bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carotid Plaque Positron Emission Tomography Imaging and Cerebral Ischemic Disease
Authors: Chaker Salama , Al-Dasuqi Khalid , Baradaran Hediyeh , Demetres Michelle , Delgado Diana , Nehmeh Sadek , Osborne Joseph R. , Christos Paul J. , Kamel Hooman , Gupta Ajay 
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose—

The clinical utility of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in evaluating carotid artery plaque vulnerability remains unclear. Two tracers of recent interest for carotid plaque imaging are
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose (
18
F-FDG) and
18
F-sodium fluoride (
18
F-NaF). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the association between carotid artery
18
F-FDG or
18
F-NaF uptake and recent or future cerebral ischemic events.

Methods—
A systematic review of Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and the Cochrane library was conducted from inception to December 2017 for articles evaluating PET tracer uptake in recently symptomatic versus asymptomatic carotid arteries, and articles evaluating carotid uptake in relation to future ischemic events. Cerebral ischemic events were defined as ipsilateral strokes, transient ischemic attacks, or amaurosis fugax. We quantitatively pooled studies by a random-effects model when 3 or more studies were amenable for analysis. We assessed the standardized mean difference between tracer uptake in the symptomatic versus asymptomatic carotid artery using Cohen’s d metric.

Results—

After screening 4144 unique articles, 13 prospective cohort studies assessing carotid artery
18
F-FDG uptake in patients with recent cerebral ischemia were eligible for review. Eleven cohorts of 290 subjects scanned with
18
F-FDG were eligible for meta-analysis. We found that carotid arteries ipsilateral to recent ischemic events had significantly higher
18
F-FDG uptake than asymptomatic arteries (Cohen’s d =0.492; CI=0.130–0.855;
P
=0.008) as well as significant heterogeneity (Cochran’s Q =31.5;
P
=0.0005;
I
2
=68.3%). Meta-regression was not performed due to the limited number of studies in the analysis. Only 2 studies investigating
18
F-NaF PET imaging, and another 2 articles investigating ischemic event recurrence were found.

Conclusions—

Recent ipsilateral cerebral ischemia may be associated with increased carotid
18
F-FDG uptake on PET imaging regardless of degree of carotid stenosis, although significant heterogeneity was found, and these results should be interpreted with caution. Emerging evidence suggests a similar association may be present with
18
F-NaF plaque uptake. More studies are warranted to provide definitive conclusions on the utility of
18
F-FDG or
18
F-NaF in carotid plaque evaluation before investigating carotid PET as a diagnostic tool for cerebral ischemic events.
sTRAIL-R2 (Soluble TNF [Tumor Necrosis Factor]-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Receptor 2) a Marker of Plaque Cell Apoptosis and Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Gonçalves Isabel , Singh Pratibha , Tengryd Christoffer , Cavalera Michele , Yao Mattisson Ingrid , Nitulescu Mihaela , Flor Persson Ana , Volkov Petr , Engström Gunnar , Orho-Melander Marju , Nilsson Jan , Edsfeldt Andreas 
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose—
Cellular apoptosis is an important feature in atherosclerosis, contributing to necrotic core formation, and plaque vulnerability. Activation of the death receptor TRAIL-R2 (TNF [tumor necrosis factor]-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2) through its ligand tumor necrosis factor-relate apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), induces apoptosis in cells in vitro. sTRAIL-R2 (soluble TRAIL-R2) was recently shown to predict cardiovascular events in healthy individuals. In the present study, we explored if plaque levels of sTRAIL-R2 and sTRAIL reflect plaque apoptosis and vulnerability and if plasma levels of these markers predict future events in subjects with advanced atherosclerosis.

Methods—

Plasma from 558 patients and 202 carotid plaques from the Carotid Plaque Imaging Project biobank were used. sTRAIL-R2, sTRAIL, and caspase-8 levels were assessed using a Proseek Multiplex CVD
96×96
assay. Active caspase-3 was measured using ELISA to assess plaque apoptosis. Plaque morphology was studied by immunohistochemistry. Inflammatory cytokines were assessed by Luminex. mRNA levels were quantified by RNA sequencing. Monocytes, T cells, B cells, and human coronary artery smooth muscle cells were used to study sTRAIL-R2 and sTRAIL release on cell apoptosis and inflammatory stimuli in vitro.

Results—
Plaque levels of sTRAIL-R2 and sTRAIL correlated to markers of extrinsic induced apoptosis (caspase-3 and -8). sTRAIL-R2 and sTRAIL protein expression were increased in symptomatic carotid plaques and patients with higher plasma levels of sTRAIL-R2 had a higher risk of future cardiovascular events. sTRAIL-R2 and sTRAIL were released upon activation of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway in vitro. sTRAIL-R2 and sTRAIL correlated with inflammatory cytokines, to CD68 expression and inversely to α-actin in the plaque tissue.

Conclusions—
The present study shows that sTRAIL-R2 and sTRAIL are associated to human plaque cell apoptosis, plaque inflammatory activity, and with symptomatic carotid plaques. Furthermore, high plasma levels of sTRAIL-R2 in plasma predict, independently, future cardiovascular events in individuals with manifest atherosclerotic disease.
Acute Diffusivity Biomarkers for Prediction of Motor and Language Outcome in Mild-to-Severe Stroke Patients
Authors: Moulton Eric , Magno Serena , Valabregue Romain , Amor-Sahli Melika , Pires Christine , Lehéricy Stéphane , Leger Anne , Samson Yves , Rosso Charlotte 
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose—
Early severity of stroke symptoms—especially in mild-to-severe stroke patients—are imperfect predictors of long-term motor and aphasia outcome. Motor function and language processing heavily rely on the preservation of important white matter fasciculi in the brain. Axial diffusivity (AD) from the diffusion tensor imaging model has repeatedly shown to accurately reflect acute axonal damage and is thus optimal to probe the integrity of important white matter bundles and their relationship with long-term outcome. Our aim was to investigate the independent prognostic value of the AD of white matter tracts in the motor and language network evaluated at 24 hours poststroke for motor and aphasia outcome at 3 months poststroke.

Methods—
Seventeen (motor cohort) and 28 (aphasia cohort) thrombolyzed patients with initial mild-to-severe stroke underwent a diffusion tensor imaging sequence at 24 hours poststroke. Motor and language outcome were evaluated at 3 months poststroke with a composite motor score and the aphasia handicap scale. We first used stepwise regression to determine which classic (age, initial motor or aphasia severity, and lesion volume) and imaging (ratio of affected/unaffected AD of motor and language fasciculi) factors were related to outcome. Second, to determine the specificity of our a priori choices of fasciculi, we performed voxel-based analyses to determine if the same, additional, or altogether new regions were associated with long-term outcome.

Results—
The ratio of AD in the corticospinal tract was the sole predictor of long-term motor outcome, and the ratio of AD in the arcuate fasciculus—along with age and initial aphasia severity—was an independent predictor of 3-month aphasia outcome. White matter regions overlapping with these fasciculi naturally emerged in the corresponding voxel-based analyses.

Conclusions—
AD of the corticospinal tract and arcuate fasciculus are effective biomarkers of long-term motor and aphasia outcome, respectively.
Combined Genetic Deletion of IL (Interleukin)-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13 Does Not Affect Ischemic Brain Injury in Mice
Authors: Perego Carlo , Fumagalli Stefano , Miteva Kapka , Kallikourdis Marinos , De Simoni Maria-Grazia 
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose—
After ischemic injury, microglia and infiltrated macrophages may acquire different polarization phenotypes promoting inflammation and injury (M1) or repair and protection (M2). There is evidence that immunomodulation, via type 2 helper T-cells (Th2) cytokines, exerts neuroprotection after ischemia. We investigated the consequences of simultaneous genetic deletion of Th2 cytokines (IL [interleukin]-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-13) on the histopathologic outcome, microglia and infiltrated macrophages markers, and ischemic microenvironment at different time points after ischemic injury in mice subjected to permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery.

Methods—
Wild-type and Th2 cytokine-deficient mice (4KO) were subjected to permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery by electrocoagulation and followed up to 5 weeks after permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Neuropathologic outcome was assessed at 24 hours (n=6), 7 days (n=6), and 5 weeks (n=6–7) by examination of the ischemic lesion, neuronal count, microglia and infiltrated macrophages markers, brain atrophy, collagen deposition, and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) immunohistochemistry. Selected gene expression was investigated at 7 days (n=6).

Results—
4KO mice showed no difference in lesion and neuronal count 7 days and up to 5 weeks after permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery compared with wild type. Ischemic 4KO mice had lower CD16/32 expression at 24 hours, lower CD11b and CD16/32 expression at 7 days than wild type. They had higher CD206 expression at 24 hours, higher CD206 and arginase1 at 7 days, and increased mRNA for CXCL9 (chemokine [C-X-C motif] ligand 9) compared with wild type. Additional histopathologic analysis, including brain atrophy, gliotic scar, and collagenous scar confirmed no difference between genotypes at 5 weeks.

Conclusions—
This study casts light on the proposed neuroprotective function of Th2 cytokines, showing that combined IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-13 deletion does not affect the neuropathologic response to ischemic stroke in the subacute and chronic phases. Our findings indicate that Th2 cytokines are not an essential neuroimmunological cue able to drive the brain’s ischemic outcome.
The Origin of Korean Church Architecture
Authors: So John 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
This article examines the characteristics of Korean church architecture from the perspective of the hanok (the traditional Korean house). Previously, Western commentators criticized Korean church architecture as not reflecting a theological ideology and lacking a consistent architectural style. However, examining Korean church architecture through the lens of Western church architecture does not allow for the adequate appreciation or understanding of this form. This study, therefore, considers the development of Korean churches through an examination of the hanok, including floor plans, the concept of spatial expansion, and attitudes toward daylight. In addition, gender-based seating arrangements, the horizontal extension of space, and windows that admit horizontal daylight also reflect common aspects of the hanok. Beyond showing how a distinctly Korean church architecture developed over time, these characteristics also demonstrate the central role of women and the congregation in Korean churches, in contrast to the clergy-centric design of Western churches.
Entrenchment Clauses in the History of Modern Constitutionalism
Authors: Hein Michael 
Published: July 2019

Summary
This article examines the origins, differentiation, and migration of constitutional entrenchment clauses from the beginning of modern constitutionalism until today. It is based on a broad understanding of ‘entrenchment clauses,’ covering all constitutional provisions that make amendments either to certain parts of a constitution or under certain circumstances more difficult to achieve than ‘normal’ amendments or even impossible, i.e., legally inadmissible. In particular, the article answers three questions: (1) When, and in which contexts, did the different types of constitutional entrenchment clauses emerge? (2) How have these types spread globally? (3) Which constitutional subjects do such clauses protect, and thus, which main functions do they aim to fulfill? The article is based on the new and unique Constitutional Entrenchment Clauses Dataset (CECD), which comprises 860 written national constitutions worldwide from 1776 until the end of 2015.
The Gloss to the Saunteen Kesta (Seventeen Statutes) of the Frisian Land Law
Authors: Hallebeek Jan 
Published: July 2019

Summary
The Seventeen Statutes is one of the oldest classical texts of Old Frisian Law. In its late fifteenth century edition, as part of the Frisian Land Law, it was provided with Latin glosses. Analysis of these glosses, which were scarcely investigated until now, enables us to pronounce with more certainty upon the date of both the Frisian Land Law, as a compilation, and its Gloss. Moreover, the glosses to the Seventeen Statutes reflect a considerable increase of ecclesiastical competence, point to certain principles of Romano-canonical procedure and use Roman law texts when applying provisions of indigenous law. This all may indicate a stronger presence of learned law in late medieval Friesland than previously assumed.
Application of Classical Coastal Trapped Wave Theory to High-Scattering Regions
Authors: Brunner Kelsey , Rivas David , Lwiza Kamazima M. M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSince the 1970s, analytical models of coastal trapped waves (CTWs) have been developed using a first-order wave equation in the long-wave limit. Formulations of this kind require assumptions of a straight coastline with similar shelf bathymetry. These assumptions prevent the models from capturing the scattering and backscattering behavior of propagating CTWs that encounter changing coastlines, bathymetry, or shelf width. CTW modes from two different analytical models, one of which includes friction and stratification, are compared with CTW observations of velocity and pressure from a study region near the Outer Banks off the North Carolina coast in the United States. The coastline in the study region is relatively straight locally but is bounded by an estuary to the north and shelf narrowing to the south, both of which induce scattering. The models suggest that the CTWs in this region are insensitive to changes in stratification, implying that observed seasonal differences in wave magnitude are due to seasonal wind forcing. Furthermore, friction is found to be important, particularly for mode-1 propagation, but higher-order modes are prevalent despite the importance of friction. There is very poor agreement between the observed and modeled free and forced CTWs because of scattering. This lack of agreement indicates that this is not a globally applicable theoretical formulation because many global coastlines violate the basic assumptions.
Expression of Sp100 Protein in Human Papillomavirus-Associated Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Jingru , Wang Hongming , Li Wei 
Published: July 2019

Objective: Sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) is a benign tumor characterized by an aggressive growth, a tendency to recur, and an association with malignancy. However, the precise etiology of SNIP is still unknown. The objective of this study was to identify the expression pattern of speckled protein 100 (Sp100) in the malignant transformation (MT) of SNIP and its correlation with human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 and HPV-18 infections and other clinical features. This would further help in understanding the possible mechanisms for the development of SNIP. Methods: Individual nasal mucosa specimens from 40 patients (25 males and 15 females) and 10 inferior turbinate specimens as controls were included in the present study. The samples were divided into several sections for histopathological examination, HPV DNA detection, and immunohistochemical staining. Results: We observed that as SNIP progressed, the Sp100 protein expression was gradually downregulated, and SP100 localization changed from nucleus to the cytoplasm. Positive rate of HPV infection in the SNIP with MT group was higher than that in the other groups, and Sp100 expression was correlated to HPV infections and SNIP with MT. However, no correlation was observed between Sp100 expression and clinical features, such as age, gender, and smoking. Conclusion: Positive rate of HPV infection is high in the SNIP with MT and has a correlation with Sp100 expression. In addition, the expression of Sp100 is downregulated in SNIP with MT, and Sp100 may play a role in the progression of SNIP.
Use of choledochoscopy to treat anastomotic stricture after cholangiojejunostomy through a preset subcutaneous intestinal loop: a study of 30 cases
Authors: Mou Hong-Tao , Li Na , Liu Yun , Feng Qiu-Shi , Xu Jia 
Published: July 2019

Objective This study was performed to summarize our experience in applying choledochofiberscopy to the treatment of anastomotic stricture after cholangiojejunostomy. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent choledochofiberscopy for the treatment of anastomotic stricture via balloon dilatation and were followed up for at least 6 to 12 months. Results A 6- to 12-month follow-up was performed in the above-mentioned 30 patients after trans-choledochofiberscopic balloon dilation and stone removal. Among these patients, 19 did not develop recurrent fever or abdominal pain, and the serum levels of direct bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and alkaline phosphatase returned to normal or near normal, with a total success rate of 63%. Eleven patients developed restenosis and recurrence of intrahepatic stones, with a stenosis rate of 37%. Among these 11 patients, 6 underwent trans-choledochofiberscopic balloon dilatation for stone removal, and they recovered uneventfully; the remaining 5 patients were transferred for surgical reoperations for treatment of stenosis following repeated dilatation, with a failure rate of 17%. Conclusion Choledochofiberscopy for the treatment of anastomotic stricture after cholangiojejunostomy has the following advantages: minimal trauma, minimal pain, rapid effect, low risk, repeatable treatment procedures, and no serious complications. This is a safe and effective method of treatment.
Toxicities of chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Chun , Wang Fei , Min Xin , Zhang Qinfang , Shen Li-juan , Jiang Ying , Yan Jun 
Published: July 2019

Objective We investigated the risk of acute and late toxicities of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and radiotherapy alone in patients with nasopharynx carcinoma (NPC). Methods In this meta-analysis, we searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for eligible randomized clinical trials (RCTs). In addition to the incidence of specific toxicities, risk ratios (RRs) or odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using fixed-effect or random-effects models. Results In total, 11 RCTs involving 2801 patients with NPC were included in this analysis. For grade ≥3 adverse events, patients who received CCRT treatment had a higher proportion of acute mucositis (39.9% vs. 30.5%, RR=1.30, 95%CI, 1.16–1.46) acute nausea and vomiting (RR=6.26, 95% CI: 2.01–19.45), and neutropenia (RR=30.86, 95% CI: 7.36 to 129.35). For late severe toxicities, CCRT treatment was significantly associated with higher incidence of hearing loss (116.56% vs. 411.43%, RR=1.461, 95%CI, 1.043–21.095). The incidence of acute nausea and vomiting was more frequent in patients receiving CCRT. Conclusion Compared with radiotherapy alone, CCRT increases the risk of severe acute toxicities (mucositis, nausea/vomiting, and neutropenia) and severe late toxicity (hearing loss) in patients with NPC. However, larger studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Association between polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region and risk for irritable bowel syndrome in China: evidence based on a meta-analysis
Authors: Jia Zhanbo , Wang Liping , Yu Bianfang , Li Qinggang , Dong Xin 
Published: July 2019

Objective The association between mutations in the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) differs between populations. This meta-analysis was designed to assess the relationship between 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms and IBS in a Chinese population. Methods Relevant published studies from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were accessed prior to May 2018. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using STATA software. Results A total of 754 IBS cases and 578 healthy controls in six studies were included in this meta-analysis. Significant results were obtained between 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms and IBS risk among studies with the genotype distribution of controls in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (L vs. S, OR =  1.41, 95% CI: 1.11–1.79; LL vs. SS, OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.16–4.08; LL vs. LS + SS, OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.25–4.20). In subgroup analyses, 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms were significantly associated with increased IBS-C risk in China; however, no risk was observed for IBS-D and IBS-M. Conclusion This meta-analysis clearly indicates that 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of IBS in the Chinese population, especially IBS-C.
Reported restorative experiences associated with everyday activities among university students
Authors: Atler Karen E , Sharp Julia 
Published: July 2019

Introduction Increasing international concern about the mental health of university students continues to rise, as they are among those at great risk for experiencing stress. Yet little research exists on the role of activity engagement as a means to renew resources often impacted by stress. This study aimed to explore university students’ restorative experiences associated with everyday activities. Method Data were gathered from 264 students, using a stress scale and time-use assessment. Students’ activity descriptions were coded into 20 activity types. A hierarchical linear mixed effects statistical model was employed to estimate the average restoration by activity types. Results No significant differences were found in average restoration within activity types between high and low stress categories. Sleeping was the most restorative activity reported. However, the mean restoration value of sleeping did not significantly differ from eight other activities, such as reading and engaging in a hobby. Working was the least restorative activity, and did not differ from five other activities such as studying and attending class. Restorative experience varied more among some activities, such as engaging in a hobby and caring for the home, than others, such as sleeping and caring for self. Conclusion University students’ report of some everyday activities being as restorative as sleep offers support for the use of occupation by occupational therapists, enabling students to learn how to manage their energy needs through everyday occupations.