bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the structure and lattice distortion on the sensing properties of hierarchical rutile TiO2 nanoarchitectures
Authors: Silva-Carrillo Carolina , Trujillo-Navarrete Balter , Felix-Navarro Rosa María , Reynoso-Soto Edgar , Ruiz-Ramirez Mirza
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we report the hydrothermal synthesis of 3D hierarchical rutile TiO2 nanorod microspheres in an acid medium with controlled morphology. Four different controlled hierarchical rutile TiO2 architectures (HRTA) characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rietveld refinement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were tested as an electrochemical sensor to quantify nitrobenzene (NB) in aqueous solution. Based on the characterization results, we found the open hierarchical nanorod microspheres with flower-like appearance showing a higher distortion of the octahedral structure and higher performance as an electrochemical sensor reaching NB concentrations below the parts per billion. The findings of this study have several valuable implications for future studies of volatile organic compound (COV) monitoring in aqueous solution using flower-like hierarchical rutile TiO2 nanorod microspheres clusters.
Thalamocortical Circuits and Functional Architecture
Authors: Kremkow Jens , Alonso Jose-Manuel
Published: June 2018

The thalamocortical pathway is the main route of communication between the eye and the cerebral cortex. During embryonic development, thalamocortical afferents travel to L4 and are sorted by receptive field position, eye of origin, and contrast polarity (i.e., preference for light or dark stimuli). In primates and carnivores, this sorting involves numerous afferents, most of which sample a limited region of the binocular field. Devoting abundant thalamocortical resources to process a limited visual field has a clear advantage: It allows many stimulus combinations to be sampled at each spatial location. Moreover, the sampling efficiency can be further enhanced by organizing the afferents in a cortical grid for eye input and contrast polarity. We argue that thalamocortical interactions within this eye–polarity grid can be used to represent multiple stimulus combinations found in nature and to build an accurate cortical map for multidimensional stimulus space.
Differential effects of vitamin C or protandim on skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise
Authors: Bruns Danielle R. , Ehrlicher Sarah E. , Khademi Shadi , Biela Laurie M. , Peelor Frederick F. , Miller Benjamin F. , Hamilton Karyn L.
Published: June 2018

Maintaining proteostasis is a key mechanism for preserving cell function. Exercise-stimulated proteostasis is regulated, in part, by redox-sensitive signaling. Several studies suggest that supplementation with exogenous antioxidants blunts exercise-induced cellular adaptations, although this conclusion lacks consensus. Our group uses a fundamentally different approach to maintain redox balance by treatment with bioactive phytochemicals to activate the transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 and downstream endogenous antioxidant pathways. We hypothesized that vitamin C (VitC) would interfere with redox-sensitive proteostatic mechanisms in skeletal muscle, whereas phytochemical treatment would permit proteostatic maintenance. We measured protein and DNA synthesis in skeletal muscle from high-volume voluntary wheel-running rats. Whereas phytochemical treatment permitted mitochondrial and other proteostatic adaptations to exercise, VitC treatment did not. During an in vitro oxidative challenge, phytochemical treatment helped maintain proteostasis, including the mitochondrial fraction while VitC did not. Our findings support the conclusion that VitC can blunt some of the beneficial adaptations to exercise. We propose that regulation of endogenous antioxidants represents a novel approach to maintain redox balance while still permitting redox-sensitive proteostatic adaptations.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Whether vitamin C blocks aerobic exercise adaptions lacks consensus, perhaps because of approaches that only assess markers of mitochondrial biogenesis. By directly measuring mitochondrial biogenesis, we demonstrate that vitamin C blunts exercise-induced adaptations. Furthermore, we show that treatment with Protandim, a purported nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 activator that upregulates endogenous antioxidants, permits mitochondrial biogenesis. We confirm that vitamin C blunts aerobic exercise adaptions, whereas Protandim does not, suggesting targeting the endogenous antioxidant network facilitates adaptations to exercise.
Targeting Rac and Cdc42 GTPases in Cancer
Authors: Maldonado María del Mar , Dharmawardhane Suranganie
Published: June 2018

Rac and Cdc42 are small GTPases that have been linked to multiple human cancers and are implicated in epithelial to mesenchymal transition, cell-cycle progression, migration/invasion, tumor growth, angiogenesis, and oncogenic transformation. With the exception of the P29S driver mutation in melanoma, Rac and Cdc42 are not generally mutated in cancer, but are overexpressed (gene amplification and mRNA upregulation) or hyperactivated. Rac and Cdc42 are hyperactivated via signaling through oncogenic cell surface receptors, such as growth factor receptors, which converge on the guanine nucleotide exchange factors that regulate their GDP/GTP exchange. Hence, targeting Rac and Cdc42 represents a promising strategy for precise cancer therapy, as well as for inhibition of bypass signaling that promotes resistance to cell surface receptor-targeted therapies. Therefore, an understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of these pivotal signaling intermediates is key for the development of effective inhibitors. In this review, we focus on the role of Rac and Cdc42 in cancer and summarize the regulatory mechanisms, inhibitory efficacy, and the anticancer potential of Rac- and Cdc42-targeting agents. Cancer Res; 78(12); 3101–11. ©2018 AACR.
Antigen-Specific CD8 Lytic Phenotype Induced by Sipuleucel-T in Hormone-Sensitive or Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer and Association with Overall Survival
Authors: Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Small Eric J. , Petrylak Daniel P. , Quinn David I. , Kibel Adam S. , Chang Nancy N. , Dearstyne Erica , Harmon Matt , Campogan Dwayne , Haynes Heather , Vu Tuyen , Sheikh Nadeem A. , Drake Charles G.
Published: June 2018

Purpose: Sipuleucel-T is FDA approved for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) based on the IMPACT trial showing a 4.1-month benefit in median overall survival (OS) for patients receiving sipuleucel-T versus control. Although efficacy of sipuleucel-T is well established, its mechanism remains incompletely understood.

Patients and Methods: Patient samples from three sipuleucel-T trials were assessed for peripheral cellular immune responses to the immunogen PA2024 and the target antigen prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP). PAP- and PA2024-specific proliferative and cytolytic responses were characterized to delineate sipuleucel-T–induced immune responses. To quantify potential cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity, cell-surface CD107a expression on PAP- or PA2024-specific CD8+ T cells was measured in sipuleucel-T–treated patient and healthy volunteer samples.

Results: Increased PA2024-specific CD4+ (P = 0.030) and CD8+ (P = 0.052) T-cell proliferation from baseline to week 6 was observed (N = 14) post–sipuleucel-T, with greater magnitude of PA2024-specific responses compared with PAP. PAP- and PA2024-CTL activity (CD107a positivity) significantly increased at weeks 6 and 26 after sipuleucel-T treatment (P < 0.0001; N = 22). At 26 weeks post–sipuleucel-T, OS correlated with the magnitude of PAP (Pearson R, 0.52; P = 0.013) or PA2024 (Pearson R, 0.67; P = 0.0006) CTL activity. Higher PA2024-CTL activity at week 26 was significantly associated with longer OS using tertile analysis (P = 0.0005; N = 22), with PA2024 responses correlating with PAP responses at week 26 (R = 0.90; P = 1.53E−08).

Conclusions: This study is the first to report PAP-specific CD8+ T-cell responses elicited by sipuleucel-T treatment. Increased and persistent potential PA2024-specific CTL activity correlated with PAP-specific CTL activity and associated with improved OS following sipuleucel-T treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 24(19); 4662–71. ©2018 AACR.
ERBB Signaling Interrupted: Targeting Ligand-Induced Pathway Activation
Authors: Wilson Frederick H. , Politi Katerina
Published: June 2018

Summary: A patient with advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring a CD74–NRG1 gene rearrangement, which promotes ERBB2–ERBB3 heterodimerization and activation of downstream signaling, had an exceptional therapeutic response to an experimental anti-ERBB3 antibody. This result illustrates how NRG1 rearrangements, which are observed at a low frequency in a variety of solid tumors, may represent tractable therapeutic targets. Cancer Discov; 8(6); 676–8. ©2018 AACR.

See related article by Drilon et al., p. 686.
Prostate Power Play: Does Pik3ca Accelerate Pten-Deficient Cancer Progression?
Authors: Triscott Joanna , Rubin Mark A.
Published: June 2018

Summary: PI3K pathway alterations are frequently recurrent in metastatic prostate cancer and are associated with the development of currently incurable castration-resistant disease. Candidate inhibitors that target single PI3K pathway members lack efficacy as demonstrated in multiple clinical trials. In this issue, Pearson and colleagues examine the functional importance of co-occurring PIK3CA and PTEN aberrations using a novel mouse model and demonstrate a synergistic acceleration of tumorigenesis that may be responsible for de novo metastatic prostate cancer. Cancer Discov; 8(6); 682–5. ©2018 AACR

See related article by Pearson et al., p. 764.
Anxiety Symptoms in Older Adults with Depression Are Associated with Suicidality
Authors: Bakkane Bendixen Anette , Engedal Knut , Selbæk Geir , Hartberg Cecilie Bhandari
Published: June 2018

Objective: Anxiety symptoms are common in older adults with depression, but whether severe anxiety is associated with poorer outcomes of depression is unknown. The objective of the present study was to examine the association between severity of anxiety and severity of depression and physical illness, suicidality, and physical and cognitive functioning in older adults with depression. Methods: We included 218 older adults with diagnoses of a depressive disorder according to the ICD-10 criteria; their mean age (SD) was 75.6 (7.2), and 67.0% were women. The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) was used to measure the severity of anxiety symptoms. The Montgomery-Aasberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was used to assess the severity of depression. We obtained information on the level of functioning with the Physical Self-Maintenance Scale (PSMS) by Lawton and Brody and on cognition with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Clock-Drawing Test (CDT). Physical health was determined based on information regarding falls and weight loss and an assessment of each patient’s general medical condition. The treating physician evaluated current suicidality in a comprehensive and standardized way. Results: Higher GAI scores were significantly associated with scores on the MADRS (β = 0.233, p = 0.002) and suicidality (β = 0.206, p = 0.006). Levels of physical or cognitive functioning were not associated with the GAI score. Conclusion: The severity of anxiety symptoms was associated with the severity of depression and suicidality in older adults with depressive disorders. The results could indicate a need to focus greater attention on the treatment of anxiety and suicidality in older patients with depression.
Twenty Years After: Another Case Report of Melatonin Effects on REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, Using Serial Dopamine Transporter Imaging
Authors: Kunz Dieter , Bes Frederik
Published: June 2018

Introduction: REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is considered a prodromal phase of α-synucleinopathy like Parkinson disease (PD). PD is characterized by a progressive decline of dopamine (DA) in the striatum. Here we report the surprising increase in DA transporter density over successive years in an RBD patient treated with melatonin. Case Presentation: A then 72-year-old man was clinically suspected to suffer from PD in 2011. DA transporter scintigraphy (DaTSCAN) revealed reduced DA transporter density, and the patient was diagnosed with developing PD. Because of outacting dreams every night (speaking, yelling, kicking, pushing) he was referred to our clinic. Video-assisted polysomnography (PSG) confirmed the diagnosis of RBD in 2012. Management and Outcome: Melatonin treatment (2 mg slow release/day; 30 min prior to habitual bedtime; always at the same clock time) was initiated after PSG and continued. After 6 months of gradual improvement, clinical signs of RBD were absent. Control PSG in 2014 confirmed normalized REM sleep with atonia. Furthermore, no clinical sign of neurodegeneration occurred ever since. Additional DaTSCANs were performed in 2013 and 2015. Whereas the 2011 scan prior to melatonin treatment bore clear signs of PD, the 2013 scan was considered borderline and the 2015 scan without any sign of PD. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, DA transporter density increase over time has never been reported in a single subject, neither healthy aged individuals nor patients suffering from RBD or PD. We interpret these results as a possible neuroprotective role for melatonin in synucleinopathy.
Pipeline Embolization for Salvage Treatment of Previously Stented Residual and Recurrent Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Bender Matthew T. , Vo Chau D. , Jiang Bowen , Campos Jessica K. , Zarrin David A. , Xu Risheng , Westbroek Erick M. , Caplan Justin M. , Huang Judy , Tamargo Rafael J. , Lin Li-Mei , Colby Geoffrey P. , Coon Alexander L.
Published: June 2018

Introduction: This study assessed the safety and effectiveness of the Pipeline embolization device (PED) for persistent and recurrent aneurysms previously treated with either a vascular reconstruction device (VRD) or a flow diverter (FD). Methods: A prospective, IRB-approved database was analyzed for patients treated with PED for aneurysms previously treated with a stent. Results: Twenty procedures were performed on 18 patients, 11 with prior FD, 7 with VRD, and 2 previously treated with both. Overall, 15 aneurysms were saccular (75%), and size was 13.5 ± 7.6 mm. Location was internal carotid artery (ICA) in 14 cases (70%) and posterior circulation in 6 cases (30%). Average prior treatments were 1.7. Previously FD cases were re-treated at an average of 18.1 months from most recent treatment. Each case used 1 device, 82% with distal coverage and 82% with proximal coverage of prior stent. Balloon remodeling was performed in 3 cases (27%) and no in-stent thrombosis was observed. Previously VRD stent-coiled cases were re-treated at an average of 87.5 months. These cases used on average 1.9 devices, 89% with distal and 100% proximal coverage. Adjunctive coiling was performed in 1 case (11%), balloon remodeling in 5 cases (56%), and 2 cases (28%) developed thrombosis that resolved with abciximab. Re-VRD cases were longer (59.1 vs. 33.7 min, p = 0.02) than re-FD. Angiographic follow-up was available for 16 cases (80%). In re-FD, occlusion was complete in 56% and partial progressive in 33% at 17.1 months digital subtraction angiography. In re-VRD, occlusion was complete in 57% and partial progressive in 27% at 8.1 months. Two complications occurred (10%), including one asymptomatic cervical ICA occlusion and one stent occlusion with associated mortality (5%). Clinical follow-up was 17.8 months on average (range 0.5–51.9). Conclusions: Salvage flow diversion for previously stented aneurysms is technically challenging but offers good prospects of aneurysm obliteration with acceptable complication rates.
Hybrid Fuzzy Congestion Controllers for Computer Networks Tuned by Modified Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Karam Zeyad A.
Published: June 2018

One of the most debated issues nowadays is the quality of computer network service. The best internet service must provide a fast processing of the traffic. Each router has a queue of packets that provides a buffer space, where the packets wait for processing. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a packets congestion control theory. Active Queue Management (AQM) is a mechanisms proposed to employ at gateways to improve the performance of TCP congestion control. AQM mechanisms aim to provide high link utilization with low loss rate and low queuing delay while reacting to load changes quickly. Random Early Detection (RED) is an extensively studied AQM algorithm that can detect congestion by dropping packets randomly with certain probability that serves as the function of the average queue size. In this work, hybrids Fuzzy Logic Controllers (FLC) are proposed to measure the router queue size directly by use them as a congestion controllers. A multiple hybrid fuzzy controllers are proposed, where (Proportional Integral Derivative controller (PID) -like FLC-Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Based, Proportional Derivative (PD)-like FLC with conventional I-PSO Based and PID tuned by Fuzzy Logic-PSO Based), which is provided to regulate the queue length, round trip time and packet loss. The Particle Swarmed Optimization (PSO) algorithm is used for tuning the gains of hybrid fuzzy logic controller which helps in reducing the error of the queue size. This is achieved through minimizing the rise time, peak time, settling time and overshoot of the AQM response. The empirical results revealed a high-performance improvement regarding the proposed method in comparison to previous works of other researchers.
Cardiomyocyte Functional Etiology in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Is Distinctive—A New Preclinical Model
Authors: Curl Claire L. , Danes Vennetia R. , Bell James R. , Raaijmakers Antonia J. A. , Ip Wendy T. K. , Chandramouli Chanchal , Harding Tristan W. , Porrello Enzo R. , Erickson Jeffrey R. , Charchar Fadi J. , Kompa Andrew R. , Edgley Amanda J. , Crossman David J. , Soeller Christian , Mellor Kimberley M. , Kalman Jonathan M. , Harrap Stephen B. , Delbridge Lea M. D.
Published: June 2018

Background

Among the growing numbers of patients with heart failure, up to one half have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (
HF
p
EF
). The lack of effective treatments for
HF
p
EF
is a substantial and escalating unmet clinical need—and the lack of
HF
p
EF
‐specific animal models represents a major preclinical barrier in advancing understanding of
HF
p
EF
. As established treatments for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (
HF
r
EF
) have proven ineffective for
HF
p
EF
, the contention that the intrinsic cardiomyocyte phenotype is distinct in these 2 conditions requires consideration. Our goal was to validate and characterize a new rodent model of
HF
p
EF
, undertaking longitudinal investigations to delineate the associated cardiac and cardiomyocyte pathophysiology.

Methods and Results

The selectively inbred Hypertrophic Heart Rat (HHR) strain exhibits adult cardiac enlargement (without hypertension) and premature death (40% mortality at 50 weeks) compared to its control strain, the normal heart rat. Hypertrophy was characterized in vivo by maintained systolic parameters (ejection fraction at 85%–90% control) with marked diastolic dysfunction (increased E/E′). Surprisingly,
HHR
cardiomyocytes were hypercontractile, exhibiting high Ca
2+
operational levels and markedly increased L‐type Ca
2+
channel current. In
HHR
, prominent regions of reparative fibrosis in the left ventricle free wall adjacent to the interventricular septum were observed.

Conclusions

Thus, the cardiomyocyte remodeling process in the etiology of this
HF
p
EF
model contrasts dramatically with the suppressed Ca
2+
cycling state that typifies heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. These findings may explain clinical observations, that treatments considered appropriate for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction are of little benefit for
HF
p
EF
—and suggest a basis for new therapeutic strategies.
Cerebral Microbleeds Are Associated With Mild Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Zhang Jinbiao , Liu Lifeng , Sun Hairong , Li Menfan , Li Yan , Zhao Junwu , Li Jie , Liu Xinwu , Cong Yannan , Li Fang , Li Zhenguang
Published: June 2018

Background

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are hypothesized downstream markers of brain damage caused by vascular and amyloid pathologic mechanisms. The aim of this study was to determine whether CMB count and location are associated with an increased risk for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in patients with essential hypertension without a history of transient ischemic attack or stroke.

Methods and Results

In this cross‐sectional study, patients were prospectively enrolled from consecutive outpatients with essential hypertension 50 years and older at 3 centers in northern China. Generalized linear Poisson models were used to determine the association between the number and location of
CMB
s and
MCI
in patients with hypertension. The association of microbleeds with different cognitive domains was estimated using linear mixed models. The presence, number, and distribution of
CMB
s were greater in patients with hypertension who had
MCI
(
P
<0.001). The presence of any
CMB
s, strictly lobar
CMB
s, and deep or infratentorial
CMB
s were all related to
MCI
after adjusting for age, sex, education, cardiovascular risk factors, body mass index, intima‐media thickness, the presence of silent lacunar infarctions, white matter lesion grade, and brain atrophy. Furthermore, the presence of multiple microbleeds (≥5) was associated with lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment total scores and worse performance on specific domains of cognitive tests, such as global cognitive function, information processing speed, and motor speed.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the presence of and a greater number of cerebral
CMB
s independently correlate with
MCI
in patients with essential hypertension without a history of transient ischemic attack or stroke.
Residual Mitral Regurgitation After Repair for Posterior Leaflet Prolapse—Importance of Preoperative Anterior Leaflet Tethering
Authors: Sakaguchi Taichi , Kagiyama Nobuyuki , Toki Misako , Hiraoka Arudo , Hayashida Akihiro , Totsugawa Toshinori , Tamura Kentaro , Chikazawa Genta , Yoshitaka Hidenori , Yoshida Kiyoshi
Published: June 2018

Background

Carpentier's techniques for degenerative posterior mitral leaflet prolapse have been established with excellent long‐term results reported. However, residual mitral regurgitation (
MR
) occasionally occurs even after a straightforward repair, though the involved mechanisms are not fully understood. We sought to identify specific preoperative echocardiographic findings associated with residual
MR
after a posterior mitral leaflet repair.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively studied 117 consecutive patients who underwent a primary mitral valve repair for isolated posterior mitral leaflet prolapse including a preoperative 3‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography examination. Twelve had residual
MR
after the initial repair, of whom 7 required a corrective second pump run, 4 underwent conversion to mitral valve replacement, and 1 developed moderate
MR
within 1 month. Their preoperative parameters were compared with those of 105 patients who had an uneventful mitral valve repair. There were no hospital deaths. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative anterior mitral leaflet tethering angle as a significant predictor for residual
MR
(odds ratio, 6.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.8–33.8;
P
=0.0049). Receiver operator characteristics curve analysis revealed a cut‐off value of 24.3° (area under the curve, 0.77), indicating that anterior mitral leaflet angle predicts residual
MR
. In multivariate regression analysis, smaller anteroposterior mitral annular diameter (
P
<0.001) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (
P
=0.002) were significantly associated with higher anterior mitral leaflet angle, whereas left ventricular and left atrial dimension had no significant correlation.

Conclusions

Anterior mitral leaflet tethering in cases of posterior mitral leaflet prolapse has an adverse impact on early results following mitral valve repair. The findings of preoperative 3‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography are important for consideration of a careful surgical strategy.
Trends in Prevalence and Control of Hypertension According to the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guideline
Authors: Dorans Kirsten S. , Mills Katherine T. , Liu Yang , He Jiang
Published: June 2018

Background

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and all‐cause mortality. Compared with prior guidelines, the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) hypertension guideline recommends lower blood pressure thresholds for defining hypertension, for initiating antihypertensive medication, and for antihypertensive medication treatment goals.

Methods and Results

To better understand potential impacts of the 2017 guideline, we studied trends in mean systolic
blood pressure
and diastolic
blood pressure
, prevalence and burden of hypertension, and proportion of controlled hypertension in the US adult population aged ≥20 from 1999 through 2016. We used data from 38 276 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Age‐standardized prevalence of hypertension decreased from 48.4% in 1999–2000 to 45.4% in 2015–2016. However, absolute burden of hypertension consistently increased, from 87.0 million in 1999–2000 to 108.2 million in 2015–2016. The age‐standardized proportion of controlled hypertension among adults receiving antihypertensive pharmacologic treatment increased from 1999–2000 (25.6%) to 2015–2016 (43.5%). There was not consistent improvement in control throughout the full period among non‐Hispanic blacks, individuals aged ≥60, or those with diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, or high
cardiovascular disease
risk.

Conclusions

Based on the 2017 guideline, from 1999 to 2016, the age‐standardized prevalence of hypertension decreased and the proportion of control among those treated for hypertension improved. However, the absolute hypertension burden increased. Among those treated, the control rate did not consistently improve in all subgroups. These data emphasize the need for continuous efforts in the prevention and control of hypertension in the US general population.
“A New Election, A New Preterition”: Early New England's Calvinism and the Hegemonic Framework of GRAVITY'S RAINBOW
Authors: Rankin James M.
Published: June 2018

This article identifies the Calvinism of New England as an underlying mechanism rather than a metaphor in Thomas Pynchon’s Gravity’s Rainbow. It also links historical and geographical space within the context of the religious and mystical aspects of Pynchon’s Zone.
Calcareous sponges of the Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea
Authors: VAN SOEST ROB W.M. , DE VOOGD NICOLE J.
Published: June 2018

Past taxonomic studies of Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea Calcarea have been few and sporadic (e.g. Schuffner 1877, Jenkin 1908, Row 1909, Dendy 1913, 1916, Voigt et al. 2017, 2018). Nevertheless, approximately 70 species are known from these studies for the considered region, but the descriptions of the older records often lack sufficient details for reliable identification. We studied the Western Indian Ocean Calcarea collection kept in the Naturalis Biodiversity Center. Available specimens numbered 145, collected in the Red Sea, Seychelles, Maldives, Mayotte and Rodrigues, in addition to incidental samples from Oman, the Lakshadweep Islands, the Mozambique Channel, and Eastern South Africa. Using a combination of techniques (in situ and ‘on deck’ photography, detailed field notes, light microscopic studies and measurements, SEM microscopy, and selected DNA sequencing) we identified 45 species, divided over the two main classes Calcinea (24 spp.) and Calcaronea (21 spp.). Not all species could be definitely assigned to an already described or a new species, as seven remained qualified as ‘spec.’ or ‘aff.’ for reasons of insufficient material or lack of details of in situ habitus. Sixteen species appeared to be new to science: Borojevia voigti sp.nov., Borojevia tubulata sp.nov., Borojevia pirella sp.nov., Clathrina rodriguesensis sp.nov., Clathrina maremeccae sp.nov., Clathrina repens sp.nov., Leucascus schleyeri sp.nov., Leucetta sulcata sp.nov., Ute insulagemmae sp.nov., Leucandra pilula sp.nov., Leucandra mozambiquensis sp.nov., Grantessa woerheidei sp.nov., Sycettusa hirsutissima sp.nov., Vosmaeropsis glebula sp.nov., Paraleucilla erpenbecki sp.nov., and Kebira tetractinifera sp.nov. For a selection of the identified species from the Western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea (30 spp.), as well as from Indonesian material (22 spp.) published previously (see Van Soest & De Voogd 2015) we obtained sequences of the partial 28S gene of nuclear rDNA (C2–D2 region, cf. Voigt & Wörheide 2016). The sequences of the Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea species were used to assign these to genera and families based on a phylogenetic analysis using MEGA pack vs. 06.6 for Mac of the available dataset. The Indonesian sequences supplemented by partial 28S sequences taken from the Sponge Barcode Project website and the NCBI website were included in the phylogenetic analysis to confirm the assignments. The results were compared and discussed with additional information on regional Calcarea not represented in our material. The latter chapter yielded the discovery of a preoccupied name leading to Sycon oscari nom.nov. for a species described from Mauritius.
Clinical Indicators of Admission for Pediatric Cochlear Implant Procedures
Authors: Patel Terral A. , Nguyen Shaun A. , White David R.
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

A minority of children undergoing cochlear implantation (CI) are admitted overnight postoperatively, but there are little data on prognostic indicators. Our goal is to review national data to identify variables associated with admission and identify effects on outcomes.

Methods:

We analyzed data from the 2012-2015 American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (ACS NSQIP-P) program use files. The CI patients were identified by CPT code. Demographics, comorbidities, anesthesia time, total operation time, 30-day complications, and 30-day readmission were compared between ambulatory and admitted patients.

Results:

A total of 2943 CI patients were included, with 17.2% of these admitted post implantation. Single variable analysis revealed multiple factors associated with admission post implantation. Multivariable analysis showed patients with asthma were 2.2 times ( P < .001; odds ratio [OR] = 1.484-3.227) and those with structural central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities 2.1 times ( P < .001; OR = 1.584-2.706) more likely to be admitted. Younger age ( P = .002; OR = 0.995-0.999) and longer operation time ( P < .001; OR = 1.003-1.006) were weak predictors. Two hundred sixteen patients lacked any factors but were still admitted. They had similar outcomes to ambulatory healthy patients.

Conclusion:

We identified factors associated with admission post-CI and higher readmission rates. Asthma and CNS abnormalities are strong predictors of admission post implantation. Forty-two percent of admitted patients lack any of these factors and have comparable outcomes to corresponding ambulatory patients.
Regulatory Focus and Conspiratorial Perceptions: The Importance of Personal Control
Authors: Whitson Jennifer A. , Kim Joongseo , Wang Cynthia S. , Menon Tanya , Webster Brian D.
Published: June 2018

We examine when and why people subscribe to conspiratorial beliefs, suggesting that promotion focus reduces conspiratorial perceptions by activating a sense of personal control. Study 1 established that individuals primed with promotion focus are less likely to perceive conspiracies than those in a baseline condition. However, individuals primed with prevention focus and those in a baseline condition did not differ in their levels of conspiratorial beliefs. Study 2 demonstrated that soldiers higher in promotion focus were less likely to endorse conspiracy theories because of their heightened sense of control; this relationship did not emerge for soldiers higher in prevention focus. Study 3 found that conspiratorial beliefs increased when individuals primed with promotion focus recalled personal control loss, whereas those primed with prevention focus were unaffected by personal control loss. Using measures and manipulations of regulatory focus and personal control, we establish when and why promotion focus reduces conspiracy theories.
Political Regime Types and Economic Development in Nigeria: Significance of Conflict and Corruption
Authors: Okunlola Olalekan Charles
Published: June 2018

This article investigates the short- and long-run effects of political regimes (POLREGs) on economic development in Nigeria between 1984 and 2015. It looks at the effects of the conflict (CONFL) and corruption (COR) on economic development indicators and examines the interactive effect of POLREGs and COR as well as CONFL on economic development. COR and CONFL seem to be more prevalent in Nigeria during democracy relative to the periods under dictatorship. Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration, it derived a number of robust conclusions. Democracy in the long run yields higher economic development when it is devoid of CONFL and COR, while autocracy hinders economic development. In the short run however, more autocracy fosters economic development in Nigeria while democracy hinders it. COR portends grave threat to the development of Nigeria’s economy as it reduces development in the long run. Effect of CONFL on economic development in Nigeria is unclear. These findings highlight the need to establish effective anti-graft agencies to fight COR to the barest minimum in Nigeria. They also highlight the need to employ CONFL resolution mechanisms in resolving CONFL issues in the democratization process of the country.

JEL: D74, K420, P160, O1, Q550
Patient safety in palliative care: A mixed-methods study of reports to a national database of serious incidents
Authors: Yardley Iain , Yardley Sarah , Williams Huw , Carson-Stevens Andrew , Donaldson Liam J
Published: June 2018

Background:

Patients receiving palliative care are vulnerable to patient safety incidents but little is known about the extent of harm caused or the origins of unsafe care in this population.

Aim:

To quantify and qualitatively analyse serious incident reports in order to understand the causes and impact of unsafe care in a population receiving palliative care.

Design:

A mixed-methods approach was used. Following quantification of type of incidents and their location, a qualitative analysis using a modified framework method was used to interpret themes in reports to examine the underlying causes and the nature of resultant harms.

Setting and participants:

Reports to a national database of ‘serious incidents requiring investigation’ involving patients receiving palliative care in the National Health Service (NHS) in England during the 12-year period, April 2002 to March 2014.

Results:

A total of 475 reports were identified: 266 related to pressure ulcers, 91 to medication errors, 46 to falls, 21 to healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs), 18 were other instances of disturbed dying, 14 were allegations against health professions, 8 transfer incidents, 6 suicides and 5 other concerns. The frequency of report types differed according to the care setting. Underlying causes included lack of palliative care experience, under-resourcing and poor service coordination. Resultant harms included worsened symptoms, disrupted dying, serious injury and hastened death.

Conclusion:

Unsafe care presents a risk of significant harm to patients receiving palliative care. Improvements in the coordination of care delivery alongside wider availability of specialist palliative care support may reduce this risk.
Leveraging Intelligent Compaction and Thermal Profiling Technologies to Improve Asphalt Pavement Construction Quality: A Case Study
Authors: Chang George K. , Mohanraj Kiran , Stone William A. , Oesch Daniel J. , Gallivan Victor (Lee)
Published: June 2018

Intelligent compaction (IC) is an emerging technology with rollers equipped with global navigation satellite system (GNSS), an accelerometer-based measurement system, and an onboard color-coded display for real-time monitoring and compaction control. Paver-mounted thermal profiling (PMTP) is used to monitor asphalt surface temperatures behind a paver with a thermal scanner, and to track paver speeds, stops, and stop durations. Leveraging both IC and PMTP technologies allows for paving and compaction controls in real time, and for executing appropriate adjustments as needed. A case study is used to demonstrate the advantage of using both IC and PMTP over conventional operations. Postconstruction asphalt coring and tests, as well as pavement profile surveys were conducted to provide asphalt density data and pavement smoothness acceptance data for comparison and correlation analysis with IC and PMTP data. The data from 2 days of operations, one without the Material Transfer Vehicle (MTV) and another with the MTV, were analyzed and compared to illustrate the benefits of using IC, PMTP, and MTV for producing quality pavement products.

Durability and smoothness are two key construction qualities for agencies and users of hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. These two factors also affect the long-term structural and functional pavement performance.
The Ban Formula
Authors: Sethi Devika
Published: June 2018

In a colonial context, and against the backdrop of an anti-colonial movement, it is all too easy to see censorship of publications operating along racial lines and to assume that only publications by Indian authors were subject to censorship. However, non-Indian authors—former colonial officials and soldiers, journalists and missionaries—writing in English on matters concerning India commanded audiences in their home countries in addition to being read by an influential section of the Indian population. Precisely because they escaped colonial stereotyping about ‘seditious natives’, non-Indian authors’ words carried a greater illusion of neutrality and sometimes more weight. Their criticism of the colonial state or excessive approbation of nationalist leaders could less easily be dismissed as biased than that by Indians. By reconstructing the question of, and the controversy over, the possible banning of seven such books by the colonial state in the 1920s–30s, this article will question commonly held assumptions about the conduct of the censorship of publications in late colonial India.
A Combined Technique for Radical Cystoprostatectomy and Orthotopic Ileal Neobladder
Authors: Simonato A. , Lissiani A. , Gregori A. , Bozzola A. , Galli S. , Gaboardi F.
Published: June 2018

After anatomical and surgical studies on cadavers we developed a combined technique for radical cystoprostatectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder labelled M.I. La. N. (Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Neobladder). The aim of this technique is to combine the advantages of open and laparoscopic surgery. Between June 2001 and July 2002, 6 men aged 65 to 72 underwent combined radical cystoprostatectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder for organ-confined bladder cancer.

The M.I. La.N. consists of 3 steps: 1) laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection; 2) external partial fashioning of the neobladder and side-to-side bowel anastomosis; 3) laparoscopic lower urinary tract reconstruction.

The mean time of the overall procedure was 425 minutes (range 360 to 510). Mean estimated blood loss was 312 mL (range 220 to 440). Mean hospital stay was 8.1 days (range 7 to 9). Histopathology revealed 1 pT1N0 G3 plus carcinoma in situ (Cis), 1 pT2aN0 G3 plus Cis, 4 pT2bN0 G2-3. The surgical margins were tumor free. At the time of analysis (October 2003) the mean follow-up is 18.1 months (range 15 to 21). Two patients respectively stage pT1N0 + Cis and pT2bN0 G2-3 died for metastatic disease at 20 and 18 months after the operation. One patient stage pT2aN0 plus Cis died for unrelated causes free from disease after 16 months from the procedure. The remaining 3 patients are alive and free from disease. The combined technique for radical cystoprostatectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder (“M.I. La. N.”) can reproduce open surgery. Moreover, it provides an anatomic approach, familiar to most urologist and anatomical landmarks are easy to follow. In our opinion, the combined approach does not reduce the advantages of laparoscopy. We know that this technique may require a long learning curve and it is still a pioneristic procedure. A strict follow up is necessary to evaluate the oncological outcome that is still unpredictable for the low number of treated patients and for biology of bladder cancer.
A Comparative Study of Transurethral Resection of the Prostate versus “Less Invasive” Treatment Options
Authors: Salciccia P. , Salciccia S. , Cirocchi R.
Published: June 2018

Management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and BPH has been central to urology for decades. Open prostatectomy is the most efficient BPH treatment for relieving symptoms and improving uroflow, but is also the most invasive and morbid. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is still the “gold standard”, but the significant morbidity rate has provoked the development of alternative minimally invasive procedures.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of TURP versus less invasive treatment options, as TUVP and TUNA.
Simultaneous Surgical Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) and Invasive Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bassi PF. , Deriu G.F. , Grego F. , Lepidi S. , DE Marco V. , Cisternino A. , Tavolini IM. , Dal Moro F.
Published: June 2018

A prospective case-control study on simultaneously occurring abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCCB) was carried out to evaluate short- and long-term mortality and morbidity of the one-stage surgical treatment.

Methods

From January 1995 to December 2000 16 patients presented a concomitant AAA and TCCB. A standard operative protocol included AAA graft replacement before bladder resection and urinary reconstruction. Control patients (16 AAA and 16 TCCB alone) matched according to time of intervention, type of vascular and urinary procedure and pathologic staging.

Results

No vascular complications and graft infections were observed. Systemic and urologic complications were similar in study and control groups. One patient simultaneously treated for AAA and TCCB died of MI 32 days after surgery after an uncomplicated postoperative period. Estimated 6–year survival rate was 68% in AAA and TCCB patients simultaneously treated, 93% and 54% in matched control patients undergoing AAA and TCCB treatment alone respectively.

Conclusions

The present study shows that the one-stage is a safe approach to simultaneous occurring AAA and TCCB. Long-term survival of treated patients is dependent upon cancer progression. Whenever endovascular treatment is not advisable, the simultaneous surgical treatment of coexisting AAA and TCCB is recommended in highly specialized centers.
The Hereditary Renal Cancer Syndromes
Authors: Iafrate M. , Bratti E. , Prayer T. , Cisternino A. , Tavolini I.M. , Bassi P F.
Published: June 2018

Although the majority of renal cell carcinomas (RCC) are sporadic, hereditary types of kidney cancer such as Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease and hereditary papillary renal carcinoma syndromes are thought to account for approximately 4% of kidney cancers. A germline mutation seems to predispose to the development of specific histologic types of RCC. Hereditary kidney cancers are bilateral multifocal kidney tumors that, in some instances, occur at a younger age than do sporadic renal cancers.

A better knowledge of the genetic basis of renal carcinogenesis has been useful in identifying genetic causes of renal tumorigenesis, such as inactivation of the VHL tumor suppressor gene in clear cell carcinoma. Moreover, the genes responsible for hereditary renal cancer syndromes seems to play a role in the development of sporadic counterparts. Knowledge of genetic cancer syndromes may allow clinicians to screen and counsel family members, identify those patients at risk for multiple cancer development, and give the chance to intervene therapeutically when cancers are still treatable by identifying localized tumors through early screening. This article reviews the current status and recent advances in the field of familial kidney cancer syndromes.
A Case of Emphysematous Pyelonephritis in an Old Diabetic Female
Authors: Giola V. , Paccaduscio A. , Berti G.L. , Raimoldi A. , Longoni E. , Confalonieri S. , Russo R. , Bacchioni A.M.
Published: June 2018

Emphisematous pyelonephritis is a rare, life–-threatening infection of the renal parenchyma, most frequently found in diabetic patients. It is due to gas forming bacteria such as E. Coli, Kleibsiella or Citrobacter and is linked with an hight mortality rate sometime also after an appropiate therapy. We describe our experience with a case of emphisematous pyelonephritis in an old diabetic female.
The Role of Histopathologic Grading in the Staging of Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Passavanti G. , Pizzuti V. , Costantini F. , Bragaglia A. , Minacci C C. , Stumpo M. , Paolini R.
Published: June 2018

One of the most important parameters in the staging of prostate Cancer is the Gleason Grading, although the Gleason assessed In biopsy is not always the same as the final grading. We have therefore tried to find out whether the use of histopathologic grading might offer some extra information about the biological nature of prostate Cancer. 53 patients underwent a radical open prostatectomy for prostate Cancer. Mean age was 66.16ys; pre-biopsy PSA was 1.92-47 ng/mL.

Histopathologic grading was assessed on the biopsy tissue, while grading, Gleason and the pathological stage were assessed on the operation piece.

The 53 patients were classified according to their bioptic grading (BG), postoperative grading (PG), stage and PSA. BG=PG in 33 cases (62.26%).

17 patients (30.07%) showed a BGPG.

If we analyze such data according to the stage: 1T1c:GB=GP. 9T2a: 6(66.6%)GB=GP, 2GBGP.

19T2b:10(52.63%)GB=GP, 9(47.3%)GB<GP. 11T2c:11GB=GP. 13T3: 5GB=GP, 6GB>GP. Prostate carcinoma staging still shows a large number of limits related to the unpredictability of neoplasm behaviour. The present trend is to use several parameters. We think that the use of the histopathologic grade can be a useful tool to be added to the ones we already employ. We think histopathologic grading should be used with other grading methods, instead of replacing Gleason, which is still quite effective.
Risk-Factors of Recurrence after Retropubic and Perineal Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Minari R. , Giollo A. , Salsi P. , Ferretti S. , Maestroni U. , Azzolini N. , Cortellini P.
Published: June 2018

The Authors review their own surgical series about retropubic and perineal radical prostatectomy performed in 1993–2002 ys, with particular attention for risk factors of biochemical recurrence of disease.