bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Longitudinal Complex Survey Data
Authors: Thompson Mary E.
Published: April 2015

Common features of longitudinal surveys are complex sampling designs, which must be maintained and extended over time; measurement errors, including memory errors; panel conditioning or time-in-sample effects; and dropout or attrition. In the analysis of longitudinal survey data, both the theory of complex samples and the theory of longitudinal data analysis must be combined. This article reviews the purposes of longitudinal surveys and the kinds of analyses that are commonly used to address the questions these surveys are designed to answer. In it, I discuss approaches to incorporating the complex designs in inference, as well as the complications introduced by time-in-sample effects and by nonignorable attrition. I also outline the use and limitations of longitudinal survey data in supporting causal inference and conclude with some summary remarks.
Effects of incremental beta-blocker dosing on myocardial mechanics of the human left ventricle: MRI 3D-tagging insight into pharmacodynamics supports theory of inner antagonism
Authors: Schmitt Boris , Li Tieyan , Kutty Shelby , Khasheei Alireza , Schmitt Katharina R. L. , Anderson Robert H. , Lunkenheimer Paul P. , Berger Felix , Kühne Titus , Peters Björn
Published: April 2015

Beta-blockers contribute to treatment of heart failure. Their mechanism of action, however, is incompletely understood. Gradients in beta-blocker sensitivity of helically aligned cardiomyocytes compared with counteracting transversely intruding cardiomyocytes seem crucial. We hypothesize that selective blockade of transversely intruding cardiomyocytes by low-dose beta-blockade unloads ventricular performance. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 3D tagging delivers parameters of myocardial performance. We studied 13 healthy volunteers by MRI 3D tagging during escalated intravenous administration of esmolol. The circumferential, longitudinal, and radial myocardial shortening was determined for each dose. The curves were analyzed for peak value, time-to-peak, upslope, and area-under-the-curve. At low doses, from 5 to 25 μg·kg−1·min−1, peak contraction increased while time-to-peak decreased yielding a steeper upslope. Combining the values revealed a left shift of the curves at low doses compared with baseline without esmolol. At doses of 50 to 150 μg·kg−1·min−1, a right shift with flattening occurred. In healthy volunteers we found more pronounced myocardial shortening at low compared with clinical dosage of beta-blockers. In patients with ventricular hypertrophy and higher prevalence of transversely intruding cardiomyocytes selective low-dose beta-blockade could be even more effective. MRI 3D tagging could help to determine optimal individual beta-blocker dosing avoiding undesirable side effects.
Hypoxia increases exercise heart rate despite combined inhibition of β-adrenergic and muscarinic receptors
Authors: Siebenmann C. , Rasmussen P. , Sørensen H. , Bonne T. C. , Zaar M. , Aachmann-Andersen N. J. , Nordsborg N. B. , Secher N. H. , Lundby C.
Published: April 2015

Hypoxia increases the heart rate response to exercise, but the mechanism(s) remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that the tachycardic effect of hypoxia persists during separate, but not combined, inhibition of β-adrenergic and muscarinic receptors. Nine subjects performed incremental exercise to exhaustion in normoxia and hypoxia (fraction of inspired O2 = 12%) after intravenous administration of 1) no drugs (Cont), 2) propranolol (Prop), 3) glycopyrrolate (Glyc), or 4) Prop + Glyc. HR increased with exercise in all drug conditions ( P < 0.001) but was always higher at a given workload in hypoxia than normoxia ( P < 0.001). Averaged over all workloads, the difference between hypoxia and normoxia was 19.8 ± 13.8 beats/min during Cont and similar (17.2 ± 7.7 beats/min, P = 0.95) during Prop but smaller ( P < 0.001) during Glyc and Prop + Glyc (9.8 ± 9.6 and 8.1 ± 7.6 beats/min, respectively). Cardiac output was enhanced by hypoxia ( P < 0.002) to an extent that was similar between Cont, Glyc, and Prop + Glyc (2.3 ± 1.9, 1.7 ± 1.8, and 2.3 ± 1.2 l/min, respectively, P > 0.4) but larger during Prop (3.4 ± 1.6 l/min, P = 0.004). Our results demonstrate that the tachycardic effect of hypoxia during exercise partially relies on vagal withdrawal. Conversely, sympathoexcitation either does not contribute or increases heart rate through mechanisms other than β-adrenergic transmission. A potential candidate is α-adrenergic transmission, which could also explain why a tachycardic effect of hypoxia persists during combined β-adrenergic and muscarinic receptor inhibition.
Regional differences in alveolar density in the human lung are related to lung height
Authors: McDonough John E. , Knudsen Lars , Wright Alexander C. , Elliott W. Mark , Ochs Matthias , Hogg James C.
Published: April 2015

The gravity-dependent pleural pressure gradient within the thorax produces regional differences in lung inflation that have a profound effect on the distribution of ventilation within the lung. This study examines the hypothesis that gravitationally induced differences in stress within the thorax also influence alveolar density in terms of the number of alveoli contained per unit volume of lung. To test this hypothesis, we measured the number of alveoli within known volumes of lung located at regular intervals between the apex and base of four normal adult human lungs that were rapidly frozen at a constant transpulmonary pressure, and used microcomputed tomographic imaging to measure alveolar density (number alveoli/mm3) at regular intervals between the lung apex and base. These results show that at total lung capacity, alveolar density in the lung apex is 31.6 ± 3.4 alveoli/mm3, with 15 ± 6% of parenchymal tissue consisting of alveolar duct. The base of the lung had an alveolar density of 21.2 ± 1.6 alveoli/mm3 and alveolar duct volume fraction of 29 ± 6%. The difference in alveolar density can be negated by factoring in the effects of alveolar compression due to the pleural pressure gradient at the base of the lung in vivo and at functional residual capacity.
Effectiveness of a Nurse-Managed Protocol to Prevent Hypoglycemia in Hospitalized Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Marelli Giuseppe , Avanzini Fausto , Iacuitti Giuseppe , Planca Enrico , Frigerio Ilaria , Busi Giovanna , Carlino Liliana , Cortesi Laura , Roncaglioni Maria Carla , Riva Emma
Published: April 2015

Background. Hypoglycemia due to inadequate carbohydrate intake is a frequent complication of insulin treatment of diabetic in-patients.Objective.To assess the effectiveness of a nurse-managed protocol to prevent hypoglycemia during subcutaneous insulin treatment.Design. Prospective pre-post-intervention study.Methods. In 350 consecutive diabetic in-patients the incidence of hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 70 mg/dL) during subcutaneous insulin treatment was assessed before (phase A) and after (phase B) the protocol was adopted to permit (1) the patient to opt for substitutive food to integrate incomplete carbohydrate intake in the meal; (2) in case of lack of appetite or repeatedly partial intake of the planned food, prandial insulin administered at the end of the meal to be related to the actual amount of carbohydrates eaten; (3) intravenous infusion of glucose during prolonged fasting.Results. Eighty-four patients in phase A and 266 in phase B received subcutaneous insulin for median periods of, respectively, 7 (Q1–Q3 6–12) and 6 days (Q1–Q3 4–9). Hypoglycemic events declined significantly from 0.34 ± 0.33 per day in phase A to 0.19 ± 0.30 in phase B(P>0.001).Conclusions. A nurse-managed protocol focusing on carbohydrate intake reduced the incidence of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes receiving subcutaneous insulin in hospital.
The Effect of Changes in Lower Incisor Inclination on Gingival Recession
Authors: Kamak Gulen , Kamak Hasan , Keklik Hakan , Gurel Hakan Gurcan
Published: April 2015

Aim. Orthodontic treatment may promote development of recessions. The mechanism by which orthodontic treatment influences occurrence of recessions remains unclear. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a change of mandibular incisor inclination promotes development of labial gingival recessions. Materials and Methods. The study sample comprised dental casts and lateral cephalograms obtained from 109 subjects before orthodontic treatment (Tb) and after orthodontic treatment (Ta). Depending on the change of lower incisor inclination during treatment, the subjects were divided into three groups: Retroclination (R), Stable Position (S), and Proclination (P). The presence of gingival recessions of mandibular incisors and clinical crown heights were assessed on plaster models. Results and Conclusions. From Tb to Ta, Inc_Incl showed a statistically significant change in the R, P, and S groups (p < 0.05). Increase of clinical crown heights of the lower incisors (42, 4, and 31) was not statistically significant in any group. The only statistically significant intergroup difference was the greater increase of the clinical crown height of tooth number 32 in the P group in comparison with the R group (p = 0.049). The change of lower incisor inclination during treatment did not lead to development of labial gingival recessions in the study sample.
Poorly Understood Aspects of Striated Muscle Contraction
Authors: Månsson Alf , Rassier Dilson , Tsiavaliaris Georgios
Published: April 2015

Muscle contraction results from cyclic interactions between the contractile proteins myosin and actin, driven by the turnover of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Despite intense studies, several molecular events in the contraction process are poorly understood, including the relationship between force-generation and phosphate-release in the ATP-turnover. Different aspects of the force-generating transition are reflected in the changes in tension development by muscle cells, myofibrils and single molecules upon changes in temperature, altered phosphate concentration, or length perturbations. It has been notoriously difficult to explain all these events within a given theoretical framework and to unequivocally correlate observed events with the atomic structures of the myosin motor. Other incompletely understood issues include the role of the two heads of myosin II and structural changes in the actin filaments as well as the importance of the three-dimensional order. We here review these issues in relation to controversies regarding basic physiological properties of striated muscle. We also briefly consider actomyosin mutation effects in cardiac and skeletal muscle function and the possibility to treat these defects by drugs.
Time-Frequency Analysis of Clinical Percussion Signals Using Matrix Pencil Method
Authors: Bhuiyan Moinuddin , Malyarenko Eugene V. , Pantea Mircea A. , Capaldi Dante , Baylor Alfred E. , Maev Roman Gr.
Published: April 2015

This paper discusses time-frequency analysis of clinical percussion signals produced by tapping over human chest or abdomen with a neurological hammer and recorded with an air microphone. The analysis of short, highly damped percussion signals using conventional time-frequency distributions (TFDs) meets certain difficulties, such as poor time-frequency localization, cross terms, and masking of the lower energy features by the higher energy ones. The above shortcomings lead to inaccurate and ambiguous representation of the signal behavior in the time-frequency plane. This work describes an attempt to construct a TF representation specifically tailored to clinical percussion signals to achieve better resolution of individual components corresponding to physical oscillation modes. Matrix Pencil Method (MPM) is used to decompose the signal into a set of exponentially damped sinusoids, which are then plotted in the time-frequency plane. Such representation provides better visualization of the signal structure than the commonly used frequency-amplitude plots and facilitates tracking subtle changes in the signal for diagnostic purposes. The performance of our approach has been verified on both ideal and real percussion signals. The MPM-based time-frequency analysis appears to be a better choice for clinical percussion signals than conventional TFDs, while its ability to visualize damping has immediate practical applications.
Hybrid Biogeography Based Optimization for Constrained Numerical and Engineering Optimization
Authors: Mi Zengqiang , Xu Yikun , Yu Yang , Zhao Tong , Zhao Bo , Liu Liqing
Published: April 2015

Biogeography based optimization (BBO) is a new competitive population-based algorithm inspired by biogeography. It simulates the migration of species in nature to share information. A new hybrid BBO (HBBO) is presented in the paper for constrained optimization. By combining differential evolution (DE) mutation operator with simulated binary crosser (SBX) of genetic algorithms (GAs) reasonably, a new mutation operator is proposed to generate promising solution instead of the random mutation in basic BBO. In addition, DE mutation is still integrated to update one half of population to further lead the evolution towards the global optimum and the chaotic search is introduced to improve the diversity of population. HBBO is tested on twelve benchmark functions and four engineering optimization problems. Experimental results demonstrate that HBBO is effective and efficient for constrained optimization and in contrast with other state-of-the-art evolutionary algorithms (EAs), the performance of HBBO is better, or at least comparable in terms of the quality of the final solutions and computational cost. Furthermore, the influence of the maximum mutation rate is also investigated.
Home-Based versus Hospital-Based Rehabilitation Program after Total Knee Replacement
Authors: López-Liria Remedios , Padilla-Góngora David , Catalan-Matamoros Daniel , Rocamora-Pérez Patricia , Pérez-de la Cruz Sagrario , Fernández-Sánchez Manuel
Published: April 2015

Objectives. To compare home-based rehabilitation with the standard hospital rehabilitation in terms of improving knee joint mobility and recovery of muscle strength and function in patients after a total knee replacement.Materials and Methods. A non-randomised controlled trial was conducted. Seventy-eight patients with a prosthetic knee were included in the study and allocated to either a home-based or hospital-based rehabilitation programme. Treatment included various exercises to restore strength and joint mobility and to improve patients’ functional capacity. The primary outcome of the trial was the treatment effectiveness measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).Results. The groups did not significantly differ in the leg side (right/left) or clinical characteristics (P>0.05). After the intervention, both groups showed significant improvements (P<0.001) from the baseline values in the level of pain (visual analogue scale), the range of flexion-extension motion and muscle strength, disability (Barthel and WOMAC indices), balance, and walking.Conclusions. This study reveals that the rehabilitation treatments offered either at home or in hospital settings are equally effective.
Prognostic Value of Galectin-3 in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Bošnjak Ivica , Selthofer-Relatić Kristina , Včev Aleksandar
Published: April 2015

Galectins are a family of solubleβ-galactoside-binding lectins that have important role in inflammation, immunity, and cancer. Galectin-3 as a part of this lectin family plays a very important role in development of heart failure. According to recent papers, galectin-3 plasma level correlates with heart failure outcome, primarily with rehospitalisation and death from heart failure. This paper summarizes the most recent advances in galectin-3 research, with the accent on the role of galectin-3 in pathophysiology of myocardial remodelling and heart failure development—with preserved and reduced ejection fraction, and some implication on development of new disease modifying drugs.
Effects of Upstream Water Level on Dynamic Response of Earth Dam
Authors: Chen Shong-Loong , Lin Chun-Fu , Ni James C. , Gui Meen-Wah
Published: April 2015

The island of Taiwan is located between the boundaries of the Eurasia and the Philippines Plates and thus earthquakes occurred frequently. The excitation of earthquake affects the integrity of earth dams situated in the mountainous area of the island. A study was conducted to evaluate the dynamic response and safety of one of the earthquake dams. The computer program and soil model used were calibrated for their appropriate use for the subject dam against a well-instrumented centrifuge model. Numerical simulation was then conducted to examine the influence of upstream water storage level on the response of the earth dam. The numerical results identified three locations in the dam where attentions are required because these locations were found susceptible to liquefaction.
Uptake of CCR7 by KIR2DS4+NK Cells Is Induced upon Recognition of Certain HLA-C Alleles
Authors: Pesce Silvia , Carlomagno Simona , Moretta Alessandro , Sivori Simona , Marcenaro Emanuela
Published: April 2015

The KIR2DS4 receptor is the oldest KIR2DS expressed by human NK lymphocytes. The specificity of recognition of this receptor for various HLA class I alleles has been demonstrated; however it remains poorly understood whether these interactions may result in the activation of some specific functions in NK cells. Here, we examined the functional outcome of the KIR2DS4/HLA class I interaction by the use of an alternative functional system based on the ability of KIR2DS4 to regulate the mechanism of trogocytosis by NK cells. We demonstrate that KIR2DS4 can induce the uptake of CCR7 by KIR2DS4+NKG2A+NK cell clones after interacting with CCR7+target cells expressing HLA-Cw4 and HLA-Cw6 alleles. However this interaction is not always sufficient to override the inhibition generated by NKG2A expressed on the same NK cells. The recognition of HLA-Cw4 was confirmed by experiments of cytotoxicity against HLA-C-transfected cells. We also show that, different from resting NK cells, the acquisition of CCR7 in response to IL-18 cannot occur in IL2-activated NK cells because of a marked downregulation in their IL-18Rαexpression. As a consequence trogocytosis represents the major mechanism by which KIR2DS4+activated NK cells acquire the expression of this chemokine receptor.
Dedifferentiated Paratesticular Liposarcoma with Osseous Metaplasia
Authors: Chondros Kostas , Heretis Ioannis , Papadakis Michael , Bozionelou Vasiliki , Mavromanolakis Emmanouil , Chondros Nikolaos , Mamoulakis Charalampos
Published: April 2015

Paratesticular liposarcoma is a rare tumour of the genitourinary track but the most common of all sarcomas in adults. The dedifferentiated variation occurs only in 10% of liposarcoma cases. The typical clinical presentation is similar to an inguinal hernia or a benign lipoma. We present the case of a dedifferentiated paratesticular liposarcoma with osseous metaplasia of the spermatic cord, in a male presented with acute scrotum.
In Vivo Role of INPP4B in Tumor and Metastasis Suppression through Regulation of PI3K–AKT Signaling at Endosomes
Authors: Li Chew Chen , Lunardi Andrea , Gulluni Federico , Ruan Daniel T. , Chen Ming , Salmena Leonardo , Nishino Michiya , Papa Antonella , Ng Christopher , Fung Jacqueline , Clohessy John G. , Sasaki Junko , Sasaki Takehiko , Bronson Roderick T. , Hirsch Emilio , Pandolfi Pier Paolo
Published: April 2015

The phosphatases PTEN and INPP4B have been proposed to act as tumor suppressors by antagonizing PI3K–AKT signaling and are frequently dysregulated in human cancer. Although PTEN has been extensively studied, little is known about the underlying mechanisms by which INPP4B exerts its tumor-suppressive function and its role in tumorigenesis in vivo. Here, we show that a partial or complete loss of Inpp4b morphs benign thyroid adenoma lesions in Pten heterozygous mice into lethal and metastatic follicular-like thyroid cancer (FTC). Importantly, analyses of human thyroid cancer cell lines and specimens reveal INPP4B downregulation in FTC. Mechanistically, we find that INPP4B, but not PTEN, is enriched in the early endosomes of thyroid cancer cells, where it selectively inhibits AKT2 activation and in turn tumor proliferation and anchorage-independent growth. We therefore identify INPP4B as a novel tumor suppressor in FTC oncogenesis and metastasis through localized regulation of the PI3K–AKT pathway at the endosomes.

Significance: Although both PTEN and INPP4B can inhibit PI3K–AKT signaling through their lipid phosphatase activities, here we demonstrate lack of an epistatic relationship between the two tumor suppressors. Instead, the qualitative regulation of PI3K–AKT2 signaling by INPP4B provides a mechanism for their cooperation in suppressing thyroid tumorigenesis and metastasis. Cancer Discov; 5(7); 740–51. ©2015 AACR.

See related commentary by Vo and Fruman, p. 697.

See related article by Kofuji and colleagues, p. 730.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 681
Intrathecal Morphine Therapy in the Management of Status Dystonicus in Neurodegeneration Brain Iron Accumulation Type 1
Authors: Lopez William Omar Contreras , Kluge Schroeder Humberto , Santana Neville Iuri , Jacobsen Teixeira Manoel , Costa Barbosa Danilo , Assumpçao de Mônaco Bernardo , Talamoni Fonoff Erich
Published: April 2015

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation type 1 (NBIA-1) is a rare disorder characterized by progressive extrapyramidal dysfunction and dementia. NBIA-1 encompasses typical iron brain accumulation, mostly in the globus pallidus with secondary dementia, spasticity, rigidity, dystonia, and choreoathetosis. Treatment remains mostly symptomatic and is challenging. We present the case of a 14-year-old boy diagnosed with NBIA-1, presenting intractable progressive generalized dystonia leading to unresponsive status dystonicus (SD). The patient received a SynchroMed II (model 8637) programmable system pump (Medtronic®, Inc.) implant with an Ascenda intrathecal catheter for intrathecal morphine therapy (IMT). The initial dose of morphine was 1.0 mg/day. Overall, we observed no complications with IMT treatment and important improvement of the patient's motor function with stabilization of his incapacitating dystonia and his quality of life. On the Global Dystonia Severity Rating Scale, he presented 52% improvement, 30% improvement on the Unified Dystonia Rating Scale, and 38% improvement on the Fahn-Marsden Rating Scale after 10 months, when the dose was 1.7 mg/day. IMT should be considered as a potential palliative treatment in the management of intractable dystonia and SD secondary to NBIA-1.
Horizontal Tonic Conjugate Gaze Deviation in a 4-Week-Old Infant: What Can the Eyes (of the Parents) Tell?
Authors: Gadoth Natan , Benni Liana , Constantini Shlomi , Karmon Yuval
Published: April 2015

A 4-week-old healthy infant failed to make eye contact when approached from the left. When evaluated by us at the age of 11 weeks, left tonic conjugate gaze deviation was noted. Brain MRI showed a left frontotemporal large tension arachnoid cyst causing right falcial herniation. During the insertion of an Ommaya reservoir, hemosiderin was found to be coating the inner wall of the cyst, which may indicate that the asymptomatic cyst evolved to a tension cyst due to spontaneous hemorrhage. Surgical decompression resulted in complete restoration of the horizontal gaze and considerable reduction in the size of the cyst. After 3 months a cystoperitoneal shunt was placed due to increased intracranial pressure secondary to impaired drainage of the cyst. Since then the infant has done well, with normal developmental and neurological examination during his last follow-up at the age of 5 years. Although gaze central ocular motor control is still underdeveloped and chaotic eye movements are present during early infancy, the present case report reminds us that a thorough examination of eye movements should not be overlooked during neurodevelopmental evaluation.
Evolution of a Pediatric Primary Cerebral ALK-1-Positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma on Serial MRI
Authors: Dunbar Mary J. , Singhal Ash , Rassekh Shahrad Rod , Dunham Christopher
Published: April 2015

Background: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare central nervous system tumor, especially in the pediatric population. There are fewer than 20 described cases of pediatric primary central nervous system anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The child described in our case report demonstrated a dramatic evolution of this tumor in the first 4 weeks on serial imaging. Methods: Serial MRI imaging was performed followed by biopsy and chemotherapy. Results: Initial imaging revealed a T2 hyperintense lesion in the frontal lobe with abnormally enhancing sulci and minimal surrounding edema and diffusion restriction. Serial imaging revealed progressive increase in the degree of gadolinium enhancement, and the hyperintense T2 edema progressed markedly to exert mass effect. The lesion itself grew marginally. Biopsy revealed an anaplastic large cell lymphoma, only described in 14 previous pediatric patient case reports. The patient was successfully treated with chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant. Conclusions: Our case demonstrates the rapidity with which a PCNSL lesion can develop, and the evolution of the imaging characteristics prior to definitive diagnosis and treatment. Serial imaging by MRI may help differentiate the behavior of a PCNSL from other imitating lesions.
Short-Term Variation of the Fetal Heart Rate for Predicting Neonatal Acidosis in Preeclampsia
Authors: Aernout Eva Marie , Devos Patrick , Deruelle Philippe , Houfflin-Debarge Véronique , Subtil Damien
Published: April 2015

Introduction: The aim of this study was to measure the performance of short-term variation (STV) in predicting the onset of neonatal acidosis in fetuses at risk due to maternal preeclampsia. Material and Methods: This retrospective study examined data from a series of 159 women with singleton pregnancies, hospitalized for preeclampsia in a level 3 reference maternity hospital in northern France, with an STV measurement in the 24 h preceding cesarean delivery and a measurement of the newborn's arterial cord pH at birth. The main outcome was determined by a correlation between STV and neonatal pH. Results: The last computerized fetal heart rate analysis took place a mean of 7.9 ± 6.3 h before birth, and neonatal acidosis was diagnosed in 38 newborns (23.9%). Although STV and umbilical artery pH at birth were significantly correlated (ρ = 0.16, p < 0.05), the performance of STV in predicting neonatal acidosis was poor, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.63. The sensitivity reached only 50.0% and the specificity 71.9% at the best STV threshold for predicting acidosis. Conclusion: The performance of STV for screening for neonatal acidosis is poor in women with preeclampsia. The divergent results between studies are probably due to the variable intervals between STV measurement and birth.
Evaluation of Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology of Ovarian Masses with Histopathological Correlation
Authors: Pal Subrata , Chakrabarti Srabani , Deuoghuria Debasis , Phukan Jyoti Prakash , Sinha Anuradha , Mondal Prabhat Kr
Published: April 2015

Background: Preoperative cytodiagnosis of ovarian masses is a difficult process, and sampling of pelvic masses is quite easier after the improvement of imaging techniques. Though histopathology is the gold standard, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) under ultrasound (US) guidance can be a valuable tool for pre-operative diagnosis of ovarian lesions, especially in the hands of an experienced pathologist. Objective: The present study was performed to evaluate the role of US-guided FNAC in pre-operative cytological diagnosis of ovarian masses in comparison with histopathology, and to assess the pitfalls and limitations of cytological interpretation. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted over a 2-year period on 70 cases of ovarian masses, which were evaluated by US-guided FNAC. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic efficacy were calculated using histopathology as gold standard. Results: On cytological evaluation, non-neoplastic cysts, and benign and malignant ovarian tumours were diagnosed in 8, 18 and 40 cases, respectively. On histopathology, 62 cases were concordant with cytology. Sensitivity and specificity were 95.23 and 95.83%, respectively, in the present study. Diagnostic accuracy was 93.94% in respect to the correct diagnosis. Cytohistological discrepancies and limitations of the study are discussed. Conclusion: US-guided FNAC has proved as a quick, economic and safe procedure in diagnosing ovarian masses with brilliant accuracy.
Incidental Thyroid C Cell Hyperplasia: Clinical Significance and Implications in Practice
Authors: Sakorafas George H. , Nasikas Dimitrios , Thanos Dimitrios , Gantzoulas Sotirios
Published: April 2015

Incidental C cell hyperplasia (CCH) following thyroidectomy for other indications may rarely be encountered, which may raise concerns about its clinical significance and proper management. CCH can be classified as physiological (reactive) or neoplastic. Reactive CCH has no malignant potential and can be observed in association with many other thyroid diseases (including differentiated thyroid cancer); in contrast, neoplastic CCH should be considered as a preneoplastic stage in the spectrum of C cell disease, ultimately leading to the development of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Neoplastic CCH is commonly observed in patients with germ-line mutations in the RET oncogene (commonly in families with a history of hereditary MTC, i.e. familial MTC or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)). CCH should be considered in patients with hypercalcitoninemia without nodular thyroidopathy. Total thyroidectomy, which is commonly performed for the majority of thyroid diseases, is an adequate treatment and achieves cure, even in patients with neoplastic CCH. There is no role for cervical lymph node dissection in patients with pure CCH. In conclusion, reactive CCH has no malignant potential, in contrast to neoplastic CCH. Total thyroidectomy achieves cure of patients with CCH.
Common Sequence Variants Associated With Coronary Artery Disease Correlate With the Extent of Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: Bjornsson Eythor , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Helgadottir Anna , Gudnason Thorarinn , Gudbjartsson Tomas , Eyjolfsson Kristjan , Patel Riyaz S. , Ghasemzadeh Nima , Thorleifsson Gudmar , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Thorgeirsson Gudmundur , Stefansson Kari
Published: April 2015

Objective—

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms predisposing to coronary artery disease (CAD) have been shown to predict cardiovascular risk in healthy individuals when combined into a genetic risk score (GRS). We examined whether the cumulative burden of known genetic risk variants associated with risk of CAD influences the development and progression of coronary atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results—

We investigated the combined effects of all known CAD variants in a cross-sectional study of 8622 Icelandic patients with angiographically significant CAD (≥50% diameter stenosis). We constructed a GRS based on 50 CAD variants and tested for association with the number of diseased coronary arteries on angiography. In models adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the GRS associated significantly with CAD extent (difference per SD increase in GRS, 0.076;
P
=7.3×10
−17
). When compared with the bottom GRS quintile, patients in the top GRS quintile were roughly 1.67× more likely to have multivessel disease (odds ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.45–1.94). The GRS significantly improved prediction of multivessel disease over traditional cardiovascular risk factors (χ
2
likelihood ratio 48.1;
P
<0.0001) and modestly improved discrimination, as estimated by the
C
-statistic (without GRS versus with GRS, 64.0% versus 64.8%) and the integrated discrimination improvement (0.52%). Furthermore, the GRS associated with an earlier age at diagnosis of angiographic CAD. These findings were replicated in an independent sample from the Emory Biobank study (n=1853).

Conclusions—

When combined into a single GRS, known genetic risk variants for CAD contribute significantly to the extent of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with significant angiographic disease.
Cardiomyopathy and Worsened Ischemic Heart Failure in SM22-α Cre-Mediated Neuropilin-1 Null Mice
Authors: Wang Ying , Cao Ying , Yamada Satsuki , Thirunavukkarasu Mahesh , Nin Veronica , Joshi Mandip , Rishi Muhammed T. , Bhattacharya Santanu , Camacho-Pereira Juliana , Sharma Anil K. , Shameer Khader , Kocher Jean-Pierre A. , Sanchez Juan A. , Wang Enfeng , Hoeppner Luke H. , Dutta Shamit K. , Leof Edward B. , Shah Vijay , Claffey Kevin P. , Chini Eduardo N. , Simons Michael , Terzic Andre , Maulik Nilanjana , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata
Published: April 2015

Objective—

Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a multidomain membrane receptor involved in angiogenesis and development of neuronal circuits, however, the role of NRP-1 in cardiovascular pathophysiology remains elusive.

Approach and Results—

In this study, we first observed that deletion of NRP-1 induced peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator 1α in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells, which was accompanied by dysregulated cardiac mitochondrial accumulation and induction of cardiac hypertrophy- and stress-related markers. To investigate the role of NRP-1 in vivo, we generated mice lacking
Nrp-1
in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (SM22-α-
Nrp-1
KO), which exhibited decreased survival rates, developed cardiomyopathy, and aggravated ischemia-induced heart failure. Mechanistically, we found that NRP-1 specifically controls peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator 1 α and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ in cardiomyocytes through crosstalk with Notch1 and Smad2 signaling pathways, respectively. Moreover, SM22-α-
Nrp-1
KO mice exhibited impaired physical activities and altered metabolite levels in serum, liver, and adipose tissues, as demonstrated by global metabolic profiling analysis.

Conclusions—

Our findings provide new insights into the cardioprotective role of NRP-1 and its influence on global metabolism.
Aortic Iron Overload With Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Human and Murine Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Sawada Hisashi , Hao Hiroyuki , Naito Yoshiro , Oboshi Makiko , Hirotani Shinichi , Mitsuno Masataka , Miyamoto Yuji , Hirota Seiichi , Masuyama Tohru
Published: April 2015

Objective—

Although iron is an essential element for maintaining physiological function, excess iron leads to tissue damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress and inflammation play critical roles for the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, it has not been investigated whether iron plays a role in AAA formation through oxidative stress and inflammation. We, therefore, examined whether iron is involved in the pathophysiology of AAA formation using human AAA walls and murine AAA models.

Approach and Results—

Human aortic walls were collected from 53 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery (non-AAA=34; AAA=19). Murine AAA was induced by infusion of angiotensin II to apolipoprotein E knockout mice. Iron was accumulated in human and murine AAA walls compared with non-AAA walls. Immunohistochemistry showed that both 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and CD68-positive areas were increased in AAA walls compared with non-AAA walls. The extent of iron accumulated area positively correlated with that of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine expression area and macrophage infiltration area in human and murine AAA walls. We next investigated the effects of dietary iron restriction on AAA formation in mice. Iron restriction reduced the incidence of AAA formation with attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Aortic expression of transferrin receptor 1, intracellular iron transport protein, was increased in human and murine AAA walls, and transferrin receptor 1–positive area was similar to areas where iron accumulated and F4/80 were positive.

Conclusions—

Iron is involved in the pathophysiology of AAA formation with oxidative stress and inflammation. Dietary iron restriction could be a new therapeutic strategy for AAA progression.
Future Translational Applications From the Contemporary Genomics Era
Authors: Fox Caroline S. , Hall Jennifer L. , Arnett Donna K. , Ashley Euan A. , Delles Christian , Engler Mary B. , Freeman Mason W. , Johnson Julie A. , Lanfear David E. , Liggett Stephen B. , Lusis Aldons J. , Loscalzo Joseph , MacRae Calum A. , Musunuru Kiran , Newby L. Kristin , O’Donnell Christopher J. , Rich Stephen S. , Terzic Andre
Published: April 2015

The field of genetics and genomics has advanced considerably with the achievement of recent milestones encompassing the identification of many loci for cardiovascular disease and variable drug responses. Despite this achievement, a gap exists in the understanding and advancement to meaningful translation that directly affects disease prevention and clinical care. The purpose of this scientific statement is to address the gap between genetic discoveries and their practical application to cardiovascular clinical care. In brief, this scientific statement assesses the current timeline for effective translation of basic discoveries to clinical advances, highlighting past successes. Current discoveries in the area of genetics and genomics are covered next, followed by future expectations, tools, and competencies for achieving the goal of improving clinical care.
Marginal Actors? The Role of Bedouin in the Ottoman Administration of Animals as Property in the District of Salt, 1870-1912
Authors: Barakat Nora
Published: April 2015

This article examines the roles of Bedouin in the implementation of late Ottoman regulations that aimed to create an intrusive system for managing animals as property. Using material of the central archives, the article outlines relevant regulations and amendments, showing how communications between central officials and provincial bureaucrats in regions with nomadic populations contributed to the process of lawmaking. It then presents an analysis ofsharīʿacourt records from the district of Salt, in southeastern Syria, arguing that Bedouin both participated in implementing this system at the district level and challenged its parameters, especially with regard to taxation of their livestock property.
George Jeffreys, the Spirit of Christ, and Early Pentecostal Thinking on Spirit Reception
Authors: Kane Gregory
Published: April 2015

The emerging pentecostal movement of the early twentieth century recognized the need to develop a coherent pneumato-soteriological framework from which to promote the pentecostal distinctive of Spirit baptism. In the midst of heated debate interwoven with various personality cults, a multiplicity of alternative models was advanced. George Jeffreys, the founder of the Elim Pentecostal Church, taught that Christians do not receive the Holy Spirit at conversion; they receive him only at the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Rather, Jeffreys asserted, it is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity who comes to indwell the believer at regeneration, and this Spirit of Christ is entirely distinct from and in no way synonymous with the Holy Spirit. Jeffreys’ Spirit of Christ teaching was widely promoted within the Elim movement during the 1920s and 1930s and was still being discussed within British Pentecostalism as late as the 1960s, before it faded into theological obscurity. Nevertheless, the implications of this early debate on Spirit reception remain a live issue within Pentecostalism today.
The Christian Canon and the Future of Biblical Theology
Authors: Foster Robert L.
Published: April 2015

Recent academic forums have questioned the future of biblical theology and the nature of its task. This paper argues that one important task for a robust future in biblical theology will be for scholars of the Christian Scriptures to work across the Christian canon to articulate its essential theological ideas and to engage modern issues with the full span of biblical perspectives. This will require, at least in some institutions, a more deliberate training of scholars with skills necessary for a lifelong pursuit of issues in biblical theology, training up a new generation of scholars who will model for the scholarly guild and the leaders of the Christian church a full embrace of the Christian Scriptures.
Futures in Old Testament Theology: Dialogic Engagement
Authors: Brueggemann Walter
Published: April 2015

No one knows about the future of study in Old Testament theology. Two things seem clear. First, we are likely to be surprised by new emerging methods and perspectives, new critical judgments, and new interpretive extrapolations. If we think back to about 1990, Old Testament theology had reached what seemed to be dead end; and then in the next decade, to some great extent due to the influence of Brevard Childs, we witnessed a great revival of study in new directions. I anticipate that we might, at any time, witness the same sort of newness among us the shape of which we cannot foresee. Second, we are sure to continue rich diversity in method, perspective, critical judgment, and interpretive extrapolation, influenced as each of us is by social location, habit, conviction, and tradition. More than such surprise and such continuing diversity we cannot know.
Syriac as the Intermediary in Scientific Graeco-Arabica: Some Historical and Philological Observations
Authors: Takahashi Hidemi
Published: April 2015

The reception of Greek scientific and philosophical literature in Syriac, which had a major influence on the later reception in Arabic, is an area that has been the subject of a renewed wave of research in the past few years. This paper provides a brief overview of the reception of the Greek sciences in Syriac, citing some of the latest research in the field. This is followed by the presentation of an example to illustrate how the Syriac intermediary text, when available, can help to elucidate the process of translation into Arabic, together with some observations on the ways in which the Syriac reception of the Greek sciences influenced the later reception in Arabic.
Greek Thought, Modern Arabic Culture: Classical Receptions since the Nahḍa
Authors: Pormann Peter E.
Published: April 2015

This article surveys the growing, yet largely understudied field of classical receptions in the modern Arab world, with a specific focus on Egypt and the Levant. After giving a short account of the state of the field and reviewing a small number of previous studies, the article discusses how classical studies as a discipline fared in Egypt; and how this discipline informed modern debates about religous identity, and notably views on the textual history of the Qurʾān. It then turns to three literary genres, epic poetry, drama, and lyrical poetry, and explores the reception of classical literature and myth in each of them. It concludes with an appeal to study this reception phenomenon on a much broader scale.
A new species of the genus Orchesia Latreille (Coleoptera: Melandryidae) from Baltic amber with a key to species described from fossil resins
Authors: ALEKSEEV VITALII I. , BUKEJS ANDRIS
Published: April 2015

Orchesia (Orchestera) canaliculata sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Eocene Baltic amber (Kaliningrad Region, Russia). New fossil records on O. turkini Alekseev & Bukejs and O. rasnitzyni Nikitsky are presented. A key to species of Orchesia Latreille, described from fossil resins, is provided.
Comparisons of the Circulation Anomalies Associated with Extreme Heat in Different Regions of Eastern China
Authors: Chen Ruidan , Lu Riyu
Published: April 2015

The circulation associated with extreme heat (EH) typically shows an anomalous anticyclone that enhances temperature through adiabatic heating, but this study indicates obvious spatial variation in eastern China. The EH-related circulation pattern in eastern China can be classified into three categories: typical extratropical pattern, monsoonal pattern, and foehn pattern. EH over northeastern China and eastern north China is characterized by a typical pattern involving an anomalous anticyclone and subsidence, and the air temperature increases throughout almost the entire troposphere. In contrast, EH over the Yangtze River valley and south China is associated with the monsoonal pattern. Over these regions, the air temperature only increases in the lower troposphere as a result of anomalous subsidence and lower humidity that has resulted from a farther north transportation of water vapor by a stronger monsoonal southwesterly. Meanwhile, the air temperature decreases in the upper troposphere because of the decrease of latent heat caused by suppressed precipitation. On the other hand, western north China, with most of its stations located on the eastern leeside of mountains, is obviously influenced by the foehn effect on EH days. The foehn-related northwesterly anomalies bring drier and warmer air from the mountains to sink on the leeside and greatly increase the air temperature in the lower troposphere, particularly near the surface. Therefore, the impacts of monsoon and topography should be taken into consideration when EH-related circulations are discussed over the many regions of eastern China. As a result, the reliable projection of air temperature in these regions under global warming is a challenging problem.
Social Ties, Communication Channels, and Personal Well-Being
Authors: Wang Hua , Chua Vincent , Stefanone Michael A.
Published: April 2015

In this study, we analyze the personal networks of 379 college students in Singapore to explore the social affordances of traditional and new channels in communicating with different types of social relationships and their associations with personal well-being. Results suggest communication channels play a complex role in how strong and weak ties are related to personal well-being. On one hand, face-to-face communication, landlines, mobile phones, text messaging, and social network sites are associated with the strong ties that boost personal well-being. On the other hand, mobile phones, text messaging, social network sites, and video chat (but not face-to-face or landline communication) are associated with weak ties and personal well-being. This study contributes to the literature in two ways. First, we show that strong and weak ties are both important to the personal well-being of college students in Singapore; second, we show how different communication channels are associated with different kinds of social ties. Mobile and social media play a critical role in these social ties.
Multimarker Analysis for New Biomarkers in Relation to Central Arterial Stiffness and Hemodynamics in a Chinese Community-Dwelling Population
Authors: Fu Shihui , Luo Leiming , Ye Ping , Xiao Wenkai
Published: April 2015

Central arterial stiffness and hemodynamics independently reflect the risk of cardiovascular events. This Chinese community-based analysis was performed to evaluate the relationships of new biomarkers with central arterial stiffness and hemodynamics by a multimarker method. This analysis consisted of 1540 participants who were fully tested for the new biomarkers including N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide, lipid accumulation product, triglyceride–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG–HDL-c) ratio, uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and homocysteine. Carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), central pulse pressure (cPP), and central augmentation index (cAIx) were measured. The median (range) age of entire cohort was 62 years (21-96 years), and 40.5% were males. The median (interquartile range) of cfPWV, cPP, and cAIx was 11.0 m/s (9.6-13.0 m/s), 42 mm Hg (35-52 mm Hg), and 28% (21%-33%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, participants with higher cfPWV had significantly higher age, peripheral pulse pressure, TG, TG–HDL-c ratio, and homocysteine levels compared with others ( P < .05 for all). Multimarker analysis in a Chinese community-dwelling population reinforced the potential clinical value of plasma TG–HDL-c ratio and homocysteine levels as the biomarkers of increased arterial stiffness.