bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intradural spinal tumours and their mimics: a review of radiographic features
Authors: Wein Sara , Gaillard Francesco
Published: June 2013

Intradural spinal tumours, although relatively uncommon, can be diagnostically challenging, and often result in significant morbidity. They can be subdivided according to their cell of origin and whether they are within the cord (intramedullary) or intradural but extramedullary in location. The differential diagnosis for masses of the cauda equina region is often considered separately. Additionally, some inflammatory processes, cysts, benign tumour-like masses and vascular malformations may mimic intradural tumours. Although in many instances, a precise preoperative diagnosis is not possible as many of the imaging findings overlap, some features may strongly suggest one diagnosis over others. This article reviews the range of intradural spinal tumours in the adult and paediatric populations, with an emphasis on pertinent imaging characteristics. An approach is provided for distinguishing tumours from lesions that mimic tumours and for narrowing the differential diagnosis according to imaging findings.
Variation and taxonomy of Asiamerican eutherian mammalParanyctoides
Authors: Averianov Alexander , Archibald J. David
Published: June 2013

A parsimony analysis of the distribution of 408 characters in 73 taxa of Cretaceous eutherians and related taxa places three species of Paranyctoides, the Asiatic P. quadrans and the North American P. sternbergi and P. maleficus, into a monophyletic taxon supported by three unambiguous synapomorphies. In this analysis P. quadrans has three autapomorphies, but in the analysis using combined terminal taxon for the entire sample of North American Paranyctoides two of these autapomorphies (development of stylar cusps C and D on upper molars) disappeared because these characters are also variably present in the North American sample. The remaining autapomorphy of P. quadrans, m3 shorter than m2, is known from a single specimen and also may be affected by individual variation. The North American sample of Paranyctoides cannot be clearly separated into distinct species on morphological or morphometric grounds and is considered as representing a single species, P. sternbergi Fox, 1979 (= P. maleficus Fox, 1984, syn. nov.). It differs from the Asiatic P. quadrans (Nesov, 1993) only in having a sharp lingual ridge on p5 and m3 longer than m2. Paranyctoides is the sister taxon to Zhelestidae; this clade is supported by four unambiguous synapomorphies.
ATTRACTORS FOR A CAGINALP MODEL WITH A LOGARITHMIC POTENTIAL AND COUPLED DYNAMIC BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
Authors: CONTI MONICA , GATTI STEFANIA , MIRANVILLE ALAIN
Published: June 2013

We study the longtime behavior of the Caginalp phase-field model with a logarithmic potential and dynamic boundary conditions for both the order parameter and the temperature. Due to the possible lack of distributional solutions, we deal with a suitable definition of solutions based on variational inequalities, for which we prove well-posedness and the existence of global and exponential attractors with finite fractal dimension.
LINEAR DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS WITH A TRANSITION POINT AT THE ORIGIN
Authors: CAO LI-HUA , LI YU-TIAN
Published: June 2013

A pair of linearly independent asymptotic solutions are constructed for the second-order linear difference equation [Formula: see text] where An and Bn have asymptotic expansions of the form [Formula: see text] with θ ≠ 0 and α0 ≠ 0 being real numbers, and β0 = ±2. Our result holds uniformly for the scaled variable t in an infinite interval containing the transition point t1 = 0, where t = (n + τ0)-θx and τ0 is a small shift. In particular, it is shown how the Bessel functions Jν and Yν get involved in the uniform asymptotic expansions of the solutions to the above linear difference equation. As an illustration of the main result, we derive a uniform asymptotic expansion for the orthogonal polynomials associated with the Laguerre-type weight xα exp (-qmxm), x > 0, where m is a positive integer, α > -1 and qm > 0.
Discrete effects of A57G-myosin essential light chain mutation associated with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kazmierczak Katarzyna , Paulino Ellena C. , Huang Wenrui , Muthu Priya , Liang Jingsheng , Yuan Chen-Ching , Rojas Ana I. , Hare Joshua M. , Szczesna-Cordary Danuta
Published: June 2013

The functional consequences of the familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy A57G (alanine-to-glycine) mutation in the myosin ventricular essential light chain (ELC) were assessed in vitro and in vivo using previously generated transgenic (Tg) mice expressing A57G-ELC mutant vs. wild-type (WT) of human cardiac ELC and in recombinant A57G- or WT-protein-exchanged porcine cardiac muscle strips. Compared with the Tg-WT, there was a significant increase in the Ca2+sensitivity of force (ΔpCa50≅ 0.1) and an ∼1.3-fold decrease in maximal force per cross section of muscle observed in the mutant preparations. In addition, a significant increase in passive tension in response to stretch was monitored in Tg-A57G vs. Tg-WT strips indicating a mutation-induced myocardial stiffness. Consistently, the hearts of Tg-A57G mice demonstrated a high level of fibrosis and hypertrophy manifested by increased heart weight-to-body weight ratios and a decreased number of nuclei indicating an increase in the two-dimensional size of Tg-A57G vs. Tg-WT myocytes. Echocardiography examination showed a phenotype of eccentric hypertrophy in Tg-A57G mice, enhanced left ventricular (LV) cavity dimension without changes in LV posterior/anterior wall thickness. Invasive hemodynamics data revealed significantly increased end-systolic elastance, defined by the slope of the pressure-volume relationship, indicating a mutation-induced increase in cardiac contractility. Our results suggest that the A57G allele causes disease by means of a discrete modulation of myofilament function, increased Ca2+sensitivity, and decreased maximal tension followed by compensatory hypertrophy and enhanced contractility. These and other contributing factors such as increased myocardial stiffness and fibrosis most likely activate cardiomyopathic signaling pathways leading to pathologic cardiac remodeling.
Role of mitochondrial dysfunction and altered autophagy in cardiovascular aging and disease: from mechanisms to therapeutics
Authors: Marzetti Emanuele , Csiszar Anna , Dutta Debapriya , Balagopal Gauthami , Calvani Riccardo , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan
Published: June 2013

Advanced age is associated with a disproportionate prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Intrinsic alterations in the heart and the vasculature occurring over the life course render the cardiovascular system more vulnerable to various stressors in late life, ultimately favoring the development of CVD. Several lines of evidence indicate mitochondrial dysfunction as a major contributor to cardiovascular senescence. Besides being less bioenergetically efficient, damaged mitochondria also produce increased amounts of reactive oxygen species, with detrimental structural and functional consequences for the cardiovascular system. The age-related accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondrial likely results from the combination of impaired clearance of damaged organelles by autophagy and inadequate replenishment of the cellular mitochondrial pool by mitochondriogenesis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about relevant mechanisms and consequences of age-related mitochondrial decay and alterations in mitochondrial quality control in the cardiovascular system. The involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular conditions especially prevalent in late life and the emerging connections with neurodegeneration are also illustrated. Special emphasis is placed on recent discoveries on the role played by alterations in mitochondrial dynamics (fusion and fission), mitophagy, and their interconnections in the context of age-related CVD and endothelial dysfunction. Finally, we discuss pharmacological interventions targeting mitochondrial dysfunction to delay cardiovascular aging and manage CVD.
Two-Dimensional Convolution Algorithm for Modelling Multiservice Networks with Overflow Traffic
Authors: Głąbowski Mariusz , Kaliszan Adam , Stasiak Maciej
Published: June 2013

The present paper proposes a new method for analytical modelling multiservice networks with implemented traffic overflow mechanisms. The basis for the proposed method is a special two-dimensional convolution algorithm that enables determination of the occupancy distribution and the blocking probability in network systems in which traffic streams of individual classes can be serviced by both primary and alternative resources. The algorithm worked out by the authors makes it possible to model systems with any type of traffic offered to primary resources. In order to estimate the accuracy of the proposed method, the analytical results of blocking probabilities in selected networks with traffic overflow have been compared with simulation data.
A Multilayer Feed Forward Small-World Neural Network Controller and Its Application on Electrohydraulic Actuation System
Authors: Li Xiaohu , Xu Feng , Zhang Jinhua , Wang Sunan
Published: June 2013

Being difficult to attain the precise mathematical models, traditional control methods such as proportional integral (PI) and proportional integral differentiation (PID) cannot meet the demands for real time and robustness when applied in some nonlinear systems. The neural network controller is a good replacement to overcome these shortcomings. However, the performance of neural network controller is directly determined by neural network model. In this paper, a new neural network model is constructed with a structure topology between the regular and random connection modes based on complex network, which simulates the brain neural network as far as possible, to design a better neural network controller. Then, a new controller is designed under small-world neural network model and is investigated in both linear and nonlinear systems control. The simulation results show that the new controller basing on small-world network model can improve the control precision by 30% in the case of system with random disturbance. Besides the good performance of the new controller in tracking square wave signals, which is demonstrated by the experiment results of direct drive electro-hydraulic actuation position control system, it works well on anti-interference performance.
eIF4B Phosphorylation by Pim Kinases Plays a Critical Role in Cellular Transformation byAblOncogenes
Authors: Yang Jianling , Wang Jun , Chen Ke , Guo Guijie , Xi Ruijiao , Rothman Paul B. , Whitten Douglas , Zhang Lianfeng , Huang Shile , Chen Ji-Long
Published: June 2013

Alterations in translation occur in cancer cells, but the precise pathogenic processes and mechanistic underpinnings are not well understood. In this study, we report that interactions between Pim family kinases and the translation initiation factor eIF4B are critical for Abl oncogenicity. Pim kinases, Pim-1 and Pim-2, both directly phosphorylated eIF4B on Ser406 and Ser422. Phosphorylation of eIF4B on Ser422 was highly sensitive to pharmacologic or RNA interference-mediated inhibition of Pim kinases. Expression and phosphorylation of eIF4B relied upon Abl kinase activity in both v-Abl- and Bcr-Abl–expressing leukemic cells based on their blockade by the Abl kinase inhibitor imatinib. Ectopic expression of phosphomimetic mutants of eIF4B conferred resistance to apoptosis by the Pim kinase inhibitor SMI-4a in Abl-transformed cells. In contrast, silencing eIF4B sensitized Abl-transformed cells to imatinib-induced apoptosis and also inhibited their growth as engrafted tumors in nude mice. Extending these observations, we found that primary bone marrow cells derived from eIF4B-knockdown transgenic mice were less susceptible to Abl transformation, relative to cells from wild-type mice. Taken together, our results identify eIF4B as a critical substrate of Pim kinases in mediating the activity of Abl oncogenes, and they highlight eIF4B as a candidate therapeutic target for treatment of Abl-induced cancers. Cancer Res; 73(15); 4898–908. ©2013 AACR.
Plasma Sphingolipids and Lung Cancer: A Population-Based, Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Alberg Anthony J. , Armeson Kent , Pierce Jason S. , Bielawski Jacek , Bielawska Alicja , Visvanathan Kala , Hill Elizabeth G. , Ogretmen Besim
Published: June 2013

Background: Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramides are bioactive signaling sphingolipids that regulate pathways that are central to cancer pathogenesis.

Methods: A nested case–control study was implemented to test whether prediagnostic circulating concentrations of S1P and ceramides were associated with future lung cancer risk. In the community-based CLUE II cohort study in Washington County, Maryland, the study consisted of 100 incident lung cancer cases, each matched to two cancer-free controls on age, sex, race, and cigarette smoking status. Plasma stored at −70°C at the beginning of follow-up in 1989 was assayed for sphingolipids using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry methodology (LC/MS-MS).

Results: Compared with controls, geometric mean plasma concentrations of S1P and total ceramides were 2.9% (P = 0.10) and 5.1% (P = 0.02), respectively, greater in lung cancer cases. For S1P, the ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for lung cancer risk were 2.7 (1.2–5.9), 2.7 (1.1–6.4), and 1.9 (0.8–4.5) for the second, third, and highest fourth, respectively, compared with the lowest fourth (overall P = 0.006). Compared with those with total ceramide concentrations in the lowest fourth, the ORs (and 95% CI) for lung cancer risk were 1.6 (0.7–3.3), 1.5 (0.7–3.4), and 2.1 (0.9–4.7) for the second, third, and highest fourth, respectively (Ptrend = 0.01).

Conclusions: Higher concentrations of S1P and total ceramide in plasma were associated with increased future risk of lung cancer.

Impact: These novel findings suggest that perturbation of sphingolipid metabolism and S1P generation may either contribute to the etiology of lung cancer or be a marker of latent lung cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(8); 1374–82. ©2013 AACR.
Molecular Pathways: PI3K Pathway Targets in Triple-Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Gordon Vallerie , Banerji Shantanu
Published: June 2013

The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype, defined clinically by the lack of estrogen, progesterone, and Her2 receptor expression, accounts for 10% to 15% of annual breast cancer diagnoses. Currently, limited therapeutic options have shown clinical benefit beyond cytotoxic chemotherapy. Defining this clinical cohort and identifying subtype-specific molecular targets remain critical for new therapeutic development. The current era of high-throughput molecular analysis has revealed new insights into these targets and confirmed the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) as a key player in pathogenesis. The improved knowledge of the molecular basis of TNBC in parallel with efforts to develop new PI3K pathway–specific inhibitors may finally produce the therapeutic breakthrough that is desperately needed. Clin Cancer Res; 19(14); 3738–44. ©2013 AACR.
USP8 Is a Novel Target for Overcoming Gefitinib Resistance in Lung Cancer
Authors: Byun Sanguine , Lee Sung-Young , Lee Jihoon , Jeong Chul-Ho , Farrand Lee , Lim Semi , Reddy Kanamata , Kim Ji Young , Lee Mee-Hyun , Lee Hyong Joo , Bode Ann M. , Won Lee Ki , Dong Zigang
Published: June 2013

Purpose: Common treatment modalities for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) involve the EGF receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) like gefitinib and erlotinib. However, the vast majority of treated patients acquire resistance to EGFR-TKIs, due, in large part, to secondary mutations in EGFR or amplification of the MET gene. Our purpose was to test ubiquitin-specific peptidase 8 (USP8) as a potential therapeutic target for gefitinib-resistant and -sensitive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Experimental Design: Testing the effect of knockdown of USP8 and use of a synthetic USP8 inhibitor to selectively kill gefitinib-resistant (or -sensitive) NSCLCs with little effect on normal cells in cell culture and a xenograft mouse model.

Results: Knockdown of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 8 (USP8) selectively kills gefitinib-resistant NSCLCs while having little toxicity toward normal cells. Genetic silencing of USP8 led to the downregulation of several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) including EGFR, ERBB2, ERBB3, and MET. We also determined that a synthetic USP8 inhibitor markedly decreased the viability of gefitinib-resistant and -sensitive NSCLC cells by decreasing RTK expression while having no effect on normal cells. Moreover, treatment with a USP8 inhibitor led to significant reductions in tumor size in a mouse xenograft model using gefitinib-resistant and -sensitive NSCLC cells.

Conclusions: Our results show for the first time that the inhibition of USP8 activity or reduction in USP8 expression can selectively kill NSCLC cells. We propose USP8 as a potential therapeutic target for gefitinib-resistant and -sensitive NSCLC cells. Clin Cancer Res; 19(14); 3894–904. ©2013 AACR.
Effects of Different Administration Protocols on the Plasma Concentration of Donepezil Hydrochloride in Dementia Patients with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Amano Chika , Ito Takafumi , Egawa Masahiro , Oka Tomohiro , Hanada Ken , Matsui Kosuke , Nabika Toru , Tanabe Kazuaki
Published: June 2013

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) as well as Alzheimer's disease (AD) increases with age. With the aging of the population in Japan, there is an increasing likelihood that patients with CKD will receive donepezil hydrochloride (DPZ), an antidementia drug, in the near future. Nevertheless, there have been few reports on how to use DPZ in patients with severe CKD. We report on 2 CKD stage 5 patients who received DPZ under different prescriptions. In case 1, 3 mg/day of DPZ was initially administered for 4 months, after which the dose was increased to 5 mg/day. In case 2, 5 mg was administered twice a week. The plasma concentration of DPZ was measured and the effectiveness was assessed using the Mini-Mental Health State Examination and the Hasegawa Dementia Rating Scale. We found that (1) only a slight increase in the plasma concentration of DPZ was observed with a dose of 3 mg daily, (2) there was a significant increase in the plasma concentration with a dose of 5 mg daily, and (3) when 5 mg of DPZ was administered twice a week, the plasma concentration did not differ significantly from healthy controls who had received 5 mg daily. Although cognitive function was improved best when the 5-mg dose was administered daily with no apparent side effects, the plasma concentration came close to reaching a toxic level at this dose. Careful follow-up may be essential when DPZ is used at 5 mg/day or greater in severe CKD patients.
A Case of Dengue Maculopathy with Spontaneous Recovery
Authors: Luk Fiona Oi-jing , Chan Carmen Kar-mun , Lai Timothy Yuk-yau
Published: June 2013

Purpose: To report a case of dengue maculopathy, which resolved spontaneously without treatment. Methods: A 25-year-old female patient with good past health was admitted to a general hospital in Hong Kong with fever of unknown origin after traveling to Indonesia. Based on the clinical features and a positive real-time polymerase chain reaction for dengue virus type 1, she was diagnosed with dengue fever. The patient developed dengue maculopathy mainly affecting the vision of her left eye. Abnormalities on a multifocal electroretinogram showed bilateral involvement. Results: As there is no proven treatment for dengue maculopathy, the patient opted for observation. Her vision returned to normal within 3 weeks. Conclusion: Dengue maculopathy can cause severe visual loss and may resolve without treatment.
UK Renal Registry 15th Annual Report: Chapter 3 Demographic and Biochemistry Profile of Kidney Transplant Recipients in the UK in 2011: National and Centre-Specific Analyses
Authors: Pruthi Rishi , Casula Anna , MacPhee Iain
Published: June 2013

Introduction: National transplant registries routinely focus on centre-specific patient and graft survival rates following renal transplantation. However other outcomes such as graft function (as measured by eGFR), haemoglobin and blood pressure are also important quality of care indicators. Methods: Renal transplant activity, incident graft survival data and donor information were obtained from NHS Blood and Transplant. Laboratory and clinical variables and prevalent survival data were obtained from the UK Renal Registry. Data were analysed separately for prevalent and one year post-transplant patients. Results: The only increase in transplant activity in 2011 was the use of donors after circulatory death. The death-censored graft failure rate was similar to previous years at 2.2% and the transplant patient death rates remained stable at 2.3 per 100 patient years. There was centre variation in outcomes including eGFR and haemoglobin in prevalent and 1 year post-transplant patients. Analysis of prevalent transplants by chronic kidney disease stage showed 13.6% with an eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 1.7% with an eGFR <15 ml/min/1.73 m2. Of those with CKD stage 5T, 34% had haemoglobin concentrations <10.0 g/dl, 19.8% phosphate concentrations ≥1.8 mmol/L and 7.1% adjusted calcium concentrations ≥2.6 mmol/L. Infection (23%), malignancy (21%), and cardiac disease (16%) remained amongst the commonest causes of death in patients with a functioning renal transplant. Conclusion: Significant variations in clinical outcomes (unadjusted for patient-specific variables) amongst kidney transplant recipients continued to exist in the UK and may reflect differences in healthcare delivery between renal centres.
UK Renal Registry 15th Annual Report: Chapter 6 Haemoglobin, Ferritin and Erythropoietin Amongst UK Adult Dialysis Patients in 2011: National and Centre-Speciﬁc Analyses
Authors: Rao Anirudh , Gilg Julie , Williams Andrew
Published: June 2013

Background: The UK Renal Association (RA) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have published Clinical Practice Guidelines which include recommendations for management of anaemia in established renal failure. Aims: To determine the extent to which the guidelines for anaemia management are met in the UK. Methods: Quarterly data were obtained for haemoglobin (Hb) and factors that influence Hb from renal centres in England, Wales, Northern Ireland (E, W, NI) and the Scottish Renal Registry for the incident and prevalent renal replacement therapy (RRT) cohorts for 2011. Results: In the UK, in 2011 51% of patients commenced dialysis therapy with Hb ≥10.0 g/dl (median Hb 10 g/dl). Of patients in the early presentation group, 55% started dialysis with Hb ≥10.0 g/dl whilst 37% of patients presenting late started dialysis with Hb ≥10.0 g/dl. The UK median Hb of haemodialysis (HD) patients was 11.2 g/dl with an inter-quartile range (IQR) of 10.3-12.1 g/dl. Of UK HD patients, 82% had Hb ≥10.0 g/dl. The median Hb of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in the UK was 11.4 g/dl (IQR 10.5-12.3 g/dl). Of UK PD patients, 85% had Hb ≥10.0 g/dl. The median ferritin in HD patients in the UK was 436 mg/L (IQR 292-625) and 96% of HD patients had a ferritin ≥100 mg/ L. In EW&NI the median ferritin in PD patients was 273 mg/ L (IQR 153-446) with 86% of PD patients having a ferritin ≥100 mg/L. In EW&NI the mean erythropoietin stimulating agent (ESA) dose was higher for HD than PD patients (8,740 vs. 6,624 IU/week). Conclusions: Prevalent HD and PD patients had 56% and 53% respectively within the Hb ≥10 and ≤12 g/dl target.
Increased Incidence of Esophageal Thermal Lesions Using the Second-Generation 28-mm Cryoballoon
Authors: Metzner Andreas , Burchard Andre , Wohlmuth Peter , Rausch Peter , Bardyszewski Alexander , Gienapp Christina , Tilz Roland Richard , Rillig Andreas , Mathew Shibu , Deiss Sebastian , Makimoto Hisaki , Ouyang Feifan , Kuck Karl-Heinz , Wissner Erik
Published: June 2013

Background—

Pulmonary vein isolation is an established treatment option for atrial fibrillation. To date, the incidence and quality of ablation-induced esophageal thermal lesions (ETLs) using the recently introduced second-generation cryoballoon (CB, ArcticFront Advance, Medtronic) is unknown.

Methods and Results—

In patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or short-standing persistent atrial fibrillation, pulmonary vein (PV) isolation was performed using the second-generation CB. The endoluminal esophageal temperature was monitored via a temperature probe. After PV isolation, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed to assess the incidence of ETLs. In 50 patients (18 women; age, 61±11 years; left atrial diameter, 43±5 mm), successful CB-based PV isolation was performed. Lowest median balloon temperature and esophageal temperature for the right superior PV were −51°C and 35.8°C, −47°C and 35°C for the right inferior PV, −51°C and 34.4°C for the left superior PV, −48°C and 34.6°C for the left inferior PV, and −54°C and 34.5°C for the left common PV, respectively. EGD performed 2±1 days post ablation demonstrated superficial thermal lesions and thermal ulcerations in 1 of 50 (2%) and 5 of 50 (10%) patients, respectively. In patients with ETLs, during ≥1 freeze cycle the endoluminal esophageal temperature measured <3.0°C. All thermal lesions were in the healing process on repeat EGD 4±2 days after initial endoscopy.

Conclusions—

Using the second-generation 28-mm CB, ETLs were detected in 6 of 50 (12%) patients. All ETLs were in the healing process on repeat EGD. An esophageal temperature safety cutoff may prove valuable in the prevention of ETLs and requires further evaluation.
Progression of Atrial Fibrillation After a Failed Initial Ablation Procedure in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Pokushalov Evgeny , Romanov Alexander , De Melis Mirko , Artyomenko Sergey , Baranova Vera , Losik Denis , Bairamova Sevda , Karaskov Alexander , Mittal Suneet , Steinberg Jonathan S.
Published: June 2013

Background—

The aim of this prospective randomized study was to assess whether an early reablation was superior to antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy in patients with previous failed pulmonary vein isolation.

Methods and Results—

Patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) eligible for AAD therapy or reablation after a previously failed initial pulmonary vein isolation procedure were eligible for this study and were followed up for 3 years to assess rhythm by means of an implanted cardiac monitor. After the blanking period postablation, 154 patients had symptomatic AF recurrences and were randomized to AAD (n=77) or repulmonary vein isolation (n=77). At the end of follow-up, 61 (79%) patients in the AAD group and 19 (25%) patients in the reablation group demonstrated AF% progression (
P
<0.01). The AF% at 36 months was significantly greater in the AAD group compared with patients in the reablation group (18.8±11.4% versus 5.6±9.5%, respectively;
P
<0.01). In addition, 18 (23%) patients in the AAD group and 3 (4%) patients in the reablation group progressed to persistent AF (
P
<0.01). Furthermore, 45 (58%) of the 77 reablation group patients were free of AF/atrial tachycardia on no AADs; in contrast, in the AAD group, only 9 (12%) of the 77 patients were free of AF/atrial tachycardia (
P
<0.01) throughout follow-up.

Conclusions—

Redo AF ablation was substantially more effective than AAD in reducing the progression and prevalence of AF after the failure of an initial ablation.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01709682.
Anatomical and Procedural Features Associated With Aortic Root Rupture During Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Barbanti Marco , Yang Tae-Hyun , Rodès Cabau Josep , Tamburino Corrado , Wood David A. , Jilaihawi Hasan , Blanke Phillip , Makkar Raj R. , Latib Azeem , Colombo Antonio , Tarantini Giuseppe , Raju Rekha , Binder Ronald K. , Nguyen Giang , Freeman Melanie , Ribeiro Henrique B. , Kapadia Samir , Min James , Feuchtner Gudrun , Gurtvich Ronen , Alqoofi Faisal , Pelletier Marc , Ussia Gian Paolo , Napodano Massimo , de Brito Fabio Sandoli , Kodali Susheel , Norgaard Bjarne L. , Hansson Nicolaj C. , Pache Gregor , Canovas Sergio J. , Zhang Hongbin , Leon Martin B. , Webb John G. , Leipsic Jonathon
Published: June 2013

Background—

Aortic root rupture is a major concern with balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We sought to identify predictors of aortic root rupture during balloon-expandable TAVR by using multidetector computed tomography.

Methods and Results—

Thirty-one consecutive patients who experienced left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT)/annular/aortic contained/noncontained rupture during TAVR were collected from 16 centers. A caliper-matched sample of 31 consecutive patients without annular rupture, who underwent pre-TAVR multidetector computed tomography served as a control group. Multidetector computed tomography assessment included short- and long-axis diameters and cross-sectional area of the sinotubular junction, annulus, and LVOT, and the presence, location, and extent of calcification of the LVOT, as well. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in any preoperative clinical and echocardiographic variables. Aortic root rupture was identified in 20 patients and periaortic hematoma in 11. Patients with root rupture had a higher degree of subannular/LVOT calcification quantified by the Agatston score (181.2±211.0 versus 22.5±37.6,
P
<0.001), and a higher frequency of ≥20% annular area oversizing (79.4% versus 29.0%,
P
<0.001) and balloon postdilatation (22.6% versus 0.0%,
P
=0.005). In conditional logistic regression analysis for the matched data, moderate/severe LVOT/subannular calcifications (odds ratio, 10.92; 95% confidence interval, 3.23–36.91;
P
<0.001) and prosthesis oversizing ≥20% (odds ratio, 8.38; 95% confidence interval, 2.67–26.33;
P
<0.001) were associated with aortic root contained/noncontained rupture.

Conclusions—

This study demonstrates that LVOT calcification and aggressive annular area oversizing are associated with an increased risk of aortic root rupture during TAVR with balloon-expandable prostheses. Larger studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Using Social Network Sites to Improve Communication Between Political Campaigns and Citizens in the 2012 Election
Authors: Bor Stephanie E.
Published: June 2013

During the 2012 United States election the prevalence of political campaigning permeated throughout social network sites. It was not uncommon for political candidates on all levels of government to integrate an array of social network sites in their campaign communication strategies. Despite their vast use in elections and the recognition of their significance in the media, there is a lack of empirical research that examines the complex relationship between political campaigns and social network sites. The present research responds to this gap in the literature as it seeks to understand how two congressional campaigns employed social network sites to facilitate campaign communication. Following the collection of data from qualitative interviews with campaign staff, analysis revealed that social network sites were used to improve the effectiveness of their campaigns’ messages, to generate online engagement and offline activism, and to improve understanding the needs and opinions of the electorate.
The Grandparents Effect in Social Mobility
Authors: Chan Tak Wing , Boliver Vikki
Published: June 2013

Using data from three British birth cohort studies, we examine patterns of social mobility over three generations of family members. For both men and women, absolute mobility rates (i.e., total, upward, downward, and outflow mobility rates) in the partial parents-children mobility tables vary substantially by grandparents’ social class. In terms of relative mobility patterns, we find a statistically significant association between grandparents’ and grandchildren’s class positions, after parents’ social class is taken into account. The net grandparents-grandchildren association can be summarized by a single uniform association parameter. Net of parents’ social class, the odds of grandchildren entering the professional-managerial class rather than the unskilled manual class are at least two and a half times better if the grandparents were themselves in professional-managerial rather than unskilled manual-class positions. This grandparents effect in social mobility persists even when parents’ education, income, and wealth are taken into account.
Is There an Association Between Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Carotid Intima-media Thickness? Preliminary Data
Authors: Theocharidou Eleni , Gossios Thomas D. , Griva Theodora , Giouleme Olga , Douma Stella , Athyros Vasilios G. , Karagiannis Asterios
Published: June 2013

Inflammation is a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thus, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) may be associated with CVD. We assessed carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT; an indicator of CVD risk) in 42 patients with IBD, free of CVD or diabetes; 26 with Crohn's disease (CD) and 16 with ulcerative colitis (UC). The cIMT was significantly greater in patients with IBD compared to 42 healthy controls (0.62 ± 0.08 vs 0.52 ± 0.06 mm; P < .0005). The cIMT did not differ between patients with CD and UC or between the different disease activity and treatment groups. Factors associated with cIMT were age, body mass index, and IBD, with the latter making a greater contribution. The IBD is a predictor of cIMT, even when other CVD risk factors are considered. These findings suggest an association between early arterial wall alterations and IBD. Such an association should be proven in larger studies that should assess the incidence of CVD in patients with IBD.
An unusual case of peripheral neuropathy possibly due to arsenic toxicity secondary to excessive intake of dietary supplements
Authors: Barton AL , McLean B
Published: June 2013

A 74-year-old woman presented to the neurology clinic with worsening of her longstanding peripheral neuropathy of unknown cause. There was below knee loss of spinothalamic sensation, reduced joint position of toes, absent below hips vibration sensation and absent ankle jerks. Neurophysiology studies showed further progression of her axonal sensory neuropathy. Urine and blood analysis previously carried out in Australia suggested elevated levels of arsenic. After abstinence from seafood, a random urine sample was collected and this confirmed the elevation in urine arsenic (622.1 nmol/L, reference range <534 nmol/L). The household water was found to be uncontaminated and the patient had no occupational or environmental exposure to arsenic. On questioning the patient admitted to taking fish oils, omega-3 oils and glucosamine sulphate dietary supplements in excess of the recommended dosage. These supplements were identified as possible sources of arsenic and the patient was asked to stop all supplements. One month later the urine arsenic had reduced to 57.5 nmol/L. There was an improvement in patient wellbeing, she no longer required Gabapentin for pain relief and the neurophysiology studies also showed improvement. Clinicians should consider heavy metal toxicity as a cause of peripheral neuropathy of unknown cause. A detailed patient history including all dietary supplements is essential to help elucidate the source of heavy metal toxicity.
Crisis management revisited: A new agenda for research, training and capacity building within Europe
Authors: ’t Hart Paul , Sundelius Bengt
Published: June 2013

Fifteen years ago we presented an agenda for crisis management research and training in Europe, here that article is revisited through a comprehensive review of social science scholarship in the field. Both the discourses on risk and crisis ‘management’ and on crisis ‘politics’ are surveyed in an effort to show the connect between knowledge and policy agendas for capacity building. Priority areas for European research are identified and discussed. The vital roles of research-based education and experience-based training to foster enhanced crisis management practices are noted. Independent yet policy-focused centres of crisis management scholarship are encouraged and needed. These should be linked through a transnational network to support a common ‘rapid reflection’ force in service of European leadership, when it matters the most.
Paternalistic Leadership in Four East Asian Societies
Authors: Cheng Bor-Shiuan , Boer Diana , Chou Li-Fang , Huang Min-Ping , Yoneyama Shigemi , Shim Duksup , Sun Jian-Min , Lin Tzu-Ting , Chou Wan-Ju , Tsai Chou-Yu
Published: June 2013

Paternalistic leadership has been claimed to be one dominant leadership style in Asia. However, research failed to assess its comparability and applicability across East Asian contexts. The triad model of paternalistic leadership entails elements of authoritarian, benevolent, and moral character leadership. This article investigates the triad model of paternalistic leadership in mainland China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Paternalistic leadership occurs in an equivalent three-factorial structure indicating the applicability of the triad model, whereas some of the item intercepts vary between the four East Asian employee samples. These findings indicate generalizability of the meaning attributed to paternalistic leadership via three components, whereas the different measurement intercepts epitomize culture-specific scales across the four Asian contexts. The assessment of weak and strong measurement invariance is essential for an emerging cross-cultural research on paternalistic leadership by establishing evidence for the applicability and generalizability (including their boundaries) across cultural contexts.
The Effects of Aircraft Noise on the Auditory Language Processing Abilities of English First Language Primary School Learners in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Hollander Cara , de Andrade Victor Manuel
Published: June 2013

Schools located near to airports are exposed to high levels of noise which can cause cognitive, health, and hearing problems. Therefore, this study sought to explore whether this noise may cause auditory language processing (ALP) problems in primary school learners. Sixty-one children attending schools exposed to high levels of noise were matched to 68 children in quieter schools. Audiological screening and ALP assessments were undertaken and revealed that the children from the noise-exposed schools scored below average in all the ALP subtests. This study suggests that airport noise may impact on children’s ALP abilities.
Urban Youths’ Experiences and Perceptions of a Community Cycling Initiative
Authors: Hoffman Michael F. , Hayes Sharon , Napolitano Melissa A.
Published: June 2013

Promoting physical activity among youth is an important public health objective. Initiatives in urban settings targeting different types of physical activity like cycling are important. This study sought to examine qualitatively urban youths’ experiences in and perceptions of a community cycling initiative (Earn-A-Bike) delivered in Philadelphia, PA, by a local non-profit, Neighborhood Bike Works (NBW). Focus groups were conducted to understand the impact of this programme and to inform future community-based initiatives targeting urban youth. Five themes were derived from the qualitative analysis, comprising benefits of cycling, barriers to cycling, cycling knowledge, support from family and friends, and self efficacy. Earn-A-Bike was well accepted by urban youth, who reported positive perceptions and intentions to continue cycling after the conclusion of the programme. NBW is an example of how local non-profits can integrate into urban communities, creating a positive impact on urban children’s lives from a health, cultural and educational perspective.
Efficacy of high-dose methylprednisolone in patients with Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and severe thrombocytopenia
Authors: Sharifi-Mood Batool , Alavi-Naini Roya , Metanat Maliheh , Mohammadi Mehdi , Shakeri Asad , Amjadi Ali
Published: June 2013

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease that is now endemic in south eastern Iran. The most important factor associated with mortality is a platelet count of less than 50,000/mL. The purpose of this study is to compare treated cases with severe thrombocytopenia using ribavirin with high-dose methylprednisolone (HDMP) with patients receiving ribavirin without HDMP. A clinical trial was conducted for confirmed patients with CCHF and severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count less than 50,000/mL) admitted to Boo-Ali Hospital in Zahedan between January 2010 and October 2011. The intervention group was given oral ribavirin, supportive managements and HDMP and the controls were treated with ribavirin and supportive management. Following HDMP therapy in hospitalized patients with severe thrombocytopenia, the platelet count increased within 36 h and the leukocyte count within 48 h of the beginning of treatment. Fewer in the intervention group required a transfusion of blood products than in the controls ( P < 0.001). No one in the intervention group died. It seems that high-dose methylprednisolone is effective in the treatment of patients with CCHF. The increased platelet count and reduction of blood product requirement for severe CCHF patients after receiving HDMP are promising results. Further investigation is necessary in order to determine the efficacy of corticosteroid and its effect on outcome.
Help-Seeking Among Jamaican Adolescents
Authors: Jackson Williams Dahra
Published: June 2013

Underutilization of mental health resources is a well-documented problem. Little is known about the help-seeking attitudes of Jamaican adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine predictors of psychological help-seeking attitudes among Jamaican adolescents ( N = 339). The individual determinants of health service utilization model suggests that several factors contribute to health care attitudes and utilization, including illness factors (beliefs about etiology of mental health issues and level of somatization), predisposing factors (gender, age, and opinions about mental illness), and enabling factors (socioeconomic status and geographical location). Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression. Results indicated that for this population, predisposing factors predict attitudes toward seeking professional mental health care. Specifically, increased age, decreased authoritarian beliefs, and increased benevolence predicted more positive attitudes toward seeking psychological help. After controlling for gender, these predisposing factors accounted for 14.6% of the variance. Interestingly, neither illness factors nor enabling factors predicted help-seeking attitudes. Practical implications for public health policy, education, and stigma reduction programs are discussed.
Does Power Help or Hurt? The Moderating Role of Self–Other Focus on Power and Perspective-Taking in Romantic Relationships
Authors: Gordon Amie M. , Chen Serena
Published: June 2013

Reconciling competing viewpoints suggesting that power helps and hurts perspective-taking in close relationships, in two experiments and two daily experience studies we tested the hypothesis that power’s effect on perspective-taking depends on the extent to which people are relatively self-versus other-focused. In Study 1, recalling a time of high (vs. low) power over a romantic partner reduced inclinations to take the partner’s perspective for relatively self-focused but not other-focused individuals. Studies 2 and 3 replicated Study 1 using daily variations in power and perspective-taking. In Study 4, being the “in-charge” partner during a conflict conversation reduced empathic accuracy for more self-focused individuals. Self–other focus was assessed with measures of gratitude, relational self-construal, and social value orientation. The current findings provide evidence that, particularly for the more self-focused, relationship power influences people’s inclinations to take their romantic partner’s perspective in daily life as well as their empathic accuracy during conflict.
Social Network Characteristics of Early Midlife Voluntarily and Involuntarily Childless Couples
Authors: Wagner Jenny , Wrzus Cornelia , Neyer Franz J. , Lang Frieder R.
Published: June 2013

Whether couples have children or remain childless has largely been associated with individual and couple characteristics. We propose that the broader social network additionally differentiates between parents and childless couples, particularly between involuntarily and voluntarily childless couples. In light of this, we studied social network differences and their interplay with dyadic and individual characteristics in three types of couples with and without children, in a sample of 248 German early-midlife adults ( n = 41 voluntarily childless, n = 35 involuntarily childless, n = 48 traditional parental dyads). A multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that social network characteristics distinguished between voluntarily and involuntarily childless individuals. Additionally, attitudes toward children differed substantially across types of couples, whereas levels of partnership distress did not. Findings provide new insights into the significance of the social network above and beyond dyadic and individual characteristics in early-midlife couples with and without children.
Family Structure History and Teenage Cohabitation
Authors: Zito Rena Cornell
Published: June 2013

This study uses data from the first three waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, from 8,019 adolescents and their mothers, to examine links between multiple dimensions of family structure and instability over adolescents’ life courses, family functioning, peer contexts, and teenage cohabitation. Investigated explanations include an instability model, socioeconomic-stress model, and intergenerational transmission. Results from logistic regression models link single-mother and stepfamily residence during adolescence to frequent family transitions, weakened maternal bonds, teenage dating, and, ultimately, teenage cohabitation. Moreover, single motherhood and maternal cohabitation fail to predict teenage cohabitation among those living in stable households. Individual poverty and residence in a neighborhood marked by family disruption account partially for the influence of single motherhood. In addition, maternal bonds moderate the influence of maternal cohabitation on adolescent cohabitation, yielding support for an intergenerational transmission effect.
Ultrasound for Localization in Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Smith Russell B. , Evasovich Maria , Girod Douglas A. , Jorgensen Jeffrey B. , Lydiatt William M. , Pagedar Nitin A. , Spanos Willam C.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To evaluate the capability of ultrasound for preoperative localization in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Multi‐institutional Midwest Head and Neck Cancer Consortium.

Subjects and Methods

Two hundred twenty patients who underwent preoperative localization and had parathyroid surgery were evaluated. The findings of preoperative localization studies were correlated with surgical findings.

Results

Preoperative ultrasonography, sestamibi scintigraphy, or both were obtained in 77%, 93%, and 69% of the patients, respectively. Preoperative ultrasonography and sestamibi scintigraphy localized an abnormality in 71% and 79% of patients, respectively. At the time of surgery, the localization by ultrasound was accurate in 82%. The accuracy of localization was similar for sestamibi scintigraphy (85%). In patients with inaccurate ultrasound localization, the sestamibi scintigraphy correctly identified the site of disease in only 45%. In patients with a nonlocalizing ultrasound, sestamibi scintigraphy was able to localize disease in only 47%, with 2 being in the mediastinum.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography is an acceptable initial localization study for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. In patients with nonlocalizing ultrasound, sestamibi scintigraphy should be obtained, but can be expected to detect an abnormality in less than 50% of patients.