bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Radboud Dysarthria Assessment: Development and Clinimetric Evaluation
Authors: Knuijt Simone , Kalf Johanna G. , van Engelen Baziel G.M. , de Swart Bert J.M. , Geurts Alexander C.H.
Published: January 2018

Objective: In the absence of an adequate dysarthria assessment in the Netherlands, we developed the Radboud Dysarthria Assessment (RDA). This article describes its development and clinimetric evaluation. Patients and Methods: Forty-three patients were assessed with the RDA. The recording forms were subjected to exploratory factor analysis and estimation of internal consistency. The self-evaluation questionnaire was tested for internal consistency and the severity scale for intra- and inter-rater reliability. Construct validity of the severity scale and questionnaire was determined by relating them to the Speech Handicap Index (SHI), Dutch sentence intelligibility assessment (NSVO-Z), and category fluency task. Results: Exploratory factor analysis extracted 4 factors (articulation, resonance, phonation, respiration/prosody) yielding an explained variance of 70.3%. Each factor showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: 0.89–0.91). The self-evaluation questionnaire showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: 0.90). Intra-class correlation coefficients of the severity scale (0.85–0.86) showed good reliability. The severity scores and self-evaluation questionnaire correlated substantially to strongly with the SHI (rs = 0.40 and 0.80) and substantially with the NSVO-Z (rs = –0.65 and –0.52). Conclusions: The RDA is a valid and reliable tool, but further investigation is needed to demonstrate whether this instrument can successfully support speech-language therapists in correctly diagnosing the type of dysarthria.
Association between Heights of Dialysis Patients and Outcomes: Results from a Retrospective Cohort Study of the International MONitoring Dialysis Outcomes (MONDO) Database Initiative
Authors: Patel Samir , Topping Alice , Ye Xiaoling , Zhang Hanjie , Canaud Bernard , Carioni Paola , Marelli Cristina , Guinsburg Adrian , Power Albert , Duncan Neill , Kooman Jeroen , van der Sande Frank , Usvyat Len A. , Wang Yuedong , Xu Xiaoqi , Kotanko Peter , Raimann Jochen G. ,   and the MONDO Initiative
Published: January 2018

Background: Tall people have improved metabolic profiles and better cardiovascular outcomes, a relationship inverted in dialysis patients. We investigated the relationship between height and outcomes in incident hemodialysis (HD) patients commencing treatment in an analysis of the international Monitoring Dialysis Outcomes (MONDO) database. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we included incident HD patients commencing treatment between ­January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2010 and investigated the association between height and mortality using the MONDO database. A 6-months baseline period preceded 2.5 years of follow-up, during which we recorded patient mortality. Patients were stratified in region-specific deciles of the respective database’s population (Asia Pacific, North and South America, and Europe) and we developed Cox-proportional hazard models (additionally adjusted for age, gender, post-dialysis weight, eKt/V, albumin, interdialytic weight gain, phosphorus, and predialysis systolic blood pressure) for each database. Results: We studied 23,353 patients (62 ± 15 years old, 42% female, body mass index 26 ± 6 kg/m2, height 165 ± 10 cm). We found a trend of increasing hazard ratio of death (HR) with increasing height for Asia Pacific, Europe, and South America. In the fully adjusted models, for South America, we found a trend of increasing HR without significance among deciles >5. In Europe, deciles 8–10 had significantly increased HR. No clear trend was found in North America. Conclusion: We found an increasing risk of death with increasing height in all regions, except North America. While the reasons remain unclear, further research may be warranted.
Effects of Intravitreal Silicone Oil on Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness
Authors: Karimi Saeed , Entezari Morteza , Nikkhah Homayoun , Esfandiari Hamed , Darvishpoor Tahereh , Tavakoli Mehdi , Safi Sare
Published: January 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of intravitreal silicone oil (SO) on subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). Methods: A total of 60 patients with unilateral pseudophakic macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were treated with a three-port pars plana vitrectomy and a 5,700-cSt SO endo­tamponade and subsequent SO removal. SFCT was measured before and 3 months after SO removal. The main outcome measure was the difference between the SFCT of operated eyes and the fellow eyes. Results: Before SO removal, the mean SFCT differences in group 1 (3–6 months’ duration of SO), group 2 (6–9 months’ duration of SO), and group 3 (9–18 months’ duration of SO) were –14.8, –25.5, and –62.1 µm, respectively (p = 0.002, r = 0.398). Three months after SO removal, the mean SFCT differences in group 1, group 2, and group 3 were –13.4, –23.3, and –59.0 µm, respectively (p = 0.002, r = 0.393). Conclusion: SFCT decreased significantly in eyes with long-term (≥6 months) intravitreal SO tamponade. Choroidal thinning did not improve after SO removal.
Pleural Dye Marking Using Radial Endobronchial Ultrasound and Virtual Bronchoscopy before Sublobar Pulmonary Resection for Small Peripheral Nodules
Authors: Lachkar Samy , Baste Jean-Marc , Thiberville Luc , Peillon Christophe , Rinieri Philippe , Piton Nicolas , Guisier Florian , Salaun Mathieu
Published: January 2018

Background: Minimally invasive surgery of pulmonary nodules allows suboptimal palpation of the lung compared to open thoracotomy. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess endoscopic pleural dye marking using radial endobronchial ultrasound (r-EBUS) and virtual bronchoscopy to localize small peripheral lung nodules immediately before minimally invasive resection. Methods: The endoscopic procedure was performed without fluoroscopy, under general anesthesia in the operating room immediately before minimally invasive surgery. Then, 1 mL of methylene blue (0.5%) was instilled into the guide sheath, wedged in the subpleural space. Wedge resection or segmentectomy were guided by visualization of the dye on the pleural surface. Contribution of dye marking to the surgical procedure was rated by the surgeon. Results: Twenty-five nodules, including 6 ground glass opacities, were resected in 22 patients by video-assisted thoracoscopic wedge resection (n = 11) or robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (10 segmentectomies and 1 wedge resection). The median greatest diameter of nodules was 8 mm. No conversion to open thoracotomy was needed. The endoscopic procedure added an average 10 min to surgical resection. The dye was visible on the pleural surface in 24 cases. Histological diagnosis and free margin resection were obtained in all cases. Median skin-to-skin operating time was 90 min for robotic segmentectomy and 40 min for video-assisted wedge resection. The same operative precision was considered impossible by the surgeon without dye marking in 21 cases. Conclusions: Dye marking using r-EBUS and virtual bronchoscopy can be easily and safely performed to localize small pulmonary nodules immediately before minimally invasive resection.
Importance of Reperfusion Status after Intra-Arterial Thrombectomy for Prediction of Outcome in Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Stroke
Authors: Dekker Luuk , Geraedts Victor J. , Hund Hajo , Cannegieter Suzanne C. , Nogueira Raul G. , Goyal Mayank , van den Wijngaard Ido R.
Published: January 2018

Background: Reperfusion status after intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT) is a critical predictor of functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke. However, most prognostic models have not included a detailed assessment of reperfusion status after IAT. Objective: The aim of this work was to assess the association between successful reperfusion and clinical outcome. Methods: Clinical, radiological, and procedural variables of patients treated with IAT were extracted from our prospective stroke registry. The association with functional outcome using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) after 3 months was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. An extension of the modified TICI score, eTICI, was used to classify reperfusion status. The prognostic value of reperfusion status after IAT in addition to age, stroke severity, imaging characteristics, treatment with intravenous thrombolysis, and time from symptom onset to the end of IAT was assessed with logistic regression and summarized with receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: In total, 119 patients were included (mean age 66 years). In multivariable analysis, age >80 years (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.2–39.8), NIHSS at presentation >15 (OR 7.3, 95% CI 2.3–23.5), and incomplete reperfusion status (eTICI score <2C; OR 10.3, 95% CI 3.5–30.6) were the strongest predictors of a poor outcome (mRS 3–6). Adding reperfusion status to the model improved the prognostic accuracy (AUC 0.88, 95% CI 0.91–0.94). Our results indicate a large difference between using an eTICI cutoff of ≥2C versus ≥2B: a cutoff ≥2C improved the predictive value for a good clinical outcome (2C: positive predictive value, PPV, 0.78; 2B: PPV 0.32). Conclusion: Our results promote using reperfusion status for assessing prognosis in ischemic stroke patients treated with IAT. A model using eTICI ≥2C had greater PPV than eTICI ≥2B and could improve prognostic accuracy.
Upregulated Serum MiR-146b Serves as a Biomarker for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Chen Zhenzhen , Wang Kaihua , Huang Jianmin , Zheng Guangshan , Lv Yan , Luo Ning , Liang Mingkun , Huang Longjian
Published: January 2018

Background/Aims: Stroke is a major cerebrovascular disease threatening human health and life with high morbidity, disability and mortality. It is aimed to find effective biomarkers for the early diagnosis on stroke. Methods: The expressions of 17 previously reported stroke-associated miRNAs were measured using quantitative RT-PCR and the expressions of plasma high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and serum interleukin 6 (IL-6), the pro-inflammation markers in brain injury, were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 128 acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients and control group. Results: Serum miR-146b expression was significantly increased within 24 hours after stroke onset in patients compared with control group. In addition, the upregulation of serum miR-146b was strong positively correlated with plasma hs-CRP, infarct volume and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and moderate positively correlated with serum IL-6 of patients. Importantly, the combination of plasma hs-CRP and serum miR-146b gained a better sensitivity/specificity for prediction of AIS (AUC from 0.782 to 0.863). Conclusion: Our preliminary findings suggested that upregulated serum miR-146b in acute ischemic stroke might be a potential biomarker for AIS evaluation.
АКТИВНІСТЬ СУПЕРОКСИДДИСМУТАЗИ І КАТАЛАЗИ У СТІНЦІ ТОНКОЇ КИШКИ, СЕРЦІ І ПЕЧІНЦІ ПРИ ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОМУ ЗАСТОСУВАННІ КАРАГІНАНУ
Authors: Kopanytsia O. M.
Published: January 2018

Вступ. Одним з провідних механізмів формування синдрому органних дисфункцій при різних патологіях є гіперпродукція активних форм оксигену, які запускають процеси пероксидного окиснення в органах і тканинах, віддалених від вогнища ураження [6]. Виникнення оксидативного стрессу зумовлене також зниженням ефективності антиоксидантного захисту.Тому, метою нашого дослідження було встановити активність супероксиддисмутази та каталази в тканинах тонкої кишки, серця і печінки тварин при застосуванні 1% розчину κ-карагінану.Матеріали та методи дослідження. Дослідження проведено на 24 білих нелінійних самцях-щурах. Тваринам дослідної групи забезпечували вільний доступ до 1,0 % розчину карагінану у питній воді протягом 1 місяця. У відібраних зразках тонкої кишки, серця і печінки оцінювали активність супероксиддисмутази і каталази.Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Встановлено, що застосування 1 % розчину κ-карагінану щурам у питній воді зумовлювало активацію ензимної ланки антиоксидантної системи захисту. Встановлено зростання активності СОД в гомогенаті стінки тонкої кишки (в 1,32 раза, р<0,05) і печінці (в 1,30 раза, р<0,05).  Підвищувалася також активність каталази у гомогенаті стінки тонкої кишки (в 1,18 раза, р<0,05) і печінці (в 1,13 раза, р<0,05). При цьому коефіцієнт антиоксидантного захисту в стінці кишки становив 1,11 (р<0,05), в міокарді – 1,0 і в печінці – 1,15 (р<0,05).Висновок. Пероральне застосування 1% розчину карагінану щурам веде до статистично значимої активації ензимної ланки антиоксидантного захисту в стінці тонкої кишки  і печінці, що характеризується підвищенням, відповідно, активності СОД (на 31,8 % і 29,7 %) і каталази (на 18,3 % і 12,9 %), р<0,05.
ПОКАЗНИКИ КІСТКОВОГО МЕТАБОЛІЗМУ У ЩУРІВ З ПАРОДОНТИТОМ НА ФОНІ ГІПЕР- ТА ГІПОТИРЕОЗУ
Authors: Shcherba V. V. , Korda M. M. , Krynytska I. Ya. , Machohan V. R.
Published: January 2018

ВСТУП. В Україні за останні п’ять років кількість хворих з дисфункцією щитоподібної залози збільшилася у 5 разів. Зміни діяльності щитоподібної залози неминуче позначаються на різних системах організму, у тому числі і на функції і морфології органів і тканин порожнини рота.Метою дослідження було дослідити показники кісткового метаболізму у щурів з пародонтитом без супутньої патології і на фоні гіпер- та гіпотиреозу.Матеріал і методи. Досліди проведено на 48 безпородних статевозрілих білих щурах-самцях, які були розділені на чотири групи: контрольна, група з пародонтитом, група з пародонтитом на тлі гіпертиреозу, група з пародонтитом на тлі гіпотиреозу.Результати. Експериментальний пародонтит супроводжується порушеннями метаболізму кісткової тканини за рахунок підвищення як процесів резорбції, так і процесів кісткоутворення. Пародонтит на тлі гіпертиреозу характеризується більш вираженими порушення кісткового метаболізму за рахунок одночасного підвищення процесів резорбції та кісткоутворення. Пародонтит на тлі гіпотиреозу супроводжується гальмуванням процесів резорбції кісткової тканини та менш вираженим кісткоутворенням.
АНАЛІЗ ПРОБЛЕМ ТА МОЖЛИВОСТЕЙ ВІДТВОРЕННЯ АРТИКУЛЯЦІНИХ РУХІВ ЩЕЛЕПИ У ЦИФРОВОМУ СЕРЕДОВИЩІ
Authors: Kostenko S. B. , Slyvka M. M. , Goncharuk-Khomyn M. Y. , Bun Y. M. , Nakashidze G. N. , Bokoch A. V.
Published: January 2018

Вступ. Використання віртуальних артикуляторів, що по суті представляють собою програмне забезпечення, значно підвищує ефективність планування та реалізація етапів комплексної стоматологічної реабілітації з можливістю повного переведення даних пацієнта (не тільки анатомічних, а й функціональних) у цифровий формат.Мета дослідження. Провести аналіз систем дизайну та імітації кінематичних параметрів щелепи, основних принципів архітектури наявного програмного забезпечення спрямованого на відтворення артикуляційних складових та побудову індивідуалізованих оклюзійних схем в ході пацієнт-орієнтованого ортопедичного лікування.Матеріали та методи. Пошук публікацій у електронних базах даних (PubMedCentral (PMC), BioMed Central, InTech, MEDLINE/ PubMed, Public Library of Science One (PloS)) здійснювався згідно дескрипторів Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), що становлять собою своєрідні заголовки, категоризовані за системою ієрархії. Додатково проводився аналіз посилань в уже попередньо проведених системних оглядах, що стосувалися мети даного дослідження, та інших оглядових публікаціях, суміжних із ними.Результати дослідження. Проведений системний огляд принципів цифрового моделювання артикуляційних схем з різними вихідними умовами підтвердив можливість їх практичного застосування під час виготовлення протетичних елементів з індивідуалізованими оклюзійними поверхнями, забезпечуючи таким чином досягнення найбільш оптимальних результатів стоматологічної реабілітації.Висновки. Системний огляд основних можливостей відтворення артикуляційних рухів щелепи в цифровому середовищі є первинним етапом розробки власної моделі цифрового атикулятора для вирішення конкретних клінічних проблем пов’язаних із повторним протезуванням пацієнтів із наявними оклюзійними дисфункціями.
ОЦІНКА ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ КОМПЛЕКСНОГО ПІДХОДУ ЩОДО ОПТИМІЗАЦІЇ ЛІКУВАННЯ АРТЕРІАЛЬНОЇ ГІПЕРТЕНЗІЇ У ВІЙСЬКОВОСЛУЖБОВЦІВ-УЧАСНИКІВ АНТИТЕРОРИСТИЧНОЇ ОПЕРАЦІЇ
Authors: Tkachuk I. M.
Published: January 2018

У статті розглянуті заходи щодо оптимізації лікування артеріальної гіпертензії у військовослужбовців, які брали участь в антитерористичній операції.Мета: провести оцінку ефективності заходів щодо оптимізації лікування артеріальної гіпертензії у військовослужбовців учасників антитерористичної операції в умовах денного стаціонару клініки амбулаторної допомоги Національного військово-медичного клінічного центру «Головний військовий клінічний госпіталь» в 2016 році.Методи дослідження: бібліографічний, інформаційно-аналітичний та системного підходу.Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Результати дослідження показали, що після запровадження комплексного підходу до лікування та реабілітації військовослужбовців-учасників антитерористичної операції з артеріальною гіпертензією, цільового рівня артеріального тиску досягли 82,1±4,3 %, статини призначено у 61,5±5,5 %, ацетилсаліцилову кислоту отримували 96,2±2,2 % пацієнтів. Комплексна реабілітація включала використання немедикаментозних методів лікування.Висновок. Доведено ефективність запровадженого в денному стаціонарі Клініки амбулаторної допомоги Національного військово-медичного клінічного центру «ГВКГ» комплексного підходу до лікування та реабілітації військовослужбовців-учасників антитерористичної операції з артеріальною гіпертензією та коморбідною патологією, з урахуванням положень комплексної функціонально-організаційної моделі профілактики серцево-судинних захворювань у військовослужбовців Збройних Сил України.
Population characteristics of Silaum silaus (L.) Schinz & Thell. (Apiaceae) in Mordovia, a highly threatened plant species at the northern limit of its range
Authors: Khapugin Anatoliy A.
Published: January 2018

Knowledge on status of peripheral plant populations is important for understanding of species’ adaptation and evolution within their ranges.  There is a lack of data on the status of Silaum silaus (Apiaceae) populations at the periphery of its native range.  One of the most northern native S. silaus populations is situated in the Republic of Mordovia (Central Russia).  This species is considered as Critically Endangered in the region.  Population-based studies of S. silaus have been carried out. Reproductive biology, morphometric parameters of individuals, accompanying flora, seed characteristics (mass, germination rate) were investigated.  Results showed that at the northern limit of the range S. silaus grows in floodplain meadow community previously disturbed by livestock grazing. The area occupied by the population, however, has increased more than 12 fold over the last 15 years. Increasing fruit production together with decreasing fruit mass was established for the studied population compared to populations in the central part of its native range.  In addition, germination rate was very low (2.3–16.7 % depending on edaphic conditions).  Additional studies of S. silaus populations are needed in saline steppes of the closely located territories where it occurs as one of the dominant species in the plant community.
Report of a longhorn beetle Cyrtonops punctipennis White, 1853 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from Maharashtra, India
Authors: Naidu Narendra M. , Ghate Hemant V.
Published: January 2018

Cyrtonops punctipennis White, 1853 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is being reported from three different localities for the first time from Maharashtra, India.  The species has been described briefly with photographic illustrations showing important diagnostic characters.  A brief description of male genitalia is also included along with illustrations.
A new sight record and range extension of the Grizzled Giant Squirrel Ratufa macroura dandolena (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sciuridae) in the Eastern Ghats of southern peninsular India
Authors: Vimalraj Sivangnanaboopathidoss , Raman Kothandapani , Reddy Damodar Atmavadan , Harikrishnan Bakthavachalam , Krishnakumar Bawa Mothilal , Selvan Kanagaraj Muthamizh
Published: January 2018

On our visit to the Durgai Amman shrine on 09 June 2016, we came across a pair of Grizzled Giant Squirrels on a tamarind tree, which leaped away when we approached (79.298960E & 12.176150N).  We had photographed an individual before it disappeared among the trees.  The sighting of the Grizzled Giant Squirrels was surprising as it had previously not been recorded; further, the forest isn’t contiguous with an earlier record of Sathanur Dam.
Prevalence of Calcification in Human Femoropopliteal Arteries and its Association with Demographics, Risk Factors, and Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Kamenskiy Alexey , Poulson William , Sim Sylvie , Reilly Austin , Luo Jiangtao , MacTaggart Jason
Published: January 2018

Objective—

Arterial calcification and stiffening increase the risk of reconstruction failure, amputation, and mortality in patients with peripheral arterial disease, but underlying mechanisms and prevalence are unclear.

Approach and Results—

Fresh human femoropopliteal arteries were obtained from n=431 tissue donors aged 13 to 82 years (mean age, 53±16 years) recording the in situ longitudinal prestretch. Arterial diameter, wall thickness, and opening angles were measured optically, and stiffness was assessed using planar biaxial extension and constitutive modeling. Histological features were determined using transverse and longitudinal Verhoeff–Van Gieson and Alizarin stains. Medial calcification was quantified using a 7-stage grading scale and was correlated with structural and mechanical properties and clinical characteristics. Almost half (46%) of the femoropopliteal arteries had identifiable medial calcification. Older arteries were more calcified, but small calcium deposits were observed in arteries as young as 18 years old. After controlling for age, positive correlations were observed between calcification, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and body mass index. Tobacco use demonstrated a negative correlation. Calcified arteries were larger in diameter but had smaller circumferential opening angles. They were also stiffer longitudinally and circumferentially and had thinner tunica media and external elastic lamina with more discontinuous elastic fibers.

Conclusions—

Although aging is the dominant risk factor for femoropopliteal artery calcification and stiffening, these processes seem to be linked and can begin at a young age. Calcification is associated with the presence of certain risk factors and with elastic fiber degradation, suggesting overlapping molecular pathways that require further investigation.
Cell Type–Specific Contributions of the Angiotensin II Type 1a Receptor to Aorta Homeostasis and Aneurysmal Disease—Brief Report
Authors: Galatioto Josephine , Caescu Cristina I. , Hansen Jens , Cook Jason R. , Miramontes Irving , Iyengar Ravi , Ramirez Francesco
Published: January 2018

Objective—

Two were the aims of this study: first, to translate whole-genome expression profiles into computational predictions of functional associations between signaling pathways that regulate aorta homeostasis and the activity of angiotensin II type 1a receptor (At1ar) in either vascular endothelial or smooth muscle cells; and second, to characterize the impact of endothelial cell– or smooth muscle cell–specific At1ar disruption on the development of thoracic aortic aneurysm in fibrillin-1 hypomorphic (

Fbn1
mgR/mgR

) mice, a validated animal model of early onset progressively severe Marfan syndrome.

Approach and Results—

Cdh5-Cre
and
Sm22-Cre
transgenic mice were used to inactivate the At1ar-coding gene (
Agt1ar
) in either intimal or medial cells of both wild type and Marfan syndrome mice, respectively. Computational analyses of differentially expressed genes predicted dysregulated signaling pathways of cell survival and matrix remodeling in
Agt1ar

Cdh5
−/−

aortas and of cell adhesion and contractility in
Agt1ar

Sm22
−/−

aortas. Characterization of

Fbn1
mgR/mgR
;Agt1ar

Cdh5
−/−

mice revealed increased median survival associated with mitigated aneurysm growth and media degeneration, as well as reduced levels of phosphorylated (p-) Erk1/2 but not p-Smad2. By contrast, levels of both p-Erk1/2 and p-Smad2 proteins were normalized in

Fbn1
mgR/mgR
;Agt1ar

Sm22
−/−

aortas in spite of them showing no appreciable changes in thoracic aortic aneurysm pathology.

Conclusions—

Physiological At1ar signaling in the intimal and medial layers is associated with distinct regulatory processes of aorta homeostasis and function; improper At1ar activity in the vascular endothelium is a significant determinant of thoracic aortic aneurysm development in Marfan syndrome mice.
Ethnic Differences in Prevalence of Post-stroke Depression
Authors: Dong Liming , Sánchez Brisa N. , Skolarus Lesli E. , Morgenstern Lewis B. , Lisabeth Lynda D.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Little is known about ethnic differences in poststroke depression (PSD) in the United States. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of PSD at 90 days after first-ever stroke and to examine ethnic differences in the prevalence between Mexican Americans (MAs) and non-Hispanic whites (NHWs).

Methods and Results:

Stroke cases from 2011 to 2015 were identified from the BASIC project (Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi)—a population-based stroke surveillance study in south Texas. Participants were interviewed at the onset of stroke (baseline interview) and ≈90 days post-stroke (outcome interview). PSD was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-8. Inverse probability weights were generated to account for differential attrition, and weighted logistic regression was used to investigate the association between ethnicity and PSD. The study sample consisted of 586 first-ever stroke patients who completed nonproxy baseline and outcome interviews and had depression assessment. Approximately, 60% of them were MAs, and 40% were NHWs. After accounting for attrition, the prevalence of depression at 90 days post-stroke was 30.4% for MAs (95% confidence interval, 25.0%–35.9%) and 20.7% for NHWs (95% confidence interval, 15.7%–25.7%). The crude odds of PSD in MAs was 1.69 times greater than that in NHWs (95% confidence interval, 1.13–2.51). The odds ratio decreased by 23.6% after adjustment for education (odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–2.02) and was further attenuated with additional adjustment for other covariates.

Conclusions:

MAs had a higher prevalence of PSD at 90 days than NHWs. The ethnic difference was explained by sociodemographic and health factors, especially low educational attainment.
Bmal1 in Perivascular Adipose Tissue Regulates Resting-Phase Blood Pressure Through Transcriptional Regulation of Angiotensinogen
Authors: Chang Lin , Xiong Wenhao , Zhao Xiangjie , Fan Yanbo , Guo Yanhong , Garcia-Barrio Minerva , Zhang Jifeng , Jiang Zhisheng , Lin Jiandie D. , Chen Y. Eugene
Published: January 2018

Background:

The perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) surrounding vessels constitutes a distinct functional integral layer of the vasculature required to preserve vascular tone under physiological conditions. However, there is little information on the relationship between PVAT and blood pressure regulation, including its potential contributions to circadian blood pressure variation.

Methods:

Using unique brown adipocyte–specific aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein 1 (Bmal1) and angiotensinogen knockout mice, we determined the vasoactivity of homogenized PVAT in aortic rings and how brown adipocyte peripheral expression of Bmal1 and angiotensinogen in PVAT regulates the amplitude of diurnal change in blood pressure in mice.

Results:

We uncovered a peripheral clock in PVAT and demonstrated that loss of Bmal1 in PVAT reduces blood pressure in mice during the resting phase, leading to a superdipper phenotype. PVAT extracts from wild-type mice significantly induced contractility of isolated aortic rings in vitro in an endothelium-independent manner. This property was impaired in PVAT from brown adipocyte–selective Bmal1-deficient (BA-Bmal1-KO) mice. The PVAT contractile properties were mediated by local angiotensin II, operating through angiotensin II type 1 receptor–dependent signaling in the isolated vessels and linked to PVAT circadian regulation of angiotensinogen. Indeed, angiotensinogen mRNA and angiotensin II levels in PVAT of BA-Bmal1-KO mice were significantly reduced. Systemic infusion of angiotensin II, in turn, reduced Bmal1 expression in PVAT while eliminating the hypotensive phenotype during the resting phase in BA-Bmal1-KO mice. Angiotensinogen, highly expressed in PVAT, shows circadian expression in PVAT, and selective deletion of angiotensinogen in brown adipocytes recapitulates the phenotype of selective deletion of Bmal1 in brown adipocytes. Furthermore, angiotensinogen is a transcriptional target of Bmal1 in PVAT.

Conclusions:

These data indicate that local Bmal1 in PVAT regulates angiotensinogen expression and the ensuing increase in angiotensin II, which acts on smooth muscle cells in the vessel walls to regulate vasoactivity and blood pressure in a circadian fashion during the resting phase. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of the cardiovascular complications of circadian disorders, alterations in the circadian dipping phenotype, and cross-talk between systemic and peripheral regulation of blood pressure.
Reduced Long‐Term Risk of Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Nationwide Observational Study
Authors: Avdic Tarik , Franzén Stefan , Zarrouk Moncef , Acosta Stefan , Nilsson Peter , Gottsäter Anders , Svensson Ann‐Marie , Gudbjörnsdottir Soffia , Eliasson Björn
Published: January 2018

Background

No studies have examined long‐term risks for aortic aneurysm (
AA
) and aortic dissection (
AD
) or mortality after
AA
or
AD
hospitalization among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2
DM
).

Methods and Results

In this observational cohort study, we linked data for patients with T2
DM
in the Swedish National Diabetes Register, and 5 individually matched population‐based control subjects (
CSs
) without diabetes mellitus (on the basis of sex, age, and county), to other national databases to capture hospitalizations and death. We examined the risk of hospitalization for
AA
and
AD
, as well as mortality risk after
AA
and
AD
using Kaplan‐Meier curves and Cox regression hazards models. Data on 448 319 patients with T2DM and 2 251 015
CSs
were obtained between 1998 and 2015. Mean follow‐up time was 7.0 years for the T2
DM
group and 7.2 years for the CS group. Patients with T2
DM
had a relative risk reduction of 28% (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.68–0.76;
P
<0.0001) for
AA
and a 47% relative risk reduction (hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.65;
P
<0.0001) for
AD
compared with
CSs
. Patients with T2DM had a relative risk reduction of 12% (hazard ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–0.94;
P
<0.0001) for mortality after hospitalization for
AA
, and unaltered risk (hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–1.34;
P
=0.5859) for mortality after
AD
, up to 2 years compared with
CSs
.

Conclusions

Patients with T2DM had significantly reduced risks of
AA
and
AD
as well as reduced risk of mortality after hospitalization for
AA, compared to CS
. Data suggest that glycated cross‐links in aortic tissue may play a protective role in the progression of aortic diseases among patients with T2DM.
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers of Brain Damage
Authors: Lorenzano Svetlana , Rost Natalia S. , Khan Muhib , Li Hua , Lima Fabricio O. , Maas Matthew B. , Green Rebecca E. , Thankachan Tijy K. , Dipietro Allison J. , Arai Ken , Som Angel T. , Pham Loc-Duyen D. , Wu Ona , Harris Gordon J. , Lo Eng H. , Blumberg Jeffrey B. , Milbury Paul E. , Feske Steven K. , Furie Karen L.
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose—

Oxidative stress is an early response to cerebral ischemia and is likely to play an important role in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury. We sought to evaluate whether hyperacute plasma concentrations of biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage predict infarct growth (IG).

Methods—

We prospectively measured plasma F2-isoprostane (F2-isoP), urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguoanosine, plasma oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay, high sensitivity C reactive protein, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 in consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke presenting within 9 hours of symptom onset. Patients with baseline diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and follow-up diffusion-weighted imaging or computed tomographic scan were included to evaluate the final infarct volume. Baseline diffusion-weighted imaging volume and final infarct volume were analyzed using semiautomated volumetric method. IG volume was defined as the difference between final infarct volume and baseline diffusion-weighted imaging volume.

Results—

A total of 220 acute ischemic stroke subjects were included in the final analysis. One hundred seventy of these had IG. Baseline F2-isoP significantly correlated with IG volume (Spearman ρ=0.20;
P
=0.005) and final infarct volume (Spearman ρ=0.19;
P
=0.009). In a multivariate binary logistic regression model, baseline F2-isoP emerged as an independent predictor of the occurrence of IG (odds ratio, 2.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–4.83;
P
=0.007). In a multivariate linear regression model, baseline F2-isoP was independently associated with IG volume (B, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.04–0.72;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—

Elevated hyperacute plasma F2-isoP concentrations independently predict the occurrence of IG and IG volume in patients with acute ischemic stroke. If validated in future studies, measuring plasma F2-isoP might be helpful in the acute setting to stratify patients with acute ischemic stroke for relative severity of ischemic injury and expected progression.
Validating the TeleStroke Mimic Score
Authors: Ali Syed F. , Hubert Gordian J. , Switzer Jeffrey A. , Majersik Jennifer J. , Backhaus Roland , Shepard L. Wylie , Vedala Kishore , Schwamm Lee H.
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose—

Up to 30% of acute stroke evaluations are deemed stroke mimics, and these are common in telestroke as well. We recently published a risk prediction score for use during telestroke encounters to differentiate stroke mimics from ischemic cerebrovascular disease derived and validated in the Partners TeleStroke Network. Using data from 3 distinct US and European telestroke networks, we sought to externally validate the TeleStroke Mimic (TM) score in a broader population.

Methods—

We evaluated the TM score in 1930 telestroke consults from the University of Utah, Georgia Regents University, and the German TeleMedical Project for Integrative Stroke Care Network. We report the area under the curve in receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis with 95% confidence interval for our previously derived TM score in which lower TM scores correspond with a higher likelihood of being a stroke mimic.

Results—

Based on final diagnosis at the end of the telestroke consultation, there were 630 of 1930 (32.6%) stroke mimics in the external validation cohort. All 6 variables included in the score were significantly different between patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease versus stroke mimics. The TM score performed well (area under curve, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.73;
P
<0.001), similar to our prior external validation in the Partners National Telestroke Network.

Conclusions—

The TM score’s ability to predict the presence of a stroke mimic during telestroke consultation in these diverse cohorts was similar to its performance in our original cohort. Predictive decision-support tools like the TM score may help highlight key clinical differences between mimics and patients with stroke during complex, time-critical telestroke evaluations.
Functional Trajectories, Cognition, and Subclinical Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Dhamoon Mandip S. , Cheung Ying-Kuen , Gutierrez Jose , Moon Yeseon P. , Sacco Ralph L. , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Wright Clinton B.
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose—

Cognition and education influence functional trajectories, but whether associations differ with subclinical brain infarcts (SBI) or white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) is unknown. We hypothesized that SBI and WMHV moderated relationships between cognitive performance and education and functional trajectories.

Methods—

A total of 1290 stroke-free individuals underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and were followed for 7.3 years (mean) with annual functional assessments with the Barthel index (range, 0–100). Magnetic resonance imaging measurements included pathology-informed SBI (PI-SBI) and WMHV (% total cranial volume). Generalized estimating equation models tested associations between magnetic resonance imaging variables and baseline Barthel index and change in Barthel index, adjusting for demographic, vascular, cognitive, and social risk factors, and stroke and myocardial infarction during follow-up. We tested interactions among education level, baseline cognitive performance (Mini-Mental State score), and functional trajectories and ran models stratified by levels of magnetic resonance imaging variables.

Results—

Mean age was 70.6 (SD, 9.0) years; 19% had PI-SBI, and mean WMHV was 0.68%. Education did not modify associations between cognition and functional trajectories. PI-SBI modified associations between cognition and functional trajectories (
P
=0.04) with a significant protective effect of better cognition on functional decline seen only in those without PI-SBI. There was no significant interaction for WMHV (
P
=0.8). PI-SBI, and greater WMHV, were associated with 2- to 3-fold steeper functional decline, holding cognition constant.

Conclusions—

PI-SBI moderated the association between cognition and functional trajectories, with 3-fold greater decline among those with PI-SBI (compared with no PI-SBI) and normal baseline cognition. This highlights the strong and independent association between subclinical markers and patient-centered trajectories over time.
Staging Hemodynamic Failure With Blood Oxygen-Level–Dependent Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Cerebrovascular Reactivity
Authors: Fierstra Jorn , van Niftrik Christiaan , Warnock Geoffrey , Wegener Susanne , Piccirelli Marco , Pangalu Athina , Esposito Giuseppe , Valavanis Antonios , Buck Alfred , Luft Andreas , Bozinov Oliver , Regli Luca
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose—

Increased stroke risk correlates with hemodynamic failure, which can be assessed with (
15
O-)H
2
O positron emission tomography (PET) cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements. This gold standard technique, however, is not established for routine clinical imaging. Standardized blood oxygen-level–dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging+CO
2
is a noninvasive and potentially widely applicable tool to assess whole-brain quantitative cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). We examined the agreement between the 2 imaging modalities and hypothesized that quantitative CVR can be a surrogate imaging marker to assess hemodynamic failure.

Methods—

Nineteen data sets of subjects with chronic cerebrovascular steno-occlusive disease (age, 60±11 years; 4 women) and unilaterally impaired perfusion reserve on Diamox-challenged (
15
O-)H
2
O PET were studied and compared with a standardized BOLD functional magnetic resonance imaging+CO
2
examination within 6 weeks (8±19 days). Agreement between quantitative CBF- and CVR-based perfusion reserve was assessed. Hemodynamic failure was staged according to PET findings: stage 0: normal CBF, normal perfusion reserve; stage I: normal CBF, decreased perfusion reserve; and stage II: decreased CBF, decreased perfusion reserve. The BOLD CVR data set of the same subjects was then matched to the corresponding stage of hemodynamic failure.

Results—

PET-based stage I versus stage II could also be clearly separated with BOLD CVR measurements (CVR for stage I 0.11 versus CVR for stage II −0.03;
P
<0.01). Hemispheric and middle cerebral artery territory difference analyses (ie, affected versus unaffected side) showed a significant correlation for CVR impairment in the affected hemisphere and middle cerebral artery territory (
P
<0.01,
R
2
=0.47 and
P
=0.02,
R
2
= 0.25, respectively).

Conclusions—

BOLD CVR corresponded well to CBF perfusion reserve measurements obtained with (
15
O-)H
2
O-PET, especially for detecting hemodynamic failure in the affected hemisphere and middle cerebral artery territory and for identifying hemodynamic failure stage II. BOLD CVR may, therefore, be considered for prospective studies assessing stroke risk in patients with chronic cerebrovascular steno-occlusive disease, in particular because it can potentially be implemented in routine clinical imaging.
Multi-Armed Droplets as Shape-Changing Protocells
Authors: Čejková Jitka , Hanczyc Martin M. , Štěpánek František
Published: January 2018

Protocells are objects that mimic one or several functions of biological cells and may be embodied as solid particles, lipid vesicles, or droplets. Our work is based on using decanol droplets in an aqueous solution of sodium decanoate in the presence of salt. A decanol droplet under such conditions bears many qualitative similarities with living cells, such as the ability to move chemotactically, divide and fuse, or change its shape. This article focuses on the description of a shape-changing process induced by the evaporation of water from the decanoate solution. Under these conditions, the droplets perform complex shape changes, whereby the originally round decanol droplets grow into branching patterns and mimic the growth of appendages in bacteria or axon growth of neuronal cells. We report two outcomes: (i) the morphological changes are reversible, and (ii) multiple protocells avoid contact between each other during the morphological transformation. The importance of these morphological changes in the context of artificial life are discussed.
Sappho F 44 Voigt and Euripides’ Troades
Authors: Mariscal Lucía P. Romero
Published: January 2018

In this paper a new interpretation of the first stasimon of Euripides’ Troades is proposed, based on a plausible relationship with Sappho’s F 44 Voigt. Sappho’s version of the wedding of Hektor and Andromache seems to be poetically evoked by the women of the chorus right before Andromache’s arrival on stage in the second episode of the play. The lyric, recalling the welcoming of the Trojan Horse to the town and the ensuing communal revelry, conjures up the civic celebrations at the nuptial procession and reception of the happy couple. The striking contrast between the lyric past and the tragic present casts an even more somber light not only on the widow of Hektor but also on the Trojan women themselves who form the chorus of the play.
Precautionary Management and the Development of Future Fishing Opportunities: The International Regulation of New and Exploratory Fisheries
Authors: Caddell Richard
Published: January 2018

The extensive pressures upon current commercial fisheries, compounded by the projected impacts of climate change and associated processes on marine ecosystems, will increasingly displace elements of future fishing effort towards new locations, target species and techniques. For transboundary stocks, where a new or exploratory fishery is contemplated, Article 6(6) of the un Fish Stocks Agreement 1995 mandates cautious conservation measures to acquire sufficient catch data to assess the impacts of fishing on the stock and surrounding ecosystem. Thereafter, if appropriate, measures may be adopted to facilitate the gradual development of the fishery and its eventual transition to commercial management. However, there has been minimal analysis of the regulatory requirements for emergent fisheries during this interim stage. This article accordingly collates and evaluates the current international law and practice towards new and exploratory fisheries, with particular reference to Antarctic developments and the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems from proliferating deep-sea fisheries.
Hemiboea crystallina, a new species of Gesneriaceae from karst regions of China and Vietnam
Authors: CHEN WEN-HONG , ZHANG YA-MEI YA-MEI ZHANG , LI ZHEN-YU , NGUYEN QUANG-HIEU , NGUYEN TIEN-HIEP , SHUI YU-MIN
Published: January 2018

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Hemiboea crystallina Y.M.Shui & W.H.Chen from China and Vietnam, is described and illustrated. The new species is diagnostic by the combination of its inflated nodes, glabrous stem, glabrous and lanceolate leaves, 4-winged involucre, margin-reflected calyx segments and the glabrous surface inside corolla. Among the species without hairy ring inside corolla, its morphological distinctiveness from the most similar species, Hemiboea flaccida Chun ex Z.Y.Li, is discussed.
Cirolana bambang, a distinctive new species of Cirolana Leach, 1818 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Cirolanidae) from Bitung, Indonesia
Authors: SIDABALOK CONNI M. , BRUCE NIEL L.
Published: January 2018

Cirolana bambang sp. nov. from Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia is described. The species can be recognised by generally smooth body with small, acute, submedian nodules on pleonites 4–5 and the anterior dorsal surface of the pleotelson together with a flat, pentagonal frontal lamina, linguiform and sexually dimorphic pleotelson with the dorsal surface covered by short setae in males, deeply bifid uropod apices, and a conspicuously large robust seta on the superodistal angle of pereopod 1 ischium. Cirolana bambang sp. nov. appears to belong to a group of Indo-West Pacific Cirolana with prominent penial process, a large robust seta on the superodistal angle of pereopod 1 ischium and the presence of setae on dorsal surface of pleotelson and or uropod in males. The most similar species are Cirolana comata Keable, 2001; Cirolana dissimilis Keable, 2001; Cirolana aldabrensis Schotte & Kensley, 2005; and Cirolana somalia Schotte & Kensley, 2005. Cirolana kiliani Müller, 1993 and C. somalia are found not to belong to the Cirolana‘parva-group’.