bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do targeted written comments and the rubric method of delivery affect performance on future human physiology laboratory reports?
Authors: Clayton Zachary S. , Wilds Gabriel P. , Mangum Joshua E. , Hocker Austin D. , Dawson Sierra M.
Published: July 2016

We investigated how students performed on weekly two-page laboratory reports based on whether the grading rubric was provided to the student electronically or in paper form and the inclusion of one- to two-sentence targeted comments. Subjects were registered for a 289-student, third-year human physiology class with laboratory and were randomized into four groups related to rubric delivery and targeted comments. All students received feedback via the same detailed grading rubric. At the end of the term, subjects provided consent and a self-assessment of their rubric viewing rate and preferences. There were no differences in laboratory report scores between groups ( P = 0.86), although scores did improve over time ( P < 0.01). Students receiving targeted comments self-reported viewing their rubric more often than students that received no comments ( P = 0.02), but the viewing rate was independent of the rubric delivery method ( P = 0.15). Subjects with high rubric viewing rates did not have higher laboratory report grades than subjects with low viewing rates ( P = 0.64). When asked about their preference for the future, 43% of respondents preferred the same method again (electronic or paper rubric) and 25% had no preference. We conclude that although student laboratory report grades improved over time, the rate and degree of improvement were not related to rubric delivery method or to the inclusion of targeted comments.
Ultrasound imaging in teaching cardiac physiology
Authors: Johnson Christopher D. , Montgomery Laura E. A. , Quinn Joe G. , Roe Sean M. , Stewart Michael T. , Tansey Etain A.
Published: July 2016

This laboratory session provides hands-on experience for students to visualize the beating human heart with ultrasound imaging. Simple views are obtained from which students can directly measure important cardiac dimensions in systole and diastole. This allows students to derive, from first principles, important measures of cardiac function, such as stroke volume, ejection fraction, and cardiac output. By repeating the measurements from a subject after a brief exercise period, an increase in stroke volume and ejection fraction are easily demonstrable, potentially with or without an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (which indicates preload). Thus, factors that affect cardiac performance can readily be discussed. This activity may be performed as a practical demonstration and visualized using an overhead projector or networked computers, concentrating on using the ultrasound images to teach basic physiological principles. This has proved to be highly popular with students, who reported a significant improvement in their understanding of Frank-Starling's law of the heart with ultrasound imaging.
Application of a utility analysis to evaluate a novel assessment tool for clinically oriented physiology and pharmacology
Authors: Cramer Nicholas , Asmar Abdo , Gorman Laurel , Gros Bernard , Harris David , Howard Thomas , Hussain Mujtaba , Salazar Sergio , Kibble Jonathan D.
Published: July 2016

Multiple-choice questions are a gold-standard tool in medical school for assessment of knowledge and are the mainstay of licensing examinations. However, multiple-choice questions items can be criticized for lacking the ability to test higher-order learning or integrative thinking across multiple disciplines. Our objective was to develop a novel assessment that would address understanding of pathophysiology and pharmacology, evaluate learning at the levels of application, evaluation and synthesis, and allow students to demonstrate clinical reasoning. The rubric assesses student writeups of clinical case problems. The method is based on the physician's traditional postencounter Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan note. Students were required to correctly identify subjective and objective findings in authentic clinical case problems, to ascribe pathophysiological as well as pharmacological mechanisms to these findings, and to justify a list of differential diagnoses. A utility analysis was undertaken to evaluate the new assessment tool by appraising its reliability, validity, feasibility, cost effectiveness, acceptability, and educational impact using a mixed-method approach. The Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan assessment tool scored highly in terms of validity and educational impact and had acceptable levels of statistical reliability but was limited in terms of acceptance, feasibility, and cost effectiveness due to high time demands on expert graders and workload concerns from students. We conclude by making suggestions for improving the tool and recommend deployment of the instrument for low-stakes summative assessment or formative assessment.
Bovine colostrum improves neonatal growth, digestive function, and gut immunity relative to donor human milk and infant formula in preterm pigs
Authors: Rasmussen Stine O. , Martin Lena , Østergaard Mette V. , Rudloff Silvia , Li Yanqi , Roggenbuck Michael , Bering Stine B. , Sangild Per T.
Published: July 2016

Mother's own milk is the optimal first diet for preterm infants, but donor human milk (DM) or infant formula (IF) is used when supply is limited. We hypothesized that a gradual introduction of bovine colostrum (BC) or DM improves gut maturation, relative to IF during the first 11 days after preterm birth. Preterm pigs were fed gradually advancing doses of BC, DM, or IF (3–15 ml·kg−1·3 h−1, n = 14–18) before measurements of gut structure, function, microbiology, and immunology. The BC pigs showed higher body growth, intestinal hexose uptake, and transit time and reduced diarrhea and gut permeability, relative to DM and IF pigs ( P < 0.05). Relative to IF pigs, BC pigs also had lower density of mucosa-associated bacteria and of some putative pathogens in colon, together with higher intestinal villi, mucosal mass, brush-border enzyme activities, colonic short chain fatty acid levels, and bacterial diversity and an altered expression of immune-related genes (higher TNFα, IL17; lower IL8, TLR2, TFF, MUC1, MUC2) (all P < 0.05). Values in DM pigs were intermediate. Severe necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was observed in >50% of IF pigs, while only subclinical intestinal lesions were evident from DM and BC pigs. BC, and to some degree DM, are superior to preterm IF in stimulating gut maturation and body growth, using a gradual advancement of enteral feeding volume over the first 11 days after preterm birth in piglets. Whether the same is true in preterm infants remains to be tested.
Computational fluid dynamics upper airway effective compliance, critical closing pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea severity in obese adolescent girls
Authors: Wootton David M. , Sin Sanghun , Luo Haiyan , Yazdani Alireza , McDonough Joseph M. , Wagshul Mark E. , Isasi Carmen R. , Arens Raanan
Published: July 2016

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with anatomical abnormalities restricting upper airway size and functional factors decreasing pharyngeal dilator activity in sleep. In this study we hypothesized that OSAS is also associated with altered pharyngeal mechanical compliance during wakefulness. Five OSAS and six control obese girls between 14 and 18 years of age were studied. All underwent polysomnography, critical closing pressure (Pcrit) studies, and dynamic MRI of the upper airway during awake tidal breathing. Effective airway compliance was defined as the slope of cross-sectional area vs. average pressure between maximum inspiration and maximum expiration along the pharyngeal airway. Pharyngeal pressure fields were calculated by using image-based computational fluid dynamics and nasal resistance. Spearman correlations were calculated to test associations between apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), Pcrit, and airway compliance. Effective compliances in the nasopharynx (CNP) and velopharynx (CVP) were lower and negative in OSAS compared with controls: −4.4 vs. 1.9 (mm2/cmH2O, P = 0.012) and −2.1 vs. 3.9 (mm2/cmH2O, P = 0.021), respectively, suggesting a strong phasic pharyngeal dilator activity during inspiration in OSAS compared with controls. For all subjects, CNPand AHI correlated negatively (rS= −0.69, P = 0.02), and passive Pcritcorrelated with CNP(rS= −0.76, P = 0.006) and with AHI (rS= 0.86, P = 0.0006). Pharyngeal mechanics obtained during wakefulness could be used to characterize subjects with OSAS. Moreover, negative effective compliance during wakefulness and its correlation to AHI and Pcritsuggest that phasic dilator activity of the upper pharynx compensates for negative pressure loads in these subjects.
Limited Sampling Strategy for the Estimation of Tacrolimus Area Under the Concentration-Time Curve in Chinese Adult Liver Transplant Patients
Authors: Liu Xiao-Xue , Xu Bei-Ming , Chen Hao , Song Yan-yan , Yang Wan-hua , Chen Bing
Published: July 2016

Objectives: Limited sampling strategies (LSS) have been proposed as an alternative method for estimating area under concentration-time curve (AUC) of immunosuppressive agent tacrolimus (TAC). In this study, we aimed to develop the LSS models for predicting AUC of TAC in Chinese liver transplant patients. Methods: Twenty-eight adult liver transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive regimen including TAC were enrolled. A total of 47 pharmacokinetic profiles were obtained after 1 or 3 weeks therapy. TAC concentrations were determined before dose (0 h) and at 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h after dosing by LC-MS/MS assay. Optimal subset regression analysis was used to establish the models for estimating TAC AUC0-12. Prediction error (PE) and absolute PE were calculated. The agreement between predicted and measured AUC0-12 was investigated by Bland-Altman analysis. The obtained models were validated by bootstrap analysis. The prediction performance among various CYP3A5 and ABCB1 genotypes was compared. The models selected from previous published studies were also validated using our data. Results: Twenty-eight models including 1, 2, 3 and 4 blood time points sampling were established (r2 = 0.653-0.979). The best model for prediction of TAC AUC0-12 was 0.81 + 1.73C1 + 1.32C2 + 3.87C4 + 3.75C8 (r2 = 0.979). Forty profiles (85.1%) had estimated TAC AUC0-12 within ±15% of observed TAC AUC0-12. Model with C0-C2 (r2 = 0.880) can be used for outpatients who need monitoring to be carried out in a short period. We also found that ABCB1 genotype may be a reason of variation in the prediction performance. There was good correlation between predicted and measured AUC0-12 (r2 = 0.880-0.928) by using models from previous studies with sample collected within 4 h post dose. Conclusion: The LSS is an effective approach for estimation of full TAC AUC0-12 in Chinese liver transplant patients.
Effects of Age and Implanted Ear on Speech Recognition in Adults with Unilateral Cochlear Implants
Authors: Sharpe Robert Allan , Camposeo Elizabeth L. , Muzaffar Wasef K. , Holcomb Meredith A. , Dubno Judy R. , Meyer Ted A.
Published: July 2016

The objective of this study was to examine how age and implanted ear contribute to functional outcomes with cochlear implantation (CI). A retrospective review was performed on 96 adults who underwent unilateral CI. Older adults with right-ear implants had higher Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) scores at 1 year by 10.3% (p = 0.06). When adjusted to rationalized arcsine units (rau), right-ear HINT scores in older adults were higher by 12.1 rau (p = 0.04). Older adults had an 8.9% advantage on the right side compared to the left in post- versus preimplant scores for consonant-vowel nucleus-consonant words (p = 0.05). No significant differences were observed for younger adults. In conclusion, although adults of all ages experience improvements in speech perception following CI, there might be a subtle but consistent right-ear advantage in older adults.
A Laser Watch for Simultaneous Laser Blood Irradiation and Laser Acupuncture at the Wrist
Authors: Litscher Gerhard , Litscher Daniela
Published: July 2016

Background: Laser medicine in general has experienced enormous progress over the last years. The latest innovation is a so-called laser watch, a system only slightly larger than a wrist watch. Methods: The laser watch is applied to the wrist, where simultaneous and continuous acupuncture point or blood irradiation using laser light can be performed. Results: This results in new and promising therapeutic approaches for different diseases. This article introduces and briefly discusses the first pilot measurements with regard to the laser watch. Conclusion: The laser watch is practicable; however, further research is absolutely necessary before the laser watch is widely used.
Alexithymia and fibromyalgia: a systematic review
Authors: Romagnolli Lucas , Coria Vivian Romanholi , Navarro Júnior Sérgio Henrique , Sartori João Eduardo Torrecillas , Romanelli Alethea de Souza , Oliveira úlio Cesar Morgan de , Carvalho Lívia Gabriélle Gabriélle Silva , Maritan Bruno Soleman , Fornasari Marina Leite de , Ávila Lazslo Antônio , Araújo Filho Gerardo Maria de
Published: July 2016

Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal pain syndrome characterized by the presence of painful points on digito-palpation in anatomical specific areas, called trigger points, followed by psychological disorders like sleeping problems and alexithymia. Alexithymia is a dimension defined as the absence of words for emotions. The patient does not know how to process their own emotions and fail to externalize what feels. The investigation of possible relationship between Fibromyalgia and Alexithymia can increase knowledge about the clinical features resulting from both diseases, especially because alexithymia is poorly explored and has a significant impact in patient’s life quality. Objectives: To execute a literature review searching for a clinical association between Alexithymia and Fibromyalgia (FM), highlighting psychiatric and psychological aspects. Methods: Folowing PRISMA statement the research used Scielo, Pubmed, PsychLit and ISIweb of knowledge data base between 2009 and 2014 with the key-words: “alexithymia”, “fibromyalgia”, “psychosomatics”, “chronical pain”, “psycotherapy”, “psychoanalysis”. Results: Nine studies were selected for analysis which used instruments like the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the psychoanalysis and cognitive comportamental therapy showing that the patient with Alexithymia and FM has a worse pain interpretation, deals badly with it and suffer the consequences in their physical and mental health due to that. Conclusion: This study suggested the important impact that alexithymia has in patients with FM, since the psychiatric and psychological factors lead to a bigger decrease in life quality of people who have already worse aspects in that, which warn for the importance of this emotional state, since it is under-diagnosed. Due to the fact that there were a small number of reviewed articles, more research about the relation between FM and Alexithymia must be done.
Fisiopatologia, avaliação e tratamento da disfunção erétil: artigo de revisão
Authors: Sarris Andrey Biff , Nakamura Maki Caroline , Fernandes Luiz Gustavo Rachid , Staichak Rodrigo Luiz , Pupulim Alisson Ferreira , Sobreiro Bernardo Passos
Published: July 2016

A disfunção erétil (DE) é a incapacidade recorrente de obter e manter uma ereção que permita atividade sexual satisfatória, sendo a disfunção sexual que mais afeta os homens no envelhecimento. Estima-se que 50% dos homens acima de 40 anos apresentem essa disfunção. Como a prevalência é expressiva, torna-se necessária a realização de uma revisão da literatura sobre epidemiologia, fisiopatologia e tratamento acerca da DE, com o intuito de melhor compreensão da doença. A ereção é dependente de vários fatores como o relaxamento do músculo liso do corpo cavernoso, o aumento do fluxo arterial e a restrição do fluxo venoso de saída. Esses mecanismos podem estar prejudicados em várias doenças, sendo que, em alguns casos, a DE pode ser considerada como marcador precoce de problemas mais graves. Essa disfunção sexual apresenta várias etiologias: vascular, endócrina, neurológica, psicológica/psiquiátrica e relacionada às drogas ou às intervenções cirúrgicas. O próprio tratamento de algumas doenças de base pode ser a causa ou o agravamento da DE, como alguns anti-hipertensivos e antidepressivos. A principal explicação para a DE é a redução da disponibilidade de óxido nítrico, um importante vasodilatador. Contudo, fazem também parte de sua fisiopatologia a obstrução mecânica dos vasos sanguíneos e problemas de transmissão de estímulos neurológicos. A DE é primeiramente avaliada pelo método clínico, mas existem instrumentos avaliativos multidimensionais, sendo o Índice Internacional de Função Erétil considerado o padrão-ouro. O tratamento pontual para esta doença deve ser fundado na sua etiologia. Existem várias linhas de tratamento, sendo os inibidores da fosfodiesterase-5 e a psicoterapia (para DE psicogênica ou mista) os de primeira escolha, associados ou não à reposição de testosterona. Como segunda-linha, tem-se a injeção intracavernosa de substâncias vasoativas. Caso essas terapias não produzam resultado, a prótese peniana pode ser indicada.
Liga de Neurocirurgia, uma experiência de vinte anos
Authors: Cavalieri Vinicius Alves , Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen
Published: July 2016

A liga de neurocirurgia da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (LNC) é uma liga com 20 anos de história. Atualmente conta com 25 membros distribuídos entre o segundo e quinto ano da graduação. Dentre suas atividades (divididas em obrigatórias e opcionais) temos: aulas teóricas, atividades de enfermarias com discussão de casos clínicos, plantões no pronto-socorro, acompanhamento de procedimentos neurocirúrgicos, dissecções no Serviço de Verificação de Óbito da Capital (SVOC), e atividades de iniciação científica. Durante todo esse período conseguimos disseminar informações sobre a especialidade e consolidar competências nos estudantes de medicina não preenchidas pelo currículo atual. Já produzimos diversos artigos publicados em revistas indexadas nacional e internacionalmente (apresentados em mais de 50 congressos), ajudamos a escrever um livro voltado para alunos de graduação e produzimos diversos cursos de aprimoramento para os alunos.
Coronary Heart Disease, Peripheral Arterial Disease, and Stroke in Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Pérez de Isla Leopoldo , Alonso Rodrigo , Mata Nelva , Saltijeral Adriana , Muñiz Ovidio , Rubio-Marin Patricia , Diaz-Diaz José L. , Fuentes Francisco , de Andrés Raimundo , Zambón Daniel , Galiana Jesús , Piedecausa Mar , Aguado Rocio , Mosquera Daniel , Vidal José I , Ruiz Enrique , Manjón Laura , Mauri Marta , Padró Teresa , Miramontes José P. , Mata Pedro
Published: July 2016

Objective—

Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)–related monogenic disorder, and it is associated with ischemic heart disease. There is limited information whether FH increases the risk of peripheral arterial and cerebrovascular disease. Our aim was to analyze ASCVD prevalence and characteristics in different arterial territories in a large FH population, to compare them with an unaffected control population and to determine which factors are associated to ASCVD.

Approach and Results—

SAFEHEART (Spanish Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Cohort Study) is an ongoing registry of molecularly defined patients with heterozygous FH in Spain. ASCVD in the different arterial territories was analyzed, as well as individual characteristics, genetic variables, and lipid-lowering therapies. The study recruited 4132 subjects (3745 ≥18 years); 2,752 of those enrolled were molecularly diagnosed FH cases. Median age was 44.0 years (45.9% men) and 40 years (46.6% men) in FH patients and unaffected relatives (
P
<0.001). ASCVD was present in 358 (13.0%) and 47 (4.7%) FH patients and unaffected relatives, respectively (
P
<0.001). History of premature ASCVD was more prevalent in FH patients (9.4% and 2.4% in FH patients and unaffected relatives, respectively;
P
<0.001). Coronary artery–related manifestations and peripheral artery disease were more prevalent in FH patients than in controls, but no significant differences were found for cerebrovascular events. Age, body mass index, type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, previous use of tobacco, and lipoprotein(a) >50 mg/dL were independently associated with ASCVD.

Conclusions—

The prevalence of ASCVD is higher, and the involvement of the arterial territories is different in FH patients when compared with their unaffected relatives. Age, male sex, increased body mass index, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, smoking habit, and lipoprotein(a) >50 mg/dL were independently associated to ASCVD.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02693548.
Endothelial Cell–Derived von Willebrand Factor Is the Major Determinant That Mediates von Willebrand Factor–Dependent Acute Ischemic Stroke by Promoting Postischemic Thrombo-Inflammation
Authors: Dhanesha Nirav , Prakash Prem , Doddapattar Prakash , Khanna Ira , Pollpeter Molly J. , Nayak Manasa K. , Staber Janice M. , Chauhan Anil K.
Published: July 2016

Objective—

von Willebrand factor (VWF), which is synthesized in endothelial cells and megakaryocytes, is known to worsen stroke outcome. In vitro studies suggest that platelet-derived VWF (Plt-VWF) is biochemically different from the endothelial cell–derived VWF (EC-VWF). However, little is known about relative contribution of different pools of VWF in stroke.

Approach and Results—

Using bone marrow transplantation, we generated chimeric Plt-VWF mice, Plt-VWF mice that lack ADAMTS13 in platelets and plasma (Plt-VWF/
Adamts
13
−/−
), and EC-VWF mice to determine relative contribution of different pools of VWF in stroke. In brain ischemia/reperfusion injury model, we found that infarct size and postischemic intracerebral thrombo-inflammation (fibrin(ogen) deposition, neutrophil infiltration, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels) within lesions were comparable between EC-VWF and wild-type mice. Infarct size and postischemic thrombo-inflammation were comparable between Plt-VWF and Plt-VWF/
Adamts
13
−/−
mice, but decreased compared with EC-VWF and wild-type mice (
P
<0.05) and increased compared with
Vwf
−/−
mice (
P
<0.05). Susceptibility to FeCl
3
injury–induced carotid artery thrombosis was comparable between wild-type and EC-VWF mice, whereas Plt-VWF and Plt-VWF/
Adamts
13
−/−
mice exhibited defective thrombosis. Although most of the injured vessels did not occlude, slope over time showed that thrombus growth rate was increased in both Plt-VWF and Plt-VWF/
Adamts
13
−/−
mice compared with
Vwf
−/−
mice (
P
<0.05), but decreased compared with wild-type or EC-VWF mice.

Conclusions—

Plt-VWF, either in presence or absence of ADAMTS13, partially contributes to VWF-dependent injury and postischemic thrombo-inflammation after stroke. EC-VWF is the major determinant that mediates VWF-dependent ischemic stroke by promoting postischemic thrombo-inflammation.
AMP-Activated Protein Kinase α1 in Macrophages Promotes Collateral Remodeling and Arteriogenesis in Mice In Vivo
Authors: Zhu Huaiping , Zhang Miao , Liu Zhaoyu , Xing Junjie , Moriasi Cate , Dai Xiaoyan , Zou Ming-Hui
Published: July 2016

Objective—

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an energy and redox sensor, is activated in response to various cellular stresses, including hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, oxidative stress, and fluid shear stress at the site of vessel blockade. The activation of AMPK is involved in angiogenesis. However, it is unknown whether AMPK can influence arteriogenesis. Here, we demonstrate the contribution of macrophage AMPK to arteriogenesis and collateral remodeling and their underlying mechanisms in well-characterized in vivo and in vitro models.

Approach and Results—

AMPKα1, AMPKα2 knockout and wild-type littermates underwent femoral artery ligation. Collateral arteriogenesis was monitored in wild-type, global AMPKα1 knockout, or macrophage-specific AMPKα1 knockout mice, with or without hindlimb ligation. Compared with wild-type mice with ligation, global AMPKα1 knockout mice displayed significant reduction in blood flow recovery and impaired remodeling of collateral arterioles. Similar impairments were observed in macrophage-specific AMPK α1 knockout mice after hindlimb ligation. Mechanistically, we found that AMPKα1 promotes the production of growth factors, such as transforming growth factor β, by directly phosphorylating the inhibitor of nuclear factor κB kinase alpha, resulting in an nuclear factor κB–dependent production of growth factors

Conclusions—

Our findings suggest a novel role for macrophage AMPKα1 in arteriogenesis and collateral remodeling and indicate that AMPKα1 activation might be beneficial for recovery from occlusive vascular disorders.
MYOSLID
Is a Novel Serum Response Factor–Dependent Long Noncoding RNA That Amplifies the Vascular Smooth Muscle Differentiation Program
Authors: Zhao Jinjing , Zhang Wei , Lin Mingyan , Wu Wen , Jiang Pengtao , Tou Emiley , Xue Min , Richards Angelene , Jourd’heuil David , Asif Arif , Zheng Deyou , Singer Harold A. , Miano Joseph M. , Long Xiaochun
Published: July 2016

Objective—

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) represent a growing class of noncoding genes with diverse cellular functions. We previously reported on
SENCR
, an lncRNA that seems to support the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) contractile phenotype. However, information about the VSMC-specific lncRNAs regulated by myocardin (MYOCD)/serum response factor, the master switch for VSMC differentiation, is unknown.

Approach and Results—

To define novel lncRNAs with functions related to VSMC differentiation, we performed RNA sequencing in human coronary artery SMCs that overexpress MYOCD. Several novel lncRNAs showed altered expression with MYOCD overexpression and one, named MYOcardin-induced Smooth muscle LncRNA, Inducer of Differentiation (
MYOSLID
), was activated by MYOCD and selectively expressed in VSMCs.
MYOSLID
was a direct transcriptional target of both MYOCD/serum response factor and transforming growth factor-β/SMAD pathways. Functional studies revealed that
MYOSLID
promotes VSMC differentiation and inhibits VSMC proliferation.
MYOSLID
showed reduced expression in failed human arteriovenous fistula samples compared with healthy veins. Although
MYOSLID
did not affect gene expression of transcription factors, such as serum response factor and MYOCD, its depletion in VSMCs disrupted actin stress fiber formation and blocked nuclear translocation of MYOCD-related transcription factor A (MKL1). Finally, loss of
MYOSLID
abrogated transforming growth factor-β1–induced SMAD2 phosphorylation.

Conclusions—

We have demonstrated that
MYOSLID
, the first human VSMC-selective and serum response factor/CArG-dependent lncRNA, is a novel modulator in amplifying the VSMC differentiation program, likely through feed-forward actions of both MKL1 and transforming growth factor-β/SMAD pathways.
Sex, Smoking, and Risk for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Lindbohm Joni Valdemar , Kaprio Jaakko , Jousilahti Pekka , Salomaa Veikko , Korja Miikka
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose—

Women are at higher risk for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) than men for unknown reasons. Also cumulative effects of smoking have been neglected among prospective studies. We studied associations between smoking habits and SAH and interactions between known SAH risk factors in a prospective population-based study.

Methods—

The population-based FINRISK study cohort of 65 521 individuals was followed up for 1.38 million person-years. We used the Cox proportional hazards model to calculate hazard ratios and evaluated additive and multiplicative interactions between study variables, with all analyses adjusted for known SAH risk factors.

Results—

During follow-up, we identified 492 SAHs (266 women). Smoking had a linear dose-dependent and cumulative association with risk for SAH in both sexes. Women smoking >20 cigarettes per day had a hazard ratio of 8.35 (95% confidence interval, 3.86–18.06) compared with a hazard ratio of 2.76 (95% confidence interval, 1.68–4.52) in men in the same cigarettes per day group. Hazard ratios differed by sex in all cigarettes per day and pack-year categories; this association was stronger in women in all categories (
P
=0.01). When an adjusted model included interaction terms between sex and cigarettes per day or pack-years, female sex was no longer an independent SAH risk factor. Former smokers had a markedly decreased risk for SAH in both sexes when compared with current smokers.

Conclusions—

Smoking has a dose-dependent and cumulative association with SAH risk, and this risk is highest in female heavy smokers. Vulnerability to smoking seems to explain in part the increased SAH risk in women.
Stenting as a Rescue Treatment After Failure of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Anterior Circulation Large Artery Occlusion
Authors: Baek Jang-Hyun , Kim Byung Moon , Kim Dong Joon , Heo Ji Hoe , Nam Hyo Suk , Yoo Joonsang
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose—

We hypothesized that permanent stenting may be a rescue treatment for stentriever-failed anterior circulation large artery occlusion. We compared the outcomes among patients with permanent stenting and those without stenting after stentriever failure.

Methods—

We retrospectively evaluated 208 patients who underwent stentriever thrombectomy for anterior circulation large artery occlusion between September 2010 and September 2015. Modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia 2b-3 recanalization was achieved with stentriever alone or in combination with Penumbra device in 155 patients (74.5%). An additional 8 patients (3.8%) obtained modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia 2b-3 with urokinase or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor infusion. Of the remaining 45 patients (21.6%), 17 underwent stenting (stenting group; mean age, 68 years), whereas 28 did not undergo stenting (nonstenting group; mean age, 72 years). The rate of modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia 2b-3 in stenting group was assessed, and clinical outcomes were compared between groups.

Results—

There were no differences in clinical and laboratory findings, initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score, location of anterior circulation large artery occlusion, and onset-to-puncture time between groups. Modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia 2b-3 was achieved in 14 members (83.3%) of the stenting group. Stenting group had more favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2, 35.3%) and less cerebral herniation (11.8%) than nonstenting group (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2, 7.1%; cerebral herniation, 42.9%;
P
<0.05 for both). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality rates did not differ between stenting group (symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 11.8%; mortality, 23.5%) and nonstenting group (symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 14.3%; mortality, 39.3%).

Conclusions—

Permanent stenting may be a rescue modality for stentriever-failed anterior circulation large artery occlusion. A large prospective study is necessary for confirmation because of the small sample size of this study.
Cyclicity and Connectivity in Nez Perce Relative Clauses
Authors: Deal Amy Rose
Published: July 2016

This article studies two aspects of movement in relative clauses, focusing on evidence from Nez Perce. First, I argue that relativization involves cyclic Ā-movement, even in monoclausal relatives: the relative operator moves to Spec,CP via an intermediate position in an Ā outer specifier of TP. The core arguments draw on word order, complementizer choice, and a pattern of case attraction for relative pronouns.

Ā cyclicity of this type suggests that the TP sister of relative C constitutes a phase—a result whose implications extend to an ill-understood corner of the English that-trace effect. Second, I argue that Nez Perce relativization provides new evidence for an ambiguity thesis for relative clauses, according to which some but not all relatives are derived by head raising. The argument comes from connectivity and anticonnectivity in morphological case. A crucial role is played by a pattern of inverse case attraction, wherein the head noun surfaces in a case determined internal to the relative clause. These new data complement the range of existing arguments concerning head raising, which draw primarily on connectivity effects at the syntax-semantics interface.
A Restriction on Vehicle Change and Its Interaction with Movement
Authors: Hunter Tim , Yoshida Masaya
Published: July 2016

This squib presents a restriction on the phenomenon descriptively known as ‘‘vehicle change’’ that has not, to our knowledge, previously been noted. With vehicle change construed as a kind of ‘‘tolerable mismatch’’ between an ellipsis site and its antecedent, the data we present suggest that exactly the same mismatches cannot be tolerated between the members of a movement chain. While in principle one might consider the possibility that ellipsis and movement could be reduced to the same operation ( Chomsky 1995:252–253 )—that the deletion usually described as ellipsis might be the same operation as the deletion or ‘‘chopping’’ (in the sense of Ross 1967) that applies to the unpronounced (usually lower) copy in a movement chain—the differences in the kinds of mismatches that can be tolerated will pose a difficulty for this unification.

We present the crucial data that suggest that such a unification is not tenable in section 1 and then outline an explanation of these facts in section 2 . We state this explanation in terms of the way movement, ellipsis, and vehicle change interact, while remaining largely agnostic about the exact mechanisms that implement these somewhat pretheoretic notions. In section 3 , we consider the consequences for these more fine-grained questions about the nature of ellipsis and movement, and in section 4 , we consider some further implications that depend on how vehicle change is understood. Section 5 addresses a challenge for our proposed explanation that turns out to be only illusory, and section 6 briefly concludes.
Gloeocantharellus aculeatus (Gomphaceae), a new neotropical species in the gomphoid-phalloid clade
Authors: LINHARES FERNANDA T. F. , RECK MATEUS A. , DANIËLS PABLO P. , NEVES MARIA ALICE
Published: July 2016

Gloeocantharellus has an amphi-Pacific distribution, with five known neotropical species. Gloeocantharellus corneri was the only species in the genus recorded from Brazil. A new species, Gloeocantharellus aculeatus, was collected in the Atlantic Forest in the states of Espírito Santo and Santa Catarina of Brazil, and is described based on morphological and molecular characteristics. It is distinguished from other species in the genus by the orange to salmon pileus with slightly fibrillose margin, squamulose to pulverulent stipe, and aculeate basidiospores. The results of molecular analyses show that G. aculeatus is a distinct species and is closely related to G. corneri and G. echinosporus.
Senecio sangayensis (Asteraceae, Senecioneae): a striking new species from the Ecuadorian highlands
Authors: VÁSQUEZ DIANA L. A. , CALVO JOEL
Published: July 2016

Senecio sangayensis, a putative endemic species from the eastern Ecuadorian Cordillera, is described as a new species. It is chiefly distinguished by its habit, striking racemiform synflorescence composed of dense cymose-corymbs subtended by triangular-ovate bracts, and life-history strategy. This new species is known from the páramo of the Sangay National Park. Its IUCN conservation status is preliminarily assessed as Endangered (EN).
Larval morphology of benthic and interstitial water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) from a Luxembourgian stream
Authors: MARTIN PETER
Published: July 2016

During a project of the Luxembourg National Museum of Natural History the parasitism of water mites dwelling a small stream (Lurenzgriecht) in the southern part of the country (Gutland) was investigated. The first step of the project was to clarify the taxonomy of the larvae of all stream-dwelling species. For that reason emergence traps were installed in the stream during 2002 and emptied every 14 days to obtain parasitized hosts. Additionally, rearing experiments were implemented in the laboratory to produce larvae of well-defined species/mothers but only with partly success. The stream has a well-known water mite inventory of 22 species, almost equally composed of true benthic species and species strongly adapted to hyporheic interstitial. The larvae of five species (Torrenticola elliptica, Atractides pumilus, Feltria motasi, Ljania macilenta, Neoacarus hibernicus) were described here as new to science. Due to the poor quality and availability of former descriptions a re-description was made for another species living in the stream (Sperchon denticulatus-gr.) and, additionally, for Hygrobates fluviatilis, a common stream-dwelling species of the area. The larvae of nine species of the Lurenzgriecht had already been sufficiently described for identification purposes (Protzia eximia, Sperchonopsis verrucosa, Sperchon clupeifer, S. thienemanni, Lebertia glabra, Atractides fonticolus, Feltria rouxi, Ljania bipapillata, Aturus fontinalis). The larvae of some other species (Aturus crinitus, Kongsbergia spp., Stygohydracarus subterraneus, Arrenurus haplurus) could neither be reared in the lab nor attributed to species for taxonomic reasons. With the exception of Kongsbergia spp. (no known larva of the genus worldwide) and Aturus crinitus (a rare species in the Lurenzgriecht) an identification key was compiled for the larvae of all known species of the stream using the new descriptions and all available information on the other ones.
Two new species of Philopteroides (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera: Philopteridae) of the beckeri species-group, from New Guinean painted berrypeckers (Aves: Passeriformes: Paramythiidae)
Authors: NAJER TOMAS , GUSTAFSSON DANIEL R. , SYCHRA OLDRICH
Published: July 2016

Two new species of the louse genus Philopteroides Mey, 2004 are described and illustrated from two host species of painted berrypeckers, endemic to New Guinea: Philopteroides sinancorellus n. sp. ex Oreocharis arfaki (Meyer, 1875) (tit berrypecker), and Philopteroides gigas n. sp. ex Paramythia montium De Vis, 1892 (crested berrypecker). Both louse species belong to the beckeri species-group based on their short, broad preantennal areas, and shallow median indentations of the hyaline margin. The description of these two new species brings the total number of Philopteroides species to 15. An amended key to the beckeri species-group is included.
Clarification of the katydid genus Uchuca Giglio-tos, 1898 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae): A new species in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest
Authors: TAVARES GUSTAVO COSTA , SOVANO RAFAEL SEGTOWICK DA SILVA , GUTJAHR ANA LÚCIA NUNES
Published: July 2016

This paper accomplishes three tasks: Firstly, description of a new species, Uchuca almeirina sp. nov., from the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest, specifically from Monte Dourado, Almeirim, Pará. Secondly, it is proposed that Uchuca macroptera Montealegre-Z & Morris, 2003 be made a synonym of Uchuca ferreirai (Piza, 1976). Thirdly, a compilation of the generic distribution is presented, which includes new records of Uchuca amacayaca Montealegre-Z & Morris (2003) in Brazil and Uchuca similis Montealegre-Z & Morris (2003) in Colombia and Brazil, and the amplification of the occurrences of U. ferreirai.
A new species of Platyseius Berlese (Acari: Mesostigmata: Blattisociidae) from Iran, and a key to the world species of the genus
Authors: KAZEMI SHAHROOZ , PAYANDEH MAJID , SABERI SEPIDEH
Published: July 2016

We describe a new species of Platyseius Berlese, 1916 belonging to the subglaber species group, P. persicus sp. nov., on the basis of adult females collected in moist soil and litter in Kashmar, northeastern Iran and Nowshahr, northern Iran. A key to females of Platyseius is presented.
Eddy Fluxes and Jet-Scale Overturning Circulations in the Indo–Western Pacific Southern Ocean
Authors: Li Qian , Lee Sukyoung , Griesel Alexa
Published: July 2016

The relationship between Antarctic Circumpolar Current jets and eddy fluxes in the Indo–western Pacific Southern Ocean (90°–145°E) is investigated using an eddy-resolving model. In this region, transient eddy momentum flux convergence occurs at the latitude of the primary jet core, whereas eddy buoyancy flux is located over a broader region that encompasses the jet and the interjet minimum. In a small sector (120°–144°E) where jets are especially zonal, a spatial and temporal decomposition of the eddy fluxes further reveals that fast eddies act to accelerate the jet with the maximum eddy momentum flux convergence at the jet center, while slow eddies tend to decelerate the zonal current at the interjet minimum. Transformed Eulerian mean (TEM) diagnostics reveals that the eddy momentum contribution accelerates the jets at all model depths, whereas the buoyancy flux contribution decelerates the jets at depths below ~600 m. In ocean sectors where the jets are relatively well defined, there exist jet-scale overturning circulations with sinking motion on the equatorward flank and a rising motion on the poleward flank of the jets. These jet-scale TEM overturning circulations, which are also discernible in potential density coordinates, cannot be attributed to Ekman downwelling because the Ekman vertical velocities are much weaker and their meridional structure shares little resemblance to the rapidly varying jet-scale overturning pattern. Instead, the location and structure of these thermally indirect circulations suggest that they are driven by the eddy momentum flux convergence, much like the Ferrel cell in the atmosphere.
A Simple Algorithm to Discriminate between Meteorological and Nonmeteorological Radar Echoes
Authors: Krause John M.
Published: July 2016

Discriminating between meteorological and nonmeteorological radar returns is necessary for a number of radar applications, including hydrometeor classification, quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE), and the computation of specific differential phase KDP. The algorithm proposed, MetSignal, uses polarimetric radar data and is simple by design, allowing users to adjust its performance based on the location’s specific needs. The MetSignal algorithm is a fuzzy logic technique with a few postprocessing rules and has been selected for implementation on the WSR-88D network in the United States.
A Systematic Review of Perioperative Versus Prophylactic Antibiotics for Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Anne Samantha , Ishman Stacey L. , Schwartz Seth
Published: July 2016

Background:

Previous Cochrane review of prophylactic antibiotic use in clean and clean-contaminated ear surgery showed no benefit; however, these studies did not address cochlear implant (CI) surgery specifically.

Objective:

Systematically review effects of perioperative antibiotics on risk of infections and related complications in CI surgery

Search methods:

PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL, and Cochrane library were searched from inception to March 2015. Manual searches of bibliographies were also completed.

Selection Criteria:

We included all studies that describe perioperative antibiotic use in CI surgery. Outcome measures included infection, meningitis, implant extrusion, and adverse antibiotics effects. Two independent evaluators reviewed each abstract and article.

Results:

One hundred and seventy-three studies were identified in search. Three met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Articles were low quality; no randomized trials were identified. For included studies, numerous antibiotic types and dosing regimens were used. Recorded outcome measures were heterogeneous, and detailed information was frequently unavailable. Overall infection rate was low (3%-4.5%); single dose antibiotic prophylaxis showed low rate of complications (1%) in 2 studies.

Conclusions:

There is insufficient evidence to make definitive conclusions about the role of perioperative antibiotics in CI surgery. Reported infection rates are low; however, decision to use antibiotics should be based on assessment of risks and benefits to each patient.
Local conditions of drought-related violence in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Detges Adrien
Published: July 2016

Despite growing concerns about the possible security implications of extreme precipitation shortfalls in vulnerable and politically fragile regions, the particular conditions that make armed violence more or less likely in times of drought remain poorly understood. Using a spatially disaggregated research design and focusing on sub-Saharan Africa, the present analysis assesses how far violent and nonviolent outcomes in the wake of drought can be accounted for by regional differences in the provision of key infrastructures that help coping with drought and preventing violence. The results indicate that civil conflict events in connection with drought are more likely in administrative areas with poorly developed road infrastructures. Drought-related communal violence, on the other hand, is more likely in regions where an important part of the population lacks access to an improved water source. Thus, while the provision of key infrastructures seems to moderate local conflict risks in connection with drought, there are nevertheless important distinctions with regard to different types of infrastructures and forms of armed violence. However, the importance of precipitation shortfalls as a conflict-facilitating factor in sub-Saharan Africa should not be overstated, as the overall contribution of drought measures to predicting violent events is modest in all calculated models.
Faith against the storm: Filipino immigrant mobilizations for Hurricane Katrina evacuees
Authors: Cherry Stephen M , Lucas Amy
Published: July 2016

Hurricane Katrina forced one of the largest internal migrations of people in US history. Among the evacuees were 28,000 Filipino Americans many of whom fled to Houston. In a short period of time, Filipino American Catholic Houstonians relocated their co-ethnics with host families, facilitated documents needed for US federal aid (FEMA), provided material assistance, and addressed evacuee medical needs through the establishment and staffing of a crisis triage clinic. Drawing on ethnographic and survey data we explore the factors that impacted and shaped Filipino American community participation and volunteerism during the events of Hurricane Katrina and after. We found that both religious and non-religious organizations were vital in the mobilization of Filipino Americans during the Katrina relief effort and subsequent natural disaster1 responses.
New national organization of Europe: nationalism and minority rights after the end of the Cold War
Authors: Jutila Matti
Published: July 2016

Post–Cold War Europe witnessed the resurgence of different forms of nationalism and also the re-establishment of a minority rights regime. At the surface level, rights of national minorities seem to undermine nationalism as a political organization principle, but on a closer investigation the relationship between the two is more complex. This article uses insights from the English school’s theorizing on primary and secondary institutions to investigate the relationship between the primary institution of nationalism and secondary institution of minority rights regime. After a brief discussion of nationalism as a primary institution and its influence on the implementation of universal human rights, this article presents a detailed study of the minority rights regime analysing how it challenges, transforms and reproduces nationalism as a primary institution of contemporary European society of states.