bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in Lipid-Lowering Therapy Use in Patients With Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ≥190 mg/dL
Authors: Virani Salim S. , Kennedy Kevin F. , Akeroyd Julia M. , Morris Pamela B. , Bittner Vera A. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Stone Neil J. , Petersen Laura A. , Ballantyne Christie M.
Published: May 2018

Background:

Patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥190 mg/dL are at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events. Treatment guidelines recommend intensive treatment in these patients. Variation in the use of lipid-lowering therapies (LLTs) in these patients in a national sample of cardiology practices is not known.

Methods and Results:

Using data from the American College of Cardiology National Cardiovascular Data Registry–Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence registry, we assessed the proportion of patients with LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL (n=49 447) receiving statin, high-intensity statin, LLT associated with ≥50% LDL-C lowering, ezetimibe, or a PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) inhibitor between January 2013 and December 2016. We assessed practice-level rates and variation in LLT use using median rate ratio (MRR) adjusted for patient and practice characteristics. MRRs represent the likelihood that 2 random practices would differ in treatment of identical patients with LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL. The proportion of patients receiving a statin, high-intensity statin, LLT associated with ≥50% LDL-C reduction, ezetimibe, or PCSK9 inhibitor were 58.5%, 31.9%, 34.6%, 8.5%, and 1.5%, respectively. Median practice-level rates and adjusted MRR for statin (56% [interquartile range, 47.3%–64.8%]; MRR, 1.20 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17–1.23]), high-intensity statin (30.2% [interquartile range, 12.1%–41.1%]; MRR, 2.31 [95% CI, 2.12–2.51]), LLT with ≥50% LDL-C lowering (31.8% [interquartile range, 15.3%–45.5%]; MRR, 2.12 [95% CI, 1.95–2.28]), ezetimibe (5.8% [interquartile range, 2.8%–9.8%]; MRR, 2.42 [95% CI, 2.21–2.63]), and PCSK9 inhibitors (0.16% [interquartile range, 0%–1.9%]; MRR, 2.38 [95% CI, 2.04–2.72]) indicated significant gaps and >200% variation in receipt of several of these medications for patients across practices. Among those without concomitant atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, even larger treatment gaps were noted (proportion of patients on a statin, high-intensity statin, LLT with ≥50% LDL-C reduction, ezetimibe, or PCSK9 inhibitor were 50.8%, 25.25%, 26.8%, 4.9%, and 0.74%, respectively).

Conclusions:

Evidence-based LLT use remains low among patients with elevated LDL-C with significant variation in care. System-level interventions are needed to address these gaps and reduce variation in care of these high-risk patients.
Complete and Partial Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyltransferase Deficiency Is Differentially Associated With Atherosclerosis
Authors: Oldoni Federico , Baldassarre Damiano , Castelnuovo Samuela , Ossoli Alice , Amato Mauro , van Capelleveen Julian , Hovingh G. Kees , De Groot Eric , Bochem Andrea , Simonelli Sara , Barbieri Simone , Veglia Fabrizio , Franceschini Guido , Kuivenhoven Jan Albert , Holleboom Adriaan G. , Calabresi Laura
Published: May 2018

Background:

Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) is the sole enzyme that esterifies cholesterol in plasma. Its role in the supposed protection from atherogenesis remains unclear because mutations in LCAT causing fish-eye disease (FED) or familial LCAT deficiency (FLD) have been reported to be associated with more or instead less carotid atherosclerosis, respectively. This discrepancy may be associated with the loss of cholesterol esterification on only apolipoprotein AI (FED) or on both apolipoprotein AI– and apolipoprotein B–containing lipoproteins (FLD), an aspect that has thus far not been investigated.

Methods:

Seventy-four heterozygotes for LCAT mutations recruited from Italy and the Netherlands were assigned to FLD (n=33) or FED (n=41) groups and compared with 280 control subjects. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed with carotid intima-media thickness.

Results:

Compared with control subjects, total cholesterol was lower by 16% (−32.9 mg/dL) and 7% (−14.9 mg/dL) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower by 29% (−16.7 mg/dL) and 36% (−20.7 mg/dL) in the FLD and FED groups, respectively. Subjects with FLD displayed a significant 18% lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with subjects with FED (101.9±35.0 versus 123.6±47.4 mg/dL;
P
=0.047) and control subjects (122.6±35.0 mg/dL;
P
=0.003). Remarkably, all 3 intima-media thickness parameters were lower in subjects with FLD compared with FED and control subjects (accounting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, family history of cardiovascular disease, and plasma lipids). After additional correction for nationality and ultrasonographic methods, average and maximum intima-media thickness remained significantly lower when subjects with FLD were compared with those with FED (0.59 versus 0.73 mm,
P
=0.003; and 0.87 versus 1.24 mm,
P
<0.001, respectively). In contrast, the common carotid intima-media thickness (corrected for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, family history of cardiovascular disease, and plasma lipids) was higher in subjects with FED compared with control subjects (0.69 versus 0.65 mm;
P
=0.05), but this significance was lost after adjustment for nationality and ultrasonographic machine.

Conclusions:

In this head-to-head comparison, FLD and FED mutations were shown to be associated with decreased and increased atherosclerosis, respectively. We propose that this discrepancy is related to the capacity of LCAT to generate cholesterol esters on apolipoprotein B–containing lipoproteins. Although this capacity is lost in FLD, it is unaffected in FED. These results are important when considering LCAT as a target to decrease atherosclerosis.
Prognostic Significance of the Sodium Channel Blocker Test in Patients With Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Ueoka Akira , Morita Hiroshi , Watanabe Atsuyuki , Morimoto Yoshimasa , Kawada Satoshi , Tachibana Motomi , Miyamoto Masakazu , Nakagawa Koji , Nishii Nobuhiro , Ito Hiroshi
Published: May 2018

Background

A drug provocation test using a sodium channel blocker (
SCB
) can unmask a type 1
ECG
pattern in patients with Brugada syndrome. However, the prognostic value of the results of an
SCB
challenge is limited in patients with non–type 1
ECG
. We investigated the associations of future risk for ventricular fibrillation with
SCB
‐induced
ECG
changes and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (
VTA
s).

Methods and Results

We administered intravenous pilsicainide to 245 consecutive patients with Brugada syndrome (181 patients with spontaneous type 1
ECG
, 64 patients with non–type 1
ECG
).
ECG
parameters before and after the test and occurrence of drug‐induced
VTA
s were evaluated. During a mean follow‐up period of 113±57 months, fatal
VTA
events occurred in 31 patients (sudden death: n=3, ventricular tachycardia/
ventricular fibrillation
: n=28). Symptomatic patients and spontaneous type 1
ECG
were associated with future fatal arrhythmic events. Univariable analysis of
ECG
parameters after the test showed that long
PQ
and
QRS
intervals, high
ST
level, and
SCB
‐induced
VTA
s were associated with later
VTA
events during follow‐up. Multivariable analysis showed that symptomatic patients, high
ST
level (V1) ≥0.3 
mV
after the test, and
SCB
‐induced
VTA
s were independent predictors for future fatal arrhythmic events (hazard ratios: 3.28, 2.80, and 3.62, 95% confidence intervals: 1.54–7.47, 1.32–6.35, and 1.64–7.75, respectively;
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

SCB
‐induced
VTA
s and
ST
‐segment augmentation are associated with an increased risk of the development of ventricular tachycardia/
ventricular fibrillation
events during follow‐up in patients with Brugada syndrome.
Role of Myeloid Lineage Cell Autophagy in Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Kotoda Masakazu , Furukawa Hajime , Miyamoto Takeshi , Korai Masaaki , Shikata Fumiaki , Kuwabara Atsushi , Xiong Xiaoxing , Rutledge Caleb , Giffard Rona G. , Hashimoto Tomoki
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose—

Inflammatory cells play a significant role in secondary injury after ischemic stroke. Recent studies have suggested that a lack of autophagy in myeloid cells causes augmented proinflammatory cytokine release and prolonged inflammation after tissue injury. In this study, we investigated the roles of myeloid cell autophagy in ischemic brain injury.

Methods—

Focal cerebral ischemia was induced via transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice with autophagy-deficient myeloid lineage cells (Atg5flox/flox LysMCre+) and in their littermate controls (Atg5flox/flox). Infarct volume, neurological function, inflammatory cell infiltration, and proinflammatory cytokine expression levels were evaluated.

Results—

Mice lacking autophagy in myeloid lineage cells had a lower survival rate for 14 days than control mice (20% versus 70%;
P
<0.05). Although there was no difference in infarct volume at 12 hours between the 2 groups, mice lacking autophagy in myeloid lineage cells had larger infarct volumes at later time points (3 and 7 days after reperfusion) with worse neurological deficit scores and lower grip test scores. There were a higher number of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1-positive cells and cells expressing M1 marker CD16/32 in mice lacking autophagy in myeloid cells at the later time points. Moreover, these mice had higher expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines at later time points; however, there was no difference in ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1-positive cells or mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines at the earlier time point (12 hours after reperfusion).

Conclusions—

These data suggest that the lack of myeloid cell autophagy aggravates secondary injury by augmenting and prolonging inflammation after ischemic stroke without affecting the initial injury.
Antiplatelet Treatment After Transient Ischemic Attack and Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Cerebral Microbleeds in 2 Large Cohorts and an Updated Systematic Review
Authors: Lau Kui Kai , Lovelock Caroline E. , Li Linxin , Simoni Michela , Gutnikov Sergei , Küker Wilhelm , Mak Henry Ka Fung , Rothwell Peter M.
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose—

In patients with transient ischemic attack/ischemic stroke, microbleed burden predicts intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and ischemic stroke, but implications for antiplatelet treatment are uncertain. Previous cohort studies have had insufficient follow-up to assess the time course of risks, have not stratified risks by antithrombotic use, and have not reported extracranial bleeds or functional outcome of ICH versus ischemic stroke.

Methods—

In 2 independent prospective cohorts with transient ischemic attack/ischemic stroke (Oxford Vascular Study/mainly white; University of Hong Kong/mainly Chinese), antiplatelet treatment was started routinely irrespective of microbleed burden. Risks, time course and outcome of ICH, extracranial bleeds, and recurrent ischemic events were determined and stratified by microbleed burden (0 versus 1, 2–4, and ≥5), adjusting for age, sex, and vascular risk factors.

Results—

Microbleeds were more frequent in the Chinese cohort (450 of 1003 versus 165 of 1080;
P
<0.0001), but risk associations were similar during 7433 patient-years of follow-up. Among 1811 patients on antiplatelet drugs, risk of major extracranial bleeds was unrelated to microbleed burden (
P
trend
=0.87), but the 5-year risk of ICH was steeply related (
P
trend
<0.0001), with 11 of 15 (73%) of ICH in 140 of 1811 (7.7%) patients with ≥5 microbleeds. However, risk of ischemic stroke also increased with microbleed burden (
P
trend
=0.013), such that risk of ischemic stroke and coronary events exceeded ICH and major extracranial bleeds during the first year, even among patients with ≥5 microbleeds (11.6% versus 3.9%). However, this ratio changed over time, with risk of hemorrhage (11.2%) matching that of ischemic events (12.0%) after 1 year. Moreover, whereas the association between microbleed burden and risk of ischemic stroke was due mainly to nondisabling events (
P
trend
=0.007), the association with ICH was accounted for (
P
trend
<0.0001) by disabling/fatal events (≥5 microbleeds: 82% disabling/fatal ICH versus 40% disabling/fatal ischemic stroke;
P
=0.035).

Conclusions—

In white and Chinese patients with ≥5 microbleeds, withholding antiplatelet drugs during the first year after transient ischemic attack/ischemic stroke may be inappropriate. However, the risk of ICH may outweigh any benefit thereafter.
Intravenous Recombinant Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator
Authors: Ferrigno Marc , Bricout Nicolas , Leys Didier , Estrade Laurent , Cordonnier Charlotte , Personnic Thomas , Kyheng Maeva , Henon Hilde
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose—

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) followed by mechanical thrombectomy (MT) improves functional outcome in patients with ischemic stroke related to proximal-vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation. Whether MT alone is as effective as IVT/MT remains controversial. We aimed at evaluating the influence of IVT in patients with large anterior circulation artery occlusion treated with MT.

Methods—

We did a prospective observational cohort study in patients with stroke related to large anterior circulation artery occlusion treated by MT who were admitted to Lille University Hospital, Lille, France. We evaluated the influence of IVT on favorable functional outcome (defined as a modified Rankin Scale score 0–2 or similar to the prestroke modified Rankin Scale) and on mortality at month 3. Between-group comparisons in outcomes were adjusted for prespecified confoundors by using a propensity score–adjusted approach.

Results—

From January 2012 to January 2017, we included 485 patients (median age, 68 years; 46% men; 348 [72%] in the IVT/MT group; 137 [28%] in the MT group). In MT group, 22% of patients had a favorable outcome versus 35% in IVT/MT group (adjusted relative risk, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.23–2.55). Mortality within 3 months occurred less frequently in IVT/MT group (14% versus 32%; adjusted relative risk, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.31–0.70). Successful reperfusion (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale 2b-3) was more frequent in IVT/MT group (75% versus 60%; adjusted relative risk, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.53). There was no difference between groups on hemorrhagic complications.

Conclusions—

In this population, previous IVT improved functional outcome and survival at 3 months in patients treated by MT. While waiting for randomized controlled trials, this result encourages not to avoid IVT before MT.
Embedded Written Documents as Colonial Mimicry in Ezra-Nehemiah
Authors: Jones Christopher M.
Published: May 2018

The unity of the final form of Ezra-Nehemiah has long been the consensus position among scholars in the field. This article challenges that consensus by comparing and contrasting the use of embedded written documents in Ezra 7 and Nehemiah 10 through the theoretical lens of colonial mimicry. I argue that the Artaxerxes rescript in Ezra 7 strategically mimics imperial discourse by assuming that propagandistic Persian rhetoric to Babylon and Egypt should also naturally apply to Yehud despite its peripheral status. By contrast, Nehemiah 10 invokes indigenous Judean writing to challenge the legitimacy of imperial domination. The sharply differing political programs articulated by these two texts, combined with literary and manuscript evidence from antiquity, suggests that the canonical book of Ezra-Nehemiah is an outlier among ancient Judean texts in juxtaposing the figures of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Dialectic of Seizing and Leaving Behind: Mark’s Young Man in Gethsemane
Authors: Hatton Stephen B.
Published: May 2018

The article traces the dialectical unfolding involved in the Markan naked young man text (Mark 14:51-52). It follows the dialectical process of (1) Jesus’s seizure; (2) the young man’s seizure which diminishes the impact of Jesus’s seizure; (3) the young man’s non-seizure and absence; and (4) the young man’s return to presence through reification of his garment. Finally, it focuses on the last dialectical moment in which the Gospel of Mark text seizes the young man and Jesus.
Marked intra-genomic variation and pseudogenes in the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA of Symphurus plagiusa (Pleuronectiformes: Cynoglossidae)
Authors: Gong Li , Shi Wei , Yang Min , Kong Xiaoyu
Published: May 2018

The eukaryotic ribosomal DNA (rDNA) cluster consists of multiple copies of three genes (18S, 5.8S, and 28S rDNA) and two internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2). In recent years, an increasing number of rDNA sequence polymorphisms have been identified in numerous species. In the present study, we provide 33 complete ITS (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) sequences from twoSymphurus plagiusaindividuals. To the best of our knowledge, these sequences are the first detailed information on ITS sequences in Pleuronectiformes. Here, two divergent types (Type A and B) of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA sequence were found, which mainly differ in sequence length, GC content, nucleotide diversity (π), secondary structure and minimum free energy. The ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA sequence of Type B was speculated to be a putative pseudogene according to pseudogene identification criteria. Cluster analysis showed that sequences from the same type clustered into one group and two major groups were formed. The high degree of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequence polymorphism at the intra-specific level indicated that theS. plagiusagenome has evolved in a non-concerted evolutionary manner. These results not only provide useful data for ribosomal pseudogene identification, but also further contribute to the study of rDNA evolution in teleostean genomes.
Aspidistra extrorsa (Asparagaceae), a new species from limestone areas in Guangxi, China
Authors: NONG DONG-XIN , HUANG YU-SONG , LIN CHUN-RUI
Published: May 2018

Aspidistra Ker Gawler (1822: t. 628) is a genus native to eastern and southeastern Asia. It includes over 170 species, and the number rapidly increased since 1980 (Tillich 2005, 2006, 2008, Liu et al. 2011, Lin et al. 2012, 2013, 2015, Meng et al. 2014, Hu et al. 2014, Huang et al. 2015, Liang et al. 2016).
NU-WRF Aerosol Transport Simulation over West Africa: Effects of Biomass Burning on Smoke Aerosol Distribution
Authors: Iguchi Takamichi , Matsui Toshihisa , Tao Zhining , Kim Dongchul , Ichoku Charles M. , Ellison Luke , Wang Jun
Published: May 2018

Series of aerosol transport hindcasts for West Africa were conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model coupled to chemistry within the NASA-Unified WRF (NU-WRF) framework. The transport of biomass-burning aerosols in April and December 2009 was investigated over two types of simulation domains. One-month simulations with 9-km grid spacing for April or December 2009 covered most of North and West Africa and were evaluated by comparison with measurements of the total-column aerosol optical depth, Ångström exponent, and horizontal wind components at various pressure levels. The horizontal wind components at 700 hPa were identified as key factors in determining the transport patterns of biomass-burning aerosols from sub-Saharan West Africa to the Sahel. The vertical accumulation of biomass-burning aerosols close to 700 hPa was demonstrated in 1-day simulations with 1-km horizontal grid spacing. A new simple parameterization for the effects of heat release by biomass burning was designed for this resolution and tested together with the conventional parameterization based on fixed smoke injection heights. The aerosol vertical profiles were somewhat sensitive to the selection of parameterization, except for cases with the assumption of excessive heating by biomass burning. The new parameterization works reasonably well and offers flexibility to relate smoke transport to biomass-burning plume rise that can be correlated with the satellite fire radiative power measurements, which is advantageous relative to the conventional parameterization.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Pseudonymity and Participation in Legal Mobilization
Authors: Arrington Celeste L.
Published: May 2018

How and when do people participate in sustained collective action via the courts? Previous research highlights group identity or resources and political opportunities but overlooks civil procedural rules’ effects beyond the courtroom. This article explores how rules regarding privacy shape individuals’ decisions about sustained participation. Fears of exposing one’s identity deter participation, especially in the context of public trials. Yet, a paired comparison of litigation by victims of hepatitis C-tainted blood products in Japan and Korea reveals that court-supervised privacy protections, which were available in Japan but not in Korea, facilitate plaintiffs’ participation inside and outside the courtroom. They ease plaintiff recruitment and enhance claimants’ credibility. Counterintuitively, they also let claimants strategically shed pseudonymity to send a costly signal about their commitment to the cause. Theorizing “pseudonymous participation” as an understudied mode of activism between full exposure and anonymity demonstrates that seemingly technical aspects of law have significant political consequences.
Multi-Sectoral Approach to Noncommunicable Disease Prevention Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Conceptual Framework for Analysis
Authors: Sanni Saliyou , Wisdom Jennifer P. , Ayo-Yusuf Olalekan A. , Hongoro Charles
Published: May 2018

Conceptual frameworks for health policy analysis guide investigations into interactions between institutions, interests, and ideas to identify how to improve policy decisions and outcomes. This review assessed constructs from current frameworks and theories of health policy analysis to (1) develop a preliminary synthesis of findings from selected frameworks and theories; (2) analyze relationships between elements of those frameworks and theories to construct an overarching framework for health policy analysis; and then, (3) apply that overarching framework to analyze tobacco control policies in Togo and in South Africa. This Comprehensive Framework for Multi-Sectoral Approach to Health Policy Analysis has 4 main constructs: context, content, stakeholders, and strategies. When applied to analyze tobacco control policy processes in Togo and in South Africa, it identified a shared goal in both countries to have a policy content that is compliant with the provisions of international tobacco treaties and differences in strategic interactions between institutions (e.g., tobacco industry, government structures) and in the political context of tobacco control policy process. These findings highlight the need for context-specific political mapping identifying the interests of all stakeholders and strategies for interaction between health and other sectors when planning policy formulation or implementation.
The evaluation of electromagnetic shielding properties of CFRP/metal mesh hybrid woven laminated composites
Authors: Tugirumubano Alexandre , Vijay SJ , Go Sun Ho , Shin Hee Jae , Ku Kwac Lee , Kim Hong Gun
Published: May 2018

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites, owing to their lightweight and strength-weight ratio, are being used in many applications to replace traditional metallic materials and their alloys. The combination of polymeric composites with metallic materials can provide a significant impact in engineering applications. This paper evaluates electromagnetic interference shielding of bimetal-carbon prepreg fibers textile composite materials. Prepreg carbon fibers and metal wire mesh are used to make electromagnetic interference shielding samples. The material samples consist of making plain weaves of metal wire mesh and carbon prepreg and stack them with prepreg carbon fiber layers. In order to produce plain woven fabrics, wefts were made of prepreg carbon fibers and warps were made of wire meshes. In each woven fabric, two yarns of different metal wire meshes were alternated one after another. The combination of conductive wire meshes such as stainless steel-copper, stainless steel-nickel, and copper-nickel in a woven fabric was considered. The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness was evaluated for each textile composite material based on ASTM 4935-99. Results showed a possible application of these materials for electromagnetic interference shielding with higher absorption. The best electromagnetic interference shielding performance was obtained for a combination of stainless steel-copper-CFRP with a shielding effectiveness of 131.6 dB. The absorption losses for all samples were about 82% of electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness. The mechanical properties and scanning electron image of fabricated samples were also investigated.
Writing Alone or Together: Police Officers’ Collaborative Reports of an Incident
Authors: Vredeveldt Annelies , Kesteloo Linda , van Koppen Peter J.
Published: May 2018

After witnessing an incident, police officers may write their report collaboratively. We examined how collaboration influences the amount and accuracy of information in police reports. Eighty-six police officers participated, in pairs, in a live training scenario. Officers wrote a report about the incident, either with their partner or individually. Reports by two officers working together (collaborative performance) contained less information than reports by two officers working individually (nominal performance), with no difference in accuracy. After the first report, officers who had worked individually wrote a collaborative report. Police officers who recorded their own memories prior to collaboration included less incorrect information in the collaborative report than police officers who wrote a collaborative report immediately after the incident. Finally, content-focused retrieval strategies (acknowledge, repeat, rephrase, elaborate) during the officers’ discussion positively predicted the amount of information in collaborative reports. Practical recommendations for the police and suggestions for further research are provided.
How the Distribution of Member Expectations Influences Cooperation and Competition in Groups: A Social Relations Model Analysis of Social Dilemmas
Authors: Ladbury Jared L. , Hinsz Verlin B.
Published: May 2018

Group outcomes are difficult to model and predict using individual-level metrics. We use shared cognition concepts and the social relations model to predict cooperative group outcomes in two social dilemmas to test whether social projection or consensus among group members would best predict cooperation. Group-level variance components derived from the social relations model were used as indices of social projection and consensus. Groups played five rounds of two social dilemmas and predicted their partners’ behavior on the following round. Results demonstrate that participants expect other group members to respond to the situation like the participant will and that shared expectations predict less competitive group behavior, but only when group members’ expectations have little to no variance. This article demonstrates the utility of the social relations model in predicting group-level outcomes from individual inputs, as well as providing novel findings regarding the complex effects of shared expectations on collective outcomes.
Radiosensitivity and transgenerational effects in non-human species
Authors: Adam-Guillermin C. , Hertal-Aas T. , Oughton D. , Blanchard L. , Alonzo F. , Armant O. , Horemans N.
Published: May 2018

The ALLIANCE working group on effects of ionising radiation on wildlife brings together European researchers to work on the topics of radiosensitivity and transgenerational effects in non-human biota. Differences in radiation sensitivity across species and phyla are poorly understood, but have important implications for understanding the overall effects of radiation and for radiation protection; for example, sensitive species may require special attention in monitoring and radiation protection, and differences in sensitivity between species also lead to overall effects at higher levels (community, ecosystem), since interactions between species can be altered. Hence, understanding the mechanisms of interspecies radiation sensitivity differences may help to clarify mechanisms underpinning intraspecies variation. Differences in sensitivity may only be revealed when organisms are exposed to ionising radiation over several generations. This issue of potential long-term or hereditary effects for both humans and wildlife exposed to low doses of ionising radiation is a major concern. Animal and plant studies suggest that gamma irradiation can lead to observable effects in the F1 generation that are not attributable to inheritance of a rare stable DNA mutation. Several studies have provided evidence of an increase in genomic instability detected in germ or somatic cells of F1 organisms from exposed F0 organisms. This can lead to induced radiosensitivity, and can result in phenotypic effects or lead to reproductive effects and teratogenesis. In particular, studies have been conducted to understand the possible role of epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, or expression of non-coding RNAs in radiosensitivity, as well as in adaptation effects. As such, research using biological models in which the relative contribution of genetic and epigenetic processes can be elucidated is highly valuable.
Gold Nanoparticle Toxicity in Mice and Rats: Species Differences
Authors: Bahamonde Javiera , Brenseke Bonnie , Chan Matthew Y. , Kent Ronald D. , Vikesland Peter J. , Prater M. Renee
Published: May 2018

Nanotoxicity studies are greatly needed to advance nanomedical technologies into clinical practice. We assessed the toxic effects of a single intravenous exposure to commercially available gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in mice and rats. Fifteen-nm GNPs were purchased and independently characterized. Animals were exposed to either 1,000 mg GNPs/kg body weight (GNP group) or phosphate-buffered saline. Subsets of animals were euthanized and samples collected at 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days postexposure. Independent characterization demonstrated that the physicochemical properties of the purchased GNPs were in good agreement with the information provided by the supplier. Mice exposed to GNPs developed granulomas in the liver and transiently increased serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-18. No such alterations were found in rats. While there was no fatality in mice post-GNP exposure, a number of the rats died within hours of GNP administration. Differences in GNP biodistribution and excretion were also detected between the two species, with rats having a higher relative accumulation of GNPs in spleen and greater fecal excretion. In conclusion, GNPs have the ability to incite a robust macrophage response in mice, and there are important species-specific differences in their biodistribution, excretion, and potential for toxicity.
‘The Worldly Advantage It Gives … ’ Missionary Education, Migration and Intergenerational Mobility in the Long Nineteenth Century, Ceylon and Malaya 1816–1916
Authors: Wal Kristina Hodelin-ter
Published: May 2018

During the mid-nineteenth century, many Tamils in Ceylon sent their children to Protestant missionary schools while some adults went to work for missionaries to gain education and employment. Though the ties to the Vellalar caste were strong, the gains of colonial employment and education were more influential to those of the Vellalar caste intermingling with Christian missionaries. Interaction with British and American missionaries in the early to late nineteenth century ultimately led to the migration of this group to British Malaya. Circumstances in Ceylon, as well as the drive for resources such as education and employment, led to the push away from the old colony of Ceylon to the frontier colony of Malaya. This article will showcase the agency of the Ceylonese Tamils within British Ceylon and Malaya during the late colonial era. In order to understand the clout of Ceylonese Tamils in the frontier colony of Malaya, an examination of the agency they held onto in British Ceylon is essential for review. The transfer of educational and religious networks from one colony to the other is the core of comprehending the migratory experiences and intergenerational mobility over generations in colonial to post-colonial Malaya/Malaysia.

JEL: N00, Z12, Z10
Children’s social status and anticipated shame and guilt experiences
Authors: Stapleton Charles Matthew , Zhang Hui , Kitzmann Katherine M. , Cohen Robert
Published: May 2018

Previous research indicates that the behavioral profile of high-status children is not monolithic but varied. This study contributes to the existing research on high-status children by showing that they are also an emotionally diverse group in terms of their anticipated shame and guilt experiences. Children ( N = 163, aged 8–12 years) nominated classmates who were perceived as popular, socially preferred, respected, and overtly aggressive. Regarding anticipated shame and guilt experiences, children also related how much they would experience shame and guilt and display correlated behaviors after reading stories which varied the transgression type (intentional harm, unintentional harm, and incompetent behavior) and the transgression frequency (many times vs. once). We found that children who were perceived by other children to be both highly popular and high in another area of social status related to a communal goal orientation (social preference, respect, and nonaggression) anticipated significantly more shame and guilt feelings than children who were perceived to be only highly popular and children who were low in social status. Moreover, these children also anticipated using significantly more appeasement than apologetic strategies when they imagined acting incompetently many times; a pattern not in evidence with other children. These findings suggest that children who are viewed as both popular and communal are more sensitive to the ways transgressions could influence what they would feel and what they would do, compared to children who are viewed as popular but not communal and children who are neither popular nor communal.
Diagnostic accuracy of simplified ultrasound hand examination protocols for detection of inflammation and disease burden in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sivakumaran Priyanka , Hussain Sidra , Attipoe Laura , Ciurtin Coziana
Published: May 2018

Background

There is no consensus regarding the minimum number of joints that should be included in an ultrasound (US) scoring system to reliably assess for disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Purpose

To assess whether simplified US protocols for hand examination are as informative as the examination of 22 joints in patients with RA, and to correlate the US parameters with disease activity (DAS-28).

Material and Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of 224 RA patients stratified based on their DAS-28 scores and assessed using eight preselected US examination protocols, including 22, 18, 16, 14, ten, eight, and two different combinations of four joints, respectively.

Results

We found a significant difference between US hand scores regarding their ability to detect active inflammation and erosions. DAS-28 scores correlated very well with the power Doppler (PD) scores generated by all eight US examination protocols (r = 0.89–1, P < 0.05), irrespective of patients' disease activity. Simplified US scores missed information on presence of PD in 20.6–40.2% patients ( P < 0.05) and misdiagnosed non-erosive hand RA in 12–38.4% patients ( P < 0.05), depending on the number of joints excluded from US hand examination.

Conclusion

Preselected simplified US scores are less reliable in appreciating the disease burden when compared with an extended protocol for 22 joint US examination, raising clinicians' awareness regarding the need to comprehensively assess multiple hand joints to reliably rule out subclinical inflammation.
An Overview of Animal Models Related to Schizophrenia
Authors: Winship Ian R. , Dursun Serdar M. , Baker Glen B. , Balista Priscila A. , Kandratavicius Ludmyla , Maia-de-Oliveira Joao Paulo , Hallak Jaime , Howland John G.
Published: May 2018

Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder that is poorly treated with current therapies. In this brief review, we provide an update regarding the use of animal models to study schizophrenia in an attempt to understand its aetiology and develop novel therapeutic strategies. Tremendous progress has been made developing and validating rodent models that replicate the aetiologies, brain pathologies, and behavioural abnormalities associated with schizophrenia in humans. Here, models are grouped into 3 categories—developmental, drug induced, and genetic—to reflect the heterogeneous risk factors associated with schizophrenia. Each of these models is associated with varied but overlapping pathophysiology, endophenotypes, behavioural abnormalities, and cognitive impairments. Studying schizophrenia using multiple models will permit an understanding of the core features of the disease, thereby facilitating preclinical research aimed at the development and validation of better pharmacotherapies to alter the progression of schizophrenia or alleviate its debilitating symptoms.
Enquêter sur la participation populaire en contexte de politisation extrême
Authors: Brandler–Weinreb Jessica
Published: May 2018

L’objectif de cet article est double. D’un côté, il s’agit de montrer en quoi la réflexion méthodologique a autant structuré la pensée développée dans ma thèse que l’objet d’études choisi. Et, d’un autre côté, il est question d’interroger le rôle du contexte dans lequel se réalise le terrain dans les choix méthodologiques qui sont opérés, voire la manière dont le contexte peut déterminer la démarche à suivre. En partant d’une recherche sur les effets de la participation populaire des femmes au Venezuela de Chávez, cet article explore les stratégies développées pour enquêter sur un terrain extrêmement politisé et en tension. Il propose également de réfléchir à l’incidence du positionnement de l’enquêteur ou de l’enquêtrice dans la construction de l’approche adoptée, notamment lorsqu’il ou elle appartient au pays étudié. En somme, c’est une invitation à explorer les questions éthiques, les ajustements et les outils méthodologiques de la thèse « en train de se faire ».
Ce qu’Alis nous dit de ses amis. L’effet de désirabilité sociale et sa variabilité au prisme de questions portant sur une prestation sociale fictive
Authors: Papuchon Adrien
Published: May 2018

En 2014 et 2016, une allocation fictive, l’ALIS, a été introduite dans une série de questions visant à évaluer la connaissance des principales prestations du système de protection sociale français. Les données recueillies permettent d’évaluer empiriquement l’ampleur de certains comportements de réponse (phénomènes de satisficing notamment) et de mieux saisir la complexité des biais de désirabilité sociale dans les enquêtes par questionnaire réalisées en face–à–face. 12% des enquêtés déclarent avoir déjà entendu parler de la prestation fictive. Cette proportion varie en fonction des caractéristiques sociales des enquêtés et de la position de l’item fictif dans le questionnaire. Les résultats se traduisent par un « paradoxe de l’expert », selon lequel la probabilité d’affirmer avoir entendu parler d’une prestation qui n’existe pas augmente avec le degré de connaissance déclarée du sujet. Ce paradoxe se manifeste avec une acuité particulière chez les personnes à fort capital scolaire, qui seraient plus sensibles à la nécessité de faire démonstration de leurs compétences sociales face à l’enquêteur.
The Dyad Ratios Algorithm for Estimating Latent Public Opinion
Authors: Stimson James A.
Published: May 2018

In the study of longitudinal movements in public opinion it is usually the case that data are abundant, but irregular. Both cases (times) and variables are numerous, but it is never the case that all cases are available for any one variable. The dyad ratios algorithm was created to make dimensional analysis possible for this perverse data structure. The central logic of the dyad ratios algorithm is explained. Central focus is on the use of ratios as a starting point, the recursive estimation procedure, validity estimation by iterative procedure and the bootstrapping of standard errors. The ability of the algorithm to estimate a known longitudinal path is tested with artificial data. Then dyad ratios is compared to principal components analysis for a particular real data problem where both are possible. A final section makes a limited comparison between dyad ratios and item response theory.
Carotid Flow as a Surrogate for Cardiac Output Measurement in Hemodynamically Stable Participants
Authors: Sidor Marian , Premachandra Lalith , Hanna Bishoy , Nair Nanda , Misra Amit
Published: May 2018

Objective:

Evaluation of common carotid artery (CCA) blood flow can provide valuable information regarding the hemodynamic status of a patient. Utilizing ultrasound, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between cardiac output and different hemodynamic parameters in the CCA, namely systolic carotid flow (SCF), corrected flow time (CFT), and total carotid flow (TCF).

Methods:

We studied a pilot sample of 20 healthy volunteers. Hemodynamic parameters were collected in the right CCA and the heart at rest (baseline), 1-leg compression, 2-leg compression, and passive leg raise. Nonparametric Spearman correlation was calculated using STATA 13 software.

Results:

This study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of the leg compression testing as a hemodynamic maneuver to simulate volume depletion status. We demonstrated a direct correlation between cardiac output and SCF of 0.67 with a P value < 0.001. Interestingly, TCF calculated based on volume–time integral (VTI) in the carotid artery showed positive correlation of only 0.41, with P < 0.06, and it did not reach statistical significance. We also found a positive correlation between CFT and cardiac output at baseline 0.57, with P < 0.001.

Conclusion:

Variations in cardiac preload and the subsequent alterations in cardiac output were directly translatable into variations in the carotid blood flow. This supports the potential for using carotid flow as a surrogate for cardiac output. The most promising parameters were SCF, CFT, and carotid systolic VTI. Further work is needed to validate these correlations and utilize these acquired carotid parameters to guide fluid management and predict fluid responsiveness.
Comparative evaluation of novel thermo-chemical treatment methods for improved impact performance of laminated glass
Authors: Vedrtnam Ajitanshu
Published: May 2018

The thermal and chemical treatment used for glass is not applicable for the laminated glass due to the presence of interlayer having lower melting temperature than the minimum required temperature for the conventional treatment of glass. The present work reports four specialized treatment methods for laminated glass treatment. The effectiveness of the four novel laminated glass treatment methods is evaluated for an impact response of laminated glass. The destructive ball drop testing was performed following EN 356 on laminated glass samples after treating them with each of the four treatment methods. The treatment methods are compared based on the fracture pattern (correlated to the post-fracture response), fragment size, and amount of damage due to the impact by 2.3 kg, 83 mm diameter smooth solid steel ball from the height of 5 m. A multi-purpose algorithm (transient analysis in ANSYS 14.5 (explicit dynamics module)) was utilized for the determination of the maximum deformation and maximum equivalent stress. The regression analysis is conducted for the validation of experimental results. The impact behavior of thermo-chemically treated laminated glass samples was found to be significantly better than the untreated laminated glass samples in the most cases as the impurities/defects were reduced and strength of the laminated glass samples was increased by the treatment. These treatment methods can be customized later for the laminated glass structures and windshields during operating conditions, which would be a significant contribution to this field.
BASHH 2016 UK national audit and survey of HIV testing, risk assessment and follow-up: case note audit
Authors: Bhaduri Sumit , Curtis Hilary , McClean Hugo , Sullivan Ann K
Published: May 2018

This national audit demonstrated discrepancies between actual practice and that indicated by clinic policies following enquiry about alcohol, recreational drugs and chemsex use. Clinics were more likely to enquire about risk behaviour if this was clinic policy or routine practice. Previous testing was the most common reason for refusing HIV testing, although 33% of men who have sex with men had a prior test of more than three months ago. Of the group declining due to recent exposure in the window period, 21/119 cases had an exposure within the four weeks prior to presentation, but had a previous risk not covered by previous testing. Recommendations include provision of risk assessments for alcohol, recreational drug use and chemsex, documenting reasons for HIV test refusal, provision of HIV point-of-care testing, follow-up for cases at higher risk of HIV and advice about community testing or self-sampling/testing.
One-stage dose–response meta-analysis for aggregated data
Authors: Crippa Alessio , Discacciati Andrea , Bottai Matteo , Spiegelman Donna , Orsini Nicola
Published: May 2018

The standard two-stage approach for estimating non-linear dose–response curves based on aggregated data typically excludes those studies with less than three exposure groups. We develop the one-stage method as a linear mixed model and present the main aspects of the methodology, including model specification, estimation, testing, prediction, goodness-of-fit, model comparison, and quantification of between-studies heterogeneity. Using both fictitious and real data from a published meta-analysis, we illustrated the main features of the proposed methodology and compared it to a traditional two-stage analysis. In a one-stage approach, the pooled curve and estimates of the between-studies heterogeneity are based on the whole set of studies without any exclusion. Thus, even complex curves (splines, spike at zero exposure) defined by several parameters can be estimated. We showed how the one-stage method may facilitate several applications, in particular quantification of heterogeneity over the exposure range, prediction of marginal and conditional curves, and comparison of alternative models. The one-stage method for meta-analysis of non-linear curves is implemented in the dosresmeta R package. It is particularly suited for dose–response meta-analyses of aggregated where the complexity of the research question is better addressed by including all the studies.