bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Giant Right Heart Thrombus-in-Transit: The Challenge of Anticoagulation in Factor V Leiden Thrombophilia
Authors: Chu Andrew , Aung Thu Thu , Arumugam Minni Shreya , Danckers Mauricio , Mitiek Mohi , Leslie Jonathan
Published: September 2018

Factor V Leiden (FVL) is an autosomal dominant condition resulting in thrombophilia. Factor V normally acts as a cofactor for prothrombinase, helping cleave prothrombin to thrombin. A single point mutation in it disrupts factor V, making it unreceptive to protein C and increasing the risk of thrombosis. FVL mutation associated with right heart thrombus is a rare entity. Right heart thrombus or right heart thrombus-in-transit is associated with high mortality. We present a 51-year-old male with a past medical history of FVL homozygous mutation and recurrent blood clots, who has failed multiple different oral anticoagulants. He presented to the hospital with symptoms of shortness of breath and subsequently found to have a giant right heart thrombus. He was treated with surgical embolectomy. This case underscores the challenges faced by patients with FVL and recurrent blood clots.
Insights into the Role of Circadian Rhythms in Bone Metabolism: A Promising Intervention Target?
Authors: Song Chao , Wang Jia , Kim Brett , Lu Chanyi , Zhang Zheng , Liu Huiyong , Kang Honglei , Sun Yunlong , Guan Hanfeng , Fang Zhong , Li Feng
Published: September 2018

Numerous physiological processes of mammals, including bone metabolism, are regulated by the circadian clock system, which consists of a central regulator, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), and the peripheral oscillators of the BMAL1/CLOCK-PERs/CRYs system. Various bone turnover markers and bone metabolism-regulating hormones such as melatonin and parathyroid hormone (PTH) display diurnal rhythmicity. According to previous research, disruption of the circadian clock due to shift work, sleep restriction, or clock gene knockout is associated with osteoporosis or other abnormal bone metabolism, showing the importance of the circadian clock system for maintaining homeostasis of bone metabolism. Moreover, common causes of osteoporosis, including postmenopausal status and aging, are associated with changes in the circadian clock. In our previous research, we found that agonism of the circadian regulators REV-ERBs inhibits osteoclast differentiation and ameliorates ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice, suggesting that clock genes may be promising intervention targets for abnormal bone metabolism. Moreover, osteoporosis interventions at different time points can provide varying degrees of bone protection, showing the importance of accounting for circadian rhythms for optimal curative effects in clinical treatment of osteoporosis. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about circadian rhythms and bone metabolism.
Institutional Incidence of Severe tPA-Induced Angioedema in Ischemic Cerebral Vascular Accidents
Authors: Sczepanski Matthew , Bozyk Paul
Published: September 2018

Introduction. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is commonly used in ischemic cerebral vascular accidents (CVAs). tPA is generally well tolerated; however, orolingual angioedema is a well-documented adverse effect. Angioedema is generally mild, transient, and unilateral but can manifest as severe, life-threatening upper airway obstruction requiring intubation. Reported incidence for all severities ranges from one to five percent, whereas reported incidence of severe cases ranges from 0.18 to 1 percent of patients receiving tPA for ischemic CVA. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and middle cerebral artery distribution have been associated with a higher risk of developing angioedema. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of severe tPA-induced angioedema and its effects on length of stay (LOS) and death. Methods. A retrospective chart review of patients receiving tPA for ischemic CVA from January 2014 through December 2016 was conducted at a large tertiary center with Comprehensive Stroke Center designation. Subjects were eighteen or older. Baseline demographics and clinical data were collected. Results. 147 patients were included with four developing severe angioedema due to tPA resulting in an incidence of 2.72%. All four were female. The median LOS was thirty days for patients with angioedema and twelve days for those without. The survival probability was higher in the angioedema group and mean time to death was twenty-two days in the angioedema group and twenty-one days in the nonangioedema group. Twenty-five patients died, one from the angioedema group. ACE inhibitor use was found to have an OR of 7.72. Conclusion. This study found a higher incidence of severe angioedema than that reported. Development of severe angioedema increased length of stay but was not shown to worsen outcomes in regards to death. Consistent with previous studies, ACE inhibitor use was associated with a higher risk of developing angioedema.
CBP Modulates Sensitivity to Dasatinib in Pre-BCR+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Duque-Afonso Jesús , Lin Chiou-Hong , Han Kyuho , Morgens David W. , Jeng Edwin E. , Weng Ziming , Jeong Johan , Wong Stephen Hon Kit , Zhu Li , Wei Michael C. , Chae Hee-Don , Schrappe Martin , Cario Gunnar , Duyster Justus , Xiao Xiangshu , Sakamoto Kathleen M. , Bassik Michael C. , Cleary Michael L.
Published: September 2018

Dasatinib is a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for treatment of Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but its efficacy is limited by resistance. Recent preclinical studies suggest that dasatinib may be a candidate therapy in additional ALL subtypes including pre-BCR+ ALL. Here we utilized shRNA library screening and global transcriptomic analysis to identify several novel genes and pathways that may enhance dasatinib efficacy or mitigate potential resistance in human pre-BCR+ ALL. Depletion of the transcriptional coactivator CBP increased dasatinib sensitivity by downregulating transcription of the pre-BCR signaling pathway previously associated with dasatinib sensitivity. Acquired resistance was due, in part, to upregulation of alternative pathways including WNT through a mechanism, suggesting transcriptional plasticity. Small molecules that disrupt CBP interactions with the CREB KID domain or β-catenin showed promising preclinical efficacy in combination with dasatinib. These findings highlight novel modulators of sensitivity to targeted therapies in human pre-BCR+ ALL, which can be reversed by small-molecule inhibitors. They also identify promising therapeutic approaches to ameliorate dasatinib sensitivity and prevent resistance in ALL.

Significance: These findings reveal mechanisms that modulate sensitivity to dasatinib and suggest therapeutic strategies to improve the outcome of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/22/6497/F1.large.jpg. Cancer Res; 78(22); 6497–508. ©2018 AACR.
Prediagnostic Serum Levels of Fatty Acid Metabolites and Risk of Ovarian Cancer in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial
Authors: Hada Manila , Edin Matthew L. , Hartge Patricia , Lih Fred B. , Wentzensen Nicolas , Zeldin Darryl C. , Trabert Britton
Published: September 2018

Background:

Evidence suggests that inflammation increases risk for ovarian cancer. Aspirin has been shown to decrease ovarian cancer risk, though the mechanism is unknown. Studies of inflammatory markers, lipid molecules such as arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, and alpha-linoleic acid metabolites, and development of ovarian cancer are essential to understand the potential mechanisms.

Methods:

We conducted a nested case–control study (157 cases/156 matched controls) within the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate the association between prediagnostic serum levels of 31 arachidonic acid/linoleic acid/alpha-linoleic acid metabolites and risk of ovarian cancer.

Results:

Five of the 31 arachidonic acid/linoleic acid/alpha-linoleic acid (free fatty acids) metabolites were positively associated with ovarian cancer risk: 8-HETE [tertile 3 vs. 1: OR 2.53 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–5.39), Ptrend 0.02], 12,13-DHOME [2.49 (1.29–4.81), 0.01], 13-HODE [2.47 (1.32–4.60), 0.005], 9-HODE [1.97 (1.06–3.68), 0.03], 9,12,13-THOME [2.25 (1.20–4.21), 0.01]. In analyses by subtype, heterogeneity was suggested for 8-HETE [serous OR (95% CI): 2.53 (1.18–5.39) vs. nonserous OR (95% CI): 1.15 (0.56–2.36), Phet 0.1] and 12,13-EpOME [1.95 (0.90–4.22) vs. 0.82 (0.39–1.73), 0.05].

Conclusions:

Women with increased levels of five fatty acid metabolites (8-HETE, 12,13-DHOME, 13-HODE, 9-HODE, and 9,12,13-THOME) were at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer in the ensuing decade. All five metabolites are derived from either arachidonic acid (8-HETE) or linoleic acid (12,13-DHOME, 13-HODE, 9-HODE, 9,12,13-THOME) via metabolism through the LOX/cytochrome P450 pathway.

Impact:

The identification of these risk-related fatty acid metabolites provides mechanistic insights into the etiology of ovarian cancer and indicates the direction for future research.
Causes of Inferior Outcome in Adolescents and Young Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Across Oncology Services and Regardless of Clinical Trial Enrollment
Authors: Wolfson Julie A. , Richman Joshua S. , Sun Can-Lan , Landier Wendy , Leung Karen , Smith Eileen P. , O’Donnell Margaret , Bhatia Smita
Published: September 2018

Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYA: 15–39 years) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have inferior survival when compared with children (1–14 years). An approach is lacking that includes both patients enrolled and not enrolled in clinical trials, and includes the contribution of health care delivery, treatment, and clinical prognosticators.

Methods: We assembled a retrospective cohort of ALL patients diagnosed between 1–39 years (AYA: n = 93; child: n = 91) and treated at a single institution between 1990 and 2010, irrespective of clinical trial enrollment. We modeled relapse risk (i) during therapy and (ii) after completing therapy.

Results: On-therapy relapse: AYA experienced an increased risk of on-therapy relapse versus children (HR, 10.5; P = 0.004). In multivariable analysis restricted to AYA, independent predictors of relapse included lack of clinical trial enrollment (HR, 2.6, P = 0.04) and nonwhite race/ethnicity (HR, 2.2; P = 0.05). Relapse after completing therapy: When compared with children, AYA experienced an increased risk of relapse after completing therapy (HR, 7.7; P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis restricted to AYA, longer therapy (months of maintenance: HR, 0.7; P < 0.001; months of consolidation: HR, 0.8; P = 0.03) protected against relapse.

Conclusions: Among AYA, aspects of health care delivery (clinical trial enrollment, nonwhite race/ethnicity) are associated with relapse during therapy, and aspects of treatment (shorter duration of maintenance and consolidation) are associated with relapse after completing therapy.

Impact: These findings highlight the importance of clinical trial enrollment and therapy duration (maintenance, consolidation) in ensuring durable remissions in AYA ALL. Future studies encompassing health care delivery, treatment, and biology are needed. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(10); 1133–41. ©2018 AACR.
Young Children’s Ability to Recognize and Challenge Unfair Treatment of Others in Group Contexts
Authors: Killen Melanie , Elenbaas Laura , Rizzo Michael T.
Published: September 2018

Although human societies provide protection from harm and enable the construction of collaborative and mutually beneficial social structures, they also pave the way for social hierarchies that deny equal treatment to certain portions of the population. Moral judgments about fairness and equality, as well as stereotypes, biases, and prejudice, emerge as early as 3 and 4 years of age. Investigating young children’s responses to the unfair treatment of others reveals that, beginning at 3–4 years of age, children often act on ingroup biases and do not yet challenge exclusion or rectify inequalities. By 5–6 years of age, however, children’s knowledge of groups, along with their understanding of others’ mental states, enables them to begin to critically evaluate unfair practices, particularly in peer contexts. These factors play a significant role in young children’s emerging ability to challenge unfair treatment of others.
The Persevering Cytotaxonomy: Discovery of a Unique XX/XY Sex Chromosome System in Catfishes Suggests the Existence of a New, Endemic and Rare Species
Authors: Rocha-Reis Dinaíza A. , de Oliveira Brandão Karina , de Almeida-Toledo Lurdes F. , Pazza Rubens , Kavalco Karine F.
Published: September 2018

The genus Hypostomus has a broad geographic distribution in Brazilian rivers and comprises armored catfishes with a very complicated taxonomy due to the absence of morphological autapomorphies. The existence of nearly 10 allopatric populations with different karyotypes suggests that Hypostomusancistroides represents a species complex in the Upper Paraná River basin. In this paper, an unusual karyotype of an isolated H. aff. ancistroides population was investigated. All specimens of this sample have 2n = 66 chromosomes except for 1 male with 2n = 67, most likely due to a supernumerary chromosome. In this population, the sexes are dimorphic, the males are heterogametic, and an XX/XY sex chromosome system is present. Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial and nuclear DNAs indicated that this population forms a monophyletic group separate from the other populations of H.ancistroides and may represent an incipient species.
Low-Dose Oral Food Challenge with Hazelnut: Efficacy and Tolerability in Children
Authors: Barni Simona , Mori Francesca , Piccorossi Alessandra , Sarti Lucrezia , Pucci Neri , Maresca Maria , Giovannini Mattia , Liccioli Giulia , Novembre Elio
Published: September 2018

Background: Hazelnut allergy (HA) is one of the more common food allergies (FAs) in Europe with a prevalence of 0.2%. The gold standard for diagnosing FA is oral food challenge (OFC) with the culprit food. Another purpose of OFC is to identify the “threshold level” of food as the dose that elicits symptoms. In this way it is possible to avoid a strict elimination diet and to determine the minimal quantity of the culprit food tolerated by the patient. Objective: The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of hazelnut low-dose OFC (H-LDOFC) in children with HA. Methods: From January 2015 to December 2016, we retrospectively analyzed the charts of patients referred to Allergy Unit of Meyer Children’s Hospital, Florence, Italy for a history of HA. Prick by prick (PbP) and specific serum IgE (s-IgE) to hazelnut were performed. We proposed conducting an H-LDOFC to parents of children with HA. The H-LDOFC was considered completed when a cumulative dose of 2.5 g of hazelnut was reached. We divided the patients who underwent the H-LDOFC into an asymptomatic and a symptomatic group. For statistics we used SPSS for Windows version 16.0 and conducted a t test for comparing the averages, considering a p value of < 0.05 significant. Results: Forty-three out of 70 patients (61.4%) with HA underwent an H-LDOFC. The PbP to hazelnut (mean ± SD) was 7.2 ± 2.9 mm and the s-IgE to hazelnut 25.3 ± 32.5 kU/L. Twenty-eight out of the 43 patients (65.1%) who underwent H-LDOFC reached the cumulative dose of 2.5 g of hazelnut. During the H-LDOFC, 20/43 patients (46.5%) had no reactions and 23/43 patients had a total of 55 reactions: 34 (61.8%) oral allergy syndrome, 8 (14.5%) rash, 6 (10.9%) abdominal pain, 2 (3.6%) urticaria, 2 (3.6%) angioedema, and 3 (5.4%) dyspnea. Atopic dermatitis was found to present the only statistically significant difference (p = 0.002) in patients with symptoms compared to asymptomatic patients during H-LDOFC. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this was the first study to assess the efficacy and tolerability of H-LDOFC in a pediatric population. Our study suggests that in children with HA, H-LDOFC is well accepted and safe because adverse reactions are mild and the majority are represented by localized symptoms (oral allergy syndrome) and efficient, especially in terms of improvement of quality of life. For these reasons it could be more extensively used in the treatment of HA.
ВПЛИВ ВІРУСНОГО НАВАНТАЖЕННЯ ВІРУСОМ ІМУНОДЕФІЦИТУ ЛЮДИНИ НА ВИЖИВАННЯ ХВОРИХ ІЗ ВІЛ-ІНФЕКЦІЄЮ ПРОТЯГОМ 5 РОКІВ СПОСТЕРЕЖЕННЯ
Authors: Shevelоva O. V. , Shostakovych-Koretskaya L. R. , Lytvyn K. Yu.
Published: September 2018

Мета: на основі 5-річного спостереження ВІЛ-інфікованих хворих, яким було призначено ВААРТ, оцінити вплив вірусного навантаження ВІЛ РНК та СD4+ на початку високоактивної антиретровірусної терапії на смертність пацієнтів.Матеріали і методи. Аналіз хворих проводили з урахуванням клінічних і лабораторних показників. Використовували описову статистику кількісних даних у групах; кореляційний аналіз.Результати. Всі хворі отримували високоактивну антиретровірусну терапію не менше 5 років. Імунофено­типування периферійної крові показало такі результати: медіана (Ме, 25–75 процентиль) рівня CD4+ склала 186 (90–262) копій/мл, вірусне навантаження – 75,358 (19,091–326,273) ВІЛ РНК копій/мл. За 5 років спостереження померли 63 пацієнти. Найбільший відсоток хворих на ВІЛ-інфекцію померли у перші 12 місяців лікування і склали 58,73 %. Протягом наступних двох років проведення лікування щорічно померли 11,11 та 14,28 % відповідно. На четвертому році після початку ВААРТ померли 11,11 % хворих. За 5 рік проведення ВААРТ померли 4,76 % хворих.Висновки. У ВІЛ-інфікованих хворих, яким було призначено ВААРТ, визначено зв’язок між кількістю Т-лімфоцитів-хелперів та вірусним навантаженням (rs=-0,821; р=0,000) у період 5-річного спостереження. Найбільший нако­пи­чений ризик смерті – 0,1, виявлено у групах пацієнтів із більшим ступенем імуносупресії.
АНАЛІЗ СМЕРТНОСТІ НАСЕЛЕННЯ УКРАЇНИ ВНАСЛІДОК НАВМИСНОГО САМОУШКОДЖЕННЯ
Authors: Slabkiy G. O. , Zashchik N. S.
Published: September 2018

Мета: вивчити і проаналізувати дані про смертність населення в регіональному аспекті внаслідок навмисного самоушкодження за місцем проживання, статтю і способом позбавлення життя.Матеріали і методи. Під час виконання цього дослідження використано дані Державного комітету статистики України за 2014 р. Методом дослідження є статистичний метод.Результати. Показники смертності населення внаслідок навмисного самоушкодження в розрахунку на 100 000 насе­лення складають серед всього населення України – 18,403, серед міських жителів – 13,621, серед сільських жителів – 27,459, серед чоловіків – 31,985, серед жінок – 23,385. Показники мають достовірні відмінності по регіонах країни.Висновки. Високий рівень смертності населення внаслідок навмисного самоушкодження потребує розробки в рамках системи громадського здоров'я, міжсекторальної програми її профілактики.
ІННОВАЦІЇ В ДЕРЖАВНІЙ ПОЛІТИЦІ ФІНАНСУВАННЯ МЕДИЧНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Lytvynova O. N. , Petrashyk Y. M. , Yuriiv K. Y. , Terendа N. O. , Lishtaba L. V. , Panchyshyn N. Y.
Published: September 2018

Мета: визначення інноваційної складової у державному фінансовому гарантуванні медичної допомоги для прогнозу стратегічної рентабельності даної інновації.Матеріали і методи. Використовуючи бібліосемантичний метод та метод системного аналізу, проаналізовано низку законодавчо-нормативних актів України, спрямованих на реформування системи охорони здоров’я.Результати. Вивчали особливості інноваційного запровадження в реформу системи охорони здоровʼя нової моделі фінансування та державних фінансових гарантій медичної допомоги населенню. Проаналізовано ризики, які можуть виникнути при запровадженні тих чи інших інновацій в систему фінансування медичної допомоги в Україні.Висновки. Отримані результати можуть бути використані при подальшій розробці стратегічних планів розвитку системи медичної допомоги.
РОЛЬ ЕНДОТЕЛІАЛЬНОЇ ДИСФУНКЦІЇ В РОЗВИТКУ АРТЕРІАЛЬНОЇ ГІПЕРТЕНЗІЇ У ХВОРИХ НА АНКІЛОЗИВНИЙ СПОНДИЛОАРТРИТ
Authors: Smiyan S. I. , Koshak B. O. , Bilukha A. V. , Koshak D. O.
Published: September 2018

Мета: встановити роль ендотеліальної дисфункції в розвитку артеріальної гіпертензії у хворих на анкілозивний спондилоартрит.Матеріали і методи. Обстежено 110 пацієнтів з анкілозивним спондилоартритом, яким проводили оцінку стану ендотелію. До моменту включення в дослідження всі пацієнти отримували базисну антигіпертензивну терапію, котра не змінювалась під час обстеження.Результати. Встановлено, що практично кожен третій пацієнт хворів на артеріальну гіпертензію, порушення функції ендотелію виявлено у 71,8 % хворих. Достатньо велика когорта обстежених демонструвала знижений рівень ЛПВЩ і підвищений рівень ЛПНЩ. Поряд із тим, виявлено суттєві відмінності за показниками активності за­хворювання (СРБ, ШОЕ, BASDAI) та функціонального статусу (BASFI) у пацієнтів з артеріальною гіпертензією та без.Висновки. Можна припустити, що саме дисфункція ендотелію, котра виникає на фоні системного запального синдрому, ймовірно, є основною причиною розвитку артеріальної гіпертензії у пацієнтів з анкілозивним спондилоартритом, адже відмінностей за іншими класичними факторами ССР, окрім дисліпідемій, виявлено не було.
Estrogen Inhibits LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) Transcytosis by Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells via GPER (G-Protein–Coupled Estrogen Receptor) and SR-BI (Scavenger Receptor Class B Type 1)
Authors: Ghaffari Siavash , Naderi Nabi Farnoosh , Sugiyama Michael G. , Lee Warren L.
Published: September 2018

Objective—

The atheroprotective effects of estrogen are independent of circulating lipid levels. Whether estrogen regulates transcytosis of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) across the coronary endothelium is unknown.

Approach and Results—

Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, we quantified transcytosis of LDL across human coronary artery endothelial cells from multiple donors. LDL transcytosis was significantly higher in cells from men compared with premenopausal women. Estrogen significantly attenuated LDL transcytosis by endothelial cells from male but not female donors; transcytosis of albumin was not affected. Estrogen caused downregulation of endothelial SR-BI (scavenger receptor class B type 1), and overexpression of SR-BI was sufficient to restore LDL transcytosis. Similarly, depletion of SR-BI by siRNA attenuated endothelial LDL transcytosis and prevented any further effect of estrogen. In contrast, treatment with estrogen had no effect on SR-BI expression by liver cells. Inhibition of estrogen receptors α and β had no effect on estrogen-mediated attenuation of LDL transcytosis. However, estrogen’s effect on LDL transcytosis was blocked by depletion of the GPER (G-protein–coupled estrogen receptor). GPER was found to be enriched in endothelial cells compared with hepatocytes and is reported to signal via transactivation of the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor); inhibition of EGFR prevented the effect of estrogen on LDL transcytosis and SR-BI mRNA. Last, SR-BI expression was significantly higher in human coronary artery endothelial cells from male compared with premenopausal female donors.

Conclusions—

Estrogen significantly inhibits LDL transcytosis by downregulating endothelial SR-BI; this effect requires GPER.
Effect of Intracoronary Metformin on Myocardial Infarct Size in Swine
Authors: Techiryan George , Weil Brian R. , Palka Beth A. , Canty John M.
Published: September 2018

Rationale:

Metformin has been demonstrated to decrease infarct size (IS) and prevent postinfarction left ventricular (LV) remodeling in rodents when given intravenously at the time of reperfusion. It remains unclear whether similar cardioprotection can be achieved in a large animal model.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine whether intravascular infusion of metformin at the time of reperfusion reduces myocardial IS in a porcine model of acute myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results:

In a blinded and randomized preclinical study, closed-chest swine (n=20) were subjected to a 60-minute left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion to produce myocardial infarction. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography was performed during left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion to assess the ischemic area-at-risk. Animals were randomized to receive either metformin or vehicle as an initial intravenous bolus (5 mg/kg) 8 minutes before reperfusion, followed by a 15-minute left coronary artery infusion (1 mg/kg per minute) commencing with the onset of reperfusion. Echocardiography and computed tomographic imaging of LV function were performed 1 week later, at which time the heart was removed for postmortem pathological analysis of area-at-risk and IS (triphenyltetrazolium chloride). Baseline variables including hemodynamics and LV function were similar between groups. Peak circulating metformin concentrations of 374±35 µmol/L were achieved 15 minutes after reperfusion. There was no difference between the area-at-risk as a percent of LV mass by computed tomography (vehicle: 20.7%±1.1% versus metformin: 19.7%±1.3%;
P
=0.59) or postmortem pathology (22.4%±1.2% versus 20.2%±1.2%;
P
=0.21). IS relative to area-at-risk averaged 44.5%±5.0% in vehicle-treated versus 38.2%±6.8% in metformin-treated animals (
P
=0.46). There was no difference in global function 7 days after myocardial infarction as assessed by echocardiography or computed tomographic ejection fraction (56.2%±2.6% versus 56.3%±2.4%;
P
=0.98).

Conclusions:

In contrast to rodent hearts, postconditioning with high-dose metformin administered immediately before reperfusion does not reduce IS or improve LV function 7 days after myocardial infarction in swine. These results reinforce the importance of rigorously testing therapies in large animal models to facilitate clinical translation of novel cardioprotective therapies.
Taxonomic notes on Leandra (Melastomataceae, Miconieae) - II
Authors: REGINATO MARCELO , GOLDENBERG RENATO
Published: September 2018

(Taxonomic notes on Leandra (Melastomataceae, Miconieae) - II). In this study we propose 12 synonyms, 15 lectotypes and a new name for eastern Brazilian species of Leandra. Leandra pubescens var. tomentosa is placed in the synonymy of Clidemia atrata; Leandra laxa in the synonymy of L. eriocalyx; Leandra sessiliflora in the synonym of L. glabrata; Leandra longisetosa in the synonymy of L. multiplinervis; Leandra balduinii, L. pauloensis and L. schwackei in the synonymy of L. regnellii; Leandra linearifolia and L. parvifolia in the synonymy of L. salicina; Leandra pubescens var. pubescens in the synonymy of L. strigilliflora; Leandra gardneriana and L. depauperata in the synonymy of L. xantholasia. We propose lectotypes for C. atrata, L. depauperata, L. gardneriana, L. glabrata, L. laxa, L. linearifolia, L. longisetosa, L. multiplinervis, L. parvifolia, L. pauloensis, L. pubescens var. pubescens, L. pubescens var. tomentosa, L. regnellii, L. sessiliflora, and L. xantholasia. A new name is proposed to correct a mistake recently made in the taxonomic revision of Leandra sect. Leandra.
An emended description of Stemphylium amaranthi with its first record for Iran mycobiota
Authors: POURSAFAR ALIREZA , GHOSTA YOUBERT , JAVAN-NIKKHAH MOHAMMAD
Published: September 2018

Stemphylium amaranthi was originally described from the leaves of Amaranthus retroflexous in China based only on asexual morphological characteristics. New collections of S. amaranthi from wheat and barley plants with symptoms of black (sooty) head mould in Golestan and Qazvin Provinces, Iran, revealed abundant formation of a sexual morph. The morphological identification was confirmed by sequences obtained from ITS-rDNA and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) genomic loci. New information on the sexual morph of S. amaranthi is provided and the species circumscription is emended. Wheat and barley are reported as new substrates for S. amaranthi, and this species is recorded for the first time in Iran.
Ochrolechia incarnata comb. nov. (Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota), a distinct species of the O. parella group from Europe and Macaronesia
Authors: KUKWA MARTIN , SCHMITT IMKE , ERTZ DAMIEN
Published: September 2018

Ochrolechia incarnata comb. nov. is reinstated from the synonymy of O. parella. This saxicolous species is morphologically very similar to O. parella, but differs from the latter phylogenetically and chemically in the production of olivetoric acid causing a C+ red reaction of the apothecial margin medulla. Ochrolechia incarnata is so far known from Europe (Ireland, Sweden) and Macaronesia (Canary Islands, Porto Santo). Notes on other saxicolous species with pruinose apothecia are provided, and the taxonomy of O. pallescens is shortly discussed.
New data on daffodils of the Narcissus nevadensis complex (Amaryllidaceae) in SE Spain: N. nevadensis subsp. herrerae subsp. nov., and N. nevadensis subsp. longispathus comb. nov.
Authors: ALGARRA JOSE A. , BLANCA GABRIEL , CUETO MIGUEL , FUENTES JULIÁN
Published: September 2018

Narcissus Linnaeus (1753: 289) is a genus widespread in the Mediterranean region and taxonomically very complex, including a broadly variable number of taxa depending on authors. It includes between 26 and 36 species (Webb 1980, Zonneveld 2008), or even up to 110 species recognised in the International Daffodil Register (RHS 2017). In the Iberian Peninsula, 56 taxa (Fernandes 1951) or 33 taxa (Aedo 2013) have been accepted to occur, 10–12 belonging to N. subg. Ajax (Salisb. ex Haworth 1819: 111) Spach (1846: 432) sect. Pseudonarcissus DC. in Redouté (1815: tab. 486). In the south-eastern Iberian Peninsula 16 species (Aedo 2013) to 19 species (Fernandes 1951, Navarro 2011) have been considered, of which one (Aedo 2013) to three (Navarro 2011) correspond to that section, most of them endemic to the area (Bañares et al. 2004, Blanca et al. 1999, 2000, 2001). The Iberian Peninsula is the centre of diversity for N. sect. Pseudonarcissus, with N. nevadensis Pugsley (1933: 62) being proposed as the ancestral species of this group (Fernandes 1951). Recently, after molecular analyses (Zonneveld 2008, Marques et al. 2017), this species has been separated into an independent section: N. sect. Nevadensis Zonneveld (2008: 130).
A new species of velvet gecko (Diplodactylidae: Oedura) from sandstone habitats of inland north Queensland, Australia
Authors: HOSKIN CONRAD J. , ZOZAYA STEPHEN M. , VANDERDUYS ERIC
Published: September 2018

We describe a new species of velvet gecko (Diplodactylidae: Oedura) from the sandstone ranges of central-north Queensland, Australia. Oedura argentea sp. nov. is a medium-sized (SVL 61–80 mm) gecko that is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of its relatively small size, a pattern of 5–6 dark-edged pale transverse bands from neck to pelvis, a silvery iris, a slender tail, a single cloacal spur, and in possessing 14–22 pre-cloacal pores in males. Oedura argentea sp. nov. is a sandstone specialist currently known only from the Gregory Range and nearby sandstone outcropping at Bulleringa National Park. Further surveys are required to determine the limits of distribution through this region. Oedura argentea sp. nov. is the fifth described species of Oedura in north-eastern Queensland. We also assess the name O. fracticolor De Vis, 1884 because it is an unresolved name pertaining to this general region. Based on colour-pattern and locality in the original description, we conclude that O. fracticolor is a senior synonym of O. castelnaui (Thominot, 1889); however, we propose that priority be overturned under Articles 23.9.1.1 and 23.9.1.2 of the ICZN (1999) and that the name O. fracticolor be regarded as nomen oblitum and O. castelnaui a nomen protectum.
Shallow-to-Deep Transition of Continental Moist Convection: Cold Pools, Surface Fluxes, and Mesoscale Organization
Authors: Kurowski Marcin J. , Suselj Kay , Grabowski Wojciech W. , Teixeira Joao
Published: September 2018

Large-eddy simulation is used to investigate the effects of cold pools driven by rain evaporation on the shallow-to-deep convection transition over land. The physically consistent methodologies are developed to obtain a time-dependent reference ensemble without cold pools and to apply interactive surface heat fluxes without modeling of surface energy and water budgets. Three different simulation ensembles are contrasted. The reference ensemble, in the spirit of one-dimensional single-column models, eliminates cold pools by horizontally homogenizing negative buoyancy production due to rain evaporation. The additional ensembles complement the reference cold-pool-free ensemble by including cold pools and by applying either interactive or prescribed surface fluxes. Contrasting these ensembles suggests possible improvements of convection parameterization in large-scale models of weather and climate. Without cold pools, the reference ensemble preserves key features of buoyancy-driven cellular convection associated with a field of convective plumes, as assumed in a typical convection parameterization. With cold pools, a significant enhancement of surface heat and moisture fluxes and about an hour delay of their daily maximum is simulated. Cold pools enhance near-surface temperature and moisture standard deviations as well as maxima of the near-surface updraft velocity. They also lead to the reduction of cloud lateral entrainment, deeper vertical development of the cloud layer, and a few-times-larger accumulated surface precipitation. Interactive surface fluxes provide a damping mechanism that noticeably suppresses all these effects. Perhaps surprisingly, cold pools do not significantly change the cloud-base convective mass flux that approximately follows the evolution of surface heat fluxes.
The Wire Flyer Towed Profiling System
Authors: Roman Chris , Ullman David S. , Hebert Dave , Licht Stephen
Published: September 2018

The Wire Flyer towed vehicle is a new platform able to collect high-resolution water column sections. The vehicle is motivated by a desire to effectively capture spatial structures at the submesoscale. The vehicle fills a niche that is not achieved by other existing towed and repeat profiling systems. The Wire Flyer profiles up and down along a ship-towed cable autonomously using controllable wings for propulsion. At ship speeds between 2 and 5 kt (1.02–2.55 m s−1), the vehicle is able to profile over prescribed depth bands down to 1000 m. The vehicle carries sensors for conductivity, temperature, depth, oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll, pH, and oxidation reduction potential. During normal operations the vehicle is typically commanded to cover vertical regions between 300 and 400 m in height with profiles that repeat at kilometer spacing. The vertical profiling speed can be user specified up to 150 m min−1. The high-density sampling capability at depths below the upper few hundred meters makes the vehicle distinct from other systems. During operations an acoustic modem is used to communicate with the vehicle to provide status information, data samples, and the ability to modify the sampling pattern. This paper provides an overview of the vehicle system, describes its operation, and presents results from several cruises.
Students’ self-authoring mobile App for integrative learning of STEM
Authors: Tseng Teng-Hui , Tai Yaming , Tsai Shin-Ping , Ting Yu-Liang
Published: September 2018

This paper proposes the integrative learning of technology and science in which students create their own science applications on smartphones. The proposed learning aims to help students experience what science is and how it is technically utilized. In addition, discipline-specific representations were emphasized in the learning design to help students translate between those in different disciplinary and build up their meta-representational competence, central to engineering professional practice as well as learning about engineering design process in school. During the integrative learning, students were also expected to experience the shift of coding from studying how to write a program code to how to control a device to solve a problem, the computational thinking. The proposed learning practice was held and evaluated with 85 participants from high schools and universities. The results showed that students were motivated, and valued the proposed learning practice. Students perceived the usefulness and ease of use of the tools adopted in the learning practice. The study results suggest that the use of smartphones in education may support the orchestrating of the teaching and learning of science and engineering.
Inequality in Reading and Math Skills Forms Mainly before Kindergarten: A Replication, and Partial Correction, of “Are Schools the Great Equalizer?”
Authors: von Hippel Paul T. , Workman Joseph , Downey Douglas B.
Published: September 2018

When do children become unequal in reading and math skills? Some research claims that inequality grows mainly before school begins. Some research claims that schools cause inequality to grow. And some research—including the 2004 study ‘‘Are Schools the Great Equalizer?’’—claims that inequality grows mainly during summer vacations. Unfortunately, the test scores used in the Great Equalizer study suffered from a measurement artifact that exaggerated estimates of inequality growth. In addition, the Great Equalizer study is dated and its participants are no longer school-aged. In this article, we replicate the Great Equalizer study using better test scores in both the original data and a newer cohort of children. When we use the new test scores, we find that variance is substantial at the start of kindergarten and does not grow but actually shrinks over the next two to three years. This finding, which was not evident in the original Great Equalizer study, implicates the years before kindergarten as the primary source of inequality in elementary reading and math. Total score variance grows during most summers and shrinks during most school years, suggesting that schools reduce inequality overall. Changes in inequality are small after kindergarten and do not replicate consistently across grades, subjects, or cohorts. That said, socioeconomic gaps tend to shrink during the school year and grow during the summer, while the black-white gap tends to follow the opposite pattern.
National comparative audit of red blood cell transfusion practice in hospices: Recommendations for palliative care practice
Authors: Neoh Karen , Gray Ross , Grant-Casey John , Estcourt Lise , Malia Catherine , Boland Jason W , Bennett Michael I
Published: September 2018

Background:

Red blood cell transfusions are commonly used in palliative care to treat anaemia or symptoms caused by anaemia. In patients with advanced disease, there is little evidence of benefit to guide treatment decisions in the face of increased risk of harms.

Aim:

To determine national transfusion practice in hospices and compare this against National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and British Society of Haematology guidelines to develop recommendations to improve practice.

Design and Setting:

Prospective data collection on red blood cell transfusion practice in UK adult hospices over a 3-month census period.

Results:

A total of 121/210 (58%) hospices participated. A total of 465 transfusion episodes occurred in 83 hospices. Patients had a mean age of 71 years, and 96% had cancer. Mean pre-transfusion haemoglobin was 75 g/L (standard deviation = 11.15). Anaemia of chronic disease was the largest cause of anaemia (176; 38%); potentially amenable to alternative treatments. Haematinics were not checked in 70% of patients. Alternative treatments such as B12, folate and iron were rarely used. Despite transfusion-associated circulatory overload risk, 85% of patients were not weighed, and 84% had two or more units transfused. Only 83 (18%) patients had an improvement maintained at 30 days; 142 (31%) had <14 day improvement, and 50 (11%) had no improvement. A total of 150 patients (32%) were dead at 30 days.

Conclusion:

More rigorous investigation of anaemia, increased use of alternative therapies and more restrictive approach to red cell transfusions are recommended. Clinicians should discuss the limited benefit versus potentially higher risks with patients in hospice services to inform treatment decisions.
Anchoring Effects in Facial Attractiveness
Authors: Goller Juergen , Leder Helmut , Cursiter Heather , Jenkins Rob
Published: September 2018

First impressions from faces emerge quickly and shape subsequent behaviour. Given that different pictures of the same face evoke different impressions, we asked whether presentation order affects the overall impression of the person. In three experiments, we presented naturally varying photos of a person’s face in ascending (low-to-high) or descending (high-to-low) order of attractiveness. We found that attractiveness ratings for a subsequent test item were higher for the descending condition than for the ascending condition (Experiment 1), consistent with anchoring effects. In Experiment 2, we ruled out contrast between the final item and the test item as the cause of the effect by demonstrating anchoring within the sequence itself. In Experiment 3, we found that order of image presentation also affected dating decisions. Our findings demonstrate that first impressions from faces depend not only on visual information but also on the order in which that information is received. We suggest that models of impression formation and learning of individual faces could be improved by considering temporal order of encounters.
Prioritizing Multilingualism in U.S. Schools: States’ Policy Journeys to Enact the Seal of Biliteracy
Authors: Heineke Amy J. , Davin Kristin J.
Published: September 2018

Fueled by immigration and globalization, the United States has evolved into a nation of linguistically diverse residents; however, English remains the dominant language in schools. A recent language policy initiative emergent in states across the nation, the Seal of Biliteracy challenges English monolingualism by promoting the development of students’ bilingualism and biliteracy by high school graduation. Using narrative inquiry, this study explores the policy journeys that states have taken to enact the Seal of Biliteracy, as educators and stakeholders come together to engage in grassroots policy work. Findings include the collective stories of these efforts to disrupt English-dominant ideologies in schools, as well as individual states’ journeys to develop students’ bilingualism. Implications serve educators, researchers, and other stakeholders interested in influencing practice through bottom-up policy movements, particularly at this crucial moment as states embrace more flexibility for educational decision making.
Synthesis and characterization of novel fluorinated poly(ether imide)s containing pyridine and/or phenylphosphine oxide moieties
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Lan , Liu Xiao-Ling , Wang Qiu-Ying , Huang Zhen-Zhong , Sheng Shou-Ri
Published: September 2018

4-(4-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-2,6-bis[4-(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenyl]pyridine (9FPBAPP), as a new aromatic diamine, was prepared by a modified Chichibabin reaction of 4-(4-nitro-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)acetophenone with 4-triflouromethylbenzaldehyde, followed by a catalytic reduction. A series of fluorinated poly(ether imide)s containing pyridine and/or phenylphosphine oxide moieties were prepared from bis(3-aminophenyl)phenylphosphine oxide (BAPPO), 2,2′-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane dianhydride (6FDA), and 9FPBAPP via a conventional two-step thermal imidization procedure with various mole ratios of BAPPO and 9FPBAPP. All the polymers were amorphous and soluble in common organic solvents such as N, N-dimethylacetamide and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and had Tg’s of 277–285°C, 5% weight loss temperature of 521–550°C in nitrogen. Furthermore, high char yields and good limited oxygen index values indicated that these polymers exhibited good thermal stability and flame-retardant property. Tough and flexible polymer films also had good mechanical properties with tensile strengths of 75–99 MPa, tensile moduli of 1.1–1.6 GPa, and elongations at break of 12%–24% and low dielectric constants of 2.81–3.53 (1 MHz), as well as high optical transparency with the ultraviolet cutoff wavelength in the range of 350–384 nm.
Laxative co-medication and changes in defecation patterns during opioid use
Authors: Bruin Frans de , Hek Karin , Lieshout Jan van , Verduijn Monique , Langendijk Pim , Bouvy Marcel , Teichert Martina
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Opioid-induced constipation is a clinically relevant side effect and a cause of potentially avoidable drug-related hospital admissions.

Objectives

To describe the presence of laxative co-medication, the reasons for not starting laxatives and to evaluate changes in stool patterns of opioid initiators.

Methods

In this observational study community pharmacists evaluated the availability of laxative co-medication in starting opioid users and registered reasons for non-use. Two opioid initiators per pharmacy were invited to complete questionnaires (‘Bristol stool form scale’ and ‘Rome III Diagnostic Questionnaire for the Adult Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders’) on their defecation prior to and during opioid use. Descriptive statistics and Chi square tests were used to analyse reasons for non-use of laxatives and changes in defecation patterns.

Results

Eighty-one pharmacists collected data from 460 opioid initiators. Of those, 344 (74.8%) used laxatives concomitantly. Main reason not to use laxatives was that either prescribers or patients did not consider them necessary. Sixty-seven (89.3%) of the 75 opioid starters with two questionnaires completed were not constipated at opioid start. Eleven of them (16%) developed constipation during opioid use (Chi square p=0.003). At follow-up within laxative users 10.6% were constipated compared to 20.7% in subjects without laxatives.

Conclusion

One in four opioid starters did not dispose of laxative co-medication, mainly because they were not considered necessary by either the prescriber or the patient. The prevalence of constipation doubled during opioid use. A watchful waiting strategy for the use of laxative co-medication might include a monitoring of defecation patterns with validated questionnaires.
Diagnostic Outcomes of Childhood ADHD in Chinese Adults
Authors: Mak Arthur D. P. , Chan Alicia K. W. , Chan Phyllis K. L. , Tang C. P. , Lai Kelly , Wong Sheila , Leung Patrick , Hung S. F. , Lam Linda C. W. , Lee Sing
Published: September 2018

Objective: We examined adulthood diagnostic, functioning, and social outcomes of childhood ADHD in a Hong Kong Chinese clinical sample. Method: We identified from the central registry 499 Chinese adults clinically diagnosed with ADHD aged 6 to 12 in 2002-2005 in four Hong Kong child psychiatric centers. Assessments included ADHD Clinical Diagnostic Scale (ACDS), Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID), and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHO-DAS). Results: Eligible participants = 499. One hundred forty-five completed assessments, two deceased, six incarcerated, 100 had invalid contact, 83 declined, 34 emigrated, and 129 unable to attend. Mean follow-up duration = 14.9 years. Nonrespondents were slightly younger (19.78 vs. 20.53, p < .001). In all, 83.1% of all participants currently met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) ADHD criteria (36.8% inattentive subtype (IA), 43% combined, 3.3% hyperactive/impulsive subtype (H/I) ). One third of persistent ADHD participants currently received care. ADHD persistence was associated with significantly increased psychiatric comorbidity (49.5% vs. 22.7%, p = .02) and poor academic and social outcomes. ADHD persistence and comorbidity independently predicted impairment. Conclusion: Adulthood-persistence of clinically presented childhood ADHD is common and impairing in Hong Kong Chinese.