bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of FST and the Impact of de novo Mutation
Authors: Shriner Daniel , Chen Guanjie , Adeyemo Adebowale , Rotimi Charles N.
Published: August 2017

Objectives: Wright defined FST as a measure of genetic differentiation. Cockerham developed an estimator of FST based on binary indicators in an ANOVA framework. Here, we address 2 issues regarding the estimation of FST. First, we derive a new estimator of FST based on the ANOVA framework using the doubly truncated normal distribution as an approximation of the binomial distribution to estimate variances. Second, we consider the impact of de novo mutation on FST estimation. Methods: We compare our estimator to Weir and Cockerham's estimator via computer simulation. We apply our estimator to whole genome sequence data from the 1000 Genomes Project. We use chimpanzee whole genome sequence data to ascertain for ancestral polymorphisms. Results: By simulation, our new estimator is less biased than Weir and Cockerham's estimator for comparison of two subpopulations and is systematically more precise. As determined empirically by ascertainment of ancestral polymorphisms and theoretically, the effect of de novo mutation on FST estimation with human whole genome sequence data is statistically negligible. The effect of down-sampling ancestral polymorphisms is also statistically negligible. Conclusions: These results improve and simplify the use and interpretation of FST in studies of population structure.
Prospective, Controlled Study of Invasiveness and Post-Aggression Metabolism in Patients Undergoing Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Martinschek Andreas , Stumm Lisa , Ritter Manuel , Heinrich Elmar , Bolenz Christian , Trojan Lutz
Published: August 2017

Objectives: To evaluate in a prospective, controlled, nonrandomized study the surgical stress and acute-phase systemic response in robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) compared to open radical retro-pubic prostatectomy (ORRP) by measuring humoral mediators. Methods: Forty consecutive patients undergoing either RALP or ORRP were prospectively included to assess the extent of systemic response. Blood samples were collected before surgery (T1), at the time of prostatectomy (T2), at the time of wound closure (T3), and 12 h (T4), 24 h (T5), and 48 h (T6) after surgery, and assayed for interleukins (IL-6 and IL-10), C-reactive protein (CRP), and hemoglobin. A 2-sided p < 0.05 was considered to indicate significance. Results: Baseline levels of IL-6, IL-10, and CRP were comparable in both arms of the study. IL-6 and IL-10 increased in both groups during surgery and reached maximum levels at 12 and 24 h after surgery. The RALP and RRP groups differed significantly at T2 (p = 0.009), T3 (p = 0.046), T5 (p = 0.05) and T6 (p = 0.0007) for IL-6, and at T3 (p = 0.05) and T4 (p = 0.05) for IL-10. CRP levels differed significantly at 48 h postoperative (p = 0.0053). The maximum levels of all 3 mediators in the RALP group were significantly lower than those in the open surgery group. Patients in the RALP group experienced less pain from day 2 to 4 according to the Visual Analog Scale (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study suggests that IL-6 and IL-10 are useful objective markers for surgical stress and that tissue trauma and activation of post-aggression metabolism seem to be less in RALP compared to ORRP.
Long-Term Outcomes and Associated Risk Factors of Post-Hospitalization Dialysis-Dependent Acute Kidney Injury Patients
Authors: Rathore Ajay S. , Chopra Tushar , Ma Jennie Z. , Xin Wenjun , Abdel-Rahman Emaad M.
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: Acute kidney injury requiring dialysis (AKI-D) is associated with poor outcomes. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have reversed their clarification allowing AKI-D patients to be dialyzed at outpatient dialysis units. Data assessing long-term outcomes of AKI-D patients and their predictors is needed to adopt guidelines to ensure adequate management. We assessed long-term outcomes and associated risk factors of AKI-D patients who survived 90 days post-hemodialysis (HD) initiation. Methods: AKI-D patients surviving hospitalization and dialyzed at a specialized outpatient AKI dialysis unit between April 11, 2012 and December 25, 2013 were prospectively followed. Long-term outcomes of AKI-D patients were obtained by a single provider through a telephone survey, and factors affecting their outcomes were statistically analyzed. Results: Ninety-one out of 108 patients were reached for telephone survey. At baseline (90 days post-HD initiation), 52/91 patients were declared end-stage renal disease (ESRD; group 1) and 39/91 were dialysis-independent (group 2). At the end of an average follow up period of 859.7 days, 32/91 (35.2%) were dialysis-independent (3/52 from group 1 and 29/39 from group 2), with 28/91 dead (25/52 from group 1 and 3/39 from group 2). After adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, baseline renal function, prior AKI, ESRD, and requirement for continuous renal replacement therapy were associated with poor outcomes. Conclusions: Sustaining long-term dialysis independence in AKI-D patients is significant. Baseline renal function, prior AKI, and hemodynamic changes during hospitalization are predictors of long-term outcomes. Meticulous follow up of AKI-D patients in the outpatient dialysis facilities in their first 90 days post-HD initiation is crucial.
Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy by Modified Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor
Authors: Pena Ana M. , Chen Shali , Feng Biao , Cai Lu , Li Xiaokun , Liang Guang , Chakrabarti Subrata
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: Oxidative stress (OS) contributes to all chronic diabetic complications, including diabetic nephropathy (DN). Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) has shown to confer protection from OS. However, it also has potent angiogenic activity. We hypothesized that a modified human aFGF (maFGF), with antioxidant properties but devoid of angiogenic activity, has preventative action in DN. Methods: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were treated with maFGF (intraperitoneally) daily for 1 or 6 months and were compared with untreated diabetic and non-diabetic controls. Microalbuminuria was assessed to determine functional damage. Renal cortical tissues were examined for multiple extracellular matrix proteins, vasoactive factors and OS markers. For mechanistic studies, immortalized mouse podocytes and human microvascular endothelial cells were exposed to high (25 mM) or low glucose (5 mM). OS, vasoactive factors, fibrosis and apoptosis-related gene expression were tested by real-time qPCR and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Nitric oxide (NO) analyses were also performed. Results: maFGF did not affect body weight and glycemia but prevented renal hypertrophy and functional changes in DN. It also prevented diabetes-induced DNA damage, nitrosative stress, vasoactive factors, angiotensinogen and endothelial NO synthase alterations. Although it failed to prevent transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 mRNA upregulation, it prevented fibronectin production. Similar results were obtained in vitro. Decreased NO production in vivo and in vitro was also prevented by maFGF. Conclusions: maFGF treatment prevents DN. This prevention probably involves NO production.
The Ameliorating Effect of Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 on Functional Dyspepsia in Helicobacter pylori-Uninfected Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Ohtsu Toshihiro , Takagi Atsushi , Uemura Naomi , Inoue Kazuhiko , Sekino Hisakuni , Kawashima Akihiro , Uchida Masayuki , Koga Yasuhiro
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: Probiotics appear to improve Helicobacter pylori-associated dyspepsia via an inhibitory effect on H. pylori; however, uncertainty exists regarding their effects in H. pylori-uninfected individuals. We evaluated the efficacy of Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 (L. gasseri OLL2716) on H. pylori-uninfected individuals with functional dyspepsia (FD). Methods: A double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, randomized, controlled trial was performed. Participants were randomly assigned to ingest L. gasseri OLL2716-containing yogurt (L. gasseri OLL2716 group) or L. gasseri OLL2716-free yogurt (placebo group) for 12 weeks. Participants completed questionnaires that dealt with a global assessment as well as symptom severity. The per-protocol (PP) population was evaluated for efficacy in accordance with a plan prepared beforehand. Results: Randomization was performed on 116 individuals; the PP population consisted of 106 individuals (mean age 42.8 ± 9.0). The impressions regarding the overall effect on gastric symptoms were more positive in the L. gasseri OLL2716 group compared to that in the placebo group (statistical trend; p = 0.073). The elimination rate for major FD symptoms was 17.3 and 35.3% in the placebo and L. gasseri OLL2716 groups respectively (p = 0.048). Conclusion:L. gasseri OLL2716 has beneficial effects on FD without H. pylori involvement.
Presence of Concomitant Systemic Cancer is Not Associated with Worse Functional Long-Term Outcome in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Sprügel Maximilian I. , Kuramatsu Joji B. , Gerner Stefan T. , Sembill Jochen A. , Hartwich Julius , Giede-Jeppe Antje , Madžar Dominik , Beuscher Vanessa D. , Hoelter Philip , Lücking Hannes , Struffert Tobias , Schwab Stefan , Huttner Hagen B.
Published: August 2017

Background: Data on clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and concomitant systemic cancer disease are very limited. Methods: Nine hundred and seventy three consecutive primary ICH patients were analyzed using our prospective institutional registry over a period of 9 years (2006-2014). We compared clinical and radiological parameters as well as outcome - scored using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and analyzed in a dichotomized fashion as favorable outcome (mRS = 0-3) and unfavorable outcome (mRS = 4-6) - of ICH patients with and without cancer. Relevant imbalances in baseline clinical and radiological characteristics were adjusted using propensity score (PS) matching. Results: Prevalence of systemic cancer among patients with ICH was 8.5% (83/973). ICH patients with cancer were older (77 [70-82] vs. 72 [63-80] years; p = 0.002), had more often prior renal dysfunction (19/83 [22.9%] vs.107/890 [12.0%]; p = 0.005), and smaller hemorrhage volumes (10.1 [4.8-24.3] vs. 15.3 [5.4-42.9] mL; p = 0.017). After PS-matching there were no significant differences neither in mortality nor in functional outcome both at 3 months (mortality: 33/81 [40.7%] vs. 55/158 [34.8%]; p = 0.368; mRS = 0-3: 28/81 [34.6%] vs. 52/158 [32.9%]; p = 0.797) and 12 months (mortality: 39/78 [50.0%] vs. 70/150 [46.7%]; p = 0.633; mRS = 0-3: 25/78 [32.1%] vs. 53/150 [35.3%]; p = 0.620) among patients with and without concomitant systemic cancer. ICH volume tended to be highest in patients with hematooncologic malignancy and smallest in urothelial cancer. Conclusions: Patients with ICH and concomitant systemic cancer on average are older; however, they show smaller ICH volumes compared to patients without cancer. Yet, mortality and functional outcome is not different in ICH patients with and without cancer. Thus, the clinical history or the de novo diagnosis of concomitant malignancies in ICH patients should not lead to unjustified treatment restrictions.
Clinical Evaluation of Urine Prostatic Exosomal Protein in the Diagnosis of Chronic Prostatitis
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Jiang Ting , Liu Feng , Shao Xuefeng , Xu Ye , Sheng Weixin , Sun Wei
Published: August 2017

Objective: To evaluate the clinical potential of urine prostatic exosomal protein (PSEP) as a diagnostic biomarker of chronic prostatitis (CP). Materials andmethods: Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, urine PSEP levels were detected in 103 control cases as well as 283 cases of CP, with 82 cases fulfilling the definition of the USA National Institutes of Health category II (NIH-II), 108 cases of NIH-IIIa and 93 cases of NIH-IIIb. The values of age, body mass index, prostate volume, serum prostatic specific antigen (PSA) urine PSEP levels, and seminal parameters were analyzed. Results: The PSEP levels were significantly higher in patients of NIH-II (2.09 [2.35] ng/mL), NIH-IIIa (1.80 [2.95] ng/mL) and NIH-IIIb (1.64 [2.48] ng/mL) compared to the value of 0.24 (0.76) ng/mL in the controls. ROC identified a cutoff value of 1.387 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 59.0% and specificity of 94.2%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.833. PSEP levels positively correlated with serum PSA levels in the NIH-IIIb group, and with EPS WBC count in the NIH-IIIa group, and with semen WBC count in each CP subgroups but negatively correlated with sperm motility in both the NIH-IIIa group and the NIH-IIIb group. Conclusion: Urine PSEP could be a potential biomarker for CP.
Paediatric Home Parenteral Nutrition in the Czech Republic and Its Development: Multicentre Retrospective Study 1995-2011
Authors: Stýblová Jitka , Kalousová Jana , Adamcová Miroslava , Bajerová Kateřina , Bronský Jiří , Fencl Filip , Karásková Eva , Keslová Petra , Melek Jan , Pozler Oldřich , Sebroň Václav , Šuláková Astrid , Tejnická Jana , Tláskal Peter , Tomášek Ladislav , Vlková Barbora , Szitányi Peter ,   Czech Home Parenteral Nutrition Group of the Society of Clinical Nutrition and Intensive Metabolic Care
Published: August 2017

Background: Treatment quality and outcomes of paediatric home parenteral nutrition (HPN) program during its development in the Czech Republic. Methods: A retrospective study of patients receiving HPN from May 1995 till June 2011. Results: Sixty-six patients were treated in 8 centres. In 48 patients, long-term PN began in the first year of life and in 35 of them in the first month. Sixty children had gastrointestinal and 6 had non-gastrointestinal disease. In a majority of the patients, the Broviac catheter was used. Thirty-two (48.5%) patients were weaned from PN after 1-117 months, 21 (32.8%) continued on HPN after 7-183 months, and 13 (19.7%) patients died, all on PN. The mortality in patients with primary gastrointestinal disease was significantly lower than in patients with non-gastrointestinal disease. Thirty-one paediatric patients were receiving HPN for 14,480 catheter days in 2009-2010. Fourteen patients had 23 Catheter Related Blood Stream Infections (CRBSI) episodes. The incidence of CRBSI in 2009-2010 was 1.58/1,000 catheter days. Conclusion: Submitted data showed that even in the absence of expert centres, patient care may achieve results comparable to countries with well-developed HPN program. A majority of Czech HPN patients are at present treated in specialized centres, following the most desirable pattern of care.
The Association of Poor Academic Performance with Tic Disorders: A Longitudinal, Mainstream School-Based Population Study
Authors: Cubo Esther , Gonzalez Cristina , Ausin Vanesa , Delgado Vanesa , Saez Sara , Calvo Sara , Garcia Soto Xose , Cordero José , Kompoliti Katie , Louis Elan D. , de la Fuente Anuncibay Raquel
Published: August 2017

Background: Little is known about the academic performance of students with tic disorders (TD). Our aim was to investigate the association of TD and poor academic performance over time. Methods: Longitudinal, observational study of mainstream schoolchildren comparing grade retention (GR) and learning disorders (LD) in students with vs. without TD between 2010 and 2014. Students with vs. without TD based on DSM-IV-TR criteria, or with vs. without GR and LD were compared in terms of comorbidities, school, and environmental characteristics. The association of TD with GR was analyzed using hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs, and with LD using logistic regression analysis [Odds ratio (OR)]. Results: Two hundred fifty-eight students were included (mean age 14.0 ± 1.71 years, 143 [55.4%] males). The incident rate for TD and GR was 2.6 and 3.3 per 100 persons-year, respectively. LD found in 21 (9.9%) students was associated with TD (OR 11.62, 95% CI 2.21-60.90, p = 0.004), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; OR 6.63, 95% CI 1.55-28.37, p = 0.01). Low psychological support (HRs 12.79, 95% CI 3.39-48.17) and low sport participation (HRs 6.41, 95% CI 1.54-26.78) were risk factors for GR. Conclusions: TD was associated with academic difficulties, namely, LD in conjunction with ADHD but not GR. The diagnosis of TD and comorbidities, and the initiation of proper treatment could have a favorable impact on school performance, and consequently on social development.
Prevalence of Traumatic Brain Injury in a Male Adult Prison Population and Its Association with the Offence Type
Authors: Mitchell Tracey , Theadom Alice , du Preez Elizabeth
Published: August 2017

Background: The prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in prison populations has been found to vary considerably. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of TBI in a prison population in New Zealand and to identify whether age, ethnicity, offence type, security classification and sentence length were linked to TBI prevalence. Methods: All offenders admitted to a new Corrections Facility over a 6-month period (May-November 2015) were screened to understand their history of TBI. Data was merged with demographic information, details of the offence type, sentence length and security classification from the prison database. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the contribution of predictors on TBI history. Results: Of the 1,061 eligible male prisoners, 1,054 (99.3%) completed a TBI history screen. Out of the 672 (63.7%) who had sustained at least one TBI in their lifetime, 343 (32.5%) had experienced multiple injuries. One in 5 participants experienced their first TBI injury before the age of 15 years. A regression model was able to correctly classify 66.9% of cases and revealed that belonging to Māori ethnicity or being imprisoned for violent, sexual or burglary offences were independently predictive of TBI (χ2 = 9.86, p = 0.28). Conclusions: The high prevalence of TBI within male prisoners and a high proportion of injuries sustained in childhood suggest the need for routine screening for TBI to identify prisoners at risk of persistent difficulties. Interventions to support those experiencing persistent difficulties post-TBI are needed to optimise functioning and prevent reoffending.
НЕБЕЗПЕЧНА ДИНАМІКА ІНФЕКЦІЙНОЇ ЗАХВОРЮВАНОСТІ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Andreichyn M. A.
Published: August 2017

Мета роботи – проаналізувати інфекційну захворюваність в Україні за останні роки і обґрунтувати причини епідеміологічних ускладнень.Вказано на основні загрози активізації інфекційних хвороб в Україні та причини несприятливої епідеміологічної ситуації, що склалася на сьогодні. Наведено динаміку захворюваності та смертності від цих хвороб за період з 2010 по 2011 рр. Перелічені хвороби, які супроводжувалися у 2016 р. приростом захворюваності в абсолютних числах і з розрахунку на 100 тис. населення. Зроблено акцент на почастішання епідемічних спалахів. Обґрунтована важливість проблеми внутрішньолікарняних інфекцій і необхідність їх повнішої реєстрації. Показана доцільність внесення змін у список орфанних інфекцій, затверджений МОЗ України.Висновок. В Україні зростає інфекційна захворюваність на ряд нозологічних форм і почастішали епідемічні ускладнення, що потребує більших профілактичних, протиепідемічних і клінічних зусиль. Першочергові заходи слід спрямувати на усунення (послаблення) названих причин такого стану.Ключові слова: інфекційна захворюваність, смертність, приріст захворюваності, епідемічні спалахи, внутрішньолікарняні інфекції, орфанні інфекції.
КАШЛЮК У ДОРОСЛИХ
Authors: Vasylieva N. A. , Snitsarenko S. V.
Published: August 2017

Мета. Описати виникнення кашлюку в дорослому віці.Описано захворювання на кашлюк у подружньої пари віком старше за 45 років. Першоджерело збудника виявити не вдалося. Клінічні прояви хвороби у чоловіка були тяжкими, типові напади кашлю супроводжувались синкопальними станами. Діагноз підтверджено лабораторно визначенням у сироватці крові IgM до B. pertussis та наявністю ДНК збудника у харкотинні методом ПЛР; в іншому випадку – IgM та виділенням культури збудника із харкотиння. Зроблено огляд літератури щодо захворюваності на кашлюк дорослих. Висновки. Підтверджено можливість захворювання кашлюком дорослих осіб. У сумнівних випадках, за наявності тривалого кашлю більше двох тижнів, необхідно проведення диференційного діагнозу, своєчасне цілеспрямоване обстеження на кашлюк та етіотропне лікування
Heart Failure Increases the Risk of Adverse Renal Outcomes in Patients With Normal Kidney Function
Authors: George Lekha K. , Koshy Santhosh K.G. , Molnar Miklos Z. , Thomas Fridtjof , Lu Jun L. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Kovesdy Csaba P.
Published: August 2017

Background

Heart failure (HF) is associated with poor cardiac outcomes and mortality. It is not known whether HF leads to poor renal outcomes in patients with normal kidney function. We hypothesized that HF is associated with worse long-term renal outcomes.

Methods and Results

Among 3 570 865 US veterans with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL min
−1
1.73 m
−2
during October 1, 2004 to September 30, 2006, we identified 156 743 with an
International Classification of Diseases
,
Ninth Revision
, diagnosis of HF. We examined the association of HF with incident chronic kidney disease (CKD), the composite of incident CKD or mortality, and rapid rate of eGFR decline (slopes steeper than −5 mL min
−1
1.73 m
−2
y
−1
) using Cox proportional hazard analyses and logistic regression. Adjustments were made for various confounders. The mean±standard deviation baseline age and eGFR of HF patients were 68±11 years and 78±14 mL min
−1
1.73 m
−2
and in patients without HF were 59±14 years and 84±16 mL min
−1
1.73 m
−2
, respectively. HF patients had higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiac, peripheral vascular and chronic lung diseases, stroke, and dementia. Incidence of CKD was 69.0/1000 patient-years in HF patients versus 14.5/1000 patient-years in patients without HF, and 22% of patients with HF had rapid decline in eGFR compared with 8.5% in patients without HF. HF patients had a 2.12-, 2.06-, and 2.13-fold higher multivariable-adjusted risk of incident CKD, composite of CKD or mortality, and rapid eGFR decline, respectively.

Conclusions

HF is associated with significantly higher risk of incident CKD, incident CKD or mortality, and rapid eGFR decline. Early diagnosis and management of HF could help reduce the risk of long-term renal complications.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Ischemic Heart Disease Risk: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Au Yeung Shiu Lun , Lam Hugh Simon Hung San , Schooling C. Mary
Published: August 2017

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (
VEGF
) has angiogenic and possibly proatherosclerotic properties. Observationally it is positively associated with cardiovascular disease, although these observations could be confounded or due to reverse causation. We assessed ischemic heart disease (
IHD
) risk by genetically predicted
VEGF
, ie, using Mendelian randomization.

Methods and Results

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (
SNP
s) predicting
VEGF
level, at genome‐wide significance, were applied to the CARDIoGRAMplusC4D 1000 Genomes‐based genome‐wide association study
IHD
case (n=60 801)‐control (n=123 504) study. We obtained unconfounded estimates using instrumental variable analysis by combining the Wald estimates for each
SNP
using inverse variance weighting and Mendelian randomization–Egger regression. Based on 9
SNP
s independently predicting
VEGF
(rs1740073 [
C6orf223
], rs2375981 [

KCNV
2

], rs2639990 [

ZADH
2

], rs4782371 [

ZFPM
1

], rs6921438 [

LOC
100132354

], rs7043199 [

VLDLR
‐
AS
1

], rs10761741 [

JMJD
1C

], rs6993770 [

ZFPM
2

], and rs114694170 [

MEF
2C

]),
VEGF
was unrelated to
IHD
(odds ratio 0.99 per log‐transformed pg/mL, 95%
CI
0.96‐1.02) using inverse variance weighting. However, Mendelian randomization–Egger regression suggested an inverse relation of
VEGF
with
IHD
(odds ratio 0.95, 95%
CI
0.91‐0.99), although the association was not evident after excluding the lead
SNP
(rs6921438) or additionally excluding the pleiotropic
SNP
(rs6993770).

Conclusions

Our study does not provide strong evidence for a positive effect of
VEGF
on
IHD
but does not rule out the possibility that some specific types of
VEGF
, for which genetic predictors have not yet been identified, might play a role.
Blood Pressure in 6‐Year‐Old Children Born Extremely Preterm
Authors: Edstedt Bonamy Anna‐Karin , Mohlkert Lilly‐Ann , Hallberg Jenny , Liuba Petru , Fellman Vineta , Domellöf Magnus , Norman Mikael
Published: August 2017

Background

Advances in perinatal medicine have increased infant survival after very preterm birth. Although this progress is welcome, there is increasing concern that preterm birth is an emerging risk factor for hypertension at young age, with implications for the lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease.

Methods and Results

We measured casual blood pressures (BPs) in a population‐based cohort of 6‐year‐old survivors of extremely preterm birth (<27 gestational weeks; n=171) and in age‐ and sex‐matched controls born at term (n=172). Measured BP did not differ, but sex, age‐, and height‐adjusted median
z
scores were 0.14 SD higher (
P
=0.02) for systolic
BP
and 0.10 SD higher (
P
=0.01) for diastolic
BP
in children born extremely preterm than in controls. Among children born extremely preterm, shorter gestation, higher body mass index, and higher heart rate at follow‐up were all independently associated with higher
BP
at 6 years of age, whereas preeclampsia, smoking in pregnancy, neonatal morbidity, and perinatal corticosteroid therapy were not. In multivariate regression analyses, systolic
BP
decreased by 0.10 SD (
P
=0.08) and diastolic BP by 0.09 SD (
P
=0.02) for each week‐longer gestation.

Conclusions

Six‐year‐old children born extremely preterm have normal but slightly higher
BP
than their peers born at term. Although this finding is reassuring for children born preterm and their families, follow‐up at older age is warranted.
Long-Delay Arterial Spin Labeling Provides More Accurate Cerebral Blood Flow Measurements in Moyamoya Patients
Authors: Fan Audrey P. , Guo Jia , Khalighi Mohammad M. , Gulaka Praveen K. , Shen Bin , Park Jun Hyung , Gandhi Harsh , Holley Dawn , Rutledge Omar , Singh Prachi , Haywood Tom , Steinberg Gary K. , Chin Frederick T. , Zaharchuk Greg
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose—

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI is a promising, noninvasive technique to image cerebral blood flow (CBF) but is difficult to use in cerebrovascular patients with abnormal, long arterial transit times through collateral pathways. To be clinically adopted, ASL must first be optimized and validated against a reference standard in these challenging patient cases.

Methods—

We compared standard-delay ASL (post-label delay=2.025 seconds), multidelay ASL (post-label delay=0.7–3.0 seconds), and long-label long-delay ASL acquisitions (post-label delay=4.0 seconds) against simultaneous [
15
O]-positron emission tomography (PET) CBF maps in 15 Moyamoya patients on a hybrid PET/MRI scanner. Dynamic susceptibility contrast was performed in each patient to identify areas of mild, moderate, and severe time-to-maximum (Tmax) delays. Relative CBF measurements by each ASL scan in 20 cortical regions were compared with the PET reference standard, and correlations were calculated for areas with moderate and severe Tmax delays.

Results—

Standard-delay ASL underestimated relative CBF by 20% in areas of severe Tmax delays, particularly in anterior and middle territories commonly affected by Moyamoya disease (
P
<0.001). Arterial transit times correction by multidelay acquisitions led to improved consistency with PET, but still underestimated CBF in the presence of long transit delays (
P
=0.02). Long-label long-delay ASL scans showed the strongest correlation relative to PET, and there was no difference in mean relative CBF between the modalities, even in areas of severe delays.

Conclusions—

Post-label delay times of ≥4 seconds are needed and may be combined with multidelay strategies for robust ASL assessment of CBF in Moyamoya disease.
Vascular Risk Factor Profiles Differ Between Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Defined Subtypes of Younger-Onset Lacunar Stroke
Authors: Rutten-Jacobs Loes C.A. , Markus Hugh S.
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose—

Differing associations of vascular risk factors with lacunar infarct have been reported, which is likely because of diagnostic differences and possible heterogeneity in the pathogenesis underlying lacunar infarction. In a large magnetic resonance imaging–verified cohort of lacunar infarct patients, we investigated the risk factor profile of lacunar infarction and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics.

Methods—

One thousand twenty-three patients with lacunar infarction (mean age, 56.7; SD, 8.5) were recruited from 72 stroke centers throughout the United Kingdom as part of the UK Young Lacunar Stroke DNA Study. Risk factor profiles were compared with 1961 stroke-free population controls with similar age. Furthermore, we tested risk factor profiles of lacunar stroke patients for association with the presence of multiple lacunar infarcts, white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and location of the acute lacunar infarct.

Results—

Hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.85–2.64), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.61–2.73), hyperlipidemia (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.46–2.07), and smoking (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.39–1.96) were independently associated in lacunar infarct patients compared with healthy controls. Patients with multiple lacunar infarcts were more likely to be men (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.81–3.53) and have hypertension (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.12–2.04) compared with patients with a single lacunar infarct, independent of other vascular risk factors. The presence of moderate-to-severe WMH versus no or mild WMH was independently associated with increased age (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.12–2.04), hypertension (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.44–2.95), and impaired renal function (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82–0.98).

Conclusions—

In this magnetic resonance imaging–verified lacunar stroke population, we identified a distinct risk factor profile in the group as a whole. However, there were differing risk factor profiles according to the presence of multiple lacunar infarcts and confluent WMH. The association of hypertension, smoking, and renal impairment with the presence of multiple lacunar infarcts and confluent WMH might reflect a diffuse small vessel arteriopathy.
Revisiting Hiroshima in Iran: What Americans Really Think about Using Nuclear Weapons and Killing Noncombatants
Authors: Sagan Scott D. , Valentino Benjamin A.
Published: August 2017

Numerous polls demonstrate that U.S. public approval of President Harry Truman's decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki has declined significantly since 1945. Many scholars and political figures argue that this decline constitutes compelling evidence of the emergence of a “nuclear taboo” or that the principle of noncombatant immunity has become a deeply held norm. An original survey experiment, recreating the situation that the United States faced in 1945 using a hypothetical U.S. war with Iran today, provides little support for the nuclear taboo thesis. In addition, it suggests that the U.S. public's support for the principle of noncombatant immunity is shallow and easily overcome by the pressures of war. When considering the use of nuclear weapons, the majority of Americans prioritize protecting U.S. troops and achieving American war aims, even when doing so would result in the deliberate killing of millions of foreign noncombatants. A number of individual-level traits—Republican Party identification, older age, and approval of the death penalty for convicted murderers—significantly increase support for using nuclear weapons against Iran. Women are no less willing (and, in some scenarios, more willing) than men to support nuclear weapons use. These findings highlight the limited extent to which the U.S. public has accepted the principles of just war doctrine and suggest that public opinion is unlikely to be a serious constraint on any president contemplating the use of nuclear weapons in the crucible of war.
What the Iran-Iraq War Tells Us about the Future of the Iran Nuclear Deal
Authors: Tabatabai Ariane M. , Samuel Annie Tracy
Published: August 2017

The 1980–88 Iran-Iraq War stands as the pivotal event for Iran's national security strategy, especially as it pertains to the country's controversial nuclear program. The “imposed war,” as it is known to Iranians, caused Iran to view itself as isolated and on the defensive, striving for self-reliance and survival in what it continues to perceive as an unjust international order. The war has shaped both Iran's strategic outlook generally and its nuclear policies specifically. It was a decisive factor in determining the nature and scope of Iran's nuclear activities, as well as in Iran's approach to the international negotiations surrounding those activities, which in 2015 produced the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Both during those talks and after the implementation of the deal began, Iranian decisionmakers regularly invoked the history and lessons of the war to construe their decisionmaking process and define their bottom lines. Yet the war and its implications for Iran's strategic culture and nuclear thinking remain understudied and misunderstood. If the implementation of the deal and a longer-term resolution of the conflict over Iran's nuclear program are to succeed, the history of the Iran-Iraq War and the vital lessons that Iran has drawn from it must be appreciated.
Reproductive aspects of the Chocoan River turtle (Rhinoclemmys nasuta, Geoemydidae) along the Colombian Pacific coast
Authors: Garcés-Restrepo Mario Fernando , Rivera-Domínguez Natalia , Giraldo Alan , Carr John L.
Published: August 2017

We collected data on several aspects of the reproductive biology of the Chocoan River Turtle (Rhinoclemmys nasuta) as part of a long-term demographic study (2005-2015), along the Pacific coast of the department of Valle del Cauca in Colombia. We palpated 659 females and found 77 gravid, with two peaks in the proportion of females gravid, one between May and June, and another from October to December; there was a significant correlation between the monthly proportion gravid and the monthly amount of precipitation (Spearman rank correlation , ). We obtained 13 eggs (mean length = 63.8 mm, mean width = 35.4 mm, mean weight = 45.8 g). Using egg volume as a general indicator of size, there was no significant relationship with female size. To induce oviposition, oxytocin, prostaglandin, or a combination of the two was injected into 37 gravid females with a success rate of 48.6%. We determined the duration of incubation for two individuals as 133 and 135 days. With this information, we fill some gaps in the knowledge of reproductive ecology of this species; however, the sample size is very low and primarily comes from a single insular population and therefore it is important to continue studies on aspects of reproductive ecology such as those evaluated in this study and other topics like sex determination.
Species of Wadicosa (Araneae, Lycosidae): a new species close to W. quadrifera (Gravely) from the Western Ghats, India
Authors: KRONESTEDT TORBJÖRN
Published: August 2017

The wolf spider species Wadicosa ghatica sp. nov. is described on material of both sexes from the states of Karnataka and Kerala in India. The species is morphologically close to W. quadrifera (Gravely, 1924), a widespread species from Sri Lanka and southern India. For comparison, the copulatory organs of both species are illustrated in detail. The males of both species are characterized by a corkscrew-like embolus which exhibits species-specificity in details of configuration. The embolus shape is unique to these two species.
Description of two new species of Magnispina and a new hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships for Heteropachylinae (Opiliones: Laniatores: Gonyleptidae)
Authors: GUERATTO CAIO , MENDES AMANDA CRUZ , PINTO-DA-ROCHA RICARDO
Published: August 2017

Two new species of Heteropachylinae Kury, 1994, are described: Magnispina robusta sp. nov. and Magnispina bahiana sp. nov., both from Serra Bonita Natural Reserve, Camacan, Bahia, Brazil. Magnispina robusta sp. nov. is diagnosed by: free tergites II–III with tubercles on their lateral margins, free tergite III without median armature, dorsal anal operculum with a robust bifurcate median apophysis, femur IV slightly curved (convex side outwards ) in dorsal view and straight in lateral view, with a basal, a robust median and a subapical apophyses on dorsal face. Magnispina bahiana sp. nov. is diagnosed by: medium size of the median apophysis on free tergite II, free tergite II with bifurcate tubercles on its lateral margins, femur IV with a robust dorsomedian apophysis and prolateral row of tubercles increasing in size apically. We performed a cladistic analysis based on a modified version of the character matrix of the previous revision of the subfamily. We retrieved a single most parsimonious tree (308 steps, CI = 0.43 and RI = 0.61), which corroborates the monophyly of Heteropachylinae, Magnispina Mendes, 2011, Pseudopucrolia, Roewer, 1912 and Heteropachylus Roewer, 1913. The two latter genera comprise a clade that is sister-group to Magnispina.
Two new species of the Suborder Senticaudata (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from the upper continental slope off Galicia (NW Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: TATO RAMIRO , MOREIRA JUAN
Published: August 2017

Two new species of the Suborder Senticaudata (Corophiidae and Photidae) are described. They were collected during the expeditions “DIVA ARTABRIA I” in 2003 and “A Selva” in 2008, off the Galician coast (NW Iberian Peninsula). Samples were taken on hard bottoms between 800 and 1000 m deep using different gears (an epibenthic sledge an Agassiz trawl and a naturalist dredge). The corophiid Pareurystheus vitucoi sp. nov. is a blind species that can be easily distinguished from the other known genus species by the size and shape of pereopod 5. The photid Photis guerrai sp. nov is also a blind species, characterized by the presence of an anterodistal lobe on the basis of gnathopod 2. A key to the genera of Protomedeiinae is also included, as well as keys for the species of the genus Pareurystheus and the Atlantic and Mediterranean species of the genus Photis.
Four new species of Euodynerus Dalla Torre, 1904 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) from China, with a key to the Chinese species
Authors: MA ZHENXIA , CHEN BIN , LI TINGJING
Published: August 2017

Four new species, namely E. (Euodynerus) carinatus sp. nov. (Sichuan), E. (Pareuodynerus) deqinensis sp. nov. (Yunnan), E. (P.) ferrugineus sp. nov. (Yunnan), and E. (P.) similinipanicus sp. nov. (Yunnan), are described and illustrated. Euodynerus (P.) strigatus (Radoszkowski) is newly recorded from China. A key to the Chinese species of Euodynerus is given.
Historical Spatial and Temporal Climate Trends in Southern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Wazneh Hussein , Arain M. Altaf , Coulibaly Paulin
Published: August 2017

Spatial and temporal trends in historical temperature and precipitation extreme events were evaluated for southern Ontario, Canada. A number of climate indices were computed using observed and regional and global climate datasets for the area of study over the 1951–2013 period. A decrease in the frequency of cold temperature extremes and an increase in the frequency of warm temperature extremes was observed in the region. Overall, the numbers of extremely cold days decreased and hot nights increased. Nighttime warming was greater than daytime warming. The annual total precipitation and the frequency of extreme precipitation also increased. Spatially, for the precipitation indices, no significant trends were observed for annual total precipitation and extremely wet days in the southwest and the central part of Ontario. For temperature indices, cool days and warm night have significant trends in more than 90% of the study area. In general, the spatial variability of precipitation indices is much higher than that of temperature indices. In terms of comparisons between observed and simulated data, results showed large differences for both temperature and precipitation indices. For this region, the regional climate model was able to reproduce historical observed trends in climate indices very well as compared with global climate models. The statistical bias-correction method generally improved the ability of the global climate models to accurately simulate observed trends in climate indices.
An Extraction Method for Long-Term Tropical Cyclone Precipitation from Daily Rain Gauges
Authors: Zhu Laiyin , Quiring Steven M.
Published: August 2017

Tropical cyclone precipitation (TCP) can cause significant flooding in coastal areas around the world. This study compares multiple options of a new technique for developing a gridded daily TCP product at a spatial resolution of 0.25°. These options were evaluated using NASA’s Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) 3B42 product to determine the optimal approach. Results indicate that the technique is very sensitive to changes in wind corrections, interpolation method, and gauge density. The optimal method accounts for wind-induced gauge undercatch and uses a customized interpolation approach. It significantly reduces precipitation biases associated with gauge undercatch during windy conditions. The new TCP extraction approach can be used to examine variability and long-term trends in TCP, even in regions with relatively few gauges.
A Comparative Verification of High-Resolution Precipitation Forecasts Using Model Output Statistics
Authors: van der Plas Emiel , Schmeits Maurice , Hooijman Nicolien , Kok Kees
Published: August 2017

Verification of localized events such as precipitation has become even more challenging with the advent of high-resolution mesoscale numerical weather prediction (NWP). The realism of a forecast suggests that it should compare well against precipitation radar imagery with similar resolution, both spatially and temporally. Spatial verification methods solve some of the representativity issues that point verification gives rise to. In this paper, a verification strategy based on model output statistics (MOS) is applied that aims to address both double-penalty and resolution effects that are inherent to comparisons of NWP models with different resolutions. Using predictors based on spatial precipitation patterns around a set of stations, an extended logistic regression (ELR) equation is deduced, leading to a probability forecast distribution of precipitation for each NWP model, analysis, and lead time. The ELR equations are derived for predictands based on areal-calibrated radar precipitation and SYNOP observations. The aim is to extract maximum information from a series of precipitation forecasts, like a trained forecaster would. The method is applied to the nonhydrostatic model Harmonie-AROME (2.5-km resolution), HIRLAM (11-km resolution), and the ECMWF model (16-km resolution), overall yielding similar Brier skill scores for the three postprocessed models, but somewhat larger differences for individual lead times. In addition, the fractions skill score is computed using the three deterministic forecasts, showing slightly higher skill for the Harmonie-AROME model. In other words, despite the realism of Harmonie-AROME precipitation forecasts, they only perform similarly or somewhat better than precipitation forecasts from the two lower-resolution models, at least in the Netherlands.
Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis Management in Rhinologists and Pediatric Otolaryngologists
Authors: Beswick Daniel M. , Messner Anna H. , Hwang Peter H.
Published: August 2017

Objective:

To compare the management of pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (PCRS) between members of the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) and the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO).

Study Design:

Comparison of surveys.

Methods:

A web-based survey was distributed to ASPO membership twice in September-October 2016. Data were compared to previously published data from ARS membership in March-April 2016.

Results:

ASPO survey completion rate was 22%. ARS members were more likely to employ oral steroids in initial ( P = .025) and maximal medical management ( P = .001). ASPO members more commonly performed adenoidectomy before computed tomography (CT) ( P < .001). Both groups commonly included adenoidectomy as part of initial surgical management (90% vs 94%, P = .316), while ASPO members more frequently performed adenoidectomy alone (70% vs 43%, P = .001). If initial surgical treatment failed, both groups commonly performed endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS; 81% vs 88%, P = .56) with a similar extent including frontal ( P ≥ .207) and sphenoid ( P ≥ .304) surgery.

Conclusions:

Pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis management is similar between groups, yet there are differences including oral steroid use, relative order of CT versus adenoidectomy, and performing concomitant procedures with adenoidectomy. Both groups commonly perform ESS with similar surgical extent if prior surgical treatment fails. Management by both groups is largely in agreement with published consensus statements.
Surgical Management of Supraglottic Stenosis Using Intubationless Optiflow
Authors: Tam Kenric , Jeffery Caroline , Sung C. Kwang
Published: August 2017

Objective:

Airway management during endoscopic surgical treatment of supraglottic and pharyngeal stenosis is often challenging and can be accomplished by various means, including tracheostomy, jet ventilation, or direct laryngoscopy. We describe CO2 laser excision of supraglottic-pharyngeal stenosis using intubationless Optiflow high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC).

Methods:

A 55-year-old male presented with dyspnea and dysphagia secondary to severe supraglottic-pharyngeal stenosis in the setting of previous chemoradiation for a T0N2aM0 squamous cell carcinoma. Laryngoscopy revealed severe supraglottic-pharyngeal stenosis with tethering of the epiglottis to the lateral pharyngeal walls. Optiflow HFNC was used to deliver 70 L/min of oxygen. After anesthetic induction, CO2 laser microlaryngoscopy was utilized to release scar tissue along the lateral epiglottic border, opening up the supraglottic airway sufficiently for endotracheal intubation and further laser resection.

Results:

Airway management with Optiflow HFNC allowed initial endoscopic surgical access, partial stenotic release, and intubation. From anesthetic induction to intubation, the patient remained apneic for 26 minutes. The patient’s stenosis was successfully addressed, and 10-month follow-up demonstrated stable patency of the airway.

Conclusion:

Optiflow is an important new tool in the management of severe supraglottic stenosis. It provides sufficient oxygenation to perform extended apneic surgery and improves endoscopic surgical access in a limited airway.