bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echocardiography during submaximal isometric exercise in children with repaired coarctation of the aorta compared with controls
Authors: Panzer Joseph , Dequeker Laure , Coomans Ilse , Vandekerckhove Kristof , Bove Thierry , De Wolf Daniël , Rietzschel Ernst
Published: October 2019

Objective

Patients with repaired coarctation (RCoA) remain at higher risk of cardiac dysfunction, initially often only detected during exercise. In this study, haemodynamics of isometric handgrip (HG) and bicycle ergometry (BE) were compared in patients with RCoA and matched controls (MCs).

Methods

Case–control study of 19 children with RCoA (mean age 12.9±2.3 years; mean age of repair 7 months) compared with 20 MC. HG with echocardiography followed by BE was performed in both groups.

Results

During HG (blood pressure) BP increased from 114±11/64±4 mm Hg to 132±14/79±7 mm Hg, without significant differences. During HG as well as BE, HR increased less in patients with RCoA. There were no significant differences in (left ventricle) LV dimensions or LV mass.

The RCoA group had diastolic dysfunction: both at rest and during HG they had significantly higher transmitral E and A velocities and lower tissue Doppler E′ and A′ velocities. E/E′ was higher, reaching statistical significance during HG (p<0001).

Conventional parameters of systolic function (FS and EF) were similar at rest and HG. More sensitive tissue Doppler S′ was significantly lower at rest in CoA subjects (5.1±1.5 cm/s vs 6.5±1±1 cm/s; p<0.01), decreasing further during HG by 5% in the CoA group (NS) while unchanged in controls.

Conclusions

We provide first evidence that HG with echocardiography is feasible, easy and patient-friendly. A decreased systolic (tissue Doppler) and impaired diastolic LV function was measured in the RCoA group, a difference that tended to increase during HG.
Transition phase towards psoriatic arthritis: clinical and ultrasonographic characterisation of psoriatic arthralgia
Authors: Zabotti Alen , McGonagle Dennis G , Giovannini Ivan , Errichetti Enzo , Zuliani Francesca , Zanetti Anna , Tinazzi Ilaria , De Lucia Orazio , Batticciotto Alberto , Idolazzi Luca , Sakellariou Garifallia , Zandonella Callegher Sara , Sacco Stefania , Quartuccio Luca , Iagnocco Annamaria , De Vita Salvatore
Published: October 2019

Objective

Non-specific musculoskeletal pain is common in subjects destined to develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA). We evaluated psoriatic patients with arthralgia (PsOAr) compared with psoriasis alone (PsO) and healthy controls (HCs) using ultrasonography (US) to investigate the anatomical basis for joint symptoms in PsOAr and the link between these imaging findings and subsequent PsA transition.

Methods

A cross-sectional prevalence analysis of clinical and US abnormalities (including inflammatory and structural lesions) in PsOAr (n=61), PsO (n=57) and HCs (n=57) was performed, with subsequent prospective follow-up for PsA development.

Results

Tenosynovitis was the only significant sonographic feature that differed between PsOAr and PsO (29.5% vs 5.3%, p<0.001), although synovitis and enthesitis were numerically more frequent in PsOAr. Five patients in PsOAr and one in PsO group developed PsA, with an incidence rate of 109.2/1000 person-years in PsOAr vs 13.4/1000 person-years in PsO (p=0.03). Visual Analogue Scale pain, Health Assessment Questionnaire, joint tenderness and US active enthesitis were baseline variables associated with PsA development.

Conclusion

Tenosynovitis was associated with arthralgia in subjects with psoriasis. Baseline US evidence of enthesitis was associated with clinical PsA development in the longitudinal analysis. These findings are relevant for enriching for subjects at risk of imminent PsA development.
Ginsenoside Rh2 Suppresses Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation by Epigenetically Regulating the Long Noncoding RNA C3orf67-AS1
Authors: Jeong Dawoon , Ham Juyeon , Park Sungbin , Kim Hyeon Woo , Kim Heejoo , Ji Hwee Won , Kim Sun Jung
Published: October 2019

Ginsenoside Rh2, a major bioactive ingredient abundant in red ginseng, has an antiproliferative effect on various cancer cells. In this study, we report a novel long noncoding RNA, C3orf67-AS1, which was identified as being hypermethylated at a CpG site of the promoter by Rh2 in MCF-7 cancer cells. Rh2-induced hypermethylation was responsible for the lower gene expression; the expression was recovered following treatment with a methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine. When C3orf67-AS1 was downregulated by a siRNA, the cell growth rate was decreased, demonstrating the RNA’s oncogenic activity. Accordingly, breast cancer patients showed a lower methylation and higher expression level of C3orf67-AS1. Within 800 kb flanking C3orf67-AS1 on the chromosome, eight genes were found, and four genes including C3orf67 (the sense strand gene of C3orf67-AS1) were downregulated by Rh2. In particular, C3orf67 was downregulated when C3orf67-AS1 was suppressed by a siRNA; however, the expression of C3orf67-AS1 was not affected by C3orf67. Taken together, this study identifies a novel noncoding RNA, C3orf67-AS1, of which the expression could be suppressed by Rh2 via promoter methylation, thereby mediating the anti-proliferative effect of the ginsenoside.
Relativistic anisotropic model of strange star SAX J1808.4-3658 admitting quadratic equation of state
Authors: Gedela Satyanarayana , Pant Neeraj , Pant R. P. , Upreti Jaya
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we study the behavior of static spherically symmetric relativistic model of the strange star SAX J1808.4-3658 by exploring a new exact solution for anisotropic matter distribution. We analyze the comprehensive structure of the space–time within the stellar configuration by using the Einstein field equations amalgamated with quadratic equation of state (EoS). Further, we compare solutions of quadratic EoS model with modified Bose–Einstein condensation EoS and linear EoS models which can be generated by a suitable choice of parameters in quadratic EoS model. Subsequently, we compare the properties of strange star SAX J1808.4-3658 for all the three EoS models with the help of graphical representations.
Formation of 1 × 3 splitting by embedded double-layer reflective grating under second Bragg illumination
Authors: Gao Chenhao , Wang Bo , Wen Kunhua , Meng Ziming , Nie Zhaogang , Xing Xiangjun , Chen Li , Lei Liang , Zhou Jinyun
Published: October 2019

In order to obtain a [Formula: see text] grating with high performance, we designed a double-layer reflective grating beam splitter with a covering layer at a wavelength of 1550 nm. We obtain a better grating structure by modal analysis and rigorous coupled-wave method. The reflectivity of the three diffraction orders for the grating is close to 33.3%. The optimized data show that the grating beam splitter has a large period process tolerance for TE polarization. The grating performance has high incident performance and uniform splitting effect.
Basic Properties of a Mean Field Laser Equation
Authors: Fagnola Franco , Mora Carlos M.
Published: October 2019

We study the nonlinear quantum master equation describing a laser under the mean field approximation. The quantum system is formed by a single mode optical cavity and two level atoms, which interact with reservoirs. Namely, we establish the existence and uniqueness of the regular solution to the nonlinear operator equation under consideration, as well as we get a probabilistic representation for this solution in terms of a mean field stochastic Schrödinger equation. To this end, we find a regular solution for the nonautonomous linear quantum master equation in Gorini–Kossakowski–Sudarshan–Lindblad form, and we prove the uniqueness of the solution to the nonautonomous linear adjoint quantum master equation in Gorini–Kossakowski–Sudarshan–Lindblad form. Moreover, we obtain rigorously the Maxwell–Bloch equations from the mean field laser equation.
Interference of Quantum States and Superposition Principle in Probability Representation of Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Man’ko Margarita A. , Man’ko Vladimir I.
Published: October 2019

The superposition of pure quantum states explicitly expressed in terms of a nonlinear addition rule of state density operators is reviewed. The probability representation of density matrices of qudit states is used to formulate the interference of the states as a combination of the probability distributions describing pure states. The formalism of quantizer–dequantizer operators is developed. Examples of spin-1/2 states and f-oscillator systems are considered.
Crowdsourcing Mechanism for Trust Evaluation in CPCS Based on Intelligent Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Wang Tian , Luo Hao , Zheng Xi , Xie Mande
Published: October 2019

Both academia and industry have directed tremendous interest toward the combination of Cyber Physical Systems and Cloud Computing, which enables a new breed of applications and services. However, due to the relative long distance between remote cloud and end nodes, Cloud Computing cannot provide effective and direct management for end nodes, which leads to security vulnerabilities. In this article, we first propose a novel trust evaluation mechanism using crowdsourcing and Intelligent Mobile Edge Computing. The mobile edge users with relatively strong computation and storage ability are exploited to provide direct management for end nodes. Through close access to end nodes, mobile edge users can obtain various information of the end nodes and determine whether the node is trustworthy. Then, two incentive mechanisms, i.e., Trustworthy Incentive and Quality-Aware Trustworthy Incentive Mechanisms, are proposed for motivating mobile edge users to conduct trust evaluation. The first one aims to motivate edge users to upload their real information about their capability and costs. The purpose of the second one is to motivate edge users to make trustworthy effort to conduct tasks and report results. Detailed theoretical analysis demonstrates the validity of Quality-Aware Trustworthy Incentive Mechanism from data trustfulness, effort trustfulness, and quality trustfulness, respectively. Extensive experiments are carried out to validate the proposed trust evaluation and incentive mechanisms. The results corroborate that the proposed mechanisms can efficiently stimulate mobile edge users to perform evaluation task and improve the accuracy of trust evaluation.
Lightweight Convolution Neural Networks for Mobile Edge Computing in Transportation Cyber Physical Systems
Authors: Zhou Junhao , Dai Hong-Ning , Wang Hao
Published: October 2019

Cloud computing extends Transportation Cyber-Physical Systems (T-CPS) with provision of enhanced computing and storage capability via offloading computing tasks to remote cloud servers. However, cloud computing cannot fulfill the requirements such as low latency and context awareness in T-CPS. The appearance of Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) can overcome the limitations of cloud computing via offloading the computing tasks at edge servers in approximation to users, consequently reducing the latency and improving the context awareness. Although MEC has the potential in improving T-CPS, it is incapable of processing computational-intensive tasks such as deep learning algorithms due to the intrinsic storage and computing-capability constraints. Therefore, we design and develop a lightweight deep learning model to support MEC applications in T-CPS. In particular, we put forth a stacked convolutional neural network (CNN) consisting of factorization convolutional layers alternating with compression layers (namely, lightweight CNN-FC). Extensive experimental results show that our proposed lightweight CNN-FC can greatly decrease the number of unnecessary parameters, thereby reducing the model size while maintaining the high accuracy in contrast to conventional CNN models. In addition, we also evaluate the performance of our proposed model via conducting experiments at a realistic MEC platform. Specifically, experimental results at this MEC platform show that our model can maintain the high accuracy while preserving the portable model size.
Mixture of Joint Nonhomogeneous Markov Chains to Cluster and Model Water Consumption Behavior Sequences
Authors: Leyli-Abadi Milad , samé Allou , Oukhellou Latifa , Cheifetz Nicolas , Mandel Pierre , Féliers Cédric , Chesneau Olivier
Published: October 2019

The emergence of smart meters has fostered the collection of massive data that support a better understanding of consumer behaviors and better management of water resources and networks. The main focus of this article is to analyze consumption behavior over time; thus, we first identify the main weekly consumption patterns. This approach allows each meter to be represented by a categorical series, where each category corresponds to a weekly consumption behavior. By considering the resulting consumption behavior sequences, we propose a new methodology based on a mixture of nonhomogeneous Markov models to cluster these categorical time series. Using this method, the meters are described by the Markovian dynamics of their cluster. The latent variable that controls cluster membership is estimated alongside the parameters of the Markov model using a novel classification expectation maximization algorithm. A specific entropy measure is formulated to evaluate the quality of the estimated partition by considering the joint Markovian dynamics. The proposed clustering model can also be used to predict future consumption behaviors within each cluster. Numerical experiments using real water consumption data provided by a water utility in France and gathered over 19 months are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach in terms of both clustering and prediction. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The effects of mixing machine learning and human judgment
Authors: Vaccaro Michelle , Waldo Jim
Published: October 2019

Collaboration between humans and machines does not necessarily lead to better outcomes.
An elementary introduction to Kalman filtering
Authors: Pei Yan , Biswas Swarnendu , Fussell Donald S. , Pingali Keshav
Published: October 2019

Demystifying the uses of a powerful tool for uncertain information.
Naringin Reverses High-Cholesterol Diet-Induced Vascular Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Rats via Regulating LOX-1 and NADPH Oxidase Subunit Expression
Authors: Pengnet Sirinat , Prommaouan Sakdina , Sumarithum Phinsuda , Malakul Wachirawadee
Published: October 2019

Hypercholesterolaemia is associated with oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction and leads to the development of atherosclerosis. Naringin exhibits cardiovascular protective and antioxidant properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of naringin administration on vascular oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in hypercholesterolaemic rats and to elucidate its underlying mechanism. Sprague Dawley rats were fed a diet with 1.5% cholesterol (HCD) for 8 weeks to induce hypercholesterolaemia. Naringin (100 mg/kg body weight) was orally administrated to rats during the last 4 weeks of the diet treatment. After 8 weeks, the thoracic aorta was isolated to determine vascular function and nitric oxide (NO) levels. The aortic superoxide anion (O2−) level was detected using dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence staining. Protein expression of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunits, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as oxidative damage markers, was also evaluated in aortae. Naringin treatment of hypercholesterolaemic rats enhanced aortic NO levels, restored endothelium-dependent responses to acetylcholine (ACh), and reduced aorticO2−levels. Furthermore, naringin treatment decreased LOX-1, NADPH oxidase subunits (p47phox, Nox2, and Nox4), and iNOS as well as oxidative damage markers (3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)) expression in aortic tissues from hypercholesterolaemic rats. These results demonstrate that naringin treatment improves endothelium dysfunction in hypercholesterolaemic rats, at least partially by decreasing oxidative stress via downregulation of LOX-1 and NADPH oxidase.
Insights into the Effects of the Dental Stem Cell Secretome on Nerve Regeneration: Towards Cell-Free Treatment
Authors: Man Rohaina Che , Sulaiman Nadiah , Idrus Ruszymah Bt Hj , Ariffin Shahrul Hisham Zainal , Wahab Rohaya Megat Abdul , Yazid Muhammad Dain
Published: October 2019

Cell-free treatment is emerging as an alternative to cell delivery to promote endogenous regeneration using cell-derived factors. The purpose of this article was to systematically review studies of the effects of the dental stem cell secretome on nerve regeneration. PubMed and Scopus databases were used where searched and related studies were selected. The primary search identified 36 articles with the utilized keywords; however, only 13 articles met the defined inclusion criteria. Eight out of thirteen articles included in vivo and in vitro studies. We classified the dental stem cell-derived secretome with its nerve regeneration potential. All studies demonstrated that dental stem cell-derived factors promote neurotrophic effects that can mechanistically stimulate nerve regeneration in neurodegenerative diseases and nerve injury. This data collection will enable researchers to gather information to create a precise formulation for future prescribed treatments.
Lactate Level Predicts Mortality in Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Gulen Muge , Satar Salim , Tas Adnan , Avci Akkan , Nazik Hakan , Toptas Firat Basak
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives. The aim of this study was to show whether the level of lactate in venous blood compared with the Glasgow-Blatchford Bleeding Score (GBS), in patients diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal system (UGI) bleeding in the emergency department, will help to predict the need for transfusion and prognosis.Materials and Methods. Patients with UGI bleeding who were admitted to the emergency department were included in the study. The parameters age, gender, referral complaints, comorbidities, lactate levels in venous blood, GBS, endoscopy findings, length of hospital stay, transfusion amount, and outcome of patients were recorded in the data collection form.Results. A total of 139 patients were included in the study. The most common complaints were melena (38.1%) and hematemesis (32.4%). The most frequent endoscopic diagnosis was duodenal ulcer (40.3%). The cutoff value of the venous blood lactate level for the prediction of the need for red blood cell transfusion was 1.58 mmol/L, and the cutoff value for GBS was 9.5. While 124 patients were discharged, 15 patients died. The mean value of venous lactate in survived patients was 2.37 mmol/L and 4.80 in dead patients. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.044). The cutoff value of lactate for the prediction of mortality was 2.32 mmol/L, and the cutoff value for GBS was 13.5.Conclusions. The venous blood lactate value of a patient who was admitted to the emergency department with UGI bleeding might be helpful in predicting the transfusion needs of the patient and predicting the mortality.
Serum Expression of β-Catenin Is a Potential Detection Marker in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Li Shue , Huang Mao , Liu Qiao , Wang Ding , Wu Rui , Zhang Xiuyu , Chen Weixian , Duan Liang
Published: October 2019

Object. To investigate the correlation between the level of serum β-catenin and the disease progression of colorectal polyp (CRP) and colorectal cancer (CRC) and find its potential diagnostic value. Methods. A total of 327 clinical serum samples and their electronic medical records were collected. Detecting by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the correlations of serum β-catenin with tumor marker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CRC clinicopathological parameters and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were analyzed. Results. Serum β-catenin levels in the CRP and CRC patients were significantly higher than those in the healthy control (HC) group (P<0.05 and P<0.001). Compared with CRP, serum β-catenin level in CRC was also increased (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in gender, age, location, tumor size, Dukes staging, or metastasis (P>0.05) between serum β-catenin and clinical parameters of CRC. There was no correlation between serum β-catenin levels and CEA in CRC patients (P=0.14). ROC curve analysis showed that serum β-catenin possessed the maximum diagnostic efficiency in CRP (AUC=0.73, P<0.05) with 86.41% sensitivity and 51.56% specificity. β-Catenin combined with CEA had the highest diagnostic efficiency (AUC=0.88, P<0.05) with 81.88% sensitivity and 73.44% specificity. With CRC patients from CRP patients, ROC analysis of the combining detection (AUC=0.70, P<0.05) had the 70% sensitivity and 84.5% specificity. Conclusion. The serum β-catenin levels are gradually increased in CRP and CRC, while there is no correlation between its levels and CRC disease process. Single serum β-catenin or combined CEA would be one of the potential candidate biomarkers for colorectal disease diagnosis.
Jones Fractures in Sumo Wrestlers: Three Case Reports
Authors: Hoshino Takashi , Tateishi Tomohiko , Nagase Tsuyoshi , Yuki Arata , Nakagawa Teruhiko , Tsuchiya Masamitsu
Published: October 2019

Jones fractures sometimes occur in athletes and are known to have complications, such as nonunion, delayed union, and recurrence, even with treatment. We describe three cases of Jones fractures in sumo wrestlers with treatment-related difficulties. All patients discontinued treatment at their own discretion. The two conservative cases had nonunion or delayed union, and the operative case had a broken screw. However, all patients continued sumo wrestling, with little impact on their careers. The risk factors of Jones fractures in sumo wrestling may be heavy weight, and training or competition characteristics unique to sumo wrestling. In cases of a complete Jones fracture, operative treatment is most commonly selected, as the risk for nonunion or refractures is less than that for conservative treatment. However, in the case of sumo wrestlers, there are risks of infection and problems with treatment compliance. As taking a rest may result in a lowered rank, completing a sufficient duration of treatment is difficult. Treatment is difficult and controversial in sumo wrestlers; all three patients discontinued treatment of their own accord. These cases suggest that it is important to thoroughly inform sumo wrestlers of the treatment options, and to decide the most appropriate treatment method for each patient.
Twenty Element Concentrations in Human Organs Determined by Two-Jet Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Zaksas Natalia P. , Soboleva Svetlana E. , Nevinsky Georgy A.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we have performed determination of the concentration of twenty elements in seven human organs (spleen, liver, kidney, muscle, heart, lungs, and brain) using two-jet plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The method allows multielemental analysis of solid samples without wet acid digestion. Before analysis, all human organs were first dried, ground to powders, and carbonized. The relative content of elements in each of the seven organs was very different depending on the donor. The average content of twenty elements in various organs varied in the following ranges (μg/g of dry weight): Ag (<0.02–0.2), Al (2.1–263), B (<0.5–2.5), Ca (323–1650), Cd (<0.1–114), Co (<0.2–1.0), Cr (<0.5–4.0), Cu (4.2–47), Fe (156–2900), Mg (603–1305), Mn (0.47–8.5), Mo (<0.2–4.9), Ni (<0.3–3.1), Pb (<0.3–1.9), Si (31.6–2390), Sn (<0.3–3.2), Sr (0.2–1.0), Ti (<2–31, mainly in lungs), and Zn (120–292). The concentration range of Ba in organs of five donors was <0.2–6.9 and 2.0–5600 for one donor with pneumoconiosis (baritosis). The maximum element contents were found, respectively, in the following organs: Al, B, Cr, Ni, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti (lungs), Fe (lungs and spleen), Mn (liver and kidney), Ag and Mo (liver), Ca (lungs and kidney), Cu (brain), Cd (kidney), Pb (brain), and Zn (liver, kidney, and muscle). The minimal content of elements was observed, respectively, in the following organs: Ag (all organs except liver), Ba (spleen, muscles, and brain), Ca and Mg (liver), Si (liver, muscle, and brain), Cd and Sr (heart and brain), Al, Cu, Fe, and Mn (muscle), and Zn (spleen and brain). The analysis of possible biological role and reasons for the increased content of some elements in the organs analyzed was carried out.
Does Physical Activity-Based Intervention Improve Systemic Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels in Overweight or Obese Children and Adolescents? Insights from a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials
Authors: Han Yanshuo , Liu Yang , Zhao Zhongyi , Zhen Shihan , Chen Jianhua , Ding Ning , Ma Yanan , Wen Deliang
Published: October 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to conduct a meta-analysis of the role that physical activity (PA) plays in influencing the critical proinflammatory cytokine levels associated with overweight/obese children and adolescents to explore the effectiveness of exercise intervention within this population. Methods: With searches of the PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases, we updated our meta-analysis up to November 2018. The randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluated the ability of exercise training to increase the following factors in children and/or adolescents classified as obese or overweight: tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results: Eleven RCT comprising 623 children and/or adolescents who were obese or overweight (i.e., 393 with PA and 230 controls) were suitable for use in this study. The meta-analysis showed that PA in general was associated with a significant reduction of CRP levels (mean difference = –0.45 mg/L, p = 0.02) in overweight/obese children and adolescents. Based on 115 overweight and obese youths, this study suggests that PA does not significantly mitigate IL-6 levels (mean difference = –0.39 pg/mL, p = 0.08), although there was a trend towards a reduction. Additionally, no close connection was observed between PA and TNF-α levels at 0.04 pg/mL (p = 0.78). Moreover, meta-regression analysis revealed a statistical association between CPR levels and changes in BMI or changes in adiponectin; likewise, IL-6 levels dramatically impacted the effect of exercise on changes in adiponectin. Conclusions: PA was associated with significantly reduced CRP levels, whereas there was no significant association with IL-6 or TNF-α in overweight/obese children or adolescents; however, there was a trend towards a reduction of IL-6.
New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy Undergoing Tacrolimus and Low-Dose Corticosteroid Therapy
Authors: Shao Lina , Jin Juan , Ye Binxian , Xu Baihui , Li Yiwen , Gong Jianguang , Zhang Jiong , Chen Maosheng , He Qiang
Published: October 2019

Background: Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Although various studies have demonstrated the efficacy of tacrolimus combined with corticosteroids for treating IMN, both tacrolimus and corticosteroids have been shown to be diabetogenic, particularly following organ transplantation. Furthermore, the frequency and risk factors for new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) in IMN patients treated with tacrolimus plus low-dose corticosteroids remain unclear. Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of NODM in IMN patients undergoing tacrolimus plus low-dose corticosteroid therapy and to confirm the risk factors for NODM development. Methods: This retrospective study recruited 72 eligible patients with biopsy-proven IMN from our center, between September 2013 and June 2018. All subjects were treated with tacrolimus plus low-dose corticosteroids for a minimum of 3 months. The primary outcome was NODM development during the follow-up period. The secondary outcome was complete or partial remission. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with NODM (NODM group) and those without NODM (No-NODM group). Demographic and clinical data at baseline and follow-up were assessed. Results: During follow-up, 31 of the 72 patients developed NODM (43.0%). The median time to occurrence was 3 months after treatment initiation. NODM patients were significantly older (median age 59 vs. 40 years) than No-NODM patients. Baseline fasting blood glucose levels were slightly higher in the NODM group; however, the difference was not significant (p = 0.07). Older age was an independent risk factor for NODM (OR 1.73 and 95% CI 1.20–2.47, p = 0.003). Overall kidney remission rates were 80.6%. There was no significant difference in remission rate between groups. There was a significant difference in development of pulmonary infection, which occurred in 7 NODM patients and only in 1 No-NODM patient (p = 0.018). IMN reoccurred in 5 NODM patients but only 1 No-NODM patient. Conclusions: Tacrolimus plus low-dose corticosteroid therapy was an efficient treatment for IMN; however, it was accompanied by increased NODM morbidity, which should be considered serious, due to the increased risk of life-threatening complications. Increasing age was a major risk factor for NODM in IMN patients treated with tacrolimus plus low-dose corticosteroid therapy.
Evidence for Activation of Lectin and Classical Pathway Complement Components in Aqueous Humor of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Omori Tomoko , Oguchi Yasuharu , Machida Takeshi , Kato Yutaka , Ishida Yumi , Ojima Akira , Itagaki Kanako , Shintake Hiroaki , Tomita Ryutaro , Kasai Akihito , Sugano Yukinori , Ogasawara Masashi , Sekine Hideharu , Sekiryu Tetsuju
Published: October 2019

Purpose: The complement system is activated via 3 different pathways; the lectin pathway (LP), classical pathway (CP), and alternative pathway. To investigate the possible roles for the LP or CP in the development of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), we compared aqueous humor levels of complement proteins of the LP and CP between eyes with nAMD and those with cataract as controls. Methods: Seventeen eyes from 17 patients with treatment-naïve nAMD and 9 eyes from 9 patients with cataract were studied. Aqueous humor samples were collected before intravitreal aflibercept or ranibizumab injection for the nAMD patients and before cataract surgery for the cataract patients. Aqueous humor levels of complement C4 of the LP and CP, complement C3 of all 3 complement pathways, and mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease (MASP)-2 of the LP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Aqueous humor levels of C4a and C3a, the activation products of C4 and C3, respectively, were measured by a bead-based immunoassay. The ratios of C4a to C4 and C3a to C3, representing the degree of C4 and C3 activation, respectively, were calculated in individual patients. Results: The aqueous humor levels of C4, C3, and MASP-2 were significantly lower in the nAMD eyes compared to the controls (p = 0.008, p = 0.011, and p = 0.018, respectively). In contrast, the aqueous humor levels of C4a and C3a, as well as the C4a/C4 and C3a/C3 ratios, were significantly higher in the nAMD eyes compared to the controls (p = 0.039, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: This study provides evidence for significant intraocular activation of either or both of the LP and CP in nAMD eyes that might be involved in the development of nAMD. The significantly lower levels of MASP-2 in the aqueous humor of the nAMD eyes were likely due to MASP-2 consumption by activation of the LP.
Cost Effectiveness of Assessing Ultrasound Plaque Characteristics to Risk Stratify Asymptomatic Patients With Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Baradaran Hediyeh , Gupta Ajay , Anzai Yoshimi , Mushlin Alvin I. , Kamel Hooman , Pandya Ankur
Published: October 2019

Background

Imaging may play an important role in identifying high‐risk plaques in patients who have carotid disease and who could benefit from surgical revascularization. We sought to evaluate the cost effectiveness of a decision‐making rule based on the ultrasound imaging assessment of plaque echolucency in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis.

Methods and Results

We used a decision‐analytic model to project lifetime quality‐adjusted life years and costs for 5 stroke prevention strategies: (1) medical therapy only; (2) revascularization if
both
plaque echolucency and stenosis progression to >90% are present; (3) revascularization only if plaque echolucency is present; (4) revascularization only if stenosis progression >90% is present; or (5) either plaque echolucency or stenosis progression is present. Risks of clinical events, costs, and quality‐of‐life values were estimated based on published sources and the analysis was conducted from a healthcare system perspective for asymptomatic patients with 70% to 89% carotid stenosis at presentation. Patients who did not undergo revascularization had the highest stroke events (17.6%) and lowest life‐years (8.45), while those who underwent revascularization on the basis of either presence of plaque echolucency on ultrasound or progression of carotid stenosis had the lowest stroke events (12.0%) and longest life‐years (14.41). The
either
plaque echolucency or progression‐based revascularization group had an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $110 000/quality‐adjusted life years compared with the plaque echolucency‐based strategy, which had an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $29 000/quality‐adjusted life years compared with the joint echolucency and progression‐based strategy.

Conclusions

Plaque echolucency on ultrasound can be a cost‐effective tool to identify patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis most likely to benefit from carotid endarterectomy.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Positive Airway Pressure Device for Sleep Apnea Detection in Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Camilo Millene Rodrigues , Machado Luís Artur , Castilho Cristiane Menezes , Sander Heidi Haueisen , Eckeli Alan Luiz , Fernandes Regina França , Leite Joao Pereira , Pontes-Neto Octavio Marques
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose—

Sleep apnea has been associated with a poor outcome in acute stroke patients. Polysomnography is the gold standard diagnostic method for sleep apnea, but it is not feasible as a routine in the acute stroke setting. The current generation of positive airway pressure (PAP) devices can detect the different types of respiratory events. This study aimed to compare the algorithms used in PAP device to manually scored events on polysomnography in patients with acute stroke.

Methods—

A sleep study was performed with standard polysomnography and PAP device, simultaneously, within the first 48 hours after acute stroke onset.

Results—

We prospectively evaluated 29 patients with acute stroke (59.5±12.1 years). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for each apnea-hypopnea index value was above 0.90 by PAP device. There was a good correlation of apnea-hypopnea index (
r
s
=0.92;
P
<0.001), hypopnea index (
r
s
=0.89;
P
<0.001), and apnea index (
r
s
=0.70;
P
<0.001) between device-detected events and manually scored polysomnography.

Conclusions—

Given the high frequency of sleep apnea during the acute phase of stroke and the complexity of a full polysomnography study in this setting, PAP device on diagnostic mode can be used as an alternative tool for sleep apnea detection in acute stroke patients.
The Study of Emotions in Early Jewish Texts: Review and Perspectives
Authors: Mirguet Françoise
Published: October 2019

This article reviews recent research on emotions in the field of early Judaism, mostly in literature. The article starts with an example from the biblical story of Joseph, to illustrate the need for a culturally sensitive understanding of emotions. Various approaches to emotions are then examined: philology and the history of the self, the construction of identity, structures of power (including gender), experiences with the divine, and emotions as adaptive practices. Each section starts with a brief outline of the scholarship conducted in other fields and serving as a background for research on early Judaism. The conclusion considers several facets of emotions, as they are highlighted by various disciplines; cultural manipulations of emotions often harness the tensions that may result from these multiple facets. The article closes with a brief assessment of the contribution of emotion research to the broader study of early Judaism and with perspectives for further research.
Victims and Reparations in International Criminal Justice: African Initiatives
Authors: Perez-Leon-Acevedo Juan-Pablo
Published: October 2019

Two important African criminal justice initiatives, namely, the Extraordinary African Chambers (eac) and the International Criminal Law Section of the African Court of Justice and Human and Peoples’ Rights (acjhr-icls), illustrate the trend whereby victims can claim and receive reparations at international/hybrid criminal tribunals (icts). The International Criminal Court (icc) started this trend. This article will examine whether the eac and acjhr-icls can contribute to victims’ status as reparations claimants on substantive, procedural and institutional levels. The eac-Statute as applied in Habré and the acjhr-Statute constitute the primary sources of analysis as complemented by inter alia the law and/or practice of the icc, Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (eccc) and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACtHPR). This article generally finds that the realisation of victims’ right to reparations at the eac and acjhr-icls depends on how normative and implementation deficits and challenges are handled.
Spatial Images in Baratynsky’s Late Lyrics: Aesthetic and Metaphysical Aspects
Authors: Anokhina Yuliya Yu.
Published: October 2019

The article is devoted to the question of how in the late lyric of the Russian poet of Pushkin’s circle Yevgeny Abramovich Baratynsky (1800–1844), namely in his final book of verses Sumerki [Twilight] (1842), in spatial images metaphysical and aesthetic principles are reflected. The author focuses on three ‘programmatic’ poems: Knjazju Petru Andreevichu Vjazemskomu [an epistle to Prince Pyotr Andreyevich Vyazemsky] which opens the poetic book, a poem Osen [Autumn], kind of coda of Sumerki and poem Rifma [Rhyme], which placed in the final of the book. The embodiment of the synthesis of metaphysical and aesthetic principles in spatial images is considered on the example of images of a coffin and a grave. The article shows that the analysis of these images makes it possible to better understand the uniqueness of the artistic philosophy which reflected in the book. The author comes to the conclusion that images of the coffin, the tomb and the grave affect the specifics of the artistic space in the poetic book, performing aesthetic functions. At the same time, directly connected with the motives of death and the memory of death, these images allow the poet to express more clearly the philosophical thoughts about the idea of that the place of poetry and of art in general in the world.
The ‘Hoffmann’s complex’ in the Dramatic Trilogy of A. Blok (A Puppet Show, King on the Square and The Unknown Woman)
Authors: Koroleva Vera V.
Published: October 2019

The article examines the ‘Hoffmann’s complex’ in the lyrical trilogy of A. Blok: pictorial and musical harmony (synesthesia of arts); romantic irony and grotesque; the problem of mechanization of life and a human, which is revealed in the images-symbols of the mask, a doll, a puppet and a double. Synesthesia is an important part of Blok’s style, manifested in the special lyricism of the works, which helps to reveal the subtle soul of the lyrical hero. The problem of mechanization of life and human in the Blok’s dramas is revealed in the images of a mask, a doll, a double, which express one of the sides of the poet’s contradictory soul and appear as a reaction to the imperfection of the modern world. Another embodiment of the mechanization of life and a human is the problem of merging the mask and the actor, as a result of which the actor loses his true face. Important elements of Aleksandr Blok’s lyrical style in the trilogy are rooted in the tradition of Hoffmann’s romantic irony and the grotesque, which get a new semantic content in dramas: the creative irony of Hoffmann transforms in a devastating irony in Blok’s works.
“The sound erects white churches in lands…”: Towards the Philosophy of the Sound and the Name in the Poetic Consciousness of S.A. Yesenin
Authors: Seregina Svetlana A.
Published: October 2019

The article makes the first attempt to analyze the philosophy of the sound and the name in the poetic consciousness of S.A. Yesenin. The article argues that in Yesenin’s poem I will not be wandering about… the female image becomes the personification of the ideal prototype of the world, the carnal-symbolic embodiment of the ‘light mystery’: Yesenin gives the female principle a metaphysical status, so sound and name in their physical and material shell become elusive carriers of the superreal divine essence of the world. Another conclusion of the analysis is that one of the sources of the idea of sound as a carrier of the grace of God for Yesenin was N.A. Klyuev poetry. Through his mediation Yesenin accepted the concept of Imiaslavie (‘praising the name’) that sound and name can bring the traces of the divine. The work also compares two articles: Andrey Bely’s Aaron’s rod and Sergey Yesenin’s Father’s word. It concludes that the main opposition of Yesenin’s article (‘humpbacked word with a broken spine’ and a word as a ‘bailer’ to draw the water of life out of nothing) origins from Andrey Bely’s Aaron’s rod, as well as Yesenin’s idea of ‘unsigned word’.
Facile Synthesis and Characterization of Spinel NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles and Studies of Their Photocatalytic Activity for Oxidation of Alcohols
Authors: Ma Xiangrong , Dang Rui , Liu Jieying , Yang Fang , Li Huigui , Zhang Yuxin , Luo Jiao
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we report a novel and facile approach for the synthesis of spinel NiFe2O4 nanoparticles and studies of its photocatalytic activity for oxidation of alcohols. The as-synthesized catalyst was thoroughly characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD),
scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental mapping, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm (BET) analysis. The TEM image reveals cubic shapes with
an average particle size of 10–20 nm. The as-synthesized spinel NiFe2O4 has proved to be an excellent photocatalyst for oxidation of alcohol to the aldehyde with a conversion of 80% and selectivity of 99%. The catalyst has also proved to be noteworthy as it does
not loss its catalytic activity even after five cycles of reuse.
Replication and Surface Treatment of Micro Pattern Generated by Entanglement of Nanowires
Authors: Kim Seonjun , Cho Young Tae
Published: October 2019

In this study, a nano-micro pattern was fabricated by a nanoimprint lithography process using a porous material, particularly anodic aluminum oxide (AAO), and polymer resin. The fabricated mold consisted of a group of nanowires forming a bundle and showing a specific micro pattern.
The structures were subjected to various surface treatments to control surface conditions and wettability. UV-Ozone treatment and octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) coating were used as surface treatments. Through these surface treatments, the surface energy of the fabricated structure was lowered,
and as a result, it could be used as a mold for nano-micro patterning. The final product was also fabricated through a nanoimprint lithography process, and the reverse image of the mold was duplicated. The surface of each structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the
surface properties were examined by contact angle measurement.
Polarimetric Radar Observations of Simultaneous Tornadoes on 10 May 2010 near Norman, Oklahoma
Authors: Griffin Casey B. , Bodine David J. , Palmer Robert
Published: October 2019

This study utilizes data collected by the University of Oklahoma Advanced Radar Research Center’s Polarimetric Radar for Innovations in Meteorology and Engineering (OU-PRIME) C-band radar as well as the federal KTLX and KOUN WSR-88D S-band radars to study a supercell that simultaneously produced a long-track EF-4 tornado and an EF-2 landspout tornado (EF indicates the enhanced Fujita scale) near Norman, Oklahoma, on 10 May 2010. Contrasting polarimetric characteristics of two tornadoes over similar land cover but with different intensities are documented. Also, the storm-scale sedimentation of debris within the supercell is investigated, which includes observations of rotation and elongation of a tornadic debris signature with height. A dual-wavelength comparison of debris at S and C bands is performed. These analyses indicate that lofted debris within the tornado was larger than debris located outside the damage path of the tornado and that debris size outside the tornado increased with height, likely as the result of centrifuging. Profiles of polarimetric variables were observed to become more vertically homogeneous with time.
Suicide and sudden death bereavement in Australia: A longitudinal study of family members over 2 years after death
Authors: Kõlves Kairi , Zhao Qing , Ross Victoria , Hawgood Jacinta , Spence Susan H , de Leo Diego
Published: October 2019

Objective:

Grief reactions change over time. However, only a limited number of studies, and none in Australia, have analysed changes in individual grief reactions longitudinally. The aim is to examine changes in grief reactions, mental health and suicidality of close family members bereaved by suicide, 6, 12 and 24 months after their loss compared with those bereaved by other forms of sudden death, adjusting for confounding factors.

Method:

Participants were 142 adult family members bereaved by suicide and 63 by other sudden death, followed up at 6, 12 and 24 months in Queensland, Australia. The Grief Experience Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation were used as main outcomes. Mixed-effects linear and logistic regressions were utilized for statistical analyses.

Results:

There were significant differences in rejection, stigmatization, shame and responsibility between the suicide and sudden death bereaved over the 2-year period, after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Rejection, stigmatization, search for explanation, somatic reactions and symptoms of depression and anxiety (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale) declined significantly over time in both groups. Rejection and somatic reactions showed group-by-time interaction effects, with a decrease in the suicide bereaved and no change in the sudden death bereaved. Loss of social support and suicidal ideation did not show a group or time effect.

Conclusion:

Although our findings confirm that there are several common dimensions to experiencing a sudden death of a family member, several differences were found between the suicide and non-suicide sudden death bereaved including significantly higher levels of rejection, stigmatization, shame and responsibility remaining in the suicide compared to sudden death bereaved 2 years after their loss. These findings should be considered in clinical practice and when designing postvention services in Australia.