bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissection of the Major Hematopoietic Quantitative Trait Locus in Chromosome 6q23.3 Identifies miR-3662 as a Player in Hematopoiesis and Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Maharry Sophia E. , Walker Christopher J. , Liyanarachchi Sandya , Mehta Sujay , Patel Mitra , Bainazar Maryam A. , Huang Xiaomeng , Lankenau Malori A. , Hoag Kevin W. , Ranganathan Parvathi , Garzon Ramiro , Blachly James S. , Guttridge Denis C. , Bloomfield Clara D. , de la Chapelle Albert , Eisfeld Ann-Kathrin
Published: June 2016

Chromosomal aberrations and multiple genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have established a major hematopoietic quantitative trait locus in chromosome 6q23.3. The locus comprises an active enhancer region, in which some of the associated SNPs alter transcription factor binding. We now identify miR-3662 as a new functional driver contributing to the associated phenotypes. The GWAS SNPs are strongly associated with higher miR-3662 expression. Genome editing of rs66650371, a three-base-pair deletion, suggests a functional link between the SNP genotype and the abundance of miR-3662. Increasing miR-3662′s abundance increases colony formation in hematopoietic progenitor cells, particularly the erythroid lineage. In contrast, miR-3662 is not expressed in acute myeloid leukemia cells, and its overexpression has potent antileukemic effects in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, miR-3662 directly targets NF-κB–mediated transcription. Thus, miR-3662 is a new player of the hematopoietic 6q23.3 locus.

Significance: The characterization of miR-3662 has identified a new actor in the prominent hematopoietic quantitative trait locus in chromosome 6q23.3. The mechanistic insights into miR-3662′s function may reveal novel or only partially known pathways for normal and malignant hematopoietic cell proliferation. Cancer Discov; 6(9); 1036–51. ©2016 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 932
Role of Diet in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Ruemmele Frank M.
Published: June 2016

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is steadily in the rise in Western as well as in developing countries paralleling the increase of westernized diets, characterized by high protein and fat as well as excessive sugar intake, with less vegetables and fiber. An interesting hypothesis is that environmental (food-) triggered changes of the intestinal microbiome might cause a proinflammatory state preceding the development of IBD. Indeed, an intact intestinal epithelial barrier assuring a normal bacterial clearance of the intestinal surface is crucial to guarantee intestinal homeostasis. Any factors affecting the epithelial barrier function directly or indirectly may impact on this homeostasis, as well as any changes of the intestinal microbial composition. It is intriguing to learn that some frequently used food components impact on the quality of the intestinal barrier, as well as on the composition of the intestinal microbiome. This highlights the close interaction between living conditions, hygiene, food habits and food quality with the bacterial composition of the intestinal microbiome and the activation status of the intestinal immune system. There is clear evidence that nutritional therapy is highly successful in the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD). Exclusive enteral nutrition is well established as induction therapy of CD. New diets, such as a CD exclusion diet or defined diets (specific carbohydrate diets, FODMAP diet, Paleolithic diet) are being discussed as treatment options for IBD. Well-designed clinical trials in IBD are urgently required to define the precise role of each of these diets in the prevention or management of IBD. Up to now, the role of diet in IBD is highly undermined by lay and anecdotal reports without sufficient scientific proof.
Truths, Myths and Needs of Special Diets: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, and Vegetarianism
Authors: Cruchet Sylvia , Lucero Yalda , Cornejo Verónica
Published: June 2016

Different dietary approaches have been attempted for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism, but only three of them have been subjected to clinical trials: education in healthy nutritional habits, supplementation and elimination diets. On the other hand, for multiple reasons, the number of people who adopt vegetarian and gluten-free diets (GFD) increases daily. More recently, a new entity, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), with a still evolving definition and clinical spectrum, has been described. Although, the benefits of GFD are clearly supported in this condition as well as in celiac disease, in the last two decades, GFD has expanded to a wider population. In this review, we will attempt to clarify, according to the existing evidence, which are the myths and facts of these diets.
Real-Time Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging Confirms Older Concepts About the Berger Space
Authors: Tassignon Marie-José , Ní Dhubhghaill Sorcha
Published: June 2016

Background: The presence of a space between the posterior capsule and the anterior vitreous was first reported in 1887, but difficulties inherent in examining this structure made it impossible to visualize this area in vivo until now. Estimation of the size of this space was considered to be impossible. Materials and Methods: We utilized an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system attached to the Zeiss Opmi Lumera 700/Rescan microscope (Zeiss Ltd., Jena, Germany) to provide real-time images of the Berger space, the anterior hyaloid and the ligament of Wieger. Results: Imaging in 3 patients provided beautiful, real-time OCT images of the Berger space and of the ligament of Wieger. In one highly myopic eye, there was even evidence of anterior vitreous detachment. Conclusion: Previously unseen transparent structures of the eye can now be imaged intraoperatively using real-time OCT. This new technology seems very promising in achieving a better understanding of the anterior vitreous interface, more specifically of the anterior hyaloid and its posterior capsule attachment by the ligament of Wieger. Changes in the anterior hyaloid and its capsular attachment may contribute to a better understanding of the posterior segment complications after cataract surgery.
1,2,4,5-Tetramethoxybenzene Suppresses House Dust Mite-Induced Allergic Inflammation in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Jin Meiling , Choi Jin Kyeong , Choi Young-Ae , Kim Yeon-Yong , Baek Moon-Chang , Lee Byung-Heon , Jang Yong Hyun , Lee Weon Ju , Lee Seok-Jong , Kim Do Won , Lee Hyun-Shik , Park Eui Kyun , Lee Soyoung , Park Zee-Yong , Kim Sang-Hyun
Published: June 2016

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common allergic inflammatory skin disease. The activation of innate immunity by house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae extract, DFE) allergen plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. We previously showed the inhibitory effect of an extract of Amomum xanthioides on allergic diseases, and isolated 1,2,4,5-tetramethoxybenzene (TMB) as a major active component. In this study, we investigated whether TMB relieves DFE-induced allergic inflammation symptoms. Methods: We established a DFE-induced allergic inflammation model in BALB/c mice by repeated skin exposure to DFE. To define the underlying mechanisms of action, we used a tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ-activated human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line) and mouse keratinocytes (3PC cell line) cell line model. Results: Oral administration of TMB suppressed allergic inflammation symptoms, such as histopathological analysis and ear thickness, in addition to serum IgE, DFE-specific IgE and IgG2a levels. TMB decreased the serum histamine levels and tissue infiltration of inflammatory cells, including mast cells and eosinophils. TMB also inhibited CD4+IFN-γ+, CD4+IL-4+, and CD4+IL-17A+ lymphocyte expansion in the draining lymph nodes and expression of the Th2 cytokines in the ear tissue. TMB significantly inhibited the expression of cytokines and chemokines by the downregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor of activated cytoplasmic T cells in HaCaT cells. Conclusions: TMB improved DFE-induced allergic inflammation by suppressing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Our results suggest that TMB might be a potential therapeutic agent for AD.
Theory of Mind in Depressive Disorders: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Berecz Hajnalka , Tényi Tamás , Herold Róbert
Published: June 2016

Background: Theory of mind (ToM) is the ability to infer the mental states of others in order to understand and predict their behaviour. This ability is thought to be essential to social functioning and interpersonal relationships. As major depression is characterized by considerable social and interpersonal difficulties, exploration of the quality of ToM functioning can be particularly relevant in this and in related disorders. We aim to review the current state of research on ToM in depressive disorders in order to find out the extent to which ToM impairment is associated with these illnesses. Methods: An internet database search was carried out to collect all publications on the subject. Results: A total of 32 publications in English met our inclusion criteria: (a) 17 studies on ToM in major depression, (b) 4 studies on ToM in psychotic depression, (c) 3 studies on ToM in dysphoria or mild depression, (d) 4 studies on ToM in euthymic major depression, (e) 2 studies on ToM in chronic versus episodic depression, and (f) 2 studies on ToM in another psychiatric disorder with comorbid major depression. Conclusions: Despite an increased interest in the research of the topic in recent years, no firm conclusions can be drawn, as the reviewed articles present some conflicting results. Acutely depressed patients have been found to be impaired on tasks involving both ToM social-perceptual and social-cognitive components. On the other hand, a number of studies have not reported significant between-group differences between depressed patients and healthy controls or have found minimal differences. Further research is needed in order to confirm and extend these results.
Evidence for Sex Chromosome Turnover in Proteid Salamanders
Authors: Sessions Stanley K. , Bizjak Mali Lilijana , Green David M. , Trifonov Vladimir , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm
Published: June 2016

A major goal of genomic and reproductive biology is to understand the evolution of sex determination and sex chromosomes. Species of the 2 genera of the Salamander family Proteidae - Necturus of eastern North America, and Proteus of Southern Europe - have similar-looking karyotypes with the same chromosome number (2n = 38), which differentiates them from all other salamanders. However, Necturus possesses strongly heteromorphic X and Y sex chromosomes that Proteus lacks. Since the heteromorphic sex chromosomes of Necturus were detectable only with C-banding, we hypothesized that we could use C-banding to find sex chromosomes in Proteus. We examined mitotic material from colchicine-treated intestinal epithelium, and meiotic material from testes in specimens of Proteus, representing 3 genetically distinct populations in Slovenia. We compared these results with those from Necturus. We performed FISH to visualize telomeric sequences in meiotic bivalents. Our results provide evidence that Proteus represents an example of sex chromosome turnover in which a Necturus-like Y-chromosome has become permanently translocated to another chromosome converting heteromorphic sex chromosomes to homomorphic sex chromosomes. These results may be key to understanding some unusual aspects of demographics and reproductive biology of Proteus, and are discussed in the context of models of the evolution of sex chromosomes in amphibians.
Height Outcome of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Treatment in Achondroplasia Children: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Miccoli Mario , Bertelloni Silvano , Massart Francesco
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: Although recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is not approved to treat short stature of achondroplasia (ACH), some studies suggested growth improvement during short-term rhGH treatment. Methods: A meta-analysis of rhGH therapy efficacy in ACH children was performed. Results: From 12 English-language studies, 558 (54.0% males) rhGH-treated ACH children were enrolled. Administration of rhGH (median dosage 0.21 mg/kg/ week; range 0.16-0.42 mg/kg/week) improved height (Ht) from baseline [-5.069 standard deviation score (SDS; 95% CI -5.109 to -5.029); p < 0.0001] to 12 [-4.325 SDS (95% CI -4.363 to -4.287); p < 0.0001] and 24 months [-4.073 SDS (95% CI -4.128 to -4.019); p < 0.0001]. Then, Ht remained approximately constant up to 5 years [-3.941 SDS (95% CI -4.671 to -3.212); p < 0.0001]. Conclusions: In ACH children, rhGH treatment increased Ht from -5.0 to -4.0 SDS during 5 years, but insufficient data are available on both the adult Ht and the changes of body proportions.
Identification and Characterization of IgE-Binding Tropomyosins in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Cantillo José Fernando , Puerta Leonardo , Lafosse-Marin Sylvie , Subiza Jose Luis , Caraballo Luis , Fernández-Caldas Enrique
Published: June 2016

Background: The mosquito Aedes aegypti is a potential source of important clinically relevant allergens. However, the allergenicity and cross-reactivity of most of these has not been fully described. Methods: Natural wild-type mosquito tropomyosin was purified by size exclusion and anionic-exchange chromatography from an A. aegypti extract. Further characterization was accomplished by MALDI-TOF/TOF. Two recombinant variants of tropomyosin were obtained by expression in Escherichia coli. Specific IgE measurement by ELISA and skin tests for mosquito extract were performed in 12 patients with asthma or allergy rhinitis residing on the Caribbean island of Martinique. Cross-reactivity between natural A. aegypti tropomyosin and recombinant tropomyosins from A. aegypti, house dust mite, shrimp and Ascaris lumbricoides was analyzed by ELISA competition. Results: Four variants of natural tropomyosin were purified. A band of 32 kDa in SDS-PAGE representing 2 tropomyosin variants (Aed a 10.0101 and Aed a 10.0201) reacted with specific IgE of 4 of the 12 (33%) allergic patients and with rabbit polyclonal anti-shrimp tropomyosin. A high degree of cross-reactivity (60-70%) was detected between natural mosquito tropomyosin and Blo t 10, Der p 10 and Lit v 1, and a lower degree with Asc l 3 from A. lumbricoides (<30%). rAed a 10.0101 inhibited IgE binding to natural A. aegypti tropomyosin; however, rAed a 10.0201 showed a low inhibitory capacity. Conclusion: Tropomyosin is a new IgE-binding protein from A. aegypti. Two of the 4 variants identified showed different degree of cross-reactivity with tropomyosins from other arthropods. The potential allergenic role of each variant should be further investigated.
The Lectin Complement Pathway in Patients with Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection
Authors: Hansen Marco B. , Rasmussen Lars S. , Pilely Katrine , Hellemann Dorthe , Hein Estrid , Madsen Martin B. , Hyldegaard Ole , Garred Peter
Published: June 2016

Background: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and ficolins are pattern recognition molecules (PRMs) that play an important role during infection through activation of the lectin complement pathway. We assessed whether plasma PRM levels were associated with mortality in patients with necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI). Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational study over 25 months involving 135 NSTI patients with a maximum follow-up of 2.7 years. Blood samples were taken upon admission. Non-infected patients served as controls. Results: PRM levels were significantly lower compared with controls. A baseline Ficolin-2 level below the median was associated with mortality at the end of follow-up (p = 0.007). No significant association was found for MBL, Ficolin-1 and Ficolin-3. A Ficolin-2 level below the median had a negative predictive value of 0.94 for 28-day mortality, and a level below the optimal cut-off was independently associated with 28-day mortality when adjusted for age, sex and chronicity [hazard ratio 6.27 (95% confidence interval 2.28-17.21), p < 0.0001], also when Simplified Acute Physiology Score II was included in the analysis [hazard ratio 3.16 (95% confidence interval 1.03-9.73), p = 0.045]. Conclusions: All PRMs were significantly lower in patients with NSTI than in controls. Only baseline Ficolin-2 was associated with short- and long-term mortality. A high baseline Ficolin-2 level indicated a 94% chance of surviving the first 28 days after admission.
Tip Speed Ratio Based MPPT Algorithm and Improved Field Oriented Control for Extracting Optimal Real power and Independent Reactive Power Control for Grid Connected Doubly Fed Induction Generator
Authors: Ananth D.V.N. , Kumar Gundavarapu Venkata Nagesh
Published: June 2016

Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) needs to get adopted to change in wind speeds with sudden change in reactive power or grid terminal voltage as it is required for maintaining synchronism and stability as per modern grid rules. This paper proposes a controller for DFIG converters and optimal tip speed ratio based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for turbine to maintain equilibrium in rotor speed, generator torque, and stator and rotor voltages and also to meet desired reference real power during the turbulences like sudden change in reactive power or voltage with concurrently changing wind speed. The performance of DFIG is compared when there is change in wind speed only, changes in reactive power and variation in grid voltage along with variation in wind speed.
Phenotype-Specific Treatment of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Shah Sanjiv J. , Kitzman Dalane W. , Borlaug Barry A. , van Heerebeek Loek , Zile Michael R. , Kass David A. , Paulus Walter J.
Published: June 2016

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (EF; HFpEF) accounts for 50% of HF cases, and its prevalence relative to HF with reduced EF continues to rise. In contrast to HF with reduced EF, large trials testing neurohumoral inhibition in HFpEF failed to reach a positive outcome. This failure was recently attributed to distinct systemic and myocardial signaling in HFpEF and to diversity of HFpEF phenotypes. In this review, an HFpEF treatment strategy is proposed that addresses HFpEF-specific signaling and phenotypic diversity. In HFpEF, extracardiac comorbidities such as metabolic risk, arterial hypertension, and renal insufficiency drive left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction through systemic inflammation and coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction. The latter affects left ventricular diastolic dysfunction through macrophage infiltration, resulting in interstitial fibrosis, and through altered paracrine signaling to cardiomyocytes, which become hypertrophied and stiff because of low nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Systemic inflammation also affects other organs such as lungs, skeletal muscle, and kidneys, leading, respectively, to pulmonary hypertension, muscle weakness, and sodium retention. Individual steps of these signaling cascades can be targeted by specific interventions: metabolic risk by caloric restriction, systemic inflammation by statins, pulmonary hypertension by phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, muscle weakness by exercise training, sodium retention by diuretics and monitoring devices, myocardial nitric oxide bioavailability by inorganic nitrate-nitrite, myocardial cyclic guanosine monophosphate content by neprilysin or phosphodiesterase 9 inhibition, and myocardial fibrosis by spironolactone. Because of phenotypic diversity in HFpEF, personalized therapeutic strategies are proposed, which are configured in a matrix with HFpEF presentations in the abscissa and HFpEF predispositions in the ordinate.
Remote Zone Extracellular Volume and Left Ventricular Remodeling in Survivors of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Carberry Jaclyn , Carrick David , Haig Caroline , Rauhalammi Samuli M. , Ahmed Nadeem , Mordi Ify , McEntegart Margaret , Petrie Mark C. , Eteiba Hany , Hood Stuart , Watkins Stuart , Lindsay Mitchell , Davie Andrew , Mahrous Ahmed , Ford Ian , Sattar Naveed , Welsh Paul , Radjenovic Aleksandra , Oldroyd Keith G. , Berry Colin
Published: June 2016

The natural history and pathophysiological significance of tissue remodeling in the myocardial remote zone after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is incompletely understood. Extracellular volume (ECV) in myocardial regions of interest can now be measured with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Patients who sustained an acute STEMI were enrolled in a cohort study (BHF MR-MI [British Heart Foundation Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction study]). Cardiac magnetic resonance was performed at 1.5 Tesla at 2 days and 6 months post STEMI. T1 modified Look-Locker inversion recovery mapping was performed before and 15 minutes after contrast (0.15 mmol/kg gadoterate meglumine) in 140 patients at 2 days post STEMI (mean age: 59 years, 76% male) and in 131 patients at 6 months post STEMI. Remote zone ECV was lower than infarct zone ECV (25.6±2.8% versus 51.4±8.9%;
P
<0.001). In multivariable regression, left ventricular ejection fraction was inversely associated with remote zone ECV (
P
<0.001), and diabetes mellitus was positively associated with remote zone ECV (
P
=0.010). No ST-segment resolution (
P
=0.034) and extent of ischemic area at risk (
P
<0.001) were multivariable associates of the change in remote zone ECV at 6 months (ΔECV). ΔECV was a multivariable associate of the change in left ventricular end-diastolic volume at 6 months (regression coefficient [95% confidence interval]: 1.43 (0.10–2.76);
P
=0.036). ΔECV is implicated in the pathophysiology of left ventricular remodeling post STEMI, but because the effect size is small, ΔECV has limited use as a clinical biomarker of remodeling.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02072850.
Masked Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease Events in a Prospective Cohort of Blacks
Authors: Booth John N. , Diaz Keith M. , Seals Samantha R. , Sims Mario , Ravenell Joseph , Muntner Paul , Shimbo Daichi
Published: June 2016

Masked hypertension, defined as nonelevated clinic blood pressure (BP) with elevated out-of-clinic BP, has been associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in Europeans and Asians. Few data are available on masked hypertension and CVD and mortality risk among blacks. We analyzed data from the Jackson Heart Study, a prospective cohort study of blacks. Analyses included participants with clinic-measured systolic/diastolic BP <140/90 mm Hg who completed ambulatory BP monitoring after the baseline examination in 2000 to 2004 (n=738). Masked daytime (10:00
am
–8:00
pm
) hypertension was defined as mean ambulatory systolic/diastolic BP ≥135/85 mm Hg. Masked nighttime (midnight to 6:00
am
) hypertension was defined as mean ambulatory systolic/diastolic BP ≥120/70 mm Hg. Masked 24-hour hypertension was defined as mean systolic/diastolic BP ≥130/80 mm Hg. CVD events (nonfatal/fatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or fatal coronary heart disease) and deaths identified through December 2010 were adjudicated. Any masked hypertension (masked daytime, nighttime, or 24-hour hypertension) was present in 52.2% of participants; 28.2%, 48.2% and 31.7% had masked daytime, nighttime, and 24-hour hypertension, respectively. There were 51 CVD events and 44 deaths during a median follow-up of 8.2 and 8.5 years, respectively. CVD rates per 1000 person-years (95% confidence interval) in participants with and without any masked hypertension were 13.5 (9.9–18.4) and 3.9 (2.2–7.1), respectively. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for CVD was 2.49 (1.26–4.93) for any masked hypertension and 2.86 (1.59–5.13), 2.35 (1.23–4.50), and 2.52 (1.39–4.58) for masked daytime, nighttime, and 24-hour hypertension, respectively. Masked hypertension was not associated with all-cause mortality. Masked hypertension is common and associated with increased risk for CVD events in blacks.
Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) and Target Systolic Blood Pressure in Future Hypertension Guidelines
Authors: Egan Brent M. , Li Jiexiang , Wagner C. Shaun
Published: June 2016

The Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP, mm Hg) Intervention Trial (SPRINT) showed that targeting SBP <120 mm Hg (intensive treatment, mean SBP: 121.5 mm Hg) versus <140 (standard treatment, mean SBP: 134.6 mm Hg) reduced cardiovascular events 25%. SPRINT has 2 implicit assumptions that could impact future US hypertension guidelines: (1) standard therapy controlled SBP similarly to that in adults with treated hypertension and (2) intensive therapy produced a lower mean SBP than in adults with treated hypertension and SBP <140 mm Hg. To examine these assumptions, US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009 to 2012 data were analyzed on 3 groups of adults with treated hypertension: group 1 consisted of SPRINT-like participants aged ≥50 years; group 2 consisted of participants all aged ≥18 years; and group 3 consisted of participants aged ≥18 years excluding group 1 but otherwise similar to SPRINT-like participants except high cardiovascular risk. Mean SBPs in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 133.0, 130.1, and 124.6, with 66.2%, 72.2%, and 81.9%, respectively, controlled to SBP <140; 68.3%, 74.8%, and 83.4% of the controlled subset had SBP <130. Mean SBPs in those controlled to <140 were 123.3, 120.9, and 118.9, respectively. Among US adults with treated hypertension, (1) the SPRINT-like group had higher mean SBP than comparison groups, yet lower than SPRINT standard treatment group and (2) among groups 1 to 3 with SBP <140, SBP values were within <3 mm Hg of SPRINT intensive treatment. SPRINT results suggest that treatment should be continued and not reduced when treated SBP is <130, especially for the SPRINT-like subset. Furthermore, increasing the percentage of treated adults with SBP <140 could approximate SPRINT intensive treatment SBP without lowering treatment goals.
Outcome of 1051 Octogenarian Patients With ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated With Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Observational Cohort From the London Heart Attack Group
Authors: Bromage Daniel I. , Jones Daniel A. , Rathod Krishnaraj S. , Grout Claire , Iqbal M. Bilal , Lim Pitt , Jain Ajay , Kalra Sundeep S. , Crake Tom , Astroulakis Zoe , Ozkor Mick , Rakhit Roby D. , Knight Charles J. , Dalby Miles C. , Malik Iqbal S. , Mathur Anthony , Redwood Simon , MacCarthy Philip A. , Wragg Andrew
Published: June 2016

Background

ST
‐segment elevation myocardial infarction is increasingly common in octogenarians, and optimal management in this cohort is uncertain. This study aimed to describe the outcomes of octogenarians with
ST
‐segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and Results

We analyzed 10 249 consecutive patients with
ST
‐segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention between 2005 and 2011 at 8 tertiary cardiac centers across London, United Kingdom. The primary end point was all‐cause mortality at a median follow‐up of 3 years. In total, 1051 patients (10.3%) were octogenarians, with an average age of 84.2 years, and the proportion increased over the study period (
P
=0.04). In‐hospital mortality (7.7% vs 2.4%,
P
<0.0001) and long‐term mortality (51.6% vs 12.8%,
P
<0.0001) were increased in octogenarians compared with patients aged <80 years, and age was an independent predictor of mortality in a fully adjusted model (hazard ratio 1.07, 95%
CI
1.07–1.09,
P
<0.0001). Time‐stratified analysis revealed an increasingly elderly and more complex cohort over time. Nonetheless, long‐term mortality rates among octogenarians remained static over time, and this may be attributable to improved percutaneous coronary intervention techniques, including significantly higher rates of radial access and lower bleeding complications. Variables associated with bleeding complications were similar between octogenarian and younger cohorts.

Conclusions

In this large registry, octogenarians undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention had a higher rate of complications and mortality compared with a younger population. Over time, octogenarians undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention increased in number, age, and complexity. Nevertheless, in‐hospital outcomes were reasonable, and long‐term mortality rates were static.
Russian Public Assessments of the Putin Policy Program: Achievements and Challenges
Authors: Willerton John P.
Published: June 2016

Attention is given to Russian public assessments of President Vladimir Putin, important political actors of the Putin period, and major policy areas that are at the heart of the governing Putin team’s programmatic agenda (as of the second Putin presidency, 2012–18). The intention is (1) to assess the level of support for President Putin, key political actors comprising the Putin team, other governmental institutions and a leading rival, (2) to determine the level of congruence between the preferences of the Putin team and the Russian public regarding major policies intended to strengthen the Russian state and to modernize the Russian society, and (3) to evaluate Russian public assessments of the work of the Putin team in actually addressing these overriding goals. It is found that Russians’ positive assessment of Vladimir Putin, Russia’s paramount leader, is juxtaposed with more middling assessments of all other actors, excepting opposition figure Aleksei Navalny, who is poorly viewed. A strong congruence is found between the Putin team’s policy priorities and those of the Russian public, but public assessments of the Putin team’s performance across specific policies are mixed and reveal areas where that team has been both successful and come up short. Results of the October 2014 romir public opinion survey indicate that Putin and his team are well-positioned and that their overall policy performance is acceptable, but policy soft spots and points of concern are revealed: this suggests continuing challenges for the Putin team in delivering a program accommodating the preferences of an aware domestic public. It is argued that Putin’s position as a paramount leader redounds to his governing team’s advantage, but this position also represents a profound dilemma for the Russian political system.
Revision of the genus Pseudeurybata Hennig (Diptera, Micropezidae, Taeniapterinae)
Authors: MARSHALL S.A.
Published: June 2016

The previously monotypic genus Pseudeurybata Hennig is revised to include seven species from Central America and Mexico and one species from South America. Pseudeurybata rufilabris (Enderlein) and Pseudeurybata compeditus (Hennig) are given as new combinations and a lectotype is designated for P. rufilabris (Enderlein). Pseudeurybata browni and P. alces from Costa Rica, P. guatemalensis from Guatemala, P. dasypogon from Mexico, and P. zeta from Colombia and Ecuador are described as new. All species are keyed and illustrated.
Women’s earnings and household inequality in OECD countries, 1973–2013
Authors: Nieuwenhuis Rense , van der Kolk Henk , Need Ariana
Published: June 2016

This article shows that women’s rising earnings contributed to reducing inequality in household earnings, with respect to couples. We use data from the Luxembourg Income Study (LIS) on 1,148,762 coupled households, covering 18 OECD countries and the period from 1973 to 2013. In this period, women’s share of household earnings grew, spouses’ earnings became more strongly and positively correlated in various countries, and inequality in women’s earnings was reduced. Inequality in household earnings increased due to the rising correlation between spouses’ earnings, but was reduced more by the decline of inequality in women’s earnings. Had women’s earnings remained unchanged since the 1970s and 1980s, inequality in household earnings would have been higher around 2010 in all observed OECD countries. Household inequality was reduced least by trends in women’s earnings in countries with a long history of high female labor-force participation, such as Finland (3% reduction) and Sweden (5%), and most in countries that observed a stronger increase in female labor-force participation in recent decades such as Spain (31%) and the Netherlands (41%). As more countries are reaching a plateau in the growth of women’s employment and earnings, the potential for further stimulating women’s employment and earnings to counter both women’s and household inequality seems to be increasingly limited.
Detection Limits for Blood on Fabrics Using Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR FT-IR) Spectroscopy and Derivative Processing
Authors: Lu Zhenyu , DeJong Stephanie A. , Cassidy Brianna M. , Belliveau Raymond G. , Myrick Michael L. , Morgan Stephen L.
Published: June 2016

Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR) was used to detect blood stains based on signature protein absorption in the mid-IR region, where intensity changes in the spectrum can be related to blood concentration. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was applied for multivariate calibrations of IR spectra of blood dilutions on four types of fabric (acrylic, nylon, polyester, and cotton). Gap derivatives (GDs) were applied as a preprocessing technique to optimize the performance of calibration models. We report a much improved IR detection limit (DL) for blood on cotton (2700× in dilution factor units) and the first IR DL reported for blood on nylon (250×). Due to sample heterogeneity caused by fabric hydrophobicity, acrylic fabric produced variable ATR FT-IR spectra that caused poor DLs in concentration units compared to previous work. Polyester showed a similar problem at low blood concentrations that lead to a relatively poor DL as well. However, the increased surface sensitivity and decreased penetration depth of ATR FT-IR make it an excellent choice for detection of small quantities of blood on the front surface of all fabrics tested (0.0010 µg for cotton, 0.0077 µg for nylon, 0.011 µg for acrylic, and 0.0066 µg for polyester).
Valdecoxib Recovers the Lipid Composition, Order and Dynamics in Colon Cancer Cell Lines Independent of COX-2 Expression: An ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Inan Genç Aysun , Gok Seher , Banerjee Sreeparna , Severcan Feride
Published: June 2016

Prostanoids play an important role in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes including inflammation and cancer. The rate-limiting step in the prostanoid biosynthesis pathway is catalyzed by cyclooxygenases (COXs). Aberrant expression of the inducible isoform COX-2 plays a significant role in colon cancer initiation and progression. In this study, we have hypothesized that COX-2 specific inhibitors such as Valdecoxib (VLX), being highly hydrophobic, may alter biophysical properties of cellular lipids. In this study, COX-2 expressing (HT29) and COX-2 non-expressing (SW620) colon cancer cell lines were treated with VLX and examined using attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed that VLX treatment decreased lipid fluidity in the cells irrespective of COX-2 expression status and affected order parameters of the lipids in both cell lines. Cluster analysis also indicated that the spectral differences between the two cell lines are profound and could be successfully differentiated. Valdecoxib treatment could enhance the composition, order and dynamics of the lipids of colon cancer cells independently of its COX-2 inhibitory mechanism. Valdecoxib has therapeutic effects upon colon cancer, therefore it can be used as an adjuvant and/or chemopreventive agent for colon cancer.
Experiences of discrimination and positive treatment from health professionals: A national survey of adults with mental health problems
Authors: Morgan Amy J , Reavley Nicola J , Jorm Anthony F , Beatson Ruth
Published: June 2016

Objective:

To systematically investigate the scope and nature of discrimination and positive treatment experienced by adults with mental health problems when using health services in an Australian population-based survey.

Methods:

Australian adults ( n = 1381) who reported a mental health problem or scored high on a screening questionnaire were interviewed about their experience of discrimination and positive treatment from healthcare professionals. Descriptions of experiences were content-analysed to identify key characteristics.

Results:

In all, 11.8% of respondents reported discrimination from a health professional in the past 12 months. The most common types of discrimination included being treated dismissively, being judged and not being listened to, particularly regarding personal history and treatment needs. In contrast, 40.4% reported being treated more positively by their health professional because of their mental health problem. Key types of positive treatment by health professionals were being supportive and understanding and being a good listener. Good quality care approaches were also appreciated, including making a referral, being engaged in the treatment process, regularly checking the status of the person’s mental health and providing information.

Conclusion:

A minority of respondents with mental health problems had experienced discrimination from their healthcare professional, potentially interfering with recovery. Anti-stigma education interventions for healthcare professionals should address how to increase knowledge and understanding of mental health problems, reduce negative attitudes and encourage supportive behaviours.
Opportunity, Group Structure, Temporal Patterns, and Successful Outcomes of Far-Right Terrorism Incidents in the United States
Authors: Klein Brent R. , Gruenewald Jeff , Smith Brent L.
Published: June 2016

Terrorism prevention has become the top priority among law enforcement and homeland security officials. To date, however, little empirical research has been conducted that directly compares the characteristics of successful terrorist attacks to failed and foiled terrorism incidents. To address this limitation in prior research, the current study examines the impact of opportunity, group structure, and temporally patterned precursor activities on far-right terrorism outcomes in the United States using data from the American Terrorism Study (ATS). Our findings partially support expectations that attractive and vulnerable targets, loners, conventional weaponry, and relatively fewer precursor activities are significantly associated with successful incidents.
Neighborhood Guardianship and Property Crime Victimization
Authors: Wickes Rebecca , Zahnow Renee , Schaefer Lacey , Sparkes-Carroll Michelle
Published: June 2016

In this study, we assess the extent to which the availability of guardians, guardianship expectations, and guardianship actions explain the variation of neighborhood property crime rates and self-reported property crime victimization. Furthermore, we examine whether or not the strength of these relationships is moderated by the neighborhood composition. We use data from the Australian Community Capacity Study (ACCS), a survey of 4,000 respondents from 148 neighborhoods across Brisbane, Australia, and employ regression and multi-level regression techniques. We find that particular aspects of guardianship do protect against crime; however, the relationship between guardianship and crime is influenced by neighborhood diversity, disadvantage, and residential instability.
Drawing instead of answering to evaluate the effectiveness of food safety programmes in primary school
Authors: Faccio Elena , Costa Norberto , Losasso Carmen , Barrucci Federica , Mantovani Claudio , Cibin Veronica , Andrighetto Iginio , Ricci Antonia
Published: June 2016

Objective:

The high incidence of foodborne disease among children suggests the value of health promotion. Children are a high-risk group so far as foodborne disease is concerned, although they may be hard to reach with training programmes. This research investigated the use of drawings, compared with questionnaires, to evaluate the impact of a health promotion programme to improve knowledge and habits in the context of food handling and personal hygiene.

Setting:

Children (184) attending primary school and living in the north of Italy were enrolled in the programme.

Methods:

Qualitative and quantitative tools: pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were administered, and children were asked to produce pre- and post-intervention drawings about microorganisms and their effects on humans. An observation grid was built to code key features in the drawings.

Results:

Results clearly showed that some drawing features correlated with and predicted high scores in the questionnaire on knowledge of microorganisms. These were the use of captions, the representation of a natural context and the presence of a causal link between depicted elements.

Conclusion:

Study findings highlight the potential of the use of drawing as an effective evaluation tool. The use of drawing can support the design of strategies for the validation of health campaigns aimed at the amelioration of children’s food contamination–related (and perhaps other) risks.
Taste matters: Cultural capital and elites in proximate Strategic Action Fields
Authors: Spence Crawford , Carter Chris , Husillos Javier , Archel Pablo
Published: June 2016

Recent literature suggests that elites are increasingly fragmented and divided. Yet there is very little empirical research that maps the distinctions between different elite groups. This article explores the cultural divisions that pertain to elite factions in two distinct but proximate Strategic Action Fields. A key insight from the article is that the public sector faction studied exhibits a much broader, more aesthetic set of cultural dispositions than their private sector counterparts. This permits a number of inter-related contributions to be made to literature on both elites and field theory. First, the findings suggest that cultural capital acts as a salient source of distinction between elite factions in different Strategic Action Fields. Second, it is demonstrated how cultural capital is socially functional as certain cultural dispositions are strongly homologous with specific professional roles. Third, the article demonstrates the implications for the structure of the State when two culturally distinct elites are brought together in a new Strategic Action Field.
Quality of life, anxiety, depression, and stress among adults in Greece following the global financial crisis
Authors: Kokaliari Efrosini
Published: June 2016

The global financial crisis that spread from the United States to Europe severely impacted Greece. This is a study of quality of life (QoL), anxiety, depression, and stress in Greece following the austerity measures imposed after the crisis. A convenience sample of 901 adults completed (1) a brief survey form, (2) the Multicultural Quality of Life Index (MQLI), and (3) the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS). Results indicated higher DASS scores in comparison to other normative populations. Overall, QoL in Greece is lower for women, those who are single, the unemployed, and those with lower incomes. Implications for social work practice and the profession are discussed.
Political Parties’ Campaign Financing in Ghana’s Fourth Republic: A Contribution to the Discourse
Authors: Arthur Peter
Published: June 2016

The period from 1992 saw Ghana, under pressure from both internal and external sources, embark on the transition to democratic rule. Despite the strides, an issue that has the potential to undermine Ghana’s liberal democratic credentials has centred on the process of political party financing. The purpose of this paper is to analyse how the existing political party financing system in Ghana is negatively impacting on electoral competition and the country’s democratic process. Drawing on secondary sources, this paper shows that, given that it is political resources that drive party vibrancy and competitiveness, a level playing field in terms of public financing of political parties can help in electoral competition and the promotion of the democratic process in Ghana. However, the importance of transparency and accountability, as well as a legal framework that monitors, denounces, sanctions and punishes abuse in the use of public funds, would be crucial if success is to be attained.
Existential Experimentation: Structure and Principles for a Short-Term Psychological Therapy
Authors: Rayner Mark , Vitali Diego
Published: June 2016

This article follows and expands upon the description of an intervention that attained promising results with depressed and anxious patients in a feasibility study run in a U.K. primary care setting. This protocol for short-term existential therapy will also represent the primary reference for training and supervision of an ongoing pilot. The therapeutic approach described here aims to address in a constructive way the issues raised by the topical criticism around the application of the medical model in psychology. At the same time, this article will address the theoretical issues emerging, while trying to describe in a pragmatic way, how to apply an existential and phenomenological approach to low-intensity short-term psychological therapy. This short-term intervention aims to promote a proactive and creative engagement with clients with their personal difficulties and to attain recovery as a result of a greater sense of empowered resilience.
A Tool for Providing Data on Small Areas: Development of Neighborhood Profiles for Santa Clara County, California, 2014
Authors: Webber Whitney L. , Stoddard Pamela , van Erp Brianna , Baath Mandeep , Bazhaw Greg , Kelsey Kate , Schenk Douglas , Shah Roshni , Shoe Bill , Sujeer Anandi
Published: June 2016

Data on small geographic areas that can be easily accessed and updated have become essential for targeting public health programs and services. Disaggregating data at the sub-county or sub-city level has the potential to reveal disparities not otherwise evident for large geographies. As important as such data are, the methods to produce data on small geographic areas are challenging and resource-intensive, and little description and analysis of such tools exists. We describe a tool—neighborhood profiles—that provides a way for public health agencies and their partners to define neighborhood boundaries, select indicators, and disseminate data in a user-friendly format. We also share lessons learned, including the importance of involving planning departments in boundary definition to ensure relevance to the community, selecting a framework that links indicators to broader conceptual categories that can highlight disparities, and forming a team with the diverse skills necessary for planning and developing the profiles.
Integrating Public Health and Deliberative Public Bioethics: Lessons from the Human Genome Project Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications Program
Authors: Meagher Karen M. , Lee Lisa M.
Published: June 2016

Public health policy works best when grounded in firm public health standards of evidence and widely shared social values. In this article, we argue for incorporating a specific method of ethical deliberation—deliberative public bioethics—into public health. We describe how deliberative public bioethics is a method of engagement that can be helpful in public health. Although medical, research, and public health ethics can be considered some of what bioethics addresses, deliberative public bioethics offers both a how and where. Using the Human Genome Project Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications program as an example of effective incorporation of deliberative processes to integrate ethics into public health policy, we examine how deliberative public bioethics can integrate both public health and bioethics perspectives into three areas of public health practice: research, education, and health policy. We then offer recommendations for future collaborations that integrate deliberative methods into public health policy and practice.