bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atopie als Vorbote von Autoimmunerkrankungen - Nicht aus dem (zweiten) Blick verlieren
Authors: Brandt David
Published: April 2018

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, systemic vasculitis in children, with an etiology that is not completely understood. It is assumed that the development of KD is mediated by an immunologic response. Several reports from East Asia have found a higher prevalence of atopic diseases among patients with KD, but a large-scale study of a non-Asian population regarding this correlation is still lacking. The purpose of this article was to achieve this goal. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, large-scale study to estimate the correlation of KD with allergic diseases. The medical history of 1,187,757 Israeli teenagers (aged 16-20 years during the years 1998-2013) was retrieved. The study population was divided into 3 groups according to a past history of noncomplicated and complicated KD and a control group. The prevalence of allergic diseases among these groups was further investigated. Results: The prevalence of atopic diseases in the 3 study groups was presented (asthma in 11.4, 8.1 and 3.5%, respectively; angioedema/urticaria in 7.1, 0 and 0.46%, respectively; allergic rhinitis in 20, 12.1 and 6.7%, respectively). In noncomplicated KD, a statistically significant link to asthma [odds ratio (OR) 2.4; p = 0.048] and a borderline significant link to allergic rhinitis (OR 1.9; p = 0.06) were found. In KD complicated with cardiac disease, statistically significant links were found for all the allergic conditions, asthma (OR 3.5; p = 0.003), allergic rhinitis (OR 3.5; p < 0.001) and angioedema/urticaria (OR 16.48; p < 0.001). Conclusion: KD is associated with allergic diseases. This association increases with the severity of the disease.
Neue Behandlungschancen bei Allergien durch multikausale Lösungsansätze
Authors: Traidl-Hoffmann Claudia
Published: April 2018

Background: There is controversy in the literature regarding the potential relationship between atopic predisposition (AP) and serum cholesterol levels. To this purpose, we reviewed human studies that investigated this possible link. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a literature search of PubMed and Science Direct for peer-reviewed journal articles in English from January 2003, with updates through to August 2016, was conducted. Relevant publications were reviewed that included pediatric and adult populations. Information on the study design, sample, intervention, comparators, outcome, time frame, and risk of bias were abstracted for each article. Results: Of 601 reviewed reports, 18 were included in this systematic review. Fifteen studies assessed the relationship between AP and serum cholesterol levels. Due to the lack both of observational and cross-sectional studies from the literature search at this time (only 8 studies also analyzed confounding factors) there is a high possibility of confounding variables (familial and genetic predisposition, age, gender, BMI, comorbidity, and medication status) that could not be ruled out. Conclusion: Existing studies are heterogeneous, making it difficult to draw broad conclusions. Future studies and more detailed analyses, considering confounding variables and including a larger and homogeneous population, are needed to strengthen the argument for a link between lipid metabolism and atopy.
From Isonatric to Isotonic Hemodialysis
Authors: Gaillard François , Petitclerc Thierry
Published: April 2018

Background: Isonatric hemodialysis aims at maintaining stable cellular hydration through a close control of natremia, considered a surrogate of tonicity. However, 2 methods are available to perform isonatric hemodialysis: one based on natremia derived from plasma conductivity (NaCond) and the other based on natremia measured at laboratory (NaLab). We compared the control of tonicity obtained by isonatric hemodialysis based on NaLab or NaCond. Methods: Changes in tonicity NaLab and NaCond were recorded during 55 hemodialysis sessions. Sessions were divided according to the variation of tonicity: hypotonic sessions (tonicity decrease ≥2 mOsm/kg); isotonic sessions (tonicity variation <2 mOsm/kg); hypertonic sessions (tonicity increase ≥2 mOsm/kg). Results: During isotonic hemodialysis, NaCond decreases significantly by 1 mmol/L, whereas NaLab remained stable. Conclusions: Isonatric hemodialysis based on NaLab and isonatric hemodialysis based on NaCond is to be distinguished. Isotonic hemodialysis could be performed by decreasing NaCond by 1 mmol/L or maintaining NaLab stability.
Wandel in der Melanombehandlung: Therapieempfehlungen im Konflikt
Authors: Maschke Jan
Published: April 2018

Objectives: This study was aimed at investigating the prognostic role of multiple lymph node basin drainage (MLBD) in patients with positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. Background: MLBD is frequently observed in patients with trunk melanoma undergoing SLN. The prognostic value of MLBD in SLN-positive patients is still debated. Methods: Retrospective data from 312 trunk melanoma patients with positive SLN biopsy (1991-2012) at 6 Italian referral centres were gathered in a multicentre database. MLBD was defined at preoperative lymphoscintigraphy. Clinical and pathological data were analysed for their association with disease-free interval (DFI) and disease-specific (DSS) survival. Results: MLBD was identified in 34.6% of patients (108/312) and was significantly associated with >1 positive SLN (37 vs. 15.2%; p < 0.001) and with >1 positive lymph node (LN) after complete lymph node dissection (CLND) (50.9 vs. 34.8%; p = 0.033). No differences were observed according to drainage pattern in patients who had negative and positive non-SLN at CLND. MLBD was not associated with either DFI or DSS. Multivariate analyses showed that tumour thickness, ulceration, and number of metastatic LNs were associated with worse DFI and DSS, while regression confirmed its protective role in survival. Conclusion: In positive SLN patients, MLBD has no association with survival, which is mainly related to American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) prognostic factors. Since the overall number of positive LNs drives the prognosis, the importance of a CLND in all the positive basins is confirmed.
Current Controversies in the Management of Diverticulitis: A Review
Authors: Nally Deirdre M. , Kavanagh Dara O.
Published: April 2018

Background: Symptomatic diverticular disease is challenging for patients, clinicians and health services. The prevalence increases with age and BMI and as such, the burden of this disease is set to increase with higher rates of acute presentations already documented. The natural history of recurrent episodes, complications and symptom progression is not fully understood. Furthermore, medical and surgical management strategies are under constant appraisal, debate and evolution. Methods: A review of the contemporary literature was performed to examine the emerging trend towards conservative treatment. Results: Routine use of in-patient, intravenous antibiotics may not be required and outpatient management is possible for certain patients. Universal colonoscopy examination after uncomplicated acute diverticulitis is controversial but is mandatory after complicated episodes. Recent, high-profile, clinical trials suggest that less aggressive surgical management of both acute and chronic presentations may be feasible in some cases. Conclusions: Diverticulitis is a common yet challenging topic that demands clinicians to provide an individualised yet evidence-based approach.
Extended Sessions of Polymyxin-B Immobilized Fiber Column Hemoperfusion Ameliorate Renal Outcome and Mortality in Septic Shock with Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Maekawa Hiroshi , Negishi Kousuke
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Polymyxin-B (PMX) treatment has been reported to decrease mortality in patients with septic shock and acute kidney injury (AKI). In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether extended sessions of PMX (Ext-PMX) immobilized fiber column hemoperfusion ameliorate clinical outcomes in patients complicated with septic shock and AKI without surgical control. Methods: Twenty-two patients with nonsurgical septic shock and AKI who received PMX were included. They were divided according to the duration of PMX treatment: Ext-PMX and standard PMX (Std-PMX). Results: The mean blood pressure increased and inotrope requirement decreased within 24 h after PMX initiation. The median value of predicted mortality was 52.5%, and the ­28-day mortalities in the Ext-PMX and Std-PMX groups were 44.4 and 75% respectively. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) was also initiated in 17 patients, and renal insufficiency was recovered. Conclusion: Ext-PMX combined with RRT improved clinical outcomes in patients with nonsurgical septic shock and AKI.
Effect of SFRP5 (Secreted Frizzled–Related Protein 5) on the WNT5A (Wingless-Type Family Member 5A)-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction and Its Relevance With Arterial Stiffness in Human Subjects
Authors: Cho Yun Kyung , Kang Yu Mi , Lee Seung Eun , Lee Yoo La , Seol So Mi , Lee Woo Je , Park Joong-Yeol , Jung Chang Hee
Published: April 2018

Objective—

SFRP5 (secreted frizzled–related protein 5) is an endogenous inhibitor of WNT5A (wingless-type family member 5a), which has been implicated in atherosclerosis. However, contradictory results have been reported about the role of SFRP5 in atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate whether SFRP5 could restore WNT5A-induced endothelial dysfunction in vitro and ex vivo. In addition, we sought to determine whether the serum concentration of SFRP5 is associated with atherosclerosis in humans.

Approach and Results—

We measured endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in the isolated thoracic aorta of Sprague–Dawley rats. In addition, we measured intracellular nitric oxide (NO) in human endothelial cells. The protein abundance of total and phosphorylated JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase), AKT (protein kinase B), and endothelial NO synthase was analyzed in human endothelial cells. Circulating SFRP5 and WNT5A levels and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity were measured in 282 human subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. SFRP5 dose dependently restored Wnt5-induced impaired vasorelaxation in rat thoracic aorta by an endothelial NO synthase–dependent mechanism. SFRP5 treatment restored the WNT5A-induced reduction of NO production via endothelial NO synthase in human endothelial cells. WNT5A-induced changes in the phosphorylation of JNK, AKT, and endothelial NO synthase were ameliorated with SFRP5 administration. In humans with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the serum SFRP5 concentration positively correlated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (
r
=0.146;
P
=0.024). Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that the serum SFRP5 concentration was independently associated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity after adjustment for potential confounders [
B
(SE)=7.40 (3.35);
P
=0.028].

Conclusions—

Our data suggest the possible compensatory action of SFRP5 against atherosclerosis under conditions of metabolic dysfunction.
Genetic Deletion of IL-19 (Interleukin-19) Exacerbates Atherogenesis in
Il19
−/−
×
Ldlr
−/−
Double Knockout Mice by Dysregulation of mRNA Stability Protein HuR (Human Antigen R)
Authors: Ray Mitali , Gabunia Khatuna , Vrakas Christine N. , Herman Allison B. , Kako Farah , Kelemen Sheri E. , Grisanti Laurel A. , Autieri Michael V.
Published: April 2018

Objective—

To test the hypothesis that loss of IL-19 (interleukin-19) exacerbates atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results—

Il19
−/−
mice were crossed into
Ldlr
−/−
(low-density lipoprotein receptor knock out) mice. Double knockout (dKO) mice had increased plaque burden in aortic arch and root compared with
Ldlr
−/−
controls after 14 weeks of high-fat diet (HFD). dKO mice injected with 10 ng/g per day rmIL-19 had significantly less plaque compared with controls. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis revealed dKO mice had increased systemic and intraplaque polarization of T cells and macrophages to proinflammatory T
h
1 and M1 phenotypes, and also significantly increased TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α expression in spleen and aortic arch compared with
Ldlr
−/−
controls. Bone marrow transplantation suggests that immune cells participate in IL-19 protection. Bone marrow-derived macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from dKO mice had a significantly greater expression of inflammatory cytokine mRNA and protein compared with controls. Spleen and aortic arch from dKO mice had significantly increased expression of the mRNA stability protein HuR (human antigen R). Bone marrow-derived macrophage and vascular smooth muscle cell isolated from dKO mice also had greater HuR abundance. HuR stabilizes proinflammatory transcripts by binding AU-rich elements in the 3′ untranslated region. Cytokine and HuR mRNA stability were increased in dKO bone marrow-derived macrophage and vascular smooth muscle cell, which was rescued by addition of IL-19 to these cells. IL-19–induced expression of miR133a, which targets and reduced HuR abundance; miR133a levels were lower in dKO mice compared with controls.

Conclusions—

These data indicate that IL-19 is an atheroprotective cytokine which decreases the abundance of HuR, leading to reduced inflammatory mRNA stability.
Sex Differences in the Impact of Body Mass Index on the Risk of Future Atrial Fibrillation: Insights From the Longitudinal Population‐Based Tromsø Study
Authors: Ball Jocasta , Løchen Maja‐Lisa , Wilsgaard Tom , Schirmer Henrik , Hopstock Laila A. , Morseth Bente , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Njølstad Inger , Tiwari Sweta , Sharashova Ekaterina
Published: April 2018

Background

Atrial fibrillation (
AF
) prevalence is increasing, and body mass index (
BMI
) is a risk factor for
AF
. However, sex differences in the impact of
BMI
on
AF
risk have not been fully elucidated.

Methods and Results

Data from the fourth survey (1994–1995) of the Tromsø Study (Norway) were used to investigate the association of single‐measurement
BMI
on future
AF
risk. To analyze the influence of
BMI
changes on
AF
risk, data from individuals who attended the third and fourth study surveys were used.
AF
diagnosis was derived from record linkage and end point adjudication. Cox regression analysis was conducted using fractional polynomials of
BMI
and
BMI
change with models adjusted for age, baseline
BMI
(change analyses), risk factors, comorbidities, and antihypertensive medications.

Data were available for 24 799 individuals from the fourth survey (mean age, 45.5±14.2 years; 52.9% women). Over 15.7±5.5 years, 811 women (6.2%) and 918 men (7.9%) developed
AF
. In men, lower
BMI
decreased
AF
risk and higher
BMI
increased risk (hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals] for
BMI
18 or 40 kg/m
2
compared with 23 kg/m
2
were 0.75 [0.70–0.81] and 4.42 [3.00–6.53], respectively). The same pattern was identified in women. Two surveys were attended by 14 652 individuals. In men and women, a decrease in
BMI
over time was associated with decreased
AF
risk and an increase in
BMI
was associated with increased
AF
risk.

Conclusions

Within a population cohort,
BMI
was positively associated with
AF
risk. Change in
BMI
over time influenced
AF
risk in both men and women.
Analysis of Right Ventricular Myocardial Stiffness and Relaxation Components in Children and Adolescents With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Hayabuchi Yasunobu , Ono Akemi , Homma Yukako , Kagami Shoji
Published: April 2018

Background

The rate of left ventricular pressure decrease during isovolumic relaxation is traditionally assessed algebraically via 2 empirical indices: the monoexponential and logistic time constants (τ
E
and τ
L
). Since the pattern of right ventricular (
RV
) pressure decrease is quite different from that of the left ventricular, we hypothesized that novel kinematic model parameters are more appropriate and useful to evaluate
RV
diastolic dysfunction.

Methods and Results

Eight patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (age 12.5±4.8 years) and 20 normal subjects (control group; age 12.3±4.4 years) were enrolled. The kinematic model was parametrized by stiffness/restoring Ek and damping/relaxation μ. The model predicts isovolumic relaxation pressure as a function of time as the solution of d
2
P/dt
2
+(1/μ)dP/dt+EkP=0, based on the theory that the pressure decay is determined by the interplay of inertial, stiffness/restoring, and damping/relaxation forces. In the assessment of
RV
diastolic function, τ
E
and τ
L
did not show significant differences between the pulmonary arterial hypertension and control groups (46.8±15.5 ms versus 32.5±14.6 ms, and 19.6±5.9 ms versus 14.5±7.2 ms, respectively). The pulmonary arterial hypertension group had a significantly higher Ek than the control group (915.9±84.2 s
−2
versus 487.0±99.6 s
−2
,
P
<0.0001) and a significantly lower μ than the control group (16.5±4.3 ms versus 41.1±10.4 ms,
P
<0.0001). These results show that the
RV
has higher stiffness/elastic recoil and lower cross‐bridge relaxation in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate the feasibility and utility of kinematic model parameters for assessing
RV
diastolic function.
The Meaning of the Firstborn Son in Joseph and Aseneth
Authors: Kim Kyu Seop
Published: April 2018

Despite its potential significance, scholars gloss over the concept of the firstborn son in Joseph and Aseneth with little regard to its meaning. The title of the firstborn son (πρωτότοκος) reminds us of the rivalry and the conflict between Israel and Egypt in Exodus. In particular, the death of the firstborn son of Pharaoh evokes the destruction of the firstborn Egyptians in Exodus. One of the main motifs in Joseph and Aseneth is the rivalry between Joseph and the firstborn son of Pharaoh; Joseph the firstborn son is described as the victor of the competition. The death of the firstborn son of Pharaoh alludes to the destruction of the firstborn sons of the Egyptians in Exodus 11. Therefore, the motif of the firstborn son in Joseph and Aseneth refers to Israel’s self-perception with regard to the superiority of the Jews over the gentiles (or Egyptians) as seen in Exodus.
Turning to or Away from Religion: The Role of Religion in the Lives of Romanian Migrants in the Czech Republic
Authors: Dubenská Tereza , Souralová Adéla
Published: April 2018

This sociological interview-based study explores the religious experiences of Orthodox Romanians living in one particular city in the Czech Republic. Drawing on narrative interviews, the article investigates the roles and meanings of religion in post-migration everyday life. We distinguish two rather opposing forms of religious mobilization in the lives of Romanian migrants in Czech society. The first form emphasizes religion as a means of maintaining transnational ties and networks; the second stresses the liberation from religion and the (not only religious) structures of Romanian society through, after, and because of migration. While the first includes various forms of practising Romanian orthodoxy, the latter entails the secularization of migrants and their emphasis on not belonging to a transnational social field. The aim of this article is to illuminate how Romanian migrants in the Czech Republic make sense of religious practices and how they understand these practices in the context of their migration experience. The findings are carefully interpreted within the context of Czech society.
Bias in Estimates of Global Mean Sea Level Change Inferred from Satellite Altimetry
Authors: Lickley Megan Jeramaz , Hay Carling C. , Tamisiea Mark E. , Mitrovica Jerry X.
Published: April 2018

Estimates of regional and global average sea level change remain a focus of climate change research. One complication in obtaining coherent estimates is that geodetic datasets measure different aspects of the sea level field. Satellite altimetry constrains changes in the sea surface height (SSH; or absolute sea level), whereas tide gauge data provide a measure of changes in SSH relative to the crust (i.e., relative sea level). The latter is a direct measure of changes in ocean volume (and the combined impacts of ice sheet melt and steric effects), but the former is not since it does not account for crustal deformation. Nevertheless, the literature commonly conflates the two estimates by directly comparing them. We demonstrate that using satellite altimetry records to estimate global ocean volume changes can lead to biases that can exceed 15%. The level of bias will depend on the relative contributions to sea level changes from the Antarctic and Greenland Ice Sheets. The bias is also more sensitive to the detailed geometry of mass flux from the Antarctic Ice Sheet than the Greenland Ice Sheet due to rotational effects on sea level. Finally, in a regional sense, altimetry estimates should not be compared to relative sea level changes because radial crustal motions driven by polar ice mass flux are nonnegligible globally.
The System for Integrating Multiplatform Data to Build the Atmospheric Column (SIMBA) Precipitation Observation Fusion Framework
Authors: Wingo Stephanie M. , Petersen Walter A. , Gatlin Patrick N. , Pabla Charanjit S. , Marks David A. , Wolff David B.
Published: April 2018

Researchers now have the benefit of an unprecedented suite of space- and ground-based sensors that provide multidimensional and multiparameter precipitation information. Motivated by NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission and ground validation objectives, the System for Integrating Multiplatform Data to Build the Atmospheric Column (SIMBA) has been developed as a unique multisensor precipitation data fusion tool to unify field observations recorded in a variety of formats and coordinate systems into a common reference frame. Through platform-specific modules, SIMBA processes data from native coordinates and resolutions only to the extent required to set them into a user-defined three-dimensional grid. At present, the system supports several ground-based scanning research radars, NWS NEXRAD radars, profiling Micro Rain Radars (MRRs), multiple disdrometers and rain gauges, soundings, the GPM Microwave Imager and Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar on board the Core Observatory satellite, and Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor system quantitative precipitation estimates. SIMBA generates a new atmospheric column data product that contains a concomitant set of all available data from the supported platforms within the user-specified grid defining the column area in the versatile netCDF format. Key parameters for each data source are preserved as attributes. SIMBA provides a streamlined framework for initial research tasks, facilitating more efficient precipitation science. We demonstrate the utility of SIMBA for investigations, such as assessing spatial precipitation variability at subpixel scales and appraising satellite sensor algorithm representation of vertical precipitation structure for GPM Core Observatory overpass cases collected in the NASA Wallops Precipitation Science Research Facility and the GPM Olympic Mountain Experiment (OLYMPEX) ground validation field campaign in Washington State.
The Supply of Cannabis for Medical Use Through Cannabis Social Clubs in Belgium
Authors: Pardal Mafalda , Bawin Frédérique
Published: April 2018

Cannabis Social Clubs (CSCs) are nonprofit associations of adult cannabis users, which collectively organize the supply of cannabis among their members. As CSCs currently also serve members using cannabis for medical purposes, this article aims to detail the particular features of Belgian CSCs as suppliers of cannabis for medical use, and how those are perceived by CSC members. In this article, we draw on data gathered through interviews with the managing staff ( n = 21) of seven currently active Belgian CSCs. In addition, we conducted interviews ( n = 21) and an online survey ( n = 80) with members of Belgian CSCs using cannabis for medical reasons. We present Belgian CSCs’ practices building on an adapted version of the health services analytical framework proposed by Belle-Isle et al. This article thus provides a first overview of the features of Belgian CSCs as suppliers of cannabis for medical use as well as members’ perceptions. Structural differences emerged as to how the Belgian CSCs have accommodated medical members’ needs (in mixed CSCs where no formal distinction is made between recreational and medical members, in a separate CSC subunit or in a CSC admitting medical members only). Candidate medical members must fulfill specific criteria, particularly when applying for the medical units. The CSCs have adopted two different types of distribution methods, and the cannabis supplied is produced organically—systematic quality control is, however, lacking. We noted some flexibility in relation to frequency and quantity distributed to medical members. Affordability was positively appreciated by CSC members. Collaboration between CSCs and the health sector remains challenging. Some degree of diversity in practices among CSCs remains, as well as common issues which continue to affect the model in Belgium and are important in understanding the role and potential of CSCs as providers of cannabis for medical use.
Standardized Management Protocol in Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Colucci Giuseppe , Helsing Karin , Biasiutti Franziska Demarmels , Raio Luigi , Schmid Pirmin , Tsakiris Dimitrios A. , Eberle Balthasar , Surbek Daniel , Lämmle Bernhard , Alberio Lorenzo
Published: April 2018

Severe postpartum hemorrhage (sPPH) is an obstetric emergency that needs prompt and effective therapy to reduce the risk of complications. In this study, women who developed sPPH (study cohort, n = 27) were treated according to a standardized management protocol prescribing sequential administration of uterotonic drugs, crystalloids, tranexamic acid, labile blood products, low-dose fibrinogen, and recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa). This group was compared to patients treated with different strategies during 2 preceding periods: an in-house guideline regulating the administration of rFVIIa (historical cohort 1, n = 20) and no specific guideline (historical cohort 2, n = 27). The management protocol was used over 33 months. The study cohort had a lower estimated blood loss ( P = .004) and required less red blood cell concentrates ( P = .007), fresh frozen plasma units ( P = .004), and platelet concentrates ( P = .020) compared to historical cohort 1 and historical cohort 2, respectively. The necessity of emergency postpartum hysterectomy was lower in the study group ( P = .012). In conclusion, in patients with sPPH treated with this standardized management protocol, we observed a decreased requirement of labile blood products and lower need to proceed to emergency postpartum hysterectomy.
The Australian sport field: moving and watching
Authors: Gayo Modesto , Rowe David
Published: April 2018

The Australian sport field (as in other countries) is powerfully influenced by the media field, and for this reason, the survey on which this article is based placed considerable emphasis on mediated spectatorship. The survey, which draws on and adapts the work of Pierre Bourdieu, revealed differences in the place of sport in the lives of respondents, with a majority never playing it, but an even larger majority watching sport through the media, especially television. Positions within the sport field can, like others, be represented as a set of clusters or divided into quadrants where variable cultural practices; degrees of cultural, educational, social and economic capital; and social characteristics are thrown into sharp relief. This article teases out such differences in relations and practices within the sport field, explores knowledge and taste with regard to playing and watching sport in Australia, and questions the relationship between sport and national culture.
The brain health index: Towards a combined measure of neurovascular and neurodegenerative structural brain injury
Authors: Dickie David Alexander , Valdés Hernández Maria del C , Makin Stephen D , Staals Julie , Wiseman Stewart J , Bastin Mark E , Wardlaw Joanna M
Published: April 2018

Background

A structural magnetic resonance imaging measure of combined neurovascular and neurodegenerative burden may be useful as these features often coexist in older people, stroke and dementia.

Aim

We aimed to develop a new automated approach for quantifying visible brain injury from small vessel disease and brain atrophy in a single measure, the brain health index.

Materials and methods

We computed brain health index in N = 288 participants using voxel-based Gaussian mixture model cluster analysis of T1, T2, T2*, and FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging. We tested brain health index against a validated total small vessel disease visual score and white matter hyperintensity volumes in two patient groups (minor stroke, N = 157; lupus, N = 51) and against measures of brain atrophy in healthy participants (N = 80) using multiple regression. We evaluated associations with Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Exam Revised in patients and with reaction time in healthy participants.

Results

The brain health index (standard beta = 0.20–0.59, P < 0.05) was significantly and more strongly associated with Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Exam Revised, including at one year follow-up, than white matter hyperintensity volume (standard beta = 0.04–0.08, P > 0.05) and small vessel disease score (standard beta = 0.02–0.27, P > 0.05) alone in both patient groups. Further, the brain health index (standard beta = 0.57–0.59, P < 0.05) was more strongly associated with reaction time than measures of brain atrophy alone (standard beta = 0.04–0.13, P > 0.05) in healthy participants.

Conclusions

The brain health index is a new image analysis approach that may usefully capture combined visible brain damage in large-scale studies of ageing, neurovascular and neurodegenerative disease.
Pulmonary hypertension in chronic lung diseases: comparison to other pulmonary hypertension groups
Authors: Chebib Nader , Mornex Jean‐François , Traclet Julie , Philit François , Khouatra Chahera , Zeghmar Sabrina , Turquier Ségolène , Cottin Vincent
Published: April 2018

Group 3 pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of advanced chronic lung disease. Our hypothesis was that group 3 PH is associated with a more severe baseline presentation and a more severe prognosis compared to group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), chronic thromboembolic PH (group 4), and group 5 PH. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive incident PH patients in a single center between January 2006 and November 2014. Data were acquired from a prospective database. Clinical, functional, and hemodynamic characteristics, as well as survival, were compared between the four groups of precapillary PH. A total of 363 patients were analyzed; 164 patients (45.2%) belonged to group 1 PAH, 109 (30%) to group 3 PH, 65 (17.9%) to group 4 PH, and 25 (6.9%) to group 5 PH. Group 3 patients were predominantly male and were more frequently in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV. Patients with group 3 and 4 PH were older, had significantly lower 6‐min walking distance (6MWD), higher mean pulmonary arterial pressure, higher pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and lower cardiac index (CI) than PAH patients. Group 3 and 5 patients had significantly lower total lung capacity (TLC), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1; group 3 patients had the lowest carbon monoxide transfer coefficient values. PH therapy was used in 90.9% of group 3 patients. Univariate analysis of prognostic factors in the overall population showed that age, male gender, NYHA class, groups 3 and 4 PH (vs. PAH), 6MWD, FVC, TLC, carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (KCO), PVR, CI, and venous oxygen saturation were significantly associated with greater mortality. Multivariate analysis showed that age, PH group 4, 6MWD, and KCO but no longer PH group 3 were significantly associated with mortality. Patients with group 3 PH are older, have more severe baseline presentation and lower survival rates than PAH patients in univariate analysis, that seemed to be related to older age.
The XL probe: A luxury or a necessity? Risk stratification in an obese community cohort using transient elastography
Authors: Harris Rebecca , Card Timothy R , Delahooke Toby , Aithal Guruprasad P , Guha I Neil
Published: April 2018

Background

Transient elastography is a non‐invasive tool which can stratify patients at risk of chronic liver disease. However, a raised body mass index has been independently associated with a failed or unreliable examination.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyse the performance of two probes (M/XL) on a portable transient elastography device within an obese community population.

Method

The method involved a prospective study with recruitment from a primary care practice. Patients identified with a risk factor for chronic liver disease were invited to a community‐based risk stratification pathway for transient elastography readings with both probes. A threshold of ≥8.0 kPa defined elevated liver stiffness.

Results

A total of 477 patients attended the pathway. Of the patients, 21% had no valid measurements with the M probe. There was a significant difference between the probes in the proportion achieving ≥10 valid readings (M versus XL probe: 66.2% versus 90.2%; p ≤ 0.001) and in their reliability (M versus XL probe: 77.4% versus 98.5%; p = 0.028). Unreliable readings with the M probe increased as the body mass index increased. The XL probe re‐stratified 5.2% of patients to have a normal reading.

Conclusion

The XL probe on a portable device significantly improves the applicability of transient elastography within a community‐based risk stratification pathway.
Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography in a cohort of alpha-1 antitrypsin-deficient individuals and healthy volunteers
Authors: Diaz Sandra , Mostafavi Behrouz , Tanash Hanan A , Piitulainen Eeva
Published: April 2018

Background

Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography has been used to assess liver stiffness non-invasively. However, its usefulness in alpha-1 antitripsin-deficient (AATD) individuals is unknown.

Purpose

To assess if liver fibrosis is present in a cohort of AATD individuals using ARFI elastography.

Material and Methods

Eighty-three participants aged 38–39 years, except for two who were aged 40 years, underwent ultrasound elastography of the liver with ARFI technique. Twenty-nine were homozygote ZZ genotype, PiZZ (14 men, 15 women); 12 were SZ genotype, Pi SZ (8 men, 4 women), and 42 were healthy volunteers, PiMM (16 men, 26 women). Three specific liver anatomical regions were examined: segments 2/3 (left lobe) in the subcostal plane, and 5/6 and 7/8 (right lobe) in the intercostal space. In each region, three measurements were registered.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between ARFI-median in the AATD group and the control group ( P value = 0.877) and neither between AATD groups (PiZZ and PiSZ) with a P value = 0.259. The ARFI-median was lower in the right liver lobe than in the left lobe in all groups and the difference between both lobes was statistically significant ( P = 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in ARFI-median of the right liver lobe between the AATD group and the control group ( P = 0.759), nor between the AATD group ( P = 0.384). No gender difference was found in ARFI-median.

Conclusions

ARFI values in AATD individuals aged 38–39 years showed no difference compare to healthy participants.
SALL1 functions as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer by regulating cancer cell senescence and metastasis through the NuRD complex
Authors: Ma Chunling , Wang Fang , Han Bing , Zhong Xiaoli , Si Fusheng , Ye Jian , Hsueh Eddy C. , Robbins Lynn , Kiefer Susan M. , Zhang Yanping , Hunborg Pamela , Varvares Mark A. , Rauchman Michael , Peng Guangyong
Published: April 2018

Background

SALL1 is a multi-zinc finger transcription factor that regulates organogenesis and stem cell development, but the role of SALL1 in tumor biology and tumorigenesis remains largely unknown.

Methods

We analyzed SALL1 expression levels in human and murine breast cancer cells as well as cancer tissues from different types of breast cancer patients. Using both in vitro co-culture system and in vivo breast tumor models, we investigated how SALL1 expression in breast cancer cells affects tumor cell growth and proliferation, metastasis, and cell fate. Using the gain-of function and loss-of-function strategies, we dissected the molecular mechanism responsible for SALL1 tumor suppressor functions.

Results

We demonstrated that SALL1 functions as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer, which is significantly down-regulated in the basal like breast cancer and in estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) triple negative breast cancer patients. SALL1 expression in human and murine breast cancer cells inhibited cancer cell growth and proliferation, metastasis, and promoted cell cycle arrest. Knockdown of SALL1 in breast cancer cells promoted cancer cell growth, proliferation, and colony formation. Our studies revealed that tumor suppression was mediated by recruitment of the Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) complex by SALL1, which promoted cancer cell senescence. We further demonstrated that the mechanism of inhibition of breast cancer cell growth and invasion by SALL1-NuRD depends on the p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and mTOR signaling pathways.

Conclusion

Our studies indicate that the developmental control gene SALL1 plays a critical role in tumor suppression by recruiting the NuRD complex and thereby inducing cell senescence in breast cancer cells.
People with diabetes foot complications do not recall their foot education: a cohort study
Authors: Yuncken Julia , Williams Cylie M. , Stolwyk Rene , Haines Terry P.
Published: April 2018

Background

The purpose of this study is to document what and how diabetes specific foot health information was provided during a podiatry consultation, and what information was retained at 1 month post consultation.

Methods

This project was embedded within a prospective cohort study with two groups, podiatrists and people with diabetes. Data collection included the Problem Areas in Diabetes Questionnaire (PAID), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), information covered during the consultation, method of delivery and perceived key educational message from both participant perspectives at the time of the appointment and 1 month post appointment.

Results

There were three podiatrists and 24 people with diabetes who provided information at the two time points. Diabetes education provided by the podiatrists was mostly verbal. The key educational message recalled by both groups differed at the time of the appointment (14 out of 24 of responses) and at 1 month post the appointment time (11 out of 24 of responses).

Conclusions

Education is a vital component to the treatment regime of people with diabetes. It appears current approaches are ineffective in enhancing understanding of diabetes impact on foot health. This study highlights the need for research investigating better ways to deliver key pieces of information to this population.
Neural circuits driving larval locomotion in Drosophila
Authors: Clark Matthew Q. , Zarin Aref Arzan , Carreira-Rosario Arnaldo , Doe Chris Q.
Published: April 2018

More than 30 years of studies into Drosophila melanogaster neurogenesis have revealed fundamental insights into our understanding of axon guidance mechanisms, neural differentiation, and early cell fate decisions. What is less understood is how a group of neurons from disparate anterior-posterior axial positions, lineages and developmental periods of neurogenesis coalesce to form a functional circuit. Using neurogenetic techniques developed in Drosophila it is now possible to study the neural substrates of behavior at single cell resolution. New mapping tools described in this review, allow researchers to chart neural connectivity to better understand how an anatomically simple organism performs complex behaviors.
The prognostic impact of abdominal surgery in cancer patients with neutropenic enterocolitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis, on behalf the Groupe de Recherche en Réanimation Respiratoire du patient d’Onco-Hématologie (GRRR-OH)
Authors: Saillard Colombe , Zafrani Lara , Darmon Michael , Bisbal Magali , Chow-Chine Laurent , Sannini Antoine , Brun Jean-Paul , Ewald Jacques , Turrini Olivier , Faucher Marion , Azoulay Elie , Mokart Djamel
Published: April 2018

Neutropenic enterocolitis (NE) is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge associated with high mortality rates, with controversial opinions on its optimal management. Physicians are usually reluctant to select surgery as the first-choice treatment, concerns being raised regarding the potential risks associated with abdominal surgery during neutropenia. Nevertheless, no published studies comforted this idea, literature is scarce and surgery has never been compared to medical treatment. This review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prognostic impact of abdominal surgery on outcome of neutropenic cancer patients presenting with NE, versus medical conservative treatment. This meta-analysis included studies analyzing cancer patients presenting with NE, treated with surgical or medical treatment, searched by PubMed and Cochrane databases (1983–2016), according to PRISMA recommendations. The endpoint was hospital mortality. Fixed-effects models were used. The meta-analysis included 20 studies (385 patients). Overall estimated mortality was 42.2% (95% CI = 40.2–44.2). Abdominal surgery was associated with a favorable outcome with an OR of 0.41 (95% CI = 0.23–0.74; p = 0.003). Pre-defined subgroups analysis showed that neither period of admission, underlying malignancy nor neutropenia during the surgical procedure, influenced this result. Surgery was not associated with an excess risk of mortality compared to medical treatment. Defining the optimal indications of surgical treatment is needed.

Trial registration PROSPERO CRD42016048952
QER: a new feature selection method for sentiment analysis
Authors: Parlar Tuba , Özel Selma Ayşe , Song Fei
Published: April 2018

Sentiment analysis is about the classification of sentiments expressed in review documents. In order to improve the classification accuracy, feature selection methods are often used to rank features so that non-informative and noisy features with low ranks can be removed. In this study, we propose a new feature selection method, called query expansion ranking, which is based on query expansion term weighting methods from the field of information retrieval. We compare our proposed method with other widely used feature selection methods, including Chi square, information gain, document frequency difference, and optimal orthogonal centroid, using four classifiers: naïve Bayes multinomial, support vector machines, maximum entropy modelling, and decision trees. We test them on movie and multiple kinds of product reviews for both Turkish and English languages so that we can show their performances for different domains, languages, and classifiers. We observe that our proposed method achieves consistently better performance than other feature selection methods, and query expansion ranking, Chi square, information gain, document frequency difference methods tend to produce better results for both the English and Turkish reviews when tested using naïve Bayes multinomial classifier.
Labour market effects of job displacement for prime-age and older workers
Authors: Deelen Anja , de Graaf-Zijl Marloes , van den Berge Wiljan
Published: April 2018

This paper studies the effects of firm closures associated with bankruptcies on the employment status and wages of prime-age and older workers using Dutch administrative data for the period 2000–2011. Applying difference-in-differences techniques and non-parametric matching, we find adverse effects on the probability to be in work and on wages earned in the new job, which are larger for older workers than for prime-age workers. Within the older-age group, the effects are stronger for formerly long-tenured workers, for older workers who lost their job in declining sectors in the regional labour market and for workers who changed sectors. In the prime-age group, these differences are less pronounced. Our results suggest that job- and sector-specific factors are important for understanding the more vulnerable position of older workers after job loss.
Hemorrhagic stroke after Epley maneuver: A case report
Authors: Moore Paige , Le Trung , Blakley Brian , Beiko Jason , Meen Eric
Published: April 2018

Background

This is the first case to our knowledge of a serious adverse event following the Epley maneuver, which is the treatment of choice for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the most common vestibular disorder in adults.

Case presentation

A 77 year old female presented for outpatient evaluation of vertigo at a tertiary otolaryngology clinic. She was found to have BPPV clinically, and elected to have a particle repositioning maneuver (Epley maneuver) performed in clinic. Immediately following Epley maneuver, she had severe nausea and vomiting, with evolving visual changes. A CT angiogram of the brain was performed urgently through the emergency department and demonstrated an acute intraparenchymal hemorrhage in the occipital lobe. After medical stabilization and rehabilitation, the patient continues to have a permanent visual field deficit.

Conclusion

The Epley maneuver is safe and effective, and there are no prior reports of serious adverse events associated with its use. This case, in which a patient experienced a hemorrhagic stroke after undergoing the Epley maneuver, is the first and sole case in the medical literature of an Epley-associated serious adverse event. The indirect causation and extreme rarity of this event do not warrant any change to patterns of practice.