bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research Progresses in Understanding the Pathophysiology of Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Bersano Anna , Guey Stephanie , Bedini Gloria , Nava Sara , Hervé Dominique , Vajkoczy Peter , Tatlisumak Turgut , Sareela Marika , van der Zwan Albert , Klijn Catharina J.M. , Braun Kees P.J. , Kronenburg Annick , Acerbi Francesco , Brown Martin M. , Calviere Lionel , Cordonnier Charlotte , Henon Hilde , Thines Laurent , Khan Nadia , Czabanka M. , Kraemer Markus , Simister Robert , Prontera Paolo , Tournier-Lasserve E. , Parati Eugenio ,   on behalf of the European Moyamoya Disease Initiative
Published: January 2016

Background: The pathogenesis of moyamoya disease (MMD) is still unknown. The detection of inflammatory molecules such as cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in MMD patients' biological fluids supports the hypothesis that an abnormal angiogenesis is implicated in MMD pathogenesis. However, it is unclear whether these anomalies are the consequences of the disease or rather causal factors as well as these mechanisms remain insufficient to explain the pathophysiology of MMD. The presence of a family history in about 9-15% of Asian patients, the highly variable incidence rate between different ethnic and sex groups and the age of onset support the role of genetic factors in MMD pathogenesis. However, although some genetic loci have been associated with MMD, few of them have been replicated in independent series. Recently, RNF213 gene was shown to be strongly associated with MMD occurrence with a founder effect in East Asian patients. However, the mechanisms leading from RNF213 mutations to MMD clinical features are still unknown. Summary: The research on pathogenic mechanism of MMD is in its infancy. MMD is probably a complex and heterogeneous disorder, including different phenotypes and genotypes, in which more than a single factor is implicated. Key Message: Since the diagnosis of MMD is rapidly increasing worldwide, the development of more efficient stratifying risk systems, including both clinical but also biological drivers became imperative to improve our ability of predict prognosis and to develop mechanism-tailored interventions.
Enhanced Nitric Oxide Synthase Activation via Protease-Activated Receptor 2 Is Involved in the Preserved Vasodilation in Aortas from Metabolic Syndrome Rats
Authors: Maruyama Kana , Kagota Satomi , McGuire John J. , Wakuda Hirokazu , Yoshikawa Noriko , Nakamura Kazuki , Shinozuka Kazumasa
Published: January 2016

Endothelium-dependent vasodilation via protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is preserved in mesenteric arteries from SHRSP.Z-Leprfa/IzmDmcr rats (SHRSP.ZF) with metabolic syndrome even though nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilation is attenuated. Therefore, we examined the PAR2 mechanisms underlying metabolic syndrome-resistant vasodilation in SHRSP.ZF aortas with ageing. In isolated aortas, the PAR2 agonist 2-furoyl-LIGRLO-amide (2fly) caused vasodilation that was sustained in male SHRSP.ZF until 18 weeks of age, but was attenuated afterwards compared with age-matched Wistar-Kyoto rats (controls) at 23 weeks. In contrast, acetylcholine-induced vasodilation was impaired in SHRSP.ZF already at 18 weeks of age. Treatments of aortas with inhibitors of NO synthase and soluble guanylate cyclase abolished the sustained 2fly- and residual acetylcholine-induced vasodilation in SHRSP.ZF at 18 weeks of age. In the aortas of SHRSP.ZF, 8-bromo-cGMP-induced vasodilation, NO production and cGMP accumulation elicited by 2fly were not different from in the controls. PAR2 agonist increased phospho-Ser1177-eNOS protein content only in SHRSP.ZF aortas. These results indicate that vasodilation mediated by PAR2 is sustained even though NO-dependent relaxation is attenuated with ageing/exposure to metabolic disorders in large-caliber arteries from SHRSP.ZF. PAR2 stimulation of NO production via an additional pathway that targets phosphorylation of Ser1177-eNOS suggests a regulatory mechanism for sustaining agonist-mediated vasodilation in metabolic syndrome.
Impulse Oscillometry as a Predictor of Asthma Exacerbations in Young Children
Authors: Schulze Johannes , Biedebach Silke , Christmann Martin , Herrmann Eva , Voss Sandra , Zielen Stefan
Published: January 2016

Background: In a post-hoc analysis of a pediatric asthma study, we identified the predictors of asthma exacerbations (AEs) and related them to forced expiratory volume (FEV1), the FEV1/FVC ratio, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). Objectives: We sought to detect predictors of AEs in a prospective study that utilizes impulse oscillometry (IOS) and to compare the results to previously determined predictors. Methods: A moderate AE was defined as an increased use of salbutamol during coughing episodes. Pulmonary function and BHR were measured during symptom- and medication-free periods. Additionally, allergen testing and IOS were included. To calculate the sensitivity and specificity of AE detection, a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted, and accuracy was measured with the area under the ROC curve (AUC). A logistic regression analysis was used to predict the probability of an exacerbation. Results: Seventy-five pediatric patients (4-7 years of age) with intermittent asthma were included. In 69 patients, the following cut-off values demonstrated the best sensitivity and specificity combination for predicting an AE: FEV1 103.2% (AUC 0.62), BHR (PD20methacholine) 0.13 mg (AUC 0.61), and, in 54 children, Rrs5 0.78 kPa × l-1 × s (AUC 0.80). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the combination of all parameters predicted the individual risk of AEs with an accuracy of 86%. Conclusions: IOS, a simple method, predicted the probability of AEs in young children. Airway resistance, measured by IOS, was superior to FEV1 and methacholine testing. The current data suggest that peripheral airway obstruction is present during symptom-free periods and that these children more likely experience AEs.
Eczema-Like Psoriasiform Skin Reaction due to Brazilian Keratin Treatment
Authors: Gavazzoni-Dias Maria Fernanda Reis , Rochael Mayra , Vilar Enoï , Tanus Aline , Tosti Antonella
Published: January 2016

The use of formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers in hair-straightening formulations started in Rio de Janeiro in 2003. The technique is known as BKT, Brazilian keratin treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the types of skin reactions presented by patients due to BKT. We describe 7 patients with severe erythema and scurf on the scalp which developed shortly after BKT. The lesions were eczema-like psoriasiform, located mainly on the scalp. Some patients also developed eczema-like lesions and pustules on the face, neck, upper arms, and upper trunk. Dermatoscopic findings included erythema, perifollicular and interfollicular scurf. The peripilar desquamation resembled the outer skin of an onion bulb. Scalp biopsies revealed psoriasiform and spongiotic psoriasiform patterns, one of them similar to anti-TNFα biologic drug psoriasiform alopecia. The possible consequences of the absorption of formaldehyde by hairdressers or clients are still to be verified by the scientific community; however, the skin and scalp reactions observed in our cases suggest a drug reaction phenomenon and not only eczemas of irritant or allergic origin.
Cardiac Rupture: New Features of the Old Disease
Authors: Leitman Marina , Tsatskin Ludmila , Hendler Alberto , Blatt Alex , Peleg Eli , Vered Zvi
Published: January 2016

Objectives: Myocardial rupture is a rare but a fatal complication of acute myocardial infarction. During recent years, treatment strategies of acute myocardial infarction have changed. Primary percutaneous coronary interventions have replaced fibrinolytic therapy, thus reducing one of the major risk factors for myocardial rupture. In this work, we describe a group of patients who suffered myocardial rupture, none of whom were treated with thrombolytic therapy. Methods: The digital database of our hospital was searched for all patients who experienced myocardial rupture between 2008 and 2015. The demographic, clinical, angiographic and echocardiographic data of these patients were analyzed. Results: Out of 2,380 patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction, 12 (0.5%) developed myocardial rupture. The mean age was 78 years, and there were 7 males and 5 females. Ten patients already had pericardial effusion on admission. Seven patients underwent coronary angiography, whilst primary percutaneous intervention was performed in 4 patients. Six patients entered the operating room and all survived the procedure. All patients who were treated conservatively died due to rupture. Factors related to the treatment strategy were advanced age (≥90 years) and cognitive impairment. Conclusions: The risk of myocardial rupture may be diminished by primary coronary intervention during myocardial infarction, but mortality remains high. An early, comprehensive echocardiographic examination and rapid surgery may contribute to improved survival.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of PDGFR-α, PDGFR-β and c-Abl in Retinoblastoma: Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Sanft Debra-Meghan , Worme Mali Dawn , Rielo de Moura Leticia , Zoroquiain Pablo , Fernandes Bruno F. , Antecka Emilia , Burnier Jr. Miguel N.
Published: January 2016

Background: Our laboratory previously reported that imatinib mesylate (IM) has an inhibitory effect on two retinoblastoma (Rb) cell lines in vitro.Aims: The purpose of this project was to determine the immunoexpression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-α, PDGFR-β and c-Abl in 61 human samples of Rb to determine if IM-sensitive receptors are present. Additionally, this paper seeks to establish a correlation between the expression of PDGFR, c-Abl and the histopathological prognosis. Methods: Sixty-one paraffin-embedded Rbs were collected from the Henry C. Witelson Ocular Pathology Registry. PDGFR-α, PDGFR-β and c-Abl immunostaining was performed according to the protocol provided by Ventana Medical System Inc. Immunoreactivity was correlated with the presence or absence of invasion into the choroid and optic nerve. Results: Overall, c-Abl expression was identified in 50 out of 61 specimens (81.97%), PDGFR-α was identified in 20 out of 60 specimens (33.33%) and PDGFR-β expression was identified in 57 out of 61 specimens (93.44%). Histopathological prognosis was not correlated with immunoreactivity except in the case of PDGFR-β. Conclusions: Rb is a cancer that expresses PDGFR-α, PDGFR-β and c-Abl, which are known targets of IM. These markers may be responsible for the documented therapeutic effect of IM on Rb cell lines.
Unilateral Eye Findings: A Rare Herald of Acute Leukemia
Authors: Patel Avni V. , Miller John B. , Nath Rajneesh , Shih Helen A. , Yoon Michael K. , Freitag Suzanne K. , Papaliodis George , Chen Teresa C. , Eliott Dean , Kim Ivana K.
Published: January 2016

Background/Aim: Unilateral choroidal infiltration as the initial manifestation of leukemic relapse in adults is rare, particularly after an extended period of remission. This report describes this unique ophthalmic presentation, highlights the associated diagnostic challenges, and reviews the literature. Methods: Two cases are described and an extensive literature review was conducted. Results: A 59-year-old male with acute lymphoid leukemia, in remission for 18 months, presented with unilateral scleritis, exudative retinal detachment, and choroidal thickening. A 57-year-old male with a history of acute myeloid leukemia, in remission for 4 years, presented with unilateral choroidal thickening leading to secondary angle closure. In both cases, there was a significant lag from the onset of eye symptoms to establishing a systemic diagnosis of acute leukemia, leading to a delay in definitive systemic treatment, despite a high suspicion of disease based on ophthalmic findings. Conclusions: These two cases illustrate the fundus findings consistent with leukemic choroidal infiltration that can represent the first sign of relapsed leukemia. The successful treatment of these patients hinges on collaboration between ophthalmologists and oncologists to optimize patient outcomes, highlighting the need for both groups to be aware of this rare ophthalmic presentation.
Results of Renal Transplantation on Alloplastic Arterial Grafts
Authors: Sagban Tolga Atilla , Regus Susanne , Heller Katharina , Jacobi Johannes , Apel Hendrik , Keck Bastian , Richterstetter Mario , Eckardt Kai Uwe , Wullich Bernd , Lang Werner
Published: January 2016

Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to report results of a consecutive series of kidney transplant patients in whom the renal artery was implanted on a prosthetic vascular graft (PVG). Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2014, 208 deceased donor renal transplantations (68 female, 140 male, mean age 52, SD 16 years) were performed. Medical charts and outpatient clinical records of patients who had undergone renal artery implantation on a PVG were reviewed. Extensive literature research added to our 4 patients further 170 published cases during 1989 and 2015 and was compared with regular transplanted patients. Data on patient characteristics, prior vascular procedures, postoperative and long-term outcome were collected. Results: Patients with transplant renal artery anastomosis on a PVG were 4 years older than the control group. Function of the graft was similar in these patients compared to regular renal transplant patients. Resistance indices assessed in our clinic over the entire follow-up period showed also no significant difference between the 2 groups. Thirty-day mortality was 6% (none in our group), which occurred mostly in combination when renal transplantation and PVG replacement was performed simultaneously. Conclusion: Grafting of the renal artery to a PVG is feasible and yields good results, despite the technical difficulties involved.
Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Patients with Ocular Toxocariasis in China
Authors: Liu Yalu , Zhang Qi , Li Jing , Ji Xunda , Xu Yu , Zhao Peiquan
Published: January 2016

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with ocular toxocariasis. Methods: Ocular toxocariasis was diagnosed and treated in 46 children from Shanghai and surrounding provinces. The diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis was confirmed immunologically by performing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on serum and/or intraocular fluid. All pediatric patients and their guardians completed a questionnaire concerning their cases and living habits. Results: The mean age of onset was 6 ± 3 years. Most children (85%) resided in rural areas, and 91% of the children had contact with adult dogs or puppies. At the first visit, visual acuity (VA) was <20/200 in 36 cases, and we detected peripheral granuloma in 36 patients. In our study, the most common signs were vitritis, vitreous strands, and tractional retinal detachment. The Optomap 200Tx device detected granuloma with an 85% sensitivity, which is much higher than that of other techniques. We treated 40 cases (87%) with topical corticosteroids, while 28 patients (61%) were treated with systemic corticosteroids. Only 18 children (39%) required surgical intervention. All patients were examined and treated by the same ophthalmologists. Conclusions: Preschool children in China are more often affected by toxocariasis compared with other age groups. The most common signs included unilateral granuloma and ocular inflammation. In our study, clinical manifestations were severe and complicated. At the first visit, VA was <20/200 in most patients. Ocular toxocariasis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms; the diagnosis was confirmed by immunological testing. Techniques using the Optomap 200Tx device can facilitate the early detection and lead to better visual prognosis.
Mechanisms of MicroRNA Deregulation and MicroRNA Targets in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Irmak-Yazicioglu M. Burcu
Published: January 2016

Gastric cancer is a genetically heterogeneous disease that causes cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although many studies on this disease have been performed, the molecular mechanisms of gastric tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis have still not been identified. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously coded small RNA molecules, 18-25 nucleotides in length, that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. They are required for physiological activities in the cell, including development, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Research has now indicated their importance in carcinogenesis, with miRNA profiling revealing differences in the tumor and the normal tissue in several cancers. This difference in the expression pattern might lead to disrupted regulation of genes such as tumor suppressor genes and proto-oncogenes that are involved in cell cycle control, proliferative pathways, apoptosis, and metastasis in gastric carcinogenesis. Genes encoding miRNAs have been characterized as novel proto-oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes based on findings that these miRNAs control malignant phenotypes. miRNA deregulation promotes cell-cycle progression, confers resistance to apoptosis, and enhances invasiveness and metastasis. Deregulated miRNAs affect the regulation of their target genes. Knowing the targets of miRNAs is of great importance for identifying the molecular mechanisms behind gastric carcinogenesis and forms the focus of this review.
Benefits of the Nephros Dual Stage Ultrafilter in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: Evidence for Improved ESA Responsiveness
Authors: Valeri Anthony , Lee Bobby , Duffy John , Ferrer Robin , Vilotta Ronald
Published: January 2016

Installation of the Nephros Dual Stage Ultrafilter (DSU) added to a conventional hemodialysis unit to achieve ultrapure dialysate was tested in a group of 23 stable outpatients on chronic hemodialysis. Comparing the 6-month period prior to the installation of the filters (as baseline) to the 6-month period after the installation of the filters, we found a significant 40% reduction in the darbepoetin dose needed to maintain a stable hemoglobin level (p < 0.001). In addition, surrogate inflammatory markers, WBC count and serum albumin level, showed small but statistically significant improvements (p = 0.008 and p = 0.042, respectively). In conclusion, the use of the Nephros DSU to further reduce endotoxin exposure in chronic hemodialysis patients can result in improved erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) responsiveness and a lower ESA dose.
Spontaneous Corneal Hydrops in a Patient with a Corneal Ulcer
Authors: Batawi Hatim , Kothari Nikisha , Camp Andrew , Bernhard Luis , Karp Carol L. , Galor Anat
Published: January 2016

Purpose: We report the case of a 77-year-old man with no history of keratoconus or other ectatic disorders who presented with corneal hydrops in the setting of a corneal ulcer. The risk factors, pathogenesis and treatment options of corneal hydrops are discussed. Method: This is an observational case report study. Results: A 77-year-old man presented with a 1-day history of severe pain, redness, mucous discharge and photophobia in the right eye. A slit-lamp examination of the right eye showed an area of focal corneal edema and protrusion. Within the area of edema and protrusion, there was an infiltrate with an overlying epithelial defect consistent with an infectious corneal ulcer. The Seidel test showed no leakage, so a clinical diagnosis of corneal hydrops associated with nonperforated corneal ulcer was made. With appropriate antibiotic treatment, the corneal ulcer and hydrops both resolved over a 1-month period. Conclusion: Corneal hydrops can occur in the setting of corneal infections.
In Diabetic Kidney Disease Urinary Exosomes Better Represent Kidney Specific Protein Alterations Than Whole Urine
Authors: Gudehithlu Krishnamurthy P. , Garcia-Gomez Ignacio , Vernik Jane , Brecklin Carolyn , Kraus Mark , Cimbaluk David J. , Hart Peter , Dunea George , Arruda Jose A.L. , Singh Ashok K.
Published: January 2016

Background: Predicting or diagnosing underlying kidney disease by analyzing whole urine remains the mainstay of nephrology practice. However, whole urine is a poor compartment to assess many structural changes in the kidney because whole urine contains only a few proteins derived from the kidney itself. Urinary exosomes, on the other hand, which are derived from the kidney, contain proteins secreted by the kidney. We experimentally tested the hypothesis that ‘urinary exosomes more faithfully represent changes in the kidney tissue than whole urine'. A direct comparison between whole urine and urine exosomal levels of two chosen kidney disease markers, gelatinase and ceruloplasmin, was carried out on diabetic kidney disease patients. Methods: Urinary exosomes were separated from whole urine by sequential centrifugation including ultra-centrifugation. Gelatinase activity was measured using fluorosceinated gelatin as the substrate, and ceruloplasmin was measured by sandwich ELISA. A few kidney specimens from patients biopsied for atypical features were histochemically stained for validation of the biochemical results. Results: We found that changes in both, gelatinase (decreased activity) and ceruloplasmin (increased levels), in the urinary exosomes of diabetic kidney patients were in agreement with the alterations of these two proteins in the kidney tissue. In contrast, the levels of these two proteins in whole urine were highly variable and did not correlate with levels in the diabetic kidney tissue. Conclusion: In conclusion, these results confirmed our hypothesis that protein markers in urinary exosomes better reflected the underlying protein changes in the kidney than in whole urine samples.
Unilateral Arm Urticaria Presenting as a Paraneoplastic Manifestation of Metachronous Bilateral Breast Cancer
Authors: Kasi Pashtoon Murtaza , Hieken Tina J. , Haddad Tufia C.
Published: January 2016

Various paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) are reported to be associated with breast cancer and can range from mild dermatological symptoms to severe neurological complications. Neurological and dermatological manifestations tend to be the more commonly seen paraneoplastic manifestations, albeit both are relatively rare. Diagnosis of the underlying malignancy is often delayed since the presence and severity of paraneoplastic manifestations are not dependent on the tumor size or stage. Herein, we describe a unique case of unilateral arm urticaria presenting as a paraneoplastic manifestation of metachronous bilateral breast cancer. Similar reports and other PNS associated with breast cancer are described. Recognition of PNS associated with underlying malignancies and age-appropriate screening can facilitate diagnosis of the underlying occult malignancy. Resection of the underlying malignancy can lead to resolution and/or improvement of the PNS for some patients.
Metastatic Mantle Cell Lymphoma to the Pituitary Gland: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Arthur , Carberry Nathan , Solli Elena , Kleinman George , Tandon Adesh
Published: January 2016

We present an unusual case of a metastatic mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) to the pituitary gland. The patient had a known history of MCL for which she previously received chemotherapy. She presented with new-onset diplopia and confusion, and reported a history of progressive vision blurriness associated with headache, nausea, and vomiting. MRI of the brain showed an enhancing lesion within the sella turcica involving the cavernous sinuses bilaterally, extending into Meckel's cave on the left, and abutting the optic nerves bilaterally. Following surgical excision, histopathology revealed the tumor to be a MCL. Metastatic pituitary tumors are rare and have been estimated to make up 1% of tumors discovered in the sellar region. The two most common secondary metastatic lesions to the sella are breast and lung carcinoma followed by prostate, renal cell, and gastrointestinal carcinoma. Metastatic lymphoma to the pituitary gland is especially rare and is estimated to constitute 0.5% of all metastatic tumors to the sella turcica. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of MCL metastasizing to the pituitary gland.
Treatment of Dropped Nucleus with a 27-Gauge Twin Duty Cycle Vitreous Cutter
Authors: Watanabe Akira , Tsuzuki Akane , Arai Kota , Gekka Tamaki , Tsuneoka Hiroshi
Published: January 2016

We report herein a method for the treatment of dropped nucleus during cataract surgery with a 27-gauge twin duty cycle (TDC) vitreous cutter. When a TDC vitreous cutter is used, suction flow volume is maintained even when the cutter is driven at a high speed. This enables an Emery-Little grade 3 nucleus that had been difficult to treat with a conventional 27-gauge cutter to be successfully excised using only a vitreous cutter, with no intra- or postoperative complications. A dropped lens during cataract surgery of up to moderate hardness can be removed using a TDC cutter alone with a 27-gauge cutter system.
Comparative Effectiveness of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators for Primary Prevention in Women
Authors: Zeitler Emily P. , Hellkamp Anne S. , Schulte Phillip J. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Peterson Eric D. , Sanders Gillian D. , Yancy Clyde W. , Al-Khatib Sana M.
Published: January 2016

Background—

Clinical trials of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) for primary prevention enrolled a limited number of women. We sought to examine clinical practice data to compare survival rates among women with heart failure with or without a primary prevention ICD.

Methods and Results—

We linked data from 264 US hospitals included in the Get With The Guidelines for Heart Failure registry with data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. From these sources, we propensity score matched 430 women with heart failure who received a primary prevention ICD to 430 women who did not; we further adjusted using a Cox proportional hazards model. Median follow-up was 3.4 and 3.0 years. For comparison, we matched 859 men receiving an ICD with 859 who did not; median follow-up was 3.9 versus 2.9 years. In the matched cohorts, an ICD was associated with similarly better survival in women (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.92;
P
=0.003) and men (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.67–0.87
P
<0.001). There was no interaction between sex and presence of an ICD with respect to survival (
P
=0.79).

Conclusions—

Among patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, a primary prevention ICD was associated with a significant survival advantage among women and among men. These findings support guideline-directed use of primary prevention ICDs in eligible patients.
Does b1000–b0 Mismatch Challenge Diffusion-Weighted Imaging–Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery Mismatch in Stroke?
Authors: Geraldo Ana Filipa , Berner Lise-Prune , Haesebaert Julie , Chabrol Aurélie , Cho Tae-Hee , Derex Laurent , Hermier Marc , Louis-Tisserand Guy , Chamard Leila , Klaerke Mikkelsen Irene , Ribe Lars , Østergaard Leif , Hjort Niels , Pedraza Salvador , Thomalla Götz , Baron Jean-Claude , Nighoghossian Norbert , Berthèzene Yves
Published: January 2016

Background and Purpose—

Our aim was to explore whether the mismatch in lesion visibility between b1000 and b0 images is an alternative to mismatch between diffusion-weighted imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging as a surrogate marker of stroke age.

Methods—

We analyzed patients from the European multicenter I-KNOW database. Independent readers assessed the visibility of ischemic lesions of the anterior circulation on b0 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging images. The signal-intensity ratio for b0 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging images was also measured from the segmented stroke lesion volume on b1000 images.

Results—

This study included 112 patients (68 men; mean age, 67.4 years) with stroke onset within (n=85) or longer than (n=27) 4.5 hours. b1000–b0 mismatch identified patients within 4.5 hours of stroke onset with moderate sensitivity (72.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 63.5–82.4) and specificity (70.4%; 95% CI, 53.2–87.6), high positive predictive value (88.6%; 95% CI, 81.1–96.0), and low negative predictive value (45.2%; 95% CI, 30.2–60.3). Global comparison of b1000–b0 mismatch with diffusion-weighted imaging–fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging mismatch (considered the imaging gold standard) indicated high sensitivity (85.9%; 95% CI, 78.2–93.6), specificity (91.2%; 95% CI, 76.3–98.1), and positive predictive value (96.7%; 95% CI, 88.0–99.1) and moderate negative predictive value (73.8%; 95% CI, 60.5–87.1) of this new approach. b0 signal-intensity ratio (
r
=0.251; 95% CI, 0.069–0.417;
P
=0.008) was significantly although weakly correlated with delay between stroke onset and magnetic resonance imaging.

Conclusions—

b1000–b0 mismatch may identify patients with ischemic stroke of the within 4.5 hours of onset with high positive predictive value, perhaps constituting an alternative imaging tissue clock.
International Aid, Frontier Securitization, and Social Engineering: Soviet–Xinjiang Development Cooperation during the Governorate of Sheng Shicai (1933–1944)
Authors: De Cordier Bruno
Published: January 2016

This article looks into the nature and dynamics of Soviet assistance to the Governorate of Sheng Shicai, a military de facto state that existed in Xinjiang between 1933 and 1944. Besides discussing how the various forms of Soviet aid shaped the policies of the Governorate, it also examines how Sheng Shicai used the aid to pursue his desire for inclusive patriotism and social modernization into practice. The article further shows how the ussr actively supported Sheng Shicai’s development policies in an urge to securitize its borderlands by abetting ideologically aligned state-building and social transformation there. Although it was done with entirely different actors, methods, and within very different political frameworks, the aid securitization and borderland control logic makes this episode a historical forerunner of the state-building and social development aid in international neo-protectorates today.
Typifications and a new name in Filago (Gnaphalieae, Asteraceae)
Authors: Andrés-Sánchez Santiago , Martínez-Ortega M. Montserrat , Rico Enrique
Published: January 2016

This paper is focused on the typification of 36 names provided for Filago species in order to fix their correct usage. Eight of them are accepted names, basionyms or replaced synonyms of accepted names at the specific rank, i.e. F. abyssinica, F. argentea, F. carpetana, F. contracta, F. eriocephala, F. lutescens, F. lusitanica and F. tyrrhenica. Many others have been extensively used in the taxonomic literature related to the genus (e.g., F. apiculata, F. canescens or F. spathulata). Thirty four lectotypes, three epitypes and one neotype have been selected according to the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants. Further specimens and/or materials relevant to typification are indicated, together with protologue citations. Finally, Filago albicans is proposed as a replacement name for the illegitimate combination F. atlantica.
A new species of Mikania (Eupatorieae, Asteraceae) from the southwestern Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Caetano Troncoso , Nakajima Jimi Naoki , Pirani José Rubens
Published: January 2016

Mikania fasciculata C.T. Oliveira & Pirani, a new erect species of this mostly vining genus, is described and illustrated. Mikania fasciculata is a subshrub known from the Serra da Canastra and surrounding areas in Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. It is closely related to M. thapsoides DC. but differs from it by the leaves narrowly elliptic, glabrous, with narrowly cuneate to cuneate base (vs. leaves deltoid, pilose on the abaxial surface, with attenuate to hastate base).
Synonymy of Katianna coeruleocephala Handschin, 1920 (Collembola: Katiannidae) with Bourletiella viridescens (Bourletiellidae)
Authors: GREENSLADE PENELOPE
Published: January 2016

Katianna coeruleocephala was described by Handschin in 1920 from Poespo, Java. It was collected in December, 1896 by Dr. Zehntner with the collecting details given as rotten “Louv” (leaves?) from live orchard. Handschin (1920) labelled his figures of the species (p. 146) as Katianna coerulescephala but the first spelling of the species name (p. 145) has priority. Katianna coeruleocephala has never been recollected. The only mention of the species in the literature since 1920 has been by Suhardjono (1989) in a check list for Indonesia and Suhardjono (2012) who listed it as present on Java and provided the main characteristics of the genus Katianna Börner, 1923. She stated it was a “new” (translate as endemic?) species in Java with a preferred habitat in cold and damp litter but no comment was made on the taxonomic status of the Indonesian species.
Myostenostomum Bulbocaudatum (Catenulida, Stenostomidae): new for Ukraine, rare for the World
Authors: KANANA YULIIA
Published: January 2016

At present, the stenostomid genus Myostenostomum Luther, 1960 according to Artois et al. (2013) contains 7 species: M. Bulbocaudatum Luther (type species), M. ilmenicum Rogozin, M. lutheri Rogozin, M. marcusi Rogozin, M. vanderlandi Rogozin, M. fasciatum (Veydovsky) and M. gigerium (Kepner & Carter), although the two latter are thought to belong to the genus Stenostomum Schmidt (Tyler et al. 2006–2015). A remarkable feature of the representatives of the genus Myostenostomum is a muscular ring on their gut.
Helicopsis persica n. sp. from northern Iran (Gastropoda: Geomitridae)
Authors: HAUSDORF BERNHARD , BÖSSNECK ULRICH
Published: January 2016

Helicopsis Fitzinger, 1833 is a mainly eastern European genus of the xerophilous Helicellinae (Geomitridae, Helicoidea; for family systematics see Razkin et al. 2015) that is characterized by two symmetrical dart and accessory sacs. This is probably the plesiomorphous character state within the Geomitridae and Hygromiidae. Therefore, the delimitation and relationships of Helicopsis remained questionable (Hausdorf 1996). Most Helicopsis species are characterized by a lateral attachment of the outer layer of the penial papilla at the penis wall so that a cavity is separated in the proximal part of the penis (Schileyko 1978; Giusti et al. 1992; Hausdorf 1996). However, a similar cavity is present in some other Helicellinae (e.g., Pseudoxerophila, Xerolenta, Xeromunda). Giusti et al. (1992) considered these cavities artefacts, but it cannot be excluded that they are actually homologous to the cavity of Helicopsis. Therefore, it is doubtful whether such a cavity can be considered as an autapomorphy of Helicopsis. About ten species of Helicopsis are spread from Turkey and Bulgaria to the Ukraine with a centre of diversity on the Crimean peninsula. Only the type species, Helicopsis striata (Müller, 1774) is more widespread from Alsace in the west, the island Öland in the Baltic Sea in the north to Bulgaria and Turkey in the south and western Russia in the east. Furthermore, species from Morocco, Greece, Cyprus, Iran and the Kopetdag were classified as Helicopsis. The relationships between these species have to be examined in more detail. Here we describe a new Helicopsis species from Iran.
The correct name for Oxyurichthys longicauda Steindachner and a few other errors
Authors: LARSON HELEN K. , PEZOLD FRANK L.
Published: January 2016

In 2015, Pezold and Larson published a revision of the gobiid genus Oxyurichthys, and made an error in their use of the name O. uronema (Weber) for one of the species. The reasons for this would make a fine example of one of Evenhuis’ taxonomic impediments to nirvana (2007). Pezold and Larson first considered collaborating on this work in 1983, but this did not happen until nearly a decade later. Intensive work began in 1996; by then Larson had examined syntypes of both species in 1988 and determined that Gobius uronema Weber, 1909, was the same species as Gobius longicauda Steindachner, 1893.
Advancing Polar Prediction Capabilities on Daily to Seasonal Time Scales
Authors: Jung Thomas , Gordon Neil D. , Bauer Peter , Bromwich David H. , Chevallier Matthieu , Day Jonathan J. , Dawson Jackie , Doblas-Reyes Francisco , Fairall Christopher , Goessling Helge F. , Holland Marika , Inoue Jun , Iversen Trond , Klebe Stefanie , Lemke Peter , Losch Martin , Makshtas Alexander , Mills Brian , Nurmi Pertti , Perovich Donald , Reid Philip , Renfrew Ian A. , Smith Gregory , Svensson Gunilla , Tolstykh Mikhail , Yang Qinghua
Published: January 2016

The polar regions have been attracting more and more attention in recent years, fueled by the perceptible impacts of anthropogenic climate change. Polar climate change provides new opportunities, such as shorter shipping routes between Europe and East Asia, but also new risks such as the potential for industrial accidents or emergencies in ice-covered seas. Here, it is argued that environmental prediction systems for the polar regions are less developed than elsewhere. There are many reasons for this situation, including the polar regions being (historically) lower priority, with fewer in situ observations, and with numerous local physical processes that are less well represented by models. By contrasting the relative importance of different physical processes in polar and lower latitudes, the need for a dedicated polar prediction effort is illustrated. Research priorities are identified that will help to advance environmental polar prediction capabilities. Examples include an improvement of the polar observing system; the use of coupled atmosphere–sea ice–ocean models, even for short-term prediction; and insight into polar–lower-latitude linkages and their role for forecasting. Given the enormity of some of the challenges ahead, in a harsh and remote environment such as the polar regions, it is argued that rapid progress will only be possible with a coordinated international effort. More specifically, it is proposed to hold a Year of Polar Prediction (YOPP) from mid-2017 to mid-2019 in which the international research and operational forecasting communites will work together with stakeholders in a period of intensive observing, modeling, prediction, verification, user engagement, and educational activities.
Predicting the Climatology of Tornado Occurrences in North America with a Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling Framework*
Authors: Cheng Vincent Y. S. , Arhonditsis George B. , Sills David M. L. , Gough William A. , Auld Heather
Published: January 2016

Destruction and fatalities from recent tornado outbreaks in North America have raised considerable concerns regarding their climatic and geographic variability. However, regional characterization of tornado activity in relation to large-scale climatic processes remains highly uncertain. Here, a novel Bayesian hierarchical framework is developed for elucidating the spatiotemporal variability of the factors underlying tornado occurrence in North America. It is demonstrated that regional variability of tornado activity can be characterized using a hierarchical parameterization of convective available potential energy, storm relative helicity, and vertical wind shear quantities. It is shown that the spatial variability of tornado occurrence during the warm summer season can be explained by convective available potential energy and storm relative helicity alone, while vertical wind shear is clearly better at capturing the spatial variability of the cool season tornado activity. The results suggest that the Bayesian hierarchical modeling approach is effective for understanding the regional tornadic environment and in forming the basis for establishing tornado prognostic tools in North America.
Characterization of the Variability of the South Pacific Convergence Zone Using Satellite and Reanalysis Wind Products
Authors: Kidwell Autumn , Lee Tong , Jo Young-Heon , Yan Xiao-Hai
Published: January 2016

The variability of the South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ) is evaluated using ocean surface wind products derived from the atmospheric reanalysis ERA-Interim for the period of 1981–2014 and QuickSCAT for the period of 1999–2009. From these products, indices were developed to represent the SPCZ strength, area, and centroid location. Excellent agreement is found between the indices derived from the two wind products during the QuikSCAT period in terms of the spatiotemporal structures of the SPCZ. The longer ERA-Interim product is used to study the variations of SPCZ properties on intraseasonal, seasonal, interannual, and decadal time scales. The SPCZ strength, area, and centroid latitude have a dominant seasonal cycle. In contrast, the SPCZ centroid longitude is dominated by intraseasonal variability due to MJO influence. The SPCZ indices are all correlated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation indices. Interannual and intraseasonal variations of SPCZ strength during strong El Niño are approximately twice as large as the respective seasonal variations. SPCZ strength depends more on the intensity of El Niño rather than the central-Pacific versus eastern-Pacific type. The change from positive to negative Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) around 1999 results in a westward shift of the SPCZ centroid longitude, a much smaller interannual swing in centroid latitude, and a decrease in SPCZ area. This study improves the understanding of the variations of the SPCZ on multiple time scales and reveals the variations of SPCZ strength not reported previously. The diagnostics analyses can be used to evaluate climate models to gauge their fidelity.
Assimilating Retrievals of Sea Surface Temperature from VIIRS and AMSR2
Authors: Brasnett Bruce , Colan Dorina Surcel
Published: January 2016

Experiments are carried out to assess the potential contributions of two new satellite datasets, derived from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on board the Suomi–National Polar-Orbiting Partnership satellite and the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) on board the Global Change Observation Mission–Water (GCOM-W) satellite, to the quality of global sea surface temperature (SST) analyses at the Canadian Meteorological Centre (CMC). The new datasets are assimilated both separately and together. Verification of the analyses against independent data shows that the VIIRS and AMSR2 datasets yield analyses with similar global average errors, with the VIIRS analysis performing better during some seasons and the AMSR2 analysis performing better in others. Seasonal cloudiness in some regions diminishes the availability of VIIRS retrievals, resulting in better performance by the AMSR2 analysis. Both datasets were assimilated together along with data from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), ice data, and in situ data in an updated version of the CMC analysis produced on a 0.1° grid. Verification against independent data shows that the new analysis performed very well, with global average standard deviation consistently better than that of the international Group for High Resolution SST (GHRSST) Multiproduct Ensemble (GMPE) real-time system. This analysis is shown to outperform the currently operational CMC SST analysis, with most of the improvement being due to its assimilation of the VIIRS and AMSR2 retrievals and a further small gain being due to changes to the analysis methodology (including higher resolution).
Swedish Drug Policy in the Twenty-First Century: A Policy Model Going Astray
Authors: Lenke Leif , Olsson Boerje
Published: January 2016

During the 1990s, the drug problem in Sweden stabilized in spite of a heroin wave on the European continent and in the United Kingdom. The preconditions for this control policy are discussed, as are the advantages of the Swedish drug control model with its massiveness regarding prevention, treatment, and repression. When drawing conclusions from the 1980s, focus has been placed on zero tolerance and dissociation of harm reduction activities in connection with the economic crisis that, although temporary, hit Swedish society in the 1990s. This resulted in the control policy's having a list so that preventive measures and treatment had to give in on behalf of further strengthening of the police in the drug control model. The change in focus toward an even more pronounced zero tolerance approach did not yield any visible results regarding drug use. Experimenting with drugs and heavy drug use increased considerably during the 1990s.
‘Staff can't be the ones that play judge and jury’: Young adults’ suggestions for preventing unwanted sexual attention in pubs and clubs
Authors: Fileborn Bianca
Published: January 2016

This paper explores young adults' suggestions for preventing unwanted sexual attention in licensed venues. Despite emerging evidence that unwanted sexual attention and sexual violence are significant issues faced by young adults in the night-time economy, there has been little introduced in the way of preventative strategies or campaigns. Drawing on a mixed-methods research project undertaken in Melbourne, Australia, I contend that exploring young adults' suggestions for prevention is instructive in a number of ways. Young adults are the primary users of licensed venues and thus may provide insight into potential strategies for prevention. It can also illuminate the discursive positions that young adults draw on in talking about prevention and their understandings of unwanted sexual attention.
Composite-stiffened panel design under shear postbuckling behavior
Authors: Arakaki Francisco K , Faria Alfredo R
Published: January 2016

The metallic airplane structure fuselage design is characterized by skin, frames, stiffeners, and attachments. In most airplanes, the attachments between these components are made by rivets. The influence of the attachments in the panel behavior under diagonal tension can be verified in the metallic Wagner beam. For stiffened composite panels, like metallic Wagner beams, there is insufficient data about attachment design. In order to design and build lightweight composite structures, the analyst must consider different ways in which the skin is connected to the stiffeners and frames. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to investigate different conceptions of a real-reinforced composite panel used in the aeronautical industry. Experimental and numerical results for strains showed good agreement. The finite element model and the criteria used in the failure analysis are also presented. Comparisons between different panel configurations are made, and conclusions are drawn about attachment efficiency.
Dimensionality and the Development of Cognitive Assessments for Children in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Zuilkowski Stephanie Simmons , McCoy Dana Charles , Serpell Robert , Matafwali Beatrice , Fink Günther
Published: January 2016

Over the past decade, researchers have shown increased interest in examining the cognitive development of children in non-Western countries, often in connection with evaluations of health and educational interventions. However, many studies have used Western-developed measures without proper consideration of contextual validity. Across domains—from language to cognition to non-cognitive skills—this results in varying degrees of bias that call into question the findings of these studies. In this article, we focus in particular on the problem of differences in dimensionality perception between children in sub-Saharan Africa and those in Western countries. Although most Western children are exposed to extensive two-dimensional materials during early childhood, such as picture books and photographs, most rural African children are not. We therefore argue that assessments using two-dimensional stimuli, such as line drawings or patterns, may be inappropriate for capturing cognitive development in settings where such formats are unfamiliar to young children. We also discuss a modified assessment of non-verbal reasoning designed to be contextually appropriate for children in rural Africa—the Object-based Pattern Reasoning Assessment (OPRA). Created during a national study of pre-school child development in Zambia, this new assessment uses local materials such as beans and stones, requires little training to administer, and avoids potential instrument bias related to two-dimensionality among young children living in developing countries.