bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indicators of Data Quality at the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug in Switzerland
Authors: Wanner Miriam , Matthes Katarina L. , Korol Dimitri , Dehler Silvia , Rohrmann Sabine
Published: June 2018

Data quality is an important issue in cancer registration. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the four main data quality indicators (comparability, validity, timeliness, and completeness) for the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug (Switzerland). We extracted all malignant cancer cases (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) diagnosed between 1980 and 2014 in the canton of Zurich. Methods included the proportion of morphologically verified cases (MV%), the proportion of DCN and DCO cases (2009–2014), cases with primary site uncertain (PSU%), the stability of incidence rates over time, age-specific incidence rates for childhood cancer, and mortality:incidence (MI) ratios. The DCO rate decreased from 6.4% in 1997 to 0.8% in 2014 and was <5% since 2000. MV% was 95.5% in 2014. PSU% was <3% over the whole period. The incidence rate of all tumours increased over time with site-specific fluctuations. The overall M:I ratio decreased from 0.58 in 1980 to 0.37 in 2014. Overall, data quality of the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug was acceptable according to the methods presented in this review. Most indicators improved over time with low DCO rates, high MV%, low PSU%, relatively low M:I ratios and age-specific incidence of childhood cancer within reference ranges.
Investigation on Range Anxiety and Safety Buffer of Battery Electric Vehicle Drivers
Authors: Yuan Quan , Hao Wei , Su Haotian , Bing Guanwen , Gui Xinyuan , Safikhani Abolfazl
Published: June 2018

Drivers tend to have more range anxiety compared with driving traditional fuel vehicles if they are driving battery electric vehicle (BEV) with a long trip. Range anxiety could potentially have negative effect on driver’s emotions and behaviors. In order to understand this behavior and improve the related safety issues, this paper will focus on BEV drivers’ study in China. A survey on BEV drivers’ actual range anxiety as well as the effect of range anxiety on drivers’ behaviors is conducted in this research. Levels of feelings and attitudes of the interviewees are quantized with Likert scales using mathematical tools of the relationship. Safety buffer is defined as a measurement of the period given range anxiety starting to significantly intervene in driver’s operation. The research reveals the proportional quotative relationship between BEV drivers’ safety buffer and the mileage of trip. Factors, including driving experience, satisfactory level of recharge accessibility, and resistibility to emotions, are found to be significant contributing factors to influence the perceived range anxiety level of BEV drivers. This research will provide implications to the future study on the interface design of BEV.
Air‐to‐Air Path Loss Prediction Based on Machine Learning Methods in Urban Environments
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wen Jinxiao , Yang Guanshu , He Zunwen , Luo Xinran
Published: June 2018

Recently, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plays an important role in many applications because of its high flexibility and low cost. To realize reliable UAV communications, a fundamental work is to investigate the propagation characteristics of the channels. In this paper, we propose path loss models for the UAV air‐to‐air (AA) scenario based on machine learning. A ray‐tracing software is employed to generate samples for multiple routes in a typical urban environment, and different altitudes of Tx and Rx UAVs are taken into consideration. Two machine‐learning algorithms, Random Forest and KNN, are exploited to build prediction models on the basis of the training data. The prediction performance of trained models is assessed on the test set according to the metrics including the mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE). Meanwhile, two empirical models are presented for comparison. It is shown that the machine‐learning‐based models are able to provide high prediction accuracy and acceptable computational efficiency in the AA scenario. Moreover, Random Forest outperforms other models and has the smallest prediction errors. Further investigation is made to evaluate the impacts of five different parameters on the path loss. It is demonstrated that the path visibility is crucial for the path loss.
High Cholesterol Diet‐Induced Changes in Oxysterol and Scavenger Receptor Levels in Heart Tissue
Authors: Sozen Erdi , Yazgan Burak , Sahin Ali , Ince Umit , Ozer Nesrin Kartal
Published: June 2018

Involvement of high cholesterol and oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases is well studied, as it can be hypothesized that various products originated from lipid peroxidation, such as oxysterols, or affected protein expression might lead to cardiomyocyte damage followed by the pathological modifications. Although oxidation of excessive cholesterol to oxysterols in elevated stress conditions is identified by a number of studies, the role of a high cholesterol diet in regulating fatty acid and oxysterol accumulation, together with scavenger receptor mRNA levels, in the heart remains little investigated. Our study provides a detailed analysis of the changes in fatty acid, oxysterol, and scavenger receptor profiles and its relation with histological alterations in the heart tissue. We evaluated alterations of fatty acid composition, by the GC‐MS method, while 4β‐, 25‐, and 27‐hydroxycholesterol and 7‐ketocholesterol levels by means of LC‐MS/MS in high cholesterol diet‐fed rabbits. Additionally, a number of proteins related to lipid metabolism and scavenger receptor mRNA expressions were evaluated by Western blotting and RT‐PCR. According to our in vivo results, a high cholesterol diet enhances a number of unsaturated fatty acids, oxysterols, and LXRα, in addition to CD36, CD68, CD204, and SR‐F1 expressions while α‐tocopherol supplementation decreases LXRα and SR expressions together with an increase in 27‐hydroxycholesterol and ABCA1 levels. Our results indicated that the high cholesterol diet modulates proteins related to lipid metabolism, which might result in the malfunction of the heart and α‐tocopherol shows its beneficial effects. We believe that this work will lead the generation of different theories in the development of heart diseases.
A Rapidly Fatal Case of Low-Dose Methotrexate Toxicity
Authors: Shaikh Nasreen , Sardar Muhammad , Raj Rishi , Jariwala Punit
Published: June 2018

An 82-year-old female presented with multiple oral ulcers and malena for 1 week. Her laboratory tests revealed pancytopenia and acute renal failure. She had history of rheumatoid arthritis for which she was taking 7.5 mg methotrexate weekly and stage 4 chronic kidney disease from diabetic nephropathy. During the hospital stay, she developed pneumonia and septic shock requiring norepinephrine and vasopressin. She underwent continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration. Leucovorin, filgrastim, and multiple packed red blood cell and platelet transfusions were given. She remained hypotensive and pancytopenic despite all interventions. She died on day 6 of hospital stay from acute hypoxic respiratory failure due to septic shock.
Mandibular Osteitis Leading to the Diagnosis of SAPHO Syndrome
Authors: Kikuchi Tomohiro , Fujii Hiroyuki , Fujita Akifumi , Sugiyama Tomoko , Sugimoto Hideharu
Published: June 2018

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a disorder characterized by pustular skin lesions and osteoarticular lesions. Mandibular involvement of SAPHO syndrome is clinically rare, and it is difficult to reach a diagnosis of SAPHO syndrome from only mandibular manifestations. This report describes the case of a 26-year-old woman who presented with mandibular osteitis. Orthopantomogram and computed tomography showed sclerotic change of the right body of the mandible with periosteal reaction without odontogenic infection, which suggested the possibility of SAPHO syndrome. Detailed medical interview found that she had a history of palmoplantar pustulosis treated at a local dermatology clinic and additional bone scintigraphy showed diffuse increased uptake in the right mandible, as well as in the sternum and the sternocostoclavicular joints. She was eventually diagnosed as having SAPHO syndrome. We should consider SAPHO syndrome when we encounter a patient with mandibular osteitis of unknown etiology.
Chitosan Tubes Enriched with Fresh Skeletal Muscle Fibers for Primary Nerve Repair
Authors: Ronchi Giulia , Fornasari Benedetta Elena , Crosio Alessandro , Budau Claudia Alexandra , Tos Pierluigi , Perroteau Isabelle , Battiston Bruno , Geuna Stefano , Raimondo Stefania , Gambarotta Giovanna
Published: June 2018

Muscle-in-vein conduit is successfully employed for repairing nerve injuries: the vein prevents muscle fiber dispersion, while the muscle prevents the vein collapse and creates a favorable environment for Schwann cell migration and axon regrowth. However, it requires microsurgical skills. In this study we show a simple strategy to improve the performance of a chitosan hollow tube by the introduction of fresh skeletal muscle fibers. The hypothesis is to overcome the technical issue of the muscle-in-vein preparation and to take advantage of fiber muscle properties to create an easy and effective conduit for nerve regeneration. Rat median nerve gaps were repaired with chitosan tubes filled with skeletal muscle fibers (muscle-in-tube graft), hollow chitosan tubes, or autologous nerve grafts. Our results demonstrate that the fresh skeletal muscle inside the conduit is an endogenous source of soluble Neuregulin 1, a key factor for Schwann cell survival and dedifferentiation, absent in the hollow tube during the early phase of regeneration. However, nerve regeneration assessed at late time point was similar to that obtained with the hollow tube. To conclude, the muscle-in-tube graft is surgically easy to perform and we suggest that it might be a promising strategy to repair longer nerve gap or for secondary nerve repair, situations in which Schwann cell atrophy is a limiting factor for recovery.
Atypical Presentation of IgA Nephropathy Mimicking Acute Pyelonephritis
Authors: Karakonstantis Stamatis , Galani Despoina , Korela Dafni , Pitsigavdaki Sofia , Kassotaki Ifigeneia , Arna Despoina , Xydakis Dimitrios
Published: June 2018

Background. IgA glomerulonephritis may present with hematuria, flank pain, and fever. This clinical presentation may be easily confused with acute pyelonephritis.Case Report. We present the case of a 25-year-old female with a typical clinical presentation for acute pyelonephritis (high fever, left flank pain, left costovertebral angle tenderness, hematuria, elevated inflammatory markers, and a hypoenhancing region in the left kidney on contrast-enhanced computed tomography). However, urine and blood cultures were both negative, the serum creatinine was elevated, and the urinalysis revealed significant proteinuria and dysmorphic red blood cells. A kidney biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of IgA nephropathy. She was treated with a combination of lisinopril and methylprednisolone, with good response.Conclusion. Gross hematuria, especially in the absence of pyuria or bacteriuria, should raise the suspicion for underlying IgA nephropathy, even if the rest of the clinical presentation is typical for a urinary tract infection. The presence of significant proteinuria, red blood cell casts, and dysmorphic red blood cells are useful clues suggesting glomerular disease.
Single Bout Exercise in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Impact on Inflammatory Markers
Authors: Emmanuelle Rochette , Pascale Duché , Christophe Hourdé , Bertrand Evrard , Bruno Pereira , Stéphane Echaubard , Etienne Merlin
Published: June 2018

Objective. In a context of inflammatory disease such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), we do not know what impact physical activity may have on a deregulated immune system. The objective is to measure the impact of a single bout of exercise on plasma inflammatory markers such as calprotectin, IL-6, sIL-6R, sgp130, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Methods. Twelve children with JIA performed a nonexercise control day and a consecutive day that included a 20 min exercise bout at 70% of max-HR at 08:30 am. Venous blood samples were taken at 08:30, 08:50, 09:30, 10:30 am, and 12:00 pm to measure plasma concentrations of calprotectin, IL-6, sIL-6R, sgp130, cortisol, and ACTH. Pain was evaluated at 08:30, 08:50 am, and 06:00 pm. Results. There was a transient twofold increase in postexercise self-evaluated pain (p=0.03) that disappeared in the evening. A single bout of exercise resulted in a 1.7-fold increase in plasma calprotectin (p<0.001) but not IL-6 and its soluble receptors. Calprotectin levels returned to baseline within 3 hours after cessation of exercise. Conclusion. Acute exercise in children with JIA induced slightly musculoskeletal leg pain and transient increased plasma calprotectin levels but not IL-6 levels. Trial registration in ClinicalTrials.gov, reference number NCT 02502539, registered on 29 May 2015.
Estimation for a Second-Order Jump Diffusion Model from Discrete Observations: Application to Stock Market Returns
Authors: Yan Tianshun , Zhao Yanyong , Luo Shuanghua
Published: June 2018

This paper proposes a second-order jump diffusion model to study the jump dynamics of stock market returns via adding a jump term to traditional diffusion model. We develop an appropriate maximum likelihood approach to estimate model parameters. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate the performance of the estimation method in finite samples. Furthermore, we consider a likelihood ratio test to identify the statistically significant presence of jump factor. The empirical analysis of stock market data from North America, Asia, and Europe is provided for illustration.
Urachal Carcinoma with Peritoneal Dissemination Treated with Chemotherapy and Surgical Resection Leading to Prolonged Survival with No Recurrence
Authors: Yasui Masato , Jikuya Ryosuke , Tatenuma Tomoyuki , Muraoka Kentaro , Umemoto Susumu , Kawai Masaki , Kouno Tsutomu , Kishida Takeshi
Published: June 2018

A 56-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for urachal carcinoma with peritoneal dissemination. He received first-line chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin. After the fifth cycle, a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed abdominal fluid, and his serum tumor marker levels were increased. The patient was started on second-line therapy with FOLFIRI. After 11 cycles, his tumor decreased in size and no new metastatic lesions were detected. The patient underwent complete tumor resection with partial cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. The tumor was removed, along with adhering surrounding organs, including the omentum, peritoneum, abdominal rectus muscle, and vermiform appendix. Although pathological examination confirmed peritoneal dissemination, his tumor markers normalized soon after surgery. The patient has survived 62 months after surgery without any adjuvant therapy and with no evidence of recurrence. To our knowledge, this is the longest duration of survival without recurrence of a patient with urachal carcinoma with peritoneal dissemination who received multimodal therapy.
A Novel Early Pregnancy Risk Prediction Model for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sweeting Arianne N. , Wong Jencia , Appelblom Heidi , Ross Glynis P. , Kouru Heikki , Williams Paul F. , Sairanen Mikko , Hyett Jon A.
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Accurate early risk prediction for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) would target intervention and prevention in women at the highest risk. We evaluated novel biomarker predictors to develop a first-trimester risk prediction model in a large multiethnic cohort. Methods: Maternal clinical, aneuploidy and pre-eclampsia screening markers (PAPP-A, free hCGβ, mean arterial pressure, uterine artery pulsatility index) were measured prospectively at 11–13+6 weeks’ gestation in 980 women (248 with GDM; 732 controls). Nonfasting glucose, lipids, adiponectin, leptin, lipocalin-2, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 were measured on banked serum. The relationship between marker multiples-of-the-median and GDM was examined with multivariate regression. Model predictive performance for early (< 24 weeks’ gestation) and overall GDM diagnosis was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: Glucose, triglycerides, leptin, and lipocalin-2 were higher, while adiponectin was lower, in GDM (p < 0.05). Lipocalin-2 performed best in Caucasians, and triglycerides in South Asians with GDM. Family history of diabetes, previous GDM, South/East Asian ethnicity, parity, BMI, PAPP-A, triglycerides, and lipocalin-2 were significant independent GDM predictors (all p < 0.01), achieving an area under the curve of 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89–0.94) overall, and 0.93 (95% CI 0.89–0.96) for early GDM, in a combined multivariate prediction model. Conclusions: A first-trimester risk prediction model, which incorporates novel maternal lipid markers, accurately identifies women at high risk of GDM, including early GDM.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Erosive Tooth Wear in a Finnish Cohort
Authors: Alaraudanjoki Viivi Karoliina , Koivisto Salla , Pesonen Paula , Männikkö Minna , Leinonen Jukka , Tjäderhane Leo , Laitala Marja-Liisa , Lussi Adrian , Anttonen Vuokko Anna-Marketta
Published: June 2018

Erosive tooth wear is defined as irreversible loss of dental tissues due to intrinsic or extrinsic acids, exacerbated by mechanical forces. Recent studies have suggested a higher prevalence of erosive tooth wear in males, as well as a genetic contribution to susceptibility to erosive tooth wear. Our aim was to examine erosive tooth wear by performing a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a sample of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n = 1,962). Erosive tooth wear was assessed clinically using the basic erosive wear examination. A GWAS was performed for the whole sample as well as separately for males and females. We identified one genome-wide significant signal (rs11681214) in the GWAS of the whole sample near the genes PXDN and MYT1L. When the sample was stratified by sex, the strongest genome-wide significant signals were observed in or near the genes FGFR1, C8orf86, CDH4, SCD5, F2R, and ING1. Additionally, multiple suggestive association signals were detected in all GWASs performed. Many of the signals were in or near the genes putatively related to oral environment or tooth development, and some were near the regions considered to be associated with dental caries, such as 2p24, 4q21, and 13q33. Replications of these associations in other samples, as well as experimental studies to determine the biological functions of associated genetic variants, are needed.
Comparison of Verapamil versus Heparin as Adjunctive Treatment for Transradial Coronary Procedures: The VERMUT Study
Authors: Tebaldi Matteo , Biscaglia Simone , Tumscitz Carlo , Del Franco Annamaria , Gallo Francesco , Spitaleri Giosafat , Fileti Luca , Serenelli Matteo , Tonet Elisabetta , Erriquez Andrea , Campo Gianluca , Ferrari Roberto
Published: June 2018

Objective: We sought to demonstrate that the combination of a local vasodilator (verapamil), modern materials, patent hemostasis, and intravenous anticoagulant only in the case of percutaneous coronary intervention, as compared to default heparin administration after sheath insertion, may optimize a combined endpoint, including radial artery oc­clusion (RAO), radial artery spasm (RAS), and access site complication. Methods: This is a prospective, single-center, double-blind randomized trial. Overall, 418 patients undergoing a transradial approach (TRA) for coronary procedures were randomized 1: 1 to receive intraradial verapamil (5 mg) or heparin (5,000 IU) after a 6-Fr sheath insertion. The primary outcome was the 24-h occurrence of RAO (ultrasound confirmation), access site complication, and RAS requiring the bailout administration of vasodilators. Results: The combined primary outcome occurred in 127 (30%) patients. It was significantly lower in patients randomized to verapamil as compared to others (26 vs. 35%, p = 0.03). This was mainly due to a significant reduction in RAS (3 vs. 10%, p = 0.006). The 24-h and 30-day occurrence of RAO did not differ between the study groups. Conclusion: Local administration of verapamil versus heparin reduces RAS, without increasing RAO, which appears to be strictly related to radial artery diameter and hemostasis time.
Results of Cervical Cancer Screening in the Rural Population of Lucknow West, India, through a Camp Approach
Authors: Misra Jata S. , Srivastava Anand N. , Gupta Hem P.
Published: June 2018

Objective: Cytological screening was carried out in rural women of Lucknow West, India, through a camp approach to detect cervical cancer in its preinvasive phase and to see whether the primitive living conditions in the villages have any effect on the incidence of precancer and carcinoma of the cervix and the associated predisposing factors of cervical carcinogenesis. Study Design: During a span of 4 years (May 2013 to March 2017), a total of 135 camps were organized under the auspice of Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital (Lucknow, India). Only 4,269 (31.2%) out of 13,500 women who were motivated and counseled attended the camp and 2,369 (55.1%) of them underwent a Pap smear examination. Results: The incidence of squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix (SIL) was found to be very high (18.2%) in the 2,369 women who were screened, but the majority of them were of a low grade. The SIL incidence was very high for all predisposing factors like gynaecological symptoms, age, and clinical lesions of the cervix. However, the SIL rate showed a rise with increasing parity. Candida albicans was more common in rural women (4.7%) than Trichomonas vaginalis (1.1%), and a low incidence of viral sexually transmitted diseases (STD) was seen. Conclusions: Organizing camps in the villages through proper counseling and motivation may help in the screening of larger numbers of women for early detection of cervical cancer, the adequate treatment of which will check the progression of the disease and thus minimize the incidence of carcinoma of the cervix and its associated mortality in the rural population of India.
Evaluation of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Suppression following Cutaneous Use of Topical Corticosteroids in Children: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wood Heickman Lauren K. , Davallow Ghajar Ladan , Conaway Mark , Rogol Alan D.
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: A meta-analysis was performed to determine the likelihood of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression following short-term cutaneous treatment of atopic dermatitis with topical corticosteroids (TCS) in pediatric patients. Methods: All published pediatric clinical trials evaluating TCS use with pre- and post-treatment HPA axis assessment by cosyntropin stimulation testing were included. Results: Of 128 eligible trials, 12 were selected for meta-analysis with a total of 522 participants. There were 20 observed cases of HPA axis suppression (3.8%, 95% CI 2.4–5.8). The percentage of HPA axis suppression with low- (classes 6–7), medium- (classes 3–5) and high-potency (classes 1–2) TCS use was 2% (3 of 148 patients, 95% CI 0.7–5.8), 3.1% (7 of 223 patients, 95% CI 1.5–6.3), and 6.6% (10 of 151 patients, 95% CI 3.6–11.8), respectively. Conclusion: There is a low rate of reversible HPA axis suppression with the use of mid- to low-potency TCS compared to more potent formulations. In pediatric clinical practice, the limited use of mid- to low-potency TCS is rarely associated with clinically significant adrenal insufficiency or adrenal crisis. In the absence of signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, there is little need to test the HPA axis of these patients.
Coxsackievirus A24 Variant Associated with Acute Haemorrhagic Conjunctivitis Cases, French Guiana, 2017
Authors: Enfissi Antoine , Joffret Marie-Line , Delaune Déborah , Delpeyroux Francis , Rousset Dominique , Bessaud Maël
Published: June 2018

In 2017, numerous cases of acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) were reported in the Caribbean and in South America. Preliminary reports identified adenoviruses and enteroviruses in some patient samples but, until now, none of the etiologic agents have been fully characterized. We report the full-length genomic sequences of 4 coxsackievirus A24 (CV-A24) isolates collected from AHC patients in French Guiana during this outbreak (May and June 2017). These isolates are very closely related and belong to the genotype IV of CV-A24 variant, which consists of strains sampled worldwide during AHC outbreaks in the 2000s and 2010s. No recombination events were detected within the genomic sequences, indicating that members of this genotype have continuously circulated worldwide for more than 10 years without undergoing recombination with other enteroviruses. This unusual trait could be due to their ocular tropism that could impede genetic exchanges between these viruses and other enteroviruses, which replicate mainly in the gut.
Antidepressants Improve Negative Regulation of Toll-Like Receptor Signaling in Monocytes from Patients with Major Depression
Authors: Hung Yi-Yung
Published: June 2018

Objective: Changes in the brain’s inflammatory status can lead to psychopathological responses, especially depression. Using animal models, recent studies have revealed that this pathology is due, in part, to innate immune responses of monocytes. Methods: We focus on the involvement of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and expression of genes encoding their negative regulators, SOCS1, TOLLIP, SIGIRR, MyD88s, NOD2, and TNFAIP3, in CD14+ monocytes from 34 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 33 healthy controls before and after treatment with antidepressants. We also seek to investigate their association with depression severity, measured by the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17). Results: mRNA expression of all TLRs, except TLR3 and -5, was significantly higher in monocytes from patients with MDD than in those from controls. Conversely, the “brakes” in TLR signaling, including TOLLIP, MyD88s, NOD2, and TNFAIP3, were downregulated. In clinical findings, the remission group showed higher baseline TLR4 and lower baseline IRAK3 mRNA levels but only baseline elevated SOCS1 mRNA levels, which were inversely correlated with HAMD-17 scores, predicting worsened outcome in MDD patients. In addition, TNFAIP3 mRNA levels were increased by antidepressant treatment. Conclusion: Collectively, our findings suggest a role for dysregulation of TLR signaling in monocytes in MDD and identify a balancing effect of antidepressants on this dysregulation.
Development of a Standardized Cranial Phantom for Training and Optimization of Functional Stereotactic Operations
Authors: Krüger Marie T. , Coenen Volker A. , Egger Karl , Shah Mukesch , Reinacher Peter C.
Published: June 2018

Background: In recent years, simulations based on phantom models have become increasingly popular in the medical field. In the field of functional and stereotactic neurosurgery, a cranial phantom would be useful to train operative techniques, such as stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG), to establish new methods as well as to develop and modify radiological techniques. In this study, we describe the construction of a cranial phantom and show examples for it in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery and its applicability with different radiological modalities. Methods: We prepared a plaster skull filled with agar. A complete operation for deep brain stimulation (DBS) was simulated using directional leads. Moreover, a complete SEEG operation including planning, implantation of the electrodes, and intraoperative and postoperative imaging was simulated. Results: An optimally customized cranial phantom is filled with 10% agar. At 7°C, it can be stored for approximately 4 months. A DBS and an SEEG procedure could be realistically simulated. Lead artifacts can be studied in CT, X-ray, rotational fluoroscopy, and MRI. Conclusions: This cranial phantom is a simple and effective model to simulate functional and stereotactic neurosurgical operations. This might be useful for teaching and training of neurosurgeons, establishing operations in a new center and for optimization of radiological examinations.
Effects of Amlodipine on Bone Metabolism in Orchidectomised Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Zivna Helena , Gradošová Iveta , Zivny Pavel , Cermakova Eva , Palicka Vladimir
Published: June 2018

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) represent a model of essential hypertension. We studied the effect of amlodipine (AML) on bone markers, bone mineral density (BMD), and biomechanical properties of osteopenic bone induced by orchidectomy in male SHR. Rats were allocated to 3 groups and were sacrificed after 12 weeks: sham-operated control; orchidectomised control; and orchidectomised receiving a diet supplemented with AML. Indicators of bone turnover were assessed in bone homogenate, BMD was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and the femurs were subjected to biomechanical testing. Long-term AML administration does not have a negative impact on bone metabolism and density in male SHR.
5-Oxo-ETE from Nasal Epithelial Cells Upregulates Eosinophil Cation Protein by Eosinophils in Nasal Polyps in vitro
Authors: Lin Lin , Chen Zheng , Tang Xinyue , Dai Fei , Wei Jinjin , Sun Guangbin
Published: June 2018

Background: 5-Oxo-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) is a potent eosinophil chemoattractant and activator that is synthesized not only in inflammatory cells but also in bronchial epithelial cells. The purpose of this study is to clarify whether 5-oxo-ETE can promote the production of eosinophil cation protein (ECP) by eosinophils in nasal polyps (NP) in vitro, and whether normal nasal epithelial cells can produce this lipid mediator in response to oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: Nasal biopsy samples were obtained from normal subjects or subjects with chronic rhinosinusitis with NP. The infiltration of eosinophil in NP was detected and cultured. After that, concentrations of ECP in eosinophil and NP cultures were evaluated after the treatment of 5-oxo-ETE or 5-oxo-ETE + its receptor (OXER) antagonist, pertussis toxin (PT). Then we studied the synthesis of 5-oxo-ETE after H2O2 stimulation by normal nasal epithelial cells and by epithelial cells of NP alone in the cultures, and also determined the OXER expression in NP. Results: The number of infiltrative eosinophils in NP was increased. The ECP levels in eosinophil and NP cultures were enhanced after the administration of 5-oxo-ETE, and decreased by the PT treatment. 5-Oxo-ETE was upregulated in the cultures of nasal epithelial cells in the presence of H2O2 and of NP epithelial cells alone. The OXER was expressed in inflammatory cells, and not in epithelial cells. Conclusion: 5-Oxo-ETE produced by nasal epithelial cells may play a role in the formation and development of NP.
The Community Pharmacist’s Role in Reducing Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Lebanon: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Fahs Iqbal M. , Hallit Souheil , Rahal Mohamad K. , Malaeb Diana N.
Published: June 2018

Objective: To assess the role of the pharmacist in modifying risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Lebanese adults in urban and rural areas. Methods: In a prospective survey, 865 out of 1,000 participants aged ≥45 years, previously interviewed, agreed to be followed at 1 and 2 years time points. Parameters including blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose, average number of risk factors, and atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk were assessed and evaluated at the beginning of the study, then after 1 and 2 years. Results: During both follow-ups, the mean average body mass index and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly and the lipid profile improved significantly. Further significant improvements in ASCVD risk occurred during the second follow-up. Monitoring parameters revealed significant improvements as well. Conclusion: This study showed that a plan that includes pharmacists, who regularly monitor and follow-up patients, could improve CVD prevention through the reduction of risk factors.
Mitochondrial ROS Drive Sudden Cardiac Death and Chronic Proteome Remodeling in Heart Failure
Authors: Dey Swati , DeMazumder Deeptankar , Sidor Agnieszka , Foster D. Brian , O’Rourke Brian
Published: June 2018

Rationale:

Despite increasing prevalence and incidence of heart failure (HF), therapeutic options remain limited. In early stages of HF, sudden cardiac death (SCD) from ventricular arrhythmias claims many lives. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in both arrhythmias and contractile dysfunction. However, little is known about how ROS in specific subcellular compartments contribute to HF or SCD pathophysiology. The role of ROS in chronic proteome remodeling has not been explored.

Objective:

We will test the hypothesis that elevated mitochondrial ROS (mROS) is a principal source of oxidative stress in HF and in vivo reduction of mROS mitigates SCD.

Methods and Results:

Using a unique guinea pig model of nonischemic HF that recapitulates important features of human HF, including prolonged QT interval and high incidence of spontaneous arrhythmic SCD, compartment-specific ROS sensors revealed increased mROS in resting and contracting left ventricular myocytes in failing hearts. Importantly, the mitochondrially targeted antioxidant (MitoTEMPO) normalized global cellular ROS. Further, in vivo MitoTEMPO treatment of HF animals prevented and reversed HF, eliminated SCD by decreasing dispersion of repolarization and ventricular arrhythmias, suppressed chronic HF-induced remodeling of the expression proteome, and prevented specific phosphoproteome alterations. Pathway analysis of mROS-sensitive networks indicated that increased mROS in HF disrupts the normal coupling between cytosolic signals and nuclear gene programs driving mitochondrial function, antioxidant enzymes, Ca
2+
handling, and action potential repolarization, suggesting new targets for therapeutic intervention.

Conclusions:

mROS drive both acute emergent events, such as electrical instability responsible for SCD, and those that mediate chronic HF remodeling, characterized by suppression or altered phosphorylation of metabolic, antioxidant, and ion transport protein networks. In vivo reduction of mROS prevents and reverses electrical instability, SCD, and HF. Our findings support the feasibility of targeting the mitochondria as a potential new therapy for HF and SCD while identifying new mROS-sensitive protein modifications.
Prognostic Significance of Baseline Serum Sodium in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Patel Yash R. , Kurgansky Katherine E. , Imran Tasnim F. , Orkaby Ariela R. , McLean Robert R. , Ho Yuk‐Lam , Cho Kelly , Gaziano J. Michael , Djousse Luc , Gagnon David R. , Joseph Jacob
Published: June 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum sodium at the time of diagnosis and long term clinical outcomes in a large national cohort of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods and Results

We studied 25 440 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction treated at Veterans Affairs medical centers across the United States between 2002 and 2012. Serum sodium at the time of heart failure diagnosis was analyzed as a continuous variable and in categories as follows: low (115.00–134.99 mmol/L), low‐normal (135.00–137.99 mmol/L), referent group (138.00–140.99 mmol/L), high normal (141.00–143.99 mmol/L), and high (144.00–160.00 mmol/L). Multivariable Cox regression and negative binomial regression were performed to estimate hazard ratios (95% confidence interval [CI]) and incidence density ratios (95%
CI
) for the associations of serum sodium with mortality and hospitalizations (heart failure and all‐cause), respectively. The average age of patients was 70.8 years, 96.2% were male, and 14% were black. Compared with the referent group, low, low‐normal, and high sodium values were associated with 36% (95%
CI
, 28%–44%), 6% (95% CI, 1%–12%), and 9% (95% CI, 1%–17%) higher risk of all‐cause mortality, respectively. Low and low‐normal serum sodium were associated with 48% (95%
CI
, 10%–100%) and 38% (95% CI, 8%–77%) higher risk of number of days of heart failure hospitalizations per year, and with 44% (95%
CI
, 32%–56%) and 18% (95% CI, 10%–27%) higher risk of number of days of all‐cause hospitalizations per year, respectively.

Conclusions

Both elevated and reduced serum sodium, including values currently considered within normal range, are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Effect of Change in Total Cholesterol Levels on Cardiovascular Disease Among Young Adults
Authors: Jeong Su‐Min , Choi Seulggie , Kim Kyuwoong , Kim Sung Min , Lee Gyeongsil , Park Seong Yong , Kim Yeon‐Yong , Son Joung Sik , Yun Jae‐Moon , Park Sang Min
Published: June 2018

Background

Although high serum cholesterol in young adults is known to be a predictor for cardiovascular events, there is not enough evidence for the association of cholesterol level change with cardiovascular disease (
CVD
). This study aimed to evaluate whether the change in cholesterol is associated with incidence of
CVD
among young adults.

Methods and Results

We examined 2 682 045 young adults (aged 20–39 years) who had undergone 2 consecutive national health check‐ups provided by Korean National Health Insurance Service between 2002 and 2005. Cholesterol levels were classified into low (<180 mg/dL), middle (180–240 mg/dL) and high (≥240 mg/dL).
CVD
events were defined as ≥2 days hospitalization attributable to
CVD
for 10 years follow‐up. Increased cholesterol levels were significantly associated with elevated ischemic heart disease risk (adjusted hazard ration [
aHR
]=1.21; 95% confidence interval [
CI
]=1.03–1.42 in low‐high group and
aHR
=1.21; 95%
CI
=1.15–1.27 in middle‐high group) and cerebrovascular disease (
CEVD
) risk (
aHR
=1.24; 95%
CI
=1.05–1.47 in low‐high group and
aHR
=1.09; 95%
CI
=1.02–1.16 in middle‐high group). Decreased cholesterol levels were associated with reduced ischemic heart disease risk (
aHR
=0.91; 95%
CI
=0.88–0.95 in middle‐low group,
aHR
=0.65; 95%
CI
=0.56–0.75 in high‐low group and
aHR
=0.68; 95%
CI
=0.65–0.73 in high‐middle group). Furthermore, lower cerebrovascular disease risk (
aHR
=0.76; 95%
CI
=0.62–0.92) was observed in the high‐low group compared with patients with sustained high cholesterol.

Conclusions

The findings of our study indicate that increased cholesterol levels were associated with high
CVD
risk in young adults. Furthermore, young adults with decreased cholesterol levels had reduced risk for
CVD
.
Loss‐Framed Financial Incentives and Personalized Goal‐Setting to Increase Physical Activity Among Ischemic Heart Disease Patients Using Wearable Devices: The ACTIVE REWARD Randomized Trial
Authors: Chokshi Neel P. , Adusumalli Srinath , Small Dylan S. , Morris Alexander , Feingold Jordyn , Ha Yoonhee P. , Lynch Marta D. , Rareshide Charles A.L. , Hilbert Victoria , Patel Mitesh S.
Published: June 2018

Background

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, but most ischemic heart disease (
IHD
) patients do not obtain enough.

Methods and Results

ACTIVE REWARD (A Clinical Trial Investigating Effects of a Randomized Evaluation of Wearable Activity Trackers with Financial Rewards) was a 24‐week home‐based, remotely monitored, randomized trial with a 16‐week intervention (8‐week ramp‐up incentive phase and 8‐week maintenance incentive phase) and an 8‐week follow‐up. Patients used wearable devices to track step counts and establish a baseline. Patients in control received no other interventions. Patients in the incentive arm received personalized step goals and daily feedback for all 24 weeks. In the ramp‐up incentive phase, daily step goals increased weekly by 15% from baseline with a maximum of 10 000 steps and then remained fixed. Each week, $14 was allocated to a virtual account; $2 could be lost per day for not achieving step goals. The primary outcome was change in mean daily steps from baseline to the maintenance incentive phase. Ischemic heart disease patients had a mean (
SD
) age of 60 (11) years and 70% were male. Compared with control, patients in the incentive arm had a significantly greater increase in mean daily steps from baseline during ramp‐up (1388 versus 385; adjusted difference, 1061 [95% confidence interval, 386–1736];
P
<0.01), maintenance (1501 versus 264; adjusted difference, 1368 [95% confidence interval, 571–2164];
P
<0.001), and follow‐up (1066 versus 92; adjusted difference, 1154 [95% confidence interval, 282–2027];
P
<0.01).

Conclusions

Loss‐framed financial incentives with personalized goal setting significantly increased physical activity among ischemic heart disease patients using wearable devices during the 16‐week intervention, and effects were sustained during the 8‐week follow‐up.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02531022.
Heinrich Kornmanns Mons Veneris (1614) als mythologisches Handbuch in der Tradition von Lilio Gregorio Giraldi (De Dei Gentilium, 1548) und Johann Herold (Heydenweldt, 1554)
Authors: Baehr Antonius
Published: June 2018

The aim of the study is to show that Heinrich Kornmann’s Mons Veneris (1614) contains a translation of Lilio Giraldi’s mythological compendium De Dei Gentilium (1548). However, Kornmann is not a translator but rather a copyist, since his translation turns out to be an excerpt of the Heydenwelt (1554) by Johann Herold, who was the first to ever transfer Giraldi into German. To prove Kornmann’s dependency on Herold and Giraldi, the article elaborates on Kornmann’s strategies of adapting his models.
Taxonomic revision of Peliosanthes bakeri and P. violacea (Asparagaceae), with description of two new species from Bangladesh and India
Authors: TANAKA NORIYUKI
Published: June 2018

Syntypes of Peliosanthes bakeri and four varieties (var. clarkei, var. minor, var. princeps and var. violacea) of P. violacea were reexamined to review their identities. As a result, it turned out that the syntypes of P. bakeri comprise two species, P. griffithii and P. subspicata sp. nov., and those of P. violacea include at least six species, P. griffithii, P. khasiana sp. nov., P. macrostegia, P. subspicata, P. teta, and P. violacea. The two new species, P. khasiana from NE India and P. subspicata from Bangladesh and NE India are described and illustrated. The other four species recognised are taxonomically revised as to their identity, circumscription and distribution. In this connection, lectotypes for five taxa are designated. An identification key for the six species recognised is also provided.
Ipomoea kahloiae (Convolvulaceae), a noteworthy new species endemic to Guerrero, Mexico
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-MARTÍNEZ CÉSAR ADRIÁN , LOZADA-PÉREZ LUCIO , RIOS-CARRASCO SANDRA , ALVARADO-CÁRDENAS LEONARDO O. , MARTÍNEZ-GONZÁLEZ CÉSAR RAMIRO , CASTRO-LARA JOSÉ MANUEL , JIMÉNEZ-RAMÍREZ JAIME
Published: June 2018

A new species of Ipomoea, I. kahloiae, is described and illustrated. It is endemic to tropical semideciduous forests in the Acahuizotla area of the Sierra Madre del Sur in Guerrero, Mexico. Information about its distribution, ecology, conservation and morphology is provided. Phylograms are presented to clarify the relationships of this new species within Ipomoea.
Morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis reveal a new species of Phellinus with hooked hymenial setae from Vietnam
Authors: ZHU LIN , JI XING , SI JING , CUI BAO-KAI
Published: June 2018

Phellinus vietnamensis sp. nov. is described from Vietnam based on morphological characters and molecular data. Morphologically, it is characterized by perennial, pileate basidiomata, a dimitic hyphal system, hooked hymenial setae, and colorless, broadly subglobose to ovoid, thick-walled basidiospores 5.5–6 × 4.8–5.2 μm. Phylogenetically, the status of Phellinus vietnamensis is strongly supported based on sequences of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (EF1-α) nuclear large subunit rDNA (nrLSU) and the second largest subunits of RNA polymerase II (RPB2).
A review of the Elachista subula Parenti species complex (Lepidoptera, Elachistidae), with descriptions of nine new Palearctic species
Authors: KAILA LAURI , NUPPONEN KARI
Published: June 2018

Taxonomy of the here established Elachista subula species complex is reviewed. This species complex is subordinate to the E. dispilella group sensu Kaila et al. (2015), in subgenus Aphelosetia. The E. subula species complex is exclusively Palearctic. Most of the currently recognized species occur in dry areas in Central Asia where they appear to form a significant part of the Elachista diversity. The constituent species are characterized by a phallus with bent and sharp-tipped apex, and the vesica with one weakly sclerotized plate-like cornutus that usually bears one blunt or spine-like tooth. Fourteen species are recognized, of which the following 9 are described as new: E. ameteria Kaila, sp. nov. (Type locality country Kazakhstan), E. cisoria Kaila, sp. nov. (Spain), E. cultella Kaila, sp. nov. (Mongolia), E. drepanella Kaila, sp. nov. (Russia: Tuva), E. marusiki Kaila, sp. nov. (Mongolia), E. perona Kaila, sp. nov. (Kyrgyzstan), E. platamodes Kaila, sp. nov. (Croatia), E. scalpra Kaila, sp. nov. (Turkey) and E. spinipyra Kaila, sp. nov. (Turkmenistan). Redescriptions are given to E. mus Parenti¸ E. bimaculata Parenti, E. semnani Parenti, E. subula Parenti and E. acutella Kaila.
Two new European species of the marine genus Tubificoides (Annelida: Clitellata: Naididae) with notes on the morphology of T. pseudogaster (Dahl, 1960)
Authors: KVIST SEBASTIAN , ERSÉUS CHRISTER
Published: June 2018

Two new species of Tubificoides (subfamily Tubificinae), T. charlotteae n. sp. and T. mackiei n. sp., are described based on morphological analyses. Both species were flagged as potentially cryptic in a previous investigation, based on both mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data. Tubificoides charlotteae n. sp., known only from an intertidal site in southern Spain, is characterized by the lack of cuticular papillation, the possession of several needle-like hair chaetae in dorsal bundles, a cone-shaped penis sheath, and a rather large, muscular penial sac. It strongly resembles the north-west European, largely sublittoral species T. amplivasatus, but differs from this species in terms of body size, width of vas deferens, and the shape and size of both the ejaculatory duct and penial sac. Tubificoides mackiei n. sp., collected from the southeast coast of Norway and the west coast of Sweden, is characterized by the lack of cuticular papillae and hair chaetae, and the possession of a rather long penis sheath with a wide terminal opening. It shares several morphological features with the sympatric species Tubificoides pseudogaster, but is distinguished from the latter by the detailed morphology and length of the penis sheaths, the width of the atrium, and the lower maximal number of bifid chaetae in dorsal preclitellar bundles. The utility of an integrative comparative approach, combining molecules and morphology, for the identification and delineation of new taxa within Tubificoides is briefly discussed.