bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise on Experimentally Induced Anxiety in Healthy Volunteers Using the Simulated Public Speaking Model: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Kamath Ashwin , Urval Rathnakar P. , Shenoy Ashok K.
Published: October 2017

A randomized controlled pilot study was carried out to determine the effect of a 15-minute practice of ANB exercise on experimentally induced anxiety using the simulated public speaking model in yoga-naïve healthy young adults. Thirty consenting medical students were equally divided into test and control groups. The test group performed alternate nostril breathing exercise for 15 minutes, while the control group sat in a quiet room before participating in the simulated public speaking test (SPST). Visual Analog Mood Scale and Self-Statements during Public Speaking scale were used to measure the mood state at different phases of the SPST. The psychometric scores of both groups were comparable at baseline. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of phase (p<0.05), but group and gender did not have statistically significant influence on the mean anxiety scores. However, the test group showed a trend towards lower mean scores for the anxiety factor when compared with the control group. Considering the limitations of this pilot study and the trend seen towards lower anxiety in the test group, alternate nostril breathing may have potential anxiolytic effect in acute stressful situations. A study with larger sample size is therefore warranted. This trial is registered with CTRI/2014/03/004460.
Predictive Role of F2-Isoprostanes as Biomarkers for Brain Damage after Neonatal Surgery
Authors: Stolwijk L. J. , Lemmers P. M. A. , van Herwaarden M. Y. A. , van der Zee D. C. , van Bel F. , Groenendaal F. , Tataranno M. L. , Calderisi M. , Longini M. , Bazzini F. , Benders M. J. N. L. , Buonocore G.
Published: October 2017

Objective. Neonates have a high risk of oxidative stress during anesthetic procedures. The predictive role of oxidative stress biomarkers on the occurrence of brain injury in the perioperative period has not been reported before. Methods. A prospective cohort study of patients requiring major surgery in the neonatal period was conducted. Biomarker levels of nonprotein-bound iron (NPBI) in plasma and F2-isoprostane in plasma and urine before and after surgical intervention were determined. Brain injury was assessed using postoperative MRI. Results. In total, 61 neonates were included, median gestational age at 39 weeks (range 31–42) and weight at 3000 grams (1400–4400). Mild to moderate brain lesions were found in 66%. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant difference between plasma NPBI in patients with nonparenchymal injury versus no brain injury: 1.34 umol/L was identified as correlation threshold for nonparenchymal injury (sensitivity 67%, specificity 91%). In the multivariable analysis, correcting for GA, no other significant relation was found with the oxidative stress biomarkers and risk factors. Conclusion. Oxidative stress seems to occur during anaesthesia in this cohort of neonates. Plasma nonprotein-bound iron showed to be associated with nonparenchymal injury after surgery, with values of 1.34 umol/L or higher. Risk factors should be elucidated in a more homogeneous patient group.
Acquired Elliptocytosis as a Manifestation of Myelodysplastic Syndrome with Ring Sideroblasts and Multilineage Dysplasia
Authors: Kjelland Jacob D. , Dwyre Denis M. , Jonas Brian A.
Published: October 2017

Acquired elliptocytosis is a known but rarely described abnormality in the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Here we report the case of an elderly male who was admitted to the hospital with chest pain, dyspnea, and fatigue and was found to be anemic with an elliptocytosis that had only recently been noted on peripheral smears of his blood. After bone marrow biopsy he was diagnosed with MDS with ring sideroblasts and multilineage dysplasia and acquired elliptocytosis. Here we report a rare case of acquired elliptocytosis cooccurring with MDS with ring sideroblasts and multilineage dysplasia.
Evaluating the Solar Slowly Varying Component at C-Band Using Dual- and Single-Polarization Weather Radars in Europe
Authors: Gabella M. , Huuskonen A. , Sartori M. , Holleman I. , Boscacci M. , Germann U.
Published: October 2017

Six C-band weather radars located in Europe (Finland, Netherlands, and Switzerland) have been used to monitor the slowly varying solar emission, which is an oscillation with an amplitude of several decibels and a period of approximately 27 days. It is caused by the fact that the number of active regions that enhance the solar radio emission with respect to the quiet component, as seen from Earth, varies because of the Sun’s rotation about its axis. The analysis is based on solar signals contained in the polar volume data produced during the operational weather scan strategy. This paper presents hundreds of daily comparisons between radar estimates and the Sun’s reference signal, during the current active Sun period (year 2014). The Sun’s reference values are accurately measured by the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) at S-band and converted to C-band using a standard DRAO formula. Vertical and horizontal polarization receivers are able to capture the monthly oscillation of the solar microwave signal: the standard deviation of the log-transformed ratio between radars and the DRAO reference ranges from 0.26 to 0.4 dB. A larger coefficient (and a different value for the quiet Sun component) in the standard formula improves the agreement.
Last-Train Timetabling under Transfer Demand Uncertainty: Mean-Variance Model and Heuristic Solution
Authors: Yang Shuo , Yang Kai , Gao Ziyou , Yang Lixing , Shi Jungang
Published: October 2017

Traditional models of timetable generation for last trains do not account for the fact that decision-maker (DM) often incorporates transfer demand variability within his/her decision-making process. This study aims to develop such a model with particular consideration of the decision-makers’ risk preferences in subway systems under uncertainty. First, we formulate an optimization model for last-train timetabling based on mean-variance (MV) theory that explicitly considers two significant factors including the number of successful transfer passengers and the running time of last trains. Then, we add the mean-variance risk measure into the model to generate timetables by adjusting the last trains’ departure times and running times for each line. Furthermore, we normalize two heterogeneous terms of the risk measure to provide assistance in getting reasonable results. Due to the complexity of MV model, we design a tabu search (TS) algorithm with specifically designed operators to solve the proposed timetabling problem. Through computational experiments involving the Beijing subway system, we demonstrate the computational efficiency of the proposed MV model and the heuristic approach.
Distributed Hybrid Precoding for Indoor Deployments Using Millimeter Wave Band
Authors: Gimenez Sonia , Calabuig Daniel , Roger Sandra , Monserrat Jose F. , Cardona Narcís
Published: October 2017

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) are an alternative of network deployment that allows reducing the distance between transmitter and receiver by distributing the antennas throughout the coverage area. Moreover, the performance of the millimeter wave (mmWave) band can be significantly high within short transmitter-receiver distances. In this paper, the potential benefits of DAS deployments in the mmWave band are studied. To this aim, a distributed hybrid precoding (DHP) solution with remote antenna unit (RAU) selection capabilities is proposed and analyzed in an indoor DAS working in mmWaves and compared to two other indoor deployment strategies: a conventional cellular system with colocated antenna arrays and a small cell deployment. The results show that, using DHP, DAS not only brings huge gains to cell-edge users rate but also increases system capacity, becoming the best overall deployment. Further simulations including practical limitations have revealed that DAS using DHP is quite robust to combiner losses, although its performance is significantly degraded by outdated channel reports.
A Case Study on the Impacts of Connected Vehicle Technology on No-Notice Evacuation Clearance Time
Authors: Bahaaldin Karzan , Fries Ryan , Bhavsar Parth , Das Plaban
Published: October 2017

No-notice evacuations of metropolitan areas can place significant demands on transportation infrastructure. Connected vehicle (CV) technology, with real-time vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to infrastructure communications, can help emergency managers to develop efficient and cost-effective traffic management plans for such events. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the impacts of CVs on no-notice evacuations using a case study of a downtown metropolitan area. The microsimulation software VISSIM was used to model the roadway network and the evacuation traffic. The model was built, calibrated, and validated for studying the performance of traffic during the evacuation. The researchers evaluated system performance with different CV penetration rates (from 0 to 30 percent CVs) and measured average speed, average delays, and total delays. The findings suggest significant reductions in total delays when CVs reached a penetration rate of 30 percent, albeit increases in delays during the beginning of the evacuation. Additionally, the benefits could be greater for evacuations that last longer and with higher proportions of CVs in the vehicle stream.
Criterion Validity of the “HRQOLISP-E”: A New Context-Specific Screening Tool for Poststroke Depression
Authors: Ojagbemi Akin , Owolabi Mayowa , Akinyemi Joshua , Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: October 2017

Objectives. The optimal tool for identifying postsroke depression (PSD) is yet to be identified. In the present study, we rely on the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D) as a meaningful criterion to investigate the psychometric properties of the HRQOLISP-E, a new context-specific screening tool for PSD developed from a large cross-cultural sample. Methods. We assessed baseline data being collected as part of an intervention to improve one-year blood pressure control among recent (≤one month) stroke survivors. Depression was measured using the HADS-D and the HRQOLISP-E. We determined sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and posttest probability. The area under a receiver operator curve (AUC) and the most appropriate HRQOLISP-E cut-off were also determined using standard procedures. Results. Using data derived from 387 recent stroke survivors, the HRQOLISP-E showed high agreement with the HADS-D, sensitivity = 73.7%, specificity = 79.3%, and posterior test probability = 88% (95% CI = 84%–91%). The AUC was 0.81 (95% CI = 0.76–0.86). The HRQOLISP-E cut-off, corresponding to HADS-D score ≥ 8, was 20/21 (out of a total score of 30). Conclusions. Within limitations of using the HADS-D as a referent criterion, the present results provide justification for further development of the HRQOLISP-E as the first stroke-specific screening tool for depression.
Xeno-Free Strategies for Safe Human Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell Expansion: Supplements and Coatings
Authors: Cimino M. , Gonçalves R. M. , Barrias C. C. , Martins M. C. L.
Published: October 2017

Human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) have generated great interest in regenerative medicine mainly due to their multidifferentiation potential and immunomodulatory role. Although hMSC can be obtained from different tissues, the number of available cells is always low for clinical applications, thus requiringin vitroexpansion. Most of the current protocols for hMSC expansion make use of fetal bovine serum (FBS) as a nutrient-rich supplement. However, regulatory guidelines encourage novel xeno-free alternatives to define safer and standardized protocols for hMSC expansion that preserve their intrinsic therapeutic potential. Since hMSCs are adherent cells, the attachment surface and cell-adhesive components also play a crucial role on their successful expansion. This review focuses on the advantages/disadvantages of FBS-free media and surfaces/coatings that avoid the use of animal serum, overcoming ethical issues and improving the expansion of hMSC for clinical applications in a safe and reproducible way.
Optimal Shape Control of Piezoelectric Intelligent Structure Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wang Zhanxi , Qin Xiansheng , Zhang Shunqi , Bai Jing , Li Jing , Yu Genjie
Published: October 2017

Shape variation induced by mismachining tolerance, humidity and temperature of the working environment, material wear and aging, and unknown external load disturbances have a relatively large influence on the dynamic shape of a mechanical structure. When integrating piezoelectric elements into the main mechanical structure, active control of the structural shape is realized by utilizing the inverse piezoelectric effect. This paper presents a mathematical model regarding piezoelectric intelligent structure shape control. We also applied a genetic algorithm, and given a piezoelectric intelligent cantilever plate with both ends affected by a certain load, optimal shape control results of piezoelectric materials were analyzed from different perspectives (precision reference or cost reference). The mathematical model and results indicate that, by optimizing a certain number of piezoelectric actuators, high-precision active shape control can be realized.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effects of Diosmin in the Treatment of Radicular Pain
Authors: Wang Yinhe , Fang Xin , Ye Lei , Li Yishan , Shi Hongfei , Cao Yang
Published: October 2017

Diosmin has been widely used to treat patients with vascular pain for its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Diosmin in the treatment of radicular pain, we conducted an investigator-initiated, randomized, active-controlled noninferiority trial between January 1, 2009, and December 1, 2010. Diosmin (50 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to treat the radicular pain in 150 patients for one month. Another 150 patients with the same symptom were given 20% 250 ml mannitol (1 g/kg/day) for 7 days and dexamethasone (10 mg/day) for 3 days intravenously guttae. Short-term relief and long-term relief were measured. Secondary outcomes include improvement in functional and psychological status, return to work, and reduction in anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs intake. Patients treated with oral Diosmin achieved reduction in radicular pain. The total satisfaction rate of Diosmin group was 84.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 77.9%, 90.0%], and the complete satisfaction rate was 50.7% (95% CI: 42.4%, 58.9%). No statistically significant difference was found between the Diosmin group and the active-control group regarding patient satisfaction. No adverse effects were found during the study period. Our study suggests that clinical application of Diosmin with a dose of 50 mg/kg/day might reduce the radicular pain. This trial is registered withISRCTN97157037.
Expression and Immunogenicity of Two Recombinant Fusion Proteins Comprising Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Structural Protein VP1 and DC-SIGN-Binding Glycoproteins
Authors: Liu Xinsheng , Lv Jianliang , Fang Yuzhen , Zhou Peng , Lu Yanzhen , Pan Li , Zhang Zhongwang , Ma Junwu , Zhang Yongguang , Wang Yonglu
Published: October 2017

Improving vaccine immunogenicity by targeting antigens to dendritic cells has recently emerged as a new design strategy in vaccine development. In this study, the VP1 gene of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype A was fused with the gene encoding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) membrane glycoprotein gp120 or C2-V3 domain of hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope glycoprotein E2, both of which are DC-SIGN-binding glycoproteins. After codon optimization, the VP1 protein and the two recombinant VP1-gp120 and VP1-E2 fusion proteins were expressed in Sf9 insect cells using the insect cell-baculovirus expression system. Western blotting showed that the VP1 protein and two recombinant VP1-gp120 and VP1-E2 fusion proteins were correctly expressed in the Sf9 insect cells and had good reactogenicity. Guinea pigs were then immunized with the purified proteins, and the resulting humoral and cellular immune responses were analyzed. The VP1-gp120 and VP1-E2 fusion proteins induced significantly higher specific anti-FMDV antibody levels than the VP1 protein and stronger cell-mediated immune responses. This study provides a new perspective for the development of novel FMDV subunit vaccines.
Increased EGFR Phosphorylation Correlates with Higher Programmed Death Ligand-1 Expression: Analysis of TKI-Resistant Lung Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Suda Kenichi , Rozeboom Leslie , Furugaki Koh , Yu Hui , Melnick Mary Ann C. , Ellison Kim , Rivard Christopher J. , Politi Katerina , Mitsudomi Tetsuya , Hirsch Fred R.
Published: October 2017

Despite the recent development of immunotherapies that target programmed death-1 (PD-1) or programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, these therapies are less effective in NSCLC patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this lower efficacy of immunotherapies in EGFR mutant lung cancers are still unclear. In this study, we analyzed PD-L1 protein expression in lung cancer cell lines with EGFR mutations prior to and after acquisition of resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We found that parental lung cancer cell lines harboring EGFR mutations showed negative (PC9 and H3255 cells) and positive (HCC827 cells) staining for PD-L1 by immunohistochemistry. Comparing PD-L1 expression between EGFR-TKI resistant cell lines and their parental cells, we found that increased phosphorylation of EGFR was related to increased expression of PD-L1. Increased phosphorylation of EGFR was accompanied by the T790M secondary mutation. Acquired resistance cells with MET amplification or EGFR loss both showed decreased phosphorylation of EGFR and decreased PD-L1 expression. Our results indicate that lung cancer cell lines with EGFR mutations (parental cells) do not harbor high PD-L1 protein expression. In addition, EGFR phosphorylation affects PD-L1 expression after acquisition of resistance to EGFR-TKIs.
Optimization of the Time Window of Interest in Ovariectomized Imprinting Control Region Mice for Antiosteoporosis Research
Authors: Song Lei , Bi Ya-nan , Zhang Pan-yang , Yuan Xiao-mei , Liu Ying , Zhang Yue , Huang Ju-yang , Zhou Kun
Published: October 2017

This study was performed to determine the optimal window of time during which the properties of osteoporosis are obvious and to explore the best region of interest for microstructural evaluation in antiosteoporosis research in an ovariectomized mouse model by examining changes in micro-computed tomography parameters and serum indices. Ovariectomized mice and sham-operated mice were randomly divided into five groups. At the end of the 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 20th weeks after ovariectomy, the microstructure of the proximal tibia and distal femur was scanned by micro-computed tomography and blood samples were collected to detect serum biochemical indicators including alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP), and C-terminal telopeptide fragment of type I collagen (CTX1). The trabecular number and connectivity density decreased while the trabecular thickness and trabecular separation increased, indicating substantial changes in the trabecular microstructure of both the tibia and femur and significant changes in bone turnover after ovariectomy, as indicated by lower levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and P1NP and higher level of CTX1 in the ovariectomy than sham group. The proximal tibia from weeks 8 to 16 after ovariectomy was optimal for osteoporosis research in this model.
Chemistry and Bioactivity of NeoMTA Plus™ versus MTA Angelus® Root Repair Materials
Authors: Abu Zeid Sawsan T. , Alamoudi Najlaa M. , Khafagi Monazah G. , Abou Neel Ensanya A.
Published: October 2017

Objectives. To analyse the chemistry and bioactivity of NeoMTA Plus in comparison with the conventional root repair materials. Method and Materials. Unhydrated and hydrated (initial and final sets) materials were analysed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). For bioactivity study, small holes of dentin discs were filled with either materials, immersed in PBS for 15 days, and analysed with FTIR and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX). The calculation of crystallinity and carbonate/phosphate (CO3/PO4) ratio of surface precipitates (from FTIR) and calcium/phosphate (Ca/P) ratio (from EDX) was statistically analysed using t-test or ANOVA, respectively, at 0.05 significance. Results. Both materials are tricalcium silicate-based that finally react to be calcium silicate hydrate. NeoMTA Plus has relatively high aluminium and sulfur content, with tantalum oxide as an opacifier instead of zirconium oxide in MTA Angelus. NeoMTA Plus showed better apatite formation, higher crystallinity and Ca/P but lower CO3/PO4 ratio than MTA Angelus. SEM showed globular structure with a small particle size in NeoMTA Plus while spherical structure with large particle size in MTA Angelus. Conclusion. Due to fast setting, higher crystallinity, and better bioactivity of NeoMTA Plus, it can be used as a pulp and root repair material.
Pediatric Pulmonary Epstein-Barr Virus-Positive Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wei Eric X. , Silva Roberto F. , Cotelingam James D. , Shackelford Rodney E.
Published: October 2017

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is a common malignancy of childhood; however, a lung primary presentation is an uncommon finding, as is finding an association with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). We report the case of a 23-month-old female who developed EBV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that was initially thought to be pneumonia. Extensive tissue necrosis, focal angioinvasion, and angiodestruction were observed. She was refractory to various therapy regimens, subsequently developed DLBCL in the central nervous system, and eventually expired. Although EBV+ DLBCL was initially considered to occur predominantly in elderly patients over 50 years of age, it is now increasingly recognized to occur in younger patients with primarily nodal involvement who have overall better prognoses. To our knowledge, this case is the first reported EBV+ DLBCL occurring in a patient below two years of age with lung involvement as the initial clinical presentation.
The Differential Role of Human Cationic Trypsinogen (PRSS1) p.R122H Mutation in Hereditary and Nonhereditary Chronic Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Cheng , Wen Li , Deng Lihui , Zhang Chenlong , Lugea Aurelia , Su Hsin-Yuan , Waldron Richard T. , Pandol Stephen J. , Xia Qing
Published: October 2017

Background. Environmental factors and genetic mutations have been increasingly recognized as risk factors for chronic pancreatitis (CP). ThePRSS1p.R122H mutation was the first discovered to affect hereditary CP, with 80% penetrance. We performed here a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the associations ofPRSS1p.R122H mutation with CP of diverse etiology.Methods. The PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE database were reviewed. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals was used to evaluate the association of p.R122H mutation with CP. Initial analysis was conducted with all etiologies of CP, followed by a subgroup analysis for hereditary and nonhereditary CP, including alcoholic or idiopathic CP.Results. A total of eight case-control studies (1733 cases and 2415 controls) were identified and included. Overall,PRSS1p.R122H mutation was significantly associated with an increased risk of CP (OR = 4.78[1.13–20.20]). Further analysis showed p.R122H mutation strongly associated with the increased risk of hereditary CP (OR = 65.52[9.09–472.48]) but not with nonhereditary CP, both alcoholic and idiopathic CP.Conclusions. Our study showing the differential role of p.R122H mutation in various etiologies of CP indicates that this complex disorder is likely influenced by multiple genetic factors as well as environmental factors.
Jumping the Barrier: Modeling Drug Penetration across the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Peer Cody J. , Chau Cindy H. , Figg William D.
Published: October 2017

Determining the penetration of drugs across the blood–brain barrier is a significant challenge in central nervous system drug development. The use of a mechanistic physiologically based pharmacokinetic model can predict drug exposures in the brain without needing in situ drug measurements. Clin Cancer Res; 23(24); 7437–9. ©2017 AACR.

See related article by Li et al., p. 7454
Prognostic Value of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Heart Failure Patients With and Without Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kristensen Søren Lund , Jhund Pardeep S. , Mogensen Ulrik M. , Rørth Rasmus , Abraham William T. , Desai Akshay , Dickstein Kenneth , Rouleau Jean L. , Zile Michael R. , Swedberg Karl , Packer Milton , Solomon Scott D. , Køber Lars , McMurray John J.V.
Published: October 2017

Background

Patients with heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) have higher circulating levels of NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) than HF patients without AF. There is uncertainty about the prognostic importance of a given concentration of NT-proBNP in HF patients with and without AF. We investigated this question in a large cohort of patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction.

Methods and Results

We studied 14 737 patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction and a measurement of NT-proBNP at time of screening, enrolled in either the PARADIGM-HF trial (Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure) or the ATMOSPHERE trial (Aliskiren Trial to Minimize Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure), of whom 3575 (24%) had AF on their baseline ECG. Median (Q1, Q3) levels of NT-proBNP were 1817 pg/mL (1095–3266 pg/mL) in those with AF and 1271 pg/mL (703–2569 pg/mL) in those without (
P
<0.0001). Patients with AF were older (67 versus 62 years), had worse New York Heart Association class (III/IV; 36% versus 24%), and experienced fewer previous HF hospitalizations (52% versus 61%) or myocardial infarction (30% versus 46%); all
P
<0.001. We categorized patients with and without AF into 5 NT-proBNP bands: <400, 400 to 999 (reference), 1000 to 1999, 2000 to 2999, and ≥3000 pg/mL. For the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization, event rates differed for patients with and without AF in the lowest band (<400 pg/mL; 8.2 versus 5.0 per 100 patient-years), but not for the higher bands (400–999 pg/mL, 7.4 versus 7.7 per 100 patient-years; 1000–1999 pg/mL, 9.8 versus 11.4 per 100 patient-year; 2000–2999 pg/mL, 13.5 versus 13.4 per 100 patient-years; ≥3000 pg/mL, 22.7 versus 23.0 per 100 patient-years). These findings were consistent whether NT-proBNP was examined as a categorical or continuous variable and before and after adjustment for other prognostic variables. We found similar results for the components of the composite outcome and all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

HF and reduced ejection fraction patients with AF had higher NT-proBNP than those without AF. However, above a concentration of 400 pg/mL (representing most patients in each group), NT-proBNP had similar predictive value for adverse cardiovascular outcomes, irrespective of AF status.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier NCT00853658 (ATMOSPHERE) and NCT01035255 (PARADIGM-HF).
CCND2 Overexpression Enhances the Regenerative Potency of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhu Wuqiang , Zhao Meng , Mattapally Saidulu , Chen Sifeng , Zhang Jianyi
Published: October 2017

Rationale:

The effectiveness of transplanted, human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) for treatment of ischemic myocardial injury is limited by the exceptionally low engraftment rate.

Objective:

To determine whether overexpression of the cell cycle activator CCND2 (cyclin D2) in hiPSC-CMs can increase the graft size and improve myocardial recovery in a mouse model of myocardial infarction by increasing the proliferation of grafted cells.

Methods and Results:

Human CCND2 was delivered to hiPSCs via lentiviral-mediated gene transfection. In cultured cells, markers for cell cycle activation and proliferation were ≈3- to 7-folds higher in CCND2-overexpressing hiPSC-CMs (hiPSC-CCND2
OE
CMs) than in hiPSC-CMs with normal levels of CCND2 (hiPSC-CCND2
WT
CMs;
P
<0.01). The pluripotent genes (Oct 4, Sox2, and Nanog) decrease to minimal levels and undetectable levels at day 1 and 10 after differentiating to CMs. In the mouse myocardial infarction model, cardiac function, infarct size, and the number of engrafted cells were similar at week 1 after treatment with hiPSC-CCND2
OE
CMs or hiPSC-CCND2
WT
CMs but was about tripled in hiPSC-CCND2
OE
CM–treated than in hiPSC-CCND2
WT
CM–treated animals at week 4 (
P
<0.01). The cardiac function and infarct size were significantly better in both cell treatment groups’ hearts than in control hearts, which was most prominent in hiPSC-CCND2
OE
CM–treated animals (
P
<0.05, each). No tumor formation was observed in any hearts.

Conclusions:

CCND2 overexpression activates cell cycle progression in hiPSC-CMs that results in a significant enhanced potency for myocardial repair as evidenced by remuscularization of injured myocardium. This left ventricular muscle regeneration and increased angiogenesis in border zone are accompanied by a significant improvement of left ventricular chamber function.
Neuroimaging Correlates of Cerebral Microbleeds
Authors: Graff-Radford Jonathan , Simino Jeannette , Kantarci Kejal , Mosley Thomas H. , Griswold Michael E. , Windham B. Gwen , Sharrett A. Richey , Albert Marilyn S. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Jack Clifford R. , Vemuri Prashanthi , Knopman David S.
Published: October 2017

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral microbleed (CMB) location (deep versus strictly lobar) may elucidate underlying pathology with deep CMBs being more associated with hypertensive vascular disease and lobar CMBs being more associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. The objective of this study was to determine whether neuroimaging signs of vascular disease and Alzheimer pathology are associated with different types of CMBs.

Methods—

Among 1677 nondemented ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) participants (mean age=76±5 years; 40% men; 26% black) with 3-Tesla MRI scans at the fifth examination (2011–2013), we fit multinomial logistic regression models to quantify relationships of brain volumes (Alzheimer disease signature regions, total gray matter, frontal gray matter, and white matter hyperintensity volumes), infarct frequencies (lacunar, nonlacunar, and total), and apolipoprotein E (number of ε4 alleles) with CMB location (none, deep/mixed, or strictly lobar CMBs). Models were weighted for the sample selection scheme and adjusted for age, sex, education, hypertension, ever smoking status, diabetes mellitus, race site membership, and estimated intracranial volume (brain volume models only).

Results—

Deep/mixed and strictly lobar CMBs had prevalences of 8% and 16%, respectively. Larger white matter hyperintensity burden, greater total infarct frequency, smaller frontal volumes (in women only), and smaller total gray matter volume were associated with greater risk of both deep and lobar CMBs relative to no CMBs. Greater white matter hyperintensity volume was also associated with greater risk of deep relative to lobar CMBs. Higher lacunar and nonlacunar infarct frequencies were associated with higher risk of deep CMBs, whereas smaller Alzheimer disease signature region volume and apolipoprotein E ε4 homozygosity were associated with greater risk of lobar CMBs.

Conclusions—

CMBs are a common vascular pathology in the elderly. Markers of hypertensive small-vessel disease may contribute to deep CMBs while cerebral amyloid angiopathy may drive development of lobar CMBs.
The Agdal of Marrakesh (Twelfth to Twentieth Centuries): An Agricultural Space for Caliphs and Sultans. Part 1: History
Authors: Navarro Julio , Garrido Fidel , Almela Íñigo
Published: October 2017

The Agdal is an enormous estate, located south of Marrakesh, that has survived from the twelfth century to the present. Historically it was used for agricultural production and related functions, and included pleasure gardens, pools, mills, and seasonal residences. This study presents the results of a multi-year survey of the Agdal’s water bodies, its place within the regional hydraulic system of khaṭṭāras, cultivation practiced there throughout the centuries, and the internal organization of its land and more than forty buildings. This archaeological approach is joined with a study of manuscript and published sources to give a comprehensive history of the Agdal, one of the most important historic landscapes in the Islamic world.
Writing the Dead: Pietro Della Valle and the Tombs of Shirazi Poets
Authors: Baskins Cristelle
Published: October 2017

This essay explores the impact of the Shirazi poets Saʿdi and Hafiz on the famous Baroque traveler, Pietro della Valle. Hitherto unexplained features of the magnificent funeral he designed for his Syrian Christian wife, Sitti Maʿani Gioerida, in Rome (1627) can be related to the poets’ tombs he had seen in Shiraz immediately following her untimely demise. In Safavid Iran, Della Valle was impressed by the production of commemorative poetry as well as by the virtuosic calligraphy that functioned as both word and image. He approved of the funerary complexes that created a community of poets both living and dead. The Roman funeral of 1627 not only displayed Della Valle’s literary erudition, it also emulated social, poetic, and artistic elements of the tomb shrines he had seen on his travels.
Adham Ismaʿil’s Arabesque: The Making of Radical Arab Painting in Syria
Authors: Lenssen Anneka
Published: October 2017

The essay explores how the Syrian artist Adham Ismaʿil (1922­–63) linked his modernist painting strategies to the activism of the Baʿth political movement during Syria’s independence decade through a conceptual reworking of the “arabesque”—the rhythmic pattern of unending line and pure color that Orientalist scholars considered a product of the Arab and Muslim episteme and French modernist painters adopted as a fresh compositional device. It draws on a new archive of correspondence, writings, and sketches, supplemented by political memoirs detailing Ismaʿil’s experience of displacement after the 1939 transfer of his native Alexandretta to Turkey, to uncover his efforts to forge new aesthetic unities as a mechanism for Arab activation and rebirth. Ismaʿil and his comrades accorded a radical charge to the concept of vital Arab energy in particular; once manifested in the sensory experience of line and color, it promised to assemble audiences in new collectivities and to help topple the Syrian status quo. The essay thus analyzes Ismaʿil’s radical Arab painting as evidence of not only the complexity of the intellectual debates in the Middle East but also the generative fragmentation of modernist tenets under the (not quite) postwar, postcolonial world order.
Morphological variation of the Long-tailed Reed Finch Donacospiza albifrons (Vieillot, 1817) (Aves: Thraupidae)
Authors: LOPES LEONARDO ESTEVES
Published: October 2017

The Long-tailed Reed Finch Donacospiza albifrons of south-central South America is patchily distributed in a variety of open habitats, usually near water. I present a detailed study of morphological variation based on 141 specimens, describing its plumage sequence and presenting notes on its molt and breeding. The Long-tailed Reed Finch shows no sexual dichromatism, but males average longer-winged than females. The species shows three distinct age-related plumages, which are redescribed here. It also shows marked individual variation in plumage and size, also showing marked plumage variation due to feather wear. Geographic variation is also marked, with birds from dry grasslands in northern highlands typically being larger, paler, and less streaked than birds from wet grasslands in southern lowlands, but there at some exceptions to this geographic pattern. I conclude that there is no solid basis for splitting the species into two or more taxa, and suggest considering the Long-tailed Reed Finch as a single, highly polymorphic species.
Six new species and new records of the spider genus Chrosiothes from Brazil with the description of the female of Chrosiothes venturosus Marques & Buckup, 1997 (Araneae, Theridiidae, Spintharinae)
Authors: PUCHULÚ-FIGUEIREDO CASSIANO , SANTANNA MANOELA , RODRIGUES EVERTON NEI LOPES
Published: October 2017

The spider genus Chrosiothes Simon, 1894 currently comprises 21 described species. Spiders of this genus are mainly known from the Neotropical Region, but are poorly studied in Brazil. In this paper six new species of Chrosiothes are described from Brazil: Chrosiothes diabolicus new species; Chrosiothes carajaensis new species; Chrosiothes cicuta new species; Chrosiothes murici new species; Chrosiothes decorus new species and Chrosiothes una new species. The female of Chrosiothes venturosus Marques & Buckup, 1997 is described and illustrated for the first time. Additionally, new records from Brazil are provided for C. perfidus Marques & Buckup, 1997 and C. niteroi Levi, 1964.
Taxonomic contribution to the genus Sphaerosyllis (Annelida: Syllidae: Exogoninae) in the Black Sea
Authors: SURUGIU VICTOR , MARTÍN GUILLERMO SAN
Published: October 2017

During a study of fauna associated with a shallow-water Zostera (Zosterella) noltei bed from the southern part of the Romanian Black Sea coast, among the identified material collected in 2015, a syllid polychaete belonging to the subfamily Exogoninae, Sphaerosyllis taylori Perkins, 1981, represents a new record for the Black Sea. Re-examination of available specimens previously identified as Sphaerosyllis bulbosa Southern, 1914 revealed that they belong to an unknown species, described herein as Sphaerosyllis pontica sp. nov. The new species is characterized by the median antenna inserted more posteriorly than the lateral antennae, dorsal cirri with bulbous bases and very short tips, shorter than the parapodial lobes, dorsal cirri absent on chaetiger 2, parapodial glands with fibrillar material from chaetiger 4 onwards, compound chaetae with short blades and smooth shafts, anterior parapodia with two aciculae each, one straight and one with bent tip. Descriptions of both species are provided together with a key to all Sphaerosyllis species known from the Black Sea.
Lost in Transition: College Resources and the Unequal Early-Career Trajectories of Arts Alumni
Authors: Martin Nathan D. , Frenette Alexandre
Published: October 2017

This article considers how college resources (academic abilities, social engagement, and career skills) affect the likelihood of a successful post-graduation job search. Using survey data from the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project ( N = 16,659 alumni who graduated between 1976 and 2015), we find that arts graduates are increasingly likely to be lost in transition. Over recent decades, the likelihood of experiencing a prolonged job search after graduation or initial employment in an unrelated field has increased. Yet, we find that higher levels of social engagement and career skills, but not academic abilities gained through traditional instruction, are predictive of labor market success. Female and non-White alumni report lower levels of college resources, longer initial job searches, and are more likely to find work in an unrelated field. Furthermore, gender moderates the relationship between career skills and job search length such that career skill development is associated with stronger gains for men than for women.
Income Disparities in the Association of the Medical Home With Child Health
Authors: Anker Bryan , Tripodis Yorghos , Long Webb E. , Garg Arvin
Published: October 2017

This study was a secondary data analysis of the 2011-2012 National Survey of Children’s Health. Data were available for a nationally representative sample of 81 090 children. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model child health with the medical home while examining the effect modification of household income and controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Overall, the medical home was significantly associated with “excellent/very good” child health for children regardless of household income. However, the association of the medical home with “excellent/very good” child health was significantly higher for children in households earning >200% FPL (federal poverty level) compared with <200% FPL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.13 [95% CI 1.80-2.52] vs aOR 1.46 [95% CI 1.24-1.71]; P < .01). This relationship was also found among children >400% FPL compared with children between 100% and 199% FPL (aOR 2.25 [95% CI 1.74-2.9 0] vs aOR 1.28 [95% CI 1.01-1.62]; P < .01). Therefore, while the medical home is associated with beneficial child health for most children, significant disparities by income exist.
Fibrocartilage Stem Cells Engraft and Self-Organize into Vascularized Bone
Authors: Nathan J. , Ruscitto A. , Pylawka S. , Sohraby A. , Shawber C.J. , Embree M.C.
Published: October 2017

Angiogenesis is a complex, multicellular process that is critical for bone development and generation. Endochondral ossification depends on an avascular cartilage template that completely remodels into vascularized bone and involves a dynamic interplay among chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and endothelial cells. We have discovered fibrocartilage stem cells (FCSCs) derived from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) mandibular condyle that generates cartilage anlagen, which is subsequently remodeled into vascularized bone using an ectopic transplantation model. Here we explore FCSC and endothelial cell interactions during vascularized bone formation. We found that a single FCSC colony formed transient cartilage and host endothelial cells may participate in bone angiogenesis upon subcutaneous transplantation in a nude mouse. FCSCs produced an abundance of the proangiogenic growth factor vascular endothelial growth factor A and promoted the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Using a fibrinogen gel bead angiogenesis assay experiment, FCSC cell feeder layer induced HUVECs to form significantly shorter and less sprouts than D551 fibroblast controls, suggesting that FCSCs may initially inhibit angiogenesis to allow for avascular cartilage formation. Conversely, direct FCSC-HUVEC contact significantly enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of FCSCs. To corroborate this idea, upon transplantation of FCSCs into a bone defect microenvironment, FCSCs engrafted and regenerated intramembranous bone. Taken together, we demonstrate that the interactions between FCSCs and endothelial cells are essential for FCSC-derived vascularized bone formation. A comprehensive understanding of the environmental cues that regulate FCSC fate decisions may contribute to deciphering the mechanisms underlying the role of FCSCs in regulating bone formation.
Beyond Hegemony: Elaborating on the Use of Gramscian Concepts in Critical Discourse Analysis for Political Studies
Authors: Donoghue Matthew
Published: October 2017

The work of Antonio Gramsci is important for the theoretical underpinnings of critical discourse analysis. However, many scholars’ engagement with Gramsci’s work within critical discourse analysis remains surprisingly thin. This article seeks to highlight the detriment to critical discourse analysis of having only a surface engagement with Gramsci. It critically assesses how Gramscian concepts such as hegemony and ‘common sense’ are currently employed within critical discourse analysis and provides more detailed discussion on the import of these concepts for critical discourse analysis. The article also argues that introducing the Gramscian concepts of the war of position and spontaneous and normative grammars enables the further realisation of critical discourse analysis’ ambition to be an emancipatory tool in political and social science. In so doing, the article contributes to work on critical discourse analysis as a method in political studies, particularly concerning the role of discourse in reproducing and maintaining asymmetrical power relations between classes and social groups, and potential challenges to this.
Lobbying Makes (Strange) Bedfellows: Explaining the Formation and Composition of Lobbying Coalitions in EU Legislative Politics
Authors: Beyers Jan , De Bruycker Iskander
Published: October 2017

This article analyzes the formation of lobbying coalitions in European Union legislative politics. Specifically, we investigate whether interest organizations establish coalitions and under which conditions business interests and non-business interests join a coalition. Our explanatory framework emphasizes three factors that drive coalition formation: the influence-seeking needs of interest groups, the need to ensure organizational maintenance, and policy-related contextual factors. To test our hypotheses, we analyze 72 policies initiated by the European Commission between 2008 and 2010 and 143 semi-structured interviews with representatives of European interest organizations. Our results demonstrate that non-governmental organizations that depend relatively less on membership support are strongly inclined to engage in coalitions. Moreover, the heterogeneous coalitions we identified—consisting of both business and non-business interests—are usually situated in policy areas that enjoy considerable salience among the broader public and emerge on issues that receive substantial media visibility.
Psychometric Validation of the Multiple Sclerosis Environmental Supports Scale: A Brief Report
Authors: Lee Beatrice , Iwanaga Kanako , Pfaller Joseph , Chan Fong , Chiu Chungyi , Moser Erin , Rumrill Phillip
Published: October 2017

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the measurement structure of the Multiple Sclerosis Environmental Supports Scale (MSESS) with 248 individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Exploratory factor analysis yielded three reliable factors (health and mental health services; rehabilitation, social, and support services; and independent living supports). The MSESS appears to be a promising rehabilitation assessment tool for individuals with MS, one that can be used by rehabilitation counselors to evaluate environmental support factors in their interview, assessment, and rehabilitation planning protocols.