bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Intention to Quit Waterpipe Smoking: A Survey of Arab Americans in Houston, Texas
Authors: Athamneh Liqa , Sansgiry Sujit S. , Essien E. James , Abughosh Susan
Published: March 2015

Waterpipe smoking has been described as “the second global tobacco epidemic since the cigarette.” Both Middle Eastern ethnicity and having a friend of Middle Eastern ethnicity have been reported as significant predictors of waterpipe smoking. Addressing waterpipe smoking in this ethnic minority is essential to controlling this growing epidemic in the US. We investigated the predictors of an intention to quit waterpipe smoking by surveying 340 Arab American adults in the Houston area. Primary analyses were conducted using stepwise logistic regression. Only 27% of participants reported having an intention to quit waterpipe smoking. Intention to quit waterpipe smoking was significantly higher with history of cigar use, a prior attempt to quit, and not smoking when seriously ill and significantly lower with increasing age, medium cultural acceptability of using waterpipe among family, high cultural acceptability of using waterpipe among friends, longer duration of smoking sessions, and perceiving waterpipe smoking as less harmful than cigarettes. Educational programs that target Arab Americans in general, and specifically older adults, those who smoke waterpipe for more than 60 minutes, those whose family and friends approve waterpipe smoking, and those with no former attempts to quit, may be necessary to increase the intention to quit waterpipe smoking.
Transmission Dynamics of Resistant Bacteria in a Predator-Prey System
Authors: Gao Xubin , Pan Qiuhui , He Mingfeng
Published: March 2015

This paper discusses the impact on human health caused by the addition of antibiotics in the feed of food animals. We use the established transmission rule of resistant bacteria and combine it with a predator-prey system to determine a differential equations model. The equations have three steady equilibrium points corresponding to three population dynamics states under the influence of resistant bacteria. In order to quantitatively analyze the stability of the equilibrium points, we focused on the basic reproduction numbers. Then, both the local and global stability of the equilibrium points were quantitatively analyzed by using essential mathematical methods. Numerical results are provided to relate our model properties to some interesting biological cases. Finally, we discuss the effect of the two main parameters of the model, the proportion of antibiotics added to feed and the predation rate, and estimate the human health impacts related to the amount of feed antibiotics used. We further propose an approach for the prevention of the large-scale spread of resistant bacteria and illustrate the necessity of controlling the amount of in-feed antibiotics used.
Integrated DEA Models and Grey System Theory to Evaluate Past‐to‐Future Performance: A Case of Indian Electricity Industry
Authors: Wang Chia-Nan , Nguyen Nhu-Ty , Tran Thanh-Tuyen
Published: March 2015

The growth of economy and population together with the higher demand in energy has created many concerns for the Indian electricity industry whose capacity is at 211 gigawatts mostly in coal‐fired plants. Due to insufficient fuel supply, India suffers from a shortage of electricity generation, leading to rolling blackouts; thus, performance evaluation and ranking the industry turn into significant issues. By this study, we expect to evaluate the rankings of these companies under control of the Ministry of Power. Also, this research would like to test if there are any significant differences between the two DEA models: Malmquist nonradial and Malmquist radial. Then, one advance model of MPI would be chosen to see these companies’ performance in recent years and next few years by using forecasting results of Grey system theory. Totally, the realistic data 14 are considered to be in this evaluation after the strict selection from the whole industry. The results found that all companies have not shown many abrupt changes on their scores, and it is always not consistently good or consistently standing out, which demonstrated the high applicable usability of the integrated methods. This integrated numerical research gives a better “past‐present‐future” insights into performance evaluation in Indian electricity industry.
Effectiveness of the Lower Eyelid Suspension Using Fascia Lata Graft for the Treatment of Lagophthalmos due to Facial Paralysis
Authors: Sendul Selam Yekta , Cagatay Halil Huseyin , Dirim Burcu , Demir Mehmet , Acar Zeynep , Olgun Ali , Can Efe , Guven Dilek
Published: March 2015

Purpose. To evaluate of functional and cosmetic effectiveness of lower eyelid sling technique with fascia lata graft in patients with lagophthalmos due to facial paralysis.Material and Method. Ten patients with a mean age of55.1±19.77years who underwent lower eyelid sling surgery with a fascia lata graft between September 2011 and January 2014 were included in this prospective study. Preoperatively and postoperatively patients were evaluated in terms of corneal epithelial defects, Schirmer’s test, and tear break-up time (TBUT). Cosmetically, vertical eyelid aperture, margin reflex distances 1 and 2 (MRD1 and MRD2) and scleral show were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively.Results. One patient had facial paralysis on the right side whereas the other 9 patients had facial paralysis on the left side. Preoperatively, 3 patients were detected with corneal ulcer, whereas 7 patients were detected with persistent corneal epithelial defects localized in the lower half of the cornea. In the 3 patients with preoperative corneal ulcer, the ulcer recovered with corneal opacity, whereas in the 7 patients with punctate epitheliopathy, postoperative corneal transparency was obtained.Discussion. Lower eyelid sling technique with fascia lata graft is an effective technique for the repositioning of the lower eyelid and preventing the corneal complications.
Wireless Underground Sensor Networks: Channel Modeling and Operation Analysis in the Terahertz Band
Authors: Akkaş Mustafa Alper , Sokullu Radosveta
Published: March 2015

Wireless underground sensor networks (WUSNs) are networks of sensor nodes operating below the ground surface, which are envisioned to provide real-time monitoring capabilities in the complex underground environments consisting of soil, water, oil, and other components. In this paper, we investigate the possibilities and limitations of using WUSNs for increasing the efficiency of oil recovery processes. To realize this, millimeter scale sensor nodes with antennas at the same scale should be deployed in the confined oil reservoir fractures. This necessitates the sensor nodes to be operating in the terahertz (THz) range and the main challenge is establishing reliable underground communication despite the hostile environment which does not allow the direct use of most existing wireless solutions. The major problems are extremely high path loss, small communication range, and high dynamics of the electromagnetic (EM) waves when penetrating through soil, sand, and water and through the very specific crude oil medium. The objective of the paper is to address these issues in order to propose a novel communication channel model considering the propagation properties of terahertz EM waves in the complex underground environment of the oil reservoirs and to investigate the feasible transmission distances between nodes for different water-crude-oil-soil-CO2compositions.
Transcatheter Arterial Coil Embolization of Ruptured Common Hepatic Artery Aneurysm in a Patient with Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Hotta Akihiro , Kuwatsuru Ryohei , Asahi Kouichi , Okada Shingo , Tsuge Daisuke , Shiraishi Akihiko , Takasaki Yoshinari
Published: March 2015

Hepatic artery aneurysm is a rare and potentially life-threatening entity. We report a case of ruptured common hepatic artery aneurysm in a patient with Behçet’s disease. The ruptured aneurysm was treated successfully with transcatheter arterial coil embolization. Transcatheter arterial embolization is the preferred treatment modality in patients at high risk of surgical intervention.
Oxidative Stability of Baru (Dipteryx alataVogel) Oil Monitored by Fluorescence and Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Silva Vanessa D. , Conceição José N. , Oliveira Ivan P. , Lescano Caroline H. , Muzzi Rozanna M. , Filho Omar P. S. , Conceição Edemilson C. , Casagrande Gleison A. , Caires Anderson R. L.
Published: March 2015

Baru (Dipteryx alataVogel) is a native fruit of the Brazilian savanna that provides a nutritive oil, which also has medicinal properties. Baru fruits were collected in central-western Brazil, and the oil was obtained by pressing the seeds. The Baru oil was heated at 110°C for 24 h, and its oxidative stability was investigated by using fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. The data showed that both absorption and fluorescence were able to precisely monitor the oil degradation induced by the thermooxidative process. The results revealed a rapid growth of the primary compounds generation in the first 16 hours of degradation. Significant amounts of secondary compounds began to be generated after 14 hours.
Robust and Sustained Effect of Ketamine Infusions Coadministered with Conventional Antidepressants in a Patient with Refractory Major Depression
Authors: Montes José Manuel , Luján Elena , Pascual Fernado , Beleña Jose María , Perez-Santar Jose Luis , Irastorza Luis Javier , Saiz-Ruiz Jerónimo
Published: March 2015

Antidepressant treatments show low capacity to achieve full clinical remissions. Electroconvulsive therapy is an alternative treatment which has been shown to be more effective but it is not well tolerated and there are concerns regarding its safety. We present the case of a patient with resistant depression and modest and transient response to ECT and who showed a robust and maintained response after six i.v. ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) infusions without withdrawing her antidepressant regimen. Ketamine was very well tolerated. This case illustrates the potential role of ketamine as a booster to standard antidepressants.
Stock Market Trading Rules Discovery Based on Biclustering Method
Authors: Xue Yun , Liu Zhiwen , Luo Jie , Ma Zhihao , Zhang Meizhen , Hu Xiaohui , Kuang Qiuhua
Published: March 2015

The prediction of stock market’s trend has become a challenging task for a long time, which is affected by a variety of deterministic and stochastic factors. In this paper, a biclustering algorithm is introduced to find the local patterns in the quantized historical data. The local patterns obtained are regarded as the trading rules. Then the trading rules are applied in the short term prediction of the stock price, combined with the minimum-error-rate classification of the Bayes decision theory under the assumption of multivariate normal probability model. In addition, this paper also makes use of the idea of the stream mining to weaken the impact of historical data on the model and update the trading rules dynamically. The experiment is implemented on real datasets and the results prove the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Prevention of Carcinogen and Inflammation-Induced Dermal Cancer by Oral Rapamycin Includes Reducing Genetic Damage
Authors: Dao Vinh , Pandeswara Srilakshmi , Liu Yang , Hurez Vincent , Dodds Sherry , Callaway Danielle , Liu Aijie , Hasty Paul , Sharp Zelton D. , Curiel Tyler J.
Published: March 2015

Cancer prevention is a cost-effective alternative to treatment. In mice, the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin prevents distinct spontaneous, noninflammatory cancers, making it a candidate broad-spectrum cancer prevention agent. We now show that oral microencapsulated rapamycin (eRapa) prevents skin cancer in dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) carcinogen-induced, inflammation-driven carcinogenesis. eRapa given before DMBA/TPA exposure significantly increased tumor latency, reduced papilloma prevalence and numbers, and completely inhibited malignant degeneration into squamous cell carcinoma. Rapamycin is primarily an mTORC1-specific inhibitor, but eRapa did not reduce mTORC1 signaling in skin or papillomas, and did not reduce important proinflammatory factors in this model, including p-Stat3, IL17A, IL23, IL12, IL1β, IL6, or TNFα. In support of lack of mTORC1 inhibition, eRapa did not reduce numbers or proliferation of CD45−CD34+CD49fmid skin cancer initiating stem cells in vivo and marginally reduced epidermal hyperplasia. Interestingly, eRapa reduced DMBA/TPA-induced skin DNA damage and the hras codon 61 mutation that specifically drives carcinogenesis in this model, suggesting reduction of DNA damage as a cancer prevention mechanism. In support, cancer prevention and DNA damage reduction effects were lost when eRapa was given after DMBA-induced DNA damage in vivo. eRapa afforded picomolar concentrations of rapamycin in skin of DMBA/TPA-exposed mice, concentrations that also reduced DMBA-induced DNA damage in mouse and human fibroblasts in vitro. Thus, we have identified DNA damage reduction as a novel mechanism by which rapamycin can prevent cancer, which could lay the foundation for its use as a cancer prevention agent in selected human populations. Cancer Prev Res; 8(5); 400–9. ©2015 AACR.
Loss of MIG6 Accelerates Initiation and Progression of Mutant Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Driven Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Maity Tapan K. , Venugopalan Abhilash , Linnoila Ilona , Cultraro Constance M. , Giannakou Andreas , Nemati Roxanne , Zhang Xu , Webster Joshua D. , Ritt Daniel , Ghosal Sarani , Hoschuetzky Heinz , Simpson R. Mark , Biswas Romi , Politi Katerina , Morrison Deborah K. , Varmus Harold E. , Guha Udayan
Published: March 2015

Somatic mutations in the EGFR kinase domain drive lung adenocarcinoma. We have previously identified MIG6, an inhibitor of ERBB signaling and a potential tumor suppressor, as a target for phosphorylation by mutant EGFRs. Here, we demonstrate that MIG6 is a tumor suppressor for the initiation and progression of mutant EGFR–driven lung adenocarcinoma in mouse models. Mutant EGFR–induced lung tumor formation was accelerated in Mig6-deficient mice, even with Mig6 haploinsufficiency. We demonstrate that constitutive phosphorylation of MIG6 at Y394/Y395 in EGFR-mutant human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines is associated with an increased interaction of MIG6 with mutant EGFR, which may stabilize EGFR protein. MIG6 also fails to promote mutant EGFR degradation. We propose a model whereby increased tyrosine phosphorylation of MIG6 decreases its capacity to inhibit mutant EGFR. Nonetheless, the residual inhibition is sufficient for MIG6 to delay mutant EGFR–driven tumor initiation and progression in mouse models.

Significance: This study demonstrates that MIG6 is a potent tumor suppressor for mutant EGFR–driven lung tumor initiation and progression in mice and provides a possible mechanism by which mutant EGFR can partially circumvent this tumor suppressor in human lung adenocarcinoma. Cancer Discov; 5(5); 534–49. ©2015 AACR.

See related commentary by Izumchenko and Sidransky, p. 472.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 453
IFNγ Induces DNA Methylation–Silenced GPR109A Expression via pSTAT1/p300 and H3K18 Acetylation in Colon Cancer
Authors: Bardhan Kankana , Paschall Amy V. , Yang Dafeng , Chen May R. , Simon Priscilla S. , Bhutia Yangzom D. , Martin Pamela M. , Thangaraju Muthusamy , Browning Darren D. , Ganapathy Vadivel , Heaton Christopher M. , Gu Keni , Lee Jeffrey R. , Liu Kebin
Published: March 2015

Short-chain fatty acids, metabolites produced by colonic microbiota from fermentation of dietary fiber, act as anti-inflammatory agents in the intestinal tract to suppress proinflammatory diseases. GPR109A is the receptor for short-chain fatty acids. The functions of GPR109A have been the subject of extensive studies; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying GPR109A expression is largely unknown. We show that GPR109A is highly expressed in normal human colon tissues, but is silenced in human colon carcinoma cells. The GPR109A promoter DNA is methylated in human colon carcinoma. Strikingly, we observed that IFNγ, a cytokine secreted by activated T cells, activates GPR109A transcription without altering its promoter DNA methylation. Colon carcinoma grows significantly faster in IFNγ-deficient mice than in wild-type mice in an orthotopic colon cancer mouse model. A positive correlation was observed between GPR109A protein level and tumor-infiltrating T cells in human colon carcinoma specimens, and IFNγ expression level is higher in human colon carcinoma tissues than in normal colon tissues. We further demonstrated that IFNγ rapidly activates pSTAT1 that binds to the promoter of p300 to activate its transcription. p300 then binds to the GPR109A promoter to induce H3K18 hyperacetylation, resulting in chromatin remodeling in the methylated GPR109A promoter. The IFNγ-activated pSTAT1 then directly binds to the methylated but hyperacetylated GPR109 promoter to activate its transcription. Overall, our data indicate that GPR109A acts as a tumor suppressor in colon cancer, and the host immune system might use IFNγ to counteract DNA methylation–mediated GPR109A silencing as a mechanism to suppress tumor development. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(7); 795–805. ©2015 AACR.
The Epstein–Barr Virus Lytic Protein BZLF1 as a Candidate Target Antigen for Vaccine Development
Authors: Hartlage Alex S. , Liu Tom , Patton John T. , Garman Sabrina L. , Zhang Xiaoli , Kurt Habibe , Lozanski Gerard , Lustberg Mark E. , Caligiuri Michael A. , Baiocchi Robert A.
Published: March 2015

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic, γ-herpesvirus associated with a broad spectrum of disease. Although most immune-competent individuals can effectivley develop efficient adaptive immune responses to EBV, immunocompromised individuals are at serious risk for developing life-threatening diseases, such as Hodgkin lymphoma and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Given the significant morbidity associated with EBV infection in high-risk populations, there is a need to develop vaccine strategies that restore or enhance EBV-specific immune responses. Here, we identify the EBV immediate-early protein BZLF1 as a potential target antigen for vaccine development. Primary tumors from patients with PTLD and a chimeric human-murine model of EBV-driven lymphoproliferative disorder (EBV-LPD) express BZLF1 protein. Pulsing human dendritic cells (DC) with recombinant BZLF1 followed by incubation with autologous mononuclear cells led to expansion of BZLF1-specific CD8+ T cells in vitro and primed BZLF1-specific T-cell responses in vivo. In addition, vaccination of hu-PBL-SCID mice with BZLF1-transduced DCs induced specific cellular immunity and significantly prolonged survival from fatal EBV-LPD. These findings identify BZLF1 as a candidate target protein in the immunosurveillance of EBV and provide a rationale for considering BZLF1 in vaccine strategies to enhance primary and recall immune responses and potentially prevent EBV-associated diseases. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(7); 787–94. ©2015 AACR.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Source of Schwann Cells: Their Anticipated Use in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Wakao Shohei , Matsuse Dai , Dezawa Mari
Published: March 2015

Schwann cells form myelin, sustain axons and provide the microenvironment for nerve fibers, thereby playing a key role in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Schwann cells also provide support for the damaged PNS by producing factors that strongly promote axonal regrowth and contribute to remyelination, which is crucial for the recovery of neural function. These advantages are not confined to the PNS and also apply to the central nervous system. Many diseases, including peripheral nerve injury, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury, are targets for Schwann cell therapy. The collection of Schwann cells, however, causes new damage to other peripheral nerve segments. Furthermore, the doubling time of Schwann cells is not very fast, and thus adequate amounts of Schwann cells for clinical use cannot be collected within a reasonable amount of time. Mesenchymal stem cells, which are highly proliferative, are easily accessible from various types of mesenchymal tissues, such as the bone marrow, umbilical cord and fat tissue. Because these cells have the ability to cross oligolineage boundaries between mesodermal to ectodermal lineages, they are capable of differentiating into Schwann cells with step-by-step cytokine stimulation. In this review, we summarize the properties of mesenchymal stem cell-derived Schwann cells, which are comparable to authentic Schwann cells, and discuss future perspectives.
Chronic Psychological Distress as an Inducer of Microglial Activation and Leukocyte Recruitment into the Area Postrema
Authors: Vargas-Caraveo Alejandra , Pérez-Ishiwara David Guillermo , Martínez-Martínez Alejandro
Published: March 2015

Background: Chronic psychological distress can cause neuroinflammation, but the involvement of leukocytes in this inflammatory response remains unclear. The area postrema (AP) is considered a neural-immune interface because it lacks a blood-brain barrier and a site for leukocyte recruitment in neuroinflammatory conditions induced by immunological insults, but its role in chronic psychological distress has not been explored. Objective: To determine leukocyte recruitment to the AP after chronic psychological distress. Methods: Rats were exposed to cat odor for 5 consecutive days to induce distress, and, on the 6th day, their brains were dissected to perform immunohistofluorescence studies of the AP. Immune cells were identified and quantified with CD45 and CD11b markers. The distribution of neurons and immune cells was determined using TrkA and CD45 markers, respectively. Results: Distress induced a significant increase in CD45+ and CD11b+ cells in the AP. Three immunophenotypes were determined in the control and distress groups: CD45+/CD11b-, CD45+/CD11b+ and CD45-/CD11b+. CD expression, morphology and fluorescence intensity enabled the identification of different immune cell types: starting from longitudinal ramified microglia (mainly in the control group) to amoeboid microglia, monocytes and lymphocytes (mostly in the distressed group). TrkA and CD45 expression in the AP revealed the proximity between soma neurons and leukocytes. Interestingly, some CD45+ cells expressed TrkA, with increased expression in the distressed group. Conclusions: The identification of microglial activation, leukocyte recruitment and the close proximity between neurons and leukocytes in the AP after chronic psychological distress exposure suggests the AP as a site for distress-induced immune responses and engraftment of leukocytes infiltrating the CNS.
A Direct Performance Test for Assessing Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Mild Degenerative Dementia: The Development of the ETAM and Preliminary Results
Authors: Schmiedeberg-Sohn Anke , Graessel Elmar , Luttenberger Katharina
Published: March 2015

Background: There are currently only a few performance tests that assess the capacity to perform activities of daily living. These measures frequently require a long time to administer, are strongly cognition oriented, or have not been adequately validated. Methods: The Erlangen Test of Activities of Daily Living in Mild Dementia (ETAM) was developed in a 4-phase process that was based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). A pilot study was conducted on 30 subjects with mild dementia with a mean age of 80 years. The subjects' mean score on the MMSE was 21.5. Twenty-one of the 30 subjects were women. Results: Ten items were developed and tested in the pilot study. The mean time required to complete the test was 26 min. The item analysis showed difficulties that ranged primarily from r = 0.28 to r = 0.79. The ETAM had a moderate correlation with the MMSE (rMMSE = 0.310) and a low correlation with the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15; rGDS-15 = 0.149). Conclusion: The preliminary version of the ETAM is quick and easy to use and has predominantly satisfactory item characteristics. There still is the need to revise the items ‘giving directions' and ‘making tea' with regard to standardisation.
Neurotological Parameters and Prognosis of Bell's Palsy Patients
Authors: Chung Ji Hyun , Lee Sun Kyu , Kim Sang Hoon , Yeo Seung Geun , Park Moon Suh , Byun Jae Yong
Published: March 2015

Background: To investigate the relationship with prognosis, various neurotological examinations evaluating all four nerves within the internal auditory canal were performed in patients with Bell's palsy. Methods: A total of 69 consecutive patients with Bell's palsy were included. They were treated uniformly with steroid and an antiviral agent and underwent neurotological examinations consisting of electronystagmography, pure-tone audiometry (PTA), electroneurography (ENoG), caloric test, rotatory chair test and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP). According to the final recovery state, patients were divided into two groups: a complete recovery group and an incomplete recovery group. The incidence of abnormal findings in each test was compared between the two groups. Results: Fifty-six patients recovered completely and 13 patients recovered incompletely. No association was observed between the rate of ipsilesional PTA threshold and the rate of abnormal caloric test, function tests and recovery state. However, the initial state of facial palsy, ENoG and the rate of abnormal cVEMP were significantly correlated with the rate of recovery. Conclusion: The results indicate that Bell's palsy may be more comparable to mononeuritis multiplex and that cVEMP could be a useful tool for predicting the prognosis of Bell's palsy.
Does the Obesity Survival Paradox of Dialysis Patients Differ with Age?
Authors: Calabia Jordi , Arcos Emma , Carrero Juan Jesús , Comas Jordi , Vallés Martí
Published: March 2015

Background: The obesity paradox of hemodialysis patients (the association between obesity and survival) could be modified by age. We hypothesize that whereas obesity associates with survival in elderly patients, it behaves as a mortality risk marker in younger individuals. Methods: Retrospective study of 2002-2010 adult incident hemodialysis to analyze the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and annual body weight changes with mortality in different age strata. Results: Included in the study were 6,290 individuals. A progressive decrease in mortality was associated with increasing BMI ranges. Both annual body weight gains and losses were associated with mortality. Similar results were observed in elderly individuals, but in the BMI values of young patients, there were no significant differences in mortality. Conclusion: There is a survival benefit with increasing BMI in patients overall. However, while these results persist in patients >65 years, in young people there are no changes in mortality. Patients with the highest inter-annual variability in weight have an increased risk.
Effect of the Mediterranean Diet on the Lipid-Lipoprotein Profile: Is It Influenced by the Family History of Dyslipidemia?
Authors: Bédard Alexandra , Corneau Louise , Vohl Marie-Claude , Dodin Sylvie , Lemieux Simone
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: To examine whether a family history of dyslipidemia influences the lipid-lipoprotein response to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet). Methods: We recruited 36 individuals with a positive family history of dyslipidemia (i.e. having at least one first-degree relative with a diagnosis of dyslipidemia) and 28 individuals with a negative family history of dyslipidemia, aged between 24 and 53 years, who had slightly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations (3.4-4.9 mmol/l) or a total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio ≥5.0. Variables related to the lipid-lipoprotein profile were measured before and after a 4-week isocaloric MedDiet during which all foods and drinks were provided to participants. Results: A group by time interaction was noted for plasma total cholesterol concentrations (p = 0.03), subjects with a negative family history of dyslipidemia having greater decreases than those with a positive family history of dyslipidemia (-11.3 vs. -5.1%, respectively). Decreases in LDL-C, HDL-C, total cholesterol to HDL-C ratio, LDL-C to HDL-C ratio, apo B, apo A-1, apo A-2 and apo B to apo A-1 ratio were noted, with no difference between groups (p for group by time interaction ≥0.11). Conclusions: Results highlight that inherited susceptibilities to dyslipidemia may explain at least in part the heterogeneity in the cholesterol-lowering effects of the MedDiet.
Surgical Intervention after Catheter Removal in a Case of Refractory Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis
Authors: Yan Hao , Bian Zhengqian , Zhang Weiming , Fang Yan , Che Miaolin , Fang Wei
Published: March 2015

Peritonitis is the most common infection in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and has been noted to be not only a cause of mortality but also the leading cause of technique failure in patients maintained on PD. Appropriate management of peritonitis to improve patient outcome has been the focus of clinical practice. We report a case of refractory PD-related peritonitis with surgical intervention intending to control ongoing peritoneal infection despite aggressive antibiotics and timely catheter removal. Exploratory laparotomy was performed in this case, and an encapsulated abscess in the peritoneal and pelvic cavity was obliterated. Adhesiolysis was done simultaneously. Continuous postoperative peritoneal lavage and drainage were implemented. Symptoms dramatically improved after operation, and indwelling tubes were removed several days later. Finally, the patient recovered and switched to permanent hemodialysis without intra-abdominal complications. Our case suggested that appropriate and timely surgical intervention in refractory peritonitis is necessary for saving lives in certain subgroups of patients. Clearly, well-designed studies with large samples are warranted to explore this issue in more detail.
Analysis for Genetic Modifiers of Disease Severity in Patients With Long-QT Syndrome Type 2
Authors: Kolder Iris C.R.M. , Tanck Michael W.T. , Postema Pieter G. , Barc Julien , Sinner Moritz F. , Zumhagen Sven , Husemann Anja , Stallmeyer Birgit , Koopmann Tamara T. , Hofman Nynke , Pfeufer Arne , Lichtner Peter , Meitinger Thomas , Beckmann Britt M. , Myerburg Robert J. , Bishopric Nanette H. , Roden Dan M. , Kääb Stefan , Wilde Arthur A.M. , Schott Jean-Jacques , Schulze-Bahr Eric , Bezzina Connie R.
Published: March 2015

Background—

Considerable interest exists in the identification of genetic modifiers of disease severity in the long-QT syndrome (LQTS) as their identification may contribute to refinement of risk stratification.

Methods and Results—

We searched for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that modulate the corrected QT (QTc)-interval and the occurrence of cardiac events in 639 patients harboring different mutations in
KCNH2
. We analyzed 1201 SNPs in and around 18 candidate genes, and in another approach investigated 22 independent SNPs previously identified as modulators of QTc-interval in genome-wide association studies in the general population. In an analysis for quantitative effects on the QTc-interval, 3 independent SNPs at
NOS1AP
(rs10494366,
P
=9.5×10
−8
; rs12143842,
P
=4.8×10
−7
; and rs2880058,
P
=8.6×10
−7
) were strongly associated with the QTc-interval with marked effects (>12 ms/allele). Analysis of patients versus general population controls uncovered enrichment of QTc-prolonging alleles in patients for 2 SNPs, located respectively at
NOS1AP
(rs12029454; odds ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.32–2.59;
P
=3×10
−4
) and
KCNQ1
(rs12576239; odds ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–2.60;
P
=5×10
−4
). An analysis of the cumulative effect of the 6
NOS1AP
SNPs by means of a multilocus genetic risk score (GRS

NOS1AP

) uncovered a strong linear relationship between GRS

NOS1AP

and the QTc-interval (
P
=4.2×10
−7
). Furthermore, patients with a GRS

NOS1AP

in the lowest quartile had a lower relative risk of cardiac events compared with patients in the other quartiles combined (
P
=0.039).

Conclusions—

We uncovered unexpectedly large effects of
NOS1AP
SNPs on the QTc-interval and a trend for effects on risk of cardiac events. For the first time, we linked common genetic variation at
KCNQ1
with risk of long-QT syndrome.
Population Risk Prediction Models for Incident Heart Failure
Authors: Echouffo-Tcheugui Justin B. , Greene Stephen J. , Papadimitriou Lampros , Zannad Faiez , Yancy Clyde W. , Gheorghiade Mihai , Butler Javed
Published: March 2015

Background—

The prevalence of heart failure is expected to significantly rise unless high-risk patients are effectively screened and appropriate, cost-effective prevention interventions are implemented.

Methods and Results—

We performed a systematic review to evaluate the prediction characteristics of the published heart failure risk prediction models as of August 2014 using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Eligible studies reported the development, validation, or impact assessment of a model. Two investigators performed independent review to extract data on study design and characteristics, risk predictors, discrimination, calibration, and reclassification ability of models, as well as validation and impact analysis. We included 13 publications reporting on 28 heart failure risk prediction models. Models had acceptable-to-good discriminatory ability (c-statistics, >0.70) in the derivation sample. Calibration was less commonly assessed, but was acceptable when it was. Only 2 models were externally validated more than once, displaying modest-to-acceptable discrimination (c-statistics, 0.61–0.79). When assessed, novel blood and imaging markers modestly improved risk prediction. One model assessed the prediction properties in race-based subgroups, whereas 2 models evaluated sex-based subgroups. Impact analysis found none of the models recommended for use in any clinical practice guideline.

Conclusions—

Incident heart failure risk prediction remains at an early stage. The discrimination ability of current models is acceptable in derivation data sets but most models have not been externally validated. It remains unclear which models are cost-effective and best suit population screening needs. The effects of models on clinical and preventative care requires further study.
Consequence of Cerebral Embolism After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Compared With Contemporary Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Uddin Akhlaque , Fairbairn Timothy A. , Djoukhader Ibrahim K. , Igra Mark , Kidambi Ananth , Motwani Manish , Herzog Bernhard , Ripley David P. , Musa Tarique Al , Goddard Anthony J.P. , Blackman Daniel J. , Plein Sven , Greenwood John P.
Published: March 2015

Background—

Incidence of cerebral microinfarcts is higher after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) compared with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). It is unknown whether these lesions persist and what direct impact they have on health-related quality of life. The objective was to identify predictors of cerebral microinfarction and measure their effect on health-related quality of life during 6 months after TAVI when compared with SAVR.

Methods and Results—

Cerebral MRI was conducted at baseline, post procedure, and 6 months using diffusion-weighted imaging. Health-related quality of life was measured at baseline, 30 days, and 6 months with short form-12 health outcomes and EuroQol 5 dimensions questionnaires. One hundred eleven patients (TAVI, n=71; SAVR, n=40) were studied. The incidence (54 [77%] versus 17 [43%];
P
=0.001) and number (3.4±4.9 versus 1.2±1.8;
P
=0.001) of new microinfarcts were greater after TAVI than after SAVR. The total volume per microinfarct was smaller in TAVI than in SAVR (0.23±0.24 versus 0.76±1.8 mL;
P
=0.04). The strongest associations for microinfarction were: TAVI (arch atheroma grade:
r
=0.46;
P
=0.0001) and SAVR (concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting:
r
=−0.33;
P
=0.03). Physical component score in TAVI increased after 30 days (32.1±6.6 versus 38.9±7.0;
P
<0.0001) and 6 months (40.4±9.3;
P
<0.0001); the improvement occurred later in SAVR (baseline: 34.9±10.6; 30 days: 35.9±10.2; 6 months: 42.8±11.2;
P
<0.001). After TAVI, there were no differences in the short form-12 health outcome scores according to the presence or size of new cerebral infarction.

Conclusions—

Cerebral microinfarctions are more common after TAVI compared with SAVR but seem to have no negative effect on early (30 days) or medium term (6 months) health-related quality of life. Aortic atheroma (TAVI) and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (SAVR) are independent risk factors for cerebral microinfarction.
Moderate‐to‐Vigorous Physical Activity With Accelerometry is Associated With Visceral Adipose Tissue in Adults
Authors: Murabito Joanne M. , Pedley Alison , Massaro Joseph M. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Esliger Dale , Blease Susan J. , Hoffman Udo , Fox Caroline S.
Published: March 2015

Background

We examined the relation between objectively measured physical activity with accelerometry and subcutaneous adipose tissue (
SAT
) and visceral adipose tissue (
VAT
) in a community‐based sample.

Methods and Results

We evaluated 1249 participants of the Framingham Third Generation and Omni
II
cohorts (mean age 51.7 years, 47% women) who underwent assessment of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (
MVPA
) with accelerometry over 5 to 7 days, and multi‐detector computed tomography for measurement of
SAT
and
VAT
volume; fat attenuation was estimated by
SAT
and
VAT
hounsfield units (
HU
). In women, higher levels of
MVPA
were associated with decreased
SAT
(
P
<0.0001) and
VAT
volume (
P
<0.0001). The average decrement in
VAT
per 30 minute/day increase in
MVPA
was −453 cm
3
(95%
CI
−574, −331). The association was attenuated but persisted upon adjustment for
BMI
(−122 cm
3
,
P
=0.002). Higher levels of
MVPA
were associated with higher
SAT HU
(all
P
≤0.01), a marker of fat quality, even after adjustment for
SAT
volume. Similar findings were observed in men but the magnitude of the association was less. Sedentary time was not associated with
SAT
or
VAT
volume or quality in men or women.

Conclusions

MVPA
was associated with less
VAT
and
SAT
and better fat quality.
Association of Short-Term Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs With Stroke in Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Chuang Shao-Yuan , Yu Yunxian , Huey-Herng Sheu Wayne , Tsai Yu-Ting , Liu Xin , Hsiung Chao A. , Tsai Hui-Ju
Published: March 2015

Background and Purpose—

Limited studies have investigated the risk of cerebrovascular events associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in subjects at high risk. We examined the short-term (defined as 30-day period) effect of selective and nonselective NSAIDs use on the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in patients with hypertension.

Methods—

We conducted a case-crossover study using the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. We identified 1653 hypertensive subjects with stroke (defined as
International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision
-CM-codes: 433.x, 434.x, and 436.x for ischemic stroke; 430 and 431 for hemorrhagic stroke) in 2010. We investigated the transient effect of NSAIDs use on stroke using conditional logistic regressions with the adjustment of potential confounders.

Results—

The results suggested that NSAIDs use during the 30 days before stroke was associated with a 1.57-fold increased risk of ischemic stroke, but not of hemorrhagic stroke (adjusted odds ratio, 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–1.97 for ischemic stroke; and adjusted odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.79–2.40 for hemorrhagic stroke). When classifying NSAIDs into selective and nonselective groups, nonselective NSAIDs use significantly increased the risk of ischemic stroke (adjusted odds ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–1.94), but not of hemorrhagic stroke (adjusted odds ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.90–2.73).

Conclusions—

The results demonstrate an increased risk of stroke, specifically ischemic stroke among hypertensive subjects with NSAIDs use. It would be important to closely monitor the transient effect of initial NSAIDs treatment, particularly in patients with hypertension.
Microloans and Women’s Freedom of Physical Mobility: Evidence from India
Authors: Singh Swati , Cready Cynthia
Published: March 2015

Earlier studies in India have documented both positive and negative effects of microloans on women; however, most of the studies have been qualitative in nature or geographically limited and have largely ignored sociocultural variations in the country that might influence the effectiveness of microloan programs. The present study uses nationally representative data from India, from the third wave of the National Family Health Survey (nfhs-3), and logistic regression to examine if getting a microloan affects women’s access to spaces outside their home, and whether this effect varies by the prevailing gender norms in their respective communities. The sample consists of 37,003 women aged 18-49 who were “usual residents” and knew about microloan programs in their communities. Results of the analysis indicate that the likelihood of full mobility (i.e., being allowed to go alone to the market, health facilities, and places outside the community) is higher for women who had taken a microloan, even after controlling for the effects of other individual-level and community-level predictors. Results also indicate that the microloan effect on women’s mobility does not differ by the normative context of their respective communities.
Scientific Diaspora: Stay Plans of Indian Faculty in the United States
Authors: Sabharwal Meghna , Varma Roli
Published: March 2015

In recent years, the “brain drain” experienced by developing countries, as their scientists and engineers chose to work and live permanently in developed countries, is seen as reversing. Although a reverse brain drain is projected as a new trend, a substantial number of immigrant scientists and engineers continue to work and live in developed countries. This paper presents the reasons why Indian faculty in science and engineering stay in the United States. Data for this study come from 51 in-depth interviews of faculty members of Indian origin working in various research universities across theus. Findings show that, although Indian faculty came to theusfor higher education without intending to become permanent residents, they chose to stay mostly due to the research opportunities, favorable work environments, career prospects and lifestyle preferences available in theus. They cope with the absence of family and cultural distance through periodic visits to India and by developing professional relationships with scientists and engineers in their home country—activities that facilitate transnational migration. The study adds validity to the international migration theory, which has not taken this particular group of faculty into consideration.
Heth impalutiensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Ransomnematoidea: Hethidae) a millipede parasite from Central Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: MALYSHEVA SVETLANA V. , MOHAGAN ALMA B. , SPIRIDONOV SERGEI E.
Published: March 2015

The nematode Heth impalutiensis n. sp. is described from an unidentified spirostreptid millipede (Harpagophoridae) from the Bukidnon Province of Mindanao, the Philippines. Based on morphological characters, H. impalutiensis n. sp. is closest to Asian-Pacific representatives of the genus. Females of H. impalutiensis n. sp. are close to H. dimorphum and H. vietnamensis in body size and form of the lateral lappets, but can be distinguished by the significantly longer tail. Males of H. impalutiensis n. sp. strongly resemble that of H. xaniophora by the presence of such a rare character combinations as mammiform papillae and a bursa-like cuticular fold, but can be easily differentiated by the numbers of genital papillae (7 vs 6 pairs, respectively). Heth impalutiensis n. sp. can be distinguished from all nominal species by hypertrophy of the anterior anal lip in females which overlaps the anal aperture. Phylogenetic analysis based on the newly obtained set of sequences did not provide an evidence of infraorder Rhigonematomorpha monophyly as two superfamilies Ransomnematoidea and Rhigonematoidea formed independent clades in the frames of ascaridid-spirurid-oxyurid super clade (Clade III of Nadler et al., 2007).
The misplaced genus Trischidocera Villeneuve (Diptera, Tachinidae)
Authors: NIHEI SILVIO S.
Published: March 2015

Trischidocera Villeneuve, 1915 includes two species, T. sauteri Villeneuve, 1915 (Taiwan and Malaysia) and T. yunnanensis Chao & Zhou, 1987 (China). The systematic placement of Trischidocera has been controversial. It was originally placed within the “Thryptoceratidae” (= “Actiidae”), then moved to Germariini, then considered an unplaced Tachinidae, and more recently placed in Ormiini. Here, the genus is revised, the type-species is redescribed and illustrated, and its systematic placement is discussed. The genus is removed from Ormiini and considered incertae sedis.
Rethinking women’s post-release reintegration and ‘success’
Authors: Carlton Bree , Segrave Marie
Published: March 2015

In this article, we interrogate three assumptions related to women’s post-release reintegration and success that are prevalent within and across official, institutional and criminological discourses and practice. Our analysis is based on qualitative interviews conducted with support workers and women about experiences and perceptions of support and success in Victoria, Australia. Ultimately, we contend that the introduction of women-specific policies and support programs in Victoria has had limited impact because they are at core premised upon the same problematic success-related assumptions that have failed to adequately serve mainstream prisoner populations, i.e. men. We issue a broader challenge to criminologists to rethink dominant understandings about post-release reintegration in the interests of facilitating alternative approaches that respond to the structural injustices that define the post-release trajectories of women and men.
The Soldier-Musician
Authors: Welborn Daniel C.
Published: March 2015

This article explores career opportunities in the United States Army available to recent high school or college graduates trained as instrumental musicians. Two current U.S. Army musicians share their journeys to the military ranks. The recruitment process, training requirements, professional opportunities, and day-to-day life of a musician in a U.S. Army Band are examined. These two soldiers offer their perspectives on the pros and cons of music careers in the military and make several suggestions for aspiring soldier-musicians. This article also addresses effects of recent budgetary cutbacks on Army musicians and ensembles.