls for a richer understanding of context that explores the connections between so-called ‘theory’ and practice.
The European Union Never got Rid of Its Internal Controls
Authors: Barbero Iker
Published: March 2018

The police station in Irun, a border town between the Spanish and French states, has the highest inter-annual data of arrests of foreigners in irregular situations when compared to other police stations in the Basque Country. This pattern, of which many are unaware, is due to police identity checks in the border surroundings. The place where the border barrier was once, was occupied by a car toll booth constructed with a very particular structure: as a border, with cabins for police officers. In addition, the data for border readmission between these two states, under an agreement signed in 2002, requires special attention: 300,000 people were deported across the Northern border. 70% of the people detained in the French Detention Centre at Hendaia in 2015 were caught at the border. This case study on the Spanish-French border will shed some light on a disregarded topic: internal borders. Regulation in these areas is diverse. Many exceptions and specificities apply, in parallel or alternatively to the ordinary immigration rules, as a matter of exception to the law. In considering this, we need to rethink the image of a borderless Europe as stated by the Schengen agreement. Since the publication of Balibar’s essay ‘What is a border?’ (2005), the controls have multiplied all along the territory as a kaleidoscopic vision. The eu internal borders have never disappeared, but have mutated into a police managed model of internal borders.
Non-removable Returnees under Union Law: Status Quo and Possible Developments
Authors: Lutz Fabian
Published: March 2018

This article describes and analyses the status-quo of Union Law applicable to non-removable returnees and it examines likely scenarios for future developments at eu level in this field, focusing on the rights of non-removable returnees, including documentation (section 2); the legal frame for applying administrative detention (section 3); the legal frame for imprisonment as criminal law sanction (section 4); continued encouragement of return (section 5) and pathways to legal stay (section 6).
Where to Look for Change?
Authors: Pavlou Vera
Published: March 2018

Once an overlooked theme in legal scholarship, the legal treatment of migrant domestic workers has recently seen a significant growth of scholarly interest. In European legal scholarship, much of the focus has been on severe forms of exploitation such as slavery, forced labour and trafficking. While extreme abuses of migrant domestic workers certainly do take place in Europe, they are only part of the story. This article critiques the turn to modern slavery and trafficking as the dominant frame for analysing migrant domestic workers’ vulnerability in Europe and proposes a corrective lens. I argue that it is instead more useful, and potentially more deeply transformative, to comparatively examine the role of national labour and migration law regimes in the regulation of migrant domestic workers, as well as, the role of eu law in constructing and challenging these regimes.
Voting in Transition: Participation and Alienation in Egypt’s 2012 Presidential Election
Authors: Abadeer Caroline , Blackman Alexandra Domike , Williamson Scott
Published: March 2018

How does voter turnout change as countries transition to democracy? Using district-level data from Egypt’s 2012 presidential election, we show that turnout was higher in more educated and urban districts—a stark reversal from voting patterns under the authoritarian Mubarak regime, when less educated and poorer areas were more likely to participate. However, this pattern weakened in the second round of the 2012 election, when the choice was restricted to two candidates who reflected Egypt’s primary pre-revolution political divide. Urban and educated districts experienced a decline in turnout and a rise in protest voting during the second round relative to the first, suggesting that key political groups were alienated from the electoral process. These results indicate that who participates in elections can shift quickly as institutions change, but this is conditional on the choice of candidates available to voters.
The Reform of Judicial Appointment Process in the Ordinary Judiciary in Egypt
Authors: Al Din Al Hajjaji Shams
Published: March 2018

This article argues for the necessity of the reform of the judicial appointment qualification, and the judicial appointment powers in Egypt. The article presents judicial appointment process and requirement as the main case study. It illustrates the difference between de facto and de jure in the judicial appointment system in Egypt. These differences pave the road to a deeper understanding of legal and political aspects of discrimination against the poor, woman and political opposition within the appointment process. The article discusses the contemporary challenges in judicial appointment. The challenges can be summarized into: gender inequality, elimination of political minorities, and under-privileged citizens. Finally, the article proposes a solution for the problems identified in this article. These solutions are based on reforming the both the judicial appointment qualification, and the judicial appointment powers in Egypt.