bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin promotes proliferation and fibrosing responses in activated pancreatic stellate cells
Authors: Yang Jiayue , Waldron Richard T. , Su Hsin-Yuan , Moro Aune , Chang Hui-Hua , Eibl Guido , Ferreri Kevin , Kandeel Fouad R. , Lugea Aurelia , Li Ling , Pandol Stephen J.
Published: September 2016

Epidemiological studies support strong links between obesity, diabetes, and pancreatic disorders including pancreatitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is associated with insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia, the latter due to increased insulin secretion by pancreatic beta-cells. We reported that high-fat diet-induced PDAC progression in mice is associated with hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PaSC). We investigated here the effects of high concentrations of insulin and glucose on mouse and human PaSC growth and fibrosing responses. We found that compared with normal, pancreata from T2DM patients displayed extensive collagen deposition and activated PaSC in islet and peri-islet exocrine pancreas. Mice fed a high-fat diet for up to 12 mo similarly displayed increasing peri-islet fibrosis compared with mice fed control diet. Both quiescent and activated PaSC coexpress insulin (IR; mainly A type) and IGF (IGF-1R) receptors, and both insulin and glucose modulate receptor expression. In cultured PaSC, insulin induced rapid tyrosine autophosphorylation of IR/IGF-1R at specific kinase domain activation loop sites, activated Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling, and inactivated FoxO1, a transcription factor that restrains cell growth. Insulin did not promote activation of quiescent PaSC in either 5 mM or 25 mM glucose containing media. However, in activated PaSC, insulin enhanced cell proliferation and augmented production of extracellular matrix proteins, and these effects were abolished by specific inhibition of mTORC1 and mTORC2. In conclusion, our data support the concept that increased local glucose and insulin concentrations associated with obesity and T2DM promote PaSC growth and fibrosing responses.
Acrolein and thiol-reactive electrophiles suppress allergen-induced innate airway epithelial responses by inhibition of DUOX1 and EGFR
Authors: Danyal Karamatullah , de Jong Willem , O'Brien Edmund , Bauer Robert A. , Heppner David E. , Little Andrew C. , Hristova Milena , Habibovic Aida , van der Vliet Albert
Published: September 2016

Acrolein is a major thiol-reactive component of cigarette smoke (CS) that is thought to contribute to increased asthma incidence associated with smoking. Here, we explored the effects of acute acrolein exposure on innate airway responses to two common airborne allergens, house dust mite and Alternaria alternata, and observed that acrolein exposure of C57BL/6 mice (5 ppm, 4 h) dramatically inhibited innate airway responses to subsequent allergen challenge, demonstrated by attenuated release of the epithelial-derived cytokines IL-33, IL-25, and IL-1α. Acrolein and other anti-inflammatory thiol-reactive electrophiles, cinnamaldehyde, curcumin, and sulforaphane, similarly inhibited allergen-induced production of these cytokines from human or murine airway epithelial cells in vitro. Based on our previous observations indicating the importance of Ca2+-dependent signaling, activation of the NADPH oxidase DUOX1, and Src/EGFR-dependent signaling in allergen-induced epithelial secretion of these cytokines, we explored the impact of acrolein on these pathways. Acrolein and other thiol-reactive electrophiles were found to dramatically prevent allergen-induced activation of DUOX1 as well as EGFR, and acrolein was capable of inhibiting EGFR tyrosine kinase activity via modification of C797. Biotin-labeling strategies indicated increased cysteine modification and carbonylation of Src, EGFR, as well as DUOX1, in response to acrolein exposure in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that direct alkylation of these proteins on accessible cysteine residues may be responsible for their inhibition. Collectively, our findings indicate a novel anti-inflammatory mechanism of CS-derived acrolein and other thiol-reactive electrophiles, by directly inhibiting DUOX1- and EGFR-mediated airway epithelial responses to airborne allergens.
Personalized Medicine Tackles Clinical Resistance: Alectinib in ALK-Positive Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Progressing on First-Generation ALK Inhibitor
Authors: Skoulidis Ferdinandos , Papadimitrakopoulou Vassiliki A.
Published: September 2016

Over the last 2 years, our therapeutic armamentarium against genomically defined subgroups of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has extended to patients with acquired resistance to front-line targeted therapy. Alectinib (Alecensa; Roche/Genentech), a second-generation, orally active, potent, and highly selective inhibitor of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), is indicated for patients with metastatic, ALK rearrangement–positive NSCLC whose disease has worsened after treatment with crizotinib or who became intolerant to the drug. Alectinib received orphan drug designation, breakthrough therapy designation, priority review status, and accelerated approval by the FDA. Clin Cancer Res; 22(21); 5177–82. ©2016 AACR.
Acetazolamide Serves as Selective Delivery Vehicle for Dipeptide-Linked Drugs to Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cazzamalli Samuele , Dal Corso Alberto , Neri Dario
Published: September 2016

In most cases, cytotoxic drugs do not preferentially accumulate at the tumor site, causing unwanted toxicities and preventing dose escalation to therapeutically active regimens. Here, we show that acetazolamide derivatives, which bind to carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) on the surface of kidney cancer cells, selectively deliver payloads at the site of disease, sparing normal organs. Biodistribution studies, performed in tumor-bearing mice with acetazolamide derivatives bearing a technetium-99m chelator complex or a red fluorophore as payload, revealed a preferential tumor accumulation of the compound at doses up to 560 nmol/kg. The percentage of injected dose per gram in the tumor was dose-dependent and revealed optimal tumor:organ ratios at 140 nmol/kg, with a tumor:blood ratio of 80:1 at 6 hours. Acetazolamide, coupled to potent cytotoxic drugs via a dipeptide linker, exhibited a potent antitumor activity in nude mice bearing SKRC-52 renal cell carcinomas, whereas drug derivatives devoid of the acetazolamide moiety did not exhibit any detectable anticancer activity at the same doses. The observation of tumor regression with a noninternalizing ligand and with different cytotoxic moieties (MMAE and PNU-159682) indicates a general mechanism of action, based on the selective accumulation of the product on tumor cells, followed by the extracellular proteolytic release of the cytotoxic payload at the neoplastic site and the subsequent drug internalization into tumor cells. Acetazolamide-based drug conjugates may represent a promising class of targeted agents for the treatment of metastatic kidney cancer, as the majority of human clear cell renal cell carcinomas are strongly positive for CAIX. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(12); 2926–35. ©2016 AACR.
Physical Fitness in Older People Recently Diagnosed with Cognitive Impairment Compared to Older People Recently Discharged from Hospital
Authors: Hesseberg Karin , Bergland Astrid , Rydwik Elisabeth , Brovold Therese
Published: September 2016

Background/Aims: There is evidence of an association between cognitive function and physical fitness. The aim of this study was to compare physical fitness in patients with cognitive impairment with a group of older people recently discharged from hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 98 patients recently diagnosed with cognitive impairment and 115 patients recently discharged from hospital. Associations between the study group variable and different components in the Senior fitness test were examined, controlling for demographic factors and comorbidity. Results: The group recently diagnosed with cognitive impairment indicated poorer results on three of six physical fitness components (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Older adults with cognitive impairment are in need of individually tailored physical activity programs to increase the level of physical fitness.
Cardiac-Specific Overexpression of miR-222 Induces Heart Failure and Inhibits Autophagy in Mice
Authors: Su Ming , Chen Zhiguo , Wang Changxin , Song Lei , Zou Yubao , Zhang Lianfeng , Hui Rutai , Wang Jizheng
Published: September 2016

Background: MicroRNAs play a crucial role in the regulation of pathological cardiac remodeling and heart failure. Previously, we found that overexpression of miR-221 induces heart failure in mice. The miR-222 and miR-221 share the same gene cluster, however, the role of miR-222 in the regulation of cardiac function remained ill-defined. Methods and Results: Transgenic mice with cardiac-specific expression of miR-222 (Tg-miR-222) mice were generated. The Tg-miR-222 mice developed significantly enlarged hearts at 4 weeks of age. Transthoracic echocardiograph data indicated that the hearts of Tg-miR-222 mice exhibited an increased left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter and decreased fractional shortening. We observed that the LC3-II in Tg-miR-222 mice was decreased accompanied with the upregulation of p62, indicating the autophagy inhibition in the hearts of Tg-miR-222 mice. The mTOR pathway, a negative regulator of autophagy, was activated in the hearts of Tg-miR-222 mice. The expression of p27 was downregulated by miR-222 overexpression. Conclusion: Our data indicate that miR-222 overexpression induces heart failure in mice. The downregulation of p27 and the activation of mTOR pathway may be involved in miR-222-induced heart failure and autophagy inhibition. Thus, targeting miR-222 expression may be a therapeutic strategy against pathological cardiac remodeling.
Early Bilateral Gonadoblastoma in a Young Child with Mosaicism for Turner Syndrome and Trisomy 18 with Y Chromosome
Authors: MacMahon Jayne M. , O'Sullivan Maureen J. , McDermott Michael , Quinn Feargal , Morris Thomas , Green Andrew J. , Betts David R. , O'Connell Susan M.
Published: September 2016

Mosaic Turner syndrome (TSM) commonly occurs in the form of 45,X/46,XX and 45,X/46,X,i(X)(q10). Mosaicism for a Y chromosome, 45,X/46,XY, has been well documented and is associated with increased risk of gonadoblastoma (GB). To date, there are only six reported cases of TSM with a trisomy 18 karyotype, and only two of these were phenotypically female with 45,X/47,XY,+18 karyotype. We present the case of a phenotypically female infant born with dysmorphic features. G-banded karyotype and interphase FISH of blood showed 45,X in 95% and 47,XY,+18 (trisomy 18) in 5% of cells analysed. However, interphase FISH of buccal cells showed only the presence of the 45,X cell line. Due to the presence of Y chromosome material, elective gonadectomy was performed at 13 months of age. There were bilateral streak ovaries with early evidence of GB bilaterally, a rudimentary uterus and bilateral fallopian tubes with unilateral ectopic adrenal tissue identified histologically. Interphase FISH of the gonadal tissue was similar to the blood findings with 45,X in 86% of cells and 47,XY,+18 in 14% of cells analysed. This case highlights a rare karyotype of TSM and trisomy 18 in the same patient and is the first reporting the associated finding of bilateral GB.
Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia Associated with Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Shah Ankit , Espana Edgar M. , Singh Arun D.
Published: September 2016

Purpose: To describe 2 cases of invasive squamous cell carcinoma that originated in the setting of severe atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC). Methods: Case one involved a 73-year-old male with atopic eczema and severe AKC who developed a limbal lesion suspicious for ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). Slit-lamp examination was significant for a new sessile lesion in the temporal limbal region of the left eye. The lesion was treated with excisional biopsy and cryotherapy. Topical therapy with mitomycin C, topical interferon alpha 2b, and topical 5-fluorouracil provided only partial control. Exenteration was eventually needed. Case two involved a 53-year-old male with history of severe AKC and eczema. Computed tomography imaging showed an infiltrative mass of the right orbit. Incisional biopsies confirmed conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma of both sides (invasive in the right eye, in situ in the left eye). Exenteration was needed for control of invasive carcinoma in the right eye. Results: Squamous cell carcinoma was treated without success in spite of surgical excision and aggressive treatment with multiple topical agents and multiple applications of cryotherapy. Orbital exenteration was needed in both cases. Conclusion: Chronic inflammation associated with AKC may be a risk factor for the development of bilateral, diffuse, invasive, and recurrent OSSN that may require exenteration.
Association of Adolescent Dimensional Borderline Personality Pathology with Past and Current Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Lifetime Suicidal Behavior: A Clinical Multicenter Study
Authors: Kaess Michael , Brunner Romuald , Parzer Peter , Edanackaparampil Manju , Schmidt Johannes , Kirisgil Melek , Fischer Gloria , Wewetzer Christoph , Lehmkuhl Gerd , Resch Franz
Published: September 2016

Descriptive diagnoses of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts (SAs) may detract from underlying dimensional borderline personality pathology (D-BPP). This study aimed to investigate D-BPP in adolescent inpatients with NSSI and SAs. A consecutive sample of 359 adolescent inpatients was assessed for current and past NSSI and life-time SAs. D-BPP and current mental health problems were measured using the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, respectively. D-BPP was significantly associated with both current (p < 0.001) and past NSSI (p = 0.025) and life-time SAs (p < 0.001) compared to their non-self-harming peers. Patients with current and past NSSI did not differ in terms of D-BPP or current mental health problems. A multivariate model did not show any additional influence of current mental health problems over and above D-BPP in predicting NSSI and SAs. It can be hypothesized that D-BPP underlies adolescent self-harm and may persist even after its termination, promoting a higher burden of mental health problems.
Oral Dextrose Gel Reduces the Need for Intravenous Dextrose Therapy in Neonatal Hypoglycemia
Authors: Rawat Munmun , Chandrasekharan Praveen , Turkovich Stephen , Barclay Nancy , Perry Katherine , Schroeder Eileen , Testa Lisa , Lakshminrusimha Satyan
Published: September 2016

Background: Newborn infants with risk factors may require intravenous (IV) dextrose for asymptomatic hypoglycemia. Administration of IV dextrose and transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may interfere with parent-infant bonding. Objective: To study the effect of implementing dextrose gel supplement with feeds in late preterm/term infants affected by asymptomatic hypoglycemia on reducing IV dextrose therapy. Method: A retrospective study was conducted before and after dextrose gel use: 05/01/2014 to 10/31/2014 and 11/01/2014 to 04/30/2015, respectively. Asymptomatic hypoglycemic (blood glucose level <45 mg/dl) infants in the newborn nursery (NBN) were given a maximum of 3 doses of dextrose gel (200 mg/kg of 40% dextrose) along with feeds. Transfer to the NICU for IV dextrose was considered treatment failure. Results: Dextrose gel with feeds increased the blood glucose level in 184/250 (74%) of asymptomatic hypoglycemic infants compared to 144/248 (58%) with feeds only (p < 0.01). Transfer from the NBN to the NICU for IV dextrose decreased from 35/1,000 to 25/1,000 live births (p < 0.01). Exclusive breastfeeding improved from 19 to 28% (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Use of dextrose gel with feeds reduced the need for IV fluids, avoided separation from the mother and promoted breastfeeding. Neonates who failed dextrose gel therapy were more likely to be large for gestational age, delivered by cesarean section and had lower baseline blood glucose levels.
In vivo Confocal Microscopy in Differentiating Ipilimumab-Induced Anterior Uveitis from Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Kiratli Hayyam , Mocan Mehmet C. , İrkeç Murat
Published: September 2016

This report aims to describe the facilitating role of in vivo confocal microscopy in differentiating inflammatory cells from a metastatic process in a patient with uveal melanoma and multiple systemic metastases who developed anterior uveitis while under ipilimumab treatment. A 43-year-old woman developed systemic metastases 11 months after treatment of amelanotic choroidal melanoma in her right eye with 30 Gy fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. She first received temozolomide and then 4 cycles of ipilimumab 3 mg/kg/day. After the third cycle, severe anterior uveitis with coarse pigment clumps on the lens was seen in the left eye. Her left visual acuity declined from 20/20 to 20/80. Confocal microscopy revealed globular keratic precipitates with hyperreflective inclusions and endothelial blebs all suggestive of granulomatous uveitis. The uveitic reaction subsided after a 3-week course of topical corticosteroids, and her visual acuity was 20/20 again. Although uveal melanoma metastatic to the intraocular structures of the fellow eye is exceedingly rare and metastasis masquerading uveitis without any identifiable uveal lesion is even more unusual, it was still mandatory to rule out this distant possibility in our particular patient who already had widespread systemic metastases. Confocal microscopy was a useful complementary tool by identifying the inflammatory features of the keratic precipitates.
Cardiorenal Syndrome in Western Countries: Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Management Approaches
Authors: Ronco Claudio , Di Lullo Luca
Published: September 2016

Background: It is well established that a large number of hospitalized patients present various degrees of heart and kidney dysfunction; primary disease of the heart or kidney often involves dysfunction or injury to the other. Summary: Based on above-cited organ cross-talk, the term cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) was proposed. Although CRS was usually referred to as abruption of kidney function following heart injury, it is now clearly established that it can describe negative effects of an impaired renal function on the heart and circulation. The historical lack of clear syndrome definition and complexity of diseases contributed to a waste of precious time especially concerning diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. The effective classification of CRS proposed in a Consensus Conference by the Acute Dialysis Quality Group essentially divides CRS into two main groups, cardiorenal and renocardiac CRS, on the basis of primum movens of disease (cardiac or renal); both cardiorenal and renocardiac CRS are then divided into acute and chronic according to disease onset. Type 5 CRS integrates all cardiorenal involvement induced by systemic disease. Key Messages: Prevalence and incidence data show a widespread increase of CRS also due to an increasing incidence of acute and chronic cardiovascular disease, such as acute decompensated heart failure, arterial hypertension and valvular heart disease. Patients with chronic kidney disease present various degrees of cardiovascular involvement especially due to chronic inflammatory status, volume and pressure overload and secondary hyperparathyroidism leading to a higher incidence of calcific heart disease. The following review will focus on the main aspects (epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic tools and protocols, therapeutic approaches) of CRS in Western countries (Europe and United States).
Prevalence of Sickle Cell Trait and Reliability of Self-Reported Status among Expectant Parents in Nigeria: Implications for Targeted Newborn Screening
Authors: Burnham-Marusich Amanda R. , Ezeanolue Chinenye O. , Obiefune Michael C. , Yang Wei , Osuji Alice , Ogidi Amaka G. , Hunt Aaron T. , Patel Dina , Ezeanolue Echezona E.
Published: September 2016

Background/Aims: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a life-threatening, autosomal recessive blood disorder prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. We identified the prevalence of sickle cell trait (SCT) among pregnant women and their male partners in Enugu State, Nigeria, and determined the accuracy of self-reported sickle cell status and its reliability for identifying high-risk newborns for targeted screening. Methods: We conducted a nested cohort study of expectant parents enrolled in the Healthy Beginning Initiative (HBI). The HBI is a cluster-randomized trial of a congregation-based approach designed to increase HIV testing. Participants completed a survey regarding self-awareness of their sickle cell genotype and consented to genotype screening by cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Results: SCT prevalence (HbAS) was 22% (746/3,371). Only 50% of participants provided an accurate self-report. Self-report accuracy was significantly different (p < 0.0001) between individuals who reported having SCT or SCD (61% accuracy) versus those who reported not having SCT or SCD (86% accuracy). Demographic variables including gender, age, household size, employment, education, and home location were significantly associated with providing an accurate self-report. Conclusions: Low numbers of accurate parental self-reports, coupled with a high SCT prevalence in Nigeria, could limit the efficacy of targeted newborn screening. However, our data indicate that it is feasible to integrate sickle cell screening for pregnant women with existing, community-based health care programs developed by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), such as the HBI. Expanding screening programs could enable the development of targeted newborn screening based on maternal genotype that could identify all newborns with SCD in resource-limited settings.
Characteristics of Hyperautofluorescent Choroidal Vessels Using Fundus Camera Type Short-Wavelength Autofluorescence
Authors: Shinojima Ari , Mori Ryusaburo , Nakashizuka Hiroyuki , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: September 2016

Purpose: To clarify differences between eyes showing hyperautofluorescent choroidal vessels in both nasal and temporal, or only the nasal, portions of the fundus using fundus autofluorescence. Methods: Nineteen eyes with hyperautofluorescent vessels in both nasal and temporal portions (group 1) and 17 only the nasal portion (group 2) of the fundus were studied. Choroidal and retinal thicknesses (foveal, and nasal and temporal 3,000 µm from the fovea), axial length, and refraction were compared between the two groups. Results: In group 1, the average foveal, nasal, and temporal choroidal thicknesses (mean ± SD) were 69.0 ± 30.9, 57.1 ± 18.7, and 88.3 ± 30.4 μm, retinal thicknesses 170.1 ± 48.5, 221.9 ± 46.5, and 209.5 ± 37.9 μm, axial length 28.2 ± 2.2 mm, and refraction -9.9 ± 5.9 dpt. In group 2, the respective values were 174.8 ± 43.0, 80.5 ± 20.9, and 173.5 ± 46.1 μm, 213.4 ± 29.8, 278.3 ± 20.2, and 252.8 ± 19.6 μm, 24.2 ± 1.4 mm, and -1.8 ± 3.8 dpt. There were significant between-group differences for all items (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Fundus autofluorescence tends to be associated with the detection of hyperautofluorescent choroidal vessels in eyes with strong myopia or greater axial length.
Plasma Levels of Fatty Acid–Binding Protein 4, Retinol-Binding Protein 4, High-Molecular-Weight Adiponectin, and Cardiovascular Mortality Among Men With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Liu Gang , Ding Ming , Chiuve Stephanie E. , Rimm Eric B. , Franks Paul W. , Meigs James B. , Hu Frank B. , Sun Qi
Published: September 2016

Objective—

To examine select adipokines, including fatty acid–binding protein 4, retinol-binding protein 4, and high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin in relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Approach and Results—

Plasma levels of fatty acid–binding protein 4, retinol-binding protein 4, and HMW adiponectin were measured in 950 men with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. After an average of 22 years of follow-up (1993–2015), 580 deaths occurred, of whom 220 died of CVD. After multivariate adjustment for covariates, higher levels of fatty acid–binding protein 4 were significantly associated with a higher CVD mortality: comparing extreme tertiles, the hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval of CVD mortality was 1.78 (1.22–2.59;
P
trend=0.001). A positive association was also observed for HMW adiponectin: the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was 2.07 (1.42–3.06;
P
trend=0.0002), comparing extreme tertiles, whereas higher retinol-binding protein 4 levels were nonsignificantly associated with a decreased CVD mortality with an hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of 0.73 (0.50–1.07;
P
trend=0.09). A Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that the causal relationships of HMW adiponectin and retinol-binding protein 4 would be directionally opposite to those observed based on the biomarkers, although none of the Mendelian randomization associations achieved statistical significance.

Conclusions—

These data suggest that higher levels of fatty acid–binding protein 4 and HMW adiponectin are associated with elevated CVD mortality among men with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Biological mechanisms underlying these observations deserve elucidation, but the associations of HMW adiponectin may partially reflect altered adipose tissue functionality among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Left Ventricular Rotational Mechanics in Children After Heart Transplantation
Authors: Nawaytou Hythem M. , Yubbu Putri , Montero Andrea E. , Nandi Deipanjan , O’Connor Matthew J. , Shaddy Robert E. , Banerjee Anirban
Published: September 2016

Background—

Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is multifactorial and can be an indicator of graft rejection or coronary artery vasculopathy. Analysis of rotational mechanics may help in the early diagnosis of ventricular dysfunction. Studies describing the left ventricular rotational strain in children after OHT are lacking. It is important to establish the baseline rotational mechanics in pediatric OHT to pursue further studies in this population.

Methods and Results—

Rotational strain measured by speckle tracking was compared in 32 children after OHT, with no evidence of active rejection or coronary artery vasculopathy with 35 age-matched normal controls. Twelve OHT patients and 13 controls underwent moderate exercise with pre- and postexercise echocardiography. Torsion, slope of the systolic limb of the torsion–radial displacement loop, and the untwist rate were significantly higher in OHT patients (torsion: median 2.7°/cm [Q1–Q3, 2.3–3.2] versus 2.3°/cm [Q1–Q3, 1.9–2.7];
P
=0.03, torsion–radial displacement loop: 2.7°/mm [Q1–Q3, 2.1–3.6] versus 2.0°/mm [Q1–Q3, 1.6–2.7];
P
=0.008, indexed peak untwist rate: −21.6°/s/cm [Q1–Q3, −24.3 to −15.7] versus −17.1°/s/cm [Q1–Q3, −19.6 to −13.3];
P
=0.01). Contrary to controls, OHT recipients were unable to increase torsion with exercise (OHT: 2.8°/cm [2.7–3.2] versus 3°/cm [2.4–3.5];
P
=0.81, controls: 2.2°/cm [2–2.6] versus 3°/cm [2.4–3.7];
P
=0.01, pre and post exercise, respectively). The systolic slope of the torsion–radial displacement loop relationship decreased with exercise in most OHT patients.

Conclusions—

Baseline rotational strain in OHT patients is higher than normal with a blunted response to exercise. The slope of torsion–radial displacement loop, and its response to exercise, may serve as a marker of left ventricular dysfunction in OHT patients.
Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of Early Tirofiban Treatment After Alteplase in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Li Wei , Lin Lu , Zhang Meng , Wu Ya , Liu Chengchun , Li Xiaoshu , Huang Shuhan , Liang Chunrong , Wang Yanjiang , Chen Jinhua , Feng Wuwei
Published: September 2016

Background and Purpose—

We investigated whether early initiation of tirofiban, a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist, is safe, can reduce the risk of reocclusion, and improve outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients after alteplase.

Methods—

Forty-one patients received alteplase followed by intravenous tirofiban infusion for at least 24 hours. The incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, systematic bleedings, and death was recorded. The National Institutes of Health stroke scale score was evaluated at 24 hours and at day 7 (or discharge). Modified Rankin scale was assessed at 3 months. Outcomes for these patients were compared with a propensity score–matched historical cohort with alteplase only.

Results—

The incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, death, or systematic bleedings (
P
=1.00) was not increased in the alteplase/tirofiban group. At 24 hours, fewer patients experienced reocclusion in the alteplase/tirofiban group (2.4% versus 22.0%;
P
=0.025). At day 7 or discharge, the median National Institutes of Health stroke scale score was significantly lower in the alteplase/tirofiban group (1 versus 6;
P
=0.002). At 3 months, more patients had favorable outcomes of modified Rankin scale 0 to 1 (70.7% versus 46.2%;
P
=0.026).

Conclusions—

Intravenous tirofiban immediately after alteplase seems to be safe and potentially more effective when compared with alteplase alone for selected stroke patients.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.chictr.org.cn/
. Unique identifier: ChiCTR-TRC-14004630.
Jus Post Bellum and the Responsibility to Rebuild – Identifying the Contours of an Ever More Important Aspect of r2p
Authors: Hilpold Peter
Published: September 2016

In the last years, the traditional dichotomy in international law between jus ad bellum and jus in bello has been more and more abandoned in favour of a system comprising also norms designed to create fair and sustainable peace. It has been recognized that post-war societies need help in order to avoid a relapse into conflict and chaos. But what is the essence of this jus post bellum? What are its sources? Did the introduction of a Responsibility to Protect (r2p) change the rather sceptical attitude by most governments towards peace-building activities that were often considered intrusive? Particular attention will be given to two recent post conflict countries, Kosovo and Libya, where the Responsibility to Rebuild was of considerable importance, but the State community only partially considered (Kosovo) or did not consider at all (Libya). In this contribution it will be shown that the contours of the jus post bellum are still rather unclear but that nevertheless it is very likely that this concept is here to stay.
Uncovering the diversity of the neotropical genus Elaphopsocus (‘Psocoptera’: Psocidae: Amphigerontiinae): from one to ten species
Authors: ROMÁN-PALACIOS CRISTIAN , OBANDO RANULFO GONZÁLEZ , ALDRETE ALFONSO N. GARCÍA
Published: September 2016

For 75 years, the genus Elaphopsocus was considered a monotypic lineage of neotropical psocids. As a result of recent work in South America, this genus presently includes seven species from Brazil and Colombia. We here describe three new species from the East Colombian high Andes.
Larvae of two East-Asian species of Nemoura (Plecoptera: Nemouridae)
Authors: TESLENKO VALENTINA A.
Published: September 2016

Associated larvae of the two East-Asian Nemoura species, N. papilla Okamoto and N. ussuriensis Zhiltzova are described and illustrated in detail for the first time. The main diagnostic features of late instar larvae of both species are color and pigment patterns, the chaetotaxy of the pronotum, legs, abdomen, and cercal segments.
Three new species of tribe Odynerini (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae) from the Neotropical Region
Authors: GRANDINETE YURI CAMPANHOLO , NOLL FERNANDO BARBOSA , CARPENTER JAMES
Published: September 2016

Three new species from the Neotropical region are described: Ancistroceroides soikai Grandinete & Carpenter, sp. nov. (Costa Rica, Paraguay); Cephalastor huautla Grandinete & Carpenter, sp. nov. (Mexico), and Symmorphus centralis Carpenter & Grandinete, sp. nov. (Costa Rica).
The bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) of the Maltese Islands
Authors: BALZAN MARIO V. , RASMONT PIERRE , KUHLMANN MICHAEL , DATHE HOLGER , PAULY ALAIN , PATINY SÉBASTIEN , TERZO MICHAEL , MICHEZ DENIS
Published: September 2016

This study presents the first checklist of the bees of the Maltese Islands and includes notes on the distribution of each species. A total of 95 species belonging to five bee families are recorded: Andrenidae (17 species), Apidae (34 species), Colletidae (6 species), Halictidae (15 species) and Megachilidae (23 species). Lasioglossum callizonium (Pérez, 1896) is recorded for the first time from the Maltese Islands. Records of three previously reported species are listed as dubious. The bee fauna of the Maltese Archipelago is dominated by widespread West-Palaearctic species, and most of the species recorded are also found in the Western Mediterranean Basin. Bees that have been recorded from Malta are also known from Southern Europe. The study provides a biogeographical analysis of the Maltese bee fauna, and discusses the conservation of this group and their important role in the delivery of ecosystem services in the Maltese Islands.
A revision of the myrmecophilous genus Smilax Laporte (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae)
Authors: CHATZIMANOLIS STYLIANOS
Published: September 2016

The neotropical myrmecophilous genus Smilax is revised and a new species, Smilax deneinephyto Chatzimanolis is described from southern Brazil. Lectotypes are designated for Smilax cyanea Wasmann and Staphylinus pilosus Fabricius. Smilax cyanea is shown to be a junior synonym of Smilax pilosa. A key and illustration of morphological features are provided for the identification of taxa. The types of the two species of Smilax were not available for study even though they are deposited in public museums.
Test of a Modified Infrared-Only ABI Cloud Mask Algorithm for AHI Radiance Observations
Authors: Zhuge X. , Zou X.
Published: September 2016

Assimilation of infrared channel radiances from geostationary imagers requires an algorithm that can separate cloudy radiances from clear-sky ones. An infrared-only cloud mask (CM) algorithm has been developed using the Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) radiance observations. It consists of a new CM test for optically thin clouds, two modified Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) CM tests, and seven other ABI CM tests. These 10 CM tests are used to generate composite CMs for AHI data, which are validated by using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) CMs. It is shown that the probability of correct typing (PCT) of the new CM algorithm over ocean and over land is 89.73% and 90.30%, respectively and that the corresponding leakage rates (LR) are 6.11% and 4.21%, respectively. The new infrared-only CM algorithm achieves a higher PCT and a lower false-alarm rate (FAR) over ocean than does the Clouds from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) Extended System (CLAVR-x), which uses not only the infrared channels but also visible and near-infrared channels. A slightly higher FAR of 7.92% and LR of 6.18% occurred over land during daytime. This result requires further investigation.
Temporal Variance-Based Sensitivity Analysis of the River-Routing Component of the Large-Scale Hydrological Model ISBA–TRIP: Application on the Amazon Basin
Authors: Emery Charlotte M. , Biancamaria Sylvain , Boone Aaron , Garambois Pierre-André , Ricci Sophie , Rochoux Mélanie C. , Decharme Bertrand
Published: September 2016

The continental part of the water cycle is commonly represented with hydrological models. Yet, there are limits in their capacity to accurately estimate water storage and dynamics because of their coarse spatial resolution, simplified physics, and an incomplete knowledge of atmospheric forcing and input parameters. These errors can be diminished using data assimilation techniques. The model’s most sensitive parameters should be identified beforehand. The objective of the present study is to highlight key parameters impacting the river-routing scheme Total Runoff Integrating Pathways (TRIP) while simulating river water height and discharge as a function of time focusing on the annual cycle. Thus, a sensitivity analysis based on the decomposition of model output variance (using a method called ANOVA) is utilized and applied over the Amazon basin. Tested parameters are perturbed with correcting factors. First, parameter-correcting coefficients are considered uniform over the entire basin. The results are specific to the TRIP model and show that geomorphological parameters explain around 95% of the water height variance with purely additive contributions, all year long, with a dominating impact of the river Manning coefficient (40%), the riverbed slope (35%), and the river width (20%). The results also show that discharge is essentially sensitive to the groundwater time constant that makes up more than 90% of the variance. To a lesser extent, in rising/falling flow period, the discharge is also sensitive to geomorphological parameters. Next, the Amazon basin is divided into nine subregions and the sensitivity analysis is carried out for regionalized parameter-correcting coefficients. The results show that local-region parameters impact water height, while upstream-region parameters affect discharge.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Age at First Sexual Activity, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Petrosky Emiko Y. , Liu Gui , Hariri Susan , Markowitz Lauri E.
Published: September 2016

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collects information on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination history as well as sexual activity. We evaluated data from NHANES to assess report of HPV vaccination with ≥1 dose and 3 doses among females and males aged 11 to 26 years during 2007-2014. We also examined age at first vaccine dose and age at first sexual activity among females aged 14 to 26 years. Vaccination significantly increased in females aged 13 to 26 years, but not among 11- to 12-year-old girls, and remained low for both females and males. In NHANES 2011-2014, among females with known age at first vaccine dose, 43.1% reported having had sex before or in the same year they received their first HPV vaccine, and this varied by race/ethnicity. Clinicians should provide strong recommendations consistent with guidelines, including routine vaccination of girls and boys at age 11 or 12 years.
Self-Centered Inequity Aversion and the Mass Politics of Taxation
Authors: Lü Xiaobo , Scheve Kenneth
Published: September 2016

The politics of economic crises brings distributive economic conflict to the fore of national political debates. How policy should be used to transfer resources between citizens becomes a central political question, and the answers chosen often influence the trajectory of policy for a generation. This context provides an ideal setting for evaluating the importance of self-interest and other-regarding preferences in shaping public opinion about economic policy. This article investigates whether self-centered inequity aversion along with self-interest influences individual tax policy opinions. We conduct original survey experiments in France and the United States, and provide evidence that individuals care about both how policy alternatives affect their own interests and how they influence the welfare of others relative to themselves.
Women at Work
Authors: Abendroth Anja-Kristin , Melzer Silvia , Kalev Alexandra , Tomaskovic-Devey Donald
Published: September 2016

Using a unique sample of 5,022 workers in 94 large German workplaces, the authors explore whether and how women’s access to higher level positions, firms’ human resources practices, and workers’ qualification levels are associated with gender differences in earnings. First, they find that having more women in management reduces the gender earnings gap for jobs with low qualifications, but not those with high qualifications. Second, they find that while men’s compensation is positively affected by having a male supervisor, women with a female supervisor do not receive such an advantage. Finally, they find that human resources practices and job-level qualifications moderate the association between gendered power and gender earnings inequalities. Integrating women into managerial and supervisory roles does not automatically reduce gender inequalities; its impacts are contingent on organizational context.
Differentiation of Chronic and Aggressive Periodontitis by FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Simsek Ozek N. , Zeller I. , Renaud D.E. , Gümüş P. , Nizam N. , Severcan F. , Buduneli N. , Scott D.A.
Published: September 2016

Without longitudinal clinical data, it is difficult to differentiate some cases of chronic periodontitis (CP) and aggressive periodontitis (AgP). Furthermore, both forms of disease are exacerbated by tobacco use. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was planned, primarily, to determine the ability of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to distinguish CP and AgP patients by analysis of human saliva samples and, secondarily, to assess the potential confounding influence of smoking on discriminating disease-specific spectral signatures. FTIR spectra were collected from patients with a clinical diagnosis of CP ( n = 18; 7 smokers) or AgP ( n = 23; 9 smokers). Self-reported smoking status, which may be unreliable, was confirmed by salivary cotinine analysis. Spectral band area analysis and hierarchical cluster analyses were performed to clarify if the 2 periodontitis groups as well as smoker and nonsmoker patients could be differentiated from each other. Significant variations in lipid, amino acid, lactic acid, and nucleic acid content were found between nonsmoker CP and AgP groups. Although significantly lower lipid, phospholipid, protein, amino acid, lactic acid, and nucleic acid content was noted in the smoker AgP group compared with the nonsmoker AgP group, in the CP group, phospholipid, protein, amino acid, and lactic acid content was significantly lower for smokers compared with the nonsmokers. Based on these variations, nonsmoker CP and AgP patients were discriminated from each other with high sensitivity and specificity. Successful differentiation was also obtained for the smoker CP and AgP groups. Thiocyanate levels successfully differentiated smokers from nonsmokers, irrespective of periodontal status, with 100% accuracy. Differentiation of AgP and CP forms, concomitant with determination of smoking status, may allow the dental health professional to tailor treatment accordingly.
Travelers’ Health Risk Perceptions and Protective Behavior: A Psychological Approach
Authors: Chien P. Monica , Sharifpour Mona , Ritchie Brent W. , Watson Bernadette
Published: September 2016

Although the significance of travel health risks is well documented, the process through which people assess their vulnerability and ultimately take on preventive measures needs clarification. The purpose of this article is to better understand factors underlying travelers’ health risk perceptions and their protective behavior. Using the health psychology literature, a conceptual model that incorporates multilevel psychological constructs was tested with 830 Australian outbound travelers. Worry was an important antecedent to both travel health risk perceptions and risk-protective behavior. Perceived control over health-related risks was not positively associated with risk perceptions but was positively associated with risk-protective behavior. Sensation-seeking propensity was negatively associated with risk perceptions but positively associated with risk-protective behavior. Travel risk perceptions mediated the relationship between the antecedents and risk-protective behavior. Implications for the design of health communication for industry and government are outlined, and future research avenues are also proposed.
The Demobilization of Civil Society
Authors: Jara Ibarra Camila
Published: September 2016

The return of democracy in Chile was characterized by the fragmentation, weakening, and crisis of social movements, which were barely present in decision making and defining the national political agenda in the postdictatorship period. Of the multiple factors that contributed to this demobilization, an important one was the influence of the collective trauma inherited from previous decades. In time, however, posttraumatic memory contributed to the generation of new identities and inputs for the collective action of the 2011 protest cycle.

El retorno a la democracia en Chile se caracterizó por la fragmentación, debilitamiento y crisis de los movimientos sociales, con una escasa presencia de éstos en la toma de decisiones y en la definición de la agenda política nacional en la fase post-dictatorial. De los factores multiples que contribuyeron a dar forma a esta desmovilización, un factor importante era la influencia del post-trauma colectivo heredado de las décadas precedentes. Con el tiempo, esta memoria post-traumática permite la (re)generación de nuevas identidades e ideas-fuerza para la acción colectiva del ciclo de protestas 2011.
Local characteristic of horizontal air–water two-phase flow by wire-mesh sensor
Authors: Liu Weiling , Tan Chao , Dong Feng
Published: September 2016

Two-phase flow widely exists in many industries. Understanding local characteristics of two-phase flow under different flow conditions in piping systems is important to design and optimize the industrial process for higher productivity and lower cost. Air–water two-phase flow experiments were conducted with a 16×16 conductivity wire-mesh sensor (WMS) in a horizontal pipe of a multiphase flow facility. The cross-sectional void fraction time series was analysed by the probability density function (PDF), which described the void fraction fluctuation at different flow conditions. The changes and causes of PDFs during a flow regime transition were analysed. The local structure and flow behaviour were characterized by the local flow spectrum energy analysis and the local void fraction distribution (horizontal, vertical and radial direction) analysis. Finally, three-dimensional transient flow fluctuation energy evolution and characteristic scale distribution based on wavelet analysis of air–water two-phase flow were presented, which revealed the structural features of each phase in two-phase flow.
Reimagining Global Social Movements in the Perspective of Egalitarian Democracy
Authors: Jalata Asafa
Published: September 2016

The analysis starts by offering a critique of the existing social movement literature and by suggesting the integration of critical theories of knowledge with theories and wisdom of indigenous peoples in order to develop an alternative knowledge of critical thinking and scholarship in social movement studies. It also proposes ideas about the need to democratize knowledge for better accounting for social movement studies, including that of indigenous struggles, for the purposes of formulating approaches that are necessary for enhancing a greater understanding of social movement theories and actions on global level. In the current crisis of global capitalism and neoliberal globalization, there is an urgent need to develop new insights for advancing the prospects for global social transformation, which is articulated by the slogan of the World Social Forum, namely, another world is possible. The piece specifically develops possible ways of struggling against and replacing bourgeois internationalism by globalism from below through advancing the agenda of an egalitarian democracy.