bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Etiological Characteristics of Atypical Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Children from Chongqing, China: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Yan Xiang , Zhang Zhen-Zhen , Yang Zhen-Hua , Zhu Chao-Min , Hu Yun-Ge , Liu Quan-Bo
Published: November 2015

Background. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a disease that had similar manifestations to chickenpox, impetigo, and measles, which is easy to misdiagnose and subsequently causes delayed therapy and subsequent epidemic. To date, no study has been conducted to report the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of atypical HFMD.Methods. 64 children with atypical HFMD out of 887 HFMD children were recruited, stool was collected, and viral VP1 was detected.Results. The atypical HFMD accounted for 7.2% of total HFMD in the same period (64/887) and there were two peaks in its prevalence in nonepidemic seasons. Ten children (15.6%) had manifestations of neurologic involvement, of whom 4 (6.3%) were diagnosed with severe HFMD and 1 with critically severe HFMD, but all recovered smoothly. Onychomadesis and desquamation were found in 14 patients (21.9%) and 15 patients (23.4%), respectively. The most common pathogen was coxsackievirus A6 (CV-A6) which accounted for 67.2%, followed by nontypable enterovirus (26.6%), enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) (4.7%), and coxsackievirus A16 (A16) (1.5%).Conclusions. Atypical HFMD has seasonal prevalence. The manifestations of neurologic involvement in atypical HFMD are mild and usually have a good prognosis. CV-A6 is a major pathogen causing atypical HFMD, but not a major pathogen in Chongqing, China.
Modulatory Effects of Astragalus Polysaccharides on T‐Cell Polarization in Mice with Polymicrobial Sepsis
Authors: Hou Yu-Chen , Wu Jin-Ming , Wang Ming-Yang , Wu Ming-Hsun , Chen Kuen-Yuan , Yeh Sung-Ling , Lin Ming-Tsan
Published: November 2015

Background. This study evaluated the impact of different doses of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on the functional status and phenotype of T cells during polymicrobial sepsis. Methods. On day 1 after cecal ligation and puncture, mice were treated with either saline, 100 (A100), 200 (A200), or 400 mg APS/kg body weight (BW) (A400) by an intraperitoneal injection daily for 4 days. All mice were sacrificed 5 days after the operation. Results. APS treatment reversed the sepsis‐induced decrement in the T helper (Th) cell population, and the percentage of activated Th cells also increased in the spleen and Peyer’s patches. APS administration downregulated the percentages of circulating Th2 cells and regulatory T cells (Treg), and the percentage of Th17 cells in blood was upregulated in the A400 group. Weight loss and kidney injury were attenuated in the A100 and A200 groups but not in the A400 group at the end of the study. Conclusions. Treatments with 100 and 200 mg APS/kg BW reduced Treg populations and elicited a more‐balanced Th1/Th2 response that consequently attenuated immunosuppression in polymicrobial sepsis. High‐dose APS administration led to excessive responses of Th17 cells which may have adverse effects in sepsis‐induced organ injury.
Sexual Dimorphisms of Adrenal Steroids, Sex Hormones, and Immunological Biomarkers and Possible Risk Factors for Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Masi Alfonse T. , Rehman Azeem A. , Jorgenson Laura C. , Smith Jennifer M. , Aldag Jean C.
Published: November 2015

Innate immunity and immunological biomarkers are believed to be interrelated with sex hormones and other neuroendocrine factors. Sexual dimorphism mechanisms may be operating in certain rheumatic and inflammatory diseases which occur more frequently in women than men, as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Less data have been available on altered interrelations of the combined neuroendocrine and immune (NEI) systems as risk factors for development of certain diseases. In this study, serological interrelations of NEI biomarkers are analyzed before symptomatic onset of RA (pre-RA) versus control (CN) subjects, stratified by sex. Sexual dimorphism was found in serum levels of acute serum amyloid A (ASAA), soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha (sIL-2Rα), and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNF-R1). Multiple steroidal and hormonal (neuroendocrine) factors also showed highly(p<0.001)significant sexual dimorphism in their assayed values, but less for cortisol(p=0.012), and not for 17-hydroxyprogesterone(p=0.176). After stratification by sex and risk of developing RA, differential NEI correlational patterns were observed in the interplay of the NEI systems between the pre-RA and CN groups, which deserve further investigation.
Parameter Optimization of Single-Diode Model of Photovoltaic Cell Using Memetic Algorithm
Authors: Yoon Yourim , Geem Zong Woo
Published: November 2015

This study proposes a memetic approach for optimally determining the parameter values of single-diode-equivalent solar cell model. The memetic algorithm, which combines metaheuristic and gradient-based techniques, has the merit of good performance in both global and local searches. First, 10 single algorithms were considered including genetic algorithm, simulated annealing, particle swarm optimization, harmony search, differential evolution, cuckoo search, least squares method, and pattern search; then their final solutions were used as initial vectors for generalized reduced gradient technique. From this memetic approach, we could further improve the accuracy of the estimated solar cell parameters when compared with single algorithm approaches.
A Randomized, Double-Blind Pilot Trial of Hydrolyzed Rice Bran versus Placebo for Radioprotective Effect on Acute Gastroenteritis Secondary to Chemoradiotherapy in Patients with Cervical Cancer
Authors: Itoh Yoshiyuki , Mizuno Mika , Ikeda Mitsuru , Nakahara Rie , Kubota Seiji , Ito Junji , Okada Tohru , Kawamura Mariko , Kikkawa Fumitaka , Naganawa Shinji
Published: November 2015

We aimed to evaluate the radioprotective effect of hydrolyzed rice bran (HRB) on acute gastroenteritis due to chemoradiotherapy for treatment of cervical cancer. This placebo-controlled, double-blind study was conducted as an exploratory investigation of the colitis-inhibiting effects of HRB in alleviating acute-phase gastrointestinal side effects of chemoradiotherapy. The study involved 20 patients (10 in the HRB group, 10 in the control group). The patients in the control group underwent the same chemoradiotherapy regimen as those in the HRB group, but they received a placebo instead of HRB. The diarrheal side effect assessment score was lower in the HRB than control group, and a trend toward a reduction in diarrhea symptoms was observed with the oral intake of HRB. Additionally, no significant difference was observed in the administration of intestinal regulators and antidiarrheal agents, but again the assessment score was lower in the HRB than control group, and diarrhea symptoms were alleviated with the oral intake of HRB. A trend toward no need for strong antidiarrheal agents was seen. Although this study was an exploratory clinical trial, the results suggest that HRB may relieve diarrhea, an acute-phase gastrointestinal side effect of chemoradiotherapy.
Agonists of the TRAIL Death Receptor DR5 Sensitize Intestinal Stem Cells to Chemotherapy-Induced Cell Death and Trigger Gastrointestinal Toxicity
Authors: Finnberg Niklas K. , Gokare Prashanth , Navaraj Arunasalam , Lang Kuhs Krystle A. , Cerniglia George , Yagita Hideo , Takeda Kazuyoshi , Motoyama Noboru , El-Deiry Wafik S.
Published: November 2015

The combination of TRAIL death receptor agonists and radiochemotherapy to treat advanced cancers continues to be investigated in clinical trials. We previously showed that normal cells with a functional DNA damage response (DDR) upregulate the expression of death-inducing receptor DR5/TRAILR2/TNFRSF10B in a p53-dependent manner that sensitizes them to treatment with DR5 agonists. However, it is unclear if targeting DR5 selectively sensitizes cancer cells to agonist treatment following exposure to DNA-damaging chemotherapy, and to what extent normal tissues are targeted. Here, we show that the combined administration of the DR5 agonistic monoclonal antibody (mAb) and chemotherapy to wild-type mice triggered synergistic gastrointestinal toxicities (GIT) that were associated with the death of Lgr5+ crypt base columnar stem cells in a p53- and DR5-dependent manner. Furthermore, we confirmed that normal human epithelial cells treated with the human DR5-agonistic mAb and chemotherapeutic agents were also greatly sensitized to cell death. Interestingly, our data also indicated that genetic or pharmacologic targeting of Chk2 may counteract GIT without negatively affecting the antitumor responses of combined DR5 agonist/chemotherapy treatment, further linking the DDR to TRAIL death receptor signaling in normal cells. In conclusion, the combination of DR5-targeting agonistic mAbs with DNA damaging chemotherapy may pose a risk of developing toxicity-induced conditions, and the effects of mAb-based strategies on the dose-limiting toxicity of chemotherapy must be considered when establishing new combination therapies. Cancer Res; 76(3); 700–12. ©2015 AACR.
Identification of CD25 as STAT5-Dependent Growth Regulator of Leukemic Stem Cells in Ph+ CML
Authors: Sadovnik Irina , Hoelbl-Kovacic Andrea , Herrmann Harald , Eisenwort Gregor , Cerny-Reiterer Sabine , Warsch Wolfgang , Hoermann Gregor , Greiner Georg , Blatt Katharina , Peter Barbara , Stefanzl Gabriele , Berger Daniela , Bilban Martin , Herndlhofer Susanne , Sill Heinz , Sperr Wolfgang R. , Streubel Berthold , Mannhalter Christine , Holyoake Tessa L. , Sexl Veronika , Valent Peter
Published: November 2015

Purpose: In chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), leukemic stem cells (LSC) represent a critical target of therapy. However, little is known about markers and targets expressed by LSCs. The aim of this project was to identify novel relevant markers of CML LSCs.

Experimental Design: CML LSCs were examined by flow cytometry, qPCR, and various bioassays. In addition, we examined the multipotent CD25+ CML cell line KU812.

Results: In contrast to normal hematopoietic stem cells, CD34+/CD38− CML LSCs expressed the IL-2 receptor alpha chain, IL-2RA (CD25). STAT5 was found to induce expression of CD25 in Lin−/Sca-1+/Kit+ stem cells in C57Bl/6 mice. Correspondingly, shRNA-induced STAT5 depletion resulted in decreased CD25 expression in KU812 cells. Moreover, the BCR/ABL1 inhibitors nilotinib and ponatinib were found to decrease STAT5 activity and CD25 expression in KU812 cells and primary CML LSCs. A CD25-targeting shRNA was found to augment proliferation of KU812 cells in vitro and their engraftment in vivo in NOD/SCID-IL-2Rγ−/− mice. In drug-screening experiments, the PI3K/mTOR blocker BEZ235 promoted the expression of STAT5 and CD25 in CML cells. Finally, we found that BEZ235 produces synergistic antineoplastic effects on CML cells when applied in combination with nilotinib or ponatinib.

Conclusions: CD25 is a novel STAT5-dependent marker of CML LSCs and may be useful for LSC detection and LSC isolation in clinical practice and basic science. Moreover, CD25 serves as a growth regulator of CML LSCs, which may have biologic and clinical implications and may pave the way for the development of new more effective LSC-eradicating treatment strategies in CML. Clin Cancer Res; 22(8); 2051–61. ©2015 AACR.
Hypermutation of DPYD Deregulates Pyrimidine Metabolism and Promotes Malignant Progression
Authors: Edwards Lauren , Gupta Rohit , Filipp Fabian Volker
Published: November 2015

New strategies are needed to diagnose and target human melanoma. To this end, genomic analyses was performed to assess somatic mutations and gene expression signatures using a large cohort of human skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project to identify critical differences between primary and metastatic tumors. Interestingly, pyrimidine metabolism is one of the major pathways to be significantly enriched and deregulated at the transcriptional level in melanoma progression. In addition, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) and other important pyrimidine-related genes: DPYS, AK9, CAD, CANT1, ENTPD1, NME6, NT5C1A, POLE, POLQ, POLR3B, PRIM2, REV3L, and UPP2 are significantly enriched in somatic mutations relative to the background mutation rate. Structural analysis of the DPYD protein dimer reveals a potential hotspot of recurring somatic mutations in the ligand-binding sites as well as the interfaces of protein domains that mediated electron transfer. Somatic mutations of DPYD are associated with upregulation of pyrimidine degradation, nucleotide synthesis, and nucleic acid processing while salvage and nucleotide conversion is downregulated in TCGA SKCM.

Implications: At a systems biology level, somatic mutations of DPYD cause a switch in pyrimidine metabolism and promote gene expression of pyrimidine enzymes toward malignant progression. Mol Cancer Res; 14(2); 196–206. ©2015 AACR.
MicroRNA-10a Influences Osteoblast Differentiation and Angiogenesis by Regulating β-Catenin Expression
Authors: Li Jun , Zhang Yongqing , Zhao Qingxia , Wang Jianghua , He Xijing
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms governing osteoblast differentiation and angiogenesis are of great importance for improving the treatment of bone-related diseases. In this study, we examined the role of microRNA (miR)-10a in the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and pro angiogenic activity of mouse umbilical vein endothelial cells (MUVECs). Methods: The murine pre-osteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1 and MUVECs were used in the experiment. After transfected with miR-10a mimics or inhibitors, with or without LiCl pretreatment, the miR-10a, ALP, Runx2, Osx, OC and Dlx5 expression were assessed by RT-PCR. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured with BMP2 to differentiate into bone cells, osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells were detected by ALP and ARS staining. Cell viability were analyzed by MTT and the protein expression of β-catenin, LEF1, cyclinD1, MMP2, and VEGF were detected by Western blotting; VEGF and VE-cadherin release were assessed by ELISA, and the migration of MUVECs, as well as tube formation were also detected. Results: MiR-10a expression was obviously down-regulated during osteogenic differentiation. Overexpression of miR-10a inhibited osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, effectively decreasing MUVECs proliferation, migration, VEGF expression, VE-cadherin concentrations, and tube formation in vitro, whereas miR-10a silence enhanced those processes. Further mechanism assays demonstrated that overexpression of miR-10a reduced the β-catenin at both protein and transcription level, while pretreatment with Wnt signaling activator Licl partially attenuated the suppression effects of miR-10a overexpression on osteoblast differentiation and angiogenesis. Conclusion: Our findings imply that miR-10a plays a suppressive role in osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and pro angiogenic activity of MUVECs by regulating the β-catenin expression, representing a novel and potential therapeutic target for the treatment of bone regeneration-related diseases.
Long Non-Coding RNA MEG3 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Luo Gang , Wang Miao , Wu Xinchao , Tao Dan , Xiao Xinyuan , Wang Liang , Min Fan , Zeng Fuqing , Jiang Guosong
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in diverse biological processes, such as cell growth, apoptosis and migration. Although downregulation of lncRNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) has been identified in several cancers, little is known about its role in prostate cancer progression. The aim of this study was to detect MEG3 expression in clinical prostate cancer tissues, investigate its biological functions in the development of prostate cancer and the underlying mechanism. Methods: MEG3 expression levels were detected by qRT-PCR in both tumor tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues from 21 prostate cancer patients. The effects of MEG3 on PC3 and DU145 cells were assessed by MTT assay, colony formation assay, western blot and flow cytometry. Transfected PC3 cells were transplanted into nude mice, and the tumor growth curves were determined. Results: MEG3 decreased significantly in prostate cancer tissues relative to adjacent normal tissues. MEG3 inhibited intrinsic cell survival pathway in vitro and in vivo by reducing the protein expression of Bcl-2, enhancing Bax and activating caspase 3. We further demonstrated that MEG3 inhibited the expression of cell cycle regulatory protein Cyclin D1 and induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. Conclusions: Our study presents an important role of MEG3 in the molecular etiology of prostate cancer and implicates the potential application of MEG3 in prostate cancer therapy.
Examining the Application of the DC-IA-A Diagnostic Criteria for Internet Addiction Disorder in At-Risk College Students
Authors: Hsu Wen-Yu , Chang Shan-Mei , Chiu Nan-Ying , Lin Sunny S.J. , Tseng Yin-Hsing
Published: November 2015

Internet addiction disorder is a relatively new condition, and the criteria for its diagnosis have been developed only over the last several years. The criteria for Internet addiction remain controversial. We strive to further elucidate the clinical validity of the diagnostic criteria for Internet addiction. To test items of the diagnostic criteria for Internet addiction among adolescents, we conducted a clinical interview study of college students based on longitudinal data on their risky use of the Internet. Forty-one high-risk cases were selected from a 3-year 5-time point longitudinal survey of 716 college freshmen. We examined disputes relevant to symptoms and impairment in the DC-IA-A (Diagnostic Criteria for Internet Addiction among Taiwanese Adolescents). Of the 41 cases, 21 were diagnosed with Internet addiction via a psychiatric interview. In the Internet addiction disorder group, 23.8% of cases had a diagnosis of depression, whereas only 15.0% of the cases in the non-Internet addiction group had a diagnosis of depression. Two major criteria (A8 and A3) had low incidences in these high-risk college students and thus did not help provide a differential diagnosis between the groups. We suggest that A8, ‘excessive effort spent on activities necessary to obtain access to the Internet', should be omitted, and that A3, ‘tolerance: a marked increase in the duration of Internet use needed to achieve satisfaction', should be modified. A1 and A9 should be discussed regarding their role in the diagnosis of Internet addiction disorder. Additional well-designed studies examining the diagnostic criteria and the relationship between factors are needed.
Genetic Associations of Alexithymia in Predicting Interferon-Induced Depression in Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Porcelli Piero , Cozzolongo Raffaele , Cariola Filomena , Giannuzzi Vito , Lanzilotta Elsa , Gentile Mattia , Sonnante Gabriella , Leandro Gioacchino
Published: November 2015

Background: Previous studies have shown that alexithymia is associated with gene polymorphisms that regulate the availability of serotonin (5-HT) in the brain. Since the 5-HT network is involved in interferon (IFN)-induced depression, this paper aimed to investigate the role of alexithymia and the functional gene variants of the 5-HT1A receptor (HTR1A) and the 5-HT transporter (5-HTTLPR) in induction of depression during antiviral treatment. Methods: The depressive symptoms of 130 consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis C and no current psychopathology were measured during treatment with IFN and ribavirin (6-12 months) and at a 6-month follow-up. At baseline, alexithymia and 2 genotypes (5-HTTLPR and HTR1A) were also assessed. Results: Patients with homozygosity for HTR1A-G and 5-HTTLPR long alleles had significantly higher levels of alexithymia. After controlling for sociodemographic and disease-related factors, alexithymia and HTR1A-G polymorphism, both separately (20-22%) and jointly (14-16%), significantly and independently predicted the development of IFN-induced depression. Conclusions: Subjects carrying HTR1A-G and 5-HTTLRP double long alleles are more vulnerable to alexithymia. Also patients with a higher level of alexithymia and the HTR1A-G gene variant are more vulnerable to experiencing IFN-induced depressive symptoms. The clinical implications of targeting alexithymia and HTR1A receptors as a possible treatment option for mood disorders should be investigated in further studies.
A Rare Case of a Symptomatic Tumor Found in the Groin Area: An Atypical Location Unexposed to the Known Causes
Authors: Toyonaga Ellen , Hata Hiroo , Nakayama Chihiro , Homma Erina , Miyashita Toshiyuki , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: November 2015

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), also known as Gorlin syndrome, is a rare hereditary condition characterized by a wide range of developmental abnormalities and a predisposition to neoplasms. The syndrome consists of early-onset and/or multiple BCC. Herein we report a rare NBCCS case in which the first BCC onset occurred in the groin area. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of first-onset BCC in the groin area in an NBCCS patient of any race.
Detection and Intraretinal Localization of an ‘Invisible' Retinoblastoma Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Berry Jesse L. , Cobrinik David , Kim Jonathan W.
Published: November 2015

Purpose: To report the use of handheld spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (HHSD OCT) to identify and define the intraretinal location of a small retinoblastoma that was not detectable by indirect ophthalmoscopy. Methods: This is a retrospective case report of a tumor identified with HHSD OCT in a single patient. Results: A 7-week-old male was diagnosed with unilateral group E retinoblastoma in the right eye. An enucleation was completed successfully with histopathologic confirmation of the diagnosis. The normal left eye was monitored for the development of retinoblastoma, and 10 weeks after diagnosis, three new small retinoblastomas were noted in the posterior pole. Identification of the smallest of the three tumors was facilitated by HHSD OCT; it was adjacent to the optic nerve head, and involved the outer nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, and inner nuclear layer, with the inner retina draping over the tumor. Conclusion: HHSD OCT can aid the ocular oncologist in the identification of very small retinoblastomas before they are visible to the eye, which allows for earlier and potentially vision-sparing treatment of these lesions. Additionally, the ability to identify these very small tumors and to localize them anatomically within the retinal layers may aid in our understanding of retinoblastoma tumorigenesis.
Periarteriolar-Sparing Retinal Edema in Acute Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
Authors: Ikeda Yoshifumi , Sano Ichiya , Fujihara Etsuko , Tanito Masaki
Published: November 2015

A 56-year-old man was referred to our hospital about 48 h after sudden onset of painless central visual loss in his right eye (OD) on a winter morning. He had a more than 25-year history of systemic hypertension and smoking. Funduscopic observation showed striated retinal whitening in the macular region, faint cotton-wool patches around the optic disc, and segmental narrowing of the retinal arteries near the optic disc edge. Based on the pattern of onset and fundus findings, he was diagnosed with vasospastic acute central retinal artery occlusion OD, and a venous drip injection of prostaglandin E1 was started immediately. Optical coherence tomography showed bands of high and low density in the inner retina arranged alternately in the edematous area; the bands corresponded to edematous and nonedematous areas, respectively, and geographically to venules and arterioles, respectively. The best-corrected visual acuity of 0.03 at referral improved to 0.5, and the striated retinal edema and most cotton-wool patches resolved 1 month after onset. The oxygen pressure gradient in the capillary networks due to differences in the distance from the arterioles may be the mechanism of this unique periarteriolar-sparing retinal edema pattern.
The Reliability and Concurrent Validity of a Modified Version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (IPAQ-A) in Tunisian Overweight and Obese Youths
Authors: Regaieg Sofien , Charfi Nadia , Yaich Sourour , Damak Jamel , Abid Mohamed
Published: November 2015

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the reliability and validity of an Arabic version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (IPAQ-A) modified for use in Tunisia among overweight and obese adolescents. Subjects and Methods: Fifty-one voluntary healthy, overweight or obese adolescents (15-18 years old) participated in the study. Physical activity (PA) indicators derived from the modified self-administered IPAQ-A were compared with pedometer-recorded data of step counts. The test-retest reliability of the IPAQ-A was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Kappa tests between the response of participants in the two interviews. Validity was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between the scores of the IPAQ-A and the step count pedometer. Results: ICC revealed that the reliability of IPAQ-A values was high and ranged from 0.73 to 0.95. IPAQ-A scores were also significantly related to pedometer step counts (r = 0.66, p < 0.001). Strong relationships were observed between pedometer step count data and the IPAQ-A data for vigorous PA (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) and walking (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). However, a weaker relationship for moderate PA was observed (r = 0.24, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The modified version of the IPAQ-A questionnaire demonstrated an acceptable reliability and validity when used to assess the levels and patterns of PA in overweight or obese Tunisian adolescents.
Prevalence of left atrial thrombus in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ambrosino Pasquale , Russo Antonio Dello , Casella Michela , Tremoli Elena , Tondo Claudio , Minno Matteo Nicola Dario Di
Published: November 2015

We performed a meta-analysis about the prevalence of left atrial thrombus (LAT) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE). Studies reporting on LAT presence in AF patients were systematically searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE databases and the pooled LAT prevalence was evaluated as weighted mean prevalence (WMP). Seventy-two studies (20,516 AF patients) showed a LAT WMP of 9.8 % (95 %CI: 7.6 %-12.5 %). LAT presence was associated with a higher age (mean difference: 2.56, 95 %CI: 1.49–3.62), and higher prevalence of female gender (OR: 1.35, 95 %CI: 1.04–1.75), hypertension (OR: 1.78, 95 %CI: 1.38–2.30), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.86, 95 %CI: 1.33–2.59) and chronic heart failure (OR: 3.67, 95 %CI: 2.40–5.60). Overall, LAT patients exhibited a higher CHADS2-score (mean difference 0.88, 95 %CI: 0.68–1.07) and a higher risk of stroke/systemic embolism (OR: 3.53, 95 %CI: 2.24–5.56) compared with those without LAT. A meta-regression showed an inverse association between LAT prevalence and the presence of anticoagulation (Z-value: −7.3, p< 0.001). Indeed, studies in which 100 % of patients received oral anticoagulation reported a 3.4 % WMP of LAT (95 %CI: 1.3 %–8.7 %), whereas studies in which 0 % of patients received anticoagulation showed a LAT WMP of 7.4 % (95 %CI: 2.3 %–21.5%). Our data suggest that LAT is present in ≈10 % of AF patients, and is associated with a 3.5-fold increased risk of stroke/systemic embolism. Interestingly, LAT is also reported in some of patients receiving anticoagulation. The implementation of the screening of LAT in AF patients before cardioversion/ablation could be useful for the prevention of vascular events.
European Union-28: An annualised cost-of-illness model for venous thromboembolism
Authors: Barco Stefano , Woersching Alex L. , Spyropoulos Alex C. , Piovella Franco , Mahan Charles E.
Published: November 2015

Annual costs for venous thromboembolism (VTE) have been defined within the United States (US) demonstrating a large opportunity for cost savings. Costs for the European Union-28 (EU-28) have never been defined. A literature search was conducted to evaluate EU-28 cost sources. Median costs were defined for each cost input and costs were inflated to 2014 Euros (€) in the study country and adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity between EU countries. Adjusted costs were used to populate previously published cost-models based on adult incidence-based events. In the base model, annual expenditures for total, hospital-associated, preventable, and indirect costs were €1.5–2.2 billion, €1.0–1.5 billion, €0.5–1.1 billion and €0.2–0.3 billion, respectively (indirect costs: 12 % of expenditures). In the long-term attack rate model, total, hospital-associated, preventable, and indirect costs were €1.8–3.3 billion, €1.2–2.4 billion, €0.6–1.8 billion and €0.2–0.7 billion (indirect costs: 13 % of expenditures). In the multiway sensitivity analysis, annual expenditures for total, hospital-associated, preventable, and indirect costs were €3.0–8.5 billion, €2.2–6.2 billion, €1.1–4.6 billion and €0.5–1.4 billion (indirect costs: 22 % of expenditures). When the value of a premature life-lost increased slightly, aggregate costs rose considerably since these costs are higher than the direct medical costs. When evaluating the models aggregately for costs, the results suggests total, hospital-associated, preventable, and indirect costs ranging from €1.5–13.2 billion, €1.0–9.7 billion, €0.5–7.3 billion and €0.2–6.1 billion, respectively. Our study demonstrates that VTE costs have a large financial impact upon the EU-28’s healthcare systems and that significant savings could be realised if better preventive measures are applied.
A case study of butterfly road kills from Anaikatty Hills, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Sony R. K. , Arun P. R.
Published: November 2015

 Anaikatty Hills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu witness the annual spectacle of mass movement of lakhs of butterflies.  The present paper examines the impact of vehicular traffic on this ‘butterfly migration’ through a survey of butterfly mortality along a road stretch in Anaikatty Hills.  A high rate of mortality due to road traffic was observed during the mass movement of butterflies.  One-hundred-and-thirty-five butterfly road kills belonging to three families, nine genera and 12 species were recorded during the study.  The proportion of nymphalid butterflies among the road kills (70%) was very high compared to their respective share in the background population (39%), indicating a higher road mortality risk for nymphalids.  The conservation significance of the road traffic impact on butterfly assemblage and management options are discussed.

 
An occurrence of Indo-Chinese taxon Momordica subangulata Blume subsp. subangulata (Cucurbitaceae) in Nagaland: a new distribution record from India
Authors: Soyimchiten . , Pradheep K. , John K. Joseph , Nayar E. Roshini
Published: November 2015

Momordica subangulata Blume subsp. subangulata collected from Tuensang district of Nagaland forms a new distributional record for India. Earlier, this taxon was reported from Indo-China (Mainland Southeast Asia) and southern China. Its description, phenology, ecology, relevant notes and uses are presented.

 
Prey selection by Bengal Tiger Panthera tigris tigris (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) of Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Authors: Lamichhane Saneer , Jha Bibhuti Ranjan
Published: November 2015

Prey selection by tiger in Chitwan National Park, Nepal was studied from 77 tiger scats that contained the remains of principal prey species.  The scats were collected from January to March 2010.  Government reports on herbivore population in Chitwan provided the base data on density of principal prey species.  In order to understand prey selectivity, the observed proportion of prey species in the scats were compared with the expected proportion derived from density estimates.  The observed scat frequency of Sambar, Hog Deer and Wild Boar was found to be greater than the estimated frequency, and the reverse was true for Chital and Muntjac.  The average weight of the principal prey species killed was 84 kg. According to our results, Chital and Sambar constituted the bulk (82.07%), and Hog Deer, Wild Boar, and Muntjac constituted 17.93% of the tiger diet.  Sambar contributed the largest bulk (43.75%) of prey composition, but Chital constituted the relatively most killed (50.36%) prey species.  The present study makes a contribution to an understanding of the status of prey composition in tiger scat in Chitwan during the year 2010.  The study also highlights that both large and medium sized prey are important for the conservation of tiger in Chitwan National Park.

 
Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus Horsfield, 1821 (Ciconiiformes: Ciconiidae) in the dry lowlands of Sri Lanka: distribution, ecology, and threats
Authors: De Silva Thilina N. , Fernando Sumudu , De Silva Haritha B. , Tennakoon Parami
Published: November 2015

The Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus is a globally threatened species of stork; in Sri Lanka, it is a scarce resident breeder, and the largest bird in the country, yet the population status and ecology of the species is poorly understood.  This study tracks the stork’s spatial distribution and habitat use within the island, along with aspects of its ecology.  Data was collected via field sampling and questionnaire surveys, over a period of five years across the lowlands of the country.  The bird was observed 184 times, with numbers per sighting ranging from 1–17 individuals.  The species’ distribution was restricted to dry lowlands (rainfall <2200mm, elevation <300m).  The bird showed preference for savannah/woody savannahs, dry mixed evergreen forests, permanent wetlands, and croplands, and was prominently found within protected areas.  Lesser Adjutants were generally solitary, except in the driest months of the year (i.e., August–September and March–April), which are probably the two breeding periods of the bird in Sri Lanka.  Except for an abandoned nest, no active nest was found.  Habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, agricultural intensification, and development projects were identified as potential threats faced by the species, which varied in magnitude across the country.

 
The status of vultures in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, central India
Authors: Navaneethan Balasubramaniam , Sankar Kalyanasundaram , Qureshi Qamar , Manjrekar Manas
Published: November 2015

The study on the status of vultures in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BRT), central India was carried out from January 2011 to March 2013 in different seasons using opportunistic sightings.  In total, 265 observations were made in which 1,366 individuals belonging to four species were recorded.  Among these, Long-billed Vulture Gyps indicus were more frequently sighted followed by White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus, Red-headed Vulture or Asian King Vulture Sarcogyps calvus and Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus.  During the study period, 27 vulture nests were identified, of these 25 nests belonged to  Long-billed Vulture and two nests were that os White-backed Vulture.  No attempts were made to examine the nesting site characteristics and the breeding status of vulture in BTR. Vultures were largely observed feeding on carnivore kills such as chital, sambar, nilgai, wild pig, domestic cattle and common langur. On a few occasions vultures were seen feeding on the dumped cattle carcasses near villages.  The study reveals that vulture population in BTR was mainly dependent on large carnivore kills.  Regular monitoring of vulture nest sites in the study area is recommended to assess their breeding success.  Since we observed the vultures feeding on dumped livestock carcasss near villages, use of Diclofenac in the villages around the park should be monitored as it has caused a large-scale mortality in vultures in different regions of the country. 

 
The time budget and behavioural traits of young and adult Indian Eagle Owl Bubo bengalensis (Franklin, 1831) (Aves: Strigiformes: Strigidae) in and around a nesting site: a preliminary report
Authors: Ramanujam M. Eric
Published: November 2015

A family of the Indian Eagle Owl Bubo bengalensis was monitored at their nest site at Nanmangalam Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Chennai City from 5 January to 8 March 2011.  Various behavioural patterns were identified and the time spent on each activity was noted.  All three types of subjects (viz.: breeding male, brooding/incubating female and young) showed different behavioural characteristics. In the breeding female, high intensity activities were incubation, brooding, vigilance and out of sight (construed to be out hunting) and low intensity activities comprised comfort movements, feeding, pellet regurgitation, feeding young, prey delivery and disturbed at the nest.  In the young, high intensity activities were resting and moving, while low intensity activities were feeding, pellet regurgitation and wing flapping.  In the male, the bulk of time was spent in vigilance and the other high intensity activity was out of sight (construed to be hunting).  Low intensity activities included comfort movements and prey delivery. The male hunted more than the female.  Forty-five prey items were delivered by the two parents and these items were identified to the species or generic level.

 
The nesting success of the Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster (Aves: Suliformes: Anhingidae) in the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, New Delhi, India
Authors: Niangthianhoi S. L. , Khudsar Faiyaz A.
Published: November 2015

The Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster is a globally Near Threatened species that has been breeding in the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Delhi since 2006.  This is a recently restored site with the help of plant species assemblage in the form of plant communities of the Yamuna River basin and restoration of wetland ecosystems.  A study was carried out during the nesting period of 2011 to assess the nesting success of the Oriental Darter in the park.  A total of eight out of the nine incubated nests (88.88%) were successful with hatchlings and one was abandoned within three weeks of incubation.  An average of 2.87 chicks hatched per nest with 2.1 fledglings per nest.  The males fed the nestlings more than the females during the study hours. The restored landscape, the Yamuna Biodiversity Park and its wetlands provide a suitable habitat for supporting the breeding population of many important birds including the Darter due to the availability of prey species, vegetation for roosting and nesting, and low disturbance leading to optimization of nesting of the Darters. 

 
Effect Modification of Long‐Term Air Pollution Exposures and the Risk of Incident Cardiovascular Disease in US Women
Authors: Hart Jaime E. , Puett Robin C. , Rexrode Kathryn M. , Albert Christine M. , Laden Francine
Published: November 2015

Background

Ambient air pollution exposures have been frequently linked to cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) morbidity and mortality. However, less is known about the populations most susceptible to these adverse effects.

Methods and Results

We assessed the associations of long‐term particulate matter (
PM
) exposures with incident
CVD
in a nationwide cohort of 114 537 women in the Nurses’ Health Study, and performed analyses to identify subpopulations at the greatest risk. Residential address level time‐varying monthly exposures to
PM
2.5
,
PM
10
, and
PM
2.5 to 10
microns in diameter were estimated from spatio‐temporal prediction models. In multivariable models, increases in all size fractions of
PM
were associated with small, but not statistically significant, increased risks of total
CVD
, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
PM
‐associated
CVD
risks were statistically significantly higher among women with diabetes as compared to those without (
P
‐for‐interaction <0.0001 for
PM
10
and
PM
2.5
and 0.007 for
PM
2.5 to 10
). For each 10 μg/m
3
increase in 12‐month average
PM
2.5
,
PM
2.5 to 10
, and
PM
10,
the multivariable adjusted hazard ratios were 1.44 (95%
CI
: 1.23 to 1.68), 1.17 (95%
CI
: 1.05 to 1.30), and 1.19 (95%
CI
: 1.10 to 1.28) among women with diabetes. There were also suggestions of higher risks among older (≥70 years) women, the obese, and those living in the Northeast and South. Smoking status and family history did not consistently modify the association between
PM
and
CVD
, and risks were most elevated with exposures in the previous 12 months.

Conclusions

In this nationwide cohort, women with diabetes were identified as the subpopulation most sensitive to the adverse cardiovascular health effects of
PM
.
Interrupting Intergenerational Trauma: Children of Holocaust Survivors and the Third Reich
Authors: Matz David , Vogel Eric B. , Mattar Sandra , Montenegro Haydee
Published: November 2015

This qualitative study used descriptive phenomenology to examine experiences of healing and reconciliation, for children of Holocaust survivors, through dialogue with children of the Third Reich. Descriptive phenomenological interviews with 5 participants yielded several common essential elements. The findings indicated that participants experienced a sense of healing of intergenerational trauma, a reduction in prejudice, and increase in motivation for pro-social behaviors. The degree to which these findings may reflect a shift in sense of identity, as well as the implications of the findings for conflict resolution, intergroup conflict reduction and peace psychology are discussed.
The Southern Temenos in Pontic Olbia (Preliminary Results of the Investigation)
Authors: Bujskikh Alla V.
Published: November 2015

The preliminary results of recent research are published in this article relating to the cultic area in Pontic Olbia, referred to, for the sake of convenience, as the Southern Temenos. The earliest building period falls into the first quarter of the 5th century bc. The temple was built using mud brick and stone and it had been roofed with tiles from Miletus. Most of the several dozen graffiti found in the bothroi and the cultural layer were dedicated to Aphrodite. A temenos from the second building period was built in the last quarter of the 5th century bc and was in existence until the end of the Classical period. The largest number of dedicatory graffiti was addressed to the main deity, Aphrodite. The temple from the Classical period has a lay-out, which is similar to the temple of Aphrodite in Histria.
Graffiti from the Southern Temenos in Pontic Olbia
Authors: Rusyaeva Anna S.
Published: November 2015

The dedicatory graffiti from the excavations of the SouthernTemenosin Olbia provide indisputable evidence for the existence in that district not just of an Aphroditetemenosbut also of the existence at the same time as the earlier of her sanctuaries of one for the local Hero Angelos. Despite their fragmentary nature, it has been possible to divide up the graffiti into a number of separate groups and then analyse them accordingly. The largest number of graffiti relate to the early sanctuary of Aphrodite. Worthy of special attention is the graffito [Ἀφροδίτ]ης Δήμιης – “Aphrodite Demia (of the People)” similar to Aphrodite Pandemos well-known in the Hellenic world. Using the information from all available sources it is clear that in the city of the pre-Getic period there existed two sanctuaries of Aphrodite: in the WesternTemenosfor Aphrodite Urania and in the SouthernTemenosfor Aphrodite Demia (Pandemos).
Decentering Comparative Fascist Studies
Authors: Griffin Roger
Published: November 2015

This article challenges a tendency that grew up in fascist studies in the 1930s to treat Fascism and Nazism as the only authentic expressions of fascism, and to evaluate and understand all other manifestations of the generic force as more or less derivative of them and hence of secondary importance when understanding ‘the nature of fascism’ as an ideology. This has created an artificial location of each fascism as being either at the core or periphery of the phenomenon, and has reinforced a Eurocentrism that leads to parallel movements in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and South Africa to be neglected. It calls for wider acceptance of the realization that researching movements that did not seize autonomous power, such as the Croatian Ustasha, the Romanian Iron Guard, or the Transylvanian Saxons, can enrich understanding of aspects of Fascism and Nazism, such as the role of racism, eugenics, anti-Semitism and organized Christianity in determining the ideological contents ad fate of a particular fascism.
‘Home, Religion, Fatherland’: Movements of the Radical Right in Finland
Authors: Silvennoinen Oula
Published: November 2015

This article charts the history of fascism in Finland and looks for the causes of its failure. Like most of its European contemporaries, Finnish nationalism was radicalized in similar processes which produced successful fascist movements elsewhere. After the end of the Great War, Finnish nationalists were engaged first in a bitter civil war, and then in a number of Freikorps-style attempts to expand the borders of the newly-made Finnish state. Like elsewhere, these experiences produced a generation of frustrated and embittered, radicalized nationalists to serve as the cadre of Finnish fascist movements. The article concentrates on the Lapua movement, in which fascist influences and individuals were in a prominent position, even though the movement publicly adopted a predominantly conservative anti-communist outlook centred on the values of home, religion and fatherland.
Taxonomy, frustular morphology and systematics of Platichthys, a new genus of canal raphe bearing diatoms within the Entomoneidaceae
Authors: Lange-Bertalot Horst , Witkowski Andrzej , Kulikovskiy Maxim , Seddon Alistair W.R. , Kociolek John P.
Published: November 2015

Platichthys, a new genus of canal raphe bearing diatoms, is formally described following analysis of the frustule morphology using LM and EM examination. The genus type originates from a thermal spring in the temperate climate zone of Chile, and an example of the second member of this new genus is observed from a coastal lagoon on the Galápagos Islands (Isabela Island). Taken together, the morphological features of these two newly described taxa demonstrate a unique set of characteristics observed within Thalassiophysaceae, Bacillariaceae and Entomoneidaceae. Platichthys gen. nov. contains both a canal raphe and fibulae, and the compressed valve face, absence of distinct valve mantle and numerous open porous copulae found in Platichthys gen. nov. are typical of Entomoneidaceae. However, unlike species belonging to Entomoneis, the valves of the new genus do not show frustule twisting and the striae are composed of single simple areolae instead of double rows. The most characteristic feature of the new genus is raphe positioned on an elevated keel, robust tubular fibulae, the strongly developed, steep valve face and an indistinct valve mantle in a form of a narrow structureless strip. The relationships of Platichthys gen. nov. to Nitzschia subgenus Nitzschia and to other sections of Nitzschia sensu lato, Entomoneis and to Hamatusia are discussed.
Youngia purpimea (Asteraceae), a new species from Sichuan, China
Authors: PENG YU-LAN , JU WEN-BING , GAO XIN-FEN , GAO YUN-DONG
Published: November 2015

Youngia purpimea, a new species from southern Sichuan, China, is described and illustrated. This species is morphologically most similar to Y. szechuanica and Y. zhenyiana by having capitula with five yellow florets, but differs from the latter two by having leathery and undivided caudical leaves being glabrous on both surfaces and purplish red abaxially, leaf margins sparsely dentate, and also by brown pappus.