bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COSCA (Core Outcome Set for Cardiac Arrest) in Adults: An Advisory Statement From the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation
Authors: Haywood Kirstie , Whitehead Laura , Nadkarni Vinay M. , Achana Felix , Beesems Stefanie , Böttiger Bernd W. , Brooks Anne , Castrén Maaret , Ong Marcus EH , Hazinski Mary Fran , Koster Rudolph W. , Lilja Gisela , Long John , Monsieurs Koenraad G. , Morley Peter T. , Morrison Laurie , Nichol Graham , Oriolo Valentino , Saposnik Gustavo , Smyth Michael , Spearpoint Ken , Williams Barry , Perkins Gavin D.
Published: April 2018

Cardiac arrest effectiveness trials have traditionally reported outcomes that focus on survival. A lack of consistency in outcome reporting between trials limits the opportunities to pool results for meta-analysis. The COSCA initiative (Core Outcome Set for Cardiac Arrest), a partnership between patients, their partners, clinicians, research scientists, and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation, sought to develop a consensus core outcome set for cardiac arrest for effectiveness trials. Core outcome sets are primarily intended for large, randomized clinical effectiveness trials (sometimes referred to as
pragmatic trials
or
phase III/IV trials
) rather than for pilot or efficacy studies. A systematic review of the literature combined with qualitative interviews among cardiac arrest survivors was used to generate a list of potential outcome domains. This list was prioritized through a Delphi process, which involved clinicians, patients, and their relatives/partners. An international advisory panel narrowed these down to 3 core domains by debate that led to consensus. The writing group refined recommendations for when these outcomes should be measured and further characterized relevant measurement tools. Consensus emerged that a core outcome set for reporting on effectiveness studies of cardiac arrest (COSCA) in adults should include survival, neurological function, and health-related quality of life. This should be reported as survival status and modified Rankin scale score at hospital discharge, at 30 days, or both. Health-related quality of life should be measured with ≥1 tools from Health Utilities Index version 3, Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey, and EuroQol 5D-5L at 90 days and at periodic intervals up to 1 year after cardiac arrest, if resources allow.
Impact of Female Sex on Clinical Outcomes in the FIRE AND ICE Trial of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kuck Karl-Heinz , Brugada Josep , Fürnkranz Alexander , Chun K.R. Julian , Metzner Andreas , Ouyang Feifan , Schlüter Michael , Elvan Arif , Braegelmann Kendra M. , Kueffer Fred J. , Arentz Thomas , Albenque Jean-Paul , Kühne Michael , Sticherling Christian , Tondo Claudio ,   on behalf of the FIRE AND ICE Investigators*
Published: April 2018

Background:

Data on predictors of long-term clinical outcomes after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) are limited. We sought to assess the association of baseline covariates with clinical outcomes in the 750 patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF enrolled in FIRE AND ICE.

Methods:

In a 2-part analysis, univariate and multivariable Cox regression models were first used to identify baseline patient characteristics predictive of catheter ablation efficacy determined by the clinical end points of (1) atrial arrhythmia recurrence (primary efficacy failure), (2) cardiovascular rehospitalization, and (3) repeat ablation. Propensity score stratification methods were then used to account for differences in baseline characteristics between sexes.

RESULTS:

Female sex (hazard ratio [HR], 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.73;
P
=0.010) and prior direct current cardioversion (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.07–1.82;
P
=0.013) were independently associated with atrial arrhythmia recurrence. Female sex (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.02–1.80;
P
=0.035) and hypertension (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.09–2.00;
P
=0.013) independently predicted cardiovascular rehospitalization. A longer history of AF (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00–1.06;
P
=0.039) increased the rate of repeat ablation. Women continued to have higher rates of primary efficacy failure and cardiovascular rehospitalization after propensity score adjustment, with adjusted HRs of 1.51 (95% CI, 1.16–2.18;
P
<0.05) and 1.40 (95% CI, 1.15–2.17;
P
<0.05), respectively.

Conclusions:

After catheter ablation of paroxysmal AF, female sex was associated with an almost 40% increase in the risks of primary efficacy failure and cardiovascular rehospitalization. Primary efficacy failure was also adversely impacted by a history of direct current cardioversion, whereas hypertension had a negative impact on cardiovascular rehospitalization. History of AF was the only predictor of repeat ablation.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01490814.
Emerging Role of Precision Medicine in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Leopold Jane A. , Loscalzo Joseph
Published: April 2018

Precision medicine is an integrative approach to cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment that considers an individual’s genetics, lifestyle, and exposures as determinants of their cardiovascular health and disease phenotypes. This focus overcomes the limitations of reductionism in medicine, which presumes that all patients with the same signs of disease share a common pathophenotype and, therefore, should be treated similarly. Precision medicine incorporates standard clinical and health record data with advanced panomics (ie, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics) for deep phenotyping. These phenotypic data can then be analyzed within the framework of molecular interaction (interactome) networks to uncover previously unrecognized disease phenotypes and relationships between diseases, and to select pharmacotherapeutics or identify potential protein–drug or drug–drug interactions. In this review, we discuss the current spectrum of cardiovascular health and disease, population averages and the response of extreme phenotypes to interventions, and population-based versus high-risk treatment strategies as a pretext to understanding a precision medicine approach to cardiovascular disease prevention and therapeutic interventions. We also consider the search for resilience and Mendelian disease genes and argue against the theory of a single causal gene/gene product as a mediator of the cardiovascular disease phenotype, as well as an Erlichian magic bullet to solve cardiovascular disease. Finally, we detail the importance of deep phenotyping and interactome networks and the use of this information for rational polypharmacy. These topics highlight the urgent need for precise phenotyping to advance precision medicine as a strategy to improve cardiovascular health and prevent disease.
Advances in Transcriptomics
Authors: Wirka Robert C. , Pjanic Milos , Quertermous Thomas
Published: April 2018

Whole-genome transcriptional profiling has become a standard genomic approach to investigate biological processes. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) in particular has witnessed myriad applications in genetics and various biomedical fields. RNAseq involves a relatively simple experimental protocol of RNA extraction and cDNA library preparation and, because of decreasing next-generation sequencing cost and lower computational burden for data processing, has obtained a central role in the modern biology. The recent application of RNAseq methodology to single-cell transcriptional profiling has enabled the more precise characterization of cell lineage and cell state genetic profiles. The development of bioinformatic and statistical tools has provided for differential gene expression analysis, RNA isoform analysis, haplotype-specific analysis of gene expression (allele-specific expression), and analysis of expression quantitative trait loci. We give an overview of these and recent developments in RNAseq methodology with emphasis on quality control, read mapping, feature counting, differential gene expression, allele-specific expression and expression quantitative trait loci analysis, and fusion transcript detection. We describe utilization of RNAseq as a diagnostic tool in Mendelian diseases, complex phenotypes, and cancer and give an overview of long read RNAseq technology. Furthermore, we discuss in detail the recent revolution in single-cell transcriptomics that is reshaping modern biology.
Taking Systems Medicine to Heart
Authors: Trachana Kalliopi , Bargaje Rhishikesh , Glusman Gustavo , Price Nathan D. , Huang Sui , Hood Leroy E.
Published: April 2018

Systems medicine is a holistic approach to deciphering the complexity of human physiology in health and disease. In essence, a living body is constituted of networks of dynamically interacting units (molecules, cells, organs, etc) that underlie its collective functions. Declining resilience because of aging and other chronic environmental exposures drives the system to transition from a health state to a disease state; these transitions, triggered by acute perturbations or chronic disturbance, manifest as qualitative shifts in the interactions and dynamics of the disease-perturbed networks. Understanding health-to-disease transitions poses a high-dimensional nonlinear reconstruction problem that requires deep understanding of biology and innovation in study design, technology, and data analysis. With a focus on the principles of systems medicine, this Review discusses approaches for deciphering this biological complexity from a novel perspective, namely, understanding how disease-perturbed networks function; their study provides insights into fundamental disease mechanisms. The immediate goals for systems medicine are to identify early transitions to cardiovascular (and other chronic) diseases and to accelerate the translation of new preventive, diagnostic, or therapeutic targets into clinical practice, a critical step in the development of personalized, predictive, preventive, and participatory (P4) medicine.
Cardiovascular Metabolomics
Authors: McGarrah Robert W. , Crown Scott B. , Zhang Guo-Fang , Shah Svati H. , Newgard Christopher B.
Published: April 2018

Disturbances in cardiac metabolism underlie most cardiovascular diseases. Metabolomics, one of the newer omics technologies, has emerged as a powerful tool for defining changes in both global and cardiac-specific metabolism that occur across a spectrum of cardiovascular disease states. Findings from metabolomics studies have contributed to better understanding of the metabolic changes that occur in heart failure and ischemic heart disease and have identified new cardiovascular disease biomarkers. As technologies advance, the metabolomics field continues to evolve rapidly. In this review, we will discuss the current state of metabolomics technologies, including consideration of various metabolomics platforms and elements of study design; the emerging utility of stable isotopes for metabolic flux studies; and the use of metabolomics to better understand specific cardiovascular diseases, with an emphasis on recent advances in the field.
Defining the Boundaries of Legally Binding Treaties – Some Aspects of Japan’s Practice in Treaty-Making in Light of State Practice
Authors: Nakanishi Yusuke
Published: April 2018

The boundaries between legally binding treaties and non-legally binding instruments have long been a subject of dispute. The ICJ judgments suggest focus on ‘the actual terms and to the particular circumstances in which it was drawn up’ in order to determine the legal nature of an instrument. This article explores some aspects of Japan’s practice in treaty-making in light of State practice, aiming at uncovering the approach and thinking behind State practice in treaty-making.
A taxonomic review of the genus Palumbina Rondani, 1876 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Thiotrichinae) from China, with descriptions of twelve new species
Authors: LEE GA-EUN , LI HOUHUN , HAN TAEMAN , PARK HAECHUL
Published: April 2018

Palumbina is a small genus of Gelechiidae that includes species distributed only in the Old World. It was recently assigned to the subfamily Thiotrichinae, but the morphological and molecular studies at the species level have not been extensively conducted. In this study, we focused on the taxonomy of the Chinese Palumbina using morphology and DNA barcoding analysis to confirm the species identification and the relationship among closely related species. In China, three species of this genus were recorded previously. A total of 19 were finally recognized in the present study, including 12 new species: P. magnisigna sp. nov., P. grandiunca sp. nov., P. melanotricha sp. nov., P. atricha sp. nov., P. sigmoides sp. nov., P. acuticula sp. nov., P. rugosa sp. nov., P. sineloba sp. nov., P. spinevalva sp. nov., P. acerosa sp. nov., P. triangularis sp. nov. and P. acinacea sp. nov., and five species that are new records for China: P. chelophora (Meyrick, 1918), P. diplobathra (Meyrick, 1918), P. macrodelta (Meyrick, 1918), P. nesoclera (Meyrick, 1929) and P. operaria (Meyrick, 1918). Three new combinations are proposed: P. operaria (Meyrick, 1918) comb. nov., P. albilustra (Walia et Wadhawan, 2005) comb. nov. and P. shivai (Walia et Wadhawan, 2005) comb. nov., and one new synonymy is established: Thyrsostoma albilustra (Walia et Wadhawan, 2005), syn. nov. of P. oxyprora (Meyrick, 1922). Based on the neighbor-joining analysis of COI gene sequences of 67 exemplar specimens, four clades were well supported with high bootstrap values resulting in four species-groups: the guerinii-group, the grandiunca-group, the macrodelta-group and the nesoclera-group. However, seven species were grouped together in an additional clade with weak support and P. diplobathra and P. chelophora were not clustered with any other species due to the high genetic divergences. Palumbina chelophora showed typical characteristics of the genus morphologically, but it was not embedded within Palumbina as monophyletic from the tree, assuming that the sole use of mitochondrial fragments could not resolve the deeper relationship. Therefore, further investigation is needed to clarify those issues. In this study, the generic diagnosis was reviewed based on previous studies and morphological examination.
Clouds over the Southern Ocean as Observed from the R/V Investigator during CAPRICORN. Part I: Cloud Occurrence and Phase Partitioning
Authors: Mace Gerald G. , Protat Alain
Published: April 2018

The properties of clouds derived using a suite of remote sensors on board the Australian research vessel (R/V) Investigator during the 5-week Clouds, Aerosols, Precipitation, Radiation, and Atmospheric Composition over the Southern Ocean (CAPRICORN) voyage south of Australia during March and April 2016 are examined and compared to similar measurements collected by CloudSat and CALIPSO (CC) and from data collected at Graciosa Island, Azores (GRW). In addition, we use depolarization lidar data to examine the thermodynamic phase partitioning as a function of temperature and compare those statistics to similar information reported from the CALIPSO lidar in low-Earth orbit. We find that cloud cover during CAPRICORN was 76%, dominated by clouds based in the marine boundary layer. This was lower than comparable measurements collected by CC during these months, although the CC dataset observed significantly more high clouds. In the surface-based data, approximately 2/3 (1/2) of all low-level layers observed had a reflectivity below −20 dBZ in the CAPRICORN data (GRW) with 30% (20%) of the layers observed only by the lidar. The phase partitioning in layers based in the lower 4 km of the atmosphere was similar in the two surface-based datasets, indicating a greater occurrence of the ice phase in subfreezing low clouds than what is reported from analysis of CALIPSO data.
Assessment of Conditional Symmetric Instability from Global Reanalysis Data
Authors: Chen Ting-Chen , Yau M. K. , Kirshbaum Daniel J.
Published: April 2018

Slantwise convection, the process by which moist symmetric instability is released, has often been linked to banded clouds and precipitation, especially in frontal zones within extratropical cyclones. Studies also suggest that the latent heat release associated with slantwise convection can lead to a spinup of surface frontogenesis, which can enhance the rapid intensification of extratropical cyclones. However, most of these studies considered only local areas or short time durations. In this study, we provide a novel statistical investigation of the global climatology of the potential occurrence of slantwise convection, in terms of conditional symmetric instability, and its relationship with precipitating systems. Using the 6-hourly ERA-Interim, two different indices are calculated, namely, slantwise convective available potential energy (SCAPE) and vertically integrated extent of realizable symmetric instability (VRS), to assess the likelihood of occurrence of slantwise convection around the globe. The degree of association is quantified between these indices and the observed surface precipitation as well as the cyclone activity. The susceptibility of midlatitude cyclones to slantwise convection at different stages of their life cycle is also investigated. As compared to the nonexplosive cyclone cases, the time evolution of SCAPE and VRS within rapidly deepening cyclones exhibit higher values before, and a more significant drop after, the onset of rapid intensification, supporting the idea that the release of symmetric instability might contribute to the intensification of storms.
Interdecadal Changes in the Leading Ocean Forcing of Sahelian Rainfall Interannual Variability: Atmospheric Dynamics and Role of Multidecadal SST Background
Authors: Suárez-Moreno Roberto , Rodríguez-Fonseca Belén , Barroso Jesús A. , Fink Andreas H.
Published: April 2018

The atmospheric response to global sea surface temperatures is the leading cause of rainfall variability in the West African Sahel. On interannual periodicities, El Niño–Southern Oscillation, the Atlantic equatorial mode, and Mediterranean warm/cold events primarily drive variations of summer rainfall over the Sahel. Nevertheless, the rainfall response to these modes of interannual SST variability has been suggested to be unstable throughout the observational record. This study explores changes in the leading patterns of covariability between Sahel rainfall and SSTs, analyzing the dynamical mechanisms at work to explain the nonstationary relationship between anomalies in these two fields. A new network of rain gauge stations across West Africa is used for the first time to investigate these instabilities during the period 1921–2010. A hypothesis is raised that the underlying SST background seems to favor some interannual teleconnections and inhibit others in terms of the cross-equatorial SST gradients and associated impacts on the location of the intertropical convergence zone. Results of this study are relevant for improving the seasonal predictability of summer rainfall in the Sahel.
Association of Prediabetes With Higher Coronary Atherosclerotic Burden Among Patients With First Diagnosed Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Açar Burak , Ozeke Ozcan , Karakurt Mustafa , Ozen Yasin , Özbay Mustafa Bilal , Unal Sefa , Karanfil Mustafa , Yayla Cagri , Cay Serkan , Maden Orhan , Topaloğlu Serkan , Aras Dursun , Golbasi Zehra , Aydogdu Sinan
Published: April 2018

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with more extensive coronary atherosclerosis and more vulnerable plaque phenotypes. However, DM should not be considered a homogeneous and purely binary entity in terms of risk assessment. We evaluated the impact of prediabetic status on coronary atherosclerosis burden in patients with first-time acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent urgent coronary angiography. The patients were divided into DM, prediabetes, and control groups. The 3-vessel disease (TVD) rates and SYNTAX and Gensini scoring systems for defining atherosclerotic burden were compared. The study was conducted in 469 consecutive patients admitted with a diagnosis of ACS. Of these, 250 patients were admitted at the first occurrence of ACS undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography. SYNTAX and Gensini scores and TVD rates were higher in prediabetic patients than in nondiabetic patients ( P = .004, P = .008, and P = .014, respectively), but similar in prediabetic and diabetic patients ( P = .912, P = .773, and P = 1.000, respectively). Coronary atherosclerosis burden is more advanced in prediabetic patients than in nondiabetic patients and is comparable between prediabetic and diabetic patients at first presentation of ACS. Cardiologists should not miss the opportunity to diagnose prediabetes and DM when patients present with an ACS.
Monopoly Power Corrodes Choice and Resiliency in the Food System
Authors: Woodall Patrick , Shannon Tyler L.
Published: April 2018

The wave of mega-mergers sweeping the food, agribusiness, and retail grocery industry from seed to supermarket has accelerated consolidation and concentrated market power in the hands of only a few dominant corporations. Federal regulators have done little to curb the merger mania in these sectors, which will ultimately lower the prices farmers receive for crops and livestock and raise the prices consumers pay for food. But the consolidation also has significantly constrained the range of choices consumers have at the supermarket, prevented independent food innovators from surviving in the marketplace, amplified food safety problems, and presented challenges to the resiliency of the food system itself. This article examines the size, scale, and scope of recent mergers in the food, agribusiness, and grocery retail sectors and discusses the ramifications for consumers, farmers, and the food system.
False-negative results in the immunoassay analysis of drugs of abuse: can adulterants be detected by sample check test?
Authors: Matriciani Barbara , Huppertz Bernd , Keller Ruprecht , Weiskirchen Ralf
Published: April 2018

Background

The dilution or adulteration of urine is a serious problem in drugs of abuse testing. Tests to identify adulteration are currently available. This study investigated the ability of the CEDIA® sample check to detect adulteration.

Methods

Eight different drugs of abuse were added to a urine sample obtained from a healthy, drug-free subject: 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, benzoylecgonine, D-amphetamine sulphate, ethyl-D-glucuronide, morphine sulphate, oxazepam, (-)-11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Urine samples were diluted to yield three samples of drugs of abuse concentrations close to general cut-offs as used in methadone treatment centres, by health authorities for psychological tests and in traffic medicine. Aspirin, citric acid, CrO3, H2O2, soap, sodium metaborate, vitamin C were added in three, HCl and NaOH in one, and NaN3 in two concentrations. All samples were measured with commercially available immunological assays shortly after sample preparation and 24 h later. All samples were further analysed with the CEDIA® sample check reaction which may identify adulteration.

Results

Oxidizing reagents (H2O2 or CrO3) are most effective in interfering in the measurement of benzoylecgonine, EDDP, ethyl-D-glucuronide and morphine sulphate. The measurement of (-)-11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol is affected by many adulterants. Adulteration with HCl and NaOH was identified with the sample check reaction. NaN3 generated false negative results for a number of drugs of abuse.

Conclusions

Urine samples with drugs of abuse concentrations above cut-offs can be successfully tampered with adulterants in a way which cannot be detected with the CEDIA® sample check assay.
Diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of PIVKAII, GP3, CSTB, SCCA1 and HGF for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis
Authors: Unić Adriana , Derek Lovorka , Duvnjak Marko , Patrlj Leonardo , Rakić Mislav , Kujundžić Milan , Renjić Vesna , Štoković Nikola , Dinjar Petra , Jukic Anita , Grgurević Ivica
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Despite some new treatment possibilities, the improvement in survival rate for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is still poor due to late diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKAII), Glypican-3 (GP3), Cystatin B (CSTB), squamous cell carcinoma antigen 1 (SCCA1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as potential tumour markers for HCC in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) using imaging techniques (MSCT and MRI) as reference standards.

Patients and methods

Eighty-three participants were included: 20 healthy volunteers, 31 patients with ALC and 32 patients with HCC. Peripheral blood sampling was performed for each participant, and serum concentrations of PIVKAII, GP3, CSTB, SCCA1 and HGF were determined using commercial ELISA kits.

Results

Only serum concentrations of PIVKAII were significantly higher in HCC patients as compared with ALC and healthy controls (cut-off: 2.06  µg/L; AUC: 0.903), whereas individual diagnostic performance of other individual compounds was inadequate. The ‘best’ combination of tumour markers in our study includes all tested markers with AUC of 0.967.

Conclusion

While novel diagnostic tumour markers are urgently needed, the examined potential tumour markers, with the exception of PIVKAII seem to be inadequate for diagnosing HCC in ALC. Furthermore, probably the future is in finding the best optimal combination of tumour markers for diagnosing HCC based on cost-effectiveness.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in ancient Greece: The Obtuse Man of Theophrastus
Authors: Victor Marcelo M , da Silva Bruna S , Kappel Djenifer B , Bau Claiton HD , Grevet Eugenio H
Published: April 2018

We present an ancient Greek description written by the philosopher Theophrastus in his classic book ‘ Characters’ comparable with modern attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The arguments are based in one chapter of this book—The Obtuse Man—presenting features of a character closely resembling the modern description of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. In a free comparative exercise, we compared Theophrastus descriptions with modern Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. The sentences describing The Obtuse Man written by Theophrastus are similar to several symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and he would probably be currently diagnosed with this disorder as an adult. To our knowledge, this is the oldest description compatible with the current conception of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults in the Western literature. Differently than the moralistic view of ancient Greece regarding those symptoms, the medical attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder conception may be advantageous to patients since it might reduce prejudice and allow individuals to seek treatment.
Evaluation of Vancomycin Dosing in Patients With Cirrhosis: Beginning De-Liver-ations about a New Nomogram
Authors: Regal Randolph E. , Ren Steven P. , Paige Gregory , Alaniz Cesar
Published: April 2018

Background: Reduced hepatic production of creatinine precursors in patients with decompensated cirrhosis leads to falsely low serum creatinine values. Therefore, when performing empiric dosing of vancomycin, an overestimation of creatinine clearance may result in significantly supratherapeutic vancomycin levels and increased risks of nephrotoxicity. Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate vancomycin dosing requirements in patients with cirrhosis stratified by Child-Pugh Score, with subsequent comparison with doses that are recommended in the previously published and validated Kullar nomogram. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of patients with cirrhosis who received vancomycin for at least 3 full days and had at least 1 serum concentration drawn. Vancomycin daily dose and corresponding serum concentration were collected with patients stratified by Child-Pugh Score for comparison. Each patient had their vancomycin dose compared with the dose suggested by a published nomogram. Results: A total of 201 courses of vancomycin were followed. There were no significant differences between the Child-Pugh cohorts with respect to initial vancomycin dosing. There was also no significant difference in the median initial vancomycin trough concentration between the 3 cohorts (Child-Pugh A: 13.7 µg/mL [interquartile range, IQR: 10.4-22.1]; Child-Pugh B: 20.2 µg/mL [IQR: 15.1-25.9]; Child-Pugh C: 19.3 µg/mL [IQR: 14.9-25.2, P = .08]. The median vancomycin dose using the Kullar nomogram would have been 3.0 g/day (IQR: 2.0-3.75, P < .001), but the median dose actually used in this patient population was significantly less at 2.0 g/day. Nonetheless, the median vancomycin trough concentration in the entire patient population was 19.8 µg/mL (IQR: 15.4-25.9). Conclusion: In patients with cirrhosis, there was a high incidence of supratherapeutic vancomycin serum concentrations despite the fact that dosing was significantly less than that suggested by the published Kullar nomogram.
Can Short-term Economic Policies Hurt the Health of the Poor? Demonetization in India
Authors: Mohindra K. S. , Mukherjee Subrata
Published: April 2018

In November 2016, the Government of India (GOI) demonetized the commonly used Rs500 and Rs1,000 denominations. This was a short-term economic policy, known as notebandi, implemented as a means to address black money, counterfeit currencies, and terrorist activities. Notebandi was unrolled in a chaotic, confusing, and complex manner, leaving many people with limited access to cash in their daily activities. And the poor, who tend to earn their livelihoods from cash, were faced with economic exclusion and even destitution. In this paper, we argue that demonetization had disproportionately negative consequences on the poor and trace the main pathways between demonetization and the health of the poor. We conclude by calling on public health researchers to monitor and evaluate the health consequences of India’s latest demonetization and to rapidly assess future policy initiatives in order to help advise governments in devising and implementing economic policies that does not harm the health of people, especially the poor.
A Vote for Freedom? The Effects of Partisan Electoral Interventions on Regime Type
Authors: Levin Dov H.
Published: April 2018

What are the effects of partisan electoral interventions on the subsequent character of the regime in the targeted country? Partisan electoral interventions have been frequently used by the great powers ever since the rise of meaningful competitive elections around the world. Such interventions have been found to have significant effects on the results of the intervened elections determining in many cases the identity of the winner. Nevertheless, there has been little research on the effects of partisan electoral interventions on the target’s subsequent level of democracy. This study investigates this question, testing three hypotheses derived from relevant political science literatures. I find suggestive evidence that covert electoral interventions have a significant negative effect on the target’s democracy increasing its susceptibility to a democratic breakdown. I also find preliminary evidence that the identity of the intervener has a mediating effect on the negative effects of covert interventions.
Stress and Its Impact on Social Media Usage
Authors: Denq Bryan , Denq Wenchen , Hsu Wenchin
Published: April 2018

This study examined the relationship between stress and social media usage, whether stress was an indicator of social media use, and tested moderators of the relationship between stress and social media use. Participants ( n = 201) were randomly assigned to a stress-inducing recall activity or a control task via an online survey. Next, they completed measures of stress, social media usage, social support, and habitual behavior. We found that seeking social support contributed to an increased usage of social media. In addition, increased usage of social media was related to greater frequency and strength of evoking habitual behavior.
Characterization of the reservoir-caprock of the large basement reservoir in the Dongping field, Qaidam Basin, China
Authors: Ma Feng , Yang Wei , Zhang Yongshu , Li Hongzhe , Xie Mei , Sun Xiujian , Wang Pu , Bai Yadong
Published: April 2018

The basement gas reservoir in the Dongping field in the Qaidam Basin is a large reservoir that is different from other basement reservoirs around the world. The basement reservoir does not contain thick mudstone with abundant organic matter that acts as both a source rock and a caprock. The natural gas came from lateral Jurassic source rocks. The basement lithologies in wellblocks Dp3, Dp1, and Dp17 are granite, granitic gneiss, and limestone with slate, respectively, but they all provide effective reservoir space for gas accumulation. The average porosities are 3.3%, 5.2%, and 3.6%, respectively, and the average permeabilities are 0.66 mD, 0.60 mD, and 0.57 mD, respectively. Tectonic fractures are the main factor for improving the physical properties of the reservoir, and secondary solution space is the key factor for the high and stable gas production in the study area. The E1 + 2 Formation, which contains abundant anhydrite, unconformably overlies the basement rock. Some of the anhydrite was deposited as cement and filled the fractures and pores, which led to decreased porosity and to the formation of a tight caprock with a high breaking pressure for hydrocarbon accumulation. The caprock becomes thinner from the lowland to the uplift, and it is missing in wellblock Dp3, which led to the heterogeneous distribution of gas. Anhydrite-bearing caprock is the dominant factor that controls the gas accumulation in the basement rock reservoir in the Dongping field. Studying the spatial distribution of the anhydrite-bearing caprock is important to the exploration and development of basement gas reservoirs in the Qaidam Basin. This unique gas accumulation mechanism in a basement rock reservoir may inspire new ideas for exploring basement oil and gas reservoirs around the world.
High Background Incidence of Spontaneous Subcapsular Adrenal Gland Hyperplasia of Tg.rasH2 Mice Used in 26-week Carcinogenicity Studies
Authors: Boyle Molly H. , Paranjpe Madhav G. , Creasy Dianne M.
Published: April 2018

The Tg.rasH2 model was accepted by regulatory agencies worldwide for 26-week carcinogenicity assays as an alternative to the standard 2-year assays in conventional mice in 2003. Several references documenting spontaneous nonneoplastic findings and incidences of spontaneous tumors in the Tg.rasH2 mice have been published. The purpose of this publication is to add adrenal gland subcapsular hyperplasia to the database pertaining to spontaneous lesions noted in Tg.rasH2 mice, review physiology related to this finding, and discuss its significance. The incidence of spontaneous subcapsular adrenal gland hyperplasia was determined in control Tg.rasH2 mice from nine 26-week carcinogenicity studies carried out within the last 5 years at two contract research organizations. Incidence of this finding ranged from 56% to 79% in males and 88% to 100% in females, with an incidence average of 62% in males and 93% in females. Adrenal gland subcapsular hyperplasia is a common finding in male and female Tg.rasH2 mice that did not progress to neoplasia in Tg.rasH2 mice. In general, it tends to be more frequent and severe in females in comparison to males.
Cortical spreading depression as a site of origin for migraine: Role of CGRP
Authors: Close Liesl N , Eftekhari Sajedeh , Wang Minyan , Charles Andrew C , Russo Andrew F
Published: April 2018

Premise

Migraine is a complex neurologic disorder that leads to significant disability, yet remains poorly understood.

Problem

One potential triggering mechanism in migraine with aura is cortical spreading depression, which can activate the trigeminal nociceptive system both peripherally and centrally in animal models. A primary neuropeptide of the trigeminal system is calcitonin gene-related peptide, which is a potent vasodilatory peptide and is currently a major therapeutic target for migraine treatment. Despite the importance of both cortical spreading depression and calcitonin gene-related peptide in migraine, the relationship between these two players has been relatively unexplored. However, recent data suggest several potential vascular and neural connections between calcitonin gene-related peptide and cortical spreading depression.

Conclusion

This review will outline calcitonin gene-related peptide-cortical spreading depression connections and propose a model in which cortical spreading depression and calcitonin gene-related peptide act at the intersection of the vasculature and cortical neurons, and thus contribute to migraine pathophysiology.
The Dynamics of Dry Bulk Shipping Market Under the Shipping Cycle Perspective: Market Relationships and Volatility
Authors: Wu Yijie , Yin Jingbo , Sheng Pan
Published: April 2018

The shipping industry plays an essential role in world trade. For shipping companies, having an accurate view of the markets and grasp of the interactions between the freight market, second-hand ship market, and the newbuild ship markets is essential. The shipping market cycles are divided into four periods (trough, recovery, peak, and recession) based upon shipping cycle theory. The current shipping markets have been stuck in the trough period since the financial crisis in 2008. This paper investigates the recovery period and causality relationship between the freight rate, second-hand price, and new-build ship price, in the dry bulk shipping market and applies the Granger causality test at each stage of the cycle based on quantitative analysis. The results show that the recovery period and causality relationship can be identified only during the trough and peak periods. When comparing the results for the trough period before and after the financial crisis, we find similarities between the two periods, leading us to conclude that the shipping cycle rules still apply.
An Area-Based Faulting Measurement Method Using Three-Dimensional Pavement Data
Authors: Geary Georgene M. , Tsai Yichang (James) , Wu Yiching
Published: April 2018

Faulting is one of the three performance measures recognized by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for jointed concrete pavements. U.S. Federal Highway Administration rules developed for the CFR require the state Departments of Transportation to use the AASHTO Standard R 36, Standard Method for Evaluating Faulting of Concrete Pavements, for measurement of faulting. R 36 allows both manual testing using a faultmeter and automatic testing using a high-speed inertial profiler (HSIP). There is a concern in the literature that the HSIP methods are not accurate enough for network level testing of faulting. Recent studies have also shown that three-dimensional (3-D) laser technology is showing promise for providing more accurate faulting measurements. Still, there currently is not a specific method in R 36 that utilizes 3-D data for gathering faulting measurements. This paper proposes a new method that takes full advantage of the full-coverage capabilities of 3-D to measure faulting more accurately and consistently. This method uses the comparison of smoothed areas on both sides of a joint instead of a single longitudinal profile to measure elevation differences. Field tests were performed to compare the 3-D method with manual readings taken with a Georgia faultmeter on two sections of interstate in Georgia. In addition, the impact of various footprints and measuring locations of faulting measurements using this 3-D technology were quantitatively evaluated using the proposed method. Based on this case study the new proposed 3-D method appears to be appropriate to be considered to be added as a 3-D automatic method in AASHTO R 36.
Development of the layered structure in a double-gated glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene injection molding: Experimental and simulated results
Authors: Quintana MC , Frontini MP
Published: April 2018

The present study aims to experimentally validate numerical simulation of fiber orientation distribution performed by molding simulation software Moldex3D in a double-gated injection-molded glass fiber-filled (40 wt%) polypropylene box, by making a detailed comparison of predicted and experimentally measured fiber orientation distribution data. The modeling approach evaluated in this work consists in the implementation of the Folgar–Tucker rotary diffusion model with the invariant-based optimal fitting closure approximation for the fourth-order orientation tensor. The specimen used has a weld line in the center and sharp corners. This investigation characterizes in detail the development of the through-thickness layered structure at distinctive locations of the specimen. The sensitivity of fiber orientation distribution and the layered structure to changes upon injection time and melt temperature is also evaluated. The boxes display the typical layered laminate structure, with fibers aligned in the main flow direction near the walls (shell layer) and less oriented in the middle plane (core layer). The boxes injected at the lowest melt temperature display an additional skin layer. Unfortunately, simulation fails in predicting the five layers structure developed under these latter conditions. The grade of fiber orientation is deemed to be independent of process parameters but not the layered structure.
Exploring the Relationship Between Self-Regulation and TPACK of Taiwanese Secondary In-Service Teachers
Authors: Chen Yang-Hsueh , Jang Syh-Jong
Published: April 2018

Although self-regulation (SR) has been regarded as an important factor of teachers’ learning and professional development, its relationship with teachers’ knowledge for teaching (Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge, TPACK) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the interrelationship between Taiwanese secondary in-service teachers’ SR and TPACK in the national context ( N = 386). Descriptive analysis, Pearson’s bivariate correlation, and canonical correlational analysis were used to examine the interrelationship between the two sets of variables. Results showed that teachers scored highest on monitoring capability and controlling capability (MC/CC) but lowest on Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-related SR. Moreover, the participants scored greatest on Content Knowledge (CK) but lowest on Technology Knowledge (TK) and Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK). In-service teachers’ MC/CC and Reflection Capability correlated higher with CK and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) but lower with TK and TPCK. Conversely, ICT was associated more significantly with TK and TPCK but less significantly with CK and PCK. Implications of this study were provided along with suggestions.
Frontal Lobe Cavernous Malformations in Pediatric Patients: Clinical Features and Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Wang Chengjun , Zhao Meng , Wang Jia , Wang Shuo , Jiang Zhongli , Zhao Jizong
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical manifestations, surgical treatment, and neurologic outcomes of frontal lobe cavernous malformations in children. A retrospective analysis of 23 pediatric frontal lobe cavernous malformation patients who underwent surgical treatment in Beijing Tiantan Hospital was performed. The case series included 16 boys and 7 girls. Gross total removal without surgical mortality was achieved in all patients. The mean follow-up period after surgery was 33.1 months. Two patients who left hospital with motor deficits gradually recovered after rehabilitative treatment, and other patients were considered to be in excellent clinical condition. For symptomatic frontal lobe cavernous malformations, neurosurgical management should be the treatment of choice. Conservative treatment may be warranted in asymptomatic frontal lobe cavernous malformations, especially the deep-seated or eloquently located cases.
Trauma History and Social Support Among American Indian/Alaska Native and Non-Native Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Burrage Rachel L. , Gagnon MaryBeth , Graham-Bermann Sandra A.
Published: April 2018

Social support (SS) is one of the most important protective factors against the deleterious effects of trauma exposure on mental health, but only a few studies have looked at predictors of SS among trauma-exposed populations. This study examines what predicts SS from friends, family, and other significant individuals in an ethnically diverse group of 61 women residing in Alaskan shelters for women who have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Results from bivariate tests indicated that survivors who identified as American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) reported significantly higher SS from family ( M = 5.04, SD = 1.74) in comparison with those who do not identify as AIAN ( M = 3.80, SD = 2.31), t(56) = 2.24, p < .05. Income was positively correlated with higher SS from friends, r(59) = .33, p < .05. Lifetime history of interpersonal trauma was significantly and negatively related to variation in SS across multiple domains. When sociodemographic variables, trauma history, and violent relationship history were entered into a multiple regression, this model predicted 34% ( p < .001) of the variance in Overall SS and 22% ( p < .01), 32% ( p < .001), and 17% ( p < .05) of SS from family, friends, and other significant individuals, respectively. Taken together, these preliminary results suggest that income, race, lifetime interpersonal trauma history, and number of violent partners are important predictors of SS among women IPV survivors residing in shelters.
Parts Unknown: Risk Factors of Intimate Partner Violence in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Moldova
Authors: Hayes Brittany E. , Randa Ryan
Published: April 2018

Extant research has argued that there are variations in predictors of intimate partner violence (IPV) across nations and it is necessary to examine country-specific correlates of IPV. Much remains unknown about factors that affect risk of IPV in transitional countries. Specifically, we explore risk factors for IPV among four former nations of the Soviet Union—Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Moldova—with data from the nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys. Rates of physical abuse were similar within Tajikistan (18.96%) and Moldova (18.38%), while Kyrgyzstan (20.62%) had the highest prevalence and Azerbaijan (9.29%) had the lowest prevalence. In contrast, the prevalence of sexual abuse was very similar across the four countries and was much lower (between 1.00% and 3.50%) than cross-national estimates of physical abuse. Findings suggest that many of the same risk factors of IPV in developing and developed nations influence risk of IPV in transitional nations. Across the four former Soviet nations included in analyses, the experience of controlling behaviors, husband’s alcohol use, and witnessing IPV or experiencing abuse during childhood were all significantly associated with risk of physical and sexual abuse later in life. Indeed, the intergenerational transmission of violence may be a cross-national phenomenon. In addition, equality in decision making did not have an effect on risk of physical and sexual violence, except for risk of physical abuse in Moldova. This may be due to the historical context of these nations. Taken together, findings suggest that country context may influence individual risk factors of IPV.