bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative evaluation of torasemide and spironolactone on adverse cardiac remodeling in a rat model of dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Arumugam Somasundaram , Sreedhar Remya , Karuppagounder Vengadeshprabhu , Harima Meilei , Nakamura Masahiko , Suzuki Hiroshi , Sone Hirohito , Watanabe Kenichi
Published: June 2017

Background

Chronic heart failure (CHF) involves fluid retention and volume overload, leading to impaired cardiac function. In these conditions, diuretic agents are most commonly used to treat edema and thereby reducing the volume load on the failing heart. There are several other beneficial effects of diuretics apart from their action on urinary excretion.

Methods

To identify the effects of diuretic agents on adverse cardiac remodeling in CHF, this study was carried out, where we have compared the effects of torasemide and spironolactone in a rat model of dilated cardiomyopathy induced by porcine cardiac myosin‐mediated experimental autoimmune myocarditis.

Results

Cardiac protein expression levels of inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and fibrosis markers were upregulated in the hearts of CHF rats, while treatment with either torasemide or spironolactone has downregulated their expression. The effect produced by spironolactone on cardiac fibrosis markers was comparably lesser than torasemide. Further, immunohistochemical analysis and histopathological studies have provided evidence to confirm the beneficial effects of these drugs on adverse cardiac remodeling in rats with CHF.

Conclusion

Torasemide treatment has benefits against adverse cardiac remodeling in CHF rats, which was better than the protection offered by spironolactone.
Inhibition of mevalonate pathway prevents ischemia‐induced cardiac dysfunction in rats via RhoA‐independent signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Ying , Rong Xiqing , Lv Xue , Jiang Wenbing , Yang Yuan , Lai Dongwu , Xu Shiming , Fu Guosheng
Published: June 2017

Aim

We previously demonstrated that anoxia‐mediated Ca2+ handling dysfunction could be ameliorated through inhibition of mevalonate pathway via RhoA‐ and Ras‐related mechanisms in H9c2 cells. In this study, we further explored whether inhibition of mevalonate pathway is associated with cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in ischemic cardiomyopathy, and discussed the possible role of Ras, Rac and RhoA in cardiac dysfunction.

Methods

We investigated the role of mevalonate pathway in cardiac remodeling and cardiomyocyte Ca2+ handling proteins expression in a rat model of cardiac dysfunction due to myocardial infarction (MI). After MI, adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were treated with drugs that antagonize key components in mevalonate pathway, including 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase, farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, and Rho‐kinase for 10 weeks. The protein expression of ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2), sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) 2a, phospholamban (PLB), phospho‐PLB at serine‐16 (PSer16‐PLB), FKBP12.6, and RhoA as well as RyR2 and FKBP12.6 mRNA levels was evaluated.

Results

Rosuvastatin and alendronate treatment prevented myocardial remodeling, improved cardiac function and reduced infarct size. Furthermore, rosuvastatin and alendronate promoted an increase in the protein expression of SERCA2a and PSer16‐PLB/PLB ratio as well as partially restored the RyR2 and FKBP12.6 gene and protein expression. Fasudil failed to exert these beneficial effects.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that mevalonate pathway inhibition by rosuvastatin and alendronate prevents cardiac remodeling and dysfunction possibly through RhoA‐independent mechanisms.
Phase 1 dose‐escalation study of single‐agent veliparib in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Nishikawa Tadaaki , Matsumoto Koji , Tamura Kenji , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Imai Yuichi , Miyasaka Aki , Onoe Takuma , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Shimizu Chikako , Yonemori Kan , Shimoi Tatsunori , Yunokawa Mayu , Xiong Hao , Nuthalapati Silpa , Hashiba Hideyuki , Kiriyama Tsukasa , Leahy Terri , Komarnitsky Philip , Fujiwara Keiichi
Published: June 2017

Veliparib (ABT‐888) is a potent, orally bioavailable poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 and ‐2 inhibitor. This phase 1 study evaluated the tolerability, pharmacokinetic profile, safety, and preliminary antitumor activity of single‐agent veliparib in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. Eligible patients were assigned to treatment with veliparib at 200 or 400 mg dose; veliparib was self‐administered orally twice daily on days 1–28 of 28‐day cycles. Dose escalation, following a 3 + 3 design, defined dose‐limiting toxicities, the maximum tolerated dose, and the recommended phase 2 dose. Sixteen patients were enrolled (median age, 59 years). Fourteen patients had high‐grade serous ovarian cancer, one had primary peritoneal cancer, and one had BRCA‐mutated breast cancer. The most frequent treatment‐emergent adverse events were nausea and vomiting (93.8% each), decreased appetite (62.5%), abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malaise (31.3% each). A grade ≥3 toxicity was observed in 50% of patients; one patient each in the 200 mg (n = 4) and 400 mg (n = 12) cohorts experienced serious adverse events. Dose‐limiting toxicities were observed for one patient at the 400 mg dose. No toxicities leading to death were reported. The recommended phase 2 dose was defined as 400 mg twice daily. The veliparib pharmacokinetic profile was consistent with that reported for the Western population. Two patients, both with ovarian cancer, had a RECIST partial response. Veliparib monotherapy showed manageable tolerability and safety profiles and a predictable pharmacokinetic profile at a 400 mg twice‐daily dose, and supports the inclusion of Japanese patients in the multinational phase 3 study (NCT02470585).
Does three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography provide incremental value in percutaneous closure of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm?
Authors: Elkaryoni Ahmed , Hsiung Ming C. , Arisha Mohammed J. , Ahmad Amier , Nanda Navin C. , Mohamed Ahmed H. , Attia Doaa , Sachdeva Ankush , Singh Lovepreet , Yin Wei‐Hsian
Published: June 2017

Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms (AO PSAs), if left untreated, are complicated by a high rate of rupture resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. New transcatheter modalities have emerged as acceptable surgical alternatives for their management. We present a case of an ascending aortic PSA in which intraoperative two‐ and three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE and 3DTEE) provided a comprehensive assessment of the PSA in pre‐ and postclosure settings.
Imaging the right heart pulmonary circulation unit: Insights from advanced ultrasound techniques
Authors: Ferrara Francesco , Gargani Luna , Ostenfeld Ellen , D'Alto Michele , Kasprzak Jaroslaw , Voilliot Damien , Selton‐Suty Christine , Vriz Olga , Marra Alberto M. , Argiento Paola , Stanziola Anna A. , Cittadini Antonio , D'Andrea Antonello , Bossone Eduardo
Published: June 2017

The right heart pulmonary circulation unit (RH‐PCU) is a key determinant of prognosis in several cardiorespiratory diseases. Although right heart catheterization is considered the gold standard for pulmonary hemodynamic assessment, a comprehensive cardiovascular ultrasound approach is an essential step in the diagnostic–prognostic clinical pathway of patients with suspect or overt pulmonary hypertension. The exponential development of advanced ultrasound techniques (strain, 3‐dimensional echocardiography and lung ultrasound) has led to new insights into the evaluation of RH‐PCU structure and function, overcoming some limitations of standard Doppler echocardiography. In the near future, exercise Doppler echocardiography may become a useful technique for detecting a latent stage of pulmonary hypertension and for evaluating right ventricular contractile reserve.
Left atrial strain predicts hemodynamic parameters in cardiovascular patients
Authors: Hewing Bernd , Theres Lena , Spethmann Sebastian , Stangl Karl , Dreger Henryk , Knebel Fabian
Published: June 2017

Background

We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of left atrial (LA) reservoir, conduit, and contractile function parameters as assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for invasively measured hemodynamic parameters in a patient cohort with myocardial and valvular diseases.

Methods

Sixty‐nine patients undergoing invasive hemodynamic assessment were enrolled into the study. Invasive hemodynamic parameters were obtained by left and right heart catheterization. Transthoracic echocardiography assessment of LA reservoir, conduit, and contractile function was performed by STE.

Results

Forty‐nine patients had sinus rhythm (SR) and 20 patients had permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). AF patients had significantly reduced LA reservoir function compared to SR patients. In patients with SR, LA reservoir, conduit, and contractile function inversely correlated with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure, and mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), and showed a moderate association with cardiac index. In AF patients, there were no significant correlations between LA reservoir function and invasively obtained hemodynamic parameters. In SR patients, LA contractile function with a cutoff value of 16.0% had the highest diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve, AUC: 0.895) to predict PCWP ≥18 mm Hg compared to the weaker diagnostic accuracy of average E/Eʹ ratio with an AUC of 0.786 at a cutoff value of 14.3. In multivariate analysis, LA contractile function remained significantly associated with PCWP ≥18 mm Hg.

Conclusion

In a cohort of patients with a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases LA strain shows a valuable prediction of hemodynamic parameters, specifically LV filling pressures, in the presence of SR.
Exercise versus vasodilator stress limb perfusion imaging for the assessment of peripheral artery disease
Authors: Davidson Brian P. , Belcik J. Todd , Landry Gregory , Linden Joel , Lindner Jonathan R.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Our aim was to determine whether pharmacologic vasodilation is an alternative to exercise stress during limb perfusion imaging for peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Methods

Quantitative contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEU) perfusion imaging of the bilateral anterior thigh and calf was performed in nine control subjects and nine patients with moderate to severe PAD at rest and during vasodilator stress with dipyridamole. For those who were able, CEU of the calf was then performed during modest plantar flexion exercise (20 watts). CEU time‐intensity data were analyzed to quantify microvascular blood flow (MBF) and its parametric components of microvascular blood volume and flux rate.

Results

Thigh and calf skeletal muscle MBF at rest was similar between control and PAD patients. During dipyridamole, MBF increased minimally (<twofold) for all groups and there were only nonsignificant trends for a reduction in calf MBF in those with PAD (13.5±6.9, 10.0±4.7, and 8.2±6.1 IU/s, for controls, moderate, and severe PAD, respectively; P=.11). In contrast, MBF during modest planar flexion exercise increased markedly in controls but not PAD patients (87.9±79.9 vs 15.2±12.9 IU/s, P<.05). In three moderate PAD patients restudied after undergoing surgical revascularization, MBF during dipyridamole did not change, whereas exercise MBF increased by an average of sevenfold.

Conclusions

Resting limb skeletal muscle MBF in patients with moderate to severe PAD is similar to that in normal subjects. However, differences in hyperemic flow during contractile exercise but not during dipyridamole allow evaluation of the degree of flow impairment from PAD and the degree of improvement with revascularization.
Dose‐dependent selection drives lineage replacement during the experimental evolution of SDHI fungicide resistance in Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Alonso Omar , Hawkins Nichola J. , Cools Hans J. , Shaw Michael W. , Fraaije Bart A.
Published: June 2017

Fungicide resistance is a constant threat to agricultural production worldwide. Molecular mechanisms of fungicide resistance have been studied extensively in the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. However, less is known about the evolutionary processes driving resistance development. In vitro evolutionary studies give the opportunity to investigate this. Here, we examine the adaptation of Z. tritici to fluxapyroxad, a succinate dehydrogenase (Sdh) inhibitor. Replicate populations of Z. tritici derived from the sensitive isolate IPO323 were exposed to increasing concentrations of fluxapyroxad with or without UV mutagenesis. After ten increases in fungicide concentration, sensitivity had decreased dramatically, with replicate populations showing similar phenotypic trajectories. Sequencing the Sdh subunit B, C, and D encoding genes identified seven mutations associated with resistance to fluxapyroxad. Mutation frequency over time was measured with a pyrosequencing assay, revealing sequential lineage replacement in the UV‐mutagenized populations but not in the untreated populations. Repeating selection from set time‐points with different fungicide concentrations revealed that haplotype replacement of Sdh variants was driven by dose‐dependent selection as fungicide concentration changed, and was not mutation‐limited. These findings suggest that fungicide field applications may select for highly insensitive Sdh variants with higher resistance factors if the fungicide concentration is increased to achieve a better disease control. However, in the absence or presence of lower fungicide concentrations, the spread of these strains might be restricted if the underlying Sdh mutations carry fitness penalties.
A Comparison of Spatially Varying Regression Coefficient Estimates Using Geographically Weighted and Spatial‐Filter‐Based Techniques
Authors: Oshan Taylor M. , Fotheringham A. Stewart
Published: June 2017

Geographically weighted regression (GWR) is a technique that explores spatial nonstationarity in data‐generating processes by allowing regression coefficients to vary spatially. It is a widely applied technique across domains because it is intuitive and conforms to the well‐understood framework of regression. An alternative method to GWR that has been suggested is spatial filtering, which it has been argued provides a superior alternative to GWR by producing spatially varying regression coefficients that are not correlated with each other and which display less spatial autocorrelation. It is, therefore, worthwhile to examine these claims by comparing the output from both methods. We do this by using simulated data that represent two sets of spatially varying processes and examining how well both techniques replicate the known local parameter values. The article finds no support that spatial filtering produces local parameter estimates with superior properties. The results indicate that the original spatial filtering specification is prone to overfitting and is generally inferior to GWR, while an alternative specification that minimizes the mean square error (MSE) of coefficient estimates produces results that are similar to GWR. However, since we generally do not know the true coefficients, the MSE minimizing specification is impractical for applied research.
Early Jurassic intra‐oceanic arc system of the Neotethys Ocean: Constraints from andesites in the Gangdese magmatic belt, south Tibet
Authors: Ma Xuxuan , Xu Zhiqin , Meert Joseph , Santosh M.
Published: June 2017

The Gangdese magmatic belt is located in the southern margin of the Lhasa terrane, south Tibet. Here zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic data, as well as whole‐rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopes on andesites from the Bima Formation with a view to evaluating the history of the Gangdese magmatism and the evolution of the Neotethys Ocean. Zircon U–Pb dating yields an age of ca 170 Ma from six samples, representing the eruptive time of these volcanic rocks. Zircon Hf isotopes show highly positive εHf(t) values of +13 to +16 with a mean of +15.2. Whole‐rock geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic results suggest that the magma source of these andesites was controlled by partial melting of a depleted mantle source with addition of continental‐derived sediments, similar to those in the southern arcs of the Lesser Antilles arc belt. In combination with published data, the volcanic rocks of the Bima Formation are proposed to have been generated in an intra‐oceanic arc system, closely associated with northward subduction of the Neotethyan oceanic lithosphere.
Acne keloidalis nuchae: risk factors and associated disorders – a retrospective study
Authors: East‐Innis Althea D. C. , Stylianou Kaderina , Paolino Alexandra , Ho Jonathan D.
Published: June 2017

Background

Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is a chronic scarring folliculitis which usually occurs in young adult males of African descent. Studies have suggested that AKN may be associated with other dermatologic conditions and even general medical disorders. The aim of this study was to identify cutaneous and extracutaneous associated disorders and to examine risk factors in our population for developing AKN.

Methods

The study was a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study conducted at the Dermatology Outpatient department of the University Hospital of the West Indies. Data were obtained from the medical records of patients diagnosed over a 15‐year period (2000–2014).

Results

There were 1031 new patients during the study period. Of these, 43 (4.2%) had AKN. The male to female ratio for AKN was approximately 7:1. Pseudofolliculitis barbae was associated with keloidal plaques on the scalp (OR = 6.22, P = 0.036). Also, when the duration of AKN was divided into two groups (0–5 years and greater than 5 years), there was an association between keloidal plaques and duration of greater than 5 years (OR = 7.5, P = 0.032). However, when the odds ratio was adjusted, only the duration of AKN remained significantly associated with keloidal plaques (OR = 7.08, P = 0.047). Chronic scalp folliculitis (P = 0.001) and the presence of any component disease of the metabolic syndrome (OR = 14, P = 0.008) and specifically hypertension (OR = 6.75, P = 0.036) were significantly associated with the extension of the lesions beyond the nape and occipital scalp.

Conclusions

Pseudofolliculitis barbae, chronic scalp folliculitis, and aspects of the metabolic syndrome may be associated with acne keloidalis nuchae.
Differentiating predatory scholarship: best practices in scholarly publication
Authors: Gonzalez Jimmy , Bridgeman Mary Barna , Hermes-DeSantis Evelyn R
Published: June 2017

Objective

The intent of this article is to define predatory publishing, identify the risks and costs associated with publishing scholarship with these types of organizations and to provide recommendations for best practices how a potential author can protect themselves against predatory organizations.

Methods

A thorough review of the literature concerning predatory publishing was conducted and gleaned for best practices along with the authors’ experiences.

Key findings

Pharmacy scholars and researchers worldwide recognize the virtues of the open access (OA) publication system, which is intended to freely disseminate research electronically, stimulate innovation and improve access to scholarship. Both subscription-based and OA publication systems, however, have potential areas of conflicts, including coordination of the peer-review process and the potential for the publisher to capitalize on selling the commodity in a capitalistic society. The intent of OA is welcomed; however, publishers are still in a business and profits need to be made. It is by the exploitation of the model that has given rise to a small but growing subset known as predatory publishers.

Conclusions

Pharmacy researchers and clinicians alike need to be aware of predatory organizations, both publishers and meeting organizers, when seeking a venue to publish their own scholarly research. Additionally, this knowledge is critical when evaluating medical literature in providing direct patient care services to assure the best available evidence is utilized.
Investigations of ice‐structuring agents in ice‐templated ceramics
Authors: White Mary Anne , Conrad Jacy , Ellis Sarah N. , Chen Ran
Published: June 2017

The freeze‐cast ceramics process involves the use of an aqueous slurry in which ice acts as a fugitive template, providing control of the morphology of the resultant green body, which is then sintered. Here we report the role of various additives and procedures in tailoring the morphology of ice‐templated, freeze‐cast alumina ceramics. We show that zirconium acetate (ZrAc) in the slurry can change the structure from lamellar to columnar, whereas polyvinyl alcohol can act as both a binder and as a modifier of the ice surface, and can compete with ZrAc to provide cooperative effects and a wide range of porosities. We also show that the ceramic structure can be influenced by epitaxial growth on an oriented layer of ice.
The impact of voluntary targets on the sodium content of processed foods in Brazil, 2011–2013
Authors: Nilson Eduardo A. F. , Spaniol Ana M. , Gonçalves Vivian S. S. , Oliveira Michele L. , Campbell Norm , L'Abbé Mary , Jaime Patricia C.
Published: June 2017

Brazilians consume excessive dietary sodium (4700 mg/d); hence, the reduction of dietary sodium intake has been a Brazilian government priority. A set of strategies has been implemented that includes food and nutrition education initiatives and the reduction in the sodium content of processed foods and foods consumed out of the households. Since 2011, the Ministry of Health has selected priority food categories that contribute to over 90% of sodium intake from processed foods and have set biannual voluntary targets for sodium reduction with food industries to encourage food reformulation. Three rounds of monitoring of the sodium content on food labels have been conducted for instant pasta, commercially produced breads, cakes and cake mixes, cookies and crackers, snacks, chips, mayonnaise, salt‐based condiments, and margarine. Between 90% and 100% of the food products achieved the first targets in the 2011–2013 period, and the average sodium content of food categories was reduced from 5% to 21% in these first 2 years. These data show that with close monitoring and government oversight, voluntary targets to reduce the sodium content in processed foods can have a significant impact even in a short time frame. The Brazilian strategy will be continuously monitored to maximize its impact, and, if necessary in the future, a transition to regulatory approaches with stronger enforcement may be considered.
Diet‐independent relevance of serum uric acid for blood pressure in a representative population sample
Authors: Krupp Danika , Esche Jonas , Mensink Gert BM , Neuhauser Hannelore K , Remer Thomas
Published: June 2017

A direct relationship between serum uric acid and blood pressure (BP) has been reported, but the possible confounding impact of diet on this association is unclear. The authors performed a cross‐sectional analysis in the representative German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (n=6788, aged 18–79 years). In adjusted regression models considering dietary factors, each 1‐mg/dL higher uric acid value was associated with a 1.10‐mm Hg (P=.0002) and a 0.60‐mm Hg (P=.04) higher systolic BP among participants younger than 50 years and participants 50 years and older, respectively. For diastolic BP, uric acid was a significant predictor (β=0.71 mm Hg, P=.0001) among participants younger than 50 years and for participants 50 years and older without antihypertensive treatment. Adjusted odds ratios of hypertension for participants with hyperuricemia were broadly similar in younger (odds ratio, 1.71; P=.02) and older (odds ratio, 1.81; P=.0003) participants. Uric acid is a significant predictor of systolic BP and hypertension prevalence in the general adult population in Germany independently of several known dietary BP influences.
Trust and the communication of flood risks: comparing the roles of local governments, volunteers in emergency services, and neighbours
Authors: Seebauer S. , Babcicky P.
Published: June 2017

Risk information need to be communicated by trusted groups, in order to promote attitude and behaviour change. We compare different levels of trust in local governments, volunteers in emergency and relief services, and neighbours, and how trust in these groups shapes citizens’ perceptions and actions relating to flood risks. Structural equation modelling is applied to a sample of 2007 flood‐prone households in Austria. A series of cognitive and behavioural responses to flood risks is regressed on trust shown to the three groups. Our findings show that citizens show great trust and attribute high competence to volunteers, which increases risk perception and reduces denial and wishful thinking. Trust in local government downplays risks, makes citizens rely on external help, and promotes fatalism and wishful thinking. Trust in neighbours increases reliance on social support and reinforces wishful thinking. These trust effects reflect the roles and risk narratives of the respective groups. To stimulate specific actions of citizens in flood risk management, the group which addresses the desired actions within its narrative should act as risk communicator. Risk communication could be introduced as a complementary activity in voluntary emergency and relief services, wherein older, retired volunteers seem particularly qualified as risk communicators.
Rediscover the clinical value of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with intestinal Behçet's disease
Authors: Jo Jung Hyun , Park Soo Jung , Cheon Jae Hee , Kim Tae Il , Kim Won Ho
Published: June 2017

Background and Aims

Many patients with intestinal Behçet's disease (BD) still suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms despite the disease being in endoscopic or radiological remission. Previous studies report that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can be associated with inflammatory bowel disease. However, there have been no reports about SIBO in patients with intestinal BD. We sought to identify the frequency of SIBO in patients with inactive intestinal BD by hydrogen breath test (HBT) and to investigate the efficacy of rifaximin as a treatment for SIBO.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with intestinal BD who had gastrointestinal symptoms even in endoscopic or radiological remission status were enrolled between January 2012 and January 2016. The patients filled out a questionnaire regarding their subjective gastrointestinal symptoms and took an HBT. Patients with positive HBT results were recommended to take 800‐mg rifaximin daily for 14 days.

Results

Nine patients (9/25, 36%) had a positive HBT test. Eight (8/9, 88.9%) were women, and their mean age was 48.7 years. The most common symptom was abdominal distension (8/9, 88.9%), followed by abdominal discomfort (6/9, 66.7%). Rifaximin was prescribed to the nine patients with positive HBT, but two patients refused to take the medication. Four weeks later, six of the seven patients taking rifaximin (85.7%) reported symptom improvement, and none of them reported adverse events.

Conclusions

More than one‐third of the patients with inactive intestinal BD who had gastrointestinal symptoms were accompanied by SIBO using HBT. Rifaximin might be an effective and safe drug to treat these patients.
Vascular access site complication in transfemoral coronary angiography between uninterrupted warfarin and heparin bridging
Authors: Wongcharoen Wanwarang , Pinyosamosorn Kittipong , Gunaparn Siriluck , Boonnayhun Suchada , Thonghong Tasalak , Suwannasom Pannipa , Phrommintikul Arintaya
Published: June 2017

Background

Warfarin discontinuation with heparin bridging is a common practice in patients receiving warfarin prior to elective coronary angiography (CAG). The uninterrupted warfarin strategy has been suggested to be alternative option for patients with high thromboembolic risk. Therefore, we aimed to assess the safety of elective transfemoral CAG during uninterrupted warfarin therapy compared to heparin bridging.

Methods

This study was a randomized open‐label design with blinded event evaluation. The 110 consecutive patients (age ≥ 18 years) receiving warfarin before the planned transfemoral CAG were randomly assigned to either heparin bridging or uninterrupted warfarin with targeted INR (2.0‐3.0). The primary outcome was the incidence of major vascular access site complications.

Results

The baseline characteristics were comparable between two groups (mean age was 60.1 ± 7.8 years, 49 males). The mean INR on the day of CAG of heparin bridging and uninterrupted warfarin groups was 1.2 ± 0.3 and 2.2 ± 0.5 (P < 0.001). The major vascular access site complications occurred in 3 of 55 (5.5%) heparin‐bridging patients and in none of 55 uninterrupted warfarin patients (P = 0.243). The total vascular access site complications occurred in 6 (10.9%) heparin‐bridging and one (1.8%) uninterrupted warfarin patients (P = 0.113). No patient developed either other bleeding or thromboembolic events during 7 days after CAG.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that an uninterrupted warfarin strategy did not increase vascular access site complications in patients undergoing transfemoral CAG compared to heparin bridging therapy. Due to the safety and the ease of uninterrupted warfarin strategy, this approach should be encouraged in patients receiving long‐term warfarin who undergo elective transfemoral CAG.
Heartwood extract from Dalbergia sissoo promotes fracture healing and its application in ovariectomy-induced osteoporotic rats
Authors: Karvande Anirudha , Khedgikar Vikram , Kushwaha Priyanka , Ahmad Naseer , Kothari Priyanka , Verma Ashwni , Kumar Padam , Nagar Geet Kumar , Mishra Prabhat Ranjan , Maurya Rakesh , Trivedi Ritu
Published: June 2017

Objectives

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of a heartwood ethanolic extract (HEE) made from the Dalbergia sissoo on facture healing and in the prevention of pathological bone loss resulting from estrogen deficiency in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats.

Methods

Heartwood ethanolic extract (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg per day) was administered orally immediately next day after drill-hole injury and continued for 2 weeks. Ovx rats received HEE at same doses for 12 weeks and compared with 17-β estradiol (E2; 100 μg/kg for 5 days/week subcutaneously) group. Confocal imaging for fracture healing, micro-architecture of long bones, biomechanical strength, formation of mineralized nodule by bone marrow osteoprogenitor cells, bone turnover markers and gene expression were studied. One-way ANOVA was used to test significance.

Key findings

Heartwood ethanolic extract treatment promoted fracture healing, formation of new bone at the drill-hole site and stimulated osteogenic genes at callus region. HEE administration to the Ovx rats exhibited better micro-architectural parameters at various anatomical positions, better bone biomechanical strength and more osteoprogenitor cells in the bone marrow compared with Ovx + vehicle group. HEE exhibited no uterine estrogenicity.

Conclusions

Oral administration of HEE was found to promote fracture healing and exhibited osteoprotective effect by possibly stimulation of osteoblast function.
Enoxaparin does not ameliorate liver fibrosis or portal hypertension in rats with advanced cirrhosis
Authors: Fortea José I. , Zipprich Alexander , Fernandez‐Mena Carolina , Puerto Marta , Bosoi Cristina R. , Almagro Jorge , Hollenbach Marcus , Bañares Juan , Rodríguez‐Sánchez Belén , Cercenado Emilia , Clément Marc‐André , Rose Christopher F. , Bañares Rafael , Vaquero Javier , Ripoll Cristina
Published: June 2017

Background & Aims

Recent studies suggest that heparins reduce liver fibrosis and the risk of decompensation of liver disease. Here, we evaluated the effects of enoxaparin in several experimental models of advanced cirrhosis.

Methods

Cirrhosis was induced in male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats by: (i) Oral gavage with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4ORAL), (ii) Bile duct ligation (BDL) and (iii) CCl4 inhalation (CCl4INH). Rats received saline or enoxaparin s.c. (40 IU/Kg/d or 180 IU/Kg/d) following various protocols. Blood biochemical parameters, liver fibrosis, endothelium‐ and fibrosis‐related genes, portal pressure, splenomegaly, bacterial translocation, systemic inflammation and survival were evaluated. Endothelial dysfunction was assessed by in situ bivascular liver perfusions.

Results

Enoxaparin did not ameliorate liver function, liver fibrosis, profibrogenic gene expression, portal hypertension, splenomegaly, ascites development and infection, serum IL‐6 levels or survival in rats with CCl4ORAL or BDL‐induced cirrhosis. Contrarily, enoxaparin worsened portal pressure in BDL rats and decreased survival in CCl4ORAL rats. In CCl4INH rats, enoxaparin had no effects on hepatic endothelial dysfunction, except for correcting the hepatic arterial dysfunction when enoxaparin was started with the CCl4 exposure. In these rats, however, enoxaparin increased liver fibrosis and the absolute values of portal venous and sinusoidal resistance.

Conclusions

Our results do not support a role of enoxaparin for improving liver fibrosis, portal hypertension or endothelial dysfunction in active disease at advanced stages of cirrhosis. These disease‐related factors and the possibility of a limited therapeutic window should be considered in future studies evaluating the use of anticoagulants in cirrhosis.
Complex origins of silicate veinlets in HED meteorites: A case study of Northwest Africa 1109
Authors: Pang Run‐Lian , Zhang Ai‐Cheng , Wang Ru‐Cheng
Published: June 2017

We report on the petrography and mineralogy of three types of silicate veinlets in the brecciated eucrite Northwest Africa (NWA) 1109. These include Fe‐rich olivine, Mg‐rich olivine, and pyroxene veinlets. The Fe‐rich olivine veinlets mainly infill fractures in pyroxene and also occur along grain boundaries between pyroxene and plagioclase crystals, in both nonequilibrated and equilibrated lithic clasts. The host pyroxene of Fe‐rich olivine veinlets shows large chemical variations between and within grains. The Fe‐rich olivine veinlets also contain fine‐grained Fe3+‐bearing chromite, highly calcic plagioclase, merrillite, apatite, and troilite. Based on texture and mineral chemistry, we argue that the formation of Fe‐rich olivine was related to fluid deposition at relatively high temperatures. However, the source of Fe‐rich olivine in the veinlets remains unclear. Magnesium‐rich olivine veinlets were found in three diogenitic lithic clasts. In one of these, the Mg‐rich olivine veinlets only occur in one of the fine‐grained interstitial regions and extend into fractures within surrounding coarse‐grained orthopyroxene. Based on the texture of the interstitial materials, we suggest that the Mg‐rich olivine veinlets formed by shock‐induced localized melting and recrystallization. Pyroxene veinlets were only observed in one clast where they infill fractures within large plagioclase grains and are associated with fine‐grained pyroxene surrounding coarse‐grained pyroxene. The large chemical variations in pyroxene and the fracture‐filling texture indicate that the pyroxene veinlets might also have formed by shock‐induced localized melting and rapid crystallization. Our study demonstrates that silicate veinlets formed by a range of different surface processes on the surface of Vesta.
Body length of bony fishes was not a selective factor during the biggest mass extinction of all time
Authors: Puttick Mark N. , Kriwet Jürgen , Wen Wen , Hu Shixue , Thomas Gavin H. , Benton Michael J.
Published: June 2017

The Permo‐Triassic mass extinction devastated life on land and in the sea, but it is not clear why some species survived and others went extinct. One explanation is that lineage loss during mass extinctions is a random process in which luck determines which species survive. Alternatively, a phylogenetic signal in extinction may indicate a selection process operating on phenotypic traits. Large body size has often emerged as an extinction risk factor in studies of modern extinction risk, but this is not so commonly the case for mass extinctions in deep time. Here, we explore the evolution of non‐teleostean Actinopterygii (bony fishes) from the Devonian to the present day, and we concentrate on the Permo‐Triassic mass extinction. We apply a variety of time‐scaling metrics to date the phylogeny, and show that diversity peaked in the latest Permian and declined severely during the Early Triassic. In line with previous evidence, we find the phylogenetic signal of extinction increases across the mass extinction boundary: extinction of species in the earliest Triassic is more clustered across phylogeny compared to the more randomly distributed extinction signal in the late Permian. However, body length plays no role in differential survival or extinction of taxa across the boundary. In the case of fishes, size did not determine which species survived and which went extinct, but phylogenetic signal indicates that the mass extinction was not a random field of bullets.
Random-projection Ensemble Classification
Authors: Cannings Timothy I. , Samworth Richard J.
Published: June 2017

We introduce a very general method for high dimensional classification, based on careful combination of the results of applying an arbitrary base classifier to random projections of the feature vectors into a lower dimensional space. In one special case that we study in detail, the random projections are divided into disjoint groups, and within each group we select the projection yielding the smallest estimate of the test error. Our random-projection ensemble classifier then aggregates the results of applying the base classifier on the selected projections, with a data-driven voting threshold to determine the final assignment. Our theoretical results elucidate the effect on performance of increasing the number of projections. Moreover, under a boundary condition that is implied by the sufficient dimension reduction assumption, we show that the test excess risk of the random-projection ensemble classifier can be controlled by terms that do not depend on the original data dimension and a term that becomes negligible as the number of projections increases. The classifier is also compared empirically with several other popular high dimensional classifiers via an extensive simulation study, which reveals its excellent finite sample performance.
Intradialytic hypotension in acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy
Authors: Sharma Shilpa , Waikar Sushrut S.
Published: June 2017

The treatment of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) with dialytic support for renal replacement therapy can be life sustaining and permit recovery from critical illness. Like any interventional therapy, however, renal replacement therapy with intermittent hemodialysis or continuous therapy can cause complications. Intradialytic hypotension is a common complication and can cause further ischemic injury to the recovering kidneys, thereby reducing the probability of renal recovery. The optimal dialytic technique—continuous or intermittent—has not been conclusively demonstrated in randomized controlled trials. In general, treatment or prophylactic strategies for intradialytic hypotension in AKI have not been comprehensively tested. Given the frequency of intradialytic hypotension in dialytic treatment of AKI and its adverse clinical consequences, future research should rigorously compare dialytic techniques and other prevention strategies in adequately powered, randomized controlled trials.
Special situations: Intradialytic hypertension/chronic hypertension and intradialytic hypotension
Authors: Van Buren Peter Noel , Inrig Jula K.
Published: June 2017

Hypertension is a comorbidity that is present in the majority of end‐stage renal disease patients on maintenance hemodialysis. This population is particularly unique because of the dynamic nature of blood pressure (BP) during dialysis. Modest BP decreases are expected in most hemodialysis patients, but intradialytic hypotension and intradialytic hypertension are two special situations that deviate from this as either an exaggerated or paradoxical response to the dialysis procedure. Both of these phenomena are particularly important because they are associated with increased mortality risk compared to patients with modest decreases in BP during dialysis. While the detailed pathophysiology is complex, intradialytic hypotension occurs more often in patients prescribed fast ultrafiltration rates, and reducing this rate is recommended in patients that regularly exhibit this pattern. Patients with intradialytic hypertension have a poorly explained increase in vascular resistance during dialysis, but the consistent associations with extracellular volume overload point toward more aggressive fluid management as the initial management choices for these patients. This up to date review provides the most recent evidence supporting these recommendations as well as the most up to date epidemiologic and mechanistic research studies that have added to this area of dialysis management.
Radiographic assessment of humeroulnar congruity in a medium and a large breed of dog
Authors: Alves‐Pimenta Sofia , Colaço Bruno , Fernandes Armando M. , Gonçalves Lio , Colaço Jorge , Melo‐Pinto Pedro , Ginja Mário M.
Published: June 2017

Elbow joint incongruity is recognized as an important factor in the development, treatment, and prognosis of canine elbow dysplasia. Elbow incongruity has been measured based on radiographic joint space widths, however these values can be affected by the degree of elbow joint flexion. Recent studies have reported radiographic curvature radii as more precise measures of humeroulnar congruity in dogs. The aim of this prospective observational study was to describe radiographic curvature radii measured from flexed and extended elbow radiographs for a sample of dogs representing a medium breed (Portuguese Pointing Dog) and a large breed (Estrela Mountain Dog). The curvature radii from the ulnar trochlear notch and humeral trochlea were measured in 114 mediolateral elbow extended radiographic views (30 Portuguese Pointing Dog and 27 Estrela Mountain Dog), and 84 mediolateral flexed views (22 Portuguese Pointing Dog and 20 Estrela Mountain Dog). The sampled animals' ages ranged from 12 to 84 months (34.6 ± 17.8 months). Good agreement was observed between curvature radii measurements for flexed vs. extended views in both breed groups. Ulnar trochlear notch curvature radii measurements were greater than humeral trochlea curvature radii measurements in both breed groups. Both curvature radii were greater in the large‐breed dog group vs. the medium‐breed dog group. Both breed groups had ulnar and humeral curves with similar typology. However, the large breed group had greater intermediate differences between the humeroulnar surface curvature radii. Results from this study supported the use of curvature radii as measures of humeroulnar congruity in mediolateral flexed elbow radiographs of medium and large breed dogs.
Stable anchoring chemistry for room temperature charge transport through graphite-molecule contacts
Authors: Rudnev Alexander V. , Kaliginedi Veerabhadrarao , Droghetti Andrea , Ozawa Hiroaki , Kuzume Akiyoshi , Haga Masa-aki , Broekmann Peter , Rungger Ivan
Published: June 2017

Room temperature molecular electronics get one step closer to reality by exploiting chemical contacts between a single molecule and graphite.
Comment (2) on “Formation of the Isthmus of Panama” by O’Dea
et al
.
Authors: Molnar Peter
Published: June 2017

Evidence used to infer a 3-Ma Isthmus of Panama ignores widespread concurrent environmental changes that are irrelevant to Panama.
Participatory adaptive management leads to environmental learning outcomes extending beyond the sphere of science
Authors: Fujitani Marie , McFall Andrew , Randler Christoph , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: June 2017

Participatory active adaptive management leads to far-reaching environmental learning outcomes in stakeholders.
Skyrmion lattice structural transition in MnSi
Authors: Nakajima Taro , Oike Hiroshi , Kikkawa Akiko , Gilbert Elliot P. , Booth Norman , Kakurai Kazuhisa , Taguchi Yasujiro , Tokura Yoshinori , Kagawa Fumitaka , Arima Taka-hisa
Published: June 2017

A triangular-to-square lattice transition of topological magnetic particles (skyrmions) was observed in a chiral magnet MnSi.
Cost-effective conservation of amphibian ecology and evolution
Authors: Campos Felipe S. , Lourenço-de-Moraes Ricardo , Llorente Gustavo A. , Solé Mirco
Published: June 2017

A new conservation strategy incorporates functional, phylogenetic, and taxonomic diversity for improved cost-effective outcomes.
Microsecond photocapacitance transients observed using a charged microcantilever as a gated mechanical integrator
Authors: Dwyer Ryan P. , Nathan Sarah R. , Marohn John A.
Published: June 2017

A new way to measure the rate of light-induced charge generation in organic solar cell films with a nanometer-scale probe.
Serotonin rebalances cortical tuning and behavior linked to autism symptoms in 15q11-13 CNV mice
Authors: Nakai Nobuhiro , Nagano Masatoshi , Saitow Fumihito , Watanabe Yasuhito , Kawamura Yoshinobu , Kawamoto Akiko , Tamada Kota , Mizuma Hiroshi , Onoe Hirotaka , Watanabe Yasuyoshi , Monai Hiromu , Hirase Hajime , Nakatani Jin , Inagaki Hirofumi , Kawada Tomoyuki , Miyazaki Taisuke , Watanabe Masahiko , Sato Yuka , Okabe Shigeo , Kitamura Kazuo , Kano Masanobu , Hashimoto Kouichi , Suzuki Hidenori , Takumi Toru
Published: June 2017

Serotonin enhancement during developmental stages restores autism symptoms in a mouse model of human 15q11-13 duplication.
Deregulated Ca
2+
cycling underlies the development of arrhythmia and heart disease due to mutant obscurin
Authors: Hu Li-Yen R. , Ackermann Maegen A. , Hecker Peter A. , Prosser Benjamin L. , King Brendan , O’Connell Kelly A. , Grogan Alyssa , Meyer Logan C. , Berndsen Christopher E. , Wright Nathan T. , Jonathan Lederer W. , Kontrogianni-Konstantopoulos Aikaterini
Published: June 2017

The goal of this study is to understand how a particular mutation in obscurin proteins leads to congenital heart disease.
Nonlocally sensing the magnetic states of nanoscale antiferromagnets with an atomic spin sensor
Authors: Yan Shichao , Malavolti Luigi , Burgess Jacob A. J. , Droghetti Andrea , Rubio Angel , Loth Sebastian
Published: June 2017

A three-atom spin chain can sense the magnetic states of nano-antiferromagnets with micro–electron volt sensitivity.
Carbon dots in zeolites: A new class of thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials with ultralong lifetimes
Authors: Liu Jiancong , Wang Ning , Yu Yue , Yan Yan , Zhang Hongyue , Li Jiyang , Yu Jihong
Published: June 2017

A facile “dots-in-zeolites” strategy is developed to synthesize a new class of CD-based TADF materials with ultralong lifetimes.
Surface transport and quantum Hall effect in ambipolar black phosphorus double quantum wells
Authors: Tran Son , Yang Jiawei , Gillgren Nathaniel , Espiritu Timothy , Shi Yanmeng , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Moon Seongphill , Baek Hongwoo , Smirnov Dmitry , Bockrath Marc , Chen Ruoyu , Lau Chun Ning
Published: June 2017

Few-layer black phosphorus acts as tunable ambipolar wide quantum wells.
Compressed glassy carbon: An ultrastrong and elastic interpenetrating graphene network
Authors: Hu Meng , He Julong , Zhao Zhisheng , Strobel Timothy A. , Hu Wentao , Yu Dongli , Sun Hao , Liu Lingyu , Li Zihe , Ma Mengdong , Kono Yoshio , Shu Jinfu , Mao Ho-kwang , Fei Yingwei , Shen Guoyin , Wang Yanbin , Juhl Stephen J. , Huang Jian Yu , Liu Zhongyuan , Xu Bo , Tian Yongjun
Published: June 2017

The compression of glassy carbon forms a series of lightweight, ultrastrong, hard, elastic, and conductive carbons.
Bioinspired shape-memory graphene film with tunable wettability
Authors: Wang Jie , Sun Lingyu , Zou Minhan , Gao Wei , Liu Cihui , Shang Luoran , Gu Zhongze , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: June 2017

Bioinspired film with tunable wettability is developed for liquid manipulation based on a lubricant-infused shape-memory graphene sponge.