bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ipsilateral Putamen and Insula Activation by Both Left and Right GB34 Acupuncture Stimulation: An fMRI Study on Healthy Participants
Authors: Yeo Sujung , van den Noort Maurits , Bosch Peggy , Lim Sabina
Published: December 2016

The modulatory effects on the brain during right versus left side acupuncture stimulation of the same acupuncture point have been a subject of controversy. For clarification of this important methodological issue, the present study was designed to compare the blood oxygen level‐dependent responses of acupuncture stimulation on the right versus left Yanglingquan (GB34). Twenty‐two healthy subjects received right or left GB34 acupuncture. Our results show that acupuncture on the left GB34 induced neural responses in the left putamen, caudate body, insula, postcentral gyrus, claustrum, right and left thalamus, right middle frontal gyrus, hypothalamus, and subthalamic nucleus. Acupuncture on the right GB34 induced neural responses in the right middle frontal gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, thalamus, putamen, lateral globus pallidus, medial globus pallidus, and insula. Interestingly, the putamen and insula were ipsilaterally activated by acupuncture on either the left or right GB34; therefore, they seem to be the main target areas affected by GB34 acupuncture. This is the first reported functional magnetic resonance imaging study directly comparing needling on the right and left GB34. Although more replication studies are needed, our preliminary results prove that acupuncture has different modulatory effects on the brain when performed on the right versus left side.
Influence of Shape Anisotropy on Magnetization Dynamics Driven by Spin Hall Effect
Authors: Li X. G. , Liu Z. J. , Xie X. Y. , Kang A. G. , Fu W. N.
Published: December 2016

As the lateral dimension of spin Hall effect based magnetic random-access memory (SHE-RAM) devices is scaled down, shape anisotropy has varied influence on both the magnetic field and the current-driven switching characteristics. In this paper, we study such influences on elliptic film nanomagnets and theoretically investigate the switching characteristics for SHE-RAM element with in-plane magnetization. The analytical expressions for critical current density are presented and the results are compared with those obtained from macrospin and micromagnetic simulation. It is found that the key performance indicators for in-plane SHE-RAM, including thermal stability and spin torque efficiency, are highly geometry dependent and can be effectively improved by geometric design.
Efficient Coding-Based Scheduling for Multi-Item Requests in Real-Time On-Demand Data Dissemination
Authors: Wang Shujuan , Yan Chunting , Yu Zhengtao
Published: December 2016

On-demand broadcast is an effective data dissemination technique to enhance the system ability to handle dynamic client access patterns. With the development of real-time wireless applications, it is practical for clients to request multiple related data items with time constraint in one request. For real-time data broadcast, items are only useful if they can be received by clients before expiration; otherwise, the related requests become invalid. Hence, minimizing the number of requests that miss their deadlines becomes an important task in on-demand broadcast, especially for multi-item scenario, where more requests are inclined to miss their deadlines due to the heavier workload and greater complexity, compared with single-item scenario. In this paper, we propose a network coding-based scheduling algorithm for real-time multi-item data dissemination. The proposed algorithm exploits the coding opportunities between cached and requested data items and integrates network coding with data scheduling to minimize the deadline miss ratio. Extensive simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves the lowest deadline miss ratio under various circumstances. In addition, the high efficiency of the proposed algorithm in utilizing the transmission bandwidth is proved for that fewer instances of ineffective service are provided for satisfying clients’ requests within time constraints.
Assessing Land Suitability for Rainwater Harvesting Using Geospatial Techniques: A Case Study of Njoro Catchment, Kenya
Authors: Maina C. W. , Raude J. M.
Published: December 2016

Water demand increases as population increases leading to overexploitation of water resource. Consequently, there is need for improved water resources management complemented with rain water harvesting within the catchments. This study sought to assess land suitability for surface runoff harvesting using geospatial techniques. Land use/land cover maps of the area were derived from Landsat image. Land use and soils data were used in generating curve number map of the catchment. Lineaments greatly affect the storage depending on whether runoff is for surface storage or ground water recharge purposes. As a result, ArcGIS was used in delineating the lineaments from Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the catchment. Further, using weighted overlay the catchment was grouped into categories of restricted, not suitable, moderately suitable, suitable, or highly suitable. The study found that forest, agriculture, and built-up areas occupied about 39.42%, 36.32%, and 1.35% of catchment area, respectively. A large part of catchment was found to have curve number range of 82–89. About 50% of the catchment was found to fall within suitable and highly suitable categories. This implied that a great potential exists for rain water harvesting within the catchment.
Solubility Parameters of Permanent Gases
Authors: Marcus Yizhak
Published: December 2016

The solubility parameters,δH(Tb), of nonreactive permanent gases at their boiling pointsTb(<290 K) are calculated from individually discussed values of their molar enthalpies of vaporization and densities obtained from the literature. These values are tabulated and where available the coefficients of the temperature dependence expressionδH(T)are also tabulated. The trends noted in theδH(Tb)values are dealt with and the values are compared with those reported in the literature and derived from the solubilities of the gases in various solvents. TheδH(Tb)values are shown to correlate linearly with the depths of the potential wells (attractive interaction energies,ε/kB) for binary collisions of the gaseous molecules and with the surface tensions,σ(Tb), of the liquefied gases.
Could Microparticles Be the Universal Quality Indicator for Platelet Viability and Function?
Authors: Maurer-Spurej Elisabeth , Chipperfield Kate
Published: December 2016

High quality means good fitness for the intended use. Research activity regarding quality measures for platelet transfusions has focused on platelet storage and platelet storage lesion. Thus, platelet quality is judged from the manufacturer’s point of view and regulated to ensure consistency and stability of the manufacturing process. Assuming that fresh product is always superior to aged product, maintaining in vitro characteristics should preserve high quality. However, despite the highest in vitro quality standards, platelets often fail in vivo. This suggests we may need different quality measures to predict platelet performance after transfusion. Adding to this complexity, platelets are used clinically for very different purposes: platelets need to circulate when given as prophylaxis to cancer patients and to stop bleeding when given to surgery or trauma patients. In addition, the emerging application of platelet-rich plasma injections exploits the immunological functions of platelets. Requirements for quality of platelets intended to prevent bleeding, stop bleeding, or promote wound healing are potentially very different. Can a single measurable characteristic describe platelet quality for all uses? Here we present microparticle measurement in platelet samples, and its potential to become the universal quality characteristic for platelet production, storage, viability, function, and compatibility.
D-Amino Acids in the Nervous and Endocrine Systems
Authors: Kiriyama Yoshimitsu , Nochi Hiromi
Published: December 2016

Amino acids are important components for peptides and proteins and act as signal transmitters. Only L-amino acids have been considered necessary in mammals, including humans. However, diverse D-amino acids, such as D-serine, D-aspartate, D-alanine, and D-cysteine, are found in mammals. Physiological roles of these D-amino acids not only in the nervous system but also in the endocrine system are being gradually revealed. N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are associated with learning and memory. D-Serine, D-aspartate, and D-alanine can all bind to NMDA receptors. H2S generated from D-cysteine reduces disulfide bonds in receptors and potentiates their activity. Aberrant receptor activity is related to diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and schizophrenia. Furthermore, D-amino acids are detected in parts of the endocrine system, such as the pineal gland, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pancreas, adrenal gland, and testis. D-Aspartate is being investigated for the regulation of hormone release from various endocrine organs. Here we focused on recent findings regarding the synthesis and physiological functions of D-amino acids in the nervous and endocrine systems.
Vertigo Perception and Quality of Life in Patients after Surgical Treatment of Vestibular Schwannoma with Pretreatment Prehabituation by Chemical Vestibular Ablation
Authors: Čada Zdeněk , Balatková Zuzana , Chovanec Martin , Čakrt Ondřej , Hrubá Silvie , Jeřábek Jaroslav , Zvěřina Eduard , Profant Oliver , Fík Zdeněk , Komarc Martin , Betka Jan , Kluh Jan , Černý Rudolf
Published: December 2016

Surgical removal of vestibular schwannoma causes acute vestibular symptoms, including postoperative vertigo and oscillopsia due to nystagmus. In general, the dominant symptom postoperatively is vertigo. Preoperative chemical vestibular ablation can reduce vestibular symptoms postoperatively. We used 1.0 mL of 40 mg/mL nonbuffered gentamicin in three intratympanic installations over 2 days, 2 months preoperatively in 10 patients. Reduction of vestibular function was measured by the head impulse test and the caloric test. Reduction of vestibular function was found in all gentamicin patient groups. After gentamicin vestibular ablation, patients underwent home vestibular exercising for two months. The control group consisted of 10 patients who underwent only home vestibular training two months preoperatively. Postoperative rates of recovery and vertigo in both groups were evaluated with the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), the Glasgow Health Status Inventory (GHSI), and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory questionnaires, as well as survey of visual symptoms by specific questionnaire developed by us. There were no statistically significant differences between both groups with regard to the results of questionnaires. Patients who received preoperative gentamicin were more resilient to optokinetic and optic flow stimulation (p<0.05). This trial is registered with clinical study registration number NCT02963896.
Redox Control of Antioxidant and Antihepatotoxic Activities of Cassia surattensis Seed Extract against Paracetamol Intoxication in Mice: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies of Herbal Green Antioxidant
Authors: Uthaya Kumar U. Seeta , Chen Yeng , Kanwar Jagat R. , Sasidharan Sreenivasan
Published: December 2016

The therapeutic potential of Cassia surattensis in reducing free radical‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation particularly in hepatic diseases was evaluated in this study. The polyphenol rich C. surattensis seed extract showed good in vitro antioxidant. C. surattensis seed extract contained total phenolic content of 100.99 mg GAE/g dry weight and there was a positive correlation (r > 0.9) between total phenolic content and the antioxidant activities of the seed extract. C. surattensis seed extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the elevated levels of serum liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) and relative liver weight in paracetamol‐induced liver hepatotoxicity in mice. Moreover, the extract significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the antioxidant enzymes and glutathione (GSH) contents in the liver tissues, which led to decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) level. The histopathological examination showed the liver protective effect of C. surattensis seed extract against paracetamol‐induced histoarchitectural alterations by maximum recovery in the histoarchitecture of the liver tissue. Furthermore, histopathological observations correspondingly supported the biochemical assay outcome, that is, the significant reduction in elevated levels of serum liver enzymes. In conclusion, C. surattensis seed extract enhanced the in vivo antioxidant status and showed antihepatotoxic activities, which is probably due to the presence of phenolic compounds.
Left Atrial Mass Invasion from Pulmonary Neoplasm Extension via the Right Upper Pulmonary Vein Presenting as Ipsilateral Stroke
Authors: Ballo Piercarlo , Laureano Raffaele , Briganti Mariapia , Passaleva Maria Teresa , Piani Fiorella , Piga Cecilia , Tatini Stefano , Santoro Giovanni Maria
Published: December 2016

Left atrial invasion by lung cancer via haematogenous pathways is a relatively uncommon but potentially life-threatening event. While several cardiac complications of cardiac involvement have been previously described, the evolution towards cerebral stroke has been rarely reported. In this case report, we describe an atypical case of haematogenous metastatic invasion of the left atrium from pulmonary neoplasm extension presenting as an ipsilateral stroke whose ASCO classification changed during the clinical management.
Synergic Effect of α‐Mangostin on the Cytotoxicity of Cisplatin in a Cervical Cancer Model
Authors: Pérez-Rojas Jazmin M. , González-Macías Raquel , González-Cortes Jaime , Jurado Rafael , Pedraza-Chaverri José , García-López Patricia
Published: December 2016

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among Mexican women. The treatment with cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP) has some serious side effects. Alpha‐mangostin (α‐M), has a protective effect against CDDP‐induced nephrotoxicity, as well as antioxidant, antitumor, and anti‐inflammatory properties. Hence, we explored the in vitro and in vivo effect of α‐M on human cervical cancer cell proliferation when combined with CDDP. In vitro, The cytotoxic effect of α‐M and/or CDDP was measured by the 3‐(3,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium assay. Meanwhile, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the cell cycle were determined with flow cytometry. For α‐M+CDDP treatment, both a coincubation and preincubation scheme were employed. In vivo, xenotransplantation was performed in female athymic BALB/c (nu/nu) mice, and then tumor volume and body weight were measured weekly, whereas α‐M interfered with the antiproliferative activity of CDDP in the coincubation scheme, with preincubation with α‐M+CDDP showing significantly greater cytotoxicity than CDDP or α‐M alone, significantly inhibiting average tumor volume and preventing nephrotoxicity. This effect was accompanied by increased apoptosis and ROS production by HeLa cervical cancer cells, as well as an arrest in the cell cycle. These results suggest that α‐M may be useful as a neoadjuvant agent in cervical cancer therapy.
SIRT3 Expression Decreases with Reactive Oxygen Species Generation in Rat Cortical Neurons during Early Brain Injury Induced by Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Huang Wei , Huang Yong , Huang Ren-qiang , Huang Cheng-guang , Wang Wen-hao , Gu Jin-mao , Dong Yan
Published: December 2016

Sirtuin3 (SIRT3) is an important protein deacetylase which predominantly presents in mitochondria and exhibits broad bioactivities including regulating energy metabolism and counteracting inflammatory effect. Since inflammatory cascade was proved to be critical for pathological damage following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), we investigated the overall expression and cell-specific distribution of SIRT3 in the cerebral cortex of Sprague-Dawley rats with experimental SAH induced by internal carotid perforation. Results suggested that SIRT3 was expressed abundantly in neurons and endothelia but rarely in gliocytes in normal cerebral cortex. After experimental SAH, mRNA and protein expressions of SIRT3 decreased significantly as early as 8 hours and dropped to the minimum value at 24 h after SAH. By contrast, SOD2 expression increased slowly as early as 12 hours after experimental SAH, rose up sharply at the following 12 hours, and then was maintained at a higher level. In conclusion, attenuated SIRT3 expression in cortical neurons was associated closely with enhanced reactive oxygen species generation and cellular apoptosis, implying that SIRT3 might play an important neuroprotective role during early brain injury following SAH.
Association between Asian Dust-Borne Air Pollutants and Daily Symptoms on Healthy Subjects: A Web-Based Pilot Study in Yonago, Japan
Authors: Majbauddin Abir , Onishi Kazunari , Otani Shinji , Kurosaki Yasunori , Kurozawa Youichi
Published: December 2016

During the spring, Asian dust (AD) repeatedly makes its way to Japan, originating from drylands. We evaluated the association between AD-borne air pollutants and daily reported subjective symptoms in healthy subjects. We constructed an Internet questionnaire on daily ocular, nasal, respiratory, and skin symptoms. Forty-two healthy volunteers residents of Yonago (mean age, 33.57) were selected from the self-reporting web-based survey and recorded their symptoms between 1 and 31 of March 2013. We also collected information on levels of suspended particulate matter (SPM), particulate matter < 2.5 µm (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxide (NOx) per hour on each of those days. SPM and PM2.5 were the dominant pollutants recorded throughout the month. A positive correlation was observed between SPM and ocular (r=0.475, p<0.01), nasal (r=0.614, p<0.001), and skin (r=0.445, p<0.05) symptoms. PM2.5 correlations were significant for ocular (r=0.428, p<0.05), nasal (r=0.560, p<0.01), and skin (r=0.437, p<0.05) symptoms. Our findings provide introductory evidence of AD-borne air pollutants and their association with several bodily symptoms in healthy subjects with the implementation of a self-administrated web-based survey application.
Moments of Distance from a Vertex to a Uniformly Distributed Random Point within Arbitrary Triangles
Authors: Li Hongjun , Qiu Xing
Published: December 2016

We study the cumulative distribution function (CDF), probability density function (PDF), and moments of distance between a given vertex and a uniformly distributed random point within a triangle in this work. Based on a computational technique that helps us provide unified formulae of the CDF and PDF for this random distance then we compute its moments of arbitrary orders, based on which the variance and standard deviation can be easily derived. We conduct Monte Carlo simulations under various conditions to check the validity of our theoretical derivations. Our method can be adapted to study the random distances sampled from arbitrary polygons by decomposing them into triangles.
Sensorless Control of Nonsinusoidal Permanent Magnet Brushless Motor Using Selective Torque Harmonic Elimination Control Method Based on Full-Order Sliding Mode Observer
Authors: Halvaei Niasar Abolfazl , Ahmadi Marzieh , Edjtahed Sayyed Hossein
Published: December 2016

Nowadays, due to excellent advantages of permanent magnet brushless (PMBL) motors such as high efficiency and high torque/power density, they are used in many industrial and variable-speed electrical drives applications. If the fabricated PMBL motor has neither ideal sinusoidal nor ideal trapezoidal back-EMF voltages, it is named nonideal (or nonsinusoidal) PMBL motor. Employing conventional control strategies of PMSMs and BLDCMs lowers the efficiency and leads to unwanted torque ripple, vibration, and acoustic noises. Moreover, in many applications to reduce the cost and enhance the reliability of drive, sensorless control techniques are used. This paper proposes a novel sensorless control for a nonsinusoidal PMBL motor with minimum torque ripple. To develop smooth torque, the selected torque harmonic elimination strategy is employed. Furthermore, to estimate the rotor position and speed, a novel full-order sliding mode observer is designed. Proposed observer estimates the position and speed of motor from standstill to final speed. The proposed observer is robust to uncertainty of harmonic contents in phase back-EMF voltage and able to run the motor from standstill with closed-loop control scheme. The capabilities of torque ripple minimization and sensorless strategies are demonstrated with some simulations.
Experimental Study on the Absorption of Toluene from Exhaust Gas by Paraffin/Surfactant/Water Emulsion
Authors: Fang Ping , Tang Zi-jun , Chen Xiong-bo , Tang Zhi-xiong , Chen Ding-sheng , Huang Jian-hang , Zeng Wen-hao , Cen Chao-ping
Published: December 2016

A new paraffin/surfactant/water emulsion (PSW) for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) controlling was prepared and its potential for VOCs removal was investigated. Results indicated that PSW-5 (5%, v/v) provided higher toluene absorption efficiency (90.77%) than the other absorbents used. The saturation pressure, Henry’s constant, and activity coefficient of toluene in PSW-5 were significantly lower than those in water, and toluene solubility (1.331 g·L−1) in the PSW-5 was more than 2.5 times higher than the value in water. Several factors potentially affecting the toluene absorption efficiency were systematically investigated. The results suggested that concentration and pH of PSW, absorption temperature, and gas flow rate all had a strong influence on the toluene absorption, but the inlet concentration of toluene had little effect on the toluene absorption. There were different absorbing performances of PSW-5 on different VOCs, and the ketones, esters, and aromatics were more easily removed by the PSW-5 than the alkanes. Regeneration and reuse of the PSW were possible; after 3 runs of regeneration the absorption efficiency of PSW-5 for toluene also could reach 82.42%. So, the PSW is an economic, efficient, and safe absorbent and has a great prospect in organic waste gas treatment.
Hydrogen Sulfide and T-Type Ca2+ Channels in Pain Processing, Neuronal Differentiation and Neuroendocrine Secretion
Authors: Fukami Kazuki , Fukami Kazuki , Sekiguchi Fumiko , Sekiguchi Fumiko , Kawabata Atsufumi , Kawabata Atsufumi
Published: December 2016

Background: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gasotransmitter, is generated from L-cysteine by mainly 3 enzymes, cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine-β-synthase, and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase in cooperation with cysteine aminotransferase. The H2S-forming enzymes, particularly CSE, are overexpressed under the pathological conditions such as inflammation, neuronal or neuroendocrine differentiation and cancer development. Given that Cav3.2 T-type Ca2+ channels mediate some of the biological activity of H2S, we focus on the role of the H2S/Cav3.2 pathway in regulating the neuronal and neuroendocrine function. Summary: In the neuronal system, H2S regulates the activity of various ion channels including Cav3.2. Exogenous and endogenous H2S enhances the Cav3.2 channel activity, promoting somatic and visceral pain signaling. The H2S/Cav3.2 pathway also facilitates neuritogenesis or neuronal differentiation. Interestingly, endogenous H2S formed by CSE regulates secretory function by enhancing Cav3.2 channel activity in neuroendocrine-differentiated prostate cancer cells or carotid glomus cells. Key Messages: The H2S/Cav3.2 pathway may serve as therapeutic targets for treatment of intractable pain, neuronal injury, androgen-independent prostate cancer, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Serum Levels and Hippocampal Volume in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia due to Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Borba Ericksen Mielle , Duarte Juliana Avila , Bristot Giovana , Scotton Ellen , Camozzato Ana Luiza , Chaves Márcia Lorena Fagundes
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: Hippocampal atrophy is a recognized biomarker of Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) reduction has been associated with neurodegeneration. We aimed to evaluate BDNF serum levels and hippocampal volume in clinical AD (dementia and mild cognitive impairment [MCI]). Methods: Participants were 10 patients with MCI and 13 with dementia due to AD as well as 10 healthy controls. BDNF serum levels were determined by ELISA and volumetric measures with NeuroQuant®. Results: MCI and dementia patients presented lower BDNF serum levels than healthy participants; dementia patients presented a smaller hippocampal volume than MCI patients and healthy participants. Discussion: The findings support that the decrease in BDNF might start before the establishment of neuronal injury expressed by the hippocampal reduction.
Analysis of the Publication Rate of the Abstracts Presented at a National Gastroenterology Meeting after 6 Years
Authors: Gandhi Divyangkumar , Mclean I Richard W. , Laiyemo Adeyinka O.
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: Abstract presentations at scientific meetings provide an opportunity to communicate the results of important research. Unfortunately, many abstracts are not published as full manuscripts. At the 73rd scientific meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in 2008, we evaluated factors associated with the publication of abstracts as manuscripts up to 6.5 years after presentation. Methods: All abstracts, excluding case reports, presented at the meeting were evaluated. We systematically searched for matching manuscripts indexed in PubMed or EMBASE up to May 2015. We used logistic regression models to determine factors associated with manuscript publication and calculated ORs and 95% CIs. Results: Of the included 791 abstracts, 249 (31.5%) were published as manuscripts within 6.5 years. Oral presentation (OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.15-3.87), multicenter studies (OR 2.67; 95% CI 1.44-4.95), abstracts by University-based authors (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.20-2.72), and funded research (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.43-3.23) were more likely to be published. Winning an award at the meeting was not associated with manuscript publication (OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.57-2.06). Conclusions: There is an urgent need to enhance the methods of disseminating scientific knowledge through publication of abstracts presented at gastroenterology meetings as manuscripts. Mentors should endeavor to encourage their mentees to complete this final stage of their scholarly activities.
Long-Term Clinical Course after Conservative and Endoscopic Treatment of Colonic Diverticular Bleeding
Authors: Mizuki Akira , Tatemichi Masayuki , Nakazawa Atsushi , Tsukada Nobuhiro , Nagata Hiroshi , Kanai Takanori
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim: What naturally happens to patients after they undergo conservative and endoscopic treatment of colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB) is largely unknown. We retrospectively track the long-term outcome of the recurrence of CDB between patients with endoscopic and conservative treatment. Methods: The group was divided into 2 groups: patients treated with injection and/or clipping (endoscopic group) and patients in whom such treatment could not be performed (conservative group). CDB recurrence was assessed via a questionnaire, and recurrence rates were investigated between groups using the Kaplan-Meier's method. The Cox proportional hazards model was performed to identify potential risk factors for recurrence. Results: Eighty-eight patients answered the questionnaires. The median (interquartile range) follow-up period was 42.7 (61.8) months. Twenty-four (38.7%) of 62 conservatively treated patients and 16 (61.5%) of 26 endoscopically treated patients experienced recurrence of CDB during the follow-up period. Kaplan-Meier's analysis showed that the rate of recurrence was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in cases with endoscopic treatment than in those with conservative treatment (mean time to recurrence = 55.3 months (95% CI 30.8-79.9) vs. 99.9 months (95%CI 80.7-119.1)). The Cox proportional hazards model did not identify any significant variables. Conclusion: We should carefully follow-up patients to check for the recurrence of CDB, even when it could be successfully treated endoscopically. Can endoscopic treatment of CDB prevent CDB recurrence? Also, what happens to the patient's well-being after they undergo conservative and endoscopic treatment (cases diagnosed by Jensen's criteria) is largely unknown. We examined a population of patients undergoing conservative or endoscopic treatment to clarify the clinical course, particularly with regard to CDB recurrence.
Long-Term Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Outcomes of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in the Era of Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents
Authors: Wańha Wojciech , Kawecki Damian , Roleder Tomasz , Pluta Aleksandra , Marcinkiewicz Kamil , Morawiec Beata , Dola Janusz , Gładysz Sylwia , Pawłowski Tomasz , Smolka Grzegorz , Ochała Andrzej , Nowalany-Kozielska Ewa , Wojakowski Wojciech
Published: December 2016

Background: The following registry (Katowice-Zabrze retrospective registry) aimed to assess the influence of a chronic kidney disease (CKD) on long-term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using either first-generation (DES-I) or second-generation (DES-II) drug-eluting stents. Methods: The study group consisted of 1,908 consecutive patients, of whom 331 (17.3%) had CKD. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/m2. We evaluated the major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE), i.e., the composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and target vessel revascularization at the 12-month follow-up. Results: CKD patients had a lower left ventricular ejection fraction and more often a history of MI and PCI. Coronary angiography revealed that multivessel coronary artery disease, intracoronary thrombus, and extensive calcifications were more frequent in patients with CKD. However, the SYNTAX score did not vary between patients with or without CKD. There was a higher rate of in-hospital bleedings requiring blood transfusion in patients with CKD. At the 1-year follow-up, MACCE (17.8 vs. 12.6%, HR = 1.46 [95% CI 1.05-2.03], p = 0.009) and death (8.4 vs. 2.3%, HR = 3.9 [95% CI 2.0-7.5], p < 0.001) were more often observed in CKD patients. Multivariable Cox analysis revealed that CKD was an independent risk predictor of death after PCI at the 1-year follow-up (HR = 2.1 [95% CI 1.2-3.6], p = 0.004). In comparison to DES-I, the use of DES-II did not decrease the adverse effect of CKD on MACCE. Conclusion: CKD patients had an increased risk of in-hospital bleeding requiring blood transfusion and a higher risk of MACCE and death at the 12-month follow-up. The use of second-generation DES did not improve clinical outcomes in patients with CKD at the 12-month follow-up.
Clinical Exome Sequencing Reveals MKRN3 Pathogenic Variants in Familial and Nonfamilial Idiopathic Central Precocious Puberty
Authors: Ortiz-Cabrera Nelmar Valentina , Riveiro-Álvarez Rosa , López-Martínez Miguel Ángel , Pérez-Segura Pilar , Aragón-Gómez Isabel , Trujillo-Tiebas María José , Soriano-Guillén Leandro
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: Idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) is the premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the absence of organic disease. Up to now, just gain-of-function mutations of KISS1/KISS1R and loss-of-function mutations of the maternally imprinted gene MKRN3 are the known genetic causes of ICPP. Our intention is to evaluate variants present in genes related to the pubertal onset pathway that could act as disease-causing or predisposing variants. Methods: We studied the clinical exome of 20 patients diagnosed with ICPP using the Illumina platform. The bioinformatics analysis was performed using 2 different programs, and the variants were filtered according to a list of genes related to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone pathway. Results: In a “sporadic case,” we found a missense variant in MKRN3 NM_005664.3: c.203G>A, causing the protein change NP_005655.1:p.Arg68His, predicted as pathogenic by 2 informatics tools. The proband carrying this variant was diagnosed with ICPP at 7.75 years of age. We did not find any pathogenic variants in KISS1, KISS1R, LIN28, GNRH, GNRHR, TACR3, and TAC3. Conclusion:MKRN3 is the most frequent genetic cause of familial ICPP, so it is wise to screen for MKRN3 mutations in all patients with familial ICPP and in patients with an unclear paternal pubertal history.
Acute Anterior Uveitis in a Patient Taking Fingolimod (FTY720) for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Mack Heather Gwen , Tien Melissa Chih-Hui , White Owen Bruce
Published: December 2016

Fingolimod is an oral sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator and the first oral therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Its use has been complicated by a low rate of cystoid macular edema usually in the first 3 months after commencement of the medication. We report the case of a 34-year-old male with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, who developed acute anterior uveitis on day 5 of fingolimod treatment. He responded to appropriate treatment and cessation of drug, but developed low-grade chronic anterior uveitis without cystoid macular edema. We discuss possible mechanisms of uveitis onset in this group of patients. Urgent ophthalmological review is recommended for patients receiving fingolimod therapy who develop a red, painful eye, which may occur within 5 days of fingolimod treatment initiation.
Maximizing the Benefit-Cost Ratio of Anthracyclines in Metastatic Breast Cancer: Case Report of a Patient with a Complete Response to High-Dose Doxorubicin
Authors: Shee Kevin , Kono Alan T. , D'Anna Susan P. , Seltzer Mark A. , Lu Xiaoying , Miller Todd W. , Chamberlin Mary D.
Published: December 2016

Despite the clinical efficacy of anthracycline agents such as doxorubicin, dose-limiting cardiac toxicities significantly limit their long-term use. Here, we present the case of a 33-year-old female patient with extensive metastatic ER+/PR+/HER2– mucinous adenocarcinoma of the breast, who was started on doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide therapy after progressing on paclitaxel and ovarian suppressor goserelin with aromatase inhibitor exemestane. The patient was comanaged by cardiology, who carefully monitored measures of cardiac function, including EKGs, serial echocardiograms, and profiling of lipids, troponin, and pro-BNP every 2 months. The patient was treated with the cardioprotective agent dexrazoxane, and changes in cardiac markers [e.g. decreases in ejection fraction (EF)] were immediately addressed by therapeutic intervention with the ACE inhibitor lisinopril and beta-blocker metoprolol. The patient had a complete response to doxorubicin therapy, with a cumulative dose of 1,350 mg/m2, which is significantly above the recommended limits, and to our knowledge, the highest dose reported in literature. Two and a half years after the last doxorubicin cycle, the patient is asymptomatic with no cardiotoxicity and an excellent quality of life. This case highlights the importance of careful monitoring and management of doxorubicin-mediated cardiotoxicity, and that higher cumulative doses of anthracyclines can be considered in patients with ongoing clinical benefit.
BβArg448Lys polymorphism is associated with altered fibrin clot structure and fibrinolysis in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Greenhalgh Katie A. , Strachan Mark W. , Alzahrani Saad , Baxter Paul D. , Standeven Kristina F. , Storey Robert F. , Ariens Robert A. S. , Grant Peter J. , Price Jackie F. , Ajjan Ramzi A.
Published: December 2016

Both type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and Bß448Lys variant of fibrinogen are associated with dense fibrin clots, impaired fibrinolysis and increased cardiovascular risk. It was our objective to investigate whether BßArg448Lys adds to vascular risk by modulating fibrin network structure and/or fibrinolysis in diabetes. The primary aim was to study effects of BßArg448Lys on fibrin network characteristics in T2DM. Secondary aims investigated interactions between gender and BßArg448Lys substitution in relation to fibrin clot properties and vascular disease. Genotyping for BßArg448Lys and dynamic clot studies were carried out on 822 T2DM patients enrolled in the Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study. Turbidimetric assays of individual plasma samples analysed fibrin clot characteristics with additional experiments conducted on clots made from purified fibrinogen, further examined by confocal and electron microscopy. Plasma clot lysis time in Bß448Lys was longer than Bß448Arg variant (mean ± SD; 763 ± 322 and 719 ± 351 seconds [s], respectively; p<0.05). Clots made from plasma-purified fibrinogen of individuals with Arg/Arg, Arg/Lys and Lys/Lys genotypes showed differences in fibre thickness (46.75 ± 8.07, 38.40 ± 6.04 and 25 ± 4.99 nm, respectively; p<0.001) and clot lysis time (419 ± 64, 442 ± 87 and 517 ± 65 s, respectively; p=0.02), directly implicating the polymorphism in the observed changes. Women with Bß448Lys genotype had increased risk of cerebrovascular events and were younger compared with Bß448Arg variant (67.2 ± 4.0 and 68.2 ± 4.4 years, respectively; p=0.035). In conclusion, fibrinogen Bβ448Lys variant is associated with thrombotic fibrin clots in diabetes independently of traditional risk factors. Prospective studies are warranted to fully understand the role of BβArg448Lys in predisposition to vascular ischaemia in T2DM with the potential to develop individualised antithrombotic management strategies.
Obesity/insulin resistance rather than liver fat increases coagulation factor activities and expression in humans
Authors: Lallukka Susanna , Luukkonen Panu K. , Zhou You , Isokuortti Elina , Leivonen Marja , Juuti Anne , Hakkarainen Antti , Orho-Melander Marju , Lundbom Nina , Olkkonen Vesa M. , Lassila Riitta , Yki-Järvinen Hannele
Published: December 2016

Increased liver fat may be caused by insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation or by the common I148M variant in PNPLA3 at rs738409, which lacks both of these features. We hypothesised that obesity/insulin resistance rather than liver fat increases circulating coagulation factor activities. We measured plasma prothrombin time (PT, Owren method), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), activities of several coagulation factors, VWF:RCo and fibrinogen, and D-dimer concentration in 92 subjects divided into groups based on insulin sensitivity [insulin-resistant (‘IR’) versus insulin-sensitive (‘IS’)] and PNPLA3 genotype (PNPLA3148MM/MI vs PNPLA3148II). Liver fat content (1H-MRS) was similarly increased in ‘IR’ (13 ± 1 %) and PNPLA3148MM/MI (12 ± 2 %) as compared to ‘IS’ (6 ± 1 %, p < 0.05) and PNPLA3148II (8 ± 1 %, p < 0.05), respectively. FVIII, FIX, FXIII, fibrinogen and VWF:RCo activities were increased, and PT and APTT shortened in ‘IR’ versus ‘IS’, in contrast to these factors being similar between PNPLA3148MM/MI and PNPLA3148II groups. In subjects undergoing a liver biopsy and entirely lacking the I148M variant, insulin-resistant subjects had higher hepatic expression of F8, F9 and FGG than equally obese insulin-sensitive subjects. Expression of pro-inflammatory genes in adipose tissue correlated positively with PT (% of normal), circulating FVIII, FIX, FXI, VWR:RCo and fibrinogen, and expression of anti-inflammatory genes negatively with PT (%), FIX and fibrinogen. We conclude that obesity/insulin resistance rather than an increase in liver fat is associated with a procoagulant plasma profile. This reflects adipose tissue inflammation and increased hepatic production of coagulation factors and their susceptibility for activation.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Contemporary Assessment of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Older Adults
Authors: Shah Amil M. , Claggett Brian , Kitzman Dalane , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Jensen Jan Skov , Cheng Susan , Matsushita Kunihiro , Konety Suma , Folsom Aaron R. , Mosley Thomas H. , Wright Jacqueline D. , Heiss Gerardo , Solomon Scott D.
Published: December 2016

Background:

Although age-associated changes in left ventricular diastolic function are well recognized, limited data exist characterizing measures of diastolic function in older adults, including both reference ranges reflecting the older adult population and prognostically relevant values for incident heart failure (HF), as well as their associations with circulating biomarkers of HF risk.

Methods:

Among 5801 elderly participants in the ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities; age range, 67–90 years; mean age, 76±5 years; 42% male; 21% black), we determined the continuous association of diastolic measures (tissue Doppler imaging [TDI] e’, E/e’, and left atrial size) with concomitant N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and subsequent HF hospitalization or death. We also determined sex-specific 10th and 90th percentile limits for these measures using quantile regression in 401 participants free of prevalent cardiovascular disease and risk factors.

Results:

Each measure of diastolic function was robustly associated with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and incident HF or death. ARIC-based reference limits for TDI e’ (4.6 and 5.2 cm/s for septal and lateral TDI e’, respectively) were substantially lower than guideline cut points (7 and 10 cm/s, respectively), whereas E/e’ and left atrial size demonstrated good agreement with guideline cut points. TDI e’ was nonlinearly associated with incident HF or death, with inflection points for risk supportive of ARIC-based limits. ARIC-based limits for diastolic function improved risk discrimination over guideline-based cut points based on the integrated discrimination improvement (
P
<0.001) and continuous net reclassification improvement (
P
<0.001), reclassifying 42% of the study population as having normal diastolic function. We replicate these findings in the Copenhagen City Heart Study. With these limits, 46% had normal diastolic function and were at low risk of HF hospitalization or death (1%/y over a mean 1.7-year follow-up), 49% had 1 or 2 abnormal measures and were at intermediate risk (2.4%/y), and all 3 diastolic measures were abnormal in 5% who were at high risk (7.5%/y).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that left ventricular longitudinal relaxation velocity declines as a part of healthy aging and is largely prognostically benign. The use of age-based normative values when considering an elderly population improves the risk discrimination of diastolic measures for incident HF or death.
Maritime Boundary Negotiations between China and Korea: The Factors at Stake
Authors: Kim Suk Kyoon
Published: December 2016

Despite a great number of negotiations between China and Korea, the two countries have failed to delimit a maritime boundary in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. Primarily they have held conflicting principles regarding maritime boundary delimitation, namely an equidistant line as opposed to the natural prolongation of the land territory. Ieodo, a submerged rock in a strategic location, claimed by both China and Korea, is also another focus of negotiations. Other factors, including straight baselines, military activities, fishery and underwater mineral resources, are also important considerations in the maritime boundary negotiations.
Wir müssen reden! – We Need to Have a Serious Talk!
Authors: Eliantonio Mariolina , Grashof Franziska
Published: December 2016

The preliminary ruling procedure and the infringement proceedings are generally considered to constitute complementary means for the enforcement of European Union law. This paper critically assesses the actual complementarity of the two procedures from the perspective of the communication of and approach to a problem before the Court of Justice. Furthermore, it considers to which extent this complementarity has improved or created new complications with respect to compliance with eu environmental standards. These two questions will be answered on the basis of a case study concerning three different rulings rendered by the Court of Justice in which one particular problem of (in-) compatibility of national rules with environmental Union law was at stake, namely the German Schutznormtheorie.
Recent Developments in eu Environmental Policy and Legislation
Authors: Gordeeva Yelena M.
Published: December 2016

This section briefly describes the significant political initiatives and acts of legislation in the environmental field adopted from December 2015 until September 2016.
Kluge Leidenschaft?
Authors: Bach Oliver
Published: December 2016

The articleʼs interest focusses on the relation of prudent acting and passions of soul in Daniel Casper von Lohensteinʼs political tragedy Cleopatra (1680). Therefore it explores the early modern discourse around manʼs fundamental reasonability and a maintained irreducible affectation of the human mind: For the first time, Lohensteinʼs jurisprudential doctoral thesis On Will (1655 ) is analysed in detail. Underestimated so far, this source gives a deep insight into contemporary theory of both appetites and affects as well as into its impact on juridical responsibility (imputability) and reason of state.
Ommatoiulus malleatus n. sp., a new Tunisian millipede, with notes on the punicus species group of Ommatoiulus (Diplopoda, Julidae)
Authors: AKKARI NESRINE , VOIGTLÄNDER KARIN
Published: December 2016

A new millipede species, Ommatoiulus malleatus n. sp. (Diplopoda, Julidae), is described from the Ichkeul National Park, Tunisia. The gonopod structure of the species indicates the punicus-group which includes Ommatoiulus punicus (Brölemann, 1894), Ommatoiulus seurati (Brolemann, 1925), Ommatoiulus aumalensis (Brolemann, 1925), Ommatoiulus atlanteus Schubart, 1960, Ommatoiulus quadridentatus Schubart, 1960 recorded from North Africa and Ommatoiulus brandti (Berlese, 1885) from Sicily. The new species is, however, well differentiated by a particular “hammer-like structure” on the mesomerite process of the posterior gonopod.
Notes on the genus Yunnantettix Zheng (Tetrigidae: Cladonotinae), with descriptions of two new species from Thailand
Authors: ZHA LINGSHENG , WEN TINGCHI , BOONMEE SARANYAPHAT , EUNGWANICHAYAPANT PRAPASSORN D.
Published: December 2016

Two new species, Yunnantettix nanensis sp. nov. and Yunnantettix variabilis sp. nov. are described from Thailand, and current knowledge on their ecology and habits are presented. Generic characteristics of Yunnantettix are updated according to all known species, and a precise key to all known species of the genus is given. Yunnantettix and its allied genera are compared, which clarifies diagnostically valuable characters. Morphology of the wings covered by pronotum is analyzed.
Description of a new species of the Afrotropical spider genus Afroneutria (Araneae, Ctenidae)
Authors: POLOTOW DANIELE , JOCQUÉ RUDY
Published: December 2016

A species of the Afrotropical spider genus Afroneutria is newly described. Afroneutria tanga sp. nov is endemic to Tanzania, southeast Africa, and can be distinguished from the remaining species of the genus by the retrolateral excavation of the embolus. An identification key for all Afroneutria species is presented.