bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thinker, Soldier, Scribe: cross-sectional study of researchers' roles and author order in theAnnals of Internal Medicine
Authors: Perneger Thomas V , Poncet Antoine , Carpentier Marc , Agoritsas Thomas , Combescure Christophe , Gayet-Ageron Angèle
Published: June 2017

Objective

How researchers’ contributions relate to author order on the byline remains unclear. We sought to identify researchers’ contributions associated with author order, and to explore the existence of author profiles.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Published record.

Participants

1139 authors of 119 research articles published in 2015 in theAnnals of Internal Medicine.

Primary outcomes

Presence or absence of 10 contributions, reported by each author, published in the journal.

Results

On average, first authors reported 7.1 contributions, second authors 5.2, middle authors 4.0, penultimate authors 4.5 and last authors 6.4 (p<0.001). The first author made the greatest contributions to drafting the article, designing the study, analysing and interpreting the data, and providing study materials or patients. The second author contributed to data analysis as well and to drafting the article. The last author was most involved in obtaining the funding, critically revising the article, designing the study and providing support. Factor analysis yielded three author profiles—Thinker(study design, revision of article, obtaining funding),Soldier(providing material or patients, providing administrative and logistical support, collecting data) andScribe(analysis and interpretation of data, drafting the article, statistical expertise). These profiles do not strictly correspond to byline position.

Conclusions

First, second and last authors of research articles made distinct contributions to published research. Three authorship profiles can be used to summarise author contributions. These findings shed light on the organisation of clinical research teams and may help researchers discuss, plan and report authorship in a more transparent way.
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the older population in Ireland
Authors: Tanner Richard , Masterson Siobhan , Jensen Mette , Wright Peter , Hennelly David , O’Reilly Martin , Murphy Andrew W , Bury Gerard , O’Donnell Cathal , Deasy Conor
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Age influences survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) but it is unclear to what extent. Improved understanding of the impact of increasing age may be helpful in improving decision making on who should receive attempted resuscitation to optimise outcomes and minimise inappropriate end-of-life management. Our aim is to describe the demographics, characteristics and outcomes following resuscitation attempts in OHCA patients aged 70 years and older in Ireland.

Methods

Data were extracted from the national OHCA Register. Patient and event characteristics were compared across three age categories (70-79; 80-89; ≥90 years). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of the primary outcome (survival to hospital discharge).

Results

A total of 2281 patients aged 70 years and older were attended by emergency medical services and had resuscitation attempted between 2012 and 2014. Overall survival to hospital discharge was 2.9%. For those aged 70–79 years, 80–89 years, 90 years and older survival to hospital discharge in each age group was 4.0%, 1.8% and 1.4%, respectively. Older age (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.95 95% CI 0.90 to 0.99) and having an arrest in the subjects own home (AOR 0.14 95% CI 0.07 to 0.28) were independent predictor associated with reduced odds of survival to hospital discharge. An initial shockable rhythm (AOR 17.9. 95% CI 8.19 to 39.2) and having a bystander witnessed OHCA (AOR 3.98. 95% CI 1.38 to 11.50) were independent predictors associated with increased odds of survival to hospital discharge.

Conclusion

In those aged 70 years and older, the rate of survival to hospital discharge declined with increasing age group. Younger age, an initial shockable rhythm and witnessed arrest were independent predictors of survival to hospital discharge.
Dynamics ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection as a determinant of progression of gastric precancerous lesions: 16-year follow-up of an eradication trial
Authors: Mera Robertino M , Bravo Luis E , Camargo M Constanza , Bravo Juan C , Delgado Alberto G , Romero-Gallo Judith , Yepez Maria C , Realpe José L , Schneider Barbara G , Morgan Douglas R , Peek Richard M , Correa Pelayo , Wilson Keith T , Piazuelo M Blanca
Published: June 2017

Objective

To evaluate the long-term effect of cumulative time exposed toHelicobacter pyloriinfection on the progression of gastric lesions.

Design

795 adults with precancerous gastric lesions were randomised to receive anti-H. pyloritreatment at baseline. Gastric biopsies were obtained at baseline and at 3, 6, 12 and 16 years. A total of 456 individuals attended the 16-year visit. Cumulative time ofH. pyloriexposure was calculated as the number of years infected during follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk of progression to a more advanced diagnosis (versus no change/regression) as well as gastric cancer risk by intestinal metaplasia (IM) subtype. For a more detailed analysis of progression, we also used a histopathology score assessing both severity and extension of the gastric lesions (range 1–6). The score difference between baseline and 16 years was modelled by generalised linear models.

Results

Individuals who were continuously infected withH. pylorifor 16 years had a higher probability of progression to a more advanced diagnosis than those who cleared the infection and remained negative after baseline (p=0.001). Incomplete-type IM was associated with higher risk of progression to cancer than complete-type (OR, 11.3; 95% CI 1.4 to 91.4). The average histopathology score increased by 0.20 units/year (95% CI 0.12 to 0.28) among individuals continuously infected withH. pylori. The effect of cumulative time of infection on progression in the histopathology score was significantly higher for individuals with atrophy (without IM) than for individuals with IM (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Long-term exposure toH. pyloriinfection was associated with progression of precancerous lesions. Individuals infected withH. pyloriwith these lesions may benefit from eradication, particularly those with atrophic gastritis without IM. Incomplete-type IM may be a useful marker for the identification of individuals at higher risk for cancer.
Selling a gun to a stranger without a background check: acceptable behaviour?
Authors: Hemenway David , Azrael Deborah , Miller Matthew
Published: June 2017

Objective

One way that guns get into the wrong hands is via gun sales without a background check. While the large majority of Americans support laws requiring universal background checks, no prior study has assessed whether Americans think it is acceptable behaviour to sell a gun to a stranger without a background check, whether or not there is a law against it.

Methods

We sponsored a nationally representative survey of over 3900 American adults, oversampling gun owners, using an online panel provided by the survey firm Growth for Knowledge.

Results

Over 72% of American adults agree or strongly agree with the statement that ‘whether it is legal or not, it is NOT acceptable to sell a gun to a stranger without a background check’ and 11% disagree or strongly disagree. Subgroups less likely to agree are young adults, men, conservatives, those with less than a high school education and gun owners.

Conclusion

Reducing the number of guns sold without a background check could help reduce the flow of guns to felons. Changes in normative attitudes and behaviours, as well as changes in law, could help accomplish this goal. Most Americans, including gun owners, believe selling a gun to a stranger without a background check is not acceptable behaviour.
Application of material balance methods to CO
2
storage capacity estimation within selected depleted gas reservoirs
Authors: Clarke A. L. , Imber J. , Davies R. J. , van Hunen J. , Daniels S. E. , Yielding G.
Published: June 2017

Depleted gas reservoirs are potential sites for CO
2
storage; therefore, it is important to evaluate their storage capacity. Historically, there have been difficulties in identifying the reservoir drive mechanism of gas reservoirs using traditional
P
/
z
plots, having direct impacts for the estimation of the original gas in place (OGIP) and dependent parameters for both theoretical and effective CO
2
storage capacity estimation. Cole plots have previously provided an alternative method of characterization, being derived from the gas material balance equation. We use production data to evaluate the reservoir drive mechanism in four depleted gas reservoirs (Hewett Lower Bunter, Hewett Upper Bunter, and North and South Morecambe) on the UK Continental Shelf. Cole plots suggest that the North Morecambe and Hewett Upper Bunter reservoirs experience moderate water drive. Accounting for cumulative water influx into these reservoirs, the OGIP decreases by up to 20% compared with estimates from
P
/
z
plots. The revised OGIP values increase recovery factors within these reservoirs; hence, geometrically based theoretical storage capacity estimates for the North Morecambe and Hewett Upper Bunter reservoirs increase by 4 and 30%, respectively. Material balance approaches yield more conservative estimates. Effective storage capacity estimates are between 64 and 86% of theoretical estimates within the depletion drive reservoirs, and are 53 – 79% within the water drive reservoirs.

Supplementary material:
A more detailed description of the aquifer modelling is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3803770.v1
Artificial intelligence poised to ride a new wave
Authors: Anthes Gary
Published: June 2017

Flush with recent successes, and pushed by even newer technology, AI systems could get much smarter.
Unknowns of the gig-economy
Authors: Greenwood Brad , Burtch Gordon , Carnahan Seth
Published: June 2017

Seeking multidisciplinary research into the rapidly evolving gig-economy.
Response preparation and execution during intentional bimanual pattern switching
Authors: Maslovat Dana , Carter Michael J. , Carlsen Anthony N.
Published: June 2017

During continuous bimanual coordination, in-phase (IP; 0° relative phase) and anti-phase (AP; 180° relative phase) patterns can be stably performed without practice. Paradigms in which participants are required to intentionally switch between these coordination patterns have been used to investigate the interaction between the performer’s intentions and intrinsic dynamics of the body’s preferred patterns. The current study examined the processes associated with switching preparation and execution through the use of a startling acoustic stimulus (SAS) as the switch stimulus. A SAS is known to involuntarily trigger preprogrammed responses at a shortened latency and, thus, can be used to probe advance preparation. Participants performed cyclical IP and AP bimanual elbow extension-flexion movements in which they were required to switch patterns in response to an auditory switch cue, which was either nonstartling (80 dB) or a SAS (120 dB). Results indicated that reaction time to the switch stimulus (i.e., switch onset) was significantly reduced on startle trials, indicative of advance preparation of the switch response. Similarly, switching time was reduced on startle trials, which was attributed to increased neural activation caused by the SAS. Switching time was also shorter for AP to IP trials, but only when the switching stimulus occurred at either the midpoint or reversal locations within the movement cycle, suggesting that the switch location may affect the intrinsic dynamics of the system.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The current study provides novel information regarding preparation and execution of intentional switching between in-phase and anti-phase bimanual coordination patterns. Using a startling acoustic stimulus, we provide strong evidence that the switching response is prepared before the switch stimulus, and switch execution is accelerated by the startling stimulus. In addition, the time required to switch between patterns and relative limb contribution is dependent upon where in the movement cycle the switch stimulus occurred.
Discrimination of curvature from motion during smooth pursuit eye movements and fixation
Authors: Ross Nicholas M. , Goettker Alexander , Schütz Alexander C. , Braun Doris I. , Gegenfurtner Karl R.
Published: June 2017

Smooth pursuit and motion perception have mainly been investigated with stimuli moving along linear trajectories. Here we studied the quality of pursuit movements to curved motion trajectories in human observers and examined whether the pursuit responses would be sensitive enough to discriminate various degrees of curvature. In a two-interval forced-choice task subjects pursued a Gaussian blob moving along a curved trajectory and then indicated in which interval the curve was flatter. We also measured discrimination thresholds for the same curvatures during fixation. Motion curvature had some specific effects on smooth pursuit properties: trajectories with larger amounts of curvature elicited lower open-loop acceleration, lower pursuit gain, and larger catch-up saccades compared with less curved trajectories. Initially, target motion curvatures were underestimated; however, ∼300 ms after pursuit onset pursuit responses closely matched the actual curved trajectory. We calculated perceptual thresholds for curvature discrimination, which were on the order of 1.5 degrees of visual angle (°) for a 7.9° curvature standard. Oculometric sensitivity to curvature discrimination based on the whole pursuit trajectory was quite similar to perceptual performance. Oculometric thresholds based on smaller time windows were higher. Thus smooth pursuit can quite accurately follow moving targets with curved trajectories, but temporal integration over longer periods is necessary to reach perceptual thresholds for curvature discrimination.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Even though motion trajectories in the real world are frequently curved, most studies of smooth pursuit and motion perception have investigated linear motion. We show that pursuit initially underestimates the curvature of target motion and is able to reproduce the target curvature ∼300 ms after pursuit onset. Temporal integration of target motion over longer periods is necessary for pursuit to reach the level of precision found in perceptual discrimination of curvature.
Filter Design for Continuous‐Time Linear Systems Subject to Sensor Saturation
Authors: Lacerda Márcio J.
Published: June 2017

This paper presents new sufficient conditions to cope with the filtering problem for continuous‐time linear systems subject to sensor saturation. A generalized sector condition has been used to handle the saturation in the measured output. The performance was considered and a quadratic Lyapunov function was employed in order to derive the design conditions. The conditions are presented in terms of matrix inequalities that become linear when a scalar parameter is fixed. The efficiency of the proposed conditions and their capability to deal with different levels of saturation are illustrated by numerical examples.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Phenotype, Metformin, and Survival for Colorectal Cancer Patients with Diabetes Mellitus II
Authors: Wang Yaodu , Wu Zhiyang , Hu Likuan
Published: June 2017

Objectives. We aimed to explore the association between metformin treatment and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and further appraise the prognostic values of metformin and EMT markers E-cadherin and vimentin for colorectal cancer (CRC) in clinical practice.Methods. We collected specimens and evaluated clinicopathological parameters of 102 stage I to III CRC patients with prediagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM II). Expression of E-cadherin and vimentin in tumors was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 19.0.Results. In correlation tests, we found a lower tumor cell EMT degree (more E-cadherin (P=0.014) and less vimentin (P=0.011) expression in patients who used metformin, and the expression of E-cadherin and vimentin was associated with serum CA19-9 (P=0.048,P=0.009), tumor invasive depth (T) (P<0.001,P=0.045), and lymph invasion (N) (P=0.013,P=0.001). In Cox multivariate regression analysis, E-cadherin was identified as a prognostic factor for disease-free survival (DFS) (P=0.038) and metformin use (P=0.015P=0.044) and lymph invasion (P=0.016P=0.023) were considered as the prognostic factors for both DFS and overall survival (OS).Conclusion. Our study suggested that metformin may impede the EMT process and improve survival for stage I–III CRC patients with DM II.
A Unique Case of Muscle-Invasive Metastatic Breast Cancer Mimicking Myositis
Authors: Gyorffy Janelle , Philbrick Samuel M. , Bersabe Adrian R. , Upton Richard J. , Mathis Derek A. , Peters Austin , Brown Alexander
Published: June 2017

Breast cancer rarely metastasizes to the muscles, and it is even more unusual for this phenomenon to result in airway compromise. We present a unique case of an 84-year-old female who presented with neck swelling and upper airway obstruction due to metastatic breast cancer invading the sternocleidomastoid muscles. After establishing the diagnosis and discussing possible treatment options, the patient elected for antiestrogen therapy, palliative tracheostomy, radiation therapy, and hospice services.
Design and Development Framework of Safety-Critical Software in HTR-PM
Authors: Guo Chao , Xiong Huasheng , Huang Xiaojin , Li Duo
Published: June 2017

With the development of information technology, the instrumentation and control system of nuclear power plant nowadays rely heavily on the massive and complex software to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the power plant. The improvement of the software design and development for the safety systems has been a research focus for its decisive impact on the nuclear safety. The framework of the software design and development for reactor protection system in High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor-Pebble bed Module was introduced in this paper. Firstly, during the design period, in addition to multichannel redundancy, grouping of protection variables and diverse 2-out-of-4 logics were adopted by different subsystems of each channel in case of common cause failure. Then a series of development characteristics together with strict software verification and validation were performed. Thirdly, during the software test period, an improved software reliability growth model based on the Goel-Okumoto model according to the analysis of fault severity was proposed to help in estimating the reliability of the software product and identifying the software release time.
Role of Kallistatin Treatment in Aging and Cancer by Modulating miR‐34a and miR‐21 Expression
Authors: Chao Julie , Guo Youming , Li Pengfei , Chao Lee
Published: June 2017

Kallistatin is an endogenous protein that regulates differential signaling pathways and a wide spectrum of biological activities via its two structural elements: an active site and a heparin‐binding domain. Kallistatin via its heparin‐binding site inhibits vascular inflammation and oxidative stress by antagonizing TNF‐α‐induced NADPH oxidase activity, NF‐κB activation, and inflammatory gene expression in endothelial cells. Moreover, kallistatin via its active site inhibits microRNA‐34a (miR‐34a) synthesis and stimulates eNOS and SIRT1 expression in endothelial progenitor cells, whereas its heparin‐binding site is crucial for blocking TNF‐α‐induced miR‐21 expression and oxidative stress, thus reducing cellular senescence. By downregulating miR‐34a and miR‐21 expression, kallistatin treatment attenuates oxidative damage and aortic senescence in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice and extends Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan under stress conditions. Likewise, kallistatin through the heparin‐binding site inhibits TGF‐β‐induced miR‐21 synthesis and oxidative stress in endothelial cells, resulting in inhibition of endothelial‐mesenchymal transition, a process contributing to fibrosis and cancer. Furthermore, kallistatin’s active site is essential for stimulating miR‐34a and p53 expression and inhibiting the miR‐21‐Akt‐Bcl‐2 signaling pathway, thus inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells. These findings reveal novel mechanisms of kallistatin in protection against senescence, aging, and cancer development by modulating miR‐34a and miR‐21 levels and inhibiting oxidative stress.
Modelling Decision-Making Processes in the Management Support of the Manufacturing Element in the Logistic Supply Chain
Authors: Bucki Robert , Suchánek Petr
Published: June 2017

This paper highlights the problems of mathematical modelling for a specific element of the logistic supply chain, that is, the manufacturing system. The complex manufacturing system consisting of a determined number of parallel subsystems is modelled. The fact that the same manufacturing procedure can be carried out in various locations is emphasised. Control algorithms as well as manufacturing strategies are explained. The equations of state are introduced. The two-stage criterion lets us use the result data generated by the simulator of the production system as the initial data for further processing; however, the main goal remains to minimise the time of the course of production. The precisely elaborated case study implements initial data obtained by preceding simulation procedures carried out in manufacturing systems consisting of three, four, and five subsystems.
A Case of Strongyloidiasis: An Immigrant Healthcare Worker Presenting with Fatigue and Weight Loss
Authors: Grewal Tarundeep , Azizi Heela , Kahn Alexa , Shakir Zaid , Takkouche Sahar , Aung Khin N. , Lois William , Hasan Muhammad
Published: June 2017

Background. Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode parasite classified as a soil-transmitted helminth, endemic in tropical and subtropical regions. Strongyloides stercoralis can remain dormant for decades after the initial infection. Case. We describe a patient who was diagnosed with Strongyloides stercoralis infection three weeks after a left inguinal hernia repair and discuss approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Conclusions. Physicians in the United States often miss opportunities to identify patients with chronic strongyloidiasis. Symptoms may be vague and screening tests have limitations. We review current strategies for diagnosis and treatment of chronic intestinal strongyloidiasis in immigrant patients who have significant travel history to tropical regions and discuss the clinical features and management of the infection.
Cost Sharing in the Prevention of Supply Chain Disruption
Authors: Wang Wen , Xue Kelei , Sun Xiaochen
Published: June 2017

We examine the influence of cost‐sharing mechanism on the disruption prevention investment in a supply chain with unreliable suppliers. When a supply chain faces considerable loss following a disruption, supply chain members are motivated toward investing in manners that reduce their disruption probability. In improving supply chain reliability, the cost‐sharing mechanism must be set appropriately to realize the efficiency of the disruption prevention investment. In a supply chain where the focal manufacturing company has its own subsidiary supplier and an outsourcing supplier, we analyze different forms of cost‐sharing mechanisms when both suppliers confront disruption risks. Through the cost‐sharing mechanisms presented in this study, supply chain members can improve their reliability via disruption prevention investments without considerably increasing the total supply chain cost. We present two concepts, the cost‐sharing structure and the cost‐sharing ratio, in this study. As the two key components of cost‐sharing mechanism, these two elements constitute a practicable cost allocation mechanism to facilitate disruption prevention.
PRMT1-Mediated Translation Regulation Is a Crucial Vulnerability of Cancer
Authors: Hsu Jessie Hao-Ru , Hubbell-Engler Benjamin , Adelmant Guillaume , Huang Jialiang , Joyce Cailin E. , Vazquez Francisca , Weir Barbara A. , Montgomery Philip , Tsherniak Aviad , Giacomelli Andrew O. , Perry Jennifer A. , Trowbridge Jennifer , Fujiwara Yuko , Cowley Glenn S. , Xie Huafeng , Kim Woojin , Novina Carl D. , Hahn William C. , Marto Jarrod A. , Orkin Stuart H.
Published: June 2017

Through an shRNA screen, we identified the protein arginine methyltransferase Prmt1 as a vulnerable intervention point in murine p53/Rb-null osteosarcomas, the human counterpart of which lacks effective therapeutic options. Depletion of Prmt1 in p53-deficient cells impaired tumor initiation and maintenance in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies reveal that translation-associated pathways were enriched for Prmt1 downstream targets, implicating Prmt1 in translation control. In particular, loss of Prmt1 led to a decrease in arginine methylation of the translation initiation complex, thereby disrupting its assembly and inhibiting translation. p53/Rb-null cells were sensitive to p53-induced translation stress, and analysis of human cancer cell line data from Project Achilles further revealed that Prmt1 and translation-associated pathways converged on the same functional networks. We propose that targeted therapy against Prmt1 and its associated translation-related pathways offer a mechanistic rationale for treatment of osteosarcomas and other cancers that exhibit dependencies on translation stress response. Cancer Res; 77(17); 4613–25. ©2017 AACR.
First-in-Human Study of AMG 820, a Monoclonal Anti-Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor Antibody, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Papadopoulos Kyriakos P. , Gluck Larry , Martin Lainie P. , Olszanski Anthony J. , Tolcher Anthony W. , Ngarmchamnanrith Gataree , Rasmussen Erik , Amore Benny M. , Nagorsen Dirk , Hill John S. , Stephenson Joe
Published: June 2017

Purpose: Binding of colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) ligand to the CSF1 receptor (CSF1R) regulates survival of tumor-associated macrophages, which generally promote an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. AMG 820 is an investigational, fully human CSF1R antibody that inhibits binding of the ligands CSF1 and IL34 and subsequent ligand-mediated receptor activation. This first-in-human phase I study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of AMG 820.

Experimental Design: Adult patients with relapsed or refractory advanced solid tumors received intravenous AMG 820 0.5 mg/kg once weekly or 1.5 to 20 mg/kg every 2 weeks until disease progression, adverse event (AE), or consent withdrawal.

Results: Twenty-five patients received ≥1 dose of AMG 820. AMG 820 was tolerated up to 20 mg/kg; the MTD was not reached. One dose-limiting toxicity was observed (20 mg/kg; nonreversible grade 3 deafness). Most patients (76%) had treatment-related AEs; the most common were periorbital edema (44%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 28%), fatigue (24%), nausea (16%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (12%), and blurred vision (12%). No patients had serious or fatal treatment-related AEs; 28% had grade ≥3 treatment-related AEs. Grade 3 AST elevations resolved when treatment was withheld. AMG 820 showed linear pharmacokinetics, with minimal accumulation (<2-fold) after repeated dosing. Pharmacodynamic increases in serum CSF1 concentrations and reduced numbers of skin macrophages were observed. Best response was stable disease in 8 patients (32%).

Conclusions: AMG 820 was tolerated with manageable toxicities up to 20 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Pharmacodynamic response was demonstrated, and limited antitumor activity was observed. Clin Cancer Res; 23(19); 5703–10. ©2017 AACR.
Mortality and Survival after Surgical Treatment of Colorectal Cancer in Patients Aged over 80 Years
Authors: Mäkelä Jyrki Tapani , Klintrup Kai Hans , Rautio Tero Tapani
Published: June 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical factors and tumor characteristics that predict the outcome of colorectal cancer patients aged >80 years. Materials and Methods: The data of 186 patients aged >80 years with colorectal cancer were collected from a computer database, and the variables were analyzed by both uni- and multivariate analyses. Results: The 30-day mortality was 4% and the 90-day mortality 10%. The 1-year survival was 76%, and 27 (61%) of the 44 deaths were unrelated to cancer. The overall 5-year survival was 36%, the median survival 38 months, and the cancer-specific survival 40%. The recurrence rate after radical surgery was 22% and it was not affected by age. Kaplan-Meier estimates indicated that age, number of underlying diseases, radical operation, Union for International Cancer Control stage of the tumor, tumor size, number of lymph nodes involved, venous invasion, and recurrent disease were significant predictors of survival, but in the Cox regression model, only radical operation and venous invasion were independent prognostic factors for survival. Conclusions: After good surgical selection, low early mortality and acceptable long-term survival can be achieved even in the oldest old patients with colorectal cancer. However, low early mortality seems to underestimate the effects of surgery during the first postoperative year.
Use of a Single Baseline Versus Multiyear 24-Hour Urine Collection for Estimation of Long-Term Sodium Intake and Associated Cardiovascular and Renal Risk
Authors: Olde Engberink Rik H.G. , van den Hoek Thomas C. , van Noordenne Nicky D. , van den Born Bert-Jan H. , Peters-Sengers Hessel , Vogt Liffert
Published: June 2017

Background:

A decrease in sodium intake has been shown to lower blood pressure, but data from cohort studies on the association with cardiovascular and renal outcomes are inconsistent. In these studies, sodium intake was often estimated with a single baseline measurement, which may be inaccurate considering day-to-day changes in sodium intake and sodium excretion. We compared the effects of single versus repetitive follow-up 24-hour urine samples on the relation between sodium intake and long-term cardiorenal outcomes.

Methods:

We selected adult subjects with an estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/min/1.73m
2
, an outpatient 24-hour urine sample between 1998 and 1999, and at least 1 collection during a 17-year follow-up. Sodium intake was estimated with a single baseline collection and the average of samples collected during a 1-, 5-, and 15-year follow-up. We used Cox regression analysis and the landmark approach to investigate the relation between sodium intake and cardiovascular (cardiovascular events or mortality) and renal (end-stage renal disease: dialysis, transplantation, and/or >60% estimated glomerular filtration rate decline, or mortality) outcomes.

Results:

We included 574 subjects with 9776 twenty-four–hour urine samples. Average age was 47 years, and 46% were male. Median follow-up was 16.2 years. Average 24-hour sodium excretion, ranging from 3.8 to 3.9 g (165–170 mmol), was equal among all methods (
P
=0.88). However, relative to a single baseline measurement, 50% of the subjects had a >0.8-g (>34-mmol) difference in sodium intake with long-term estimations. As a result, 45%, 49%, and 50% of all subjects switched between tertiles of sodium intake when the 1-, 5-, or 15-year average was used, respectively. Consequently, hazard ratios for cardiorenal outcome changed up to 85% with the use of sodium intake estimations from short-term (1-year) and long-term (5-year) follow-up instead of baseline estimations.

Conclusions:

Relative to a single baseline 24-hour sodium measurement, the use of subsequent 24-hour urine samples resulted in different estimations of an individual’s sodium intake, whereas population averages remained similar. This finding had significant consequences for the association between sodium intake and long-term cardiovascular and renal outcomes.
Acute Kidney Injury After Primary Angioplasty: Is Contrast‐Induced Nephropathy the Culprit?
Authors: Caspi Oren , Habib Manhal , Cohen Yuval , Kerner Arthur , Roguin Ariel , Abergel Eitan , Boulos Monther , Kapeliovich Michael R. , Beyar Rafael , Nikolsky Eugenia , Aronson Doron
Published: June 2017

Background

Acute kidney injury (
AKI
) following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (
pPCI
) is frequently interpreted as contrast‐induced
AKI
but may result from other insults. We aimed to determine the causal association of contrast material exposure and the incidence of AKI following p
PCI
using a control group of propensity score–matched patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction who were not exposed to contrast material.

Methods and Results

We studied 2025 patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction who underwent
pPCI
and 1025 patients receiving fibrinolysis or no reperfusion who were not exposed to contrast material during the first 72 hours of hospital stay (control group).
AKI
was defined as creatinine of ≥0.5 mg/dL or >25% rise within 72 hours.
AKI
rates were similar in the
pPCI
and control groups (10.3% versus 12.1%, respectively;
P
=0.38). Propensity score matching resulted in 931 matched pairs with
PCI
and no
PCI,
with balanced baseline covariates (standardized difference <0.1). Among propensity score–matched patients,
AKI
rates were not significantly different with and without
PCI
(8.6% versus 10.9%,
P
=0.12). In the
pPCI
cohort, independent predictors of
AKI
included age ≥70 years, insulin‐treated diabetes mellitus, diuretic therapy, anterior infarction, baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, and variables related to the presence of pump failure (higher Killip class, intra‐aortic balloon pump use) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction but not contrast material dose. A risk score based on the
PCI
cohort had similar discriminatory capacity for
AKI
in the control group (C statistic 0.81±0.02 and 0.78±0.02, respectively;
P
=0.26).

Conclusions

The development of
AKI
in patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction undergoing
pPCI
is mainly related to older age, baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, heart failure, and hemodynamic instability. Risk for
AKI
is similar among ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients with and without contrast material exposure.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With or Without Percutaneous Coronary Artery Revascularization Strategy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kotronias Rafail A. , Kwok Chun Shing , George Sudhakar , Capodanno Davide , Ludman Peter F. , Townend Jonathan N. , Doshi Sagar N. , Khogali Saib S. , Généreux Philippe , Herrmann Howard C. , Mamas Mamas A. , Bagur Rodrigo
Published: June 2017

Background

Recent recommendations suggest that in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation and coexistent significant coronary artery disease, the latter should be treated before the index procedure; however, the evidence basis for such an approach remains limited. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to study the clinical outcomes of patients with coronary artery disease who did or did not undergo revascularization prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Methods and Results

We conducted a search of Medline and Embase to identify studies evaluating patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation with or without percutaneous coronary intervention. Random‐effects meta‐analyses with the inverse variance method were used to estimate the rate and risk of adverse outcomes. Nine studies involving 3858 participants were included in the meta‐analysis. Patients who underwent revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention had a higher rate of major vascular complications (odd ratio [OR]: 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33–2.60;
P
=0.0003) and higher 30‐day mortality (OR: 1.42; 95% CI, 1.08–1.87;
P
=0.01). There were no differences in effect estimates for 30‐day cardiovascular mortality (OR: 1.03; 95% CI, 0.35–2.99), myocardial infarction (OR: 0.86; 95% CI, 0.14–5.28), acute kidney injury (OR: 0.89; 95% CI, 0.42–1.88), stroke (OR: 1.07; 95% CI, 0.38–2.97), or 1‐year mortality (OR: 1.05; 95% CI, 0.71–1.56). The timing of percutaneous coronary intervention (same setting versus a priori) did not negatively influence outcomes.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that revascularization before transcatheter aortic valve implantation confers no clinical advantage with respect to several patient‐important clinical outcomes and may be associated with an increased risk of major vascular complications and 30‐day mortality. In the absence of definitive evidence, careful evaluation of patients on an individual basis is of paramount importance to identify patients who might benefit from elective revascularization.
Neurovascular Unit Protection From Cerebral Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury by Radical-Containing Nanoparticles in Mice
Authors: Hosoo Hisayuki , Marushima Aiki , Nagasaki Yukio , Hirayama Aki , Ito Hiromu , Puentes Sandra , Mujagic Arnela , Tsurushima Hideo , Tsuruta Wataro , Suzuki Kensuke , Matsui Hirofumi , Matsumaru Yuji , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Matsumura Akira
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose—

Reperfusion therapy by mechanical thrombectomy is used to treat acute ischemic stroke. However, reactive oxygen species generation after reperfusion therapy causes cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury, which aggravates cerebral infarction. There is limited evidence for clinical efficacy in stroke for antioxidants. Here, we developed a novel core-shell type nanoparticle containing 4-amino-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (nitroxide radical-containing nanoparticles [RNPs]) and investigated its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species and confer neuroprotection.

Methods—

C57BL/6J mice underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and then received RNPs (9 mg/kg) through the common carotid artery. Infarction size, neurological scale, and blood-brain barrier damage were visualized by Evans blue extravasation 24 hours after reperfusion. RNP distribution was detected by rhodamine labeling. Blood-brain barrier damage, neuronal apoptosis, and oxidative neuronal cell damage were evaluated in ischemic brains. Multiple free radical-scavenging capacities were analyzed by an electron paramagnetic resonance–based method.

Results—

RNPs were detected in endothelial cells and around neuronal cells in the ischemic lesion. Infarction size, neurological scale, and Evans blue extravasation were significantly lower after RNP treatment. RNP treatment preserved the endothelium and endothelial tight junctions in the ischemic brain; neuronal apoptosis, O
2
−
production, and gene oxidation were significantly suppressed. Reactive oxygen species scavenging capacities against OH, ROO, and O
2
−
improved by RNP treatment.

Conclusions—

An intra-arterial RNP injection after cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury reduced blood-brain barrier damage and infarction volume by improving multiple reactive oxygen species scavenging capacities. Therefore, RNPs can provide neurovascular unit protection.
Rates of Spinal Cord Infarction After Repair of Aortic Aneurysm or Dissection
Authors: Gialdini Gino , Parikh Neal S. , Chatterjee Abhinaba , Lerario Michael P. , Kamel Hooman , Schneider Darren B. , Navi Babak B. , Murthy Santosh B. , Iadecola Costantino , Merkler Alexander E.
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose—

The rate of spinal cord infarction (SCI) after surgical or endovascular repair of an aortic aneurysm or dissection is unclear.

Methods—

Using administrative claims data, we identified adult patients discharged from nonfederal acute care hospitals in California, New York, and Florida who underwent surgical or endovascular repair of an aortic aneurysm or dissection between 2005 and 2013. Patients with SCI diagnosed before the aortic repair were excluded. Our primary outcome was an SCI during the index hospitalization for aortic repair. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate crude rates of SCI. Analyses were stratified by whether the aneurysm or dissection had ruptured and by type of repair (surgical versus endovascular).

Results—

We identified 91 212 patients who had repair of an aortic aneurysm or dissection. SCI occurred in 235 cases (0.26%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22%–0.29%). In patients with ruptured aneurysm or dissection, the rate of SCI was 0.74% (95% CI, 0.60%–0.88%) compared with 0.16% (95% CI, 0.13%–0.19%) with unruptured aneurysm. In secondary analyses, rates of SCI were similar after endovascular repair (0.91%; 95% CI, 0.62%–1.19%) compared with surgical repair (0.68%; 95% CI, 0.53%–0.83%;
P
=0.147) of ruptured aortic aneurysm or dissection; however, rates of SCI were higher after surgical repair (0.20%; 95% CI, 0.15%–0.25%) versus endovascular repair (0.11%; 95% CI, 0.08%–0.14%;
P
<0.001) of unruptured aneurysm.

Conclusions—

SCI occurs in ≈1 in 130 patients undergoing aortic dissection or ruptured aortic aneurysm repair and in 1 in 600 patients undergoing unruptured aortic aneurysm repair.
Visualizing Literacy: Images, Media, and Method
Authors: Bonfiglio Ryan P.
Published: June 2017

While biblical scholars have long been interested in questions about textual literacy in the ancient world, relatively little attention has been given to the concept of visual literacy – that is, the extent to which images were produced and read as a type of language. The following article introduces this concept as it has been developed in recent work in visual culture studies and then offers a series of probes that attempt to assess the prominence of visual literacy in the ancient Near Eastern world. Though it is not possible to arrive at a precise rate of visual literacy, there is ample evidence to suggest that those who produced/commissioned art were highly concerned about questions regarding the readability of their materials and often privileged artistic motifs over epigraphic content in the design and implementation of certain mixed-media artifacts. These lines of evidence suggest that images functioned as a prominent vehicle of communication in the ancient world alongside, and sometimes in place of, text-based media. Research on visual literacy not only sheds new light on the ancient media contexts of the biblical world but also offers a more explicit rationale for how and why ancient images should be used in biblical interpretation today.
What Do We Know about *Čьrnobogъ and *Bělъ Bogъ?
Authors: Gorbachov Yaroslav
Published: June 2017

As attested, the Slavic pantheon is rather well-populated. However, many of its numerous members are known only by their names mentioned in passing in one or two medieval documents. Among those barely attested Slavic deities, there are a few whose very existence may be doubted. This does not deter some scholars from articulating rather elaborate theories about Slavic mythology and cosmology.

The article discusses two obscure Slavic deities, “Black God” and “White God,” and, in particular, reexamines the extant primary sources on them. It is argued that “Black God” worship was limited to the Slavic North-West, and “White God” never existed.
Is There Evidence of Changes in Tropical Atlantic Variability Modes under AMO Phases in the Observational Record?
Authors: Martín-Rey Marta , Polo Irene , Rodríguez-Fonseca Belén , Losada Teresa , Lazar Alban
Published: June 2017

The Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) is the leading mode of Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) variability at multidecadal time scales. Previous studies have shown that the AMO could modulate El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variance. However, the role played by the AMO in the tropical Atlantic variability (TAV) is still uncertain. Here, it is demonstrated that during negative AMO phases, associated with a shallower thermocline, the eastern equatorial Atlantic SST variability is enhanced by more than 150% in boreal summer. Consequently, the interannual TAV modes are modified. During negative AMO, the Atlantic Niño displays larger amplitude and a westward extension and it is preceded by a simultaneous weakening of both subtropical highs in winter and spring. In contrast, a meridional seesaw SLP pattern evolving into a zonal gradient leads the Atlantic Niño during positive AMO. The north tropical Atlantic (NTA) mode is related to a Scandinavian blocking pattern during winter and spring in negative AMO, while under positive AMO it is part of the SST tripole associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation. Interestingly, the emergence of an overlooked variability mode, here called the horseshoe (HS) pattern on account of its shape, is favored during negative AMO. This anomalous warm (cool) HS surrounding an eastern equatorial cooling (warming) is remotely forced by an ENSO phenomenon. During negative AMO, the tropical–extratropical teleconnections are enhanced and the Walker circulation is altered. This, together with the increased equatorial SST variability, could promote the ENSO impacts on TAV. The results herein give a step forward in the better understanding of TAV, which is essential to improving its modeling, impacts, and predictability.
‘Playing the Game?’: The sexual harassment of female social workers across professional workspaces
Authors: O’Reilly Aisling , Garrett Paul Michael
Published: June 2017

Prompted by an experience while on a student placement in the United States, where sexual harassment was not responded to appropriately in professional supervision, the article focuses on female practitioners’ accounts of such harassment. Initially, the wider context for sexual harassment is furnished by a brief overview of the definition of sexual harassment, the legal context and responses in the Republic of Ireland. The focus then shifts to a small-scale empirical project garnering perceptions. The study is clearly preliminary and tentative, yet it illuminates important findings relating to the sexual harassment of female social workers across professional workspaces.