bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of a systematic literature review of treatment modalities for jugulotympanic paraganglioma, stratified per Fisch class
Authors: Jansen T.T.G. , Timmers H.J.L.M. , Marres H.A.M. , Kaanders J.H.A.M. , Kunst H.P.M.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Key for successful jugulotympanic paraganglioma management is a personalised approach aiming for the best practice for each individual patient. To this end, a systematic review is performed, evaluating the local control and complication rates for the different treatment modalities stratified by the broadly accepted Fisch classification.

Design

A systematic literature review according to the PRISMA statement was performed. A detailed overview of individual treatment outcomes per Fisch class is provided.

Main outcome measures

Local control, cranial nerve damage, complications, function recovery.

Results

Eighteen studies were selected, resembling 83 patients treated with radiotherapy and 299 with surgery. Excellent local control was found post‐surgery for class A and B tumours, and risk of cranial nerve damage was <1%. For class C1‐4 tumours, local control was 80%‐95% post‐surgery (84% post‐radiotherapy), and cranial nerve damage was found in 71%‐76% (none post‐radiotherapy; P < .05). There was no difference in treatment outcomes between tumours of different C class. For class C1‐4De/Di tumours, local control was 38%‐86% (98% post‐radiotherapy; P < .05) and cranial nerve damage/complication rates were 67%‐100% (3% post‐radiotherapy; P < .05). C1‐4DeDi tumours showed lesser local control and cranial nerve damage rates when compared to C1‐4De tumours.

Conclusions

An individual risk is constituted for surgery and radiotherapy, stratified per Fisch class. For class A and B tumours, surgery is a suitable treatment option. For class C and D tumours, radiotherapy results in lower complication rates and similar or better local control rates when compared to the surgical group.
Brain comorbidities in normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Allali G. , Laidet M. , Armand S. , Assal F.
Published: December 2017

Background and purpose

This cross‐sectional study aims to compare gait changes after the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap test between normal pressure hydrocephalus patients with and without brain comorbidities (NPH+ and NPH− respectively) and then to identify significant contributors to a poor CSF tap test amongst individuals with NPH+.

Methods

Gait changes (during the single task and the dual task of backward counting) were quantified before and 24 h after the CSF tap test with an optoelectronic system in 52 NPH patients (77.4 ± 6.0 years; 34.6% women). Changes after the CSF tap test in stride time variability (STV, %) were our main outcome. CSF Alzheimer's disease biomarkers, cerebrovascular white matter changes assessed with brain imaging and neurodegenerative diseases with parkinsonian syndrome represented the three individual brain comorbidities.

Results

Brain comorbidities were frequently identified, NPH+ patients representing 40 patients of our sample (76.9%). NPH− patients improved their STV better in the single task (delta of STV = −58.6% ± 54.3% vs. −14.1% ± 62.0%; P = 0.031) and in the dual task (delta of STV =−32.2% ± 33.7% vs. 6.3% ± 58.4%; P = 0.028) after the CSF tap test than NPH+ patients. Amongst NPH+ individuals, only comorbid Alzheimer's disease was associated with STV increase (i.e. deterioration of gait) in the dual task [β 38.4; 95% confidence interval (5.64; 71.24); P = 0.023] after the CSF tap test, whilst it was borderline in the single task [β 35.0; 95% confidence interval (−1.97; 71.90); P = 0.063].

Conclusions

Brain comorbidities affect gait improvement after the CSF tap test in NPH patients; this influence is driven by Alzheimer's disease‐related pathology.
Association between β‐cell function estimated by HOMA‐β and prognosis of non‐diabetic patients with ischaemic stroke
Authors: Zhou M. , Pan Y. , Jing J. , Wang Y. , Zhao X. , Liu L. , Li H. , Wang Y.
Published: December 2017

Background and purpose

Studies showed that β‐cell dysfunction is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between β‐cell function and prognosis of non‐diabetic patients with ischaemic stroke.

Methods

Ischaemic stroke patients without diabetes in the Abnormal Glucose Regulation in Patients with Acute Stroke across China registry were included in this analysis. Homeostasis assessment of β‐cell function (HOMA‐β) was performed and classified into four groups according to quartiles. The outcomes included stroke recurrence, poor functional outcome and all‐cause mortality.

Results

In a total of 1244 patients, the average age was 62.3 years; 63.1% patients were male. At 1 year, the first quartile of HOMA‐β (<54.0) was associated with increased stroke recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio 2.04, 95% confidence interval 1.32–3.17, P = 0.001), poor functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio 3.04, 95% confidence interval 1.90–4.88, P < 0.001) and mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 4.12, 95% confidence interval 2.24−7.59, P < 0.001) compared with the fourth quartile of HOMA‐β (≥166.3) after adjustment for insulin resistance and other potential covariates. The second and third quartiles of HOMA‐β were significantly associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcome. Multivariable regression analysis with restricted cubic splines showed an L‐shaped association between HOMA‐β and outcomes at 1 year.

Conclusions

Our study shows that lower HOMA‐β level is associated with poor outcomes at 1 year in non‐diabetic patients with ischaemic stroke.
The Challenge of Inter‐faith Relations for the Christian Conference of Asia
Authors: Ariarajah S. Wesley
Published: December 2017

Asia is the cradle of many religions, and religious diversity is the hallmark of most Asian societies. Religiosity runs deep in the Asian outlook on life. Why then, one would ask, did the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) not have visible and structured inter‐faith dialogues as one of its programme priorities? This article examines the reasons why it would have been difficult and even inappropriate for the CCA to initiate a robust dialogue programme in the context in which it was founded. However, CCA did respond to the inter‐faith reality by animating theological and missiological reflections that took Asian social realities and religious pluralism as the contexts of these reflections. Today, religions are increasingly entering the public, and especially the political, arena. There is an increase in religious intolerance and militancy in a number of Asian countries. These have resulted in CCA paying more focused attention to inter‐faith relations and religious plurality.
Ecumenical and Inter‐religious Contributions to Asian Liberation Theologies
Authors: Tan Jonathan Y.
Published: December 2017

This essay surveys the varieties of liberation theologies that have emerged in different religious communities across Asia. It explores how Asian liberation theologians from across the major religious traditions of Asia have sought answers from within their own religious traditions and social locations to the endemic persistence of mass poverty, exploitative socio‐economic structures, and oppressive political systems that often deny basic human and democratic rights to the poor and marginalized masses in Asia. The article's basic premise is that liberation and social justice are not monopolies of Christianity, but are found across the great religious traditions of Asia, and it highlights examples such as Mahatma Gandhi in Indian Hinduism, B. R. Ambedkar in Indian Buddhism, and Buddhadasa Bhikkhu in Thai Buddhism. Christian examples include Aloysius Pieris (Sri Lanka), Dalit and indigenous tribal theologies from India, and Minjung theology from Korea.
Asian Women in the Ecumenical Movement: Voices of Resistance and Hope
Authors: Gnanadason Aruna
Published: December 2017

Throughout Asian ecumenical history, Christian women have found ways to organize themselves and create structures that give them the space to articulate their concerns and contribute their theological and leadership skills to the church and society. Asia's complex context has played a pivotal role in framing the contributions of women to the ecumenical movement, while the ecumenical movement in Asia has played a key role in helping define feminism, feminist theory, and feminist theology for this continent, contributing to national‐level initiatives in each Asian country as well as to regional and to World Christianity. At the same time, ecumenical women in each nation of Asia have linked with secular women's efforts and with women of other faiths to bring transformation in the lives of women, to challenge violence in all its manifestations, and to demand justice and dignity for all women and men.
Chinese Churches and the Ecumenical Movement from an Asian Perspective
Authors: Carino Theresa
Published: December 2017

The involvement of Chinese churches and Chinese Christians with the ecumenical movement preceded the establishment of the World Council of Churches in 1948. Recurring themes in the encounter have been de‐colonization and indigenization, church unity and post‐denominationalism, and Asian regional ecumenism. There was also a determination among Chinese church leaders to reconfigure mission and relations between churches in the West and those in Asia. These concerns have their origins in the chequered history of Christian missions and their association with imperialism in the last century.
Actinobacillus capsulatusperitonitis and chyloabdomen in a Warmblood gelding
Authors: Cullimore A. M. , Lester G. D. , Stephens N.
Published: December 2017

Primary peritonitis in horses attributable toActinobacillus equulihas been reported in Australia, New Zealand and North America. Published reports describe a rapid response to treatment with appropriate antimicrobial and supportive treatment and an excellent prognosis for survival. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case ofActinobacillus capsulatusin the horse. The case was complicated by the development of an idiopathic chylous abdominal effusion. The report highlights the importance of molecular methods in the correct identification of bacterial species. Prognosis for horses diagnosed withActinobacillusperitonitis may be guarded given the atypical response to appropriate antimicrobial treatment in this case.
Biochemical and structural insights into a thermostable cellobiohydrolase from Myceliophthora thermophila
Authors: Kadowaki Marco A. S. , Higasi Paula , de Godoy Mariana O. , Prade Rolf A. , Polikarpov Igor
Published: December 2017

Cellobiohydrolases hydrolyze cellulose, a linear polymer with glucose monomers linked exclusively by β‐1,4 glycosidic linkages. The widespread hydrogen bonding network tethers individual cellulose polymers forming crystalline cellulose, which prevent the access of hydrolytic enzymes and water molecules. The most abundant enzyme secreted by Myceliophthora thermophila M77 in response to the presence of biomass is the cellobiohydrolase MtCel7A, which is composed by a GH7‐catalytic domain (CD), a linker, and a CBM1‐type carbohydrate‐binding module. GH7 cellobiohydrolases have been studied before, and structural models have been proposed. However, currently available GH7 crystal structures only define separate catalytic domains and/or cellulose‐binding modules and do not include the full‐length structures that are involved in shaping the catalytic mode of operation. In this study, we determined the 3D structure of catalytic domain using X‐ray crystallography and retrieved the full‐length enzyme envelope via small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) technique. The SAXS data reveal a tadpole‐like molecular shape with a rigid linker connecting the CD and CBM. Our biochemical studies show that MtCel7A has higher catalytic efficiency and thermostability as well as lower processivity when compared to the well‐studied TrCel7A from Trichoderma reesei. Based on a comparison of the crystallographic structures of CDs and their molecular dynamic simulations, we demonstrate that MtCel7A has considerably higher flexibility than TrCel7A. In particular, loops that cover the active site are more flexible and undergo higher conformational fluctuations, which might account for decreased processivity and enhanced enzymatic efficiency. Our statistical coupling analysis suggests co‐evolution of amino acid clusters comprising the catalytic site of MtCel7A, which correlate with the steps in the catalytic cycle of the enzyme.

Database

The atomic coordinates and structural factors of MtCel7A have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank with accession number 5W11.
Kinetic characterization of wild‐type and mutant human thioredoxin glutathione reductase defines its reaction and regulatory mechanisms
Authors: Brandstaedter Christina , Fritz‐Wolf Karin , Weder Stine , Fischer Marina , Hecker Beate , Rahlfs Stefan , Becker Katja
Published: December 2017

In most cells, the thioredoxin (Trx) and glutathione systems are essential in maintaining redox homeostasis. The selenoprotein thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR) is a hybrid enzyme in which a glutaredoxin (Grx) domain is linked to a thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). Notably, the protein is also capable of reducing glutathione disulfide (GSSG), thus representing an important link between the two redox systems. In this study, we recombinantly produced human TGR (hTGR wild‐type) by fusing its open reading frame with a bacterial selenocysteine insertion sequence element and co‐expressing the construct in Escherichia coli together with the selA, selB, and selC genes. Additionally, the Sec→Cys mutant (hTGRU642C) of the full‐length protein, the isolated TrxR domain (hTGR151–643) and the Grx domain containing a monothiol active site (hTGR1–150) were produced and purified. All four proteins were kinetically characterized in direct comparison using Trx, DTNB, HED, or GSSG as the oxidizing substrate. Interestingly, the HED reduction activity was Sec independent and comparable in the full‐length protein and the isolated Grx domain, whereas the TrxR and glutathione reductase reactions were clearly selenocysteine dependent, with the GR reaction requiring the Grx domain. Site‐directed mutagenesis studies revealed novel insights into the mechanism of GSSG reduction. Furthermore, we identified several glutathionylation sites in hTGR, including Cys93, Cys133, and Cys619, and an inhibitory effect of these modifications on enzyme activity. In contrast to other TGRs, for example, from platyhelminth parasites, hTGR did not exhibit hysteretic behavior. These findings provide new insights into the reaction mechanism and regulation of monothiol Grx‐containing TGRs.

Database

EC numbers: 1.8.1.9; 1.8.1.B1
High‐sensitivity QCM with multielectrode piezoelectric quartz crystal design
Authors: Lei Ou , Tian Wenjie , Ma Bo
Published: December 2017

The ideal linear elastic, small hysteresis phenomenon makes the quartz resonator uniquely useful for Quartz Crystal Microbalances (QCM). Enhanced high‐precision integrated quartz crystal resonators were designed based on the common‐mode rejection principle. The internal stress of quartz crystal on the force was analyzed for the multielectrode design, and the point which located the electrode (diameter is 1 mm) is distributed on the circle from 4 mm to the center of the quartz crystal plate, and the orientation angle φ=60°. The 15 group difference frequency signals were first done the difference frequency processing and then superposition by information fusion technology. The final force sensitivity coefficient of integrated resonator is 11223 Hz/N. It is 10 times than the single resonator. The frequency stability of each electrode is shown 10−10 order of magnitudes.
Fabrication of improved La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 cathode layer for solid oxide fuel cells using economical coating methods
Authors: Javanshir Ehsan , Mozammel Mahdi , Tanhaei Mohammad
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study is to specify an optimal method for coating LSM layer on a YSZ substrate. Initially the prepared powders were validated by X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) technique. A mixture of NiO‐YSZ (50:50 wt%) powders were created by mechanical milling method; then the mix was prepressed in a disk shape die as the base substrate; after that, YSZ powder was added on the substrate and they were pressed and sintered at 1450°C for 3 hours. Three different methods including dip coating, spraying, and brush painting using various concentrations of LSM suspensions, were applied on the obtained substrate. Then, LSM coated disks were sintered at 1250°C for 2 hours. The coating surface and the cross section of the as‐sintered disks which were investigated and scanned by an electron microscope (SEM), illustrated a uniform coating in dip‐coated samples; also, another advantage of this method was the negligible agglomeration of the LSM layer. Moreover, the linear EDS elemental analysis from the surface of the layer—which is coating the substrate—indicated the desired results for the coating which was fabricated by the dip coating method.
Optimal design on the mechanical and thermal properties of porous alumina ceramics based on fractal dimension analysis
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Li Yuanbing , Yan Shu , Zhang Zaijuan , Huo Wenlong , Zhang Xiaoyan , Yang Jinlong
Published: December 2017

In order to investigate the relationship between pore structure and thermal conductivity as well as mechanical strength, porous alumina ceramics (PAC) with various pore structures were fabricated, using starch as the pore‐forming agent. Fractal theory was employed to characterize the pore size distribution more accurately than ever used parameters. The results show that the increase in starch content in PAC leads to an enhanced porosity, a higher mean pore size, and reduced fracture dimension, thermal conductivity and strength. The fractal analysis indicated that the fractal dimension decreases gradually and reaches its minimum value with increasing the starch content up to 25 wt%, but the further incorporation results in an opposite trend. It is suggested from micro‐pore fractographic analysis that the optimization of both thermal insulation performance and mechanical strength are positively correlated with the increase in the mean pore size and proportion of 2‐14 μm pores but negatively corrected with the porosity. These results provide a new perspective and a deeper understanding for fabrication of PAC with both excellent thermal insulation and mechanical performance.
Digital image analysis agrees with visual estimates of adult bone marrow trephine biopsy cellularity
Authors: Hagiya A. S. , Etman A. , Siddiqi I. N. , Cen S. , Matcuk G. R. , Brynes R. K. , Salama M. E.
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Evaluation of cellularity is an essential component of bone marrow trephine biopsy examination. The standard practice is to report the results as visual estimates (VE). Digital image analysis (DIA) offers the promise of more objective measurements of cellularity.

Methods

Adult bone marrow trephine biopsy sections were assessed for cellularity by VE. Sections were scanned using an Aperio AT2 Scanscope and analyzed using a Cytonuclear (version 1.4) algorithm on halo software. Intraclass correlation (ICC) was used to assess relatedness between VE and DIA, and between MRI and DIA for a separate subset of patients. Trephine biopsy sections from a subset of patients with bone marrow biopsies uninvolved by malignancy were assessed for age‐related changes.

Results

Interobserver VE agreement was good to excellent. The ICC value was 0.81 for VE and DIA, and 0.50 for MRI and DIA. Linearity studies showed no statistically significant trend for age‐related changes in cellularity in our cohort (r = −.29, P = .06).

Conclusions

Agreement was good between VE and DIA. It may be possible to use DIA or VE to measure cellularity in the appropriate clinical scenario. The limited sample size precludes similar determinations for MRI calculations. Further studies examining healthy donors are necessary before making definitive conclusions regarding age and cellularity.
Aluminum‐vacancy‐related dielectric relaxations in AlN ceramics
Authors: Wang Kang , Wang Chunchang
Published: December 2017

The dielectric properties of AlN ceramics were investigated comprehensively in the temperature range from room‐temperature to 950 K and frequency range of 102 to 5 × 106 Hz. The sample exhibits intrinsic dielectric behavior when T < 500 K, showing a flat dielectric permittivity about 10 and an extremely low dielectric loss factor (tanδ < 2 × 10−3). In the temperature above 500 K, two thermally activated dielectric relaxations related to bulk and interfacial effects were observed. Both relaxations strongly depend on the concentration of oxygen atoms. Our results indicate that the bulk relaxation, occurring in lower temperature range, is caused by aluminum vacancy hopping motion inside grains. The interfacial relaxation, occurring in higher temperature range, is caused by surface‐layer effect due to aluminum vacancies being blocked by sample‐electrode contact.
The thermal stability and consolidation of perovskite variant Cs2SnCl6 using spark plasma sintering
Authors: Scott Spencer M. , Zhu Weiguang , Yao Tiankai , Vienna John D. , Ewing Rodney C. , Lian Jie
Published: December 2017

Defect perovskites, a category of air and moisture stable perovskite molecular salts, have gained attention for photovoltaics in the search of alternatives to the organic lead‐based photovoltaics which show exceptional photovoltaic performance but suffer significant environmental instability and toxicity of Pb. Defect perovskites also have exceptional structural flexibility and diverse crystal chemistry, and thus, display potentials as host phases for incorporating high amounts of halides such as iodine and chorine. In this study, pure Cs2SnCl6, a lead‐free defect perovskite variant, was synthesized through a solution‐based route that produced particles ranging from 200 to 500 nm. The thermal stability of the as‐synthesized Cs2SnCl6 powders was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), demonstrating stability up to 615°C, above which a phase decomposition occurs leading to the loss of constituent component of SnCl4. Consolidation of Cs2SnCl6 into dense pellets (≥94% theoretical density) was achieved via spark plasma sintering (SPS) at a low sintering temperature of 350°C. X‐ray diffraction confirms no phase decomposition in the SPS‐densified perovskite pellets as a result of rapid consolidation of the SPS sintering at a short duration and lower temperature, and the TGA analysis suggest a comparable thermal stability up to 627°C for the densified pellet, slightly better than the as‐synthesized powders. The thermal diffusivity of Cs2SnCl6 at room temperature was determined as 0.388 mm2·s−1 by laser flash measurement. This work further discussed the potential applications of the SPS‐densified Cs2SnCl6 beyond perovskite photovoltaics, introducing potential nuclear separations and waste forms for chlorine.
Improving the NIR light‐harvesting of perovskite solar cell with upconversion fluorotellurite glass
Authors: Tang Jianfeng , Zhang Yu , Zheng Guobin , Gou Jie , Wu Fei
Published: December 2017

Upconversion glasses are capable of converting the sub‐bandgap NIR light into photons of a particular wavelength which can be efficiently utilized by solar cells. Herein, the Yb3+/Er3+ co‐doped fluorotellurite upconversion glasses were prepared. The most intense upconversion luminescence (UCL) under 980‐nm LD excitation was obtained in the glass with Yb3+‐to‐Er3+ molar ratio of 10:1. The dependences of UCL on the pump power and temperature were investigated. The UCL can be mainly attributed to the two‐photon involved energy transfer processes and is very stable to the change in temperature even when heated up to 200°C. The subsequent implementation of the glass as upconverter for a MAPbI3‐xClx‐based perovskite solar cell (PSC) resulted in an open circuit voltage of 0.83 V and a short circuit current density of 0.32 mA/cm2. This application of upconversion glass for enhancing the NIR light harvesting offers a promising way to improve the photo‐electric conversion efficiencies of PSCs.
In situ Raman spectroscopy of pressure‐induced phase transformations in polycrystalline TbPO4, DyPO4, and GdxDy(1−x)PO4
Authors: Musselman Matthew A. , Wilkinson Taylor M. , Haberl Bianca , Packard Corinne E.
Published: December 2017

Xenotime DyPO4 and GdxDy(1−x)PO4 (x = 0.4, 0.5, 0.6) (tetragonal I41amd zircon structure) have been studied at ambient temperature under high pressures inside a diamond anvil cell with in situ Raman spectroscopy. The typical Raman‐active modes of the xenotime structure were observed at low pressures and the appearance of new Raman peaks at higher pressures indicated a phase transformation to a lower symmetry structure—likely monoclinic. Raman mode softening was observed, resulting in a line crossing at approximately 7‐8 GPa for each material and preceding the phase transformation. The onset of phase transformation for DyPO4 occurred at a pressure of 15.3 GPa. DyPO4 underwent a reversible phase transformation and returned to the xenotime phase after decompression. The transformation pressures of the solid solutions (GdxDy(1−x)PO4) were in the range 10‐12 GPa. The GdxDy(1−x)PO4 solid solutions yielded partially reversible phase transformations, retaining some of the high‐pressure phase spectrum while reforming xenotime peaks during decompression. The substitution of Gd into DyPO4 decreased the transformation pressure relative to pure DyPO4. The ability to modify the phase transformation pressures of xenotime rare‐earth orthophosphates by chemical variations of solid solutions may provide additional methods to improve the performance of ceramic matrix composites.
Measurement of O and Ti atom displacements in TiO2 during flash sintering experiments
Authors: Yoon Bola , Yadav Devinder , Raj Rishi , Sortino Emanuele , Ghose Sanjit , Sarin Pankaj , Shoemaker Daniel
Published: December 2017

In‐situ flash experiments on rutile TiO2 were performed at the synchrotron at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. Pair distribution function analysis of total X‐ray scattering measurements yielded mean‐square atomic displacements of oxygen and titanium atoms during the progression of the 3 stages of flash. The displacements are measured to be far greater for oxygen atoms than for titanium atoms. These large displacements may signal an “elastic softening” of the lattice, which, recently, has been predicted as a precursor to the onset of flash.
Competition between densification and microstructure development during spark plasma sintering of B4C–Eu2O3
Authors: Sairam Kannan , Vishwanadh Bathula , Sonber Jitendra K. , Murthy Tammana S. R. Ch. , Majumdar Sanjib , Mahata Tarasankar , Basu Bikramjit
Published: December 2017

The densification of nonoxide ceramics has been a known challenge in the field of engineering ceramics. The amount and type of sinter‐aid together with sintering conditions significantly influence the densification behavior and microstructure in nonoxide ceramics. In this perspective, the present work reports the use of Eu2O3 sinter‐aid and spark plasma sintering towards the densification of B4C. The densification is largely influenced by the solid‐state sintering reactions during heating to 1900°C. Based on the careful analysis of the heat‐treated powder mixture (B4C–Eu2O3) and sintered compacts, the competitive reaction pathways are proposed to rationalize the formation of EuB6 as dominant microstructural phase. An array of distinctive morphological features, including intragranular and intergranular EuB6 phase as well as characteristic defect structures (asymmetric twins, stacking faults and threaded dislocations) are observed within dense B4C matrix. An attempt has been made to explain the competition between microstructure development and densification.
Unknown Intracardiac Electrogram
Authors: Prystowsky Eric N.
Published: December 2017

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Impact of in‐hospital blood pressure variability on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Hassan Ayman Khairy Mohamed , Abd–El Rahman Hatem , Mohsen Kerolos , Dimitry Salwa R.
Published: December 2017

To evaluate the impact of blood pressure variability (BPV) on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome, short‐term BPV was estimated by using weighted standard deviation of 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring readings. The primary outcome was in‐hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Overall, 200 patients (mean age, 58.6 years; 27.5% women; 38% with diabetes mellitus; and 47% smokers) were divided into low and high BPV groups based on the median value (9.45). Patients in the high BPV group were more likely to have in‐hospital MACE compared with patients with low BPV (47% vs 27%, P = .003). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis of incidence of MACE showed that BPV (odds ratio, 2.4; confidence interval, 1.2–4.5 [P = .008]) and presence of type II diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 2.6; confidence interval, 1.2–5.3 [P = .008]) were the only independent predictors of in‐hospital MACE derived mainly by hypertensive emergencies. BPV could be an important risk factor for in‐hospital MACE in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Comparison of morning vs bedtime administration of the combination of valsartan/amlodipine on nocturnal brachial and central blood pressure in patients with hypertension
Authors: Fujiwara Takeshi , Hoshide Satoshi , Yano Yuichiro , Kanegae Hiroshi , Kario Kazuomi
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of morning and bedtime administration of valsartan/amlodipine combination therapy (80/5 mg) on nocturnal brachial and central blood pressure (BP) measured by ambulatory BP monitoring in patients with hypertension. This was a 16‐week prospective, multicenter, randomized, open‐label, crossover, noninferiority clinical trial. Patients underwent 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring at randomization, at switching, and at the end of the study. Twenty‐three patients (mean age, 68.0 years) were studied. The difference in nocturnal brachial systolic BP between the morning and bedtime administrations of combination valsartan/amlodipine was −3.2 mm Hg, and the two‐sided 95% confidence interval ranged from −6.8 to 0.4 mm Hg. The difference in nocturnal central systolic BP was −4.0 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, −7.6 to −0.4 mm Hg). The upper limit of the 95% confidence interval was below the margin of 3.0 mm Hg in both nocturnal brachial and central systolic BP, confirming the noninferiority of morning administration to the bedtime administration of valsartan/amlodipine combination therapy.
Children with atopic dermatitis may have unacknowledged contact allergies contributing to their skin symptoms
Authors: Simonsen A.B. , Johansen J.D. , Deleuran M. , Mortz C.G. , Skov L. , Sommerlund M.
Published: December 2017

Background

Whether children with atopic dermatitis have an altered risk of contact allergy than children without atopic dermatitis is frequently debated and studies have been conflicting. Theoretically, the impaired skin barrier in atopic dermatitis (AD) facilitates the penetration of potential allergens and several authors have highlighted the risk of underestimating and overlooking contact allergy in children with atopic dermatitis.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of contact allergy in Danish children with atopic dermatitis and explore the problem of unacknowledged allergies maintaining or aggravating the skin symptoms.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, 100 children and adolescents aged 5–17 years with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis were patch tested with a paediatric series of 31 allergens.

Results

Thirty per cent of the children had at least one positive patch test reaction, and 17% had at least one contact allergy that was relevant to the current skin symptoms. The risk of contact allergy was significantly correlated to the severity of atopic dermatitis. Metals and components of topical skincare products were the most frequent sensitizers.

Conclusion

Patch testing is relevant as a screening tool in the management of children with atopic dermatitis as they may have unacknowledged contact allergies contributing to or maintaining their skin symptoms. Children with atopic dermatitis seem to be at greater risk of sensitization to certain allergens including metals and components of skincare products.
Safety and efficacy of apremilast through 104 weeks in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who continued on apremilast or switched from etanercept treatment: findings from the LIBERATE study
Authors: Reich K. , Gooderham M. , Bewley A. , Green L. , Soung J. , Petric R. , Marcsisin J. , Cirulli J. , Chen R. , Piguet V.
Published: December 2017

Background

Apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Objective

To evaluate long‐term efficacy and safety of apremilast in biologic‐naive patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and safety of switching from etanercept to apremilast in the phase 3b LIBERATE trial.

Methods

Two hundred fifty patients were randomized to placebo, apremilast 30 mg BID or etanercept 50 mg QW through Week 16; thereafter, all patients continued or switched to apremilast through Week 104 (extension phase). Skin, scalp and nail involvement at Weeks 16, 52 and 104 were assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI; 0–72), Scalp Physician Global Assessment (ScPGA; 0–5) and Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI; 0–8); patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) were assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI; 0–32) and pruritus visual analog scale (VAS; 0–100 mm).

Results

The apremilast‐extension phase (Weeks 16–104) included 226 patients in the placebo/apremilast (n = 73), apremilast/apremilast (n = 74) and etanercept/apremilast (n = 79) groups, and at Week 104, 50.7%, 45.9% and 51.9% of these patients, respectively, maintained ≥75% reduction from baseline in PASI score (based on last‐observation‐carried‐forward analysis). Across treatment groups, ScPGA 0 (clear) or 1 (minimal) was achieved by 50.0%–59.2% of patients; NAPSI mean change from baseline was −48.1% to −51.1%; DLQI score ≤5 was achieved by 66.0%–72.5% of patients; and pruritus VAS mean change from baseline was −24.4 to −32.3. AEs in ≥5% of patients (diarrhoea, nausea, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection and headache) did not increase with prolonged apremilast exposure.

Conclusions

Apremilast demonstrated significant and sustained improvements in skin, scalp, nails and PROs (pruritus and quality of life) over 104 weeks in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Safety was consistent with the known safety profile of apremilast.
Skin cancer prevention campaign in childhood: survey based on 3676 children in Brazil
Authors: Criado P.R. , Ocampo‐Garza J. , Brasil A.L.D. , Belda Junior W. , Di Chiacchio N. , de Moraes A.M. , Parada M.B. , Rabay F.O. , Moraes Junior O. , Rios R.S. , da Silva C.S. , Ferreira F.C.S. , Mandelbaum S.H. , Vasconcellos C.
Published: December 2017

Background and objectives

Primary skin cancer prevention campaigns are essential and more effective among children, not only because of the importance of sun exposure effects during this period, but also because this age is when individuals are developing behaviours. The Brazilian Society of Dermatology – Regional State of Sao Paulo developed and conducted the programme named ‘The Sun, Friend of Childhood’, a school health education and disease prevention project for children and parents. Our objective was to evaluate the cognitive and behavioural effects of the children and parents before and after an education model‐based intervention of sun protection.

Methods

We carried out a study on a school population of Social Service of Industry – Regional State of São Paulo, from the first to the fifth years of the regular course (6–10 years). Our educational project was planned to be based on two children's learning tools (comic magazine and a DVD cartoon). Questionnaires in relation to habits and knowledge in sun exposure were applied to the children (3776) before and (2748) after the intervention. A questionnaire was applied to 3663 parents regarding personal details and habits of their children.

Results

According to the McNemar's statistical test, all changes in the children in acquiring new knowledge about good practices for sun exposure were statistically significant.

Conclusions

Educative sun exposure programmes in childhood are a relevant tool to modify the history of life for next generations, to concern the skin cancer and good health practices.
Consensus on the management of patients with psoriatic arthritis in a dermatology setting
Authors: Gisondi P. , Altomare G. , Ayala F. , Conti A. , Dapavo P. , De Simone C. , Foti C. , Idolazzi L. , Lubrano E. , Malara G. , Marchesoni A. , Olivieri I. , Parodi A. , Peris K. , Piaserico S. , Salvarani C. , Scarpa R. , Girolomoni G.
Published: December 2017

Background

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with psoriasis (PsO). Early diagnosis and prompt therapeutic intervention are crucial for limiting PsA progression and prevention of disability. Dermatologists are in a privileged position to detect early PsA. The management of patients with PsA in the dermatology setting is widely variable.

Objective

To provide practical recommendations for the management of patients with PsA in the dermatology setting including early diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

A consensus document was written by an expert panel composed by dermatologists (n = 12) and rheumatologists (n = 6). Eleven highly relevant questions were selected and elaborated with answers/statements based on a narrative literature review. The resulting document was discussed in a face‐to‐face meeting adopting a nominal group technique to reach consensus (i.e. 100% agreement) using the Delphi method.

Results

A consensus was achieved in defining the following: the clinical characteristics differentiating inflammatory and non‐inflammatory signs and symptoms of joint disease; the most important differential diagnoses of PsA in clinical practice; the most useful screening questionnaires, serum laboratory tests and imaging techniques for the detection of early PsA; the criteria for dermatologist to refer patients with PsO to rheumatologist; the criteria for the diagnosis of PsA; the selection of the indices that the dermatologist could use for measuring the activity and severity of PsA in clinical practice; when systemic steroids and/or intra‐articular steroid injections are indicated in the treatment of PsA. Finally, systemic treatments including synthetic and biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs to be considered for the treatment of PsA have been reported.

Conclusions

The implementations of these practical recommendations could be very helpful for the management of patients with PsA in the dermatology setting including early diagnosis and treatment.
Evolution of larval competitiveness and associated life‐history traits in response to host shifts in a seed beetle
Authors: Fox C. W. , Messina F. J.
Published: December 2017

Resource competition is frequently strong among parasites that feed within small discrete resource patches, such as seeds or fruits. The properties of a host can influence the behavioural, morphological and life‐history traits of associated parasites, including traits that mediate competition within the host. For seed parasites, host size may be an especially important determinant of competitive ability. Using the seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus, we performed replicated, reciprocal host shifts to examine the role of seed size in determining larval competitiveness and associated traits. Populations ancestrally associated with either a small host (mung bean) or a large one (cowpea) were switched to each other's host for 36 generations. Compared to control lines (those remaining on the ancestral host), lines switched from the small host to the large host evolved greater tolerance of co‐occurring larvae within seeds (indicated by an increase in the frequency of small seeds yielding two adults), smaller egg size and higher fecundity. Each change occurred in the direction predicted by the traits of populations already adapted to cowpea. However, we did not observe the expected decline in adult mass following the shift to the larger host. Moreover, lines switched from the large host (cowpea) to the small host (mung bean) did not evolve the predicted increase in larval competitiveness or egg size, but did exhibit the predicted increase in body mass. Our results thus provide mixed support for the hypothesis that host size determines the evolution of competition‐related traits of seed beetles. Evolutionary responses to the two host shifts were consistent among replicate lines, but the evolution of larval competition was asymmetric, with larval competitiveness evolving as predicted in one direction of host shift, but not the reverse. Nevertheless, our results indicate that switching hosts is sufficient to produce repeatable and rapid changes in the competition strategy and fitness‐related traits of insect populations.
Father Love and Mother Love: Contributions of Parental Acceptance to Children's Psychological Adjustment
Authors: Li Xuan , Meier Jason
Published: December 2017

Research on child development increasingly includes data on both parents and from different cultures. However, the relative importance of fathers versus mothers for child adjustment is still under debate. The present review compares the contributions of perceived paternal and maternal acceptance to various child adjustment indicators among samples of families around the world. We reviewed 127 published studies that included child‐reported paternal and maternal acceptance and developmental outcomes. Regardless of the sex of parent, children benefited from perceived parental acceptance. Fathers and mothers were often found to both predict adjustment significantly to varying degrees. Paternal acceptance tended to be related to children's problem behavior and psychopathology, whereas maternal acceptance was more likely to contribute to socioemotional development. Paternal and maternal acceptance also often jointly contributed to child adjustment through their interaction with each other and with other predictors. Moreover, the link between parental acceptance and adjustment was often moderated by child gender and cultural context.
The ameliorative effect of fluoxetine on neuroinflammation induced by sleep deprivation
Authors: Xia Maosheng , Li Xiaowei , Yang Li , Ren Jiaan , Sun Guangfeng , Qi Shuang , Verkhratsky Alexei , Li Baoman
Published: December 2017

It is well known that sleep disorders are harmful to people's health and performance, and growing evidence suggests that sleep deprivation (SD) can trigger neuroinflammation in the brain. The nucleotide‐binding domain and leucine‐rich repeat protein‐3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is reported to be relevant to the neuroinflammation induced by SD, but the regulatory signaling that governs the NLRP3 inflammasome in SD is still unknown. Meanwhile, whether the regulatory action of antidepressants in astrocytes could affect the neuroinflammation induced by SD also remains obscure. In this study, we were the first to discover that the antidepressant fluoxetine, a type of specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor widely used in clinical practice, could suppress the neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis induced by SD. The main findings from this study are as follows: (i) SD stimulated the expression of activated NLRP3 inflammasomes and the maturation of IL‐1β/18 via suppressing the phosphorylation of STAT3 in astrocytes; (ii) SD decreased the activation of AKT and stimulated the phosphorylation of GSK‐3β, which inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3; (iii) the NLRP3 inflammasome expression stimulated by SD was partly mediated by the P2X7 receptor; (iv) an agonist of STAT3 could significantly abolish the expression of NLRP3 inflammasomes induced by an agonist of the P2X7 receptor in primary cultured astrocytes; (v) the administration of fluoxetine could reverse the stimulation of NLRP3 inflammasome expression and function by SD through elevating the activation of STAT3. In conclusion, our present research suggests the promising possibility that fluoxetine could ameliorate the neuronal impairment induced by SD.

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An emerging role of astrocytes in vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Price Brittani R. , Norris Christopher M. , Sompol Pradoldej , Wilcock Donna M.
Published: December 2017

Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is understood to be the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer's disease, and is also a frequent comorbidity with Alzheimer's disease. While VCID is widely acknowledged as a key contributor to dementia, the mechanistic underpinnings of VCID remain poorly understood. In this review, we address the potential role of astrocytes in the pathophysiology of VCID. The vast majority of the blood vessels in the brain are surrounded by astrocytic end‐feet. Given that astrocytes make up a significant proportion of the cells in the brain, and that astrocytes are usually passively connected to one another through gap junctions, we hypothesize that astrocytes are key mediators of cognitive impairment because of cerebrovascular disease. In this review, we discuss the existing body of literature regarding the role of astrocytes at the vasculature in the brain, and the known consequences of their dysfunction, as well as our hypotheses regarding the role astrocytes play in VCID.

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This article is part of the Special Issue “Vascular Dementia”.
Effect of age and body mass index on the yield of stromal vascular fraction
Authors: Alaaeddine Nada , El Atat Oula , Saliba Nagib , Feghali Ziad , Nasr Marwan , Tarabey Bilal , Hilal George , Hashim Hussein
Published: December 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of age, body mass index, and site of liposuction on the cell yield of SVF.

Methods

A prospective study was performed on 58 patients. The average age was 39 years old, with BMI ≤ 25 or BMI ≥ 25. Fat tissue was harvested from the abdominal region, flanks, or thighs and SVF was isolated.

Results

The yield of viable SVF was evaluated by trypan blue, and the markers of stem cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. The cells were positive for stem cells markers, the age, sex of the patient had no impact on SVF cell yield with an average of 1.17 × 10^8. However, the BMI > 25 had resulted in higher cell numbers, and the harvest site had a significant impact on cell yield with abdomen being the site of interest.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that the age of the person does not affect the cell yield of SVF; nevertheless, the donor site and BMI might be important factors in affecting cell number.