bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary sarcoidosis shortly after spinal tuberculosis infection: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Luetkens Julian A , Zoghi Shahram , Rockstroh Jürgen K , Naehle Claas P
Published: April 2014

Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis share similar histopathological findings. An aetiological connection between these diseases has been discussed. We report a case of pulmonary sarcoidosis, which occurred shortly after an isoniazid (INH)-resistant spinal tuberculosis was diagnosed which was suspected to be a miliary tuberculosis. This report illustrates the need to sensitise clinicians to two possible important causes of lung parenchyma alterations under tuberculostatic therapy.
Severity of leukoaraiosis, leptomeningeal collaterals, and clinical outcomes after intra-arterial therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Giurgiutiu Dan-Victor , Yoo Albert J , Fitzpatrick Kaitlin , Chaudhry Zeshan , Leslie-Mazwi Thabele , Schwamm Lee H , Rost Natalia S
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose

Leukoaraiosis (LA) is defined as ischemic white matter lesions associated with increased stroke risk and poor post-stroke outcomes. These lesions are likely the result of diffuse angiopathic changes affecting the cerebral small vessels. We investigated whether pre-existing LA burden is associated with outcomes in patients with large cerebral artery occlusion undergoing intra-arterial therapy (IAT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

We analyzed consecutive AIS subjects undergoing IAT from the institutional Get With The Guidelines-Stroke database enrolled between January 1, 2007 and June 30, 2009, who had National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores of ≥8, baseline diffusion weighted imaging volume ≤100 mL, and evidence of proximal artery occlusion (PAO) on pre-IAT computed tomography angiography (CTA). LA volume (LAv) was assessed on fluid attenuated inversion recovery MRI using a validated semi-automated protocol. We used CTA for collateral grade, post-IAT angiogram for recanalization status (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b), and the 24 h head CT for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of 90 day post-stroke good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) and mortality.

Results

Increasing LAv independently reduced the odds of good collateral grade (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.98). Good functional outcome was independently predicted by intravenous tissue plasminogen activator use (OR 12.86, 95% CI 2.20 to 76.28), and recanalization status (OR 6.94, 95% CI 1.56 to 30.86). Mortality was independently associated with recanalization status (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.51), age (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.15), and antecedent use of hypoglycemic agents (OR 6.55, 95% CI 1.58 to 54.01).

Conclusions

Severity of LA is linked to poor collateral grade in AIS patients undergoing IAT for PAO; however, greater LAv appears not to be a contraindication for acute intervention.
Improved glucose tolerance in insulin-resistant rats after pea hull feeding is associated with changes in lipid metabolism-targeted transcriptome
Authors: Chan Catherine B. , Gupta Joel , Kozicky Lisa , Hashemi Zohre , Yang Kaiyuan
Published: April 2014

Understanding of the mechanisms by which pulse grain fractions elicit beneficial effects on glucose tolerance is incomplete. An untargeted metabolomic analysis of serum from insulin-resistant rats was carried out to identify potential metabolic pathways affected by feeding rats the hull fraction of dried peas for 4 weeks. From this, we hypothesized that transcription of hepatic genes involved in lipid metabolism would be altered. cDNA was prepared from total RNA extracted from livers of rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD + pea hulls (PH) diet. The liver lipid transcriptome of each cDNA sample was characterized using a PCR-based array of 84 genes. The activity of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) was measured in hepatocyte nuclei. The predominant findings of the metabolomic analysis revealed a significant increase in the intermediaries of β-oxidation: C16-OH and C16:1 acylcarnitines (>50%, p < 0.05) and 3-hydroxybutyrate (100%, p < 0.05) in the PH group compared with the HFD group. mRNA of hadha, a gene involved in β-oxidation, was significantly reduced by 53% (p < 0.005) in the PH group compared with the HFD group, but no differences in PPAR-α activity were detected. 3-Hydroxybutyrate concentrations were associated with insulin sensitivity and reduced demand for insulin. The results indicate that feeding PH alters lipid metabolism in liver, which may contribute to improved glucose tolerance in insulin-resistant rats.
Using NIR and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to rapidly detect compression wood inPinus radiata
Authors: McLean J. Paul , Jin Guangwu , Brennan Maree , Nieuwoudt Michél K. , Harris Philip J.
Published: April 2014

Compression wood has undesirable properties for structural timber and for paper production. Traditional methods of detecting it are often time consuming and subjective. This study aimed to rapidly and impartially detect compression wood through the use of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and diffuse reflectance near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Compression wood and non-compression wood samples were obtained from young Pinus radiata D. Don trees grown in New Zealand. Longitudinal dimensional changes were measured during drying or water saturation of the samples; lignin and galactose contents were determined using conventional analytical techniques. Chemical composition was here a more reliable discriminator between wood types than longitudinal dimensional changes. It was shown that partial least-squares regression (PLS-R) or discriminatory analysis (PLS-DA) could be used to build models on the training samples that could discriminate between wood types of the independently grown validation samples. Ultimately, both types of spectroscopies could be used to discriminate between compression wood and non-compression wood either through prediction or discriminatory analysis with equal success. Investigation into spectral differences between wood types, including sequential mixtures of wood types, showed that for the mid-IR region absorbance at a well-resolved lignin band could be used to discriminate compression wood from non-compression wood. For NIR, a similar investigation showed that absorbance values at four separate wavenumbers or the 6000–5600 cm−1region of the first derivative spectra were required for that discrimination. It is proposed that if there is a gradual change in the chemical composition of compression wood with its severity, then IR spectroscopy could feasibly be used to rapidly determine compression wood severity.
Dark mass creation during EWPT via Dark Energy interaction
Authors: Kisslinger Leonard S. , Casper Steven
Published: April 2014

We add Dark Matter–Dark Energy terms with a quintessence field interacting with a Dark Matter field to a Minimal Supersymmetry Model of the Electroweak (MSSM EW) Lagrangian previously used to calculate the magnetic field created during the Electroweak Phase Transition (EWPT). From the expectation value of the quintessence field, we estimate the Dark Matter mass for parameters used in previous work on Dark Matter–Dark Energy interactions.
Causal heat flow in Bianchi type-V Universe
Authors: Govender M. , Thirukkanesh S.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we investigate the role of causal heat transport in a spatially homogeneous, locally-rotationally symmetric (LRS) Bianchi type-V cosmological model. In particular, the causal temperature profile of the cosmological fluid is obtained within the framework of extended irreversible thermodynamics. We demonstrate that relaxational effects can alter the temperature profile when the cosmological fluid is out of hydrostatic equilibrium.
Numerical Validation of a Time Domain Perforated Plate Model with Nonlinear and Inertial Effects
Authors: Jourdain Guillaume , Eriksson Lars-Erik
Published: April 2014

A time domain perforated plate model based on the "homogenization" concept is presented; the dynamic porous wall model. This model takes into account linear and nonlinear losses as well as inertial effects due to the unsteady flow in the vicinity of the holes. A numerical validation of the dynamic porous wall model is performed via the computation of the impedance versus frequency for an acoustic liner consisting of a solid wall back sheet and a perforated face sheet, separated by a given distance. Two types of unsteady flow are considered; firstly 3D LES in which the holes in the perforated face sheet are fully resolved, and secondly 2D URANS simulations in which the dynamic porous wall model is used to include the effects of the perforated face sheet. Comparisons of the results show that the new dynamic porous wall model captures both nonlinear and inertial effects well.
Lyapunov spectrum of a relativistic stochastic flow in the Poincaré group
Authors: Tardif Camille
Published: April 2014

We determine the Lyapunov spectrum and stable manifolds of some stochastic flows on the Poincaré group associated to Dudley's relativistic processes.
Relative Quotient Triangulated Categories
Authors: Pan Shengyong
Published: April 2014

Let A be a finite dimensional algebra over a field k. We consider a subfunctor F of [Formula: see text], which has enough projectives and injectives such that [Formula: see text] is of finite type, where [Formula: see text] denotes the set of F-projectives. One can get the relative derived category [Formula: see text] of A-mod. For an F-self-orthogonal module TF, we discuss the relation between the relative quotient triangulated category [Formula: see text] and the relative stable category of the Frobenius category of TF-Cohen-Macaulay modules. In particular, for an F-Gorenstein algebra A and an F-tilting A-module TF, we get a triangle equivalence between [Formula: see text] and the relative stable category of TF-Cohen-Macaulay modules. This gives the relative version of a result of Chen and Zhang.
Simple Classical Lie Algebras in Characteristic 2 and Their Gradations, II
Authors: Grishkov Alexandre N. , Guerreiro Marinês
Published: April 2014

This paper is a continuation of [2]. We prove Conjecture 5.1 of [2] which gives a characterization of simple Lie algebras of finite dimension of type B2ℓ, C2ℓ, D2ℓ+1, E7 and E8 in terms of some gradations of these algebras over a field of characteristic 2.
On Standard Invariants of Bi-polymatroidal Ideals
Authors: La Barbiera Monica
Published: April 2014

The standard invariants of the bi-polymatroidal ideals of Veronese type are computed.
On Evolution Algebras
Authors: Casas J. M. , Ladra M. , Omirov B. A. , Rozikov U. A.
Published: April 2014

The structural constants of an evolution algebra are given by a quadratic matrix. In this work we establish an equivalence between nil, right nilpotent evolution algebras and evolution algebras defined by upper triangular matrices. The classification of 2-dimensional complex evolution algebras is obtained. For an evolution algebra with a special form of the matrix, we describe all its isomorphisms and their compositions. We construct an algorithm running under Mathematica which decides if two finite dimensional evolution algebras are isomorphic.
An Analogy of Clifford Decomposition Theorem for Abel-Grassmann Groupoids
Authors: Khan Madad , Anis Saima
Published: April 2014

Let S be an inverse AG-groupoid (Abel-Grassmann groupoid) and define a relation γ on S by a γ b if and only if there exist some positive integers n and m such that bm ∈ (Sa)S and an ∈ (Sb)S. We prove that S/γ is a maximal semilattice homomorphic image of S. Thus, every inverse AG-groupoid S is uniquely expressible as a semilattice Y of some Archimedean inverse AG-groupoids Sα (α ∈ Y). Our result can be regarded as an analogy of the well known Clifford theorem in semigroups for AG-groupoids.
A fractional-order toxin producing phytoplankton and zooplankton system
Authors: Javidi M. , Nyamoradi N.
Published: April 2014

In this work, we investigate the dynamical behavior of a fractional-order toxin producing on a phytoplankton–zooplankton (TPPZ) system with nutrient cycling. We propose a mathematical system to model this situation. All the feasible equilibria of the system are obtained and the conditions for the existence of the equilibriums are determined. Local stability analysis of the TPPZ is studied by using the fractional Routh–Hurwitz stability conditions. Numerical simulations are carried out for a hypothetical set of parameter values to substantiate our analytical findings.
Stomach - Key Player in the Regulation of Metabolism
Authors: Štimac Davor , Klobučar Majanović Sanja , Franjić Neven
Published: April 2014

Although the stomach is often perceived as a crude, food-grinding, muscular bag, scientific breakthroughs have shown us that in the case of the stomach there is more than meets the eye. The endocrine function of the stomach is mainly exerted through the actions of ghrelin, an acylated peptide hormone that is the first known and so far most extensively studied endogenous orexigenic substance. The satiety-hunger balance is kept in check by many anorexigenic gut hormones among which is the deacylated form of ghrelin - desacyl ghrelin. The interplay of gut hormones affects the brain directly, as most gut hormones cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to their respective receptors in the central nervous system. Other hormones like obestatin and nesfatin are secreted from the stomach along with ghrelin, yet their physiological function is to be elucidated. The importance of the satiety-hunger balance can be seen in its most typical derangement - obesity. Some studies imply that ghrelin, along with other gut hormones, plays an important part in the pathophysiology of obesity. More importantly, it seems that the mechanisms by which bariatric surgery procedures induce weight loss are primarily based on changing the gut hormone levels, including ghrelin. If proven, ghrelin antagonists could be the renaissance of pharmacological obesity treatment.
The Psyche and Gastric Functions
Authors: Nardone Gerardo , Compare Debora
Published: April 2014

Although the idea that gastric problems are in some way related to mental activity dates back to the beginning of the last century, until now it has received scant attention by physiologists, general practitioners and gastroenterologists. The major breakthrough in understanding the interactions between the central nervous system and the gut was the discovery of the enteric nervous system (ENS) in the 19th century. ENS (also called ‘little brain') plays a crucial role in the regulation of the physiological gut functions. Furthermore, the identification of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and the development of speciﬁc CRF receptor antagonists have permitted to characterize the neurochemical basis of the stress response. The neurobiological response to stress in mammals involves three key mechanisms: (1) stress is perceived and processed by higher brain centers; (2) the brain mounts a neuroendocrine response by way of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and (3) the brain triggers feedback mechanisms by HPA and ANS stimulation to restore homeostasis. Various stressors such as anger, fear, painful stimuli, as well as life or social learning experiences affect both the individual's physiologic and gastric function, revealing a two-way interaction between brain and stomach. There is overwhelming experimental and clinical evidence that stress influences gastric function, thereby outlining the pathogenesis of gastric diseases such as functional dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcer disease. A better understanding of the role of pathological stressors in the modulation of disease activity may have important pathogenetic and therapeutic implications.
Secondary Prevention of Epidemic Gastric Cancer in the Model of Helicobacter pylori-Associated Gastritis
Authors: Pizzi Marco , Saraggi Deborah , Fassan Matteo , Megraud Francis , Di Mario Francesco , Rugge Massimo
Published: April 2014

Irrespective of its etiology, long-standing, non-self-limiting gastric inflammation (mostly in Helicobacter pylori-associated cases) is the cancerization ground on which epidemic (intestinal-type) gastric carcinoma (GC) can develop. The natural history of invasive gastric adenocarcinoma encompasses gastritis, atrophic mucosal changes, and intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN). The topography, the extent and the severity of the atrophic changes significantly correlate with the risk of developing both IEN and GC. In recent years, both noninvasive (serological) tests and invasive (endoscopy/biopsy) procedures have been proposed to stratify patients according to different classes of GC risk. As a consequence, different patient-tailored GC secondary prevention strategies have been put forward. This review summarizes the histological features of H. pylori-related gastritis and the natural history of the disease. Histological and serological strategies to assess GC risk as well as the clinical management of atrophic gastritis patients are also discussed.
Predictors and Outcomes of Suspected Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients
Authors: Mehta Brijesh P. , Sims John R. , Baccin Carlos E. , Leslie-Mazwi Thabele M. , Ogilvy Christopher S. , Nogueira Raul G.
Published: April 2014

Background: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a dreaded complication of heparin-related products and correlates with a worse outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. Objective: To study the risk factors and outcomes of SAH patients suspected of having HIT, confirmed as present or absent by the platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibody test. Methods: All patients with presumed aneurysmal, nontraumatic SAH and having undergone a PF4 test were identified through our research patient database. Charts, laboratory values and images were analyzed retrospectively. Results: We identified 166 patients with SAH who were tested for HIT; 42 patients (25%) had a positive antibody test. There was no difference in platelet profiles or mean platelet nadirs of HIT+ and HIT- patients (147 ± 93 vs. 153 ± 86 ×109/l, respectively). Univariate analysis identified gender, magnesium prophylaxis, Fisher group 3, clipping versus coiling, presence of angiographic vasospasm, number of vasospasm treatments, and day of HIT testing as potential risk factors associated with HIT. A multivariate analysis indicated that female gender (OR 8.2, 95% CI 2.0-33.2), greater number of vasospasm treatments (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-2.0), later day of HIT testing (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.3), and clipping (OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.42-10.0) were independently associated with HIT positivity. HIT+ patients showed more infarcts on CT, longer ICU and hospital stays and worse modified Rankin Scale scores on discharge. Conclusion: The presence of HIT in SAH has adverse consequences and is more likely in female patients who have undergone aneurysm clipping and require multiple endovascular vasospasm treatments.
Role of Computed Tomography for Diagnosis and Risk Stratification of Patients With Suspected or Known Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Kalra Dan K. , Heo Ran , Valenti Valentina , Nakazato Ryo , Min James K.
Published: April 2014

Cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) has emerged as a powerful imaging modality for the detection and prognostication of individuals with suspected coronary artery disease. Because calcification of coronary plaque occurs in proportion to the total atheroma volume, the initial diagnostic potential of CCTA focused on the identification and quantification of coronary calcium in low- to intermediate-risk individuals, a finding that tracks precisely with the risk of incident adverse clinical events. Beyond noncontrast detection of coronary calcium, CCTA using iodinated contrast yields incremental information about the degree and distribution of coronary plaques and stenosis, as well as vessel wall morphology and atherosclerotic plaque features. This additive information offers the promise of CCTA to provide a more comprehensive view of total atherosclerotic burden because it relates to myocardial ischemia and future adverse clinical events. Furthermore, emerging data suggest the prognostic and diagnostic importance of stenosis severity detection and atherosclerotic plaque features described by CCTA including positive remodeling, low-attenuation plaque, and spotty calcification, which have been associated with the vulnerability of plaque. We report a summary of the evidence supporting the role of CCTA in the detection of subclinical and clinical coronary artery disease in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients and discuss the potential of CCTA to augment the identification of at-risk individuals. CCTA and coronary artery calcium scoring offer the ability to improve risk stratification, discrimination, and reclassification of the risk in patients with suspected coronary artery disease and to noninvasively determine the measures of stenosis severity and atherosclerotic plaque features.
Lymphatic Vessel Insufficiency in Hypercholesterolemic Mice Alters Lipoprotein Levels and Promotes Atherogenesis
Authors: Vuorio Taina , Nurmi Harri , Moulton Karen , Kurkipuro Jere , Robciuc Marius R. , Öhman Miina , Heinonen Suvi E. , Samaranayake Haritha , Heikura Tommi , Alitalo Kari , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo
Published: April 2014

Objective—

Lymphatic vessels collect extravasated fluid and proteins from tissues to blood circulation as well as play an essential role in lipid metabolism by taking up intestinal chylomicrons. Previous studies have shown that impairment of lymphatic vessel function causes lymphedema and fat accumulation, but clear connections between arterial pathologies and lymphatic vessels have not been described.

Approach and Results—

Two transgenic mouse strains with lymphatic insufficiency (soluble vascular endothelial growth factor 3 [sVEGFR3] and Chy) were crossed with atherosclerotic mice deficient of low-density lipoprotein receptor and apolipoprotein B48 (LDLR
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
) to study the effects of insufficient lymphatic vessel transport on lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis. Both sVEGFR3×LDLR
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
mice and Chy×LDLR
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
mice had higher plasma cholesterol levels compared with LDLR
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
control mice during both normal chow diet (16.3 and 13.7 versus 8.2 mmol/L, respectively) and Western-type high-fat diet (eg, after 2 weeks of fat diet, 45.9 and 42.6 versus 30.2 mmol/L, respectively). Cholesterol and triglyceride levels in very-low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein fractions were increased. Atherosclerotic lesions in young and intermediate cohorts of sVEGFR3×LDLR
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
mice progressed faster than in control mice (eg, intermediate cohort mice at 6 weeks, 18.3% versus 7.7% of the whole aorta, respectively). In addition, lesions in sVEGFR3×LDLR
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
mice and Chy×LDLR
−/−
/ApoB
100/100
mice had much less lymphatic vessels than lesions in control mice (0.33% and 1.07% versus 7.45% of podoplanin-positive vessels, respectively).

Conclusions—

We show a novel finding linking impaired lymphatic vessels to lipoprotein metabolism, increased plasma cholesterol levels, and enhanced atherogenesis.
Compliance With Acute Stroke Care Quality Measures in Hospitals With and Without Primary Stroke Center Certification: The North Carolina Stroke Care Collaborative
Authors: Johnson Anna M. , Goldstein Larry B. , Bennett Paige , O'Brien Emily C. , Rosamond Wayne D. ,   investigators of the Registry of the North Carolina Stroke Care Collaborative
Published: April 2014

Background

Organized stroke care is associated with improved outcomes. Data are limited on differences in changes in the quality of acute stroke care at The Joint Commission–certified Primary Stroke Centers (
PSC
s) versus non‐
PSC
s over time.

Methods and Results

We compared compliance with the Joint Commission's 10 acute stroke care performance measures and defect‐free care in
PSC
s and non‐
PSC
s participating in the Registry of the North Carolina Stroke Care Collaborative from January 2005 through February 2010. We included 29 654 cases presenting at 47 hospitals—10
PSC
s, 8 preparing for certification, and 29 non‐
PSC
s—representing 43% of
North Carolina
's non–
Veterans Affairs
, acute care hospitals. Using a non‐
PSC
referent, odds ratios and 95% CIs were calculated using logistic regression and generalized estimating equations accounting for clustering of cases within hospitals. Time trends were presented graphically using simple linear regression. Performance measure compliance increased for all measures for all 3 groups in 2005–2010, with the exception of discharge on antithrombotics, which remained consistently high.
PSC
s and hospitals preparing for certification had better compliance with all but 2 performance measures compared with non‐
PSC
s (each
P
<0.01). Defect‐free care was delivered most consistently at hospitals preparing for certification (52.8%), followed by
PSC
s (45.0%) and non‐
PSC
s (21.9%). Between 2005 and 2010,
PSC
s and hospitals preparing for certification had a higher average annual percent increase in the provision of defect‐free care (
P
=0.01 and 0.04, respectively) compared with non‐
PSC
s.

Conclusions

PSC
certification is associated with an overall improvement in the quality of stroke care in
North Carolina
; however, room for improvement remains.
Adherence to Guideline‐Recommended Therapy Is Associated With Decreased Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Major Adverse Limb Events Among Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Armstrong Ehrin J. , Chen Debbie C. , Westin Gregory G. , Singh Satinder , McCoach Caroline E. , Bang Heejung , Yeo Khung‐Keong , Anderson David , Amsterdam Ezra A. , Laird John R.
Published: April 2014

Background

Current guidelines recommend that patients with peripheral arterial disease (
PAD
) cease smoking and be treated with aspirin, statin medications, and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (
ACE
) inhibitors. The combined effects of multiple guideline‐recommended therapies in patients with symptomatic
PAD
have not been well characterized.

Methods and Results

We analyzed a comprehensive database of all patients with claudication or critical limb ischemia (
CLI
) who underwent diagnostic or interventional lower‐extremity angiography between June 1, 2006 and May 1, 2013 at a multidisciplinary vascular center. Baseline demographics, clinical data, and long‐term outcomes were obtained. Inverse probability of treatment propensity weighting was used to determine the 3‐year risk of major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events (
MACE
; myocardial infarction, stroke, or death) and major adverse limb events (
MALE
; major amputation, thrombolysis, or surgical bypass). Among 739 patients with
PAD
, 325 (44%) had claudication and 414 (56%) had
CLI
. Guideline‐recommended therapies at baseline included use of aspirin in 651 (88%), statin medications in 496 (67%),
ACE
inhibitors in 445 (60%), and smoking abstention in 528 (71%) patients. A total of 237 (32%) patients met all four guideline‐recommended therapies. After adjustment for baseline covariates, patients adhering to all four guideline‐recommended therapies had decreased
MACE
(hazard ratio [
HR
], 0.64; 95%
CI
, 0.45 to 0.89;
P
=0.009),
MALE
(
HR
, 0.55; 95%
CI
, 0.37 to 0.83;
P
=0.005), and mortality (
HR
, 0.56; 95%
CI
, 0.38 to 0.82;
P
=0.003), compared to patients receiving less than four of the recommended therapies.

Conclusions

In patients with claudication or
CLI
, combination treatment with four guideline‐recommended therapies is associated with significant reductions in
MACE
,
MALE
, and mortality.
Improving Blood Pressure Control Through Pharmacist Interventions: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Santschi Valérie , Chiolero Arnaud , Colosimo April L. , Platt Robert W. , Taffé Patrick , Burnier Michel , Burnand Bernard , Paradis Gilles
Published: April 2014

Background

Control of blood pressure (
BP
) remains a major challenge in primary care. Innovative interventions to improve
BP
control are therefore needed. By updating and combining data from 2 previous systematic reviews, we assess the effect of pharmacist interventions on
BP
and identify potential determinants of heterogeneity.

Methods and Results

Randomized controlled trials (
RCT
s) assessing the effect of pharmacist interventions on
BP
among outpatients with or without diabetes were identified from
MEDLINE
,
EMBASE
,
CINAHL
, and
CENTRAL
databases. Weighted mean differences in
BP
were estimated using random effect models. Prediction intervals (
PI
) were computed to better express uncertainties in the effect estimates. Thirty‐nine
RCT
s were included with 14 224 patients. Pharmacist interventions mainly included patient education, feedback to physician, and medication management. Compared with usual care, pharmacist interventions showed greater reduction in systolic
BP
(−7.6 mm Hg, 95%
CI
: −9.0 to −6.3; I
2
=
67%) and diastolic
BP
(−3.9 mm Hg, 95%
CI
: −5.1 to −2.8; I
2
=
83%). The 95%
PI
ranged from −13.9 to −1.4 mm Hg for systolic
BP
and from −9.9 to +2.0 mm Hg for diastolic
BP
. The effect tended to be larger if the intervention was led by the pharmacist and was done at least monthly.

Conclusions

Pharmacist interventions – alone or in collaboration with other healthcare professionals – improved
BP
management. Nevertheless, pharmacist interventions had differential effects on
BP
, from very large to modest or no effect; and determinants of heterogeneity could not be identified. Determining the most efficient, cost‐effective, and least time‐consuming intervention should be addressed with further research.
iPad2
®
Use in Patients With Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators Causes Electromagnetic Interference: The EMIT Study
Authors: Kozik Teri M. , Chien Gianna , Connolly Therese F. , Grewal Gurinder S. , Liang David , Chien Walter
Published: April 2014

Background

Over 140 million
iP
ads
®
have been sold worldwide. The
iP
ad2
®
, with magnets embedded in its frame and Smart Cover and 3G cellular data capability, can potentially cause electromagnetic interference in implantable cardioverter defibrillators. This can lead to potentially life‐threatening situations in patients. The goal of this study was to determine whether the
iP
ad2
®
can cause electromagnetic interference in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Methods and Results

Twenty‐seven patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators were studied. The
iP
ad2
®
was held at reading distance and placed directly over the device with cellular data capability activated and deactivated. The manufacturers/models of devices and the patients' body mass index were noted. The presence of electromagnetic interference was detected by using a programmer supplied by each manufacturer. Magnet mode with suspension of anti‐tachycardia therapy was triggered in 9 (33%) patients. All occurred when the
iP
ad2
®
was placed directly over the device. The cellular data status did not cause interference and no noise or oversensing was noted. There was no significant difference between the mean body mass index of the groups with or without interference.

Conclusions

The
iP
ad2
®
can trigger magnet mode in implantable cardioverter defibrillators when laid directly over the device. This is potentially dangerous if patients should develop life‐threatening arrhythmias at the same time. As new electronic products that use magnets are produced, the potential risk to patients with implantable defibrillators needs to be addressed.
Recognition Memory Impairments After Subcortical White Matter Stroke in Mice
Authors: Blasi Francesco , Wei Ying , Balkaya Mustafa , Tikka Saara , Mandeville Joseph B. , Waeber Christian , Ayata Cenk , Moskowitz Michael A.
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose—

Small subcortical white matter infarcts are a common stroke subtype often associated with cognitive deficits. The lack of relevant models confined to white matter has limited the investigation of its pathophysiology. Here, we examine tissue and functional outcome after an ischemic lesion within corpus callosum in wild-type (WT) mice and in mice null for a gene,
NOTCH3
, linked to white matter ischemic injury in patients.

Methods—

WT and
NOTCH3
knockout mice were subjected to stereotactic microinjections of the potent vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 at the level of periventricular white matter to induce a focal ischemic lesion. Infarct location was confirmed by MRI, and brains were examined for lesion size and histology; behavioral deficits were assessed ≤1 month in WT mice.

Results—

Ischemic damage featured an early cerebral blood flow deficit, blood–brain barrier opening, and a lesion largely confined to white matter. At later stages, myelin and axonal degeneration and microglial/macrophage infiltration were found. WT mice displayed prolonged cognitive deficit when tested using a novel object recognition task.
NOTCH3
mutants showed larger infarcts and greater cognitive deficit at 7 days post stroke.

Conclusions—

Taken together, these data show the usefulness of microinjections of endothelin-1 into periventricular white matter to study focal infarcts and cognitive deficit in WT mice. In short-term studies, stroke outcome was worse in
NOTCH3
null mice, consistent with the notion that the lack of the NOTCH3 receptor affects white matter stroke susceptibility.
A new Dyckia species (Bromeliaceae, Pitcairnioideae) from the Brazilian Northeastern region
Authors: ESTEVES PEREIRA EDDIE , GOUDA ERIC JOHN
Published: April 2014

A new species of Dyckia (Pitcairnioideae) is described and illustrated here. Dyckia piauiensis sp. nov. was found in the state of Piauí, in northern Brazil, in very dry Cerrado vegetation and cultivated by the first author. This new species’ closest relative is Dyckia pernambucana, but differs from it by its larger and retrorse spines, shorter inflorescence and floral bracts, rounded or emarginated sepals and by highly connate stamens.
Systematic survey of Lithothamnion, Melobesia and Mesophyllum species (Hapalidiaceae, Corallinales, Rhodophyta) recorded along the Atlantic coast of Mexico
Authors: Mateo-Cid Luz Elena , Mendoza González A. Catalina , García López Deisy Yazmin
Published: April 2014

Family Hapalidiaceae is represented in the Atlantic coast of Mexico by three genera and five species. Lithothamnion sejunctum is a new record for Mexico and represents the third record since it was first described and L. crispatum is recorded for the first time for North America Continent. L. crispatum and L. occidentale are developing as maerl in the subtidal zone to 50 m depth. Melobesia membranacea has the widest distribution interval in the study area. Mesophyllum mesomorphum is a species which it has few records in the study area. Detailed accounts are provided for each species along with information on synonymy, collections examined, distribution, and habitat. Qualitative characters associated with tetrasporangial / bisporangial conceptacle roof morphology and anatomy have provided a reliable basis for delimiting the Atlantic Mexican species of Hapalidiaceae.
Atlas Florae Europaeae notes 23. The typification and revised taxonomic circumscription of Sorbus bakonyensis (Rosaceae), with a description of Sorbus udvardyana, a new apomictic species endemic to Hungary
Authors: SOMLYAY LAJOS , SENNIKOV ALEXANDER N.
Published: April 2014

The taxonomic and nomenclatural history of Jávorka’s Sorbus bakonyensis is surveyed and its correct authorship and bibliographic citation is provided. The identity of the original material of S. bakonyensis and the history of its interpretations are discussed. The name S. bakonyensis is applicable to an endemic of the eastern Bakony Mountains, restricted to the vicinity of the village of Márkó in Hungary. The illegitimate name S. majeri is a synonym of S. bakonyensis. A new name, S. udvardyana, is introduced here for the species occurring in the western Balaton region of Hungary, which was erroneously named “S. bakonyensis” in recent Hungarian literature.
A New Endemic Thai Species of Argyreia (Convolvulaceae)
Authors: TRAIPERM PAWEENA , STAPLES GEORGE W
Published: April 2014

A new species of Argyreia (Convolvulaceae) from Thailand is described and illustrated, and it is placed in relation to the known Thai species by inserting it into the key to Argyreia from the Flora of Thailand account. Argyreia suddeeana can be recognised by its unusually large, pendant flowers, arranged in capitate inflorescences with overlapping pinkish bracts, and a rose-pink bell-shaped corolla with flaring limb.
Larval masquerade: a new species of paedomorphic salamander (Caudata: Plethodontidae: Eurycea) from the Ouachita Mountains of North America
Authors: STEFFEN MICHAEL A. , IRWIN KELLY J. , BLAIR ANDREA L. , BONETT RONALD M.
Published: April 2014

Species with truncated developmental patterns may go undetected if they resemble the juveniles of their close relatives. Herein we present an example of this phenomenon with the description of a highly divergent, relict species of stream-dwelling plethodontid salamander from the Ouachita Mountains of North America. Both mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data show that this new species is most closely related to its syntopic relative, Eurycea multiplicata. Interestingly, E. multiplicata exhibits the ancestral biphasic (metamorphic) life cycle, whereas the new species maintains an aquatic larval form throughout life (paedomorphic) and superficially resembles larval E. multiplicata. The new species is the first known paedomorphic plethodontid from the Ouachita Mountains, and the most divergent paedomorphic salamander discovered in over seventy years. This species represents an independent instance of the evolution of paedomorphosis associated with a porous streambed, which may facilitate vertical seasonal movements. This new species currently has an extremely limited known distribution and is of immediate conservation concern.
Discovery of a third species of Lamproptera Gray, 1832 (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)
Authors: HU SHAO-JI , ZHANG XIN , COTTON ADAM M. , YE HUI
Published: April 2014

A newly discovered, third species of the genus Lamproptera (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) is described, 183 years after the second currently recognised species was first named. Lamproptera paracurius Hu, Zhang & Cotton sp. n., from N.E. Yunnan, China, is based on marked differences in external morphology and male genital structure. The species is confirmed as a member of the genus, and detailed comparisons are made with other taxa included in the genus. Keys to Lamproptera species based on external characters and male genitalia are included.
Consistency of Temperature and Precipitation Extremes across Various Global Gridded In Situ and Reanalysis Datasets
Authors: Donat Markus G. , Sillmann Jana , Wild Simon , Alexander Lisa V. , Lippmann Tanya , Zwiers Francis W.
Published: April 2014

Changes in climate extremes are often monitored using global gridded datasets of climate extremes based on in situ observations or reanalysis data. This study assesses the consistency of temperature and precipitation extremes between these datasets. Both the temporal evolution and spatial patterns of annual extremes of daily values are compared across multiple global gridded datasets of in situ observations and reanalyses to make inferences on the robustness of the obtained results.

While normalized time series generally compare well, the actual values of annual extremes of daily data differ systematically across the different datasets. This is partly related to different computational approaches when calculating the gridded fields of climate extremes. There is strong agreement between extreme temperatures in the different in situ–based datasets. Larger differences are found for temperature extremes from the reanalyses, particularly during the presatellite era, indicating that reanalyses are most consistent with purely observational-based analyses of changes in climate extremes for the three most recent decades. In terms of both temporal and spatial correlations, the ECMWF reanalyses tend to show greater agreement with the gridded in situ–based datasets than the NCEP reanalyses and Japanese 25-year Reanalysis Project (JRA-25). Extreme precipitation is characterized by higher temporal and spatial variability than extreme temperatures, and there is less agreement between different datasets than for temperature. However, reasonable agreement between the gridded observational precipitation datasets remains. Extreme precipitation patterns and time series from reanalyses show lower agreement but generally still correlate significantly.
The Impact of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and Atlantic Meridional Mode on Seasonal Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Activity
Authors: Patricola Christina M. , Saravanan R. , Chang Ping
Published: April 2014

Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) activity is influenced by interannual tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) variability characterized by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), as well as interannual-to-decadal variability in the interhemispheric gradient in tropical Atlantic SST characterized by the Atlantic meridional mode (AMM). Individually, the negative AMM phase (cool northern and warm southern tropical Atlantic SST anomalies) and El Niño each inhibit Atlantic TCs, and vice versa. The impact of concurrent strong phases of the ENSO and AMM on Atlantic TC activity is investigated. The response of the atmospheric environment relevant for TCs is evaluated with a genesis potential index.

Composites of observed accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) suggest that ENSO and AMM can amplify or dampen the influence of one another on Atlantic TCs. To support the observational analysis, numerical simulations are performed using a 27-km resolution regional climate model. The control simulation uses observed SST and lateral boundary conditions (LBCs) of 1980–2000, and perturbed experiments are forced with ENSO phases through LBCs and eastern tropical Pacific SST and AMM phases through Atlantic SST.

Simultaneous strong El Niño and strongly positive AMM, as well as strong concurrent La Niña and negative AMM, produce near-average Atlantic ACE suggesting compensation between the two influences, consistent with the observational analysis. Strong La Niña and strongly positive AMM together produce extremely intense Atlantic TC activity, supported largely by above average midtropospheric humidity, while strong El Niño and negative AMM together are not necessary conditions for significantly reduced Atlantic tropical cyclone activity.
Dorsal Approach to Septum in External Septorhinoplasty
Authors: Ozturan Orhan , Dogan Remzi , Aksoy Fadlullah , Tugrul Selahattin , Eren Sabri Baki
Published: April 2014

Objective:

During external septorhinoplasty, access from the caudal septum into subperichondrial space often poses difficulties and challenges for proper elevation of the mucoperichondrial flap. The dorsal and caudal approaches were compared with respect to duration and mucosal integrity.

Methods:

The caudal approach was applied in 52 patients and the dorsal approach in 50 patients. The duration was recorded starting with septal incision, until the end of the completion of the bilateral subperichondrial and subperiosteal elevation. The mucosal integrity was inspected for any mucosal damage.

Results:

The elevation durations for the caudal approach and the dorsal approach were 450.3 seconds and 232 seconds, respectively. The impairment in mucosal integrity was observed in 33 cases (63%) with the caudal approach and in 16 cases (32%) with the dorsal approach. Statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of duration and mucosal integrity.

Conclusion:

The dorsal approach is a more advantageous choice that provides easier, safer, and faster access, ensures a comfortable and effective subperichondrial elevation, and is more advantageous for the protection of mucosal integrity as compared to the caudal approach from the anterior septal angle, since the perichondrium in the caudal septum is more attached to the underlying cartilage.
Association of serum and vitreous concentrations of osteoprotegerin with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Yu Gehua , Ji Xiaoyan , Jin Ji , Bu Shuyang
Published: April 2014

Background

Angiogenesis is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Osteoprotegerin, a recently identified glycoprotein belonging to the tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily, has been implicated to be correlated with angiogenesis. This study aims to determine whether serum and vitreous concentrations of osteoprotegerin are associated with diabetic retinopathy.

Methods

This study consisted of 254 diabetic patients (100 without diabetic retinopathy, 64 with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 90 with proliferative diabetic retinopathy) and 62 control subjects. Serum and vitreous concentrations of osteoprotegerin were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

Results

Serum and vitreous osteoprotegerin concentrations in proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients were significantly elevated compared with those of the other three groups. Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients showed elevated concentrations of serum and vitreous osteoprotegerin compared with patients without diabetic retinopathy. In addition, control subjects had significantly lower serum and vitreous osteoprotegerin concentrations compared with diabetic patients without retinopathy, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients and proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients.

Conclusions

Serum and vitreous osteoprotegerin concentrations are associated with the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy.
Melanesian visions? Some preliminary thoughts about social work education and practice in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Brydon Kerry , Lawihin Dunstan
Published: April 2014

Social work is a discipline that has its origins in the Western context but has spread to a wide range of contexts. We undertook a small research project as a quest to enhance the delivery of fieldwork programs but the findings clearly held implications for the development of new social work models and practices that are unique to the Papua New Guinea context. While further research is needed, it is our contention that the integration of Melanesian values holds promise, albeit accompanied by challenges, to contribute to the indigenization of social work as a model of practice that reflects local needs and local context in Papua New Guinea.
Taxi Blues: The anxiety of Soviet masculinity
Authors: Ioffe Dennis G. , White Frederick H.
Published: April 2014

Using the lens of cultural analysis, this study examines Pavel Lungin’s Taxi Blues as one of the characteristic examples of perestroika cinema. The homosocial theme of the movie is explored in much detail, while using the available historical and comparative materials taken from Russian and Western cultural history. Taxi Blues traces the development of a relationship between a musician and a taxi driver during Russia’s perestroika period. The taxi driver ‘saves’ the musician from alcohol dependency, imprisonment, financial ruin and self-destruction, only to be forgotten once the musician achieves fame abroad. Their relationship demonstrates a reversal of fortune in which economic and social status is conflated with sexual identity. As such, the homosocial relationship of the two men is disrupted when their personal fortunes are reversed by the collapse of the Soviet Union. The sexual overtones in the relationship implicitly evoke various cultural stereotypes (degenerate sexual behaviour, Jewish effeminacy) as well as inherent power dynamics (master and slave, teacher and pupil) to engage the explicit issues of social and economic status in a society that has been turned inside out by perestroika.