bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Unusual Cause of Recurrent Pancreatitis: Duodenal Duplication Cyst
Authors: Lad Rameeta J , Fitzgerald Peter , Jacobson Kevan
Published: April 2016

Intestinal duplications are rare anomalies that usually present in childhood.  Of these, duodenal duplications are among the most uncommon.  Although these usually present with obstructive symptoms or bleeding, pancreatitis may occur.  A case of duodenal duplication cyst causing recurrent pancreatitis in a 12-year-old girl is presented. The literature on duodenal duplications, and their epidemiology, embryology and pathophysiology is reviewed.
Preservation and Restoration of Sphincter Function in Patients with Rectal Cancer
Authors: Schiessel Rudolf , Rosen Harald R
Published: April 2016

Radical resection of rectal cancer is the standard treatment for curing this disease. Half of these tumours are located in the rectosigmoid region or the upper third of the rectum and are, therefore, easily resectable with preservation of the sphincter muscles, thus guaranteeing acceptable continence in most patients. However, tumours that originate in the lower parts of the rectum have been accompanied with the need for an abdominoperineal resection and the threat of a permanent colostomy. In the past 20 years, sphincter-saving surgery has become increasingly common in the treatment of tumours of the middle and low rectum due to the knowledge of tumour growth, the use of stapling devices, and the knowledge of the physiology of the pelvic floor and the sphincter muscles, respectively. Recent surgical techniques of resection of the ’ultralow’ rectum (intersphincteric resection) and the reconstruction by coloanal anastomosis are reviewed. Functional problems following ultralow resections are emphasized, as well as the possibility of sphincter restoration after abdominoperineal resection by use of dynamic graciloplasty. Taking all surgical options into account, a permanent colostomy for rectal cancer can be avoided in most curatively and electively operated patients.
TNF-alpha but not IL-1alpha are Correlated with PGE1-Dependent Protection Against Acute D-Galactosamine-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Muntané J , Montero JL , Lozano JM , Miranda-Vizuete A , de la Mata M , Miño G
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND: Prostaglandin E1(PGE1) treatment of humans and rodents during acute hepatic failure ameliorates different parameters of hepatic dysfunction.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether prevention of acute liver injury induced by D-galactosamine (D-GalN) with preadministration of PGE1is correlated with a change in the concentration of two proinflammatory cytokines, as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1α, and/or nitrite+nitrate (NOx), as nitric oxide-related end products in serum.

RESULTS: D-GalN significantly increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and TNF- αconcentration in serum 5 and 10 mins, respectively, after treatment compared with the control group (P≤0.05). D-GalN did not change the IL-1α concentration at any time during the study. Preadministration of PGE1to D-GalN-treated rats significantly reduced the ALT content and increased significantly the TNF-α concentration in serum 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 mins after D-GalN treatment compared with the D-GalN group (P≤0.05). Nitric oxide was not involved in either the toxic effect due to D-GalN or the protection observed with PGE1against D-GalN toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS: Acute liver injury induced by D-GalN is correlated with an increased TNF-α release. Preadministration of PGE1to D-GalN-treated rats exerted a priming effect on inflammatory cells to release enhanced levels of TNF-α but not IL-1α. These findings indicate that stimulation of TNF-α release may be involved in the acute D-GalN-induced liver injury and also in PGE1protection from hepatotoxicity in clinical and experimental studies.
Emergency Endoscopy
Authors: Apel Dariusz , Riemann Juergen Ferdinand
Published: April 2016

The need for emergency endoscopy is a matter of debate. The time interval for emergency procedures remains to be defined. Most authors propose a time span of 24 h as emergency time, while some define a period of 72 h (especially in acute pancreatitis). Several studies have shown a possible benefit for a select group of patients. Four main indications are established for emergency endoscopy: acute gastrointestinal bleeding (variceal and nonvariceal), acute biliary pancreatitis and acute cholangitis. In the case of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, emergency endoscopy enables exact diagnosis and appropiate therapy, and provides important prognostic information. There is some evidence that emergent endoscopic injection therapy improves clinical outcome and reduces mortality in patients with acute ulcer bleeding. Patients do not benefit if endoscopy is performed only as a diagnostic procedure. Controversial results were published recently for emergency endoscopy in acute biliary pancreatitis. There is good evidence that emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is helpful in patients with severe pancreatitis and stone impaction if performed within the first 24 h after onset of symptoms. However, emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is not benefical for patients with mild pancreatitis if performed later than 72 h (or 24 h) after onset of symptoms. There is a limited number of well established evidence-based indications for emergency endoscopy. Some other indications are still a matter of debate, and controversial opinions have been published.
Meeting Review –Helicobacter pylori: Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Cure 2000
Authors: Lahaie Raymond G , Chiba Naoki , Fallone Carlo
Published: April 2016

The meetingHelicobacter pylori: Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Cure 2000, held in Bermuda from March 26 to 29, 2000, gathered physicians and scientists from all corners of the world. State-of-the-art reviews and the most recent developments in the field were presented. This article summarizes the highlights of this meeting, including important scientific and clinical developments.
Evolving Concepts of the Pathogenesis and Treatment of the Pruritus of Cholestasis
Authors: Jones E Anthony , Bergasa Nora V
Published: April 2016

The site of the pathogenic events responsible for initiating the pruritus of cholestasis has been assumed to be the skin. This assumption cannot be excluded but is not supported by convincing data. Empirical therapies such as anion exchange resins and rifampicin often appear to be partially efficacious. Recent evidence suggests that altered neurotransmission in the brain may contribute to this form of pruritus. In particular, the hypothesis that increased central opioidergic tone is involved is supported by three observations: opiate agonists induce opioid receptor-mediated scratching activity of central origin, central opioidergic tone is increased in cholestasis and opiate antagonists reduce scratching activity in cholestatic patients. Apparent subjective ameliorations of pruritus following intravenous administration of ondansetron to cholestatic patients suggest that altered serotoninergic neurotransmission may also contribute to this form of pruritus.
Possible Therapeutic Use of Loperamide for Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
Authors: Szilagyi Andrew , Torchinsky Alick , Colacone Antoinnette
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVES: To examine a potential practical therapeutic use of loperamide (Lo) to decrease the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:  Nineteen (eight men, 11 women) healthy lactose maldigesters (18 of 19 with symptoms) underwent a 25 g lactose challenge on five separate days. Breath hydrogen was measured, areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated for 4 h, and 4 and 12 h symptom scores were recorded. After establishing baseline measurements, test doses of 4 mg, 8 mg and 12 mg Lo were randomly administered without placebo in a double-blind manner. As well, each subject received seven lactase tablets, in a random, unblinded manner.

RESULTS: The median AUC and mean oral cecal transit time followed dose response expectations; however, only lactase treatment achieved significance. Nevertheless, 8 mg Lo significantly improved symptom scores, which were statistically indistinguishable from those of lactase. Four subjects complained of delayed constipation and cramps with various doses of Lo.

CONCLUSIONS: Lo monotherapy for lactose intolerance is not economical and may have some side effects. However, Lo may be studied further as an adjunctive treatment of lactose intolerance in an effort to reduce the need for complete lactose digestion. Such a manoeuvre may allow rapid colonic adaptation, which in turn may be beneficial for prophylaxis for a number of colonic diseases.
Health Information Provided by Retail Health Food Outlets
Authors: Calder Jaclyn , Issenman Robert , Cawdron Ruth
Published: April 2016

Alternative health practices have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many patients visit specific complementary practitioners, while others attempt to educate themselves, trusting advice from employees at local health food stores or the Internet. Thirty-two retail health food stores were surveyed on the nature of the information provided by their staff. A research assistant visited the stores and presented as the mother of a child in whom Crohn’s disease had been diagnosed. Seventy-two per cent (23 of 32) of store employees offered advice, such as to take nutritional and herbal supplements. Of the 23 stores where recommendations were made, 15 (65%) based their recommendation on a source of information. Fourteen of the 15 stores using information sources used the same reference book. This had a significant impact on the recommendations; the use of nutritional supplements was favoured. In conclusion, retail health food stores are not as inconsistent as hypothesized, although there are many variances in the types of supplements recommended for the same chronic disease.
Blood Transfusion Requirements after Liver Biopsy
Authors: O’Brien Brian D
Published: April 2016

It is common practice to type and screen the blood before performing a percutaneous liver biopsy. Many practitioners think that this is unnecessary but do not have a reason to change their practice. The requirements for transfusion after biopsy were determined in a consecutive sample of cases at a tertiary care teaching hospital with the use of health record review and the anecdotal recall of gastroenterologists and others performing biopsies. One of 266 liver biopsies required a transfusion after biopsy over a two-year period. One other case of hemorrhage with a fatal outcome was recalled by several individuals. It is concluded that the incidence of significant hemorrhage after liver biopsy is low, and that it may not be necessary to type and screen the blood of low risk patients before biopsy.
Gene Therapy Applications in Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Authors: Wu Catherine H , Shen Lanlan , Wu George Y
Published: April 2016

Advantages and disadvantages of viral vectors and nonviral vectors for gene delivery to digestive organs are reviewed. Advances in systems for the introduction of new gene expression are described, including self-deleting retroviral transfer vectors, chimeric viruses and chimeric oligonucleotides. Systems for inhibition of gene expression are discussed, including antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes and dominant-negative genes.
Update on Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Heathcote Jenny
Published: April 2016

The diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is most often made in the asymptomatic phase, sometimes before the development of abnormal liver biochemistry. The antimitochondrial antibody remains the predominant hallmark, although not all patients test positive, even when the most sensitive techniques are used. The etiology of PBC remains elusive; studies suggest that the interlobular bile duct destruction is immune based, and associated autoimmune diseases are common. There are no surrogate markers that predict outcome in asymptomatic patients, whose chance of survival is less than that of age- and sex-matched populations but much better than the median survival of eight years in patients with symptomatic PBC. Symptoms common in this disease are fatigue, pruritus and xanthelasma, as well as complications of portal hypertension and osteoporosis. Treatment includes symptomatic and preventive measures, as well as specific therapeutic measures. Immunosuppressive therapy has yielded disappointing results in the long term management of PBC, and the only therapy shown to improve survival is the hydrophobic dihydroxy bile acid ursodeoxycholic acid. Treatment at a dose of 13 to 15 mg/kg/day is optimal, given in separate doses or as a single dose at least 4 h from giving the oral anion exchange resin cholestyramine, which may be used to control pruritus. However, liver transplantation remains the only cure for this disease, and the best postoperative survival is seen in patients whose serum bilirubin does not exceed 180 µmol/L at the time of liver transplantation. Recurrence takes place but is rarely symptomatic and does not deter from the benefits of transplantation.
Ebolavirus Database: Gene and Protein Information Resource for Ebolaviruses
Authors: Swetha Rayapadi G. , Ramaiah Sudha , Anbarasu Anand , Sekar Kanagaraj
Published: April 2016

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a life-threatening haemorrhagic fever in humans. Even though there are many reports on EVD, the protein precursor functions and virulent factors of ebolaviruses remain poorly understood. Comparative analyses of Ebolavirus genomes will help in the identification of these important features. This prompted us to develop the Ebolavirus Database (EDB) and we have provided links to various tools that will aid researchers to locate important regions in both the genomes and proteomes of Ebolavirus. The genomic analyses of ebolaviruses will provide important clues for locating the essential and core functional genes. The aim of EDB is to act as an integrated resource for ebolaviruses and we strongly believe that the database will be a useful tool for clinicians, microbiologists, health care workers, and bioscience researchers.
Study on Relationship between Dielectric Constant and Water Content of Rock-Soil Mixture by Time Domain Reflectometry
Authors: Ling Daosheng , Zhao Yun , Wang Yunlong , Huang Bo
Published: April 2016

It is important to test water content of rock-soil mixtures efficiently and accurately to ensure both the quality control of compaction and assessment of the geotechnical engineering properties. To overcome time and energy wastage and probe insertion problems when using the traditional calibration method, a TDR coaxial test tube calibration arrangement using an upward infiltration method was designed. This arrangement was then used to study the influence of dry density, pore fluid conductivity, and soil/rock ratio on the relationship between water content and the dielectric constant of rock-soil mixtures. The results show that the empirical calibration equation forms for rock-soil mixtures can be the same as for soil materials. The effect of dry density on the calibration equation has the most significance and the influence of pore fluid conductivity can be ignored. The impact of variation of the soil/rock ratio can be neutralized by considering the effect of dry density in the calibration equation for the same kind of soil and rock. The empirical equations proposed by Zhao et al. show a good accuracy for rock-soil mixtures, indicating that the TDR method can be used to test gravimetric water content conveniently and efficiently without calibration in the field.
The Occurrence of Genetic Alterations during the Progression of Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Li Xiao-Chen , Liu Chenglin , Huang Tao , Zhong Yang
Published: April 2016

The interrelationship among genetic variations between the developing process of carcinoma and the order of occurrence has not been completely understood. Interpreting the mechanisms of copy number variation (CNV) is absolutely necessary for understanding the etiology of genetic disorders. Oncogenetic tree is a special phylogenetic tree inferential pictorial representation of oncogenesis. In our present study, we constructed oncogenetic tree to imitate the occurrence of genetic and cytogenetic alterations in human breast cancer. The oncogenetic tree model was built on CNV of ErbB2, AKT2, KRAS, PIK3CA, PTEN, and CCND1 genes in 963 cases of tumors with sequencing and CNA data of human breast cancer from TCGA. Results from the oncogenetic tree model indicate that ErbB2 copy number variation is the frequent early event of human breast cancer. The oncogenetic tree model based on the phylogenetic tree is a type of mathematical model that may eventually provide a better way to understand the process of oncogenesis.
Automatic Screening and Grading of Age-Related Macular Degeneration from Texture Analysis of Fundus Images
Authors: Phan Thanh Vân , Seoud Lama , Chakor Hadi , Cheriet Farida
Published: April 2016

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease which causes visual deficiency and irreversible blindness to the elderly. In this paper, an automatic classification method for AMD is proposed to perform robust and reproducible assessments in a telemedicine context. First, a study was carried out to highlight the most relevant features for AMD characterization based on texture, color, and visual context in fundus images. A support vector machine and a random forest were used to classify images according to the different AMD stages following the AREDS protocol and to evaluate the features’ relevance. Experiments were conducted on a database of 279 fundus images coming from a telemedicine platform. The results demonstrate that local binary patterns in multiresolution are the most relevant for AMD classification, regardless of the classifier used. Depending on the classification task, our method achieves promising performances with areas under the ROC curve between 0.739 and 0.874 for screening and between 0.469 and 0.685 for grading. Moreover, the proposed automatic AMD classification system is robust with respect to image quality.
Multiobjective Optimization of Turning Cutting Parameters for J-Steel Material
Authors: Abbas Adel T. , Hamza Karim , Aly Mohamed F. , Al-Bahkali Essam A.
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a multiobjective optimization study of cutting parameters in turning operation for a heat-treated alloy steel material (J-Steel) with Vickers hardness in the range of HV 365–395 using uncoated, unlubricated Tungsten-Carbide tools. The primary aim is to identify proper settings of the cutting parameters (cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut) that lead to reasonable compromises between good surface quality and high material removal rate. Thorough exploration of the range of cutting parameters was conducted via a five-level full-factorial experimental matrix of samples and the Pareto trade-off frontier is identified. The trade-off among the objectives was observed to have a “knee” shape, in which certain settings for the cutting parameters can achieve both good surface quality and high material removal rate within certain limits. However, improving one of the objectives beyond these limits can only happen at the expense of a large compromise in the other objective. An alternative approach for identifying the trade-off frontier was also tested via multiobjective implementation of the Efficient Global Optimization (m-EGO) algorithm. The m-EGO algorithm was successful in identifying two points within the good range of the trade-off frontier with 36% fewer experimental samples.
Virulent Properties of Russian Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Strains in Experimentally Infected Calves
Authors: Glotov Alexander G. , Glotova Tatyana I. , Koteneva Svetlana V. , Semenova Olga V. , Sergeev Alexander A. , Titova Ksenya A. , Morozova Anastasia A. , Sergeev Artemiy A.
Published: April 2016

The results of experimental study of three noncytopathic and two cytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) strains isolated from cattle in the Siberian region and belonging to the type 1 (subtypes 1a, 1b, and 1d) have been presented. All investigated strains caused the development of infectious process in the seronegative 4–6-month-old calves after aerosol challenge with the dose of 6 log10TCID50. The greatest virulence had noncytopathic strain and cytopathic strain related to the subtypes 1d and 1b, respectively. All strains in infected calves caused some signs of moderate acute respiratory disease and diarrhea: depression 3–5 days postinfection (p.i.), refusal to food, severe hyperthermia to 41.9°С, serous exudate discharges from the nasal cavity and eyes, transient diarrhea with blood, leukopenia (up to 2700 cells/mm3), and macroscopic changes in the respiratory organs and intestine. The infected animals recovered from 12 to 15 days p.i. and in 90% cases formed humoral immune response 25 days p.i. (antibody titers to BVDV: 1 : 4–1 : 16). Our results confirmed the presence of virulent BVDV1 strains and showed the need for researches on the molecular epidemiology of the disease, development of more effective diagnostic systems, and optimization of control programs with use of vaccines.
Dissolution of Metals from Biosolid-Treated Soils by Organic Acid Mixtures
Authors: Park Won-Pyo , Koo Bon-Jun , Chang Andrew C. , Ferko Thomas E. , Parker Jonathan R. , Ward Tracy H. , Lara Stephanie V. , Nguyen Chau M.
Published: April 2016

Results for the solubilization of metals from biosolid- (BSL-) treated soils by simulated organic acid-based synthetic root exudates (OA mixtures) of differing composition and concentrations are presented. This study used two BSL-treated Romona soils and a BSL-free Romona soil control that were collected from experimental plots of a long-term BSL land application experiment. Results indicate that the solubility of metals in a BSL-treated soil with 0.01 and 0.1 M OA mixtures was significantly higher than that of 0.001 M concentrations. Differences in composition of OAs caused by BSL treatment and the length of growing periods did not affect the solubility of metals. There were no significant differences in organic composition and metals extracted for plants grown at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. The amount of metals extracted tended to decrease with the increase of the pH. Results of metal dissolution kinetics indicate two-stage metal dissolution. A rapid dissolution of metals occurred in the first 15 minutes. For Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn, approximately 60–70% of the metals were released in the first 15 minutes while the initial releases for Cr and Pb were approximately 30% of the total. It was then followed by a slow but steady release of additional metals over 48 hours.
Work Loss Duration and Predictors Following Rectal Cancer Treatment among Patients with and without Prediagnostic Work Loss
Authors: Chen Lingjing , Glimelius Ingrid , Neovius Martin , Ekberg Sara , Martling Anna , Eloranta Sandra , Smedby Karin E.
Published: April 2016

Background: The number of working-age rectal cancer survivors is increasing due to early detection and improved treatment. However, work loss duration and predictors among them have not been studied thoroughly.

Methods: We identified 3,438 patients with stage I–III rectal cancer, 18 to 61 years of age in the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Register 1996–2009. Information on work loss due to sick leave or disability pension was collected from 2 years before diagnosis to 5 years after (until December 31st, 2013). Incidence rate ratios (IRR) of work loss were estimated in a negative binominal model by clinical characteristics for the 1st and 2nd–5th years after diagnosis. Patients were stratified by prediagnostic work loss.

Results: Patients without prediagnostic work loss (74%) experienced median 147 days (25th and 75th percentile: 55 and 281) of work loss during the 1st year after diagnosis. Work loss rates (2nd–5th years) were significantly increased among relapse-free patients diagnosed in stage III [IRR = 1.92; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.52–2.43], operated with abdominoperineal resection (IRR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.03–1.56), and treated with neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy (IRR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.06–2.02). Patients with prediagnostic work loss (26%) experienced median 336 days (25th and 75th percentile: 183 and 365) of work loss during the 1st year, and rates did not vary clinically till 5 years.

Conclusion: Without prediagnostic work loss, disease- and treatment-related factors could help identify rectal cancer patients in need of early interventions to facilitate return to work.

Impact: Clinical awareness around prediagnostic and postdiagnostic work loss and individualized cancer rehabilitation programs should be emphasized among cancer survivors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(6); 987–94. ©2016 AACR.
Chromosome r(3)(p25.3q29) in a Patient with Developmental Delay and Congenital Heart Defects: A Case Report and a Brief Literature Review
Authors: Zhang Kaihui , Song Fengling , Zhang Dongdong , Liu Yong , Zhang Haiyan , Wang Ying , Dong Rui , Zhang Yufeng , Liu Yi , Gai Zhongtao
Published: April 2016

Ring chromosome 3, r(3), is an extremely rare cytogenetic abnormality with clinical heterogeneity and only 12 cases reported in the literature. Here, we report a 1-year-old girl presenting distinctive facial features, developmental delay, and congenital heart defects with r(3) and a ∼10-Mb deletion of chromosome 3pterp25.3 (61,891-9,979,408) involving 42 known genes which was detected using G-banding karyotyping and CytoScan 750K-Array. The breakpoints in r(3) were mapped at 3p25.3 and 3q29. We also analyzed the available information on the clinical features of the reported cases with r(3) and 3p deletion syndrome in order to provide more valuable information of genotype-phenotype correlations. To our knowledge, this is the largest detected fragment described in r(3) cases and the second r(3) study using whole-genome microarray.
Acute Corneal Toxicity of Diquas
Authors: Mohamed Yasser Helmy , Uematsu Masafumi , Ueki Ryotaro , Inoue Daisuke , Fujikawa Azusa , Sasaki Hitoshi , Kitaoka Takashi
Published: April 2016

Aim: This study aimed to investigate acute corneal toxicity of commercially available diquafosol 3% ophthalmic solution (Diquas®), which contains C12 benzalkonium chloride (BAC) as a preservative. Methods: Corneal transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) changes after a 60-second exposure to Diquas® (diquafosol 3% preserved with 0.0075% C12 BAC); 0.0075% C12 BAC and 0.0075% C12, C14, C16 BAC mixture were measured in living rabbits. Corneal damage was also examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) was used as a control. Results: Diquas® and 0.0075% C12 BAC did not produce any significant decrease in the corneal TER as compared to the HBSS control eyes. There was a significant decrease in the corneal TER after exposure of the cornea to the 0.0075% C12, C14, C16 BAC mixture (p < 0.01). SEM revealed that the superficial cells of the corneas exposed to the 0.0075% BAC mixture were damaged and exhibited degenerated microvilli. Conversely, the superficial cells of corneas exposed to Diquas® or 0.0075% C12 BAC appeared normal and had normal microvilli under SEM examinations. Conclusion: The acute corneal toxicity of Diquas® is less than that of the 0.0075% BAC mixture. Diquas® preserved with 0.0075% C12 BAC did not show acute corneal toxicity.
NET Blood Transcript Analysis Defines the Crossing of the Clinical Rubicon: When Stable Disease Becomes Progressive
Authors: Pavel Marianne , Jann Henning , Prasad Vikas , Drozdov Ignat , Modlin Irvin M. , Kidd Mark
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims: A key issue in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) is early identification and prediction of disease progression. Clinical evaluation and imaging are limited due to the lack of sensitivity and disease indolence. We assessed the NETest as a predictive and prognostic marker of progression in a long-term follow-up study. Methods: GEP-NETs (n = 34) followed for a median 4 years (2.2-5.4) were evaluated. WHO tumor grade/stage grade 1: n = 17, grade 2: n = 14, grade 3: n = 1 (for 2, no grade was available); 31 (91%) were stage IV. Baseline and longitudinal imaging and blood biomarkers were available in all, and progression was defined per standard clinical protocols (RECIST 1.0). The NETest was measured by quantitative PCR of blood and multianalyte algorithmic analysis (disease activity scaled 0-100% with low <40% and high activity risk cutoffs >80%); chromogranin A (CgA) was measured by radioimmunoassay (normal <150 µg/l); progression-free survival (PFS) was analyzed by Cox proportional-hazard regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: At baseline, 100% were NETest positive, and CgA was elevated in 50%. The only baseline variable (Cox modeling) associated with PFS was NETest (hazard ratio = 1.022, 95% confidence interval = 1.005-1.04; p < 0.012). Using Kaplan-Meier analyses, the baseline NETest (>80%) was significantly associated (p = 0.01) with disease progression (median PFS 0.68 vs. 2.78 years with <40% levels). The NETest was more informative (96%) than CgA changes (>25%) in consistently predicting disease alterations (40%, p < 2 × 10-5, χ2 = 18). The NETest had an earlier time point change than imaging (1.02 ± 0.15 years). Baseline NETest levels >40% in stable disease were 100% prognostic of disease progression versus CgA (χ2 = 5, p < 0.03). Baseline NETest values <40% accurately (100%) predicted stability over 5 years (p = 0.05, χ2 = 3.8 vs. CgA). Conclusion: The NETest correlated with a well-differentiated GEP-NET clinical status. The NETest has predictive and prognostic utility for GEP-NETs identifying clinically actionable alterations ∼1 year before image-based evidence of progression.
Left atrial size and risk of stroke in patients in sinus rhythm
Authors: Overvad Thure Filskov , Nielsen Peter Brønnum , Larsen Torben Bjerregaard , Søgaard Peter
Published: April 2016

Little is known about the risk of stroke associated with left atrial enlargement in patients in sinus rhythm, and whether such patients may have an unmet need for thromboprophylaxis. In this systematic review we summarise the existing evidence concerning left atrial size and risk of stroke in patients in sinus rhythm. Nine cohort studies were identified, analysing a total of 67,875 participants and 3,093 stroke outcomes. Rates of stroke per 100 person-years in patients with left atrial enlargement and in sinus rhythm ranged from 0.59 in a population-based cohort to 2.06 in patients referred for echocardiography. All studies reported a higher risk of stroke with larger/enlarged left atrium compared to smaller/normal sized left atrium. Two studies found indications of modification by sex, with only positive associations observed in women. Left atrial enlargement may represent an important predictor of stroke across a variety of patient populations in sinus rhythm. The underlying aetiology explaining this observed higher risk is likely to be multifactorial and not confined to a potential direct effect of left atrial enlargement on thromboembolic risk. Formal stroke risk stratification among patients with left atrial enlargement may further help identify patients who stand to gain from preventive antithrombotic therapy.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Brain–Gut–Bone Marrow Axis
Authors: Santisteban Monica M. , Kim Seungbum , Pepine Carl J. , Raizada Mohan K.
Published: April 2016

Hypertension is the most prevalent modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and disorders directly influencing cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, etc. Despite aggressive attempts to influence lifestyle modifications and advances in pharmacotherapeutics, a large percentage of patients still do not achieve recommended blood pressure control worldwide. Thus, we think that mechanism-based novel strategies should be considered to significantly improve control and management of hypertension. The overall objective of this review is to summarize implications of peripheral- and neuroinflammation as well as the autonomic nervous system–bone marrow communication in hematopoietic cell homeostasis and their impact on hypertension pathophysiology. In addition, we discuss the novel and emerging field of intestinal microbiota and roles of gut permeability and dysbiosis in cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Finally, we propose a brain–gut–bone marrow triangular interaction hypothesis and discuss its potential in the development of novel therapies for hypertension.
Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter in Pregnant Women—A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Lee Ming‐Sum , Chen Wansu , Zhang Zilu , Duan Lewei , Ng Angie , Spencer Hillard T. , Kwan Damon M. , Shen Albert Y.‐J.
Published: April 2016

Background

The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (
AF
) in pregnant women and to examine the impact of
AF
on maternal and fetal outcomes.

Methods and Results

Between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2013, there were 264 730 qualifying pregnancies (in 210 356 women) in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California hospitals, among whom
AF
was noted in 157 pregnancies (129 women; 61.3 per 100 000 women, or 59.3 per 100 000 pregnancies). Prevalence of
AF
(per 100 000 women) in white, black, Asian, and Hispanic women was 111.6, 101.7, 45.0, and 34.3, respectively. Older age was associated with higher odds of having
AF
. Compared to women <25 years of age, the odds ratio (
OR
) of
AF
was 4.1 in women age 30 to 34 years, 4.9 in women age 35 to 39 years, and 5.2 in women age ≥40. Odds of
AF
episodes were higher during the third trimester compared to the first trimester (
OR
, 3.2; 95%
CI
: 1.5–7.7). Among
AF
patients, adverse maternal cardiac events were rare—2 women developed heart failure and there were no strokes or systemic embolic events and no maternal death. There were 156 live births (99.4% of all pregnancies). Compared to women without
AF
, fetal birth weights were similar, but rate for neonates’ admission to the neonatal intensive care unit was higher (10.8% vs 5.1%;
P
=0.003).

Conclusions

AF
is rare in pregnant women. Certain factors such as increased maternal age and white race increase the odds of having
AF
. Major maternal and fetal complications are infrequent, albeit a source of concern.
Digital Connectedness in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Fox Caroline S. , Hwang Shih‐Jen , Nieto Kenneth , Valentino Maureen , Mutalik Karen , Massaro Joseph M. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Murabito Joanne M.
Published: April 2016

Background

New avenues of data collection such as
eH
ealth and mobile technology have the potential to revolutionize the way large populations can be assessed and managed outside of standard research and clinical settings.

Methods and Results

A digital connectedness survey was administered within the Framingham Heart Study from 2014 to 2015. The exposure was usage of the Internet, email, cell phones, and smartphones in relation to demographic and cardiovascular disease risk factors; all results were adjusted for age and sex. Among 8096 living study participants, 6503 (80.3%) completed the digital survey. Among survey responders, 5678 (87.4%) reported regular Internet use. Participants reporting regular Internet use were younger (aged 59.1 versus 76.5 years,
P
<0.0001), were more likely to be employed (70.3% versus 23.7%,
P
=0.002), and had more favorable cardiovascular disease risk factors than those who did not use the Internet (all
P
≤0.05). Overall, 5946 (92.1%) responders reported using cell phones. Among cell phone users, 3907 (67.8%) had smartphones. Smartphone users were younger (aged 55.4 versus 68.5 years,
P
<0.0001), more likely to be employed (81.1% versus 43.9%,
P
<0.0001) and to have a college education, and less likely to have hypertension (27.9% versus 55.7%,
P
=0.0002) than those who did not use smartphones.

Conclusions

Digital connectedness varies substantially by age; connected persons tend to be younger and better educated and to have more favorable cardiovascular disease risk factor profiles. Less than two‐thirds of study participants who completed the survey had a smartphone. The generalizability of studies focused on digitally connected persons may have limitations.
The Growth of the Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches in Indonesia
Authors: de Jong Kees
Published: April 2016

In Indonesia, a country with a Muslim majority, Pentecostal / Charismatic churches are growing in urban contexts. Young people especially are attracted by the living worship of the Pentecostal / Charismatic churches, organised very professionally with an integration of multimedia, music, decor and lighting. The pop and rock music is most attractive, in combination with the sermons of the pastors which are simple and near to the daily life experiences, showing how Jesus is near to everybody, giving comfort, forgiveness, healing, direction and even material prosperity and happiness. Young people, coming from the countryside to big cities appreciate Pentecostal / Charismatic churches as a sign of modernity. As regards their relations with Islam, some Muslims do not like the worship of Pentecostal / Charismatic churches in big shopping malls. Other Muslims benefit from the social activities of Pentecostal / Charismatic churches, on condition that they are not forced to become Christians. Most of the relations are indifferent, as long as they do not disturb each other.
Judgments of Religiosity following Minimal Interaction
Authors: Meagher Benjamin R.
Published: April 2016

In the current study, unacquainted groups of both religious Christians and nonreligious atheists/agnostics rated themselves and each other on a number of attributes, including religiosity and morality. A Social Relations analysis revealed small, but statistically significant levels of consensus for impressions of religiosity. Subsequent correlations indicated that groups relied on the target's gender and race to reach consensus. Analyses of participants’ idiosyncratic ratings revealed similarity between religious and non-religious perceivers in terms of their association of high morality with religiousness. Religious identification did moderate the relationship between religiosity and emotional stability, as well as between religiosity and extraversion. These results indicate that group stereotypes for religiosity are largely shared among both adherents and non-adherents.
Limonium tobarrense (Plumbaginaceae), a new species from the southeastern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: MORENO JOAQUÍN , TERRONES ALEJANDRO , ALONSO MARÍA ÁNGELES , JUAN ANA , CRESPO MANUEL B.
Published: April 2016

A new species, Limonium tobarrense (Plumbaginaceae), is described from the inland saltmarsh of Cordovilla (Tobarra) in Albacete province, southeastern Iberian Peninsula. This new species is morphologically close to the taxa belonging to the Limonium girardianum group, but there are remarkable differences suggesting separation at species rank. Comparisons are provided with L. dufourii, L. girardianum and L. grosii using multivariate analysis. The principal component analysis (PCA) shows four separated groups, each corresponding to the four species considered. Ecological, phytosociological, bioclimatic, biogeographic and reproductive features of the new species are also discussed, as well as its conservation status. A diagnostic key is provided to facilitate identification of L. tobarrense and its closer allies.
Robinson, A.S., Gironella, E.P. & Cervancia, J.M. (2016) New orchid species of Sigmatodactylus (Orchidoideae; Diurideae) and a new record of Cryptostylis carinata from central Palawan, Philippines. Phytotaxa 252 (2): 99–113.
Authors: ROBINSON ALASTAIR S. , GIRONELLA ELIZABETH P. , CERVANCIA JEHSON M.
Published: April 2016

Two new species of Stigmatodactylus from Palawan Island in the Philippines are described and illustrated. The taxa, which represent the first records for the genus Stigmatodactylus in the Philippines, are restricted to the ultramafic peaks of central Palawan. Cryptostylis carinata, originally described from New Guinea, is also documented, representing a first record for this species in Palawan.
Understanding Anomalous Eddy Vorticity Forcing in North Atlantic Oscillation Events
Authors: Song Jie
Published: April 2016

This study proposes an anomalous eddy vorticity forcing (EVF) decomposing procedure to investigate physical mechanisms responsible for the formation of the anomalous EVF associated with North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) events. Utilizing the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) dynamical core atmospheric model, a series of NAO initial-value short-term experiments are conducted. Applying the EVF decomposing procedure to the results of these experiments, the anomalous nonlinear EVF associated with the NAO events in the model can be decomposed into several fundamental linear eddy–eddy interaction terms and an unimportant nonlinear eddy–eddy interaction term. Compared with the NAO-free situation, synoptic-scale eddies have faster (slower) eastward phase speeds during the positive (negative) NAO events. Through a synoptic-scale eddy–eddy interaction mechanism, the behaviors of anomalous EVF components in the positive (negative) NAO events are well explained by synoptic-scale eddies with faster (slower) eastward phase speeds. Therefore, synoptic-scale eddies with faster (slower) eastward phase speeds are responsible for the development of the anomalous EVF associated with positive (negative) NAO events. Note that at the initial stage of the NAO initial-value experiments, the faster (slower) phase speeds of the synoptic-scale eddies are specified by modifying the initial-value fields and then are amplified/maintained by the strengthening (weakening) zonal wind in the middle and high latitudes associated with the approaching positive (negative)-phase NAO. Therefore, this study indicates that the properties of the synoptic-scale eddies at the initial stage determine the upcoming NAO anomalies.
Addressing domestic violence in Canada and the United States: The uneasy co-habitation of women and the state
Authors: Abraham Margaret , Tastsoglou Evangelia
Published: April 2016

Feminist sociologists and activists have drawn attention to how violence against women is linked to structural and cultural factors that subordinate women, mainly intersecting inequalities and limited rights. Mobilization by the Battered Women’s and Anti-Violence Movements, media attention, legislation, and policy have increased awareness and support to address violence against women. However, activists and researchers have also critiqued the problems with invoking the power of the state. The authors interrogate the role of the state in addressing domestic violence, especially in the context of immigration in the neoliberal era. More specifically, they examine how domestic violence, as legal and policy discourse, has been framed in Canada and the US, and the resulting forms of intervention. Through a critical literature review the authors show how this framing impacts immigrant and racialized women facing domestic violence. The article highlights problems and gaps in the respective discourses, as well as indicates possibilities for change.
A Comparative Study of the Use of Affective Markers in Supervision Comments: Case of Native versus Non-native Supervision Comments
Authors: Ashtarian Soroor , Weisi Hiwa
Published: April 2016

Investigating supervision comments, as a form of interaction between the teacher and the learner, is an area of research that has received little attention so far in spite of being crucial in creating an atmosphere of friendship and confidence-building. Previous research in this area has emphasized the role of affect in supervision comments in distance learning, however, this issue has not been investigated with regard to native versus non-native supervisors’ comments in face-to-face supervision settings. To address this, an attempt was made, in this study, to examine the use of affective markers in the supervision comments provided by native/non-native supervisors on MA TESOL/TEFL Iranian students. To do so, the written comments of the supervisors on the students’ theses were analysed using a framework called Cross-Cultural Speech Act Realization Project (CSARP) Coding Manual. The results indicated that the non-native supervisors tended to rely entirely on ‘bold on record’ strategies for providing written comments on their students’ theses and this was in contrast to the native supervisors’ tendency to use ‘redressive moves’ with affective markers rather than non-redressive or direct moves. The percentage of application of internal and external ‘redressive moves’ was another finding of the present study.
Thermal resistance of cut pile hand tufted carpet and its prediction
Authors: Diswat Jaruwan , Hes Lubos , Bal Kausik
Published: April 2016

A mathematical model based on the principles of conductive heat transfer is presented to predict the thermal resistance of cut pile carpet. The cut pile carpet assembly is considered as a network of thermal resistances of the tuft yarns, trapped air, and the primary backing fabric. A straightforward calculation of the thermal resistance was not possible as the data for thermal conductivity of the tuft yarns along their axes was not known. Therefore, the calculation of thermal conductivity in the direction of the yarn axis was based on the construction of surface pile and on the measured thermal resistance of carpet for a set of samples. Theoretical thermal resistances of another set of cut pile carpets were calculated by applying the developed thermal model. The results show that the simple network model is robust and gives reasonable values by using the carpet construction parameters. The model can be used for engineering of cut pile carpets to provide a desired level of thermal insulation.
Mathematical modeling, simulation and validation of the dynamic yarn path in a superconducting magnet bearing (SMB) ring spinning system
Authors: Hossain M , Telke C , Sparing M , Abdkader A , Nocke A , Unger R , Fuchs G , Berger A , Cherif C , Beitelschmidt M , Schultz L
Published: April 2016

The new concept of a superconducting magnetic bearing (SMB) system can be implemented as a twisting element instead of the existing one in a ring spinning machine, thus overcoming one of its main frictional limitations. In the SMB, a permanent magnet (PM) ring rotates freely above the superconducting ring due to the levitation forces. The revolution of the PM ring imparts twists similarly to the traveler in the existing twisting system. In this paper, the forces acting on the dynamic yarn path resulting from this new technology are investigated and described with a mathematical model. The equation of yarn movement between the delivery rollers and the PM ring is integrated with the Runge-Kutta method using MATLAB. Thus, the developed model can estimate the yarn tension and balloon form according to different spindle speeds considering the dynamic behavior of the permanent magnet of the SMB system. To validate the model, the important relevant process parameters, such as the yarn tension, are measured at different regions of the yarn path, and the balloon forms are recorded during spinning with the SMB system using a high speed camera.