bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Rare Malignant Transformation of an Ovarian Cystic Teratoma: A Case Report
Authors: Mathew Manju Rachel , Ramdas Anita , Kurian Susy S. , Kuruvilla Linu , Singh Neelima
Published: July 2018

Mature cystic teratoma (MCT) is the commonest germ cell neoplasm of the ovary but malignant transformation is a rare occurrence (1-2%). Of these malignancies documented in literature the commonest are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Urothelial carcinomas arising in an MCT are a rare occurrence and only 7 cases have been reported in literature. We report a case of an MCT which was complicated by the presence of urothelial carcinoma confirmed on histopathological examination.
Deep Learning the Effects of Photon Sensors on the Event Reconstruction Performance in an Antineutrino Detector
Authors: Loh Chang-Wei , Qian Zhi-Qiang , Zhang Rui , Liu You-Hang , Cao De-Wen , Wang Wei , Yang Hai-Bo , Qi Ming
Published: July 2018

We provide a fast approach incorporating the usage of deep learning for studying the effects of the number of photon sensors in an antineutrino detector on the event reconstruction performance therein. This work is a first attempt to harness the power of deep learning for detector designing and upgrade planning. Using the Daya Bay detector as a case study and the vertex reconstruction performance as the objective for the deep neural network, we find that the photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) at Daya Bay have different relative importance to the vertex reconstruction. More importantly, the vertex position resolutions for the Daya Bay detector follow approximately a multiexponential relationship with respect to the number of PMTs and, hence, the coverage. This could also assist in deciding on the merits of installing additional PMTs for future detector plans. The approach could easily be used with other objectives in place of vertex reconstruction.
Urban Traffic Noise Maps under 3D Complex Building Environments on a Supercomputer
Authors: Cai Ming , Yao Yifan , Wang Haibo
Published: July 2018

The complexity of the 3D buildings and road networks gives the simulation of urban noise difficulty and significance. To solve the problem of computing complexity, a systematic methodology for computing urban traffic noise maps under 3D complex building environments is presented on a supercomputer. A parallel algorithm focused on controlling the compute nodes of the supercomputer is designed. Moreover, a rendering method is provided to visualize the noise map. In addition, a strategy for obtaining a real-time dynamic noise map is elaborated. Two efficiency experiments are implemented. One experiment involves comparing the expansibility of the parallel algorithm with various numbers of compute nodes and various computing scales to determine the expansibility. With an increase in the number of compute nodes, the computing time increases linearly, and an increased computing scale leads to computing efficiency increases. The other experiment is a comparison of the computing speed between a supercomputer and a normal computer; the computing node of Tianhe-2 is found to be six times faster than that of a normal computer. Finally, the traffic noise suppression effect of buildings is analyzed. It is found that the building groups have obvious shielding effect on traffic noise.
Cutaneous Tuberculosis: Clinicopathologic Arrays and Diagnostic Challenges
Authors: Khadka Priyatam , Koirala Soniya , Thapaliya Januka
Published: July 2018

The clinicopathological manifestations of cutaneous tuberculosis are diverse. The precise diagnosis is often overlooked, due to clinical presentations as those of cutaneous diseases with different etiology and the relative paucity of the pathogens in the lesions. Meanwhile, almost all of the diagnostic methods confer lower sensitivity and specificities which augments further diagnostic challenges. This article revises the current scenario of the disease’s physiopathology and underscores clinicopathological challenges, due to multifaceted presentations of cutaneous tuberculosis, in the diagnosis.
Two-Phase Model of Multistep Forecasting of Traffic State Reliability
Authors: Yang Jufen , Liu Zhigang , Jiang Guiyan , Zhu Lin
Published: July 2018

Multistep prediction of traffic state is a key technology for advanced transportation information system. The research results based on the principle of multistep prediction can provide more information about the traffic operating quality in advance. Considering that prediction error increases with the increasing numbers of multistep predictions, this research proposes the concept of dynamic predictability that is related to the characteristic of historical traffic flow data used. The traffic flow is characterized by randomness, regularity, and volatility according to the traffic flow theory. Therefore, three key indexes are firstly calculated to measure the characteristics of reliability series. Then a two-phase model is established based on wavelet neural network optimized by particle swarm optimization. The upper phase is a model to estimate the number of predictable steps, and the lower phase is the multistep prediction model of reliability. Compared with that of backpropagation neural network and support vector machine, results show that the convergence time of the wavelet neural network optimized by particle swarm optimization is the lowest, which only costs 256 and 291 seconds in both two-phase models under the same conditions. The average relative error of multistep prediction reached the lowest value, 8.91% and 12.01%, respectively, for weekday and weekend data used. Moreover, the prediction performance based on weekday is better than that of weekend. The research results lay a decision-making basis for managers in determining the key parts of road network to develop future improvement measures.
Optimal Multicommodity Spectrum‐Efficient Routing in Multihop Wireless Networks
Authors: Saad Mohamed
Published: July 2018

Finding the route with maximum end‐to‐end spectral efficiency in multihop wireless networks has been subject to interest in the recent literature. All previous studies, however, focused on finding one route from a given source to a given destination under the constraint of equal bandwidth sharing. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, this paper provides extensions to the multicommodity flow case, i.e., the case of multiple simultaneous source‐destination (s‐d) pairs. In particular, given an arbitrary number of s‐d pairs, we address the problem of finding a route for every s‐d pair such that the minimum spectral efficiency across all routes is maximized. We provide two alternative approaches, where one is based on fixed‐sized time slots and the other is based on variable‐sized time slots. For each approach, we derive the provably optimal routing algorithm. We also shed the light on the arising tradeoff between the complexity of network‐layer route computation and the complexity of medium access control (MAC) layer scheduling of time slots, as well as the amenability to distributed implementation of our proposed algorithms. Our numerical results further illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approaches and their tradeoffs.
A Review of Malaysian Medicinal Plants with Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Abu Bakar Fazleen Izzany , Abu Bakar Mohd Fadzelly , Abdullah Norazlin , Endrini Susi , Rahmat Asmah
Published: July 2018

This article aims to provide detailed information on Malaysian plants used for treating inflammation. An extensive search on electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect and conference papers was done to find relevant articles on anti-inflammatory activity of Malaysian medicinal plants. The keyword search terms used were “inflammation,” “Malaysia,” “medicinal plants,” “mechanisms,” “in vitro,” and “in vivo.” As a result, 96 articles on anti-inflammatory activity of Malaysian medicinal plants were found and further reviewed. Forty-six (46) plants (in vitro) and 30 plants (in vivo) have been identified to possess anti-inflammatory activity where two plants,Melicope ptelefolia(Tenggek burung) andPortulaca oleracea(Gelang pasir), were reported to have the strongest anti-inflammatory activity of more than 90% at a concentration of 250 µg/ml. It was showed that the activity was mainly due to the occurrence of diverse naturally occurring phytochemicals from diverse groups such as flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, steroids, benzophenone, triterpenoids, curcuminoids, and cinnamic acid. Hence, this current review is a detailed discussion on the potential of Malaysian medicinal plants as an anti-inflammatory agent from the previous studies. However, further investigation on the possible underlying mechanisms and isolation of active compounds still remains to be investigated.
The Application of a Complex Composite Fractal Interpolation Algorithm in the Seabed Terrain Simulation
Authors: Lv Chongyang , Yu Fei
Published: July 2018

Seabed terrain modelling is one of the key technologies in the Subsea Environmental Information System, and this system is critical for underwater vehicle path planning. A composite fractal interpolation algorithm based on improved fractional Brownian motion (FBM) and an improved iterative function system (IFS) is proposed in this paper to increase the precision of the seabed terrain model for submarine topography and to account for the complexity and irregularity of fractal properties in each region. The MATLAB simulation experiment showed that fractal properties of the model built by the complex composite fractal interpolation algorithm were closer to real surface features. After calculation analysis, the model built by the complex composite fractal interpolation algorithm, when compared with the model built by the traditional interpolation algorithm or by the single fractal interpolation algorithm, had higher precision and was more suitable for path planning for underwater vehicles.
Neutrophilic Asthma Is Associated with Increased Airway Bacterial Burden and Disordered Community Composition
Authors: Yang Xu , Li Haining , Ma Qianli , Zhang Qiao , Wang Changzheng
Published: July 2018

Neutrophilic asthma (NA) is an important asthma inflammatory phenotype associated with disease severity, airflow limitation, and steroid resistance, and its mechanism is still uncertain. Evidences suggest a potential role for bacteria in its pathogenesis, but, so far, this remains poorly understood. We sought to investigate airway bacterial burden, community composition, and inflammatory response in NA. Fifty-four stable asthmatics without infection were enrolled and separated into either NA group (n = 20) or non-NA group (n = 34). Subject demographics, Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores, medications, and pulmonary functions were documented. Sputum cytology, airway bacterial burden, microbial community composition, and inflammatory cytokines were assessed. The total airway bacterial burden was significantly increased in subjects with NA versus non-NA and was positively correlated with the sputum neutrophil percentage. Airway neutrophilia was associated with less airway bacterial community richness and diversity, along with a distinct community composition. In patients with NA, bacteria in phylum Proteobacteria, especially Haemophilus spp. and Moraxella spp., showed significant increases in both actual loads and relative abundances, while bacteria in phyla Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Saccharibacteria showed decreased relative abundances compared with non-NA. Patients with NA demonstrated higher levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-17A, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in sputum samples compared with non-NA. Increased bacterial burden and distinct microbiota composition were the key characters of neutrophilic phenotype in asthma, accompanied by excessive airway inflammation. Understanding the relationship between airway microbiota and neutrophilic inflammation may help in treatment and management of asthma, such as targeting airway microbiota.
Rupture of a Calyceal Diverticulum Secondary to Ureteroscopy: A Rare Complication
Authors: Yamasaki Tomoya , Yoshioka Takashi , Imoto Masaya , Aoki Hiroshi , Fujio Kei , Uehara Shinya , Otsuki Hideo
Published: July 2018

We present a case of a 45-year-old female who experienced rupture of a right calyceal diverticulum caused by ureteroscopy. Fifteen hours after the operation, she had severe right flank pain and a high fever (38.9°C). Computed tomography revealed perinephric extravasation of urine and bleeding inside the diverticulum. We diagnosed rupture of a calyceal diverticulum; therefore, we continued antibiotic administration and pain relief medication. She became afebrile on postoperative day 4 and was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 7. Owing to renal cortex thinning in the diverticula, ureteroscopy is associated with a risk of rupture of calyceal diverticula.
Laryngeal Inflammatory Pseudotumour Secondary to Mycobacterium kansasii
Authors: Al-Zahid Saif , Wright Tanwen , Reece Philip
Published: July 2018

Background. Inflammatory pseudotumours (IPT) are rare benign tumours characterised by spindle-shaped histiocyte proliferation often mimicking a soft tissue sarcoma. They can occur in different parts of the body and various aetiological factors have been proposed. To our knowledge this is the first case report of IPT of the larynx caused by mycobacterial disease. Case Report. We report a case of IPT of the larynx in an immunocompromised 81-year-old lady presenting with stridor and dysphagia with known disseminated Mycobacterium kansasii of the lungs. Conclusion. This case demonstrates both the clinical and histological difficulties in making the diagnosis of IPT. A high index of suspicion is needed, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the work-up, diagnosis, and management is highlighted.
Prurigo Pigmentosa: A Clinicopathological Report of Three Middle Eastern Patients
Authors: Almaani N. , Al-Tarawneh A. H. , Msallam H.
Published: July 2018

Prurigo pigmentosa is a unique cutaneous inflammatory disorder characterized by a sudden onset of pruritic and erythematous macules, urticarial papules, and plaques that may coalesce to form a reticulated pattern. Lesions typically heal within weeks leaving a reticulated and mottled postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. The majority of reported cases originate from Japan with much fewer cases described worldwide without predominant ethnicity. The histopathological features of prurigo pigmentosa can be nonspecific; however, distinct features exist for each stage of the disease. The aetiology of prurigo pigmentosa is not fully understood. However, ketoacidosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis and indeed prurigo pigmentosa has been associated with ketoacidotic states such as diabetes mellitus, fasting, dieting, and anorexia nervosa. In this report, we present 3 Jordanian patients with prurigo pigmentosa and describe their clinicopathological features. One patient developed prurigo pigmentosa while fasting during the month of Ramadan and another was undertaking a strict diet. No associations were identified in the third patient. In view of the largely nonspecific clinical and histological features, a high index of suspicion is required as many cases of prurigo pigmentosa are probably undiagnosed.
Microbial Diversity of Chronic Wound and Successful Management of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Wu Minfeng , Li Yan , Guo Dongjie , Kui Gang , Li Bin , Deng Yu , Li Fulun
Published: July 2018

Chronic ulcer, including diabetic ulcer, varicose ulcer, and pressure ulcer, negatively affects patients’ quality of life. As microbiology plays an important role in the mechanism of pathology for chronic wound healing, this study concentrates on microecology environment of the wound and how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) regulates wound bacteria. Method. The study took wound samples from 35 patients and analyzed bacteria variation before and after TCM treatment by 16s rRNA sequencing. All samples were evaluated from aspects of α‐diversity, β‐diversity, and Simpson’s Diversity index. Result. After total DNA extraction, PCR, and 16S rRNA sequencing of wound bacteria from 35 individuals, it was discovered that younger patients with shorter course of disease have a higher microbial diversity and were easier to recover from ulcers. Additionally, gender also played a vital role in wound healing, and a significant microbial diversity existed between male and female patients. Conclusion. Patients with chronic ulcers achieved a positive effect after TCM treatment (skin‐producing ointment). Mechanistically, TCM helped promote wound healing by regulating the wound microbiota.
Weight Loss in Parkinson’s Disease: The Relationship with Motor Symptoms and Disease Progression
Authors: Cersosimo Maria G. , Raina Gabriela B. , Pellene Luis A. , Micheli Federico E. , Calandra Cristian R. , Maiola Ricardo
Published: July 2018

Objectives.To determine the prevalence of weight loss (WL) in PD patients, its relationship to the severity of motor manifestations and appetite changes.Methods.144 PD patients and 120 controls were evaluated in a single session. All subjects were asked about changes in body weight and appetite. PD patients were examined with the UPDRS-III and the Hoehn and Yahr (HY) scales. Subscores of tremor, bradykinesia /rigidity, and non-dopaminergic symptoms (NDS) were analyzed individually. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine an association between WL and PD motor manifestations.Results.48.6 % of PD patients presented WL compared to 20.8 % of controls (p < 0.001). Weight losers were significantly older and had longer disease duration, higher scores in HY stages, UPDRS-III, and NDS-subscore. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that WL was associated with NDS-subscore (p= 0.002; OR: 1.33) and older age (p= 0.037; OR: 1.05). Appetite in PD cases losing weight was unchanged (35.7 %), decreased (31.4 %), or even increased (32.9).Conclusions.Our results showed that WL occurs in almost half of PD patients and it is largely the consequence of disease progression rather than involuntary movements or a decrease in food intake.
Diplopia: A Rare Manifestation of Neuroborreliosis
Authors: Dixit Ayushi , Garcia Yesika , Tesoriero Lauren , Berman Charles , Rizzo Vincent
Published: July 2018

Early disseminated Lyme disease typically presents with cardiac, rheumatologic, or neurologic symptoms. Though uncommon, Borrelia burgdorferi can invade the central nervous system and cause neuroborreliosis. In these patients, facial palsy, headache, and stiffness of the neck are the most common presenting symptoms. Our case describes a patient with oculomotor nerve palsy manifesting as double vision as the initial presentation of neuroborreliosis.
Determination of the Endocannabinoids Anandamide and 2-Arachidonoyl Glycerol with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry: Analytical and Preanalytical Challenges and Pitfalls
Authors: Lanz Christian , Mattsson Johan , Stickel Felix , Dufour Jean-Francois , Brenneisen Rudolf
Published: July 2018

Background: The endocannabinoids anandamide (N-arachidonoyl ethanolamide [AEA]) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) are involved in the regulation of neuronal, immune, metabolic, vascular, and reproductory functions. Methods: The development and validation of an analytical method for the determination of AEA and 2-AG in human plasma based on liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after silylation is described and (pre)-analytical pitfalls are identified. Results: In contrast to 2-AG, AEA was unstable in whole blood and increased by a factor of 2.3 within 3 h on ice. AEA was stable in plasma on ice for 4 h while 2-AG tended to decrease. Excellent stability at room/ambient temperature was found for both derivatized compounds over 45 h. Furthermore, 3 freeze-thaw cycles revealed a complex pattern: endogenous AEA was stable in plasma but slightly increased in spiked samples (+12.8%), while endogenous 2-AG concentrations increased by 51% and declined by 24% in spiked samples. A long-term study over 4 weeks at –80°C showed that low endogenous AEA and spiked 2-AG concentrations were stable. However, spiked AEA tended to increase (+19%) and endogenous 2-AG significantly increased by 50% after 2 weeks. Food intake 2 h before blood collection showed no effect on AEA concentrations, whereas 2-AG increased significantly by a factor of 3. Conclusions: Overall, limited in vitro and/or in vivo/ex vivo chemical stability of endocannabinoids has to be taken into account.
Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids: An Option for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Cancer of the Colon?
Authors: Grill Magdalena , Hasenoehrl Carina , Storr Martin , Schicho Rudolf
Published: July 2018

In the past few years, we have witnessed a surge of new reports dealing with the role of cannabinoids, synthetic as well as herbal, in the mechanisms of inflammation and carcinogenesis. However, despite the wealth of in vitro data and anecdotal reports, evidence that cannabinoids could act as beneficial drugs in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or in neoplastic development of the human gastrointestinal tract is lacking. Some insight into the effects of medical Cannabis (usually meaning dried flowers) and cannabinoids in IBD has been gained through questionnaires and small pilot studies. As to colorectal cancer, only preclinical data are available. Currently, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its synthetic forms, dronabinol and nabilone, are used as an add-on treatment to alleviate chronic pain and spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients as well as chemotherapy-induced nausea. The use of medical Cannabis is authorized only in a limited number of countries. None of the mentioned substances are currently indicated for IBD. This review is an update of our knowledge on the role of cannabinoids in intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis and a discussion on their potential therapeutic use.
Large-Scale Single-Cell RNA-Seq Reveals Molecular Signatures of Heterogeneous Populations of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Endothelial Cells
Authors: Paik David T. , Tian Lei , Lee Jaecheol , Sayed Nazish , Chen Ian Y. , Rhee Siyeon , Rhee June-Wha , Kim Youngkyun , Wirka Robert C. , Buikema Jan W. , Wu Sean M. , Red-Horse Kristy , Quertermous Thomas , Wu Joseph C.
Published: July 2018

Rationale:

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell–derived endothelial cells (iPSC-ECs) have risen as a useful tool in cardiovascular research, offering a wide gamut of translational and clinical applications. However, inefficiency of the currently available iPSC-EC differentiation protocol and underlying heterogeneity of derived iPSC-ECs remain as major limitations of iPSC-EC technology.

Objective:

Here, we performed droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of the human iPSCs after iPSC-EC differentiation. Droplet-based scRNA-seq enables analysis of thousands of cells in parallel, allowing comprehensive analysis of transcriptional heterogeneity.

Methods and Results:

Bona fide iPSC-EC cluster was identified by scRNA-seq, which expressed high levels of endothelial-specific genes. iPSC-ECs, sorted by CD144 antibody–conjugated magnetic sorting, exhibited standard endothelial morphology and function including tube formation, response to inflammatory signals, and production of NO. Nonendothelial cell populations resulting from the differentiation protocol were identified, which included immature cardiomyocytes, hepatic-like cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, scRNA-seq analysis of purified iPSC-ECs revealed transcriptional heterogeneity with 4 major subpopulations, marked by robust enrichment of
CLDN5
,
APLNR
,
GJA5
, and
ESM1
genes, respectively.

Conclusions:

Massively parallel, droplet-based scRNA-seq allowed meticulous analysis of thousands of human iPSCs subjected to iPSC-EC differentiation. Results showed inefficiency of the differentiation technique, which can be improved with further studies based on identification of molecular signatures that inhibit expansion of nonendothelial cell types. Subtypes of bona fide human iPSC-ECs were also identified, allowing us to sort for iPSC-ECs with specific biological function and identity.
How Do Resuscitation Teams at Top-Performing Hospitals for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Succeed?
Authors: Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Guetterman Timothy C. , Harrod Molly , Kellenberg Joan E. , Lehrich Jessica L. , Kronick Steven L. , Krein Sarah L. , Iwashyna Theodore J. , Saint Sanjay , Chan Paul S.
Published: July 2018

Background:

In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is common, and outcomes vary substantially across US hospitals, but reasons for these differences are largely unknown. We set out to better understand how top-performing hospitals organize their resuscitation teams to achieve high survival rates for IHCA.

Methods:

We calculated risk-standardized IHCA survival to discharge rates across American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines–Resuscitation registry hospitals between 2012 and 2014. We identified geographically and academically diverse hospitals in the top, middle, and bottom quartiles of survival for IHCA and performed a qualitative study that included site visits with in-depth interviews of clinical and administrative staff at 9 hospitals. With the use of thematic analysis, data were analyzed to identify salient themes of perceived performance by informants.

Results:

Across 9 hospitals, we interviewed 158 individuals from multiple disciplines including physicians (17.1%), nurses (45.6%), other clinical staff (17.1%), and administration (20.3%). We identified 4 broad themes related to resuscitation teams: (1) team design, (2) team composition and roles, (3) communication and leadership during IHCA, and (4) training and education. Resuscitation teams at top-performing hospitals demonstrated the following features: dedicated or designated resuscitation teams; participation of diverse disciplines as team members during IHCA; clear roles and responsibilities of team members; better communication and leadership during IHCA; and in-depth mock codes.

Conclusions:

Resuscitation teams at hospitals with high IHCA survival differ from non–top-performing hospitals. Our findings suggest core elements of successful resuscitation teams that are associated with better outcomes and form the basis for future work to improve IHCA.
AT
2
R (Angiotensin AT2 Receptor) Agonist, Compound 21, Prevents Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Progression in the Rat
Authors: Lange Christoph , Sommerfeld Manuela , Namsolleck Pawel , Kintscher Ulrich , Unger Thomas , Kaschina Elena
Published: July 2018

The effects of the selective AT
2
R (angiotensin AT2 receptor) agonist, Compound 21 (C21), on abdominal aortic aneurysm formation were investigated in normotensive Wistar rats. Abdominal aortic aneurysm was induced by perfusion of isolated aortic segments with elastase. Treatment with C21 (0.03 mg/kg daily) was started after operation and continued for 14 days. Sham-operated animals and vehicle-treated animals after aneurysm induction served as controls. Aortic diameter, aortic wall distensibility, and pulse propagation velocity were measured via ultrasound. Hemodynamic parameters, aortic tissue protein expression, and serum cytokines were analyzed. On day 14 post aneurysm induction, aortic diameter of vehicle-treated animals was increased 1.6-fold compared with sham-operated rats (2.65±0.05 versus 1.70±0.06 mm;
P
<0.0001). C21 decreased aortic diameter in comparison to vehicle (1.9±0.06 versus 2.65±0.05;
P
<0.0001). Infrarenal blood velocity and aortic distensibility were reduced, whereas aortic wall stiffness was increased post aneurysm induction. These alterations were significantly ameliorated by treatment with C21 while blood pressure and cardiac contractility remained unchanged. Protein expression of IL-1β (interleukin-1β), NFκB (nuclear factor κB), MMP9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9), TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-β1), and MLKL (mixed lineage kinase domain-like) in the aorta was significantly (
P
<0.05) down-regulated in the C21 group compared with vehicle. Serum concentration of TGF-β1 was decreased by C21 in comparison to vehicle (
P
<0.01). AT
2
R stimulation with C21 prevented extracellular matrix degradation, maintained vascular integrity of the aorta and prevented abdominal aortic aneurysm progression.
Intrapulmonary Vein Ablation Without Stenosis: A Novel Balloon‐Based Direct Current Electroporation Approach
Authors: Witt Chance M. , Sugrue Alan , Padmanabhan Deepak , Vaidya Vaibhav , Gruba Sarah , Rohl James , DeSimone Christopher V. , Killu Ammar M. , Naksuk Niyada , Pederson Joanne , Suddendorf Scott , Ladewig Dorothy J. , Maor Elad , Holmes David R. , Kapa Suraj , Asirvatham Samuel J.
Published: July 2018

Background

Current thermal ablation methods for atrial fibrillation, including radiofrequency and cryoablation, have a suboptimal success rate. To avoid pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis, ablation is performed outside of the PV, despite the importance of triggers inside the vein. We previously reported on the acute effects of a novel direct current electroporation approach with a balloon catheter to create lesions
inside
the PVs in addition to the antrum. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the effects created by this nonthermal ablation method were associated with irreversible lesions and whether PV stenosis or other adverse effects occurred after a survival period.

Methods and Results

Initial and survival studies were performed in 5 canines. At the initial study, the balloon catheter was inflated to contact the antrum and interior of the PV. Direct current energy was delivered between 2 electrodes on the catheter in ECG‐gated 100 μs pulses. A total of 10 PVs were treated demonstrating significant acute local electrogram diminution (mean amplitude decrease of 61.2±19.8%). After the survival period (mean 27 days), computed tomography imaging showed no PV stenosis. On histologic evaluation, transmural, although not circumferential, lesions were seen in each treated vein. No PV stenosis or esophageal injury was present.

Conclusions

Irreversible, transmural lesions can be created inside the PV without evidence of stenosis after a 27‐day survival period using this balloon‐based direct current ablation approach. These early data show promise for an ablation approach that could directly treat PV triggers in addition to traditional PV antrum ablation.
Endothelial Colony‐Forming Cells in Young Adults Born Preterm: A Novel Link Between Neonatal Complications and Adult Risks for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Bertagnolli Mariane , Xie Li Feng , Paquette Katryn , He Ying , Cloutier Anik , Fernandes Rafael Oliveira , Béland Chanel , Sutherland Megan R. , Delfrate Jacques , Curnier Daniel , Bigras Jean‐Luc , Rivard Alain , Thébaud Bernard , Luu Thuy Mai , Nuyt Anne Monique
Published: July 2018

Background

Preterm birth is linked to cardiovascular risks and diseases. Endothelial progenitor cells play a critical role in vascular development and repair. Cord blood endothelial progenitor cells of preterm‐born infants, especially endothelial colony‐forming cells (
ECFC
), show enhanced susceptibility to prematurity‐related pro‐oxidant stress. Whether
ECFC
dysfunction is present in adulthood following preterm birth is unknown.

Methods and Results

This cross‐sectional observational study includes 55 preterm‐born (≤29 gestational weeks) young adults (18–29 years old, 38% male) and 55 sex‐ and age‐matched full‐term controls.
ECFC
were isolated from peripheral blood; cell proliferative and vascular cord formation capacities were assessed in vitro. Daytime systolic blood pressure was higher, whereas glucose tolerance and body mass index were lower in preterm‐born subjects.
ECFC
colonies grew in culture for 62% of full‐term‐ and 58% of preterm‐born participants. Preterm‐born participants have formed
ECFC
colonies later in culture and have reduced proliferation compared with controls. Only in preterm‐born individuals, we observed that the later the
ECFC
colony grows in culture, the worse was overall
ECFC
function. In addition, in preterms, elevated systolic blood pressure significantly correlated with reduced
ECFC
proliferation (

r
S

=−0.463;
P
=0.030) and numbers of branches formed on matrigel (

r
S

=−0.443;
P
=0.039). In preterm‐born subjects, bronchopulmonary dysplasia was associated with impaired
ECFC
function, whereas exposure to antenatal steroids related to better
ECFC
function.

Conclusions

This study is the first to examine
ECFC
in preterm‐born adults and to demonstrate
ECFC
dysfunction compared with full‐term controls. In the preterm‐born group,
ECFC
dysfunction was associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the major prematurity‐related neonatal morbidity, and with increased systolic blood pressure into adulthood.
Cortical Microinfarcts on 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: van den Brink Hilde , Zwiers Angela , Switzer Aaron R. , Charlton Anna , McCreary Cheryl R. , Goodyear Bradley G. , Frayne Richard , Biessels Geert Jan , Smith Eric E.
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral microinfarcts are small ischemic lesions that are found in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) patients at autopsy. The current study aimed to detect cortical microinfarcts (CMI) on in vivo 3 Tesla (3T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in CAA patients, to study the progression of CMI over a 1-year period, and to correlate CMI with markers of CAA-related vascular brain injury and cognitive functioning.

Methods—

Thirty-five CAA patients (mean age, 74.2±7.6 years), 13 Alzheimer disease (AD) patients (67.0±5.8 years), and 26 healthy controls (67.2±9.5 years) participated in the study. All participants underwent a standardized clinical and neuropsychological assessment as well as 3T MRI. CMI were rated according to standardized criteria.

Results—

CMI were present in significantly more CAA patients (57.1%; median number: 1, range 1–9) than in Alzheimer disease (7.7%) or in healthy controls (11.5%;
P
<0.001). Incident CMI were observed after a 1-year follow-up. CMI did not correlate with any other MRI marker of CAA nor with cognitive function.

Conclusions—

In vivo CMI are a frequent finding on 3T MRI in CAA patients, and incident CMI are observable after 1-year follow-up. CMI can be regarded as a new MRI marker of CAA, potentially distinct from other well-established markers. Future larger cohort studies with longitudinal follow-up are needed to elucidate the relationship between CMI and possible causes and clinical outcomes in CAA.
Ultraearly Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Mobile Stroke Unit and Hospital Settings
Authors: Tsivgoulis Georgios , Geisler Frederik , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Kõrv Janika , Kunz Alexander , Mikulik Robert , Rozanski Michal , Wendt Matthias , Audebert Heinrich J.
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

Mobile stroke units (MSUs) are known to increase the proportion of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in the first golden hour (GH) after onset compared with hospital settings (HS). However, because of the low number of AIS patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis within this ultraearly time window in conventional care, characteristics, and outcome of this subgroup of AIS patients have not been compared between MSU and HS.

Methods—

MSU-GH patients were selected from the Berlin-based MSU (STEMO [Stroke Emergency Mobile]), whereas HS-GH patients were selected from the SITS-EAST (Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke-East) registry. The outcome events of interest included the rates of favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale scores of 0 or 1), distribution of the modified Rankin Scale scores, and mortality after 3 months between MSU-GH and HS-GH groups.

Results—

We identified 117 MSU-GH (38.4% of 305 MSU-treated patients) and 136 HS-GH (0.9% of 15 591 HS-treated patients) eligible patients without prestroke disability. No significant differences were documented in the rates of favorable functional outcome (51.3% versus 46.2%,
P
=0.487) and mortality (7.7% versus 9.9%,
P
=0.576) at 3 months, or in the distribution of 3-month modified Rankin Scale scores between the 2 groups (
P
=0.196). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, adjusting for potential confounders, MSU treatment was not associated with a significantly different likelihood of favorable functional outcome (odds ratio, 1.84 for MSU patients; 95% CI, 0.86–3.96) or mortality (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.28–3.20) at 3 months.

Conclusions—

There is no evidence that safety and efficacy of ultraearly intravenous thrombolysis for AIS differs when used in MSUs or in HS.
Disentangling causal webs in the brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging: A review of current approaches
Authors: Bielczyk Natalia Z. , Uithol Sebo , van Mourik Tim , Anderson Paul , Glennon Jeffrey C. , Buitelaar Jan K.
Published: July 2018

In the past two decades, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has been used to relate neuronal network activity to cognitive processing and behavior. Recently this approach has been augmented by algorithms that allow us to infer causal links between component populations of neuronal networks. Multiple inference procedures have been proposed to approach this research question but so far, each method has limitations when it comes to establishing whole-brain connectivity patterns. In this paper, we discuss eight ways to infer causality in fMRI research: Bayesian Nets, Dynamical Causal Modelling, Granger Causality, Likelihood Ratios, Linear Non-Gaussian Acyclic Models, Patel’s Tau, Structural Equation Modelling, and Transfer Entropy. We finish with formulating some recommendations for the future directions in this area.
Identification of Nipaecoccus (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) species in the United States, with descriptions of Nipaecoccus bromelicola sp. n. and the male of N. floridensis Beardsley
Authors: VON ELLENRIEDER NATALIA , WATSON GILLIAN W. , KINNEE SCOTT A.
Published: July 2018

The adult female and male of Nipaecoccus bromelicola sp. n. are described, based on specimens on bromeliads in Californian nurseries and intercepted from Mexico and Guatemala, countries believed to be within the native range of this species. The male of N. floridensis Beardsley is also described, illustrated, and diagnosed from known congeners. An identification key to adult females of Nipaecoccus species recorded from the United States (including its overseas territories) is presented. Molecular characterizations based on COI are provided for N. bromelicola, N. floridensis, N. nipae and N. viridis.
Three new species of Grotea Cresson (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Labeninae) from Colombia
Authors: HERRERA-FLÓREZ ANDRÉS FABIÁN
Published: July 2018

Three new species of Grotea Cresson 1864 from Colombia are described: Grotea llanera, G. santandereana and G. cundinamarquesa. An identification key to Colombian species of this genus is given.
Explicit Prediction of Hail in a Long-Lasting Multicellular Convective System in Eastern China Using Multimoment Microphysics Schemes
Authors: Luo Liping , Xue Ming , Zhu Kefeng , Zhou Bowen
Published: July 2018

During the afternoon of 28 April 2015, a multicellular convective system swept southward through much of Jiangsu Province, China, over about 7 h, producing egg-sized hailstones on the ground. The hailstorm event is simulated using the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) at 1-km grid spacing. Different configurations of the Milbrandt–Yau microphysics scheme are used, predicting one, two, and three moments of the hydrometeor particle size distributions (PSDs). Simulated reflectivity and maximum estimated size of hail (MESH) derived from the simulations are verified against reflectivity observed by operational S-band Doppler radars and radar-derived MESH, respectively. Comparisons suggest that the general evolution of the hailstorm is better predicted by the three-moment scheme, and neighborhood-based MESH evaluation further confirms the advantage of the three-moment scheme in hail size prediction. Surface accumulated hail mass, number, and hail distribution characteristics within simulated storms are examined across sensitivity experiments. Results suggest that multimoment schemes produce more realistic hail distribution characteristics, with the three-moment scheme performing the best. Size sorting is found to play a significant role in determining hail distribution within the storms. Detailed microphysical budget analyses are conducted for each experiment, and results indicate that the differences in hail growth processes among the experiments can be mainly ascribed to the different treatments of the shape parameter within different microphysics schemes. Both the differences in size sorting and hail growth processes contribute to the simulated hail distribution differences within storms and at the surface.
Identification of Hydrologic Models, Optimized Parameters, and Rainfall Inputs Consistent with In Situ Streamflow and Rainfall and Remotely Sensed Soil Moisture
Authors: Wright Ashley J. , Walker Jeffrey P. , Pauwels Valentijn R. N.
Published: July 2018

An increased understanding of the uncertainties present in rainfall time series can lead to improved confidence in both short- and long-term streamflow forecasts. This study presents an analysis that considers errors arising from model input data, model structure, model parameters, and model states with the objective of finding a self-consistent set that includes hydrological models, model parameters, streamflow, remotely sensed (RS) soil moisture (SM), and rainfall. This methodology can be used by hydrologists to aid model and satellite selection. Taking advantage of model input data reduction and model inversion techniques, this study uses a previously developed methodology to estimate areal rainfall time series for the study catchment of Warwick, Australia, for multiple rainfall–runoff models. RS SM observations from the Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity (SMOS) and Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) satellites were assimilated into three different rainfall–runoff models using an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF). Innovations resulting from the observed and predicted SM were analyzed for Gaussianity. The findings demonstrate that consistency between hydrological models, model parameters, streamflow, RS SM, and rainfall can be found. Joint estimation of rainfall time series and model parameters consistently improved streamflow simulations. For all models rainfall estimates are less than the observed rainfall, and rainfall estimates obtained using the Sacramento Soil Moisture Accounting (SAC-SMA) model are the most consistent with gauge-based observations. The SAC-SMA model simulates streamflow that is most consistent with observations. EnKF innovations obtained when SMOS RS SM observations were assimilated into the SAC-SMA model demonstrate consistency between SM products.
Understanding eHealth Literacy From a Privacy Perspective: eHealth Literacy and Digital Privacy Skills in American Disadvantaged Communities
Authors: Li Xiaoqian
Published: July 2018

Despite the importance of eHealth literacy in the eHealth domain, studies on the antecedents of eHealth literacy, especially through a privacy lens, are still limited. Using a door-to-door paper-and-pencil household census of public housing communities in a major American city, this study examines how eHealth literacy varies by digital privacy skills that go beyond frequency of Internet activities among members of such disadvantaged communities. Results show that proficiency in digital privacy skills plays a positive and direct role in influencing levels of eHealth literacy. In addition, proficiency in digital privacy skills mediates the positive relationship between frequency of Internet activities and levels of eHealth literacy. This study offers a refined understanding of eHealth literacy from a privacy perspective.
Is There a Male Marital Wage Premium? New Evidence from the United States
Authors: Ludwig Volker , Brüderl Josef
Published: July 2018

This study reconsiders the phenomenon that married men earn more money than unmarried men, a key result of the research on marriage benefits. Many earlier studies have found such a “male marital wage premium.” Recent studies using panel data for the United States conclude that part of this premium is due to selection of high earners into marriage. Nevertheless, a substantial effect of marriage seems to remain. The current study investigates whether the remaining premium is really a causal effect. Using conventional fixed-effects models, previous studies statistically controlled for selection based on wage levels only. We suggest a more general fixed-effects model that allows for higher wage growth of to-be-married men. The empirical test draws on panel data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (1979 to 2012). We replicate the main finding of the literature: a wage premium remains after controlling for selection on individual wage levels. However, the remaining effect is not causal. The results show that married men earn more because selection into marriage operates not only on wage levels but also on wage growth. Hence, men on a steep career track are especially likely to marry. We conclude that arguments postulating a wage premium for married men should be discarded.
Factors Associated With Child Restraint Use in Motor Vehicle Crashes
Authors: Privette Franklin , Nwosu Ann , Pope Caitlin N , Yang Jingzhen , Pressley Joyce C , Zhu Motao
Published: July 2018

Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are a leading cause of death among children. Multivariable analyses of age-appropriate child restraint system (CRS) use in the “booster-aged” population are needed. The current study identified factors associated with age-appropriate CRS use in fatal MVCs for children 4 to 7 years old, using 2011 to 2015 data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Of 929 MVC fatalities, 32% of fatally injured children were in an age-appropriate restraint. While age-appropriate CRS use was higher for 4-, 5-, and 6-year-olds relative to 7-year-olds (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 2.57, 2.51, and 2.18, respectively; p < .01 for each comparison), black children (aRR = 0.62; p < .01) relative to white children, and drivers who had not used a lap-shoulder belt (aRR = 0.40; p < .01) relative to belted drivers were associated with lower levels of age-appropriate CRS use. Our findings underscore the continued importance of communicating best practice guidelines on CRSs to caregivers of young children.
Qualitative exploration of critical health literacy among Afghan and Congolese refugees resettled in the USA
Authors: Im Hyojin , Swan Laura ET
Published: July 2018

Objectives:

Previous research that revealed a high prevalence of low health literacy among immigrants and refugees tended to over emphasise functional health literacy as a risk factor for low health status and poor disease management. Despite a significant knowledge gap, little has been investigated regarding critical health literacy (CHL) in refugee populations whose culture deeply interweaves individual and contextual capacity to promote health.

Design:

This study adopted a qualitative approach to explore CHL that is built through community health workshops (CHWs) with Afghan and Congolese refugee communities in US resettlement.

Setting:

As part of a community-based participatory research project, the study was conducted with Afghan and Congolese refugees resettled in the USA.

Method:

A series of open-ended questions for focus group interviews were embedded in each workshop session explore health literacy skills and capacity over time. This study adopted a hybrid thematic design whereby the conceptual framework of CHL was applied to emergent themes from the data.

Results:

Thematic analysis revealed four major CHL thematic domains, as experienced and demonstrated by Afghan and Congolese refugee participants: (1) critical appraisal, (2) self-efficacy and confidence, (3) empowerment, and (4) collective problem solving.

Conclusion:

Study findings underline the importance of health education validating existing cultural knowledge and practices in a group setting so as to facilitate the building and enhancement of social support systems and community action for health promotion.