bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CYP2C19
Genotype Has a Greater Effect on Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and in Asian Populations Treated With Clopidogrel
Authors: Sorich Michael J. , Rowland Andrew , McKinnon Ross A. , Wiese Michael D.
Published: September 2014

Background—

The degree to which cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 genotype influences the effectiveness of clopidogrel remains uncertain because of considerable heterogeneity in results between studies and potential publication bias. Clopidogrel indication and ethnic population have been proposed to influence the effect of CYP2C19 genotype.

Methods and Results—

A systematic review was undertaken up to 14 November 2013. Meta-analysis of the
CYP2C19
genotype effect was stratified by the predominant clopidogrel indication (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] versus non-PCI) and ethnic population (white versus Asian) of each primary study. The primary analysis was restricted to studies with ≥500 participants, which comprised 24 studies and a total of 36 076 participants. The association between carriage of ≥1
CYP2C19
loss-of-function (LoF) allele and major cardiovascular outcomes differed significantly (
P
<0.001) between studies of whites not undergoing PCI (relative risk 0.99 [95% confidence interval, 0.84–1.17]; n=7043), whites undergoing PCI (1.20 [1.10–1.31]; n=19,016), and Asians undergoing PCI (1.91 [1.61–2.27]; n=10,017). Similar differences were identified in secondary analyses of 2
CYP2C19
LoF alleles, stent thrombosis outcomes, and studies with ≥200 participants. Minimal heterogeneity was apparent between studies of Asian populations.

Conclusions—

The reported association between
CYP2C19
LoF allele carriage and major cardiovascular outcomes differs based on the ethnic population of the study and, to a lesser extent, the clopidogrel indication. This is potentially of major importance given that over 50% of Asians carry ≥1
CYP2C19
LoF alleles.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Intracranial Aneurysm Identifies a New Association on Chromosome 7
Authors: Foroud Tatiana , Lai Dongbing , Koller Daniel , van’t Hof Femke , Kurki Mitja I. , Anderson Craig S. , Brown Robert D. , Connolly Edward Sander , Eriksson Johan G. , Flaherty Matthew , Fornage Myriam , von und zu Fraunberg Mikael , Gaál Emília I. , Laakso Aki , Hernesniemi Juha , Huston John , Jääskeläinen Juha E. , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Kivisaari Riku , Kleindorfer Dawn , Ko Nerissa , Lehto Hanna , Mackey Jason , Meissner Irene , Moomaw Charles J. , Mosley Thomas H. , Moskala Marek , Niemelä Mika , Palotie Aarno , Pera Joanna , Rinkel Gabriel , Ripke Stephan , Rouleau Guy , Ruigrok Ynte , Sauerbeck Laura , Słowik Agnieszka , Vermeulen Sita H. , Woo Daniel , Worrall Bradford B. , Broderick Joseph
Published: September 2014

Background and Purpose—

Common variants have been identified using genome-wide association studies which contribute to intracranial aneurysms (IA) susceptibility. However, it is clear that the variants identified to date do not account for the estimated genetic contribution to disease risk.

Methods—

Initial analysis was performed in a discovery sample of 2617 IA cases and 2548 controls of white ancestry. Novel chromosomal regions meeting genome-wide significance were further tested for association in 2 independent replication samples: Dutch (717 cases; 3004 controls) and Finnish (799 cases; 2317 controls). A meta-analysis was performed to combine the results from the 3 studies for key chromosomal regions of interest.

Results—

Genome-wide evidence of association was detected in the discovery sample on chromosome 9 (
CDKN2BAS
; rs10733376:
P
<1.0×10
−11
), in a gene previously associated with IA. A novel region on chromosome 7, near
HDAC9
, was associated with IA (rs10230207;
P
=4.14×10
−8
). This association replicated in the Dutch sample (
P
=0.01) but failed to show association in the Finnish sample (
P
=0.25). Meta-analysis results of the 3 cohorts reached statistical significant (
P
=9.91×10
−10
).

Conclusions—

We detected a novel region associated with IA susceptibility that was replicated in an independent Dutch sample. This region on chromosome 7 has been previously associated with ischemic stroke and the large vessel stroke occlusive subtype (including
HDAC9
), suggesting a possible genetic link between this stroke subtype and IA.
Verbascum duzgunbabadagensis (Scrophulariaceae), a new species from eastern Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Karavelioğulları Faik Ahmet , YÜCE Ebru , Başer Birol
Published: September 2014

Verbascum duzgunbabadagensis (Scrophulariaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species endemic to eastern Anatolia, Turkey. In this study, diagnostic morphological characters of this and closely related species (V. luciliae and V. rupicola) are discussed. Pollen and seed morphology of the new species and of similar taxa are documented. The seeds of this group are brown in color and oblong in V. luciliae and V. rupicola, whereas they are dark brown in color and ovate in shape in V. duzgunbabadagensis. Furthermore, distribution maps for the three taxa are provided.
Extracting Microphysical Impacts in Large-Eddy Simulations of Shallow Convection
Authors: Grabowski Wojciech W.
Published: September 2014

A simple methodology is proposed to extract impacts of cloud microphysics on macrophysical cloud-field properties in large-eddy simulations of shallow convection. These impacts are typically difficult to assess because of natural variability of the simulated cloud field. The idea is to use two sets of thermodynamic variables driven by different microphysical schemes or by a single scheme with different parameters as applied here. The first set is coupled to the dynamics as in the standard model, and the second set is applied diagnostically—that is, driven by the flow but without the feedback on the flow dynamics. Having the two schemes operating in the same flow pattern allows for extracting the impact with high confidence. For illustration, the method is applied to simulations of precipitating shallow convection applying a simple bulk representation of warm-rain processes. Because of natural variability, the traditional approach provides an uncertain estimate of the impact of cloud droplet concentration on the mean cloud-field rainfall even with an ensemble of simulations. In contrast, the impact is well constrained while applying the new methodology. The method can even detect minuscule changes of the mean cloud cover and liquid water path despite their large temporal fluctuations and different evolutions within the ensemble.
Tornado Warning Decisions Using Phased-Array Radar Data
Authors: Heinselman Pamela , LaDue Daphne , Kingfield Darrel M. , Hoffman Robert
Published: September 2014

The 2012 Phased Array Radar Innovative Sensing Experiment identified how rapidly scanned full-volumetric data captured known mesoscale processes and impacted tornado-warning lead time. Twelve forecasters from nine National Weather Service forecast offices used this rapid-scan phased-array radar (PAR) data to issue tornado warnings on two low-end tornadic and two nontornadic supercell cases. Verification of the tornadic cases revealed that forecasters’ use of PAR data provided a median tornado-warning lead time (TLT) of 20 min. This 20-min TLT exceeded by 6.5 and 9 min, respectively, participants’ forecast office and regions’ median spring season, low-end TLTs (2008–13). Furthermore, polygon-based probability of detection ranged from 0.75 to 1.0 and probability of false alarm for all four cases ranged from 0.0 to 0.5. Similar performance was observed regardless of prior warning experience. Use of a cognitive task analysis method called the recent case walk-through showed that this performance was due to forecasters’ use of rapid volumetric updates. Warning decisions were based upon the intensity, persistence, and important changes in features aloft that are precursors to tornadogenesis. Precursors that triggered forecasters’ decisions to warn occurred within one or two typical Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) scans, indicating PAR’s temporal sampling better matches the time scale at which these precursors evolve.
Dynamic Associations among Somatic Complaints, Human Energy, and Discretionary Behaviors
Authors: Christian Michael S. , Eisenkraft Noah , Kapadia Chaitali
Published: September 2014

Using data from two experience-sampling studies, this paper investigates the dynamic relationships between discretionary behaviors at work—voluntary tasks that employees perform—and internal somatic complaints, focusing specifically on a person’s pain fluctuations. Integrating theories of human energy with evidence from the organizational, psychological, and medical sciences, we argue that pain both depletes and redirects the allocation of employees’ energy. We hypothesize that somatic pain is associated with depleted resources and lowered work engagement, which in turn are related to ebbs and flows in discretionary behaviors, but that people will habituate to the negative effects of pain over time. Data from the two studies largely support our hypotheses. Study 1 explores the daily experiences of a sample of office workers with chronic pain, while Study 2 extends the findings to a larger non-clinical population and examines the effect of momentary pain during the workday. Our results suggest that pain fluctuations, through their effects on two forms of human energy, potential and in-use energy, are associated with increased withdrawal and a decrease in proactive extra-role behaviors at work. The results also suggest that employees who have experienced chronic pain for a longer time are less affected by the normally depleting effects of pain.
The politics of identity in organizational ethnographic research: Ethnicity and tropicalist intrusions
Authors: Alcadipani Rafael , Westwood Robert , Rosa Alexandre
Published: September 2014

The article addresses aspects of the politics of identity that became manifest in the researcher–researched relationships in the context of an organizational ethnographic field study at a UK-based printing business. As the fieldwork commenced, it quickly became apparent that the researcher’s Brazilian nationality and Latin American ethnic identity were being performed and responded to in certain specific and problematic ways. This study analyzes the dynamics of identity work and identity politics in ethnographic and other qualitative research. However, the specific contribution of this article is that it examines the questions that arise when the typical structures and patterns of research practice – which are themselves embedded in a spatialized politics of knowledge – are reversed. Historically, research in the social sciences (including management and organization studies) has been conducted by researchers from the center in relation to others in the non-center. Furthermore, in so doing, epistemologies, theories and methods developed in and for the center are deployed to examine and explain phenomena in those other places. This article addresses the question of what happens when the researcher is from the non-center and is conducting research on those from the center. This inversion is increasingly common and has significant implications not only for research practice and the politics of knowledge but also for international business relations more generally.
Chinese and American Individuals’ Mate Selection Criteria
Authors: Chen Ruoxi , Austin Jason P. , Miller John K. , Piercy Fred P.
Published: September 2014

In this study, we compared Chinese and American never-married heterosexual adults’ minimum mate selection criteria ( N = 1,260) and write-in responses on additional criteria important in mate selection ( N = 756). Participants’ mean age was 25.55 years ( SD = 4.44), and data were collected in 2013. Having analyzed quantitative and qualitative data both separately and corroboratively, we discuss Chinese and American individuals’ cultural emphases and unique expressions regarding the relative prioritization of mate selection criteria and additional mate selection criteria typically not included in mate selection studies. We also compare our findings with the results of previous mate selection studies, highlighting possible developments in Chinese and American individuals’ mate selection criteria, and suggest potential modifications and extensions of existing survey items to more comprehensively capture individuals’ mate selection criteria, particularly in different cultural contexts.
The Difference That Women Make
Authors: D’Agostino Maria J.
Published: September 2014

Empirical research on the difference that gender makes is sparse. This study is the first step toward providing evidence that agencies led by women perform better than those led by men. Using the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) data, this study examines the research question: Are women improving federal government agency performance? Preliminary results indicate that they do. The broader goal of social justice frames the discussion of findings.
The Necessity of Value Pluralism in Administrative Practice
Authors: Wagenaar Hendrik
Published: September 2014

Overeem and Verhoef’s critique of my understanding of value pluralism (VP) in public administration boils down to two points. First, VP is a meta-ethical position that has little or no truck with the practical field of public administration. And, second, as they argue, even if we granted that VP might be relevant to real-world events, it would be impossible to infer from it the kind of choices that I suggest, as is allegedly demonstrated by the “inconsistency” beween my position and that of Spicer in this issue. Against this I argue for a pragmatist perspective on VP. In a multi-faceted, conflictual world we have no choice but to engage in practical moral judgment. This is called moral awareness and it enhances our understanding of self and the world that we work and live in. Moral awareness also sustains one of the central tasks of public administration: the creation of a just and democratic society.
Does discarding XML declarations and changing file extensions improve the indexability and visibility of metadata tag names in web search engines?
Authors: Mahdi Taheri Sayyed , Hariri Nadjla , Ramatollah Fattahi Sayyed
Published: September 2014

The aim of the study was to find out whether discarding XML declarations and changing file extensions (i.e. .xml) improve the indexability and visibility of DCXML, MARCXML and MODS element tag names in Web search engines. Two groups of metadata records were included in an experimental study: an experimental group composed of 300 XML-based records without XML declarations and with file extensions according to the name of related metadata standards, and a control group composed of 300 XML-based records with the normal XML structure. These were analysed through an experimental approach. The two sets of records were published on two separate websites and then the sites were introduced to Google and Yahoo!. Findings showed that Google and Yahoo! indexed and retrieved all the tag names relating to the experimental group. However they did not index the tag names in the control group’s records. Based on the findings, some patterns are suggested to metadata creators and Web search engine developers.
Family Obligation Fulfillment Among Southeast Asian American Young Adults
Authors: Trieu Monica M.
Published: September 2014

Recent studies have shown that particular groups of second-generation Asian Americans exhibit high rates of fulfilling their family obligations. Drawing on 50 in-depth interviews with second-generation Vietnamese and Chinese Vietnamese young adults in Southern California, this article highlights a previously overlooked factor in family obligation literature: the influence that parental expectations have on children of immigrants’ family obligation sentiments and behaviors. There are four behavioral types that emerged from the data: expected contributors, unexpected contributors, expected noncontributors, and unexpected noncontributors. An analysis of the different types reveals that parental expectations—born from structural circumstances of economic need and ethnic cultural practices—influence respondents’ attitudes and behaviors toward fulfilling these financial family obligations. I conclude with implications for future research on family obligation behaviors among the children of immigrants.
Analysis of Clinical Prognostic Factors for Adult Patients with Head and Neck Sarcomas
Authors: Chang Amy E. , Chai Xiaoyu , Pollack Seth M. , Loggers Elizabeth , Rodler Eve , Dillon Jasjit , Parvathaneni Upendra , Moe Kris S. , Futran Neal , Jones Robin L.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To evaluate the treatment, outcome, and prognostic factors in patients with head and neck sarcomas treated in an academic medical center.

Study Design

Case series.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients (n = 97) with primary head and neck sarcomas treated between 2000 and 2012. We analyzed the treatment, outcome, and potential factors predictive of disease‐free survival and disease‐specific survival. We also evaluated the outcome and prognostic factors in patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas.

Results

The median overall survival was 6.8 years, with 2‐year and 5‐year overall survival rates of 78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 66%‐86%) and 59% (95% CI, 44%‐72%), respectively. Univariable analysis revealed that age at diagnosis (>60 years: hazard ratio [HR], 2.7; 95% CI, 1.2‐6.2; P =. 01), surgical intervention (HR, 8.3; 95% CI, 3.5‐19.5; P <. 001), and metastatic disease (HR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.3‐13.6; P =. 01) were significantly associated with disease‐specific survival.

Conclusion

In this study, patients over the age of 60 years at diagnosis and those with inoperable disease at initial presentation had significantly worse disease‐specific survival. Surgical intervention remains the optimal treatment modality for those with resectable disease and was associated with significantly better survival in this heterogeneous series. Further multi‐institutional studies are required to better define prognostic factors in individual histological subtypes.
Thomas Hirschhorn and Jacques Rancière: Artists and Philosophers as Companions in the Love of the Infinitude of Thought
Authors: Papastergiadis Nikos
Published: September 2014

Thomas Hirschhorn is an artist who has maintained an engaged approach to politics. His method of working is collaborative and speculative. It has a strong emphasis on community development and intellectual reflection. In this brief introduction I focus on the Bijlmer Spinoza Festival and his ongoing relationship and response to the ideas of the philosopher Jacques Rancière.
Analysis of potentially predictive factors of efficacy of adjunct extended-release quetiapine fumarate in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Bauer Michael , Thase Michael E , Liu Sherry , Earley Willie , Eriksson Hans
Published: September 2014

Identification of predictors of treatment response in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) may facilitate improved disease management. Data were pooled from two 6-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of extended-release quetiapine (quetiapine XR; 150 or 300 mg/day) as adjunct to ongoing antidepressant therapy. Effects of psychiatric history and baseline demographic and disease characteristics on efficacy outcomes (Week 6 Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS] total score reduction) were evaluated in population subgroups (quetiapine XR both doses pooled, n = 616; placebo, n = 303). Baseline Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S) score and previous depressive episodes on Week 6 MADRS total score change, and baseline MADRS individual item scores on Week 6 change in CGI-Improvement score, were also evaluated. No major differences between responders and non-responders to quetiapine XR were observed for patient characteristics or demographic and disease characteristics. No suggestion of a predictive association was found between baseline CGI-S score, number of depressive episodes, and baseline MADRS item scores and efficacy outcomes. These analyses showed no major differences between responders and non-responders, and no predictive association between the parameters assessed and efficacy outcomes for adjunct quetiapine XR in patients with MDD and an inadequate response to prior antidepressant therapy.
3D bone subtraction CT angiography for the evaluation of intracranial aneurysms: a comparison study with 2D bone subtraction CT angiography and conventional non-subtracted CT angiography
Authors: Cheng Bochao , Cai Wu , Sun Chongran , Kang Yan , Gong Jianping
Published: September 2014

Background

Bone subtraction computed tomography angiography (BSCTA) is better able to facilitate the detection of intracranial aneurysms adjacent to bone structures compared to conventional non-subtracted CTA (CNSCTA). However, the comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) BSCTA and conventional CTA in evaluating intracranial aneurysms remains unclear.

Purpose

To evaluate whether 3D BSCTA has a superior diagnostic accuracy to those of 2D BSCTA and CNSCTA in a single center with the same instrument.

Material and Methods

Sixty-three patients received 3D BSCTA, 2D BSCTA, and NSCTA for the detection and treatment planning of suspected intracranial aneurysms. The angiography readouts were reviewed by two independent radiologists. The sensitivity of CTA in detecting aneurysm was analyzed on a per-aneurysm and per-patient basis, using 3D digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and surgical findings as the gold standard. The potential of endovascular treatment or surgical clipping was also assessed based on information provided by the CTA.

Results

A total of 66 aneurysms were detected in 54 patients. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of 3D BSCTA were all 100%, and these values for 2D BSCTA were 98.1%, 100%, 100%, and 90%, respectively. The total sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of CNSCTA were 94.4%, 100%, 100%, and 75%, respectively. Finally, 100%, 98.1%, and 85.2% patients received appropriate treatment decisions after 3D BSCTA, 2D BSCTA, and CNSCTA imaging, respectively.

Conclusion

3D BSCTA has a higher sensitivity for the detection of small aneurysms and aneurysms adjacent to bone compared to 2D BSCTA or CNSCTA, which were still able to obtain sufficient information for the detection of intracranial aneurysms and therapeutic decision-making.
Factors associated with specific uropathogens in catheter-associated urinary tract infection: Developing a clinical prediction model
Authors: Oh Won Sup , Hur Ji-An , Kim Eu Suk , Park Kyung-Hwa , Choi Hee Kyoung , Moon Chisook , Kim Baek-Nam
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To identify characteristics associated with particular groups of uropathogens in catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA–UTI) and to develop clinical prediction rules for identifying these groups.

Methods

Demographic, clinical and microbiological data were analysed from patients with CA–UTI. Infections were categorized into enteric Gram-negative rods, nonfermenters, Gram-positive cocci and fungal. Variables were analysed using univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses, and were used to develop clinical prediction rules.

Results

A total of 492 patients were included in the study. Candida species were the most common uropathogens (30.7%), followed by enterococci (17.3%), Escherichia coli (12.0%), Pseudomonas spp. (10.8%), Klebsiella spp. (7.9%) and staphylococci (6.5%). Clinical prediction rules for the bacterial uropathogenic groups showed poor-to-fair discriminatory power, with sensitivities of <40% and specificities of >90%. However, clinical prediction rules showed good discriminatory power for fungal infections, with a sensitivity of 67.3% and a specificity of 78.1%.

Conclusions

Clinical prediction rules developed for identifying specific groups of bacterial uropathogens in patients with CA–UTI had a low sensitivity, whereas those for fungal infections showed good discriminatory power. Further studies to develop more refined and sensitive tools for predicting specific bacterial uropathogens in CA–UTI are warranted.
The birth certificate, ‘father unknown’ and adoption
Authors: Clapton Gary
Published: September 2014

This article explores the neglected subject of birth certificates, their meaning and value. The author makes a case for enhanced attention to the birth certificate in general but especially in cases where information about the father has not been entered. It is argued that rather than ‘father unknown’ being recorded, ‘father unregistered’ would be invariably more accurate. The conclusion addresses policy and practice implications for the various professions involved during the birth and registration process and also for children and family and adoption practitioners.
An Independent Evaluation of the Technical Features of the Basic Reading Inventory
Authors: Bieber Gregg , Hulac David M. , Schweinle William
Published: September 2014

The present study investigated some psychometric properties of the Basic Reading Inventory (BRI), a widely used informal reading inventory. The BRI and Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) probes were administered to 149 third, fourth, and fifth graders. Test–retest and alternate forms reliability analyses indicated adequate levels of reliability for low-stakes decisions. Concurrent validity analyses indicated strong correlations with DIBELS, an established measure of reading fluency. These results are discussed in light of implications for use of the BRI for making instructional grouping, universal screening, and progress monitoring decisions.
Ethics, Discourse, or Rights? A Discussion about a Decolonizing Project in Planning
Authors: Ugarte Magdalena
Published: September 2014

Recent discussions about the complicity of mainstream western planning with colonialism raise questions regarding what it means to decolonize planning theory and practice. In this article, I examine some of the lines of argument permeating these theoretical debates focusing on the apparent tension between scholars who understand a decolonization of planning in ethical and discursive terms, and those who emphasize Indigenous rights and recognition. I conclude that a decolonized planning discipline and practice demands ethical, discursive, and institutional transformations. I also advance ideas regarding the challenges of moving beyond individual, self-reflexive change toward a broader understanding of decolonization in planning.
Ceritinib
Authors: Cooper Maryann R. , Chim Helen , Chan Hoyi , Durand Cheryl
Published: September 2014

Objective: To review ceritinib for the treatment of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Data Sources: Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE (1974 to July week 5, 2014), and Google Scholar using the terms ceritinib, LDK378, and non–small-cell lung cancer. Study Selection and Data Extraction: One phase 1 trial and 2 abstracts were identified. Data Synthesis: Ceritinib is approved for the treatment of ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC in patients who are intolerant to or have progressed despite therapy with crizotinib. In the phase 1 clinical trial, the maximum tolerated dose was determined to be 750 mg once daily. The overall response rate (ORR) was 58% (95% CI = 48-67) in patients who received ≥400 mg daily (n = 114). In this group, the ORR was 56% (95% CI = 41-67) and 62% (95% CI = 44-78) among crizotinib-exposed and -naïve patients, respectively. The ORR was 59% (95% CI = 47-70) in patients who received 750 mg daily (n = 78). The ORR was 56% (95% CI = 41-70) in crizotinib-treated patients and 64% (95% CI = 44-81) in crizotinib-naïve patients, respectively, in this subset. The median duration of response was 8.2 months. Median progression-free survival was 7.0 months. The most common adverse reactions included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, anorexia, constipation, fatigue, and elevated transaminases. Conclusions: Ceritinib has activity in crizotinib-resistant and crizotinib-naïve patients and appears to be a viable alternative for ALK-positive NSCLC. Long-term data are needed to further define the role of ceritinib in the treatment of NSCLC.
Efficacy of Heparinoid PSS in Treating Cardiovascular Diseases and Beyond—A Review of 27 Years Clinical Experiences in China
Authors: Zeng Yangyang , Yang Desheng , Qiu Peiju , Han Zhangrun , Zeng Pengjiao , He Yanli , Guo Zhihua , Xu Lingling , Cui Yidi , Zhou Zijing , Zhang Meng , Hao Jiejie , Zhang Lijuan
Published: September 2014

Propylene glycol alginate sodium sulfate (PSS) is the world’s first oral heparinoid approved by Chinese Food and Drug Administration in 1987. Propylene glycol alginate sodium sulfate is produced by modifying partially hydrolyzed alginate, one of the most abundant marine polysaccharides isolated from brown algae, by epoxypropane esterification and by chemical sulfation. It is used for treating and preventing cardiovascular-related diseases. The low cost (US$1.29/100 tablets, ∼4 tablets/day), remarkable clinical effects, and convenient oral administration make PSS an ideal long-term prevention drug. Propylene glycol alginate sodium sulfate is available in most drug stores in China, and millions of patients take PSS routinely during the past 27 years. The 22 784 reported clinical cases as well as the structure, preparation, clinical efficacy, adverse reactions, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and future perspectives of PSS based on the results of peer-reviewed publications will be discussed. This review should bring the knowledge of PSS gained in China to the world to stimulate in depth academic and clinical studies of PSS.
The Role of Ethnicity, Sexual Attitudes, and Sexual Behavior in Sexual Revictimization During the Transition to Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Rinehart Jenny K. , Yeater Elizabeth A. , Musci Rashelle J. , Letourneau Elizabeth J. , Lenberg Kathryn L.
Published: September 2014

An experience of child sexual abuse (CSA) substantially increases women’s risk of adult sexual assault (ASA), but the mechanisms underlying this relationship are unclear. Previous research often has not examined the full range of ASA experiences or included the influence of ethnicity, sexual behavior, and sexual attitudes on CSA and severity of ASA. The current study utilized path analysis to explore the relationships among ethnicity, sexual attitudes, number of lifetime sexual partners, CSA, and severity of ASA in emerging adult women. Results indicated a significant relationship between CSA and more severe ASA that was partially explained by having more lifetime sexual partners. Additionally, European American women, relative to Hispanic women, reported more severe victimization, which was fully explained by more positive attitudes toward casual sex and having more lifetime sexual partners. These results have implications in the design and implementation of universal and selective prevention programs aimed at reducing ASA and revictimization among emerging adult women.
The Accuracy of Supplementary Homicide Report Rates for Large U.S. Cities
Authors: Loftin Colin , McDowall David , Curtis Karise , Fetzer Matthew D.
Published: September 2014

We investigated the precision of Supplementary Homicide Report (SHR) homicide rate estimates for large U.S. cities during the 5 years, 1998-2002. The homicide rates based on the National Vital Statistics System provided a parallel measure and the basis for estimating the reliability and average error. When cities with incomplete SHR data were removed from the sample, the estimated reliability was high (.99), and the standard error of measurement was low (1.2 homicides per 100,000 residents). Reliability remained high for subsets of cities and for most subsets of victims. For some groups, however, such as African Americans and persons age 0 to 14, the reliability was much lower.
Relapses in patients treated with fingolimod after previous exposure to natalizumab
Authors: Comi G , Gold R , Dahlke F , Sinha A , von Rosenstiel P , Tomic D , Kappos L
Published: September 2014

In post hoc analyses of an open-label, phase 3b study (FIRST), relapse rates during 4 months of fingolimod therapy were compared in patients with and without previous natalizumab exposure. Reductions in the proportion of patients experiencing relapses and annualized relapse rates (ARRs) from years 1 and 1–2 pre-study were evident between months 1 and 2 of fingolimod treatment, and were most pronounced in natalizumab-naïve patients and those who discontinued natalizumab >6 months pre-study. Patients who discontinued natalizumab 3–6 months pre-study had a peak ARR during month 1 of fingolimod treatment, followed by a decrease during months 2–4. These data indicate that fingolimod has the potential to reduce disease reactivation but that timing of treatment initiation may be critical for achieving an optimal effect.
Effect of radial shock wave therapy on pain and muscle hypertonia: a double-blind study in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Marinelli L , Mori L , Solaro C , Uccelli A , Pelosin E , Currà A , Molfetta L , Abbruzzese G , Trompetto C
Published: September 2014

Background:

Radial shock wave therapy (RSWT) has been extensively used in rehabilitative medicine to treat pain, and more recently muscle hypertonia, in patients with cerebral palsy and stroke.

Objectives:

To assess the long-term effects of RSWT in a cohort of subjects affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) who were suffering from painful hypertonia of ankle extensor muscles.

Methods:

In this randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study, we treated 34 patients with four sessions of RSWT (once weekly) and treated 34 patients with placebo. Participants were assessed at baseline, 1 week after the first session, and 1 week and 4 weeks after the last session. We measured pain using the visual analogue scale for pain, while we assessed muscle tone using the modified Ashworth scale and evaluated spinal excitability using the H-reflex.

Results:

After RSWT, muscle tone decreased 1 week after the last session and pain decreased at all the follow-up evaluations, while spinal excitability was unaffected. No significant changes were found after the placebo treatment.

Conclusions:

RSWT can reduce pain and muscle tone in MS patients without adverse effects. The lack of RSWT effects on spinal excitability supports the idea that RSWT is likely to act on non-reflex hypertonia, for example reducing muscle fibrosis.
Situated objectivity, values and realism
Authors: Williams Malcolm
Published: September 2014

This article is a defence of objectivity in sociology, not as is usually conceived as ‘value freedom’ or ‘procedural objectivity’, but rather as a socially constructed value that can nevertheless assist us in accessing social reality. It is argued that objectivity should not be seen as the opposite to subjectivity, but rather arising from particular intersubjectively held values (both methodological and societal) held in particular times and places. The objectivity defended here is socially situated in the beliefs and values of communities. This on its own would imply an epistemological relativism, but in the final section of the article I make a plea for realism as a regulatory ideal underpinning objectivity and one which can lead us to novel truths about social reality.
Integrating professional social work identity and social justice advocacy: An analysis of the Australian campaign to restore Medicare rebates for accredited mental health social workers
Authors: Mendes Philip , McCurdy Samone , Allen-Kelly Kandie , Charikar Karl , Incerti Kate
Published: September 2014

This study utilises a recent social action campaign undertaken by the Australian Association of Social Workers to examine the skills, motives and factors of success for social workers and professional bodies in undertaking social action activities.

Findings

The evidence suggests effective social action is likely to rely on several, interdependent factors. Social workers appear more likely to actively intervene in policy issues when their immediate client base, professional identity or personal livelihood is threatened. Peak professional bodies are more likely to succeed in lobbying when they are able to mobilise broad-ranging support, present a united media presence and form alliances with key stakeholders and influencers outside their organisation.

Application

Results from this study may be useful for professional associations, social work educators and students who are interested in understanding social action in the context of social work practice and ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to fulfil their professional mandate as agents of social change.
A spatial augmented beta regression model for periodontal proportion data
Authors: Parker Anthony J , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar , Slate Elizabeth H
Published: September 2014

Clinical dental research generates large amounts of data with a potentially complex correlation structure from measurements recorded at several sites throughout the mouth. Clinical attachment level (CAL) is one such measure popularly used to assess the periodontal disease (PD) status. We model the proportion of sites for each tooth-type (i.e., incisor, canine, pre-molar and molar) per subject that exhibit moderate to severe PD. Disease free and highly diseased tooth-sites cause these proportion responses to lie in the closed interval [0, 1]. In addition, PD may be spatially referenced, i.e., the disease status of a site is influenced by its neighbours. While beta regression can assess the covariate-response relationship for proportion data, its support in the interval (0, 1) impairs its ability to account for the observed proportions at zero and one. In contrast to ad hoc transformations that confine responses to (0, 1), we develop a framework that augments the beta density with non-zero masses at zero and one while also controlling for spatial referencing. Our approach is Bayesian and is computationally amenable to available software. A simulation study evaluates estimation of regression effects in scenarios of varying sample size, degree of spatial dependence and response transformations. Application to real PD data provide insights into assessing covariate effects on proportion responses.
‘I’ve Been There, Done That…’: A Study of Youth Gang Desistance
Authors: Gormally Sinéad
Published: September 2014

This article, based on research conducted in Glasgow, Scotland, analyses the complex process of desistance from youth gangs. The discussion is multifaceted focusing on the agency of the young people themselves as well as on how relationships within their local community can have a role in replacing their previous identification as gang members. It explores what is meant by a youth gang, why some young people stop identifying with the youth gang and argues that the local community and broader society have a role in providing social recognition and identity-enhancement opportunities for these young people.
Effect of thromboelastography (TEG®) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) on diagnosis of coagulopathy, transfusion guidance and mortality in trauma: descriptive systematic review
Authors: Da Luz Luis Teodoro , Nascimento Bartolomeu , Shankarakutty Ajith Kumar , Rizoli Sandro , Adhikari Neill KJ
Published: September 2014

Introduction

The understanding of coagulopathies in trauma has increased interest in thromboelastography (TEG®) and thromboelastometry (ROTEM®), which promptly evaluate the entire clotting process and may guide blood product therapy. Our objective was to review the evidence for their role in diagnosing early coagulopathies, guiding blood transfusion, and reducing mortality in injured patients.

Methods

We considered observational studies and randomized controlled trials (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases) to February 2014 that examined TEG®/ROTEM® in adult trauma patients. We extracted data on demographics, diagnosis of early coagulopathies, blood transfusion, and mortality. We assessed methodologic quality by using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) for observational studies and QUADAS-2 tool for diagnostic accuracy studies.

Results

Fifty-five studies (12,489 patients) met inclusion criteria, including 38 prospective cohort studies, 15 retrospective cohort studies, two before-after studies, and no randomized trials. Methodologic quality was moderate (mean NOS score, 6.07; standard deviation, 0.49). With QUADAS-2, only three of 47 studies (6.4%) had a low risk of bias in all domains (patient selection, index test, reference standard and flow and timing); 37 of 47 studies (78.8%) had low concerns regarding applicability. Studies investigated TEG®/ROTEM® for diagnosis of early coagulopathies (n = 40) or for associations with blood-product transfusion (n = 25) or mortality (n = 24). Most (n = 52) were single-center studies. Techniques examined included rapid TEG® (n =12), ROTEM® (n = 18), TEG® (n = 23), or both TEG® and rapid TEG® (n = 2). Many TEG®/ROTEM® measurements were associated with early coagulopathies, including some (hypercoagulability, hyperfibrinolysis, platelet dysfunction) not assessed by routine screening coagulation tests. Standard measures of diagnostic accuracy were inconsistently reported. Many abnormalities predicted the need for massive transfusion and death, but predictive performance was not consistently superior to routine tests. One observational study suggested that a ROTEM® -based transfusion algorithm reduced blood-product transfusion, but TEG®/ROTEM®-based resuscitation was not associated with lower mortality in most studies.

Conclusions

Limited evidence from observational data suggest that TEG®/ROTEM® tests diagnose early trauma coagulopathy and may predict blood-product transfusion and mortality in trauma. Effects on blood-product transfusion, mortality, and other patient-important outcomes remain unproven in randomized trials.
miR-199a-5p inhibits monocyte/macrophage differentiation by targeting the activin A type 1B receptor gene and finally reducing C/EBPα expression
Authors: Lin Hai-Shuang , Gong Jia-Nan , Su Rui , Chen Ming-Tai , Song Li , Shen Chao , Wang Fang , Ma Yan-Ni , Zhao Hua-Lu , Yu Jia , Li Wei-Wei , Huang Li-Xia , Xu Xin-Hua , Zhang Jun-Wu
Published: September 2014

miRNAs are short, noncoding RNAs that regulate expression of target genes at post-transcriptional levels and function in many important cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation, etc. In this study, we observed down-regulation of miR-199a-5p during monocyte/macrophage differentiation of HL-60 and THP-1 cells, as well as human CD34+ HSPCs. This down-regulation of miR-199a-5p resulted from the up-regulation of PU.1 that was demonstrated to regulate transcription of the miR-199a-2 gene negatively. Overexpression of miR-199a-5p by miR-199a-5p mimic transfection or lentivirus-mediated gene transfer significantly inhibited monocyte/macrophage differentiation of the cell lines or HSPCs. The mRNA encoding an ACVR1B was identified as a direct target of miR-199a-5p. Gradually increased ACVR1B expression level was detected during monocyte/macrophage differentiation of the leukemic cell lines and HSPCs, and knockdown of ACVR1B resulted in inhibition of monocyte/macrophage differentiation of HL-60 and THP-1 cells, which suggested that ACVR1B functions as a positive regulator of monocyte/macrophage differentiation. We demonstrated that miR-199a-5p overexpression or ACVR1B knockdown promoted proliferation of THP-1 cells through increasing phosphorylation of Rb. We also demonstrated that the down-regulation of ACVR1B reduced p-Smad2/3, which resulted in decreased expression of C/EBPα, a key regulator of monocyte/macrophage differentiation, and finally, inhibited monocyte/macrophage differentiation.
Default mode network subsystem alterations in
obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Beucke Jan C. , Sepulcre Jorge , Eldaief Mark C. , Sebold Miriam , Kathmann Norbert , Kaufmann Christian
Published: September 2014

Background

Although neurobiological models of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD)
traditionally emphasise the central role of corticostriatal brain
regions, studies of default mode network integrity have garnered
increasing interest, but have produced conflicting results.

Aims

To resolve these discrepant findings by examining the integrity of
default mode network subsystems in OCD.

Method

Comparison of seed-based resting-state functional connectivity of 11
default mode network components between 46 patients with OCD and 46
controls using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Significantly reduced connectivity within the dorsal medial prefrontal
cortex self subsystem was identified in the OCD group, and remained
significant after controlling for medication status and life-time history
of affective disorders. Further, greater connectivity between the self
subsystem and salience and attention networks was observed.

Conclusions

Results indicate that people with OCD show abnormalities in a neural
system previously associated with self-referential processing in healthy
individuals, and suggest the need for examination of dynamic interactions
between this default mode network subsystem and other large-scale
networks in this disorder.
Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and psychiatric disorders in a middle-income setting: prevalence and comorbidity
Authors: Dorrington Sarah , Zavos Helena , Ball Harriet , McGuffin Peter , Rijsdijk Fruhling , Siribaddana Sisira , Sumathipala Athula , Hotopf Matthew
Published: September 2014

Background

Most studies of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have focused on ‘high-risk’ populations defined by exposure to trauma.

Aims

To estimate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a LMIC, the conditional probability of PTSD given a traumatic event and the strength of associations between traumatic events and other psychiatric disorders.

Method

Our sample contained a mix of 3995 twins and 2019 non-twins. We asked participants about nine different traumatic exposures, including the category ‘other’, but excluding sexual trauma.

Results

Traumatic events were reported by 36.3% of participants and lifetime PTSD was present in 2.0%. Prevalence of non-PTSD lifetime diagnosis was 19.1%. Of people who had experienced three or more traumatic events, 13.3% had lifetime PTSD and 40.4% had a non-PTSD psychiatric diagnosis.

Conclusions

Despite high rates of exposure to trauma, this population had lower rates of PTSD than high-income populations, although the prevalence might have been slightly affected by the exclusion of sexual trauma. There are high rates of non-PTSD diagnoses associated with trauma exposure that could be considered in interventions for trauma-exposed populations. Our findings suggest that there is no unique relationship between traumatic experiences and the specific symptomatology of PTSD.

Copyright and usage

© Royal College of Psychiatrists 2014. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licence.