bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Warm Needle Acupuncture in Primary Osteoporosis Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Luo Ding , Liu Yue , Wu Yanan , Ma Rui , Wang Lin , Gu Ronghe , Fu Wenbin
Published: July 2018

Background

Warm needle acupuncture (WNA) is commonly used in primary osteoporosis (OP) management in China. The evidence of its effectiveness needs to be systematically reviewed.

Objective

The aim of the meta-analysis was to evaluate whether using WNA alone or combined with conventional medicine benefits primary OP.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and VIP databases were searched from their inception through 30 June 2016. RCTs applying WNA independently or as an adjunct to conventional medicine, compared with conventional medicine alone, were included. Primary outcomes were bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebrae, femoral neck, Ward's triangle and greater trochanter. The secondary outcome was chronic pain measured by VAS score. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan V.5.3 software.

Results

Nine RCTs involving 572 participants were included. When WNA was used as an adjunct to conventional medicine, meta-analysis revealed a statistical difference in favour of increasing BMD of the lumbar vertebrae (mean difference (MD)=0.06, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.08, P<0.001). WNA increased BMD of the femoral neck (MD 0.14, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.21, P<0.001) and greater trochanter (MD 0.09, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.15, P<0.001) when used alone, and additionally decreased VAS scores (MD=−1.10, 95% CI −1.14 to −1.06, P<0.001) when used as an adjunct to conventional medicine. However, the safety of WNA was not specifically reported.

Conclusions

WNA may have beneficial effects on BMD and VAS scores of patients with primary OP. However, all included trials were at high risk of bias and of low quality. Further rigorous studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of WNA for primary OP treatment.
Women’s prepregnancy lipid levels and number of children: a Norwegian prospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Pirnat Aleksandra , DeRoo Lisa A , Skjærven Rolv , Morken Nils-Halvdan
Published: July 2018

Objective

To study prepregnancy serum lipid levels and the association with the number of children.

Design

Prospective, population-based cohort.

Setting

Linked data from the Cohort of Norway and the Medical Birth Registry of Norway.

Participants

2645 women giving birth to their first child during 1994–2003 (488 one-child mothers and 2157 women with ≥2 births) and 1677 nulliparous women.

Main outcome measures

ORs for no and one lifetime pregnancy (relative to ≥2 pregnancies) obtained by multinomial logistic regression, adjusted for age at examination, education, body mass index (BMI), smoking, time since last meal and oral contraceptive use.

Results

Assessed in quintiles, higher prepregnant triglyceride (TG) and TG to high-density lipoprotein (TG:HDL-c) ratio levels were associated with increased risk of one lifetime pregnancy compared with having ≥2 children. Compared with the highest quintile, women in the lowest quintile of HDL cholesterol levels had an increased risk of one lifetime pregnancy (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.4), as were women with the highest low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, TG and TG:HDL-c ratio quintiles (compared with the lowest) (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8 to 1.7; OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5 to 3.2; and OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5 to 3.2, respectively). Similar effects were found in women with BMI≥25 and the highest LDL and total cholesterol levels in risk of lifetime nulliparity.

Conclusion

Women with unfavourable prepregnant lipid profile had higher risk of having no or only one child. These findings substantiate an association between prepregnant serum lipid levels and number of children. Previously observed associations between low parity and increased cardiovascular mortality may in part be due to pre-existing cardiovascular disease lipid risk factors.
(0,2) versions of exotic (2,2) GLSMs
Authors: Parsian Hadi , Sharpe Eric , Zou Hao
Published: July 2018

In this paper we extend work on exotic two-dimensional (2,[Formula: see text]2) supersymmetric gauged linear sigma models (GLSMs) in which, for example, geometries arise via nonperturbative effects, to (0,[Formula: see text]2) theories, and in so doing find some novel (0,[Formula: see text]2) GLSM phenomena. For one example, we describe examples in which bundles are constructed physically as cohomologies of short complexes involving torsion sheaves, a novel effect not previously seen in (0,[Formula: see text]2) GLSMs. We also describe examples related by RG flow in which the physical realizations of the bundles are related by quasi-isomorphism, analogous to the physical realization of quasi-isomorphisms in D-branes and derived categories, but novel in (0,[Formula: see text]2) GLSMs. Finally, we also discuss (0,[Formula: see text]2) deformations in various duality frames of other examples.
The Challenges and Opportunities for the Green Climate Fund
Authors: CHEN Lan
Published: July 2018

The importance of the public finance in tackling climate change has been widely recognized by the global communities. As the operating entity of the financial mechanism of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, the $10.3 billion Green Climate Fund (GCF) holds a potential to be the champion in the international climate finance architecture. Within two and a half years, the GCF approved 76 projects worthy of $3.7 billion and has established partnership with 59 accredited entities. Integrating different concerns into its governance and operational modalities, the GCF maintains an inclusive participation and has profound implication for the international climate change cooperation. While with these achievements, the GCF still faces financial and policy challenges going forward. If the current pace of the project approval continues, the GCF will soon exhaust its resource. The existing policy gaps will also jeopardize GCF meeting its climate goals. To ensure a sustainable and bright future, the GCF needs to take advantage of its opportunities and address the challenges in a wise and strategic way. Given the real scarcity of the public resources available, a top-down combined with bottom-up replenishment modality may be worth exploring.
Myelin Plasticity and Nervous System Function
Authors: Monje Michelle
Published: July 2018

Structural plasticity in the myelinated infrastructure of the nervous system has come to light. Although an innate program of myelin development proceeds independent of nervous system activity, a second mode of myelination exists in which activity-dependent, plastic changes in myelin-forming cells influence myelin structure and neurological function. These complementary and possibly temporally overlapping activity-independent and activity-dependent modes of myelination crystallize in a model of experience-modulated myelin development and plasticity with broad implications for neurological function. In this article, I consider the contributions of myelin to neural circuit function, the dynamic influences of experience on myelin microstructure, and the role that plasticity of myelin may play in cognition.
Evolutionary Changes in Transcriptional Regulation: Insights into Human Behavior and Neurological Conditions
Authors: Doan Ryan N. , Shin Taehwan , Walsh Christopher A.
Published: July 2018

Understanding the biological basis for human-specific cognitive traits presents both immense challenges and unique opportunities. Although the question of what makes us human has been investigated with several different methods, the rise of comparative genomics, epigenomics, and medical genetics has provided tools to help narrow down and functionally assess the regions of the genome that seem evolutionarily relevant along the human lineage. In this review, we focus on how medical genetic cases have provided compelling functional evidence for genes and loci that appear to have interesting evolutionary signatures in humans. Furthermore, we examine a special class of noncoding regions, human accelerated regions (HARs), that have been suggested to show human-lineage-specific divergence, and how the use of clinical and population data has started to provide functional information to examine these regions. Finally, we outline methods that provide new insights into functional noncoding sequences in evolution.
Apoptotic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Eupatorium japonicum Thunb. in Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes
Authors: Shin Jong-Il , Jeon Yong-Joon , Lee Sol , Lee Yoon Gyeong , Kim Ji Beom , Kwon Hak Cheol , Kim Sung Hun , Kim Inki , Lee Kyungho , Han Ye Sun
Published: July 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by synovitis, hyperplasia, and the destruction of bone and cartilage. A variety of immunosuppressive biological agents have been developed because the pathogenesis of RA is related predominantly to the inflammatory response. However, rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synovial cells (RAFLS), which are known to play an important role in RA progression, exhibit resistance to immunosuppressants through cancer-like properties. In this study, we identified a novel therapeutic compound for RA, which reduced inflammation and the abnormal proliferation of RAFLS in natural product library made from Korean native plants. Eupatorium japonicum Thunb. (EJT) extract, a component of the natural product library, most effectively reduced viability through the induction of ROS-mediated apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the increased ROS induced the expression of ATF4 and CHOP, key players in ER stress-mediated apoptosis. Interestingly, EJT extract treatment dose-dependently reduced the expression of IL-1β and the transcription of MMP-9, which were induced by TNF-α treatment, through the inhibition of NF-κB and p38 activation. Collectively, we found that EJT extract exerted apoptotic effects through increases in ROS production and CHOP expression and exerted anti-inflammatory effects through the suppression of NF-κB activation, IL-1β expression, and MMP-9 transcription.
Bioactive Sphingolipids, Complement Cascade, and Free Hemoglobin Levels in Stable Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Jadczyk T. , Baranski K. , Syzdol M. , Nabialek E. , Wanha W. , Kurzelowski R. , Ratajczak M. Z. , Kucia M. , Dolegowska B. , Niewczas M. , Zejda J. , Wojakowski W.
Published: July 2018

Background. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery are associated with a pathogen-free inflammatory response (sterile inflammation). Complement cascade (CC) and bioactive sphingolipids (BS) are postulated to be involved in this process.Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma levels of CC cleavage fragments (C3a, C5a, and C5b9), sphingosine (SP), sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and free hemoglobin (fHb) in AMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) undergoing CABG.Patients and Methods. The study enrolled 37 subjects (27 male) including 22 AMI patients, 7 CABG patients, and 8 healthy individuals as the control group (CTRL). In the AMI group, blood samples were collected at 5 time points (admission to hospital, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post pPCI) and 4 time points in the CABG group (6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post operation). SP and S1P concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Analysis of C3a, C5a, and C5b9 levels was carried out using high-sensitivity ELISA and free hemoglobin by spectrophotometry.Results. The plasma levels of CC cleavage fragments (C3a and C5b9) were significantly higher, while those of SP and S1P were lower in patients undergoing CABG surgery in comparison to the AMI group. In both groups, levels of CC factors showed no significant changes within 48 hours of follow-up. Conversely, SP and S1P levels gradually decreased throughout 48 hours in the AMI group but remained stable after CABG. Moreover, the fHb concentration was significantly higher after 24 and 48 hours post pPCI compared to the corresponding postoperative time points. Additionally, the fHb concentrations increased between 12 and 48 hours after PCI in patients with AMI.Conclusions. Inflammatory response after AMI and CABG differed regarding the release of sphingolipids, free hemoglobin, and complement cascade cleavage fragments.
Relationship between TRAIL and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Teringova Elena , Kozel Martin , Knot Jiri , Kocka Viktor , Benesova Klara , Tousek Petr
Published: July 2018

Background. Apoptosis plays an important role in the myocardial injury after acute myocardial infarction and in the subsequent development of heart failure. Aim. To clarify serum kinetics of apoptotic markers TRAIL and sFas and their relation to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Methods. In 101 patients with STEMI treated with pPCI, levels of TRAIL and sFas were measured in series of serum samples obtained during hospitalization and one month after STEMI. LVEF was assessed at admission and at one month. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, i.e., death, re-MI, and hospitalization for heart failure and stroke) were analysed during a two-year followup. Results. Serum level of TRAIL significantly decreased one day after pPCI (50.5pg/mL) compared to admission (56.7pg/mL), subsequently increased on day 2 after pPCI (58.8pg/mL), and reached its highest level at one month (70.3pg/mL). TRAIL levels on days 1 and 2 showed a significant inverse correlation with troponin and a significant positive correlation with LVEF at baseline. Moreover, TRAIL correlated significantly with LVEF one month after STEMI (day 1: r=0.402, p<0.001; day 2: r=0.542, p<0.001). On the contrary, sFas level was significantly lowest at admission (5073pg/mL), increased one day after pPCI (6370pg/mL), and decreased on day 2 (5548pg/mL). Significantly highest sFas level was marked at one month (7024pg/mL). sFas failed to correlate with LVEF at baseline or at one month. Both TRAIL and sFas showed no ability to predict improvement of LVEF one month after STEMI or a 2-year MACE (represented by 3.29%). Conclusion. In STEMI treated with pPCI, TRAIL reaches its lowest serum concentration after reperfusion. Low TRAIL level is associated with worse LVEF in the acute phase of STEMI as well as one month after STEMI. Higher TRAIL level appears to be beneficial and thus TRAIL seems to represent a protective mediator of post-AMI injury.
Selection and Evaluation of Appropriate Reference Genes for RT-qPCR Normalization of Volvariella volvacea Gene Expression under Different Conditions
Authors: Qian Jiang , Gao Yingnv , Wáng Ying , Wu Yingying , Wāng Ying , Zhao Yucheng , Chen Hongyu , Bao Dapeng , Xu Jiyang , Bian Xiaohong
Published: July 2018

Volvariella volvacea (V. volvacea), commonly referred to as Chinese (paddy straw) mushroom, is a basidiomycete with a protein-rich volva and pileus. Selecting appropriate reference genes is a crucial step in the normalization of quantitative real-time PCR data. Therefore, 12 candidate reference genes were selected from the V. volvacea transcriptome based on previous studies and then BestKeeper, geNorm, and NormFinder were used to identify reference genes stably expressed during different developmental stages and conditions. Of the 12 candidate reference genes, SPRY domain protein (SPRYp), alpha-tubulin (TUBα), cyclophilin (CYP), L-asparaginase (L-asp), and MSF1-domain-containing protein (MSF1) were the most stably expressed under different experimental conditions, while 18S ribosomal RNA (18S), 28S ribosomal RNA (28S), and beta-actin (ACTB) were the least stably expressed. This investigation not only revealed potential factors influencing the suitability of reference genes, but also identified optimal reference genes from a pool of candidate genes under a wide range of conditions.
Aphrodisiac Activity of Eulophia macrobulbon Extract on Erectile Dysfunction in Male Aged Rats
Authors: Preedapirom Watcharaporn , Changwichit Kanokwan , Srisawang Piyarat , Ingkaninan Kornkanok , Taepavarapruk Pornnarin
Published: July 2018

This study investigated the effect of Eulophia macrobulbon (EM) extract on sexual performance in aged-related erectile dysfunction (ED) rats. The ethanol EM extract at the doses of 15, 150, and 450 and sildenafil citrate at the dose of 5 mg/kg body weight (BW) were administered orally to the aged male rats once daily for 21 days. Mating parameters and intracavernosal pressure (ICP) were measured to evaluate their sexual and erection functions. Numbers of sperm and sperm motility as well as the diameter of seminiferous tubules were observed. The serum testosterone and 3’,5’-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentration in the rat penile tissue were analyzed. The results showed the significant increased sexual motivation, copulatory performance, and ICP of aged rats treated with sildenafil citrate and all doses of EM extract as compared to control aged rats. Moreover, their serum testosterone levels were slightly increased and significant increase in penile cGMP concentration was observed in these aged rats treated with sildenafil citrate and EM extract. The results suggest that treatment with EM could inhibit activity of PDE5 in penile tissue resulting in the increased cGMP level and bring to the improvement of erectile function and sexual performance.
Bioconversion of p-Tyrosol into Hydroxytyrosol under Bench-Scale Fermentation
Authors: Bouallagui Zouhaier , Sayadi Sami
Published: July 2018

Tyrosol hydroxylating Pseudomonas strain was previously isolated from olive mill wastewaters-irrigated soil. In the present work, experimental design was used to study the bioconversion of tyrosol in laboratory fermenters aiming at the recovery of the highest yields of hydroxytyrosol. The effects of biocatalyst loading and tyrosol concentration were studied. The bioconversion yield reached 86.9% (37.3 mM hydroxytyrosol) starting from a tyrosol concentration of 43 mM. Under these conditions, the specific productivity relative to the biocatalyst was 4.78 μM/min/g. The established model to predict bioconversion yield was validated in two bench-scale fermenters. At the downstream stage, the reaction product was recovered as a hydroxytyrosol rich solution after microfiltration and concentration under vacuum. Subsequent to this operation, hydroxytyrosol composition yielded 73.8% of the total dry matter.
Feasibility of Kinect-Based Games for Balance Rehabilitation: A Case Study
Authors: Ayed Ines , Ghazel Adel , Jaume-i-Capó Antoni , Moya-Alcover Gabriel , Varona Javier , Martínez-Bueso Pau
Published: July 2018

We aimed at determining the effects of prototype games on older adults attending a rehabilitation program in an elderly house in this work. We conducted an initial case study where two participants underwent a 5-week intervention. Feasibility was assessed by examining recruitment, adherence, and safety. The Tinetti balance test was used as pretest and posttest assessments. Results show that adherence was very high and no adverse effects were registered during the sessions. The included participants also reported enjoyment during the playtime and exhibited improvements in Tinetti scores. The findings suggest that game-based rehabilitation can be useful for improving balance in elderly people and can be incorporated in a fall prevention program.
Epithelial Sodium Channel in Aldosterone-Induced Endothelium Stiffness and Aortic Dysfunction
Authors: Jia Guanghong , Habibi Javad , Aroor Annayya R. , Hill Michael A. , Yang Yan , Whaley-Connell Adam , Jaisser Frederic , Sowers James R.
Published: July 2018

Enhanced activation of the endothelial mineralocorticoid receptor contributes to the development of arterial stiffness, which is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. Previously, we showed that enhanced endothelium mineralocorticoid receptor signaling in female mice prompts expression and translocation of the α-subunit of the epithelial sodium channel to the endothelial cell (EC) surface (EnNaC) inducing vascular fibrosis and stiffness. Further, amiloride, an epithelial sodium channel antagonist, inhibits vascular fibrosis, remodeling, and stiffness induced by feeding a Western diet high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates. However, how this occurs remains unknown. Thereby, we hypothesized that endothelial cell–specific EnNaC activation is necessary for aldosterone-mediated endothelium stiffness. To address this notion, EnNaC α-subunit knockout (EnNaC
−/−
) and wild-type littermate female mice were administrated aldosterone (250 µg/kg per day) via osmotic minipumps for 3 weeks beginning at 25 to 28 weeks of age. In isolated mouse endothelial cells, inward sodium currents were significantly reduced in amiloride controls, as well as in EnNaC
−/−
. Likewise, aldosterone-induced endothelium stiffness was increased and endothelium-dependent relaxation less in EnNaC
−/−
versus wild-type. Further, EnNaC
−/−
mice exhibited attenuated responses to aldosterone infusion, including aortic endoplasmic reticulum stress, endothelium nitric oxide synthase activation, endothelium permeability, expression of proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and aortic collagen 1 deposition, supporting the notion that αEnNaC subunit activation contributes to these vascular responses.
Renal Outcomes in Medically and Surgically Treated Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Hundemer Gregory L. , Curhan Gary C. , Yozamp Nicholas , Wang Molin , Vaidya Anand
Published: July 2018

Lifelong therapy with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) or surgical adrenalectomy are the recommended treatments for primary aldosteronism (PA). Whether these treatments mitigate the risk for kidney disease remains unknown. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with PA treated with MRAs (N=400) or surgical adrenalectomy (N=120) and age- and estimated glomerular filtration rate–matched patients with essential hypertension (N=15 474) to determine risk for chronic kidney disease and longitudinal estimated glomerular filtration rate decline. Despite similar blood pressures, patients with PA treated with MRAs had a higher risk for incident chronic kidney disease compared with essential hypertension patients (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.33–1.99). Correspondingly, the adjusted annual decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate was greater in PA patients treated with MRAs compared with essential hypertension patients (−1.6; 95% confidence interval, −1.4 to −1.8 versus −0.9; 95% confidence interval, −0.9 to −1.0 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
/y;
P
<0.001). In contrast, patients with unilateral PA treated with surgical adrenalectomy had no significant difference in risk for incident chronic kidney disease or in an annual decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate compared with essential hypertension patients. Among PA patients with diabetes mellitus treated with MRAs, there was a higher risk for incident albuminuria compared with essential hypertension (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–4.96). MRA therapy in PA is associated with higher risk for developing chronic kidney disease when compared with essential hypertension, and surgical adrenalectomy may mitigate this risk. When possible, curative surgical adrenalectomy may be superior to lifelong MRA therapy in preventing kidney disease in PA.
Impact of Rapid Ventricular Pacing on Outcome After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Fefer Paul , Bogdan Andrada , Grossman Yoni , Berkovitch Anat , Brodov Yafim , Kuperstein Rafael , Segev Amit , Guetta Victor , Barbash Israel M.
Published: July 2018

Background

Rapid ventricular pacing (
RVP
) is used commonly during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (
TAVR
). Little is known about the safety and clinical consequences of this step. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of
RVP
on immediate and long‐term clinical outcomes in a large cohort of non‐selected
TAVR
patients.

Method and Results

The study included 412 consecutive patients undergoing
TAVR
with a mean age of 82±7 years, of which 47% were male. Patients were divided according to the number of
RVP
s during the
TAVR
procedure comparing patients undergoing no pacing (0), 1 to 2, and ≥3 pacing episodes (3+). Patients undergoing 3+ pacing episodes were significantly more likely to develop new atrial fibrillation (5.6% versus 7.3% versus 15%, respectively, for 0, 1–2, and 3+ groups,
P
=0.047), acute kidney injury (
AKI
) (18% versus 18% versus 28%, respectively,
P
<0.001), prolonged procedural hypotension (0%, 16%, and 25%, respectively;
P
<0.001), and suffered greater in‐hospital mortality (1.7%, 1.7%, and 6.5%, respectively,
P
=0.045), and 1‐year mortality (11.1%, 7.7%, and 18%, respectively,
P
=0.015). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that acute kidney injury (
OR
3.27 [1.763–6.09],
P
<0.001),
euroSCORE II
(
OR
1.06 per unit [1.01–1.12],
P
=0.03), and 3+ pacing episodes (
OR
2.35 [1.18–4.7],
P
=0.02) were the only independent predictors for 1‐year mortality.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing
TAVR
, multiple
RVP
episodes and prolonged
RVP
duration are associated with adverse outcomes including short‐ and long‐term mortality. Thus, operators should attempt to minimize the use of
RVP
, especially in patients who are at risk for post‐procedural acute kidney injury.
Why Are Only Some Subcortical Ischemic Lesions on Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Associated With Stroke Symptoms in Small Vessel Disease?
Authors: Osman Ophélie , De Guio François , Chabriat Hugues , Jouvent Eric
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

In cerebral small vessel diseases, small subcortical ischemic lesions (SSIL) on diffusion imaging are responsible for stroke manifestations but can also be occasionally observed in the absence of overt neurological symptoms. We aimed to determine, in a large cohort of young patients with CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal-Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy), a severe monogenic condition leading to SSIL in young patients, the characteristics of SSIL and of surrounding cerebral tissue associated with the presence of stroke symptoms.

Methods—

Among a cohort of 323 genetically confirmed CADASIL patients who were systematically evaluated every 18 months clinically and with magnetic resonance imaging, we studied all visible SSIL and documented ischemic stroke events with available magnetic resonance imaging data. We used mixed-effect logistic regression models to determine whether the presence of stroke symptoms was associated with age, sex, the volume of SSIL, their location with respect to preexisting white matter hyperintensities and with the load of the different magnetic resonance imaging markers of small vessel disease.

Results—

We identified 73 SSIL (30 with stroke symptoms and 43 without) in 55 patients. In multivariable models, stroke symptoms were more frequent in male patients (estimate=1.94; SE=0.82;
P
=0.03) and less frequent when SSIL appeared in contact to preexisting white matter hyperintensities (estimate=−2.12; SE=0.83;
P
=0.01). Within pyramidal tracts, stroke symptoms were more frequent in patients with extensive white matter hyperintensities (estimate=3.8×10
−5
; SE=9.3×10
−6
;
P
<10
−4
).

Conclusions—

Altogether, our results suggest that when SSIL occur, the presence of stroke symptoms may depend on sex and alterations of the surrounding brain tissue rather than on the characteristics of the SSIL itself.
Four new species of Paranaitis Southern, 1914 (Phyllodocidae, Annelida) from southern and southeastern Brazil
Authors: DE OLIVEIRA VERÔNICA MARIA , JACOBSEN DANNY EIBYE , LANA PAULO
Published: July 2018

Four new species of Paranaitis are described from estuarine and continental shelf bottoms from southern and southeastern Brazil: Paranaitis chitinosa sp. nov., P. cirriformata sp. nov., P. assimetrica sp. nov., and P. cordiformata sp. nov. Paranaitis chitinosa sp. nov. is diagnosed by a proboscis with rows of conical and chitinous papillae alternating with dorsal chitinous bars, and the distal extremity covered with micropapillae, and dorsal cirri rounded and asymmetrical. Paranaitis cirriformata sp. nov. is similar to P. speciosa (Webster, 1879), previously recorded from Brazil, but differs by the presence of long and slender anal cirri. Paranaitis assimetrica sp. nov. differs from P. cordiformata sp. nov. by the presence of supra-acicular lobes that are considerably longer than the subacicular ones, and oval dorsal cirri. Paranaitis cordiformata sp. nov. has cordiform dorsal cirri and symmetrical supra- and sub-acicular lobes.
A new species of Eupasiphae Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1893 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Pasiphaeidae) from the southwestern Atlantic
Authors: RODRIGUES THAIANA G. A. , CARDOSO IRENE A.
Published: July 2018

The pasiphaeid shrimp genus Eupasiphae Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1893 (Caridea: Pasiphaeidae) currently includes four bathypelagic species: Eupasiphae latirostris (Wood-Mason, 1891), E. gilesii (Wood-Mason, 1892), E. serrata Rathbun, 1902 and E. paucidentata Crosnier, 1988. The present work describes a further new species, Eupasiphae ostrovski n. sp., on the basis of material sampled at the continental shelf and slope of the Central Brazilian coast at depths of 200 – 2000 m. The new species is somewhat similar to E. paucidentata, only known from Madagascar, but can be easily distinguished from all other congeneric species by the number and shape of lateral carinae at carapace and by the middorsal carina of the carapace being without teeth anteriorly and with 0–3 posteriorly. The new species is the first Eupasiphae representative known from the southwestern Atlantic.
You should/mustn’t be a mother: intersectionalities of gender and sexuality within non-heteronormative women families
Authors: Kot Małgorzata
Published: July 2018

You should/mustn’t be a mother: intersectionalities of gender and sexuality within non-heteronormative women familiesIn this paper I aim to illustrate the intersectionality of sexuality and gender within non-heteronormative women families with usage of intersectionality framework from the classical text of K. Crenshaw Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color, which analyzes the structural, political and representational intersectionalities. Taking into consideration the impossibility to embrace all identity constructs and intersections between them, I’m going to focus on two dimensions: gender and sexuality, which, as I will try to illustrate, are crucial for studying realities of inequalities faced by non-heteronormative women parents in Poland. Powinnaś/Nie wolno ci być matką: intersekcjonalność gender i seksualności w rodzinach nieheteronormatywnych kobietCelem artykułu jest przedstawienie intersekcjonalności seksualności i gender w rodzinach nieheteronormatywnych kobiet w oparciu o metodologię klasycznego tekstu K. Crenshaw Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color, w którym analizie poddana została intersekcjonalność strukturalna, polityczna i reprezentacyjna. Biorąc pod uwagę niemożność uchwycenia wszystkich konstruktów tożsamościowych i ich wzajemnych relacji, skupię się na dwóch aspektach: płci kulturowej i seksualności, które jak postaram się zobrazować, mają decydujący wpływ na nierówności napotykane przez nieheteronormatywne kobiety-rodziców w Polsce.
Man with sudden upper abdominal pain
Authors: Hsu Hung-Lin , Lee Wei-Jing
Published: July 2018

A 52-year-old man without systemic disease presented to the emergency department with sudden-onset epigastric pain for 2 h. He had vomiting for several times without fever, diarrhea, or recent abdominal trauma. Point-of-care ultrasound revealed flap in the superior mesenteric artery. Percutaneous endovascular stent placement was arranged due to refractory upper abdominal pain and poor response to medical treatment.
Intestinal homeostasis is restored in mice following a period of intestinal growth induced by orally administered Emu Oil
Authors: Mashtoub Suzanne , Cheah Ker Y , Lymn Kerry A , Howarth Gordon S
Published: July 2018

Previously, we reported that orally administered Emu Oil (EO) increases mucosal thickness in the small intestine and colon in rodent models of chemotherapy-induced mucositis and colitis. However, it remains unclear whether mucosal thickening (crypt and villus lengthening) represents a process of normal or aberrant growth. We sought to determine if villus height (VH) and crypt depth (CD) measurements returned to normal in EO-treated rats following withdrawal of EO therapy. Dark agouti rats ( n = 8/group) were gavaged daily for 10 days with water, olive oil (OO), or EO (0.5 mL or 1 mL). Groups of rats were euthanized on days 10 and 17. Intestinal weights, lengths, VH, and CD were quantified. P < 0.05 was considered significant. On day 10, jejuno–ileum weight was increased by OO (26%) and EO (0.5 mL: 15%; 1 mL: 29%) compared to water controls ( P < 0.01), which was normalized by day 17. On days 10 and 17, jejuno-ileum length was greater in OO- (12%) and EO-treated rats (0.5 mL: 8%; 1 mL: 12%; P < 0.05), relative to water controls. On day 10, OO and EO increased ileal VH (OO: 32%; 0.5 EO: 22%; EO: 35%; P < 0.01) and CD (OO: 17%; 0.5 EO: 13%; EO: 22%) compared to water controls. Importantly, however, after withdrawal of all oils, VH and CD measurements returned to normal control values. Moreover, the VH:CD ratio (potential indicator of dysplasia) remained unchanged in all experimental groups on days 10 and 17. The restoration of normal intestinal architecture following cessation of Emu Oil therapy supports its safety for application in intestinal disorders.

Impact statement

Uncontrolled inflammation and intestinal proliferation can predispose to the development of colorectal cancer. In previous pre-clinical studies, we demonstrated that oral administration of Emu Oil promotes intestinal repair via stimulation of the mucosa in response to tissue injury and inflammation. Therefore, it was important to determine if Emu Oil administration did not promote the precocious development of colorectal cancer. The current study revealed that Emu Oil returned indicators of intestinal proliferation back to normal values after a period of seven days. These data strongly support the safety of Emu Oil for further studies in the context of bowel inflammation.
Understanding symptom burden and attitudes to irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea: Results from patient and healthcare professional surveys
Authors: Törnblom Hans , Goosey Richard , Wiseman Gwen , Baker Stephen , Emmanuel Anton
Published: July 2018

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS‐D) comprises multiple troublesome symptoms and negatively impacts patients’ quality of life.

Objective

The objective of this article is to assess IBS‐D patient burden and patient and healthcare professional (HCP) attitudes towards IBS.

Methods

Patients and HCPs from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom completed internet‐based surveys via market research panels. Attitudes to IBS‐D‐related statements were scored using seven‐point Likert scales.

Results

The patient survey included 513 patients (70% female, mean age 40.9 years). Faecal urgency was reported as the most troublesome symptom (27%) and fatigue occurred on the most days per month (mean: 18); 61% of patients used ≥3 types of treatment daily or intermittently; 19% used antidepressants daily. Thirty‐three per cent thought HCPs should listen and provide more support and 46% reported willingness to ‘try anything’ to help manage their IBS–D. The HCP survey included 366 primary care physicians and 313 gastroenterologists: A total of 70% and 65%, respectively, agreed it was important that IBS‐D patients feel listened to and supported; 73% agreed their main aim was to improve quality of life; ∼30% expressed frustration at managing IBS‐D.

Conclusion

IBS‐D imposes a substantial burden on patients and HCPs. These findings point towards a need for improved patient‐HCP communication.
Costs and quality of life by disability among people with multiple sclerosis: a register-based study in Sweden
Authors: Gyllensten Hanna , Kavaliunas Andrius , Alexanderson Kristina , Hillert Jan , Tinghög Petter , Friberg Emilie
Published: July 2018

Background

Population-based estimates of costs of illness and health-related quality of life, by disability levels among people with multiple sclerosis, are lacking.

Objectives

To estimate the annual costs of illness and health-related quality of life, by disability levels, among multiple sclerosis patients, 21–64 years of age.

Methods

Microdata from Swedish nationwide registers were linked to estimate the prevalence-based costs of illness in 2013, including direct costs (prescription drug use and specialised healthcare) and indirect costs (calculated using sick leave and disability pension), and health-related quality of life (estimated from the EQ-5D). Disability level was measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Results

Among 8906 multiple sclerosis patients, EDSS 0.0–3.5 and 7.0–9.5 were associated with mean indirect costs of SEK 117,609 and 461,357, respectively, whereas direct costs were similar between the categories (SEK 117,423 and 102,714, respectively). Prescription drug costs represented 40% of the costs of illness among multiple sclerosis patients with low EDSS, while among patients with high EDSS more than 80% were indirect costs. Among the 1684 individuals who had reported both EQ-5D and EDSS, the lowest health-related quality of life scores were found among those with a high EDSS.

Conclusion

Among people with multiple sclerosis, we confirmed higher costs and lower health-related quality of life in higher disability levels, in particular high indirect costs.
Variability in contact precautions to control the nosocomial spread of multi-drug resistant organisms in the endemic setting: a multinational cross-sectional survey
Authors: Vuichard Gysin Danielle , Cookson Barry , Saenz Henri , Dettenkofer Markus , Widmer Andreas F. ,   for the ESCMID Study Group for Nosocomial Infections (ESGNI)
Published: July 2018

Background

Definitions and practices regarding use of contact precautions and isolation to prevent the spread of gram-positive and gram-negative multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) are not uniform.

Methods

We conducted an on-site survey during the European Congress on Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 2014 to assess specific details on contact precaution and implementation barriers.

Results

Attendants from 32 European (EU) and 24 non-EU countries participated (n = 213). In EU-respondents adherence to contact precautions and isolation was high for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and MDR A. baumannii (84.7, 85.7, and 80%, respectively) whereas only 68% of EU-respondents considered any contact precaution measures for extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing non-E. coli. Between 30 and 45% of all EU and non-EU respondents did not require health-care workers (HCW) to wear gowns and gloves at all times when entering the room of a patient in contact isolation. Between 10 and 20% of respondents did not consider any rooming specifications or isolation for gram-positive MDRO and up to 30% of respondents abstain from such interventions in gram-negative MDRO, especially non-E. coli ESBL. Understaffing and lack of sufficient isolation rooms were the most commonly encountered barriers amongst EU and non-EU respondents.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of contact precautions and isolation is difficult to assess due to great variation in components of the specific measures and mixed levels of implementation. The lack of uniform positive effects of contact isolation to prevent transmission may be explained by the variability of interpretation of this term. Indications for contact isolation require a global definition and further sound studies.
Do Patients With Advanced Cancer Have the Ability to Make Informed Decisions for Participation in Phase I Clinical Trials?
Authors: Hlubocky Fay J. , Sachs Greg A. , Larson Eric R. , Nimeiri Halla S. , Cella David , Wroblewski Kristen E. , Ratain Mark J. , Peppercorn Jeffery M. , Daugherty Christopher K.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Patients with advanced cancer (ACPs) participating in phase I clinical trials inadequately understand many elements of informed consent (IC); however, the prevalence and impact of cognitive impairment has not been described.

Patients and Methods

ACPs enrolled onto phase I trials underwent neuropsychological assessment to evaluate cognitive functioning (CF) covering the following domains: memory (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test), executive functioning (Trail Making Test B), language (Boston Naming Test-Short Version and Controlled Oral Word Association Test), attention (Trail Making Test A and Wechsler Adult Intelligenence Scale-IV Digit Span), comprehension (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV), and quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Cognitive Function). Structured interviews evaluated IC and decisional capacity. Psychological measures included distress (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II).

Results

One hundred eighteen ACPs on phase I trials were evaluated, with CF ranging from mild impairment to superior performance. Only 45% of ACPs recalled physician disclosure of the phase I trial purpose. The 50% of ACPs who correctly identified the phase I research purpose had greater CF compared with ACPs who did not, as revealed by the mean T scores for memory (37.2 ± 5.6 v 32.5 ± 5.1, respectively; P = .001), attention (29 ± 2.7 v 26.9 ± 2.4, respectively; P < .001), visual attention (35.2 ± 6.6 v 31.5 ± 6.2, respectively; P = .001), and executive function (38.9 ± 7.5 v 34 ± 7.1, respectively; P < .001). Older ACPs (≥ 60 years) were less likely to recall physician disclosure of phase I purpose than younger ACPs (30% v 70%, respectively; P = .02) and had measurable deficits in total memory (34.2 ± 5.0 v 37.3 ± 5.6, respectively; P = .002), attention (24.5 ± 2.6 v 28 ± 2.8, respectively; P < .001), and executive function (32.8 ± 7.3 v 36.4 ± 7.6, respectively; P = .01). Older ACPs, compared with younger ACPs, also had greater depression scores (10.6 ± 9.2 v 8.1 ± 5.2, respectively; P = .03) and lower quality-of-life scores (152 ± 29.6 v 167 ± 20, respectively; P = .03). After adjustment by age, no psychological or neuropsychological variable was further significantly associated with likelihood of purpose identification.

Conclusion

CF seems to play a role in ACP recall and comprehension of IC for early-phase clinical trials, especially among older ACPs.
Does Sex Bias Play a Role for Dissatisfied Patients With Hypothyroidism?
Authors: McAninch Elizabeth A , Glueck Jennifer S , Bianco Antonio C
Published: July 2018

The current state of the diagnosis and management of thyroid disease cannot be separated from the larger context of women’s health for the following reasons: (1) the disproportionate incidence and prevalence of functional and structural thyroid diseases among women vs men; (2) the role of thyroid health on fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum; and (3) the challenge posed in managing the nonspecific symptoms of functional thyroid disease in the context of menopause. Here, we explore the hypothesis that sex bias has played a role in the management of thyroid diseases historically and has extended into the modern medical era. Once knowledge gaps that may have resulted from sex bias are recognized, we can strive to overcome this bias and develop better treatments to improve patient outcomes universally.
ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΣΜΑΤΑ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΣΕΙΣ ΕΠΙ ΤΟΥ ΠΡΟΒΛΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΤΩΝ ΜΑΣΤΙΤΙΔΩΝ
Authors: ΒΛΑΧΟΣ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΣ
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Η ΟΡΜΟΝΟΘΕΡΑΠΕΙΑ ΕΙΣ ΤΗΝ YΔPOMHTPAN ΤΩΝ ΑΓΕΛΑΔΩΝ
Authors: ΤΣΑΜΗΣ ΚΩΣΤΑΣ ΑΘ.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
II—ΑΙ ΠΑΡΑΣΙΤΙΚΑΙ ΝΟΣΟΙ ΤΩΝ ΖΩΩΝ
Authors: DALLING Sir THOMAS
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΚΑΡΚΙΝΟΓΟΝΟΙ ΙΟΙ
Authors: ΣΤΟΦΟΡΟΣ ΕΥΘ.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΣΥΓΚΡΙΤΙΚΗ ΜΕΛΕΤΗ ΔYO ΘΡΕΠΤΙΚΩΝ ΥΠΟΣΤΡΩΜΑΤΩΝ ΑΝΑΠΤΥΞΕΩΣ ΙΣΤΟΚΑΛΛΙΕΡΓΗΜΑΤΩΝ ΕΚ ΝΕΦΡΙΚΩΝ ΚΥΤΤΑΡΩΝ ΧΟΙΡΙΔΙΩΝ
Authors: ΤΖΩΡΤΖΑΚΗΣ Ι. Ν. , ΠΑΠΠΟΥΣ Χ. , ΜΠΡΟΒΑΣ Δ. , ΣΤΟΦΟΡΟΣ Ε. , ΚΑΡΑΒΑΛΑΚΗΣ Ι. , ΣΕΙΜΕΝΗΣ Α.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΜΙΚΡΟΒΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΟΣ ΕΛΕΓΧΟΣ ΚΑΤΕΨΥΓΜΕΝΩΝ ΑΠΟΚΕΛΥΦΟΜΕΝΩΝ ΩΩΝ
Authors: CASTAGNIOLI B. , RUSSO G. , ΦΡΑΓΚΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Α.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΑΙ ΙΟΝΙΖΟΥΣΑΙ ΑΚΤΙΝΟΒΟΛΙΑI ΚΑΙ Η ΣΠΟΥΔΑΙΟΤΗΣ ΑΥΤΩΝ ΕΝ ΤΗ ΒΙΟΛΟΓΙΑ
Authors: ΑΝΔΡΙΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Α.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΟΙ ΙΟΙ
Authors: ΣΤΟΦΟΡΟΣ ΕΥΘ. , GARCIA-GANCEDO A. , ΣΕΪΜΕΝΗΣ ΑΡΙΣΤ.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
The importance of the plates in the Verhandelingen over de natuurlijke geschiedenis der Nederlandsche overzeesche bezittingen, Botanie for the nomenclature of South—East Asian plants
Authors: Turner I.M.
Published: July 2018

The botany volume of the Verhandelingen over de natuurlijke geschiedenis der Nederlandsche overzeesche bezittingen was written by P.W. Korthals. It contains accounts of nearly 200 plant species from what is now western Indonesia, and includes 70 plates. The volume was published in seven parts from 1840 to 1844. A large number of the plates were published before the text that included the subjects of the illustrations. As these mostly meet the requirements of an illustration with analysis, the species names on the plates were validated before the text descriptions. This includes a number of generic names validated by the equivalent of a descriptio generico–specifica. All such cases from Korthals’s work are here listed with the correct publication date. Due to overlooked homonymy, Ploiarium elegans Korth. is the correct name for P. alternifolium (Szyszył.) Melch. The names Gordonia ovalis and Mitragyna speciosa should be attributed to Korthals. The new combination Dissochaeta pachygyna (Korth.) I.M.Turner is proposed. The combination Polyspora vulcanica is validated. Lectotypes are designated for 14 names, and 5 second­step designations of lectotype are proposed.
A new technique for correction of leg length discrepancies in combination with complex axis deformities of the lower limb using a lengthening nail and a locking plate
Authors: Steiger C. N. , Lenze U. , Krieg A. H.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Intramedullary lengthening nails are an accepted alternative to external fixators but are limited by anatomical preconditions. Therefore, to date the use of external fixators is sometimes inevitable. We report on a new technique for correction of combined limb length discrepancies and complex axis deformities using solely internal devices - a lengthening nail and a locking plate.

Methods

Between October 2008 and November 2011 five patients (two femora, three tibias) with a mean leg length discrepancy of 36 mm (25 to 50) and a complex angular deformity were treated with a fully implantable motorized lengthening nail (Fitbone) and a locking plate. All patients were evaluated with regards to the pre- and postoperative leg length as well as axis alignment, functional outcome, lengthening indices and complications.

Results

A successful leg length equalization was achieved in all cases and physiological joint orientation angles in all but one case. The mean distraction index was 1.2 mm/day, the maturation index 24 days/cm and the consolidation index 35 days/cm. The functional outcome was very encouraging in all cases with bilateral free range of movement. In total, two complications were observed, one nonunion and one loss of leg length after an early locking bolt removal in a peripheral hospital.

Conclusion

The combination of a fully implantable motorized lengthening nail and a locking plate is a valuable alternative option for treating selected cases with limb length discrepancies in combination with a complex deformity of the lower leg. However, the reported technique puts high demands on the preoperative planning, operative technique as well as surgeon's skills.

Level of evidence

IV (retrospective series)