bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid Biopsies for Monitoring Temporal Genomic Heterogeneity in Breast and Colon Cancers
Authors: Venesio Tiziana , Siravegna Giulia , Bardelli Alberto , Sapino Anna
Published: June 2017

Cancer is a spatial and temporal dynamic disease where differently evolving genetic clones are responsible for progression. In this landscape, the genomic heterogeneity of the primary tumours can be captured by deep-sequencing representative spatial samples. However, the recognition of genetic alterations responsible for tumour evolution remains a challenging task. Recently, the “liquid biopsy” was recognized as a powerful real-time approach for the molecular monitoring of this dynamic disease. The term “liquid biopsy” generally refers to the use of circulating (cell-free) tumour DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumour cells (CTCs) as non-invasive biomarkers for the early diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring of clinical progression, and response to treatment in different types of tumours, including the highly genomic heterogeneous breast cancer. The implementation and standardization of both approaches are still needed to achieve the required sensitivity and specificity to successfully analyze heterogenous tumours, but pivotal studies, in particular those concerning colorectal cancer, have shown the feasibility and usefulness of liquid biopsy for monitoring the Darwinian clonal evolution from an early to a metastatic stage.
Left Ventricular Mechanical Reverse Remodelling Not Followed by Electrical Reverse Remodelling: A Case Report
Authors: Amorim Sandra , Garcia Raquel , Pinho Teresa , Rodrigues João , Macedo Filipe , Silva-Cardoso José , Maciel M. Júlia
Published: June 2017

Patients with severely depressed left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEFs) receive implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) for the primary prevention of sudden death. However, in some patients, LVEFs may improve or even normalize over time, and these patients would no longer be qualified for ICD implantation based on the original criteria for which they have initially received an ICD. We report a patient with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy whose LVEF recovered to normal values after pharmacological therapy. Meanwhile, the patient had life-threatening ventricular fibrillation, aborted by the ICD. We reflect on the pathological features of left ventricular reverse remodelling and ventricular arrhythmogenesis, where the myocardial substrate appears to play an important role. Also, after LVEF improvement in a patient with a cardiac device, there is still a debate on whether we should perform a battery replacement.
Tumor Heterogeneity in Endometrial Carcinoma: Practical Consequences
Authors: Gatius Sònia , Cuevas Dolors , Fernández Carlos , Roman-Canal Berta , Adamoli Virginia , Piulats Josep Maria , Eritja Núria , Martin-Satue Mireia , Moreno-Bueno Gema , Matias-Guiu Xavier
Published: June 2017

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) shows intertumor heterogeneity, with several different histologic types differing in their morphologic and molecular features. There is also intratumoral morphologic heterogeneity, with different neoplastic cell components within the same tumor, with different morphologic and molecular features. In this article, we discuss the consequences of tumor heterogeneity in EC at the morphologic and molecular levels, by describing some illustrative examples produced by the research team. They are (1) morphologic heterogeneity in conventional EC and mixed tumors, (2) EC with microsatellite instability, (3) branched evolution as shown by exome sequencing analysis, (4) morphologic, molecular, and metabolomic differences between the tumor surface and myometrial invasion front, (5) tumor heterogeneity at the microenviromental level, (6) the sensitivity of endometrial aspirates to detect tumor heterogeneity in EC, and (7) sampling strategies to detect tumor heterogeneity in hysterectomy specimens. Tumor heterogeneity may have an important clinical impact, since it can be challenging to identify minor tumor cell populations that may have an impact on diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic decisions for patients with EC.
Effect of Ceftiofur on Hyperalgesia and Allodynia in a Rat Neuropathic Pain Model: The Role of Immune Processes
Authors: Önal Aytül , Coşkunsever Deniz , Çelenk Fatma Gül , Şentürk Recep Selim , Nalbant Selvi , Ülker Göksel Sibel
Published: June 2017

Objective: Inflammatory and immune mechanisms play important roles in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. Ceftiofur, a third-generation cephalosporin, has anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ceftiofur on hyperalgesia and allodynia in neuropathic rats and to define the possible contribution of immune mechanisms to this effect. Methods: A neuropathic pain model was performed by ligating the right sciatic nerve. Mechanic hyperalgesia and allodynia were measured using an analgesia meter and dynamic plantar esthesiometer, respectively. Following sciatic nerve ligation, ceftiofur was administered intraperitoneally (10 and 20 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. The control group received saline. Pain thresholds were recorded pre- and postoperatively on days 3, 7, 10, and 14. Protein was extracted from lumbar spinal cord tissue on day 14, and TNF-α, IL-1β, p65 NF-κB, p38 MAPK, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were evaluated by Western blotting. Results: Neuropathic rats showed decreased pain thresholds in analgesia meter and esthesiometer measurements. Ceftiofur 20 mg/kg/day significantly alleviated hyperalgesia, but not allodynia, and the increased iNOS and IL-1β expression was attenuated in neuropathic rats at both doses while decreasing p38 MAPK expression only at 20 mg/kg/day. TNF-α and p65 NF-κB expression remained unchanged 14 days after surgery. Conclusions: Ceftiofur has anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing iNOS, IL-1β, and p38 MAPK expression in lumbar spinal cord, and treatment of neuropathic rats with repeated doses of ceftiofur for 14 days results in antihyperalgesic effects.
Addictive Potential of Internet Applications and Differential Correlates of Problematic Use in Internet Gamers versus Generalized Internet Users in a Representative Sample of Adolescents
Authors: Rosenkranz Tabea , Müller Kai W. , Dreier Michael , Beutel Manfred E. , Wölfling Klaus
Published: June 2017

Aims: This paper examines the addictive potential of 8 different Internet applications, distinguishing male and female users. Moreover, differential correlates of problematic use are investigated in Internet gamers (IG) and generalized Internet users (GIU). Method: In a representative sample of 5,667 adolescents aged 12-19 years, use of Internet applications, problematic Internet use, psychopathologic symptoms (emotional problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and psychosomatic complaints), personality (conscientiousness and extraversion), psychosocial correlates (perceived stress and self-efficacy), and coping strategies were assessed. The addictive potential of Internet applications was examined in boys and girls using regression analysis. MANOVAs were conducted to examine differential correlates of problematic Internet use between IG and GIU. Results: Chatting and social networking most strongly predicted problematic Internet use in girls, while gaming was the strongest predictor in boys. Problematic IG exhibited multiple psychosocial problems compared to non-problematic IG. In problematic Internet users, GIU reported even higher psychosocial burden and displayed dysfunctional coping strategies more frequently than gamers. Conclusion: The results extend previous findings on the addictive potential of Internet applications and validate the proposed distinction between specific and generalized problematic Internet use. In addition to Internet gaming disorder, future studies should also focus on other highly addictive Internet applications, that is, chatting or social networking, regarding differential correlates of problematic use.
Drug Discovery to Halt the Progression of Acute Kidney Injury to Chronic Kidney Disease: A Case for Phenotypic Drug Discovery in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Hukriede Neil , Vogt Andreas , de Caestecker Mark
Published: June 2017

The cellular responses that occur following acute kidney injury (AKI) are complex and dynamic, involving multiple cells types and molecular pathways. For this reason, early selection of defined molecular targets for therapeutic intervention is unlikely to be effective in complex in vivo models of AKI, let alone Phase 3 clinical trials in patients with even more complex AKI pathobiology. Phenotypic screening using zebrafish provides an attractive alternative that does not require prior knowledge of molecular targets and may identify compounds that modify multiple targets that might be missed in more traditional target-based screens. In this review, we discuss results of an academic drug discovery campaign that used zebrafish as a primary screening tool to discover compounds with favorable absorption, metabolism, and toxicity that enhance repair when given late after injury in multiple models of AKI. We discuss how this screening campaign is being integrated into a more comprehensive, phenotypic, and target-based screen for lead compound optimization.
Thromboxane Formation Assay to Identify High On-Treatment Platelet Reactivity to Aspirin
Authors: Mohring Annemarie , Piayda Kerstin , Dannenberg Lisa , Zako Saif , Schneider Theresa , Bartkowski Kirsten , Levkau Bodo , Zeus Tobias , Kelm Malte , Hohlfeld Thomas , Polzin Amin
Published: June 2017

Platelet inhibition by aspirin is indispensable in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. Nevertheless, impaired aspirin antiplatelet effects (high on-treatment platelet reactivity [HTPR]) are frequent. This is associated with an enhanced risk of cardiovascular events. The current gold standard to evaluate platelet hyper-reactivity despite aspirin intake is the light-transmittance aggregometry (LTA). However, pharmacologically, the most specific test is the measurement of arachidonic acid (AA)-induced thromboxane (TX) B2 formation. Currently, the optimal cut-off to define HTPR to aspirin by inhibition of TX formation is not known. Therefore, in this pilot study, we aimed to calculate a TX formation cut-off value to detect HTPR defined by the current gold standard LTA. We measured platelet function in 2,507 samples. AA-induced TX formation by ELISA and AA-induced LTA were used to measure aspirin antiplatelet effects. TX formation correlated nonlinearly with the maximum of aggregation in the AA-induced LTA (Spearman's rho R = 0.7396; 95% CI 0.7208-0.7573, p < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis and Youden's J statistics revealed 209.8 ng/mL as the optimal cut-off value to detect HTPR to aspirin with the TX ELISA (area under the curve: 0.92, p < 0.0001, sensitivity of 82.7%, specificity of 90.3%). In summary, TX formation ELISA is reliable in detecting HTPR to aspirin. The calculated cut-off level needs to be tested in trials with clinical end points.
Safe Intravenous Thrombolysis after Traumatic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with Rib Fractures: A Case Report
Authors: Dressing Andrea , Graeter Zina , Bardutzky Juergen
Published: June 2017

We report a case of successful intravenous thrombolysis for a distal middle cerebral artery occlusion shortly after traumatic cardiopulmonary resuscitation due to an episode of ventricular tachycardia. A high prevalence of fatal cardiac arrhythmias in acute stroke patients raises the question of safety when administrating thrombolytic therapy after traumatic cardiopulmonary resuscitation; guidelines do not provide a satisfactory statement about this. Our case suggests that intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke can be administered after a thorough risk-to-benefit evaluation without major adverse effects in patients after traumatic cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as bleeding complications seem rare and can be monitored and treated.
Renal Oxygenation and Hemodynamics in Kidney Injury
Authors: Bullen Alexander , Liu Zhi Zhao , Hepokoski Mark , Li Ying , Singh Prabhleen
Published: June 2017

Acute kidney injury (AKI) continues to be a major therapeutic challenge. Despite significant advances made in cellular and molecular pathophysiology of AKI, major gaps in knowledge exist regarding the changes in renal hemodynamics and oxygenation in the early stages and through the continuum of AKI. Particular features of renal hemodynamics and oxygenation increase the susceptibility of the kidney to sustain injury due to oxygen demand-supply mismatch and also play an important role in the recovery and repair from AKI as well as the transition of AKI to chronic kidney disease. However, lack of well-established physiological biomarkers and noninvasive imaging techniques limit our understanding of the interactions between renal macro and microcirculation and tissue oxygenation in AKI. Advances in our ability to assess these parameters in preclinical and clinical AKI will enable the development of targeted therapeutics to improve clinical outcomes.
Cholesterol Enhances Colorectal Cancer Progression via ROS Elevation and MAPK Signaling Pathway Activation
Authors: Wang Caihua , Li Peiwei , Xuan Junmei , Zhu Chunpeng , Liu Jingjing , Shan Lizhen , Du Qin , Ren Yuezhong , Ye Jun
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: Elevated serum cholesterol levels were linked to a higher risk of colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer (CRC), while the effect of cholesterol on CRC metastasis has not been widely studied. Methods: CRC patients were enrolled to evaluate the association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and CRC metastases, and LDL receptor (LDLR) level of the CRC tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The effects of LDL on cell proliferation, migration and stemness were assessed in CRC cells in vitro, and the effects of high fat diet (HFD) on tumor growth and intestinal tumorigenicity were investigated in vivo. ROS assays, gene expression array analysis and western blot were used to explore the mechanisms of LDL in CRC progression. Results: The level of LDL was positively correlated with liver metastases, and a higher level of LDL receptor (LDLR) expression was associated with advanced N and M stages of CRC. In vitro, LDL promoted the migration and sphere formation of CRC cells and induced upregulated expression of “stemness” genes including Sox2, Oct4, Nanog and Bmi 1. High-fat diet (HFD) significantly enhanced tumor growth in vivo, and was associated with a shorter intestinal length in azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)-treated mice. Furthermore, LDL significantly elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and Whole Human Genome Microarray found 87 differentially expressed genes between LDL-treated CRC cells and controls, which were largely clustered in the MAP kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Conclusions: LDL enhances intestinal inflammation and CRC progression via activation of ROS and signaling pathways including the MAPK pathway. Inflammation is strongly associated with cancer initiation, and the role of LDL in intestinal tumorigenicity should be further explored.
Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association
Authors: Sacks Frank M. , Lichtenstein Alice H. , Wu Jason H.Y. , Appel Lawrence J. , Creager Mark A. , Kris-Etherton Penny M. , Miller Michael , Rimm Eric B. , Rudel Lawrence L. , Robinson Jennifer G. , Stone Neil J. , Van Horn Linda V.
Published: June 2017

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading global cause of death, accounting for 17.3 million deaths per year. Preventive treatment that reduces CVD by even a small percentage can substantially reduce, nationally and globally, the number of people who develop CVD and the costs of caring for them. This American Heart Association presidential advisory on dietary fats and CVD reviews and discusses the scientific evidence, including the most recent studies, on the effects of dietary saturated fat intake and its replacement by other types of fats and carbohydrates on CVD. In summary, randomized controlled trials that lowered intake of dietary saturated fat and replaced it with polyunsaturated vegetable oil reduced CVD by ≈30%, similar to the reduction achieved by statin treatment. Prospective observational studies in many populations showed that lower intake of saturated fat coupled with higher intake of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat is associated with lower rates of CVD and of other major causes of death and all-cause mortality. In contrast, replacement of saturated fat with mostly refined carbohydrates and sugars is not associated with lower rates of CVD and did not reduce CVD in clinical trials. Replacement of saturated with unsaturated fats lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, a cause of atherosclerosis, linking biological evidence with incidence of CVD in populations and in clinical trials. Taking into consideration the totality of the scientific evidence, satisfying rigorous criteria for causality, we conclude strongly that lowering intake of saturated fat and replacing it with unsaturated fats, especially polyunsaturated fats, will lower the incidence of CVD. This recommended shift from saturated to unsaturated fats should occur simultaneously in an overall healthful dietary pattern such as DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) or the Mediterranean diet as emphasized by the 2013 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology lifestyle guidelines and the 2015 to 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Decreased KCNE2 Expression Participates in the Development of Cardiac Hypertrophy by Regulation of Calcineurin–NFAT (Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways
Authors: Liu Wenjuan , Deng Jianxin , Ding Wenwen , Wang Gang , Shen Yuanyuan , Zheng Junmeng , Zhang Xiaoming , Luo Yizhi , Lv Chifei , Wang Yonghui , Chen Liqing , Yan Dewen , Boudreau Ryan L. , Song Long-Sheng , Liu Jie
Published: June 2017

Background—

KCNE2 is a promiscuous auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated cation channels. A recent work demonstrated that KCNE2 regulates L-type Ca
2+
channels. Given the important roles of altered Ca
2+
signaling in structural and functional remodeling in diseased hearts, this study investigated whether KCNE2 participates in the development of pathological hypertrophy.

Methods and Results—

We found that cardiac KCNE2 expression was significantly decreased in phenylephrine-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes and in transverse aortic constriction–induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice, as well as in dilated cardiomyopathy in human. Knockdown of KCNE2 in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes reproduced hypertrophy by increasing the expression of ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide) and β-MHC (β-myosin heavy chain), and cell surface area, whereas overexpression of KCNE2 attenuated phenylephrine-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Knockdown of KCNE2 increased intracellular Ca
2+
transient, calcineurin activity, and nuclear NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) protein levels, and pretreatment with inhibitor of L-type Ca
2+
channel (nifedipine) or calcineurin (FK506) attenuated the activation of calcineurin–NFAT pathway and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation levels of p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase were increased, and inhibiting the 3 cascades of mitogen-activated protein kinase reduced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by KCNE2 knockdown. Overexpression of KCNE2 in heart by ultrasound-microbubble–mediated gene transfer suppressed the development of hypertrophy and activation of calcineurin–NFAT and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in transverse aortic constriction mice.

Conclusions—

This study demonstrates that cardiac KCNE2 expression is decreased and contributes to the development of hypertrophy via activation of calcineurin–NFAT and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Targeting KCNE2 is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hypertrophy.
Patient Perceptions on Facilitating Follow-Up After Heart Failure Hospitalization
Authors: Breathett Khadijah , D’Amico Rachel , Adesanya T.M. Ayodele , Hatfield Stefanie , Willis Shannon , Sturdivant Rodney X. , Foraker Randi E. , Smith Sakima , Binkley Philip , Abraham William T. , Peterson Pamela N.
Published: June 2017

Background—

Timely follow-up after hospitalization for heart failure (HF) is recommended. However, follow-up is suboptimal, especially in lower socioeconomic groups. Patient-centered solutions for facilitating follow-up post-HF hospitalization have not been extensively evaluated.

Methods and Results—

Face-to-face surveys were conducted between 2015 and 2016 among 83 racially diverse adult patients (61% African American, 34% Caucasian, and 5% Other) hospitalized for HF at a university hospital centered in a low-income area of Columbus, Ohio. Patient perceptions of methods to facilitate follow-up post-HF hospitalization and likelihood of using interventions were investigated using a Likert scale: 1=very much to 5=not at all. Results were analyzed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test with Bonferroni correction. The response rate was 82%. The annual household income was <$35 000 for 49% of patients. An appointment near the patient’s home was the most desired intervention (77%), followed by reminder message (73%), transportation to appointment (63%), and elimination of copayment (59%). Interventions most likely to be used if provided were similarly ranked: reminder message (48%), appointment near home (46%), elimination of copay (46%), and transportation to appointment (39%). There were significant differences (
P
=0.001) in high-ranking interventions related to location (appointment near home, transportation, home appointment) and reminder for visit compared with low-ranking interventions related to time (weekend appointment, appointment after 5
pm
) and telemedicine.

Conclusions—

Among this cohort of racially diverse low-income patients hospitalized with HF, an appointment near the patient’s home and a reminder message were the most desired interventions to facilitate follow-up. Further study of similar populations nationwide is warranted.
Recent Advances in Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Salerno Michael , Sharif Behzad , Arheden Håkan , Kumar Andreas , Axel Leon , Li Debiao , Neubauer Stefan
Published: June 2017

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging has become the gold standard for evaluating myocardial function, volumes, and scarring. Additionally, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging is unique in its comprehensive tissue characterization, including assessment of myocardial edema, myocardial siderosis, myocardial perfusion, and diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging has become an indispensable tool in the evaluation of congenital heart disease, heart failure, cardiac masses, pericardial disease, and coronary artery disease. This review will highlight some recent novel cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging techniques, concepts, and applications.
CCR6 (CC Chemokine Receptor 6) Is Essential for the Migration of Detrimental Natural Interleukin-17–Producing γδ T Cells in Stroke
Authors: Arunachalam Priyadharshini , Ludewig Peter , Melich Patrick , Arumugam Thiruma Valavan , Gerloff Christian , Prinz Immo , Magnus Tim , Gelderblom Mathias
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose—

Immune-mediated tissue damage after stroke evolves within the first days, and lymphocytes contribute to the secondary injury. Our goal was to identify T-cell subpopulations, which trigger the immune response.

Methods—

In a model of experimental stroke, we analyzed the immune phenotype of interleukin-17 (IL-17)–producing γδ T cells and explored the therapeutic potential of neutralizing anti-IL-17 antibodies in combination with mild therapeutic hypothermia.

Results—

We show that brain-infiltrating IL-17–positive γδ T cells expressed the Vγ6 segment of the γδ T cells receptor and were largely positive for the chemokine receptor CCR6 (CC chemokine receptor 6), which is a characteristic for natural IL-17–producing γδ T cells. These innate lymphocytes are established as major initial IL-17 producers in acute infections. Genetic deficiency in
Ccr6
was associated with diminished infiltration of natural IL-17–producing γδ T cells and a significantly improved neurological outcome. In the ischemic brain, IL-17 together with tumor necrosis factor-α triggered the expression of CXC chemokines and neutrophil infiltration. Therapeutic targeting of synergistic IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor-α pathways by IL-17 neutralization and therapeutic hypothermia resulted in additional protective effects in comparison to an anti-IL-17 antibody treatment or therapeutic hypothermia alone.

Conclusions—

Brain-infiltrating IL-17–producing γδ T cells belong to the subset of natural IL-17–producing γδ T cells. In stroke, these previously unrecognized innate lymphocytes trigger a highly conserved immune reaction, which is known from host responses toward pathogens. We demonstrate that therapeutic approaches targeting synergistic IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor-α pathways in parallel offer additional neuroprotection in stroke.
Acute Ischemic Stroke After Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Kowalski Robert G. , Haarbauer-Krupa Juliet K. , Bell Jeneita M. , Corrigan John D. , Hammond Flora M. , Torbey Michel T. , Hofmann Melissa C. , Dams-O’Connor Kristen , Miller A. Cate , Whiteneck Gale G.
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose—

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to nearly 300 000 annual US hospitalizations and increased lifetime risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Occurrence of AIS immediately after TBI has not been well characterized. We evaluated AIS acutely after TBI and its impact on outcome.

Methods—

A prospective database of moderate to severe TBI survivors, admitted to inpatient rehabilitation at 22 Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems centers and their referring acute-care hospitals, was analyzed. Outcome measures were AIS incidence, duration of posttraumatic amnesia, Functional Independence Measure, and Disability Rating Scale, at rehabilitation discharge.

Results—

Between October 1, 2007, and March 31, 2015, 6488 patients with TBI were enrolled in the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems National Database. One hundred and fifty-nine (2.5%) patients had a concurrent AIS, and among these, median age was 40 years. AIS was associated with intracranial mass effect and carotid or vertebral artery dissection. High-velocity events more commonly caused TBI with dissection. AIS predicted poorer outcome by all measures, accounting for a 13.3-point reduction in Functional Independence Measure total score (95% confidence interval, −16.8 to −9.7;
P
<0.001), a 1.9-point increase in Disability Rating Scale (95% confidence interval, 1.3–2.5;
P
<0.001), and an 18.3-day increase in posttraumatic amnesia duration (95% confidence interval, 13.1–23.4;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Ischemic stroke is observed acutely in 2.5% of moderate to severe TBI survivors and predicts worse functional and cognitive outcome. Half of TBI patients with AIS were aged ≤40 years, and AIS patients more often had cervical dissection. Vigilance for AIS is warranted acutely after TBI, particularly after high-velocity events.
Lost Chance for Peace: The 1945 CCP-Kuomintang Peace Talks Revisited
Authors: Radchenko Sergey
Published: June 2017

This article reconsiders the 1945 Chongqing peace talks between the Kuo-mintang and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), a key turning point on the road to the Chinese civil war. The article shows that the talks represented a lost opportunity to avert the slide into fratricidal warfare. The CCP leader, Mao Zedong, under pressure from Iosif Stalin, was prepared to compromise with his rival Chiang Kai-shek on the basis of dividing China into two separately administered territories (roughly, north and south). Chiang was unwilling to consider such a step, which from his perspective was unpatriotic. His resistance to the division of China doomed the talks and precipitated the outbreak of war.
Effects of the wet catching method on the detection of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus from trapped longhorn beetle vectors
Authors: Berkvens Nick , Waeyenberge Lieven , Casteels Hans , de Sutter Nancy , Inácio Maria Lurdes , Fontes Ana Margarida , Boone Celia , Grégoire Jean-Claude , Viaene Nicole
Published: June 2017

The pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, causes pine wilt disease and is transmitted by Monochamus beetles. An efficient trapping system for these organisms is essential for their early detection in threatened regions. A wet catching method, using monoethylene glycol (MEG) in a collecting cup to preserve captured insects, was suitable for catching longhorn beetles. As a second step in developing this technique, we studied the influence of MEG on nematode detection. When M. galloprovincialis carrying PWN were submerged in MEG, nematodes died within 24 h. The preservative altered certain morphological features of nematodes immersed in solutions of 10, 30 or 60% MEG, impeding their morphological identification. However, molecular identification was possible as long as the MEG concentration was below 70%. At higher concentrations, a rinsing step with water before DNA extraction was enough to allow molecular detection. Wet trapping requires less frequent monitoring than dry trapping, thus reducing maintenance and related costs.
Beyond the Classic: Lady Gaga and Theology in the Wild Public Sphere
Authors: Roberts Stephen B.
Published: June 2017

There is a rich vein of theology running through much popular culture as exemplified by the artistic output of Lady Gaga, a discussion of which lies at the heart of this article. Such theological engagement with popular culture, it is argued, is an important task for public theology because this is a locus in which theology is already present in the public sphere. This suggests an approach to public theology that moves beyond David Tracy’s notion of the ‘classic’ in the context of hypermodernity. The case for this new agenda is presented in a twofold structure. Firstly, the theopolitical significance of Lady Gaga’s pop art is established. Secondly, a way of conceiving the ‘publicness’ of theological engagement with popular culture is articulated in dialogue with Habermas’ conception of the wild public sphere.
To Remember Peacefully: A Christian Perspective of Theology of Remembrance as a Basis of Peaceful Remembrance of Negative Memories
Authors: Pakpahan Binsar Jonathan
Published: June 2017

Memory plays an important role in peace building efforts and reconciliation processes. In the modern world, memory is a contesting battleground, where the winner has the merit to write down the story. However, the advancement of technology of memory, and the rise of postmodern philosophy that addresses the importance of alternative memories have contributed to the complexity of the web of memories of the past. How do we deal with contesting memories, and more importantly, how do we heal them? This paper will explore the possibility of a Christian theology of remembrance that serves as a basis of peace-building and reconciliation. Christian worship and theology are based directly on the order to remember. The act of remembering Christ that is being celebrated in the liturgy of the Eucharist is a demanding remembrance. It has a three-fold demand: First, we are asked to remember the suffering as memoria passionis [memory of the suffering of Christ]—as our responsibility towards others; second, we are asked to love our neighbors who come to the table as a consequence of God’s command to love; and third, we ask God to remember us, because every time we remember Christ, we are demanding that God remember the Parousia [the coming] as the fulfilment of God’s promise. Through these consequences of the remembrance of the past, we are offered a chance of changing the meaning of our painful memories, and instead to remember them peacefully.
The Implementation of the Western Climate Initiative: How North American States and Provinces Lead International Climate Negotiations
Authors: Chaloux Annie
Published: June 2017

The Western Climate Initiative is internationally recognized as a success story in global climate negotiations. However, between the first expression of the idea of a cap-and-trade system in 2007 and the launch of carbon trading in 2013, the number of participating Canadian provinces and us states fell from 11 to 2, and important hurdles risked derailing the project completely. The trajectory of this innovative cross-boundary policy holds important lessons for the prospects and pitfalls of green paradiplomacy in North America. This paper examines the impetus for subnational efforts to combat climate change in the face of federal inaction, and, through detailed examination of the wci, looks at jurisdictional, administrative, legal, political, social and economic factors that complicate the implementation of these initiatives. The analysis enables a better understanding of prospects for the establishment of norms, rules and institutions among North American federated states that can provide durable environmental regimes.
An International Law Perspective on Insular Features (Islands) and Low-tide Elevations in the South China Sea
Authors: McDorman Ted L
Published: June 2017

The numerous insular features (islands/rocks) and low-tide elevations (reefs, shoals, etc.) within the South China Sea have long been the centre of attention and dispute involving Brunei, China (the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan)), Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. This contribution focuses on said maritime features from the perspective of the law of the sea. A general overview is provided of the international legal rules that apply to islands, rocks and low-tide elevations with reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, customary international law and international adjudications. The article then examines what the littoral states have said and done respecting the insular features in the South China Sea and offers some reflections in the context of the Philippine-China arbitration.
Introduction: The South China Sea: An International Law Perspective
Authors: Franckx Erik , Benatar Marco
Published: June 2017

This piece offers the Guest Editors’ Introduction to this Special Issue of The International Journal of Marine and Coastal Law—dedicated to the South China Sea. It outlines the history of the 2015 Brussels Conference at which the papers in the Special Issue were first presented, notes the key presentations and introduces the authors. Four subject matters are addressed: fisheries, navigation, the regime of islands, and international dispute settlement.
The Making of the Frisian Clay Landscape 800–1600
Authors: Breuker Philippus H.
Published: June 2017

The Frisian Clay area consists of a northern part, the Bouwhoek (‘arable corner’), and a southern and older part, the Greidhoek (‘grassland corner’). In both areas, the terpen are the original areas of residence, containing the farms. The terpen formed hamlets which during the Middle Ages expanded to villages. In the Greidhoek, the corresponding land stretched in all directions, whereas in the Bouwhoek, it stretched in elongated parcels on either side. The land in the Greidhoek was bordered by natural streams, slenken, whereas the Bouwhoek land was delimited by dug maren, dating from the early Middle Ages. The Greidhoek also has dug waters, the leien, mainly dating to the early and high Middle Ages. The land of a hamlet was called hemrik: some of it was the fixed property of the farms (the staten), whereas the land further afield was used commonly. Later, hemrik changed its meaning and came to indicate only the common land. The word then coincided with meenschar and fell into disuse. From 1200 the meenscharren became ever smaller in size due to their continuous assignment to farms, until they had nearly all been divided up in the sixteenth century.
Der Kuss Reloaded: On the Dialectology of ‘Kissing’ in Frisian
Authors: Hoekstra Jarich
Published: June 2017

Elaborating on Theodor Siebs’ article “Zur vergleichenden Betrachtung volkstümlichen Brauches: der Kuss” (1903), this contribution investigates the dialectology and lexicology of the words for ‘kiss’ and ‘to kiss’ in Frisian, focusing on North Frisian. In the non-standardized Frisian dialects, affective words for ‘kissing’ competed with more neutral ones and eventually replaced them. Thus the common Germanic words for ‘kiss’ and ‘to kiss’ (Old Frisian kos—kessa) were lost in the modern dialects and a wide variety of alternative forms (among them words for ‘special’ kissing and child words) took their place. In North Frisian, one finds four basic form groups, exemplified by Fering-Öömrang kleeb—kleebe, Heligolandic Paik—paike, Bökingharde Frisian mak—make and Mittelgoesharde Frisian uup—uupi (with the diminutive variant Hallig Frisian ääpk—ääpke). The geographical distribution, historical development and etymology of these forms and related ones in East Frisian (Saterlandic) and West Frisian are discussed in some detail. The results of the investigation are presented in the form of an annotated dialect map of ‘kiss’ and ‘to kiss’ in North Frisian.
Wörter für die Ewigkeit: die Suche nach einem möglichen Schreibort
Authors: Langbroek Erika
Published: June 2017

This article discusses where the Old Frisian glosses on the snippets of parchment of Gent Ms 3 may have originated. The main problem here is the time of writing: most of the monasteries in the Frisian area were founded after the second half of the twelfth century, which is too late for a possible connection. One possible place of origin, however, is the Benedictine monastery of Egmond in the Dutch area of Westfriesland; it has been established that the ‘defrisianization’ of the Egmond scriptorium did not take place before 1150.

Hier wird der Frage nachgegangen, wo die altfriesischen Glossen auf den Pergamentschnipseln mit der Signatur Gent Ms 3 geschrieben sein könnten. Das Problem in diesem Zusammenhang ist die Zeit der Niederschrift, weil die meisten Klöster im friesischen Gebiet nach der zweiten Hälfte des 12. Jahrhunderts gegründet wurden. Eine Möglichkeit wäre, dass dieser Ort das Benediktinerkloster Egmond im niederländischen Westfriesland ist; es ist festgestellt worden, dass die ‘Entfriesung’ des Egmonder Skriptoriums erst nach 1150 stattfand.

This article is in German.
Einige Bemerkungen zum Finnsburg Fragment
Authors: Schuhmann Roland
Published: June 2017

The Finnburg Fragment has been subject to manifold emendations in scholarly literature compared to the version that was printed by Hickes. In this article two passages will be closely examined. The traditional interpunction in lines 13–17 is refuted and so is, as a result, the interpretation that Sigeferð and Eaha is an apposition to drihtlice cempan; they are rather seen as the subject of following hyra sword getugon. This solves the problem of the different prepositions to and æt in the text, as well as the question to whom him relates. In lines 18–20 it is shown that the text rendered by Hickes, which was subjected to multiple changes in the editions, can be defended as correct. As a consequence, gūþhere cannot be understood as a personal name but must be an appellative ‘army’ and he is another instance of the rare nominative plural form of the pronoun.
The Riustring Old Frisian -ar Plurals: Borrowed or Inherited?
Authors: Versloot Arjen P.
Published: June 2017

Rolf Bremmer (2007) concludes that the language of the Old Frisian Riustring manuscripts shows traces of copying from texts written in other Old Frisian dialects, notably from the Ems region. The strongest indication for his hypothesis comes from the masculine plural ending -ar, which is the rule in Ems Old Frisian but the exception in R1 and absent from other Riustring manuscripts. In this contribution, Bremmer’s hypothesis is partly confirmed, but augmented with the reconstruction of an indigenous Riustring plural ending -ar in masculine a-stem nouns denoting an animate subject, which appear substantially more often in the nominative. Nouns with a higher frequency of occurrence in the accusative take the plural ending -a. This is taken to reflect a former Proto-Frisian situation, with the ending -ar in the nom. pl. of masculine a-stem nouns against -a in the acc. pl., similar to Old Norse. The earlier distribution had become lexicalised by the time of Riustring Old Frisian. Some of the attested instances, however, are better explained as remnants of a copying process from Ems Old Frisian.
Elevating the Translator: Best practices in promoting international literature
Authors: Burgess Olenka
Published: June 2017

Enthusiastic readers within and outside the publishing industry have lamented the paucity of international literature translated into English. Despite the widely held belief that translated literature does not sell, small presses and literary organizations have emerged over the past decade to take the lead in advocating for more translated literature and more recognition for translators.

Drawing on media coverage and industry panels over the past five years as well as the recent success of translated titles by Clarice Lispector, Valeria Luiselli, and Elena Ferrante, this paper investigates the emerging visibility of translators and identifies opportunities to harness and elevate that visibility in developing a readership for translated literature.
Clusia goscinnyi, a new species of Clusia section Oedematopus (Clusiaceae)
Authors: NASCIMENTO-JR JOSÉ E. DO , BITTRICH VOLKER , AMARAL MARIA DO CARMO E.
Published: June 2017

A new species of Clusia sect. Oedematopus is described and illustrated. The species can be distinguished from others in this section mainly by its 14–31 stamens in staminate flowers, 8–10 staminodes in pistillate flowers and discontinuous secretory canals visible on the abaxial surface of the leaf blade.
Pythium cedri sp. nov. (Pythiaceae, Pythiales) from southern China based on morphological and molecular characters
Authors: CHEN JIA-JIA , LÜ LI , YE WEN-WU , WANG YUAN-CHAO , ZHENG XIAO-BO
Published: June 2017

A new species of Pythiales: Pythium cedri, isolated from Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) in Jiangsu Province of China is described and illustrated based on morphological characters and supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses using ITS+COI sequences. Pythium cedri belongs to Pythium clade D and is characterized by presence of hyphal swellings, toruloid sporangia, ornamented oogonia with blunt spines, monoclinous antheridia, plerotic or nearly plerotic oospores, and relatively slow growth (11–15 mm d–1). A key to accepted species of Pythium clade D is provided.
Alburnoides recepi, a junior synonym of Alburnus caeruleus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
Authors: BIRECIKLIGIL SEVIL SUNGUR , EAGDERI SOHEIL , JOULADEH-ROUDBAR ARASH , ÇIÇEK ERDOGAN
Published: June 2017

Alburnoides recepi was described from the stream Merzimen, a tributary of the Euphrates in Turkey. Morphometric, meristic and molecular (Cyt b) characters of A. recepi are largely overlapping or even identical with those of Alburnus         caeruleus, a species known from the Qweik, Euphrates and Tigris River drainages. Alburnoides recepi is treated as a synonym of A. caeruleus.
Two new species of Apteroscelio Kieffer (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) from India
Authors: KAMALANATHAN VEENAKUMARI , TALAMAS ELIJAH J. , KELOTH RAJMOHANA , MOHANRAJ PRASHANTH
Published: June 2017

Two new species of Apteroscelio Kieffer, a previously monotypic genus, are here described, illustrated and keyed. Affinities between Apteroscelio and other scelionine genera are discussed. The male of this genus is imaged and described for the first time.
Zombies in Western Culture
Authors: Vervaeke John , Miscevic Filip , Mastropietro Christopher
Published: June 2017

Why has the zombie become such a pervasive figure in twenty-first-century popular culture? John Vervaeke, Christopher Mastropietro and Filip Miscevic seek to answer this question by arguing that particular aspects of the zombie, common to a variety of media forms, reflect a crisis in modern Western culture.

The authors examine the essential features of the zombie, including mindlessness, ugliness and homelessness, and argue that these reflect the outlook of the contemporary West and its attendant zeitgeists of anxiety, alienation, disconnection and disenfranchisement. They trace the relationship between zombies and the theme of secular apocalypse, demonstrating that the zombie draws its power from being a perversion of the Christian mythos of death and resurrection. Symbolic of a lost Christian worldview, the zombie represents a world that can no longer explain itself, nor provide us with instructions for how to live within it.

The concept of 'domicide' or the destruction of home is developed to describe the modern crisis of meaning that the zombie both represents and reflects. This is illustrated using case studies including the relocation of the Anishinaabe of the Grassy Narrows First Nation, and the upheaval of population displacement in the Hellenistic period. Finally, the authors invoke and reformulate symbols of the four horseman of the apocalypse as rhetorical analogues to frame those aspects of contemporary collapse that elucidate the horror of the zombie.

Zombies in Western Culture: A Twenty-First Century Crisis is required reading for anyone interested in the phenomenon of zombies in contemporary culture. It will also be of interest to an interdisciplinary audience including students and scholars of culture studies, semiotics, philosophy, religious studies, eschatology, anthropology, Jungian studies, and sociology.
Stratospheric Response to the 11-Yr Solar Cycle: Breaking Planetary Waves, Internal Reflection, and Resonance
Authors: Lu Hua , Gray Lesley J. , White Ian P. , Bracegirdle Thomas J.
Published: June 2017

Breaking planetary waves (BPWs) affect stratospheric dynamics by reshaping the waveguides, causing internal wave reflection, and preconditioning sudden stratospheric warmings. This study examines observed changes in BPWs during the northern winter resulting from enhanced solar forcing and the consequent effect on the seasonal development of the polar vortex. During the period 1979–2014, solar-induced changes in BPWs were first observed in the uppermost stratosphere. High solar forcing was marked by sharpening of the potential vorticity (PV) gradient at 30°–45°N, enhanced wave absorption at high latitudes, and a reduced PV gradient between these regions. These anomalies instigated an equatorward shift of the upper-stratospheric waveguide and enhanced downward wave reflection at high latitudes. The equatorward refraction of reflected waves from the polar upper stratosphere then led to enhanced wave absorption at 35°–45°N and 7–20 hPa, indicative of a widening of the midstratospheric surf zone. The stratospheric waveguide was thus constricted at about 45°–60°N and 5–10 hPa in early boreal winter; reduced upward wave propagation through this region resulted in a stronger upper-stratospheric westerly jet. From January, the regions with enhanced BPWs acted as “barriers” for subsequent upward and equatorward wave propagation. As the waves were trapped within the stratosphere, anomalies of zonal wavenumbers 2 and 3 were reflected poleward from the stratospheric surf zone. Resonant excitation of some of these reflected waves resulted in rapid growth of wave disturbances and a more disturbed polar vortex in late winter. These results provide a process-oriented explanation for the observed solar cycle signal. They also highlight the importance of nonlinearity in the processes that drive the stratospheric response to external forcing.