bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of Nocturnal Blood Pressure With Cognition by Self‐Identified Race in Middle‐Aged and Older Adults: The GENOA (Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy) Study
Authors: Yano Yuichiro , Butler Kenneth R. , Hall Michael E. , Schwartz Gary L. , Knopman David S. , Lirette Seth T. , Jones Daniel W. , Wilson James G. , Hall John E. , Correa Adolfo , Turner Stephen T. , Mosley Thomas H. 
Published: October 2017

Background

Whether the association of blood pressure (
BP
) during sleep (nocturnal
BP
) with cognition differs by race is unknown.

Methods and Results

Participants in the GENOA (Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy) Study underwent ambulatory
BP
measurements, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and cognitive function testing (the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, the Digit Symbol Substitution Task, and the Trail Making Test Part B) between 2000 and 2007. We examined multivariable linear regression models of the nocturnal
BP
‐cognition association. Among 755 participants (mean age, 63 years; 64% women; 42% self‐identified black race; 76% taking antihypertensive medication), mean nocturnal systolic
BP
(
SBP
)/diastolic
BP
was 126/69 mm Hg, daytime
SBP
/
diastolic BP
level was 139/82 mm Hg, and mean reduction in
SBP
from day to night (dipping) was 9%. Among the entire sample, a race interaction was observed in Digit Symbol Substitution Task and
Trail Making Test Part B
(both
P
<0.15). Race‐stratified analyses showed that a 1‐
SD
increase in nocturnal
SBP
levels was associated with poorer
Digit Symbol Substitution Task
and log‐transformed
Trail Making Test Part B
scores (unstandardized regression coefficient [95%
confidence interval
]: −1.98 [−3.28 to −0.69] and 0.06 [0.004–0.12]; both
P<
0.05) in black but not white individuals. Additional adjustments for white matter hyperintensity volumes or brain atrophy, measured via brain
magnetic resonance
imaging, did not change the results. Results were similar when nocturnal
SBP
dipping was assessed as the exposure, yet daytime
SBP
levels yielded no association with cognition.

Conclusions

Nocturnal
SBP
measurements may be useful in assessing the potential risk for lower cognitive function in middle‐aged and older adults, particularly in black individuals.
Essentiality of Regulator of G Protein Signaling 6 and Oxidized Ca
2+
/Calmodulin‐Dependent Protein Kinase II in Notch Signaling and Cardiovascular Development
Authors: Chakravarti Bandana , Yang Jianqi , Ahlers‐Dannen Katelin E. , Luo Zili , Flaherty Heather A. , Meyerholz David K. , Anderson Mark E. , Fisher Rory A. 
Published: October 2017

Background
Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects worldwide. Although defective Notch signaling is the major cause of mouse embryonic death from cardiovascular defects, how Notch signaling is regulated during embryonic vasculogenesis and heart development is poorly understood.

Methods and Results

Regulator of G protein signaling 6 (RGS6)
−/−
/Ca
2+
/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)
VV
double mutant mice were developed by crossing
RGS
6
−/−
mice with mice expressing an oxidation‐resistant Ca
MKII
δ (Ca

MKII
VV

), and the resulting embryonic defects/lethality were investigated using E7.5 to E15.5 embryos. While loss of either
RGS
6 or oxidized Ca
MKII
δ does not alter embryogenesis, their combined loss causes defective Notch signaling, severe cardiovascular defects, and embryonic lethality (≈E10.5–11.5). Embryos lacking
RGS
6 and expressing oxidation‐resistant Ca
MKII
δ exhibit reduced myocardial wall thickness, abnormal trabeculation, and arterial specification defects. Double mutants show vascular remodeling defects, including reduced neurovascularization, delayed neural tube maturation, and small dorsal aortae. These striking cardiovascular defects were accompanied by placental and yolk sac defects in angiogenesis, hematopoiesis, and vascular remodeling similar to what is seen with defective Notch1 signaling. Double mutant hearts, embryos, and yolk sacs exhibit profound downregulation of Notch1, Jagged 1, and Notch downstream target genes Hey1, Hey2, and Hey1L as well as impaired Notch1 signaling in embryos/hearts.

Conclusions

RGS
6 and oxidized Ca
MKII
δ together function as novel critical upstream modulators of Notch signaling required for normal cardiovascular development and embryo survival. Their combined need indicates that they function in parallel pathways needed for Notch1 signaling in yolk sac, placenta and embryos. Thus, dysregulated embryonic
RGS
6 expression and oxidative activation of Ca
MKII
may potentially contribute to congenital heart defects.
Swine Atrioventricular Node Ablation Using Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Methods and In Vivo Feasibility Investigation for Catheter‐Free Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Authors: Refaat Marwan M. , Ballout Jad A. , Zakka Patrick , Hotait Mostafa , Al Feghali Karine A. , Gheida Ibrahim Abu , Saade Charbel , Hourani Mukbil , Geara Fady , Tabbal Malek , Sfeir Pierre , Jalbout Wassim , Al‐Jaroudi Wael , Jurjus Abdo , Youssef Bassem 
Published: October 2017

Background

Linear accelerator–based stereotactic radiosurgery delivered to cardiac arrhythmogenic foci could be a promising catheter‐free ablation modality. We tested the feasibility of in vivo atrioventricular (
AV
) node ablation in swine using stereotactic radiosurgery.

Methods and Results

Five Large White breed swine (weight 40–75 kg; 4 females) were studied. Single‐chamber St Jude pacemakers were implanted in each pig. The pigs were placed under general anesthesia, and coronary/cardiac computed tomography simulation scans were performed to localize the
AV
node. Cone beam computed tomography was used for target positioning. Stereotactic radiosurgery doses ranging from 35 to 40 Gy were delivered by a linear accelerator to the
AV
node, and the pigs were followed up with weekly pacemaker interrogations to observe for potential electrocardiographic changes. Once changes were observed, the pigs were euthanized, and pathology specimens of various tissues, including the
AV
node and tissues surrounding the
AV
node, were taken to study the effects of radiation. All 5 pigs had disturbances of
AV
conduction with progressive transition into complete heart block. Macroscopic inspection did not reveal damage to the myocardium, and pigs had preserved systolic function on echocardiography. Immunostaining revealed fibrosis in the target region of the
AV
node, whereas no fibrosis was detected in the nontargeted regions.

Conclusions
Catheter‐free radioablation using linear accelerator–based stereotactic radiosurgery is feasible in an intact swine model.
No Racial Difference in Rehabilitation Therapy Across All Post-Acute Care Settings in the Year Following a Stroke
Authors: Skolarus Lesli E. , Feng Chunyang , Burke James F. 
Published: October 2017

Background and Purpose—
Black stroke survivors experience greater poststroke disability than whites. Differences in post-acute rehabilitation may contribute to this disparity. Therefore, we estimated racial differences in rehabilitation therapy utilization, intensity, and the number of post-acute care settings in the first year after a stroke.

Methods—
We used national Medicare data to study 186 168 elderly black and white patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of stroke in 2011. We tabulated the proportion of stroke survivors receiving physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy in each post-acute care setting (inpatient rehabilitation facility, skilled nursing facility, and home health agency), minutes of therapy, and number of transitions between settings. We then used generalized linear models to determine whether racial differences in minutes of physical therapy were influenced by demographics, comorbidities, thrombolysis, and markers of stroke severity.

Results—

Black stroke patients were more likely to receive each type of therapy than white stroke patients. Compared with white stroke patients, black stroke patients received more minutes of physical therapy (897.8 versus 743.4;
P
<0.01), occupational therapy (752.7 versus 648.9;
P
<0.01), and speech and language therapy (865.7 versus 658.1;
P
<0.01). There were no clinically significant differences in physical therapy minutes after adjustment. Blacks had more transitions (median, 3; interquartile range, 1–5) than whites (median, 2; interquartile range, 1–5;
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—
There are no clinically significant racial differences in rehabilitation therapy utilization or intensity after accounting for patient characteristics. It is unlikely that differences in rehabilitation utilization or intensity are important contributors to racial disparities in poststroke disability.
New records of Solenocera barunajaya Crosnier, 1994 and Solenocera rathbuni Ramadan, 1938 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Penaeoidea) from the southwest coast of India
Authors: PURUSHOTHAMAN P. , CHAKRABORTY REKHA DEVI , MAHESWARUDU G. , KUBERAN G. 
Published: October 2017

The genus Solenocera Lucas, 1849 consist of 43 species, most with commercial importance and occurring in offshore, deeper waters (Pérez Farfante & Kensley 1997; De Grave & Fransen 2011). Twelve species in the genus Solenocera were reported from India, with a few contributing to the regular fishery (S. crassicornis, S. choprai, and S. hextii), and others seldom captured (S.alfonso, S.alticarinata, S.annectens, S.halli, S.koelbeli, S.melantho, S.pectinata, S.pectinulata and S.waltairensis). Members of the Solenoceridae are identified based on the key taxonomic characters of the genitalia and the cephalothorax. Major taxonomic references on solenocerids include Crosnier (1978, 1989), Perez Farfante (1977), and Dall (1999). Specimens are deposited in the Marine Biodiversity Museum at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kerala (CMFRI).
A new Caryophyllaceae-feeding species of Macrosiphum (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Republic of Georgia, and a redescription of Macrosiphum hartigi Hille Ris Lambers
Authors: BARJADZE SHALVA , BARBAGALLO SEBASTIANO , BLACKMAN ROGER , ÖZDEMIR IŞIL 
Published: October 2017

Apterous and alate viviparous females and the alate males of Macrosiphum eastopi Barjadze & Blackman sp. n. living on Oberna multifida Ikonn. (=Silene multifida Rohrb.) (Caryophyllaceae) are described from the Republic of Georgia (Caucasus). Type specimens are deposited at the Institute of Zoology, Ilia State University (IZISU), Tbilisi, Georgia; the Natural History Museum (BMNH), London, U.K.; and the University of Catania (UCI), Sicily, Italy. Apterous and alate viviparous females of its close relative M. hartigi Hille Ris Lambers, 1947, living on Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke and Stellaria holostea L. (Caryophyllaceae) are redescribed, based on co-types and other material from Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland. The hitherto unknown fundatrix, oviparous females and alate males of M. hartigi are described from Italy and Switzerland. Macrosiphum eastopi sp. n. is differentiated from the morphologically similar M. hartigi and compared with other Macrosiphum species living on Caryophyllaceae. A key is provided to apterous viviparous females of all aphid species recorded on Oberna multifida.
Comparisons of Auricular Cartilage Tissues from Different Species
Authors: Chiu Loraine L.Y. , Giardini-Rosa Renata , Weber Joanna F. , Cushing Sharon L. , Waldman Stephen D. 
Published: October 2017

Objectives: Tissue engineering of auricular cartilage has great potential in providing readily available materials for reconstructive surgeries. As the field of tissue engineering moves forward to developing human tissues, there needs to be an interspecies comparison of the native auricular cartilage in order to determine a suitable animal model to assess the performance of engineered auricular cartilage in vivo. Methods: Here, we performed interspecies comparisons of auricular cartilage by comparing tissue microstructure, protein localization, biochemical composition, and mechanical properties of auricular cartilage tissues from rat, rabbit, pig, cow, and human. Results: Human, pig, and cow auricular cartilage have smaller lacunae compared to rat and rabbit cartilage ( P < .05). Despite differences in tissue microstructure, human auricular cartilage has similar biochemical composition to both rat and rabbit. Auricular cartilage from pig and cow, alternatively, display significantly higher glycosaminoglycan and collagen contents compared to human, rat, and rabbit ( P < .05). The mechanical properties of human auricular cartilage were comparable to that of all 4 animal species. Conclusions: This is the first study that compares the microstructural, biochemical, and mechanical properties of auricular cartilage from different species. This study showed that different experimental animal models of human auricular cartilage may be suitable in different cases.
Treatment Outcomes of In-Office KTP Ablation of Vocal Fold Granulomas
Authors: Dominguez Laura M. , Brown Raymond J. , Simpson C. Blake 
Published: October 2017

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of in-office potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) treatment of vocal fold granulomas and identify any predictors of complete lesion resolution. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent in-office KTP ablation of vocal fold granulomas between 2007 and 2016 was performed. Medical records were reviewed for use of acid suppression medication, prior surgical treatment, voice therapy, laser settings, number of treatments, follow-up time, and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) scores. Results: Twenty-six patients underwent a total of 43 laser treatments. Eighty percent of patients were previously on acid suppression medication, and 42.3% had failed previous endoscopic treatments. Patients underwent a mean number of 1.65 ± 1.16 in-office treatments with decrease in size in 96.2% of cases. The VHI-10 was not significantly affected. Complete resolution occurred in 73.1% of cases with follow-up time ranging from 1 to 86 months (median = 9.5 months). No recurrences occurred in patients with complete resolution. Other than undergoing a single KTP treatment, no variable was found to be predictive of complete lesion resolution. Granuloma etiology was not predictive of lesion resolution but did correlate with symptom improvement. Conclusion: In-office pulsed KTP laser is an effective treatment option for vocal fold granulomas as the lesion resolves in the majority of cases.
Home-based telehealth service for swallowing and nutrition management following head and neck cancer treatment
Authors: Collins Annette , Burns Clare L , Ward Elizabeth C , Comans Tracy , Blake Claire , Kenny Lizbeth , Greenup Phil , Best Daniel 
Published: October 2017

Introduction Following (chemo)radiotherapy (C/RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC), patients return to hospital for regular outpatient reviews with speech pathology (SP) and nutrition and dietetics (ND) for acute symptom monitoring, nutritional management, and swallowing and communication rehabilitation. The aim of the current study was to determine the feasibility of a home-based telehealth model for delivering SP and ND reviews, to provide patients with more convenient access to these appointments. Methods Service outcomes, costs, and consumer satisfaction were examined across 30 matched participants: 15 supported via the standard model of care (SMOC), and 15 via the home-based telehealth model of care (TMOC). Results All patients were successfully managed via telehealth. The TMOC was more efficient, with a reduced number ( p < 0.003) and duration ( p < 0.01) of appointments required until discharge. Significant patient cost savings ( p = 0.002) were reported for the TMOC due to decreased travel requirements. While staff costs were reduced, additional telehealth equipment levies resulted in a lower but non-significant overall cost difference to the health service when using the TMOC. High satisfaction was reported by all participants attending the TMOC. Discussion The findings support the feasibility of a home-based telehealth model for conducting SP and ND reviews post C/RT for HNC.
Life-sustaining treatments in end-stage chronic respiratory failure: A single-centre study
Authors: Monteiro Jose Filipe da Purificacao 
Published: October 2017

Purpose The acute-on-chronic exacerbations of end-stage respiratory diseases often result in prolonged hospital stays, relating these events to ethical conflicts in the fields of medical futility and distributive justice. This study aimed to understand patients’ preferences for life-sustaining treatments when clinically stable and during regular follow-up visits, and to determine the factors that can influence these preferences. Procedure This was a prospective, observational, exploratory study using convenience sampling. Over a three-year period, the study enrolled 106 adult outpatients with end-stage pulmonary disease on long-term oxygen treatment with/without noninvasive mechanical ventilation with dyspnoea scores of 6 or more in the modified Borg dyspnoea scale and one of the following: Gold (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease classification) stage IV, diffusing capacity (DLCO) <40%, heart failure (New York Heart Association functional classification (NYHA)) stage III/IV, or systolic pulmonary artery pressure ≥40 mm Hg. Results Factors that were influential in preferences were age, gender, household status, NYHA class, and previous exposure to mechanical ventilation. Conclusions There was no consensus on life-sustaining treatment preferences. Demographic factors, such as age group, gender, household status, severity of disease, and previous treatment with mechanical ventilation, seemed to affect patients’ preferences.
Association between 1-h post-load plasma glucose levels and arterial stiffness in normotensive subjects with normal glucose tolerance
Authors: Nakagomi Atsushi , Sunami Yuko , Okada Sho , Ohno Yuji , Shoji Toshihiro , Fujisawa Takehiko , Kobayashi Yoshio 
Published: October 2017

Objective: To investigate the relationship between 1-h post-load plasma glucose, measured during an oral glucose tolerance test, and arterial stiffness, determined by brachial–ankle pulse-wave velocity, in normotensive subjects with normal glucose tolerance. Methods: Study subjects were non-industrial workers aged 25–55 years ( n = 8381) who underwent a regular health check-up every 5 years. We included only normotensive subjects with normal glucose tolerance based on the American Diabetes Association criteria. Subjects taking medication and having an abnormal ankle–brachial index (⩽1.0 or ⩾1.3) were excluded. The final sample comprised 4970 participants (mean age: 38.8 ± 9.4 years; women: n = 2048). Results: 1-h post-load plasma glucose correlated with brachial–ankle pulse-wave velocity in men ( β = 0.04, p = 0.01), but not women ( β = –0.03, p = 0.13) in multivariate linear regression analysis. We found a significant interaction between 1-h post-load plasma glucose and age in men ( p = 0.04); therefore, a subgroup analysis was performed in each 5-year age group. The correlation between 1-h post-load plasma glucose and brachial–ankle pulse-wave velocity was significant in the 55-year-old age group ( β = 0.12, p = 0.01) and neared significant in 45-year-old ( β = 0.08, p = 0.07) and 50-year-old ( β = 0.09, p = 0.07) age groups. Conclusion: Elevated 1-h post-load plasma glucose levels were associated with arterial stiffness in normotensive, middle-aged men with normal glucose tolerance.
Myxofibrosarcoma primary cultures: molecular and pharmacological profile
Authors: De Vita Alessandro , Recine Federica , Mercatali Laura , Miserocchi Giacomo , Liverani Chiara , Spadazzi Chiara , Casadei Roberto , Bongiovanni Alberto , Pieri Federica , Riva Nada , Amadori Dino , Ibrahim Toni 
Published: October 2017

Background: Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS), formerly considered as a myxoid variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma, is the most common sarcoma of the extremities in adults and is characterized by a high frequency of local recurrence. The clinical behavior of MFS is unpredictable and the efficacy of chemotherapy is still not well documented. Furthermore, given the relatively recent recognition of MFS as a distinct pathologic entity its cellular and molecular biology has still not been extensively studied in patient-derived preclinical models. We examined the molecular biology and treatment outcomes of high-grade, patient-derived MFS primary cultures. Methods: A total of three patient-derived MFS primary cultures were analyzed. We evaluated the role of CD109 expression and also looked for a correlation between transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) expression and sensitivity of the primary cultures to different drugs. Results: CD109 was a promising marker for the identification of more aggressive high-grade MFS and a potential therapeutic target. The results also highlighted the potential role of TGF-β in chemoresistance. Pharmacological analysis confirmed the sensitivity of the cultures to chemotherapy. The most active treatments were epirubicin alone and epirubicin in combination with ifosfamide, the latter representing the current standard of care for soft tissue sarcomas (STSs), including MFS. Conclusions: Our results provide a starting point for further research aimed at improving the management of MFS patients undergoing chemotherapy.
An Unusual Case of Takotsubo Syndrome With Hyperaldosteronism as the Potential Cause
Authors: Ou Yuanweixiang , Zhao Zhengang , Tsauo Jiayyu , Jiang Licheng , Yang Yong , Chen Mao 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Context
Catecholamine-related factors are the most popular explanation for the occurrence of Takotsubo syndrome. An aldosterone-related mechanism, however, has not been proposed.

Case Description
A 45-year-old male patient presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction was diagnosed with primary aldosteronism, severe hypokalemia, and Takotsubo syndrome. After excluding the known conditions of apical ballooning and the factors of vasospasm, primary aldosteronism is considered as the major contributor to the development of Takotsubo syndrome. The potential mechanisms are discussed.

Conclusions
The case suggests a possible hyperaldosteronism-induced and vasoconstriction-mediated mechanism in the development of Takotsubo syndrome.
“War Is like a Blanket”
Authors: Al-Ali Nadje , Tas Latif 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDespite the recent outbreak of violence and conflict, peace continues to be high on the agenda of the Kurdish political movement and many progressive Turkish intellectuals and activists. Based on qualitative research we conducted in Diyarbakır, Istanbul, London, and Berlin in 2015–16, we show that Kurdish activists have struggled to make the eradication of gender-based inequalities and violence central to the wider Kurdish peace movement, while Turkish women’s rights activists have increasingly recognized that the war against the Kurds, “like a blanket,” often papers over gender injustices. Both Kurdish and Turkish activists stress the necessity of understanding that a just and sustainable peace must include gender equality and that gender justice cannot be achieved in times of war. Thus feminist convergences in Kurdish and Turkish activism present peace and women’s rights as inseparable and generate the potential to challenge nationalist state power and the militarization of society.