bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing the incidence and treatment of intracranial aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage: time trends and socioeconomic disparities under an universal healthcare system
Authors: Lee Won Kyung , Oh Chang Wan , Lee Heeyoung , Lee Kun Sei , Park Hyeonseon
Published: June 2018

Background

Despite increasing usage of endovascular treatments for intracranial aneurysms, few research studies have been conducted on the incidence of unruptured aneurysm (UA) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and could not show a decrease in the incidence of SAH. Moreover, research on socioeconomic disparities with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of UA and SAH is lacking.

Method

Trends in the incidences of newly detected UA and SAH and trends in the treatment modalities used were assessed from 2005 to 2015 using the nationwide database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service in South Korea. We also evaluated the influence of demographic characteristics including socioeconomic factors on the incidence and treatment of UA and SAH.

Result

The rates of newly detected UA and SAH were 28.3 and 13.7 per 100 000 of the general population, respectively, in 2015. The incidence of UA increased markedly over the 11-year study period, whereas that of SAH decreased slightly. UA patients were more likely to be female, older, employee-insured, and to have high incomes than SAH patients. In 2015, coiling was the most common treatment modality for both UA and SAH patients. Those who were female, employee-insured, or self-employed, with high income were likely to have a higher probability to be treated for UA and SAH.

Conclusion

The marked increase in the detection and treatment of UA might have contributed to the decreasing incidence of SAH, though levels of contribution depend on socioeconomic status despite universal medical insurance coverage.
Clinical evaluation of volume of interest imaging combined with metal artifact reduction reconstruction techniques in coiling and stent assisted coiling during neurointerventional procedures
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhao Hao , Sun Qi , Han Jingfeng , Zhang Hao , Shan Tonghui , Pan Wenlong , Gu Chuanqi , Xu Ruxiang , Mao Gengsheng
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Three-dimensional (3D) scans with flat detector angiographic systems are widely used for neurointerventions by providing detailed vascular information. However, its associated radiation dose and streak metal artifact generated by implanted treatment devices remain issues. This work evaluates the feasibility and clinical value of volume of interest imaging combined with metal artifact reduction (VOI+MAR) to generate high quality 3D images with reduced radiation dose and metal artifacts.

Material and methods

Full volume (FV) and VOI scans were acquired in 25 patients with intracranial aneurysms and treated with either endovascular coiling (n=9) or stent assisted coiling (n=16) procedures. FV and VOI scans were reconstructed with conventionalsyngoDynaCT and VOI +MAR prototype software, respectively.

Results

Quantitative evaluation results demonstrated that compared with standard FVsyngoDynaCT images, overall image quality was improved in the VOI+MAR reconstructed images, with streak metal artifacts considerably reduced or even removed; details of soft tissue in the vicinity of the metal devices was well preserved or recovered in the majority of cases. Radiation dose to patients calculated by dose area product was found to be significantly reduced using VOI scans.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the feasibility of using VOI+MAR prototype software to achieve high image quality of a small volume of clinical interest and to reduce radiation dose. This technique has potential to improve patient safety and treatment outcomes.
The Ohm–Rush content function II. Noetherian rings, valuation domains, and base change
Authors: Epstein Neil , Shapiro Jay
Published: June 2018

The notion of an Ohm–Rush algebra, and its associated content map, has connections with prime characteristic algebra, polynomial extensions, and the Ananyan–Hochster proof of Stillman’s conjecture. As further restrictions are placed (creating the increasingly more specialized notions of weak content, semicontent, content, and Gaussian algebras), the construction becomes more powerful. Here we settle the question in the affirmative over a Noetherian ring from [N. Epstein and J. Shapiro, The Ohm-Rush content function, J. Algebra Appl. 15(1) (2016) 1650009, 14 pp.] of whether a faithfully flat weak content algebra is semicontent (and over an Artinian ring of whether such an algebra is content), though both questions remain open in general. We show that in content algebra maps over Prüfer domains, heights are preserved and a dimension formula is satisfied. We show that an inclusion of nontrivial valuation domains is a content algebra if and only if the induced map on value groups is an isomorphism, and that such a map induces a homeomorphism on prime spectra. Examples are given throughout, including results that show the subtle role played by properties of transcendental field extensions.
Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA), A Review
Authors: Roudgarmi Pezhman
Published: June 2018

Most development activities have individually minor impact, but collectively over time their impact on the environment is more substantial. The available environmental circumstances in different locations show the important position of cumulative effects (CEs) in environmental studies. Many sources notified the complexity of cumulative effects assessment (CEA) in practice and identification of CEs in assessments. Maybe it is because the essence of impact assessments have to focus on future consequences, and this situation is complex substantive. Also, a lack of knowledge with respect to how to include CEs and lack of clear regulations concerning how this should be done are the most complex criteria of CEA which have been mentioned by CEA practitioners. Most guides and regulations are considered in the performance of CEA during environmental impact assessment (EIA) of projects. Also, there is an important consideration regarding performance of CEA in strategic environmental assessments (SEAs) process, and some reasons present it. In the section of methods and tools used for CEA, risk assessment approaches and modeling are the most used innovative methodologies for the improvement of CEA in recent times. Generally, improvement in performance and knowledge of CEA is noticeable in recent years.
Geological considerations of contemporary military tunnelling near Mosul, northern Iraq
Authors: Bulmer Mark H.
Published: June 2018

Members of the so-called Islamic State (IS) have used subterranea in Syria and Iraq as a core part of their control over territories and their military capability. Around Mosul they exploited existing natural sinkholes, caves and tunnels. The use of tunnels and the completion of new ones between 2014 and 2017 impacted the advance of Iraqi and Peshmerga forces in the battle for Mosul. IS created complex tunnel networks using hand tools, power tools and improvised tunnel-boring machines. To avoid detection, tunnels were started in buildings and spoil was hidden in rooms. The tunnels range from those large enough for one person to crouch in to those large enough for a vehicle. The most sophisticated tunnel complexes had dormitories, hospitals, armouries, kitchens, latrines, and command centres complete with CCTV, solar panels, computers, phones, electricity, respirators and ventilation facilitating underground occupation for long periods. IS tunnelled in almost all urban areas they controlled, demonstrating an enormous effort: moving from hand tools to tunnel-boring machines was a logical progression. The size of tunnel-boring machines and the amount of spoil generated defined the type of building they started in and the length of the tunnel they bored. Buildings with tunnels under them risk collapse.
SLATS
Authors: Martin Paul , Symington Andrew , Srivastava Mani
Published: June 2018

As the density of wireless, resource-constrained sensors grows, so does the need to choreograph their actions across both time and space. Recent advances in ultra-wideband RF communication have enabled accurate packet timestamping, which can be used to precisely synchronize time. Location may be further estimated by timing signal propagation, but this requires additional communication overhead to mitigate the effect of relative clock drift. This additional communication lowers overall channel efficiency and increases energy consumption. This article describes a novel approach to simultaneously localizing and time synchronizing networked mobile devices. An Extended Kalman Filter is used to estimate all devices’ positions and clock errors, and packet timestamps serve as measurements that constrain time and overall network geometry. By inspection of the uncertainty in our state estimate, we can adapt the number of messages sent in each communication round to balance accuracy with communication cost. This reduces communication overhead, which decreases channel congestion and power consumption compared to traditional time of arrival and time difference of arrival localization techniques. We demonstrate the performance and efficiency of our approach using a real network of custom RF devices and mobile quadrotors.
Atglistatin ameliorates functional decline in heart failure via adipocyte-specific inhibition of adipose triglyceride lipase
Authors: Parajuli Nirmal , Takahara Shingo , Matsumura Nobutoshi , Kim Ty T. , Ferdaoussi Mourad , Migglautsch Anna K. , Zechner Rudolf , Breinbauer Rolf , Kershaw Erin E. , Dyck Jason R. B.
Published: June 2018

Despite advancements in therapies for cardiovascular disease and heart failure (HF), the incidence and prevalence of HF are increasing. Previous work has suggested that inhibiting adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) in adipose tissue during HF development may assist in the treatment of HF. The ability to specifically target the adipocyte as a potential treatment for HF is a novel approach that could significantly influence the management of HF in the future. Our objectives were to assess the cardiac structural and functional effects of pharmacological inhibition of ATGL in mice with HF, to assess whether ATGL inhibition works in an adipocyte-autonomous manner, and to determine the role that adiposity and glucose homeostasis play in this HF treatment approach. Using a known ATGL inhibitor, atglistatin, as well as mice with germline deletion of adipocyte-specific ATGL, we tested the effectiveness of ATGL inhibition in mice with pressure overload-induced HF. Here, we show that atglistatin can prevent the functional decline in HF and provide evidence that specifically targeting ATGL in the adipocyte is sufficient to prevent worsening of HF. We further demonstrate that the benefit resulting from atglistatin in HF is not dependent on previously suggested improvements in glucose homeostasis, nor are the benefits derived from increased adiposity. Overall, the results of this study suggest that adipocyte-specific pharmacological inhibition of ATGL may represent a novel therapeutic option for HF.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work shows for the first time that the adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL)-specific inhibitor atglistatin can prevent worsening heart failure. Furthermore, using mice with adipocyte-specific ATGL ablation, this study demonstrates that ATGL inhibition works in an adipocyte-autonomous manner to ameliorate a functional decline in heart failure. Overall, this work demonstrates that specifically targeting the adipocyte to inhibit ATGL is a potential treatment for heart failure.
Long Noncoding RNA CRYBG3 Blocks Cytokinesis by Directly Binding G-Actin
Authors: Pei Hailong , Hu Wentao , Guo Ziyang , Chen Huaiyuan , Ma Ji , Mao Weidong , Li Bingyan , Wang Aiqing , Wan Jianmei , Zhang Jian , Nie Jing , Zhou Guangming , Hei Tom K.
Published: June 2018

The dynamic interchange between monomeric globular actin (G-actin) and polymeric filamentous actin filaments (F-actin) is fundamental and essential to many cellular processes, including cytokinesis and maintenance of genomic stability. Here, we report that the long noncoding RNA LNC CRYBG3 directly binds G-actin to inhibit its polymerization and formation of contractile rings, resulting in M-phase cell arrest. Knockdown of LNC CRYBG3 in tumor cells enhanced their malignant phenotypes. Nucleotide sequence 228-237 of the full-length LNC CRYBG3 and the ser14 domain of β-actin is essential for their interaction, and mutation of either of these sites abrogated binding of LNC CRYBG3 to G-actin. Binding of LNC CRYBG3 to G-actin blocked nuclear localization of MAL, which consequently kept serum response factor (SRF) away from the promoter region of several immediate early genes, including JUNB and Arp3, which are necessary for cellular proliferation, tumor growth, adhesion, movement, and metastasis. These findings reveal a novel lncRNA-actin-MAL-SRF pathway and highlight LNC CRYBG3 as a means to block cytokinesis and to treat cancer by targeting the actin cytoskeleton.

Significance: Identification of the long noncoding RNA LNC CRYBG3 as a mediator of microfilament disorganization marks it as a novel therapeutic antitumor strategy. Cancer Res; 78(16); 4563–72. ©2018 AACR.
Recombinant MDA-7/IL24 Suppresses Prostate Cancer Bone Metastasis through Downregulation of the Akt/Mcl-1 Pathway
Authors: Pradhan Anjan K. , Bhoopathi Praveen , Talukdar Sarmistha , Shen Xue-Ning , Emdad Luni , Das Swadesh K. , Sarkar Devanand , Fisher Paul B.
Published: June 2018

Prostate cancer is a principal cause of cancer-associated morbidity in men. Although 5-year survival of patients with localized prostate cancer approaches 100%, survival decreases precipitously after metastasis. Bone is the preferred site for disseminated prostate cancer cell colonization, altering the equilibrium of bone homeostasis resulting in weak and fragile bones. Currently, no curative options are available for prostate cancer bone metastasis. Melanoma differentiation associated gene-7 (MDA-7)/IL24 is a well-studied cytokine established as a therapeutic in a wide array of cancers upon delivery as a gene therapy. In this study, we explored the potential anticancer properties of MDA-7/IL24 delivered as a recombinant protein. Using bone metastasis experimental models, animals treated with recombinant MDA-7/IL24 had significantly less metastatic lesions in their femurs as compared with controls. The inhibitory effects of MDA-7/IL24 on bone metastasis resulted from prostate cancer–selective killing and inhibition of osteoclast differentiation, which is necessary for bone resorption. Gain- and loss-of-function genetic approaches document that prosurvival Akt and Mcl-1 pathways are critically important in the antibone metastatic activity of MDA-7/IL24. Our previous findings showed that MDA-7/IL24 gene therapy plus Mcl-1 inhibitors cooperate synergistically. Similarly, an Mcl-1 small-molecule inhibitor synergized with MDA-7/IL24 and induced robust antibone metastatic activity. These results expand the potential applications of MDA-7/IL24 as an anticancer molecule and demonstrate that purified recombinant protein is nontoxic in preclinical animal models and has profound inhibitory effects on bone metastasis, which can be enhanced further when combined with an Mcl-1 inhibitory small molecule. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(9); 1951–60. ©2018 AACR.
Induction of Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein by a Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor, Entinostat, Is Associated with DNA Damage and Apoptosis in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Feingold Paul L. , Surman Deborah R. , Brown Kate , Xu Yuan , McDuffie Lucas A. , Shukla Vivek , Reardon Emily S. , Crooks Daniel R. , Trepel Jane B. , Lee Sunmin , Lee Min-Jung , Gao Shaojian , Xi Sichuan , McLoughlin Kaitlin C. , Diggs Laurence P. , Beer David G. , Nancarrow Derek J. , Neckers Leonard M. , Davis Jeremy L. , Hoang Chuong D. , Hernandez Jonathan M. , Schrump David S. , Ripley R. Taylor
Published: June 2018

In 2017, an estimated 17,000 individuals were diagnosed with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), and less than 20% will survive 5 years. Positron emission tomography avidity is indicative of high glucose utilization and is nearly universal in EAC. TXNIP blocks glucose uptake and exhibits proapoptotic functions. Higher expression in EAC has been associated with improved disease-specific survival, lack of lymph node involvement, reduced perineural invasion, and increased tumor differentiation. We hypothesized that TXNIP may act as a tumor suppressor that sensitizes EAC cells to standard chemotherapeutics. EAC cell lines and a Barrett epithelial cell line were used. qRT-PCR, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence techniques evaluated gene expression. TXNIP was stably overexpressed or knocked down using lentiviral RNA transduction techniques. Murine xenograft methods examined growth following overexpression of TXNIP. Apoptosis and DNA damage were measured by annexin V and γH2AX assays. Activation of the intrinsic apoptosis was quantitated with green fluorescence protein-caspase 3 reporter assay. In cultured cells and an esophageal tissue array, TXNIP expression was higher in Barrett epithelia and normal tissue compared with EAC. Constitutive overexpression of TXNIP decreased proliferation, clonogenicity, and tumor xenograft growth. TXNIP overexpression increased, whereas knockdown abrogated, DNA damage and apoptosis following cisplatin treatment. An HDAC inhibitor, entinostat (currently in clinical trials), upregulated TXNIP and synergistically increased cisplatin-mediated DNA damage and apoptosis. TXNIP is a tumor suppressor that is downregulated in EACC. Its reexpression dramatically sensitizes these cells to cisplatin. Our findings support phase I/II evaluation of “priming” strategies to enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutics in EAC. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(9); 2013–23. ©2018 AACR.
Hypoxia Promotes Resistance to EGFR Inhibition in NSCLC Cells via the Histone Demethylases, LSD1 and PLU-1
Authors: Lu Yuhong , Liu Yanfeng , Oeck Sebastian , Glazer Peter M.
Published: June 2018

The development of small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) specific for epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) with activating mutations has led to a new paradigm in the treatment of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, most patients eventually develop resistance. Hypoxia is a key microenvironmental stress in solid tumors that is associated with poor prognosis due, in part, to acquired resistance to conventional therapy. This study documents that long-term, moderate hypoxia promotes resistance to the EGFR TKI, gefitinib, in the NSCLC cell line HCC827, which harbors an activating EGFR mutation. Following hypoxic growth conditions, HCC827 cells treated with gefitinib upregulated N-cadherin, fibronectin, and vimentin expression and downregulated E-cadherin, characteristic of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which prior studies have linked to EGFR TKI resistance. Mechanistically, knockdown of the histone demethylases, LSD1 and PLU-1, prevented and reversed hypoxia-induced gefitinib resistance, with inhibition of the associated EMT, suggesting that LSD1 and PLU-1 play key roles in hypoxia-induced gefitinib resistance and EMT. Moreover, hypoxia-treated HCC827 cells demonstrated more aggressive tumor growth in vivo compared with cells grown in normoxia, but inhibition of LSD1 function by shRNA-mediated knockdown or by the small-molecular inhibitor SP2509 suppressed tumor growth and enhanced gefitinib response in vivo. These results suggest that hypoxia is a driving force for acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs through epigenetic change and coordination of EMT in NSCLC. This study suggests that combination of therapy with EGFR TKIs and LSD1 inhibitors may offer an attractive therapeutic strategy for NSCLCs. Mol Cancer Res; 16(10); 1458–69. ©2018 AACR.
Autocrine Fibronectin Inhibits Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Shinde Aparna , Libring Sarah , Alpsoy Aktan , Abdullah Ammara , Schaber James A. , Solorio Luis , Wendt Michael K.
Published: June 2018

Both epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) are linked to metastasis via their ability to increase invasiveness and enhance tumor-initiating capacity. Growth factors, cytokines, and chemotherapies present in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are capable of inducing EMT, but the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in this process remains poorly understood. Here, a novel tessellated three-dimensional (3D) polymer scaffolding is used to produce a fibrillar fibronectin matrix that induces an EMT-like event that includes phosphorylation of STAT3 and requires expression of β1 integrin. Consistent with these findings, analysis of the METABRIC dataset strongly links high-level fibronectin (FN) expression to decreased patient survival. In contrast, in vitro analysis of the MCF-10A progression series indicated that intracellular FN expression was associated with nonmetastatic cells. Therefore, differential bioluminescent imaging was used to track the metastasis of isogenic epithelial and mesenchymal cells within heterogeneous tumors. Interestingly, mesenchymal tumor cells do not produce a FN matrix and cannot complete the metastatic process, even when grown within a tumor containing epithelial cells. However, mesenchymal tumor cells form FN-containing cellular fibrils capable of supporting the growth and migration of metastatic-competent tumor cells. Importantly, depletion of FN allows mesenchymal tumor cells to regain epithelial characteristics and initiate in vivo tumor growth within a metastatic microenvironment.

Implications: In contrast to the tumor-promoting functions of fibronectin within the ECM, these data suggest that autocrine fibronectin production inhibits the metastatic potential of mesenchymal tumor cells. Mol Cancer Res; 16(10); 1579–89. ©2018 AACR.
Accuracy of Type III Portable Monitors for Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Ito Keiko , Ikeda Tokunori
Published: June 2018

Objectives: We evaluated whether the results from portable monitor (PM) devices for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), classified into type III and type IV devices by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, correlated with the results from polysomnography (PSG) testing. Methods: Sixty-four patients with a sleep-breathing disorder used type III or type IV PM devices at home and were subsequently admitted for testing using PSG. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from each machine was measured, and the AHI component, apnea index (AI), and hypopnea index (HI) were also analyzed. Results: There was a stronger correlation between the AHI values from PSG testing and those from the type III PM devices (r = 0.92, p < 0.001) than for the data from type IV devices (r = 0.69, p < 0.001). However, the correlation of HI values (type III: r = 0.43, p = 0.024; type IV: r = 0.14, p = 0.41) was poorer than that of the AI values (type III: r = 0.95, p < 0.001; type IV: r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Moreover, the type III PM devices tended to evaluate a patient’s condition as less severe than did PSG testing when the AHI value was over 30. Conclusions: Although type III PM devices outperformed type IV devices as substitutes for PSG, the clinical state must be evaluated for patients suspected of having obstructive sleep apnea.
Development of a PD-L1-Expressing Orthotopic Liver Cancer Model: Implications for Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ou Da-Liang , Lin Yu-Yang , Hsu Chia-Lang , Lin Yin-Yao , Chen Chia-Wei , Yu Jhang-Sian , Miaw Shi-Chuen , Hsu Ping-Ning , Cheng Ann-Lii , Hsu Chiun
Published: June 2018

Background: Anti-programmed cell death-1(anti-PD1) treatment has shown promising antitumor efficacy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study sought to explore the functional significance of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment. Methods: The mouse liver cancer cell line BNL-MEA was transfected with PD-L1 plasmids and stable clones expressing PD-L1 were selected. An orthotopic HCC model was generated by implanting the cells into the subcapsular space of BALB/c mice. Cell growth features were measured by proliferation assay, colony formation, flow cytometry (in vitro), ultrasonography, and animal survival (in vivo). The changes in T-cell function were examined by cytokine assay, expression of T-cell related genes, and flow cytometry. The efficacy of anti-PD1 therapy was compared between the parental and PD-L1-expressing tumors. Results: PD-L1 expression did not affect growth characteristics of BNL-MEA cells but downregulated the expression of genes related to T-cell activation in the tumor microenvironment. Co-culture of PD-L1-expressing BNL-MEA cells with CD8+ T cells reduced T-cell proliferation and expression of cytokines IFNγ and TNFα. Tumors with PD-L1 expression showed better response to anti-PD1 therapy and depletion of CD8+ T cells abolished the antitumor effect. The difference in treatment response between parental and PD-L1-expressing tumors disappeared when a combination of anti-PD1 and sorafenib was given. Conclusions: PD-L1 expression in HCC cells may inhibit T-cell function in the liver tumor microenvironment. Anti-PD1 therapy appeared more effective in PD-L1-expressing than nonexpressing tumors, but the difference was diminished by the addition of sorafenib.
β-Adrenoceptor Blockade for Infantile Hemangioma Therapy: Do β3-Adrenoceptors Play a Role?
Authors: Escarcega González Carlos E. , González Hernández Abimael , Villalón Carlos M. , Rodríguez Martin G. , Marichal Cancino Bruno A.
Published: June 2018

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are frequent (4–5% of the childhood population) benign vascular tumors that involve accumulation, proliferation, and differentiation of aberrant vascular cells. Typically, IH are innocuous and spontaneously disappear, but they represent a potential risk for harmful effects in the body (e.g., permanent disfigurement) and health (e.g., ulcerations) in some patients. From a serendipitous discovery, the nonselective β-adrenoceptor blocker propranolol (which blocks β1-adrenoceptors, β2-adrenoceptors, and β3-adrenoceptors) emerged as an alternative therapy to treat this pathology and it quickly became a first-line treatment for IH. Nevertheless, its specific mechanisms of action remain thus far unknown. In this respect, several studies have suggested that β1-adrenoceptors and β2-adrenoceptors play a role in proliferative and angiogenic mechanisms. However, current basic research studies suggest that β3-adrenoceptors could be also involved. Notably, β3-adrenoceptors stimulate multiple intracellular pathways related to vascular function (e.g., blood flow, angiogenesis, etc.). This review compiles some lines of evidence suggesting that β3-adrenoceptors may: (1) play a role in the pathophysiology of IH and (2) represent a potential therapeutic target for IH treatment. Hence, clinical evidence is mandatory to decide whether incorporation of β3-adrenoceptor blockers into the therapeutic armamentarium may increase effectiveness in the treatment of IH and other vascular anomalies.
Potentials and Challenges of the Health Data Cooperative Model
Authors: van Roessel Ilse , Reumann Matthias , Brand Angela
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Currently, abundances of highly relevant health data are locked up in data silos due to decentralized storage and data protection laws. The health data cooperative (HDC) model is established to make this valuable data available for societal purposes. The aim of this study is to analyse the HDC model and its potentials and challenges. Results: An HDC is a health data bank. The HDC model has as core principles a cooperative approach, citizen-centredness, not-for-profit structure, data enquiry procedure, worldwide accessibility, cloud computing data storage, open source, and transparency about governance policy. HDC members have access to the HDC platform, which consists of the “core,” the “app store,” and the “big data.” This, respectively, enables the users to collect, store, manage, and share health information, to analyse personal health data, and to conduct big data analytics. Identified potentials of the HDC model are digitization of healthcare information, citizen empowerment, knowledge benefit, patient empowerment, cloud computing data storage, and reduction in healthcare expenses. Nevertheless, there are also challenges linked with this approach, including privacy and data security, citizens’ restraint, disclosure of clinical results, big data, and commercial interest. Limitations and Outlook: The results of this article are not generalizable because multiple studies with a limited number of study participants are included. Therefore, it is recommended to undertake further elaborate research on these topics among larger and various groups of individuals. Additionally, more pilots on the HDC model are required before it can be fully implemented. Moreover, when the HDC model becomes operational, further research on its performances should be undertaken.
Do Plantago lanceolata Skin Prick Test-Positive Patients Display IgE to Genuine Plantain Pollen Allergens? Investigation of Pollen Allergic Patients from the North-East of France
Authors: Stemeseder Teresa , Metz-Favre Carine , de Blay Frederic , Pauli Gabrielle , Gadermaier Gabriele
Published: June 2018

Background: English plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is an important weed pollen allergen source triggering allergic symptoms during summer. To elucidate genuine versus cross-reactive sensitization, we investigated IgE reactivity patterns and inhibition capacities of plantain-sensitized patients. Methods: Sera of 35 rhinoconjunctivitis patients from the north-east of France with positive skin prick tests (SPT) to Plantago lanceolata pollen were tested with clinically relevant allergen sources using ELISA, ImmunoCAP, and immunoblot inhibition. Results: The patients were multisensitized with additional reactivity to grass (94.3%), ash (74.3%), birch (71.4%), and mugwort (55.2%) pollen in SPT. Sensitization prevalence to allergen molecules was 34.3% (Pla l 1), 94.3% (Phl p 1/5), 60.0% (Ole e 1), 65.7% (Bet v 1), 37.1% (profilin), and 40.0% (CCD). In immunoblot, IgE reactivity to plantain pollen was inhibited with relevant pollen extracts and purified rPla l 1. Two sera did not reveal any IgE cross-reactivity, while reactivity to plantain was efficiently inhibited by grass pollen in the sera of 10 patients. The sera from 17 different patients could be inhibited by grass, birch, or ash pollen to varying degrees. Thus, only 37.1% of our patients demonstrated true plantain pollen sensitization, while 62.9% were solely positive due to IgE cross-reactive molecules from other clinically relevant pollen. Conclusions: Plantain pollen-sensitized patients are multi-reactors demonstrating varying and complex IgE-reactivity profiles. In vivo and in vitro tests using extracts are typically blurred due to the presence of homologous allergens or CCD in grass, birch, or ash pollen. So far, Pla l 1 represents the only indicative marker allergen for the diagnosis of genuine plantain pollen sensitization.
Insulinoma-Associated Protein 1 Immunostain: A Diagnostic Tool for Pulmonary Small Cell Carcinoma in Cytology
Authors: Rodriguez Erika F. , Chowsilpa Sayanan , Maleki Zahra
Published: June 2018

Objective: Cytology plays an important role in the diagnosis of small cell carcinoma (SCLC). Application of immunohistochemical (IHC) markers improves the accuracy and reproducibility of the diagnosis of SCLC. We report the application of insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) in the diagnosis of SCLC in cytology samples. Methods: Our pathology data system was searched for SCLC where INSM1 IHC was performed. Patients’ demographics were recorded. Cytopathology specimens were reviewed. Results: A total of 32 cases were identified. INSM1 was positive in 31 (97%) cases. Twenty-seven cases showed a strong/diffuse pattern (84%). Four cases were focally/weak positive (13%). One case was negative (3%). the sensitivity of INSM1 for recognition of SCLC was 97%. CD56 was performed in SCLC. Twenty cases were strongly/diffusely positive (87%). One case was negative (4%). The sensitivity was 96%. Conclusion: INSM1 is positive in the majority of SCLC on cytology specimens and its sensitivity is similar to that of CD56 on SCLC. This has practical implications for the diagnosis of these tumors in cytology samples.
Atrial Fibrillation and Shock: Unmasking Theophylline Toxicity
Authors: Aggelopoulou Efi , Tzortzis Stavros , Tsiourantani Fotini , Agrios Ioannis , Lazaridis Kyriakos
Published: June 2018

Objective: The aim of this report is to describe a case of atrial fibrillation and shock precipitated by deliberate self-poisoning with theophylline. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: An 85-year-old male with severe theophylline intoxication in a suicide attempt was admitted with severe cardiac arrhythmia and shock; despite poor prognosis, he fully recovered gradually after proper diagnosis and treatment. Theophylline is a rather forgotten medication; thus, intoxication is not usually considered among the etiologies of potentially treatable cardiologic emergencies, especially when its use is intentionally concealed. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of identifying a comprehensive medication history using all available sources of information as early as possible in an emergency department presentation.
Long-Term Disease-Free Survival of a Patient with Oligometastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated with Radiotherapy Alone
Authors: Chua Gail Wan Ying , Chua Eu Tiong
Published: June 2018

Distant metastases in nasopharyngeal carcinoma are fairly common. While the mainstay of treatment for metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma remains chemotherapy, it is now increasingly recognised that metastatic cases are a heterogenous group and can be stratified into oligometastatic cases versus those with widespread metastases, the former potentially benefiting more from local therapy. In this report, we describe a case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with a solitary vertebral metastasis successfully treated with high-dose palliative radiotherapy alone, resulting in a long-term disease-free interval of more than 8 years at the time of writing. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a long-term survivor of metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma with oligometastatic bone disease who had received no chemotherapy. In view of this case, there may be potential for other patients with oligometastases from nasopharyngeal carcinoma to be treated solely with local therapy, thereby sparing them the toxicities of chemotherapy.
Clinical and Imaging Predictors of Recurrent Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kauw Frans , Takx Richard A.P. , de Jong Hugo W.A.M. , Velthuis Birgitta K. , Kappelle L. Jaap , Dankbaar Jan.W.
Published: June 2018

Background: Predictors of recurrent ischemic stroke are less well known in patients with a recent ischemic stroke than in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA). We identified clinical and radiological factors for predicting recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with recent ischemic stroke. Methods: A systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL was performed with the terms “ischemic stroke,” “predictors/determinants,” and “recurrence.” Quality assessment of the articles was performed and the level of evidence was graded for the articles included for the meta-analysis. Pooled risk ratios (RR) and heterogeneity (I2) were calculated using inverse variance random effects models. Results: Ten articles with high-quality results were identified for meta-analysis. Past medical history of stroke or TIA was a predictor of recurrent ischemic stroke (pooled RR 2.5, 95% CI 2.1–3.1). Small vessel strokes were associated with a lower risk of recurrence than large vessel strokes (pooled RR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.7). Patients with stroke of an undetermined cause had a lower risk of recurrence than patients with large artery atherosclerosis (pooled RR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2–1.1). We found no studies using CT or ultrasound for the prediction of recurrent ischemic stroke. The following MRI findings were predictors of recurrent ischemic stroke: multiple lesions (pooled RR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5–2.0), multiple stage lesions (pooled RR 4.1, 95% CI 3.1–5.5), multiple territory lesions (pooled RR 2.9, 95% CI 2.0–4.2), chronic infarcts (pooled RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.9), and isolated cortical lesions (pooled RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5–3.2). Conclusions: In patients with a recent ischemic stroke, a history of stroke or TIA and the subtype large artery atherosclerosis are associated with an increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke. Predictors evaluated with MRI include multiple ischemic changes and isolated cortical lesions. Predictors of recurrent ischemic stroke concerning CT or ultrasound have not been published.
Inheriting and Buying a Homeland: The Land of Israel and the Patriarchs
Authors: Cordoni Constanza
Published: June 2018

After 70CE, when Israel was no longer an independent nation in the land of Israel and their cultic center was no longer physically present there, the rabbis of the Palestinian and Babylonian diaspora reflect from different perspectives on the beginning of the story of the land, on what can be called the “homeland myth” of the patriarchal narratives of Scripture. In doing so, they create their own ancestral homeland myth. In this article, two sets of rabbinic texts are examined in order to illustrate how the rabbis refashioned the scriptural myth and produced two versions of a rabbinic ancestral homeland myth. The first group of texts are related to the promise of the land and its fulfilment, the second to the establishment of the first Jewish grave in the promised land.
Copyist B of the Erasmiana Manuscripts in Gouda Identified
Authors: Klein Jan Willem
Published: June 2018

In the past I have written about the two copyists of the Gouda Erasmiana manuscripts, indicated by P.S. Allen as Copyist A and Copyist B. The identity of Copyist A has been revealed earlier as Henricus Jacobi Leidensis, a monk in the Stein convent, who was active in the first quarter of the fifteenth century. Copyist B, however—who was active around 1590—remained unknown. Further research brought up a name, which I had encountered earlier, but which I did not relate with the Erasmiana manuscripts. It concerns a monk who lived in Stein, but moved to Amsterdam in 1560, long before Copyst B wrote the manuscripts. And died there. This leads to one conclusion: the parts of the Erasmiana manuscripts written by copyist B, did not originate from the monastery of Stein or from Gouda, but were compiled in Amsterdam.
‘Avec Permission tacite’. The Amsterdam Edition of Rousseau’s Émile (1762)
Authors: Janssen Frans A.
Published: June 2018

We are well informed on the early editions of Rousseau’s Émile by the exemplary bibliography of Jo-Ann McEachern published in 1989. Two editions were to appear simultaneously, one for the French market, to be published in Paris by Nicolas-Bonaventure Duchesne, and an Amsterdam edition to be published by Jean Néaulme, for distribution to the rest of Europe. The imprint of the Néaulme edition reads: ‘Selon la Copie de Paris. Avec Permission tacite pour le Libraire’. This contribution tries to explain these words.
Increased Frustration Predicts the Experience of Time Slowing-Down: Evidence from an Experience Sampling Study
Authors: Tipples Jason
Published: June 2018

Recent experience sampling research supports the idea that our experience of time speeds up when we are happy and slows down when we feel sad. However, this research had only examined a single negative mood state namely, sadness. Here, I extend this research by testing whether the experience of time speeding-up and slowing down is associated with other thoughts and negative mood states. Thirty-nine participants aged from 18 to 29 completed an experience sampling procedure that lasted for five consecutive days. The experience sampling procedure included measures of time experience (passage of time judgements), mood, levels of activity and time orientation. Increased frustration predicted the experience of time slowing down more than sadness and increased activity, thinking about the future and to a lesser extent happiness, predicted time moving more quickly. Implications of the findings are discussed in relation to laboratory-based studies of time perception.
Nomenclatural types of names published by Amo y Mora
Authors: VIZOSO M. TERESA , QUESADA CARMEN
Published: June 2018

The nomenclatural types for plant names published by Mariano del Amo y Mora, preserved and registered in the Herbarium GDA (University of Granada, Spain), have been revised. These include two lectotypes already designated but almost unknown, one lectotype designated here, and seven holotypes indicated for the rest of names. The corrections concerning the place and date of publication of some names that remain somewhat controversial are discussed.
Adlafia moseri and A. tjibaoui two new diatom species (Bacillariophyta) from New Caledonia with further observations on Adlafia muscora and Kobayasiella saxicola
Authors: MARQUIE JULIEN , COHU RENE LE , COSTE MICHEL
Published: June 2018

During a recent survey of epilithic diatoms in running waters of New Caledonia, two unknown Adlafia Moser, Lange-Bertalot & Metzeltin species were found. Both species are described as new based on light and scanning electron microscopy (LM and SEM). Adlafia moseri sp. nov., is characterised by its margins morphology, its large size and its low stria density, clearly visible in LM. Adlafia tjibaoui sp. nov. shows a very long internal intermissio with curved proximal raphe endings and a very high stria density. Since the generitype Adlafia muscora (Kociolek & de Reviers) Moser, Lange-Bertalot & Metzeltin was poorly described, its diagnosis is emended based on more detailed scanning electron microscopy observations. Kobayasiella saxicola (Manguin) Lange-Bertalot, only described in light microscopy, occurs frequently in some running waters in New Caledonia. An emended description of this taxon is likewise proposed based on additional SEM data.
A new “giant” species of Maranta L. (Marantaceae) from the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil
Authors: LUNA NAÉDJA , PESSOA EDLLEY , ALVES MARCCUS
Published: June 2018

A new species of Maranta subg. Maranta, M. gigantea, is described and illustrated. This is known from the submontane Atlantic Forest in the states of Pernambuco and Alagoas (Brazil). Based on the zingiberoid growth form it is morphologically similar to M. anderssoniana and M. zingiberina, differing mainly in the shape of the leaf blade (lanceolate to oblong or ovate respectively vs. narrow-lanceolate) and number of calli in the callose staminode (one prominent callus vs. two prominent calli). It is further differentiated from M. anderssoniana by being larger plants (up to 1.8 m tall vs. up to 1.0 m tall), with a tomentose leaf sheath (vs. sericeous), larger corolla tube length (9−12 mm long vs. 5−6 mm long), asymmetrically elliptical corolla lobes (vs. asymmetrically oblong) and larger outer staminodes (minor 12−15 × 6.5−8 mm vs. 10−11 × 5.5−6 mm and major 13−16 × 8.5 × 10.5 mm vs. 10−12 × 8−9.2 mm). Due to its narrow distribution, it is classified as critically endangered.
First records of Knufia marmoricola from limestone outcrops in the Wyżyna Krakowsko-Częstochowska Upland, Poland
Authors: OWCZAREK-KOŚCIELNIAK MAGDALENA , STERFLINGER KATJA
Published: June 2018

Studies on microcolonial fungi (MCF) inhabiting limestone formations in the Wyżyna Krakowsko-Częstochowska Upland (Poland) resulted in isolation of Knufia marmoricola. This is the first report of this species in Poland, which was previously known from the Mediterranean basin. Morphological analyses have shown a high variability dependent on used mycological media. Malt extract agar (MEA) proved to be the most suitable medium for morphological observations. Cultivation on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and dichloran rose-Bengal with chloramphenicol medium (DRBC) resulted in growth of mycelium lacking in repetitive diagnostical features. Growth on a synthetic nutrient-poor agar (SNA) medium resulted in flattening of the colonies, decreased melanization and reduction of the colony density. Molecular phylogenetic analyses, based on ITS1­-5.8S-­ITS2 rDNA sequences, confirmed assignment of Polish isolates to Knufia marmoricola. Nomenclatural clarification of Knufia petricola is presented.
Vincetoxicum luridum (Asclepiadeae, Asclepiadoideae, Apocynaceae), a new and long misunderstood endemic species from Balochistan, Pakistan
Authors: SHAH SAYED A. , SULTAN AMIR , WEN JUN , NISA SURAT U. , SU XU , IQBAL JAVED , MUMTAZ ABDUL S.
Published: June 2018

We here describe a new species, Vincetoxicum luridum, from South West Balochistan. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of leaves and seeds, palynology and chorology support the recognition of V. luridum. The lurid appearance, dense pubescence and ovate corona lobes readily distinguish V. luridum from the closely related species V. stocksii which is endemic to North East Balochistan. We illustrate V. luridum, and confirm the significance of corona morphology for classification of Vincetoxicum in Pakistan. Presently, the V. arnottianum complex comprise four species with purple flowers viz., V. arnottianum, V. sakesarense, V. luridum and V. stocksii. In this study we also present the geographic distribution and a taxonomic key to the taxa of V. arnottianum complex.
Libelloidini, new name for an old tribe (Neuroptera Ascalaphidae)
Authors: PANTALEONI ROBERTO A. , LORU LAURA
Published: June 2018

Almost a half century ago, Tjeder (1972) stated that the genus Ascalaphus had been interpreted in a sense other than that defined by its type species (see Pantaleoni and Loru 2018). So, the generic name Ascalaphus Fabricius, 1775, became the senior synonym of Helicomitus McLachlan, 1871, and the genus Libelloides, Schäffer, 1763, was reserved for the Palearctic diurnal coloured owlflies, which until then were considered to belong to the genus Ascalaphus. Even though Tjeder’s proposition produced a dramatic change in a long-term “prevailing usage”, it was immediately and universally accepted as necessary. However, surprisingly, this change was never followed by the consequent necessary nomenclatural changes at the family-group name level.
Have We Reached the Limits of Predictability for Tropical Cyclone Track Forecasting?
Authors: Landsea Christopher W. , Cangialosi John P.
Published: June 2018

The tropical cyclone is the largest single-day-impact meteorological event in the United States and worldwide through its effects from storm surge, extreme winds, freshwater flooding, and embedded tornadoes. Fortunately, over the last three decades there have been incredible advances in forecast accuracy, especially for the track of the tropical cyclone’s center. Errors have been cut by two-thirds in just 25 years due to global modeling advances, data assimilation improvements, dramatic increases in observations primarily derived from satellite platforms, and use of ensemble forecast techniques. These four factors have allowed for highly accurate synoptic-scale atmospheric initial conditions and forecasts of the steering flow out through several days into the future. However, such improvements cannot continue indefinitely. It is well known in the atmospheric sciences that there exists an inherent “limit of predictability” because of errors at the smallest scales (microscale—meters and seconds) that eventually cascade up to the largest scales (synoptic scale—thousands of kilometers and several days). While there have been estimates of the limits of predictability for tropical cyclone track prediction in the past, our current capabilities have exceeded those somewhat pessimistic earlier outlooks. This essay discusses the current state of the art for tropical cyclone track prediction and reassesses whether reaching the “limit of predictability” is imminent. The ramifications of this eventual conclusion—whether in the short-term or still decades away—could be critical for all users of tropical cyclone track forecast information, including the emergency management community/governments, the media, the private sector, and the general public.