bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflection of Plane Waves in Generalized Thermoelastic Half Space under the Action of Uniform Magnetic Field
Authors: Maity Narottam , Barik S. P. , Chaudhuri P. K.
Published: November 2016

Reflection of longitudinal displacement waves in a generalized thermoelastic half space under the action of uniform magnetic field has been investigated. The magnetic field is applied in such a direction that the problem can be considered as a two-dimensional one. The discussion is based on the three theories of generalized thermoelasticity: Lord-Shulman (L-S), Green-Lindsay (G-L), and Green-Naghdi (G-N) with energy dissipation. We compute the possible wave velocities for different models. Amplitude ratios have been presented. The effects of magnetic field on various subjects of interest are discussed and shown graphically.
Dysmorphic Facial Features and Other Clinical Characteristics in Two Patients with PEX1 Gene Mutations
Authors: Gunduz Mehmet , Unal Ozlem
Published: November 2016

Peroxisomal disorders are a group of genetically heterogeneous metabolic diseases related to dysfunction of peroxisomes. Dysmorphic features, neurological abnormalities, and hepatic dysfunction can be presenting signs of peroxisomal disorders. Here we presented dysmorphic facial features and other clinical characteristics in two patients with PEX1 gene mutation. Follow-up periods were 3.5 years and 1 year in the patients. Case I was one-year-old girl that presented with neurodevelopmental delay, hepatomegaly, bilateral hearing loss, and visual problems. Ophthalmologic examination suggested septooptic dysplasia. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed nonspecific gliosis at subcortical and periventricular deep white matter. Case II was 2.5-year-old girl referred for investigation of global developmental delay and elevated liver enzymes. Ophthalmologic examination findings were consistent with bilateral nystagmus and retinitis pigmentosa. Cranial MRI was normal. Dysmorphic facial features including broad nasal root, low set ears, downward slanting eyes, downward slanting eyebrows, and epichantal folds were common findings in two patients. Molecular genetic analysis indicated homozygous novel IVS1-2A>G mutation in Case I and homozygous p.G843D (c.2528G>A) mutation in Case II in the PEX1 gene. Clinical findings and developmental prognosis vary in PEX1 gene mutation. Kabuki-like phenotype associated with liver pathology may indicate Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSD).
Long Noncoding RNAs in Metabolic Syndrome Related Disorders
Authors: Losko Magdalena , Kotlinowski Jerzy , Jura Jolanta
Published: November 2016

Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) are very complex and their all functions have yet to be fully clarified. Noncoding genes (noncoding RNA, sequences, and pseudogenes) comprise 67% of all genes and they are represented by housekeeping noncoding RNAs (transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), small nuclear RNA (snRNA), and small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA)) that are engaged in basic cellular processes and by regulatory noncoding RNA (short and long noncoding RNA (ncRNA)) that are important for gene expression/transcript stability. In this review, we summarize data concerning the significance of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in metabolic syndrome related disorders, focusing on adipose tissue and pancreatic islands.
Mast Cell Interaction with Neutrophils in Human Gastric Carcinomas: Ultrastructural Observations
Authors: Ieni Antonio , Barresi Valeria , Branca Giovanni , Alberto Caruso Rosario , Tuccari Giovanni
Published: November 2016

Aim.The role of mast cells in cell-cell immune interactions has received increasing attention, although their functional interaction with neutrophils still remains to be clarified in tumors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between mast cells and neutrophils in a series of gastric carcinomas (GC).Patients and Methods.52 surgically resected GC specimens were routinely processed for both light and electron microscopy. Only cases showing both mast cells and neutrophils in the tumor stroma were considered in the analysis.Results.Only 9 GC (M : F = 5 : 4; age range: 50–82 years) showed both mast cells and neutrophils in the tumor stroma. At ultrathin sections, we identified heterotypic aggregation and intermingling of mast cells and neutrophils. Mast cells had mature phenotype and showed full complement of granules with homogeneous, scroll, particle, and mixed pattern. In addition, we found normal-appearing or early apoptosis showing neutrophils.Conclusion.Our histological findings showed the likely interaction between mast cells and neutrophils in GC. We hypothesize that the granular content of mast cells may be released in small quantity through a mechanism called “kiss-and-run fusion,” which is alternative to well-known massive anaphylactic or piecemeal degranulation.
An Energy Efficiency Evaluation Method Based on Energy Baseline for Chemical Industry
Authors: Yao Dong-mei , Zhang Xin , Wang Ke-feng , Zou Tao , Wang Dong , Qian Xin-hua
Published: November 2016

According to the requirements and structure of ISO 50001 energy management system, this study proposes an energy efficiency evaluation method based on energy baseline for chemical industry. Using this method, the energy plan implementation effect in the processes of chemical production can be evaluated quantitatively, and evidences for system fault diagnosis can be provided. This method establishes the energy baseline models which can meet the demand of the different kinds of production processes and gives the general solving method of each kind of model according to the production data. Then the energy plan implementation effect can be evaluated and also whether the system is running normally can be determined through the baseline model. Finally, this method is used on cracked gas compressor unit of ethylene plant in some petrochemical enterprise; it can be proven that this method is correct and practical.
Radix Astragali Stimulates p38 MARK Phosphorylation in Pediatric Patients with β‐Thalassemia
Authors: Lu Zhuoming , Qian Xinhua , Zhang Chunhong , Chen Zhiwen , Du Guangliang
Published: November 2016

A previous study conducted by our group demonstrated that Radix Astragali compounded with Codonopsis pilosula and Plastrum testudinis was effective in treating pediatric β‐thalassemia in a randomized, controlled clinical trial. However, the mechanism of action that underpins this treatment remains to be elucidated. Blood was collected from patients participating in this clinical trial and nucleated red blood cell‐enriched mononuclear cells were isolated to facilitate the extraction of RNA and protein. RT‐PCR was used to monitor the expression of globin genes and p38 MAPK, and total and phosphorylated p38 MAPK expression was assessed using Western blot analysis. Expression of α‐, β‐, and Aγ‐globin mRNAs was not significantly affected following treatment with R. Astragali or the compounded formulation. However, Gγ‐globin mRNA levels increased significantly in both treatment groups (when compared with pretreatment levels) following 12 weeks of treatment. Moreover, posttreatment Gγ‐globin expression was significantly higher in both treatment groups compared with the control group. Although neither p38 MAPK mRNA nor protein levels were affected by the treatments, posttreatment phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was significantly increased in the R. Astragali and compounded formulation groups compared with the control group. These data suggest that the molecular mechanisms that underpin the efficacious use of R. Astragali (and its compounded formulation) in pediatric β‐thalassemia treatment facilitate the induction of Gγ‐globin expression following activation of p38 MAPK.
High Field Linear Magnetoresistance Sensors with Perpendicular Anisotropy L10-FePt Reference Layer
Authors: Liu X. , Song Z. L. , Wang R. , Quan Z. Y.
Published: November 2016

High field linear magnetoresistance is an important feature for magnetic sensors applied in magnetic levitating train and high field positioning measurements. Here, we investigate linear magnetoresistance in Pt/FePt/ZnO/Fe/Pt multilayer magnetic sensor, where FePt and Fe ferromagnetic layers exhibit out-of-plane and in-plane magnetic anisotropy, respectively. Perpendicular anisotropy L10-FePt reference layer with large coercivity and high squareness ratio was obtained by in situ substrate heating. Linear magnetoresistance is observed in this sensor in a large range between +5 kOe and −5 kOe with the current parallel to the film plane. This L10-FePt based sensor is significant for the expansion of linear range and the simplification of preparation for future high field magnetic sensors.
An Entropy-Based Position Projection Algorithm for Motif Discovery
Authors: Zhang Yipu , Wang Ping , Yan Maode
Published: November 2016

Motif discovery problem is crucial for understanding the structure and function of gene expression. Over the past decades, many attempts using consensus and probability training model for motif finding are successful. However, the most existing motif discovery algorithms are still time-consuming or easily trapped in a local optimum. To overcome these shortcomings, in this paper, we propose an entropy-based position projection algorithm, called EPP, which designs a projection process to divide the dataset and explores the best local optimal solution. The experimental results on real DNA sequences, Tompa data, and ChIP-seq data show that EPP is advantageous in dealing with the motif discovery problem and outperforms current widely used algorithms.
EEG-Triggered Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Restoring Upper Limb Function in Chronic Stroke with Severe Hemiplegia
Authors: Marquez-Chin Cesar , Marquis Aaron , Popovic Milos R.
Published: November 2016

We report the therapeutic effects of integrating brain-computer interfacing technology and functional electrical stimulation therapy to restore upper limb reaching movements in a 64-year-old man with severe left hemiplegia following a hemorrhagic stroke he sustained six years prior to this study. He completed 40 90-minute sessions of functional electrical stimulation therapy using a custom-made neuroprosthesis that facilitated 5 different reaching movements. During each session, the participant attempted to reach with his paralyzed arm repeatedly. Stimulation for each of the movement phases (e.g., extending and retrieving the arm) was triggered when the power in the 18 Hz–28 Hz range (beta frequency range) of the participant’s EEG activity, recorded with a single electrode, decreased below a predefined threshold. The function of the participant’s arm showed a clinically significant improvement in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) subscore (6 points) as well as moderate improvement in Functional Independence Measure Self-Care subscore (7 points). The changes in arm’s function suggest that the combination of BCI technology and functional electrical stimulation therapy may restore voluntary motor function in individuals with chronic hemiplegia which results in severe upper limb deficit (FMA-UE ≤ 15), a population that does not benefit from current best-practice rehabilitation interventions.
Marginal Zone Lymphoma Complicated by Protein Losing Enteropathy
Authors: Stanek Nadine , Bauerfeind Peter , Herzog Guido , Heinrich Henriette , Sauter Matthias , Lenggenhager Daniela , Reiner Cäcilia , Manz Markus G. , Goede Jeroen S. , Misselwitz Benjamin
Published: November 2016

Protein losing enteropathy (PLE) refers to excessive intestinal protein loss, resulting in hypoalbuminemia. Underlying pathologies include conditions leading to either reduced intestinal barrier or lymphatic congestion. We describe the case of a patient with long-lasting diffuse abdominal problems and PLE. Repetitive endoscopies were normal with only minimal lymphangiectasia in biopsies. Further evaluations revealed an indolent marginal zone lymphoma with minor bone marrow infiltration. Monotherapy with rituximab decreased bone marrow infiltration of the lymphoma but did not relieve PLE. Additional treatments with steroids, octreotide, a diet devoid of long-chain fatty-acids, and parenteral nutrition did not prevent further clinical deterioration with marked weight loss (23 kg), further reduction in albumin concentrations (nadir 8 g/L), and a pronounced drop in performance status. Finally, immunochemotherapy with rituximab and bendamustine resulted in hematological remission and remarkable clinical improvement. 18 months after therapy the patient remains free of gastrointestinal complaints and has regained his body weight with normal albumin levels. We demonstrate a case of PLE secondary to indolent marginal zone lymphoma. No intestinal pathologies were detected, contrasting a severe and almost lethal clinical course. Immunochemotherapy relieved lymphoma and PLE, suggesting that a high suspicion of lymphoma is warranted in otherwise unexplained cases of PLE.
Molecular Signature to Risk-Stratify Prostate Cancer of Intermediate Risk
Authors: Yin Yu , Zhang Qingfu , Zhang Hong , He Yiping , Huang Jiaoti
Published: November 2016

A new 30-gene signature has been described that separates prostate cancers of Gleason score ≤6 from those of Gleason score ≥8. It provides independent prognostic information for prostate cancers of intermediate risk (Gleason score of 7), which has the potential to stratify these patients into different risk groups. Clin Cancer Res; 23(1); 6–8. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Sinnott et al., p. 81
Successful Treatment of a Patient with Glioblastoma and a Germline POLE Mutation: Where Next?
Authors: Snyder Alexandra , Wolchok Jedd D.
Published: November 2016

Summary: Hypermutation and elevated neoantigen count in glioblastoma occurred in a patient harboring a germline POLE mutation and are associated with a clinical and antitumor immune response to PD-1 blockade. Cancer Discov; 6(11); 1210–11. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Johanns et al., p. 1230.
Contributing Determinants to Hearing Loss in Elderly Men and Women: Results from the Population-Based Rotterdam Study
Authors: Rigters Stephanie C. , Metselaar Mick , Wieringa Marjan H. , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J. , Hofman Albert , Goedegebure André
Published: November 2016

To contribute to a better understanding of the etiology in age-related hearing loss, we carried out a cross-sectional study of 3,315 participants (aged 52-99 years) in the Rotterdam Study, to analyze both low- and high-frequency hearing loss in men and women. Hearing thresholds with pure-tone audiometry were obtained, and other detailed information on a large number of possible determinants was collected. Hearing loss was associated with age, education, systolic blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, smoking and alcohol consumption (inverse correlation). Remarkably, different associations were found for low- and high-frequency loss, as well as between men and women, suggesting that different mechanisms are involved in the etiology of age-related hearing loss.
Aging, Cognitive Decline and Hearing Loss: Effects of Auditory Rehabilitation and Training with Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants on Cognitive Function and Depression among Older Adults
Authors: Castiglione Alessandro , Benatti Alice , Velardita Carmelita , Favaro Diego , Padoan Elisa , Severi Daniele , Pagliaro Michela , Bovo Roberto , Vallesi Antonino , Gabelli Carlo , Martini Alessandro
Published: November 2016

A growing interest in cognitive effects associated with speech and hearing processes is spreading throughout the scientific community essentially guided by evidence that central and peripheral hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline. For the present research, 125 participants older than 65 years of age (105 with hearing impairment and 20 with normal hearing) were enrolled, divided into 6 groups according to their degree of hearing loss and assessed to determine the effects of the treatment applied. Patients in our research program routinely undergo an extensive audiological and cognitive evaluation protocol providing results from the Digit Span test, Stroop color-word test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Geriatric Depression Scale, before and after rehabilitation. Data analysis was performed for a cross-sectional and longitudinal study of the outcomes for the different treatment groups. Each group demonstrated improvement after auditory rehabilitation or training on short- and long-term memory tasks, level of depression and cognitive status scores. Auditory rehabilitation by cochlear implants or hearing aids is effective also among older adults (median age of 74 years) with different degrees of hearing loss, and enables positive improvements in terms of social isolation, depression and cognitive performance.
The Development of Remote Speech Recognition Tests for Adult Cochlear Implant Users: The Effect of Presentation Mode of the Noise and a Reliable Method to Deliver Sound in Home Environments
Authors: de Graaff Feike , Huysmans Elke , Qazi Obaid ur Rehman , Vanpoucke Filiep J. , Merkus Paul , Goverts S. Theo , Smits Cas
Published: November 2016

The number of cochlear implant (CI) users is increasing annually, resulting in an increase in the workload of implant centers in ongoing patient management and evaluation. Remote testing of speech recognition could be time-saving for both the implant centers as well as the patient. This study addresses two methodological challenges we encountered in the development of a remote speech recognition tool for adult CI users. First, we examined whether speech recognition in noise performance differed when the steady-state masking noise was presented throughout the test (i.e. continuous) instead of the standard clinical use for evaluation where the masking noise stops after each stimulus (i.e. discontinuous). A direct coupling between the audio port of a tablet computer to the accessory input of the sound processor with a personal audio cable was used. The setup was calibrated to facilitate presentation of stimuli at a predefined sound level. Finally, differences in frequency response between the audio cable and microphones were investigated.
Virtues and Weaknesses of DNA Methylation as a Test for Cervical Cancer Prevention
Authors: Lorincz Attila T.
Published: November 2016

Epigenetics is the study of heritable and non-heritable genetic coding that is additive to information contained within classical DNA base pair sequences. Differential methylation has a fundamental role in the development and outcome of malignancies, chronic and degenerative diseases and aging. DNA methylation can be measured accurately and easily via various molecular methods and has become a key technology for research and healthcare delivery, with immediate roles in the elucidation of disease natural history, diagnostics and drug discovery. This review focuses on cancers of the lower genital tract, for which the most epigenetic information exists. DNA methylation has been proposed as a triage for women infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) and may eventually directly complement or replace HPV screening as a one-step molecular diagnostic and prognostic test. Methylation of human genes is strongly associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancer. Of the more than 100 human methylation biomarker genes tested so far in cervical tissue, close to 20 have been reported in different studies, and approximately 10 have been repeatedly shown to have elevated methylation in cervical cancers and high-grade CIN (CIN2 and CIN3), most prominently CADM1, EPB41L3, FAM19A4, MAL, miR-124, PAX1 and SOX1. Obtaining consistent performance data from the literature is quite difficult because most methylation studies used a variety of different assay methodologies and had incomplete and/or biased clinical specimen sets, varying assay thresholds and disparate target gene regions. There have been relatively few validation studies of DNA methylation biomarkers in large population-based screening studies, but an encouraging development more recently is the execution of well-designed studies to test the true performance of the markers in real-world settings. Methylation of HPV genes, especially HPV16, HPV18, HPV31, HPV33 and HPV45, in disease progression has been a major focus of research. Elevated methylation of the HPV16 L1 and L2 open reading frames, in particular, is associated with CIN2, CIN3 and invasive cancer. Essentially all cancers have high levels of methylation for human genes and for driver HPV types, which suggests that quantitative methylation tests may have utility in predicting CIN2 and CIN3 that are likely to progress. It is still early in the process of development of methylation biomarkers, but already they are showing strong promise as a universal and systematic approach to molecular triage, applicable to all cancers, not just cancer of the cervix. DNA methylation testing is better than HPV genotyping triage and is competitive with or complementary to other approaches such as cytology and p16 staining. Genome-wide studies are underway to systematically expand methylation classifier panels and find the best combinations of biomarkers. Methylation testing is likely to show big improvements in performance in the next 5 years.
Long-Term Effect of Erythritol on Dental Caries Development during Childhood: A Posttreatment Survival Analysis
Authors: Falony Gwen , Honkala Sisko , Runnel Riina , Olak Jana , Nõmmela Rita , Russak Silvia , Saag Mare , Mäkinen Pirkko-Liisa , Mäkinen Kauko , Vahlberg Tero , Honkala Eino
Published: November 2016

Objective: To assess the effect of daily consumption of erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol candies on caries development in mixed dentition during a 3-year intervention and 3 years after the intervention. Methods: 485 Estonian first- and second-grade primary school children participated. Children were randomly allocated to an erythritol, xylitol, or sorbitol (control) group. Polyol-containing candies were administered on school days with a daily polyol consumption of 3 × 2.5 g. Yearly, caries development was assessed by calibrated dentists using the ICDAS criteria. Six years after initiation of the study and 3 years after cessation of daily polyol consumption, 420 participants were re-examined to identify potential long-term effects of polyol consumption. Survival curves were generated at the end of the intervention period and 3 years after intervention. The model included age of the subjects, schools, tooth surface ages and years of surface exposure to intervention. ICDAS scoring system-based events included enamel/dentin caries development, dentin caries development, increase in caries score, and dentist intervention. Results: At the end of the intervention, time to enamel/dentin caries development, dentin caries development, increase in caries score, and dentist intervention were significantly longer in the erythritol group as compared to the sorbitol group. Except for increase in caries score, all effects persisted 3 years after cessation of daily polyol consumption. Conclusions: A caries-preventive effect of 3-year erythritol consumption as compared to sorbitol was established in children with mixed dentition. The effect persisted up to 3 years after the end of the intervention.
Honey: A Natural Remedy for Eye Diseases
Authors: Majtanova Nora , Cernak Martin , Majtan Juraj
Published: November 2016

Honey has been considered as a therapeutic agent; its successful application in the treatment of non-healing infected wounds has promoted its further clinical usage for treating various disorders including eye disorders. There is evidence that honey may be helpful in treating dry eye disease, post-operative corneal edema, and bullous keratopathy. Furthermore, it can be used as an antibacterial agent to reduce the ocular flora. This review discusses both the current knowledge of and new perspectives for honey therapy in ophthalmology.
Generation and Measurement of Chlorine Dioxide Gas at Extremely Low Concentrations in a Living Room: Implications for Preventing Airborne Microbial Infectious Diseases
Authors: Ogata Norio , Sogawa Koushirou , Takigawa Yasuhiro , Shibata Takashi
Published: November 2016

Background/Aims: Preventing respiratory diseases caused by airborne microbes in enclosed spaces is still not satisfactorily controlled. At extremely low concentrations (about 30 parts per billion), chlorine dioxide (ClO2) gas can inactivate airborne microbes and prevent respiratory disease. It has no toxic effect on animals at this level. However, controversies still remain regarding how to measure concentrations of ClO2 gas at such low levels. It is therefore necessary to prove that measured gas concentrations are accurate and reproducible. Methods: ClO2 gas was released from a gas generator and its concentration was measured by a novel highly sensitive gas analyzer. We compared its data with those from ion chromatography. Results: We demonstrate that the gas concentrations measured in a room using the gas analyzer are accurate and reproducible after comparing the results with those from ion chromatography. However, the temperature dependence of the gas analyzer was found. Therefore, data correction is required for each temperature at which gas concentration is measured. A theoretical analysis of the gas concentrations predicted by the rate of ClO2 gas released from the ClO2 generator was also performed. Conclusion: Our results advance progress toward using low concentration ClO2 gas to prevent airborne infectious diseases such as influenza.
Development of Photoonycholysis with Vandetanib Therapy
Authors: Negulescu Miruna , Zerdoud Slimane , Boulinguez Serge , Tournier Emilie , Delord Jean-Pierre , Baran Robert , Sibaud Vincent
Published: November 2016

Vandetanib therapy is a novel once-daily oral multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which is currently used in advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer. Skin toxicities are among the most prevalent adverse events reported with this targeted therapy (e.g. acne-like rash, hand-foot skin reaction, hair changes, and paronychia). In addition, photosensitivity reactions may affect more than one third of treated patients. We report here 2 patients developing photosensitivity reactions with vandetanib therapy, including photoonycholysis. Our patients presented a wide range of phototoxic reactions with exaggerated sunburn reactions solely located to photoexposed areas or hyperpigmentation with visible blue dots. More importantly, both patients concomitantly developed nail changes consistent with type 1 photoonycholysis, which had never been reported so far neither with vandetanib therapy nor with other anticancer-targeted therapies. In addition, histopathologic findings and reflectance confocal microscopy imaging performed in one patient suffering from photodistributed skin hyperpigmentation both strengthen the likelihood of a postinflammatory mechanism. Clinicians should be aware of these underestimated but very characteristic photoinduced adverse events, which can lead to treatment interruption and require very strict photoprotective measures in treated patients.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and Vitiligo: Coexistence or True Association
Authors: Katoulis Alexandros C. , Diamanti Konstantina , Sgouros Dimitrios , Liakou Aikaterini I. , Alevizou Antigoni , Bozi Evangelia , Damaskou Vasileia , Panayiotides Ioannis , Rigopoulos Dimitrios
Published: November 2016

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia characterized by a progressive band-like recession of the frontotemporal hairline and frequent loss of the eyebrows. It predominantly affects postmenopausal women. Coexistence of FFA and vitiligo is rarely reported in the literature. We retrospectively studied 20 cases diagnosed with FFA in a 14-month period in our Department. Among them, there were 2 cases, a 72-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man, who developed FFA on preexisting vitiligo of the forehead. Anatomical colocalization of the two dermatoses supports the notion that a causal link may exist and their association may not be coincidental. We suggest that interrelated immunologic events and pathologic processes may underlie both these skin conditions.
Public Awareness and Knowledge about Parkinson's Disease: A National Population Based Survey in South Korea
Authors: Youn Jinyoung , Oh Eungseok , Park Jinse , Park Suyeon , Kim Ji Sun , Jang Wooyoung
Published: November 2016

Background: Considering the increasing prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD), the lack of awareness and knowledge regarding PD may be barriers to the early diagnosis and the provision of optimal care to affected patients. This study aimed to investigate the awareness and knowledge about PD among the general population in South Korea and to identify the factors that are associated with these parameters. Methods: We developed a structured, 22-item questionnaire that consisted of both open-ended and close-ended questions. A total of 1,000 people from the general public were randomly sampled in proportion to the country's population density and were questioned by well-trained interviewers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the factors associated with awareness and knowledge of PD. Results: Age, household income and education level were independently associated with awareness of PD. Subjects between 40 and 59 years of age and those who had completed more than 12 years of education showed more awareness of PD. Regarding knowledge about PD, younger subjects exhibited the least knowledge compared to respondents between 40 and 59 years of age and those above 60 years of age. Low socioeconomic status tended to be associated with poor knowledge of PD. Conclusions: Awareness and knowledge of PD showed hierarchical gradients with respect to age, income and education level. Pertinent educational strategies and approaches targeting specific subgroups are necessary to improve public awareness and knowledge about PD.
Association Between Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy and Angiographic Multivessel Disease on Outcomes in Patients Treated With Newer-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents
Authors: Lee Seung-Yul , Hong Myeong-Ki , Shin Dong-Ho , Kim Jung-Sun , Kim Byeong-Keuk , Ko Young-Guk , Choi Donghoon , Jang Yangsoo , Kim Hyo-Soo , Valgimigli Marco , Colombo Antonio , Gilard Martine , Palmerini Tullio , Stone Gregg W.
Published: November 2016

Background—

There is general agreement that the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients treated with drug-eluting stents should be individualized. We hypothesized that the extent of coronary artery disease may affect the clinical outcomes of DAPT.

Methods and Results—

We pooled patient-level data from 5 large, randomized trials comparing short-term DAPT with prolonged therapy. From the data, we identified 5476 patients who received newer-generation drug-eluting stents. Net adverse clinical event (NACE) was defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, or major bleeding. At 1 year, NACE had occurred in 171 patients (3.1%). Independent predictors of NACE were older age (>65 years), sex, presence of diabetes mellitus, left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction <40%), and angiographic multivessel disease. Multivessel disease and DAPT duration were significantly associated with NACE (
P
for interaction=0.002); the association was driven by the greater occurrence of myocardial infarction in patients with multivessel disease. In patients with multivessel disease, 6-month DAPT (versus 12-month DAPT) was associated with a higher incidence of myocardial infarction (adjusted hazard ratio=2.748; 95% confidence interval=1.375–5.491;
P
=0.004), compared with patients with single-vessel disease (
P
for interaction=0.001).

Conclusions—

In patients treated with newer-generation drug-eluting stents, a significant interaction between DAPT strategy and multivessel disease was found regarding the occurrence of NACE at 1 year. Among adverse events, myocardial infarction was more frequent in 6-month DAPT than in 12-month DAPT in patients with multivessel disease.
Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Angiolillo Dominick J. , Goodman Shaun G. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Eikelboom John W. , Price Matthew J. , Moliterno David J. , Cannon Christopher P. , Tanguay Jean-Francois , Granger Christopher B. , Mauri Laura , Holmes David R. , Gibson C. Michael , Faxon David P.
Published: November 2016

The optimal antithrombotic treatment regimen for patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation is an emerging clinical problem. Currently, there is limited evidenced-based data on the optimal antithrombotic treatment regimen, including antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies, for these high-risk patients with practice guidelines, thus, providing limited recommendations. Over the past years, expert consensus documents have provided guidance to clinicians on how to manage patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Given the recent advancements in the field, the current document provides an updated opinion of selected North American experts from the United States and Canada on the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. In particular, this document provides the current views on (1) embolic/stroke risk, (2) ischemic/thrombotic cardiac risk, and (3) bleeding risk, which are pivotal for discerning the choice of antithrombotic therapy. In addition, we describe the recent advances in pharmacology, stent designs, and clinical trials relevant to the field. Ultimately, we provide expert consensus–derived recommendations, using a pragmatic approach, on the management of patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
Desmoteplase 3 to 9 Hours After Major Artery Occlusion Stroke
Authors: von Kummer Rüdiger , Mori Etsuro , Truelsen Thomas , Jensen Jens-Kristian S. , Grønning Bjørn A. , Fiebach Jochen B. , Lovblad Karl-Olof , Pedraza Salvador , Romero Javier M. , Chabriat Hugues , Chang Ku-Chou , Dávalos Antoni , Ford Gary A. , Grotta James , Kaste Markku , Schwamm Lee H. , Shuaib Ashfaq , Albers Gregory W.
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose—

The DIAS-3 trial (Efficacy and Safety Study of Desmoteplase to Treat Acute Ischemic Stroke [phase 3]) did not demonstrate a significant clinical benefit of desmoteplase administered 3 to 9 hours after stroke in patients with major artery occlusion. We present the results of the prematurely terminated DIAS-4 trial together with a post hoc pooled analysis of the concomitant DIAS-3, DIAS-4, and DIAS-J (Japan) trials to better understand the potential risks and benefits of intravenous desmoteplase for the treatment of ischemic stroke in an extended time window.

Methods—

Ischemic stroke patients with occlusion/high-grade stenosis in major cerebral arteries were randomly assigned to intravenous treatment with desmoteplase (90 μg/kg) or placebo. The primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 2 at day 90. Safety assessments included mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and other serious adverse events.

Results—

In DIAS-4, 52 of 124 (41.9%) desmoteplase-treated and 46 of 128 (35.9%) placebo-treated patients achieved an mRS score of 0 to 2 (odds ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.79; 2.64;
P
=0.23) with equal mortality, frequency of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and other serious adverse events in both the treatment arms. In the pooled analysis, mRS score of 0 to 2 was achieved by 184 of 376 (48.9%) desmoteplase-treated versus 171 of 381 (44.9%) placebo-treated patients (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.95; 1.85;
P
=0.096). Treatment with desmoteplase was safe and increased the recanalization rate (107/217 [49.3%] versus 85/222 [38.3%]; odds ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–2.35;
P
=0.019). Recanalization was associated with favorable outcomes (mRS 0–2) at day 90 in both the treatment arms.

Conclusions—

Late treatment with intravenous 90 µg/kg desmoteplase is safe, increases arterial recanalization, but does not significantly improve functional outcome at 3 months.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00856661.
Selecting Patients for Intra-Arterial Therapy in the Context of a Clinical Trial for Neuroprotection
Authors: Lyden Patrick , Weymer Sara , Coffey Chris , Cudkowicz Merit , Berg Samantha , O’Brien Sarah , Fisher Marc , Haley E. Clarke , Khatri Pooja , Saver Jeff , Levine Steven , Levy Howard , Rymer Marilyn , Wechsler Lawrence , Jadhav Ashutosh , McNeil Elizabeth , Waddy Salina , Pryor Kent
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose—

The advent of intra-arterial neurothrombectomy (IAT) for acute ischemic stroke opens a potentially transformative opportunity to improve neuroprotection studies. Combining a putative neuroprotectant with recanalization could produce more powerful trials but could introduce heterogeneity and adverse event possibilities. We sought to demonstrate feasibility of IAT in neuroprotectant trials by defining IAT selection criteria for an ongoing neuroprotectant clinical trial.

Methods—

The study drug, 3K3A-APC, is a pleiotropic cytoprotectant and may reduce thrombolysis-associated hemorrhage. The NeuroNEXT trial NN104 (RHAPSODY) is designed to establish a maximally tolerated dose of 3K3A-APC. Each trial site provided their IAT selection criteria. An expert panel reviewed site criteria and published evidence. Finally, the trial leadership designed IAT selection criteria.

Results—

Derived selection criteria reflected consistency among the sites and comparability to published IAT trials. A protocol amendment allowing IAT (and relaxed age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and time limits) in the RHAPSODY trial was implemented on June 15, 2015. Recruitment before and after the amendment improved from 8 enrolled patients (601 screened, 1.3%) to 51 patients (821 screened, 6.2%; odds ratio [95% confidence limit] of 4.9 [2.3–10.4];
P
<0.001). Gross recruitment was 0.11 patients per site month versus 0.43 patients per site per month, respectively, before and after the amendment.

Conclusions—

It is feasible to include IAT in a neuroprotectant trial for acute ischemic stroke. Criteria are presented for including such patients in a manner that is consistent with published evidence for IAT while still preserving the ability to test the role of the putative neuroprotectant.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02222714.
Everyday Shipping: A Market in Early Soviet Tajikistan
Authors: Reid Patryk
Published: November 2016

This article analyzes the Tajikistan ssr’s commodity chains in the early 1930s. I argue that a market for shipping services was instrumental to Soviet economic growth in the republic’s southern regions. Dispersed and ad hoc operations dominated goods exchanges vital to development at a time when the administration in Moscow was working to further centralize control of societal change. This analysis of the relationships between shipping agencies and economic organizations in southern Tajikistan shows that individuals put the transportation of cargo ahead of concerns about conforming to government mandates, including economic and nationalities policies. Importantly, the centralizing state often licensed such activities because they supported large-scale plans.
Floristic richness of the Sierra de Zapalinamé, Coahuila, Mexico
Authors: ENCINA JUAN ANTONIO , CASTILLÓN EDUARDO ESTRADA , QUINTANILLA JOSÉ A. VILLARREAL , VILLASEÑOR JOSÉ LUIS , AYALA CESAR M. CANTÚ , AREVALO JOSÉ RAMÓN
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a study of the flora of the Sierra de Zapalinamé, a protected area located in the southeast of the Mexican state of Coahuila. Field trips were conducted over 10 years, during which about 2,000 botanical specimens were collected. The material obtained in the study area was deposited in the herbaria ANSM, and partial collections in MEXU, CFNL and TEX/LL. Information on floristic inventories for the region were reviewed. A total of 110 families, 475 genera, 921 species and 9 intraspecific categories of vascular plants were recorded. Out of all the families, 3 are magnoliids, 84 eudicots, 14 monocots, 6 lycophytes and ferns, and 3 gymnosperms. The families with the highest number of genera and species, respectively, are Asteraceae (80/174), Poaceae (45/112), Fabaceae (30/65), Lamiaceae (11/31), Cactaceae (14/25), Euphorbiaceae (6/25), Pteridaceae (8/24) and Brassicaceae (18/21). The genera with the largest number of species are Muhlenbergia (14), Quercus (14), Salvia (14), and Ageratina (13). The area is home to 10 species that are endemic to the southeastern region of the state of Coahuila, along with 21 species considered rare due to their scarce occurrence in the area. Genera of Nearctic and arid zones of Mexico, along with a smaller proportion with Neotropical affinity, converge in this area. The aim of this work is to contribute to a better understanding of the flora of this mountainous region in order to strengthen the management program and ensure species protection.
Senecio piedrahitae (Compositae, Senecioneae), a new species from the Colombian Andes
Authors: CALVO JOEL , ÁVILA FABIO
Published: November 2016

A new species of Senecio gr. Lasiocephalus from the Central Andes of Colombia is described. It is a scandent subshrub recognized by its lanceolate leaves, clearly petiolated the middle cauline ones, asymetrical at the lamina base, floccose above and lanate beneath, by its synflorescence branches densely lanate, and glabrescent or slightly arachnoid involucre. It is known from the páramos of the volcanic complex Tolima-Santa Isabel-Ruiz. The morphologically closest taxon is S. otophorus var. christophori.
On the Dynamics of the Southern Senegal Upwelling Center: Observed Variability from Synoptic to Superinertial Scales
Authors: Capet Xavier , Estrade Philippe , Machu Eric , Ndoye Siny , Grelet Jacques , Lazar Alban , Marié Louis , Dausse Denis , Brehmer Patrice
Published: November 2016

Upwelling off southern Senegal and Gambia takes place over a wide shelf with a large area where depths are shallower than 20 m. This results in typical upwelling patterns that are distinct (e.g., more persistent in time and aligned alongshore) from those of other better known systems, including Oregon and Peru where inner shelves are comparatively narrow. Synoptic to superinertial variability of this upwelling center is captured through a 4-week intensive field campaign, representing the most comprehensive measurements of this region to date. The influence of mesoscale activity extends across the shelf break and far over the shelf where it impacts the midshelf upwelling (e.g., strength of the upwelling front and circulation), possibly in concert with wind fluctuations. Internal tides and solitary waves of large amplitude are ubiquitous over the shelf. The observations suggest that these and possibly other sources of mixing play a major role in the overall system dynamics through their impact upon the general shelf thermohaline structure, in particular in the vicinity of the upwelling zone. Systematic alongshore variability in thermohaline properties highlights important limitations of the 2D idealization framework that is frequently used in coastal upwelling studies.
Environmental Contaminants and Reproductive Bodies
Authors: Stevens Lindsay M.
Published: November 2016

Increasingly, leading health organizations recommend that women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy avoid certain toxic chemicals found in our products, homes, and communities in order to protect fetuses from developmental and future harm. In the contemporary United States, women’s maternal bodies have been treated as sites of exceptional risk and individual responsibility. Many studies have examined this phenomenon through the lens of lifestyle behaviors like smoking, drinking, and exercise. However, we know little about how environmental hazards fit into the dominant framework of gendered, individual responsibility for risk regulation. I draw on in-depth interviews with 19 reproductive healthcare providers in the United States to explore how they think about their patients’ exposure to environmental contaminants and sometimes subvert this gendered, individualized responsibility and adopt more collective frames for understanding risk.
Vintage Wine in New Bottles
Authors: Takeuchi David T.
Published: November 2016

The metaphor vintage wine in new bottles imagines how ideas from immigration studies, social psychology, and cultural sociology add novel insights about how the social context and social relationships of immigrant lives are linked to well-being. This article describes a few patterns in research studies that have addressed whether immigrants have higher or lower rates of mental health problems than their U.S.-born counterparts. It discusses a few past approaches to explain the differences in mental health outcomes. The article concludes with select concepts and tools from other sociological fields that may invigorate research on immigrants and their health and mental health.
Robust adaptive attitude manoeuvre control with finite-time convergence for a flexible spacecraft
Authors: Zhong Chenxing , Wu Liping , Guo Jian , Guo Yu , Chen Zhiyong
Published: November 2016

This paper investigates a finite-time attitude manoeuvre control problem for a flexible spacecraft subject to bounded external disturbances. A robust discontinuous finite-time controller with terminal sliding mode control is designed to solve this problem provided that the disturbances and the coupling effect of flexible modes are bounded with a known boundary. The controller is further enhanced by an adaptive scheme to deal with the more practical case that the boundary is unknown. The enhanced version is continuous and chattering-free. The results are rigorously proved using the Lyapunov stability theory. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed controllers are demonstrated by numerical simulation.
News events prediction using Markov logic networks
Authors: Dami Sina , Barforoush Ahmad Abdollahzadeh , Shirazi Hossein
Published: November 2016

Predicting future events from text data has been a controversial and much disputed topic in the field of text analytics. However, far too little attention has been paid to efficient prediction in textual environments. This study has aimed to develop a novel and efficient method for news event prediction. The proposed method is based on Markov logic networks (MLNs) framework, which enables us to concisely represent complex events by full expressivity of first-order logic (FOL), as well as to reason uncertain event with probabilities. In our framework, we first extract text news events via an event representation model at a semantic level and then transform them into web ontology language (OWL) as a posteriori knowledge. A set of domain-specific causal rules in FOL associated with weights were also fed into the system as a priori (common-sense) knowledge. Additionally, several large-scale ontologies including DBpedia, VerbNet and WordNet were used to model common-sense logic rules as contextual knowledge. Finally, all types of such knowledge were integrated into OWL for performing causal inference. The resulted OWL knowledge base is augmented by MLN, which uses weighted first-order formulas to represent probabilistic knowledge. Empirical evaluation of real news showed that our method of news event prediction was better than the baselines in terms of precision, coverage and diversity.