bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between the Levels of IL-6, sE-Selectin and Distal Sensory Nerve Conduction Studies in Patients with Prediabetes
Authors: Tiftikcioglu Bedile Irem , Duksal Tarik , Bilgin Sule , Kose Sukran , Zorlu Yasar
Published: February 2016

Aim: To determine the association between interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) levels with the electrodiagnostic abnormalities in patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Methods: Serum HbA1c, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fibrinogen, IL-6 and sE-selectin levels were analyzed in 25 IFG patients, 22 IGT patients and 41 controls. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) of sural, dorsal sural (DS), medial dorsal cutaneous and medial plantar sensory nerves were conducted. Results: HbA1c and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in IFG and IGT patients than the controls. IGT patients had higher sE-selectin levels compared to controls and IFG patients. IL-6 levels were significantly correlated with levels of CRP, fibrinogen, ESR and sE-selectin in patients with prediabetes. Both IFG and IGT patients had substantial impairments in very distal sensory NCS. IL-6 levels were positively correlated with HbA1c and negatively correlated with DS NCS in prediabetic patients. Conclusions: Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction might be important in patients with IFG or IGT. Furthermore, our findings strengthen the idea that inflammation (increased levels of IL-6) might be associated with early electrophysiological impairments in patients with prediabetes. NCS of the most distal sensory nerves significantly enhanced the diagnosis of subclinical neuropathy in patients with prediabetes. Subclinical peripheral sensory neuropathy should be investigated in prediabetes to lower the number of future outcomes they are associated with.
A propósito da noção de “caráter”: as presenças de Kant e Schelling na tese de doutorado de Schopenhauer
Authors: Debona Vilmar
Published: February 2016

O presente artigo pretende mostrar como o emprego feito por Schopenhauer das noções de caráter inteligível e de caráter empírico em Sobre a quádrupla raiz do princípio de razão suficiente pode ilustrar a natureza de suas primeiras recepções de Kant e de Schelling.
Inhibition of Platelet GPVI Protects Against Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Pachel Christina , Mathes Denise , Arias-Loza Anahi-Paula , Heitzmann Wolfram , Nordbeck Peter , Deppermann Carsten , Lorenz Viola , Hofmann Ulrich , Nieswandt Bernhard , Frantz Stefan
Published: February 2016

Objective—

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of platelet inhibition on myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury.

Approach and Results—

Timely restoration of coronary blood flow after myocardial infarction is indispensable but leads to additional damage to the heart (myocardial IR injury). Microvascular dysfunction contributes to myocardial IR injury. We hypothesized that platelet activation during IR determines microvascular perfusion and thereby the infarct size in the reperfused myocardium. The 3 phases of thrombus formation were analyzed by targeting individual key platelet-surface molecules with monoclonal antibody derivatives: (1) adhesion (anti-glycoprotein [GP]-Ib), (2) activation (anti-GPVI), and (3) aggregation (anti-GPIIbIIIa) in a murine in vivo model of left coronary artery ligation (30 minutes of ischemia followed by 24 hours of reperfusion). Infarct sizes were determined by Evans Blue/2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, infiltrating neutrophils by immunohistology. Anti-GPVI treatment significantly reduced infarct size versus control, whereas anti-GPIb or anti-GPIIbIIIa antibody fragments showed no significant differences. Mechanistically, anti-GPVI antibody–mediated reduction of infarct size was not because of impaired Ca
2+
signaling or platelet degranulation because mice deficient in store-operated calcium channels (stromal interaction molecule 1, ORAI1), α-granules (Nbeal2
−/−
), and dense granule release (Unc13d
−/−
) had similar infarct sizes as control animals. Protective effects of anti-GPVI treatment were accompanied by improved microperfusion. Leukocyte infiltration was reduced in both anti-GPVI and anti-GPIb-treated IR mice.

Conclusions—

Inhibition of platelet activation by an anti-GPVI antibody, but not inhibition of platelet adhesion or aggregation by an anti-GPIb or anti-GPIIbIIIa antibody significantly reduces infarct size. The reduction of the infarct size is primarily based on an improved microperfusion after anti-GPVI antibody treatment.
Incorporating a Genetic Risk Score Into Coronary Heart Disease Risk Estimates
Authors: Kullo Iftikhar J. , Jouni Hayan , Austin Erin E. , Brown Sherry-Ann , Kruisselbrink Teresa M. , Isseh Iyad N. , Haddad Raad A. , Marroush Tariq S. , Shameer Khader , Olson Janet E. , Broeckel Ulrich , Green Robert C. , Schaid Daniel J. , Montori Victor M. , Bailey Kent R.
Published: February 2016

Background—

Whether knowledge of genetic risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) affects health-related outcomes is unknown. We investigated whether incorporating a genetic risk score (GRS) in CHD risk estimates lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.

Methods and Results—

Participants (n=203, 45–65 years of age, at intermediate risk for CHD, and not on statins) were randomly assigned to receive their 10-year probability of CHD based either on a conventional risk score (CRS) or CRS + GRS (
+
GRS). Participants in the
+
GRS group were stratified as having high or average/low GRS. Risk was disclosed by a genetic counselor followed by shared decision making regarding statin therapy with a physician. We compared the primary end point of LDL-C levels at 6 months and assessed whether any differences were attributable to changes in dietary fat intake, physical activity levels, or statin use. Participants (mean age, 59.4±5 years; 48% men; mean 10-year CHD risk, 8.5±4.1%) were allocated to receive either CRS (n=100) or
+
GRS (n=103). At the end of the study period, the
+
GRS group had a lower LDL-C than the CRS group (96.5±32.7 versus 105.9±33.3 mg/dL;
P
=0.04). Participants with high GRS had lower LDL-C levels (92.3±32.9 mg/dL) than CRS participants (
P
=0.02) but not participants with low GRS (100.9±32.2 mg/dL;
P
=0.18). Statins were initiated more often in the
+
GRS group than in the CRS group (39% versus 22%,
P
<0.01). No significant differences in dietary fat intake and physical activity levels were noted.

Conclusions—

Disclosure of CHD risk estimates that incorporated genetic risk information led to lower LDL-C levels than disclosure of CHD risk based on conventional risk factors alone.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01936675.
Thrombolytic Recanalization of Carotid Arteries Is Highly Dependent on Degree of Stenosis, Despite Sonothrombolysis
Authors: Tomkins Amelia J. , Hood Rebecca J. , Pepperall Debbie , Null Christopher L. , Levi Christopher R. , Spratt Neil J.
Published: February 2016

Background

Stroke associated with acute carotid occlusion is associated with poor effectiveness of tissue plasminogen activator (
tPA
) thrombolysis and poor prognosis. Rupture of atherosclerotic plaques resulting in vascular occlusions may occur on plaques, causing variable stenosis. We hypothesized that degree of stenosis may affect recanalization rates with
tPA
. Ultrasound+
tPA
(sonothrombolysis) has been shown to improve recanalization for intracranial occlusions but has not been tested for carotid occlusion. Our primary aim was to determine thrombolytic recanalization rates in a model of occlusion with variable stenosis, with a secondary aim to investigate sonothrombolysis in this model.

Methods and Results

Rat carotid arteries were crushed and focal stenosis created (25% baseline Doppler flow) with a silk‐suture tie invoking thrombosis and occlusion. To model mild or severe stenosis, the tie was released pretreatment or left in place. Animals were treated with
tPA
(10 mg/kg) or
tPA
+ultrasound (2‐MHz) in each stenosis model (n=7/group). Recanalization was assessed by Doppler flow. Thrombolytic recanalization rates were significantly higher in mild stenosis groups (71% versus 0% with severe stenosis;
P
<0.0001). Recanalization rates were not significantly higher with additional ultrasound in either model.

Conclusions

In this model, the degree of carotid stenosis had a large effect on thrombolytic recanalization. Sonothrombolysis using standard parameters for intracranial sonothrombolysis did not increase recanalization. Further testing is warranted. The degree of underlying stenosis may be an important predictor of thrombolytic recanalization, and clinical correlation of these findings may provide new approaches to treatment selection for patients with carotid occlusion.
Isolated Human Pulmonary Artery Structure and Function Pre‐ and Post‐Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery
Authors: Dora Kim A. , Stanley Christopher P. , Al Jaaly Emad , Fiorentino Francesca , Ascione Raimondo , Reeves Barnaby C. , Angelini Gianni D.
Published: February 2016

Background

Pulmonary dysfunction is a known complication after cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass, ranging from subclinical functional changes to prolonged postoperative ventilation, acute lung injury, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Whether human pulmonary arterial function is compromised is unknown. The aim of the present study was to compare the structure and function of isolated and cannulated human pulmonary arteries obtained from lung biopsies after the chest was opened (pre–cardiopulmonary bypass) to those obtained at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass (post–cardiopulmonary bypass) from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Methods and Results

Pre‐ and post–cardiopulmonary bypass lung biopsies were received from 12 patients undergoing elective surgery. Intralobular small arteries were dissected, cannulated, pressurized, and imaged using confocal microscopy. Functionally, the thromboxane mimetic U46619 produced concentration‐dependent vasoconstriction in 100% and 75% of pre‐ and post–cardiopulmonary bypass arteries, respectively. The endothelium‐dependent agonist bradykinin stimulated vasodilation in 45% and 33% of arteries pre‐ and post–cardiopulmonary bypass, respectively. Structurally, in most arteries smooth muscle cells aligned circumferentially; live cell viability revealed that although 100% of smooth muscle and 90% of endothelial cells from pre–cardiopulmonary bypass biopsies had intact membranes and were considered viable, only 60% and 58%, respectively, were viable from post–cardiopulmonary bypass biopsies.

Conclusions

We successfully investigated isolated pulmonary artery structure and function in fresh lung biopsies from patients undergoing heart surgery. Pulmonary artery contractile tone and endothelium‐dependent dilation were significantly reduced in post–cardiopulmonary bypass biopsies. The decreased functional responses were associated with reduced cell viability.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN34428459
. Unique identifier:
ISRCTN
34428459.
Restoring Sinus Rhythm Improves Baroreflex Function in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Field Michael E. , Wasmund Stephen L. , Page Richard L. , Hamdan Mohamed H.
Published: February 2016

Background

Studies have suggested that patients with atrial fibrillation (
AF
) have impairment in the baroreflex. It is not clear whether these findings are the result of the associated comorbid conditions or the arrhythmia itself. We hypothesized that
AF
is associated with impairment in baroreflex function and that the arrhythmia itself is a contributing factor.

Methods and Results

Twenty‐four patients with persistent
AF
referred for cardioversion were enrolled. A second group of patients with no history of
AF
matched for age and left ventricular ejection fraction was identified and served as the control group. In the
AF
group, baroreflex gain (
BRG
) was measured on the day of cardioversion (Day 1) and again at 30 days post‐cardioversion (Day 30) in patients who remained in sinus rhythm (
SR
). The clinical characteristics of patients with
AF
were not different than those of the control group. The mean
BRG
in the
AF
group on Day 1 was significantly lower than the mean
BRG
of the control group (5.2±3.6 versus 10.8±5.5 ms/mm Hg,
P
<0.05). Ten patients experienced
AF
recurrence before the 30‐day follow‐up and 14 patients remained in
SR
. In the group that remained in
SR
,
BRG
increased from 4.1±3.7 ms/mm Hg on Day 1 to 7.0±6.0 ms/mm Hg on Day 30 (
P
<0.01).

Conclusion

We have shown that
AF
is associated with impairment of the baroreflex and that restoration of
SR
improves
BRG
. Our data suggest that
AF
might be a contributing factor to the observed impairment in
BRG
and that restoring
SR
might help improve baroreflex function.
Ischemic Stroke in Children and Young Adults With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Mandalenakis Zacharias , Rosengren Annika , Lappas Georgios , Eriksson Peter , Hansson Per‐Olof , Dellborg Mikael
Published: February 2016

Background

Patients with congenital heart disease (
CHD
) may be at increased risk of ischemic stroke due to residual shunts, arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular abnormalities. We studied the relative risk and potential factors for developing ischemic stroke in children and young adults with
CHD
in Sweden.

Methods and Results

All patients in the Swedish Patient Register with a diagnosis of
CHD
, born between 1970 and 1993, were identified and compared with 10 controls for each patient, matched for age, sex, and county and randomly selected from the general population. Follow‐up data through 2011 were collected for both groups. Of 25 985 children and young adults with
CHD
(51.5% male, 48.5% female), 140 (0.5%) developed ischemic stroke. The hazard ratio for
CHD
patients developing ischemic stroke was 10.8 (95%
CI
, 8.5–13.6) versus controls. All major Marelli groups had significantly increased risk, but because of small
CHD
‐group sizes, only atrial septal defect/patent foramen ovale, double‐inlet ventricle, and aortic coarctation displayed significantly increased risk. In multivariate analysis of
CHD
patients, congestive heart failure carried the highest risk for developing ischemic stroke (hazard ratio 6.9 [95%
CI
, 4.7–10.3]), followed by hypertension and atrial fibrillation, which were also significantly associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke.

Conclusions

The risk of developing ischemic stroke was almost 11 times higher in young patients with
CHD
than in the general population, although absolute risk is low. Cardiovascular comorbidities were strongly associated with the development of ischemic stroke in young
CHD
patients.
Association Between Time From Stroke Onset and Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Lesion Intensity Is Modified by Status of Collateral Circulation
Authors: Wouters Anke , Dupont Patrick , Christensen Soren , Norrving Bo , Laage Rico , Thomalla Götz , Albers Greg , Thijs Vincent , Lemmens Robin
Published: February 2016

Background and Purpose—

In patients with acute stroke, the intensity of a fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) lesion in the region of diffusion restriction is associated with time from symptom onset. We hypothesized that collateral status as assessed by the hypoperfusion intensity ratio could modify the association between time from stroke onset and FLAIR lesion intensity.

Methods—

From the AX200 for ischemic stroke trial, 141 patients had appropriate FLAIR, diffusion-weighted imaging, and perfusion-weighted imaging. In the region of nonreperfused core, we calculated voxel-based relative FLAIR (rFLAIR) signal intensity. The hypoperfusion intensity ratio was defined as the ratio of the
T
max
>10 s lesion over the
T
max
>6 s lesion volume. A hypoperfusion intensity ratio threshold of ≤0.4 was used to dichotomize good versus poor collaterals. We studied the interaction between collateral status on the association between time from symptom onset and FLAIR intensity.

Results—

Time from symptom onset was associated with the rFLAIR intensity in the region of nonreperfused core (
B
=1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–1.1). We identified an interaction between this association and collateral status; an association was present between time and rFLAIR intensity in patients with poor collaterals (
r
=0.53), but absent in patients with good collaterals (
r
=0.17;
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

Our findings show that the relationship between time from symptom onset and rFLAIR lesion intensity depends on collateral status. In patients with good collaterals, the development of an rFLAIR-positive lesion is less dependent on time from symptom onset compared with patients with poor collaterals.
Second Nature
Authors: Chan Paul
Published: February 2016

Paul Chan's speech, first delivered on the occasion of Engage More Now! A Symposium on Artists, Museums, and Publics at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles (November 2015), proposes that artistic experiences be understood as forms that vividly emblematizes the relationship between cunning and reasoning. It considers the ways in which this relationship echoes within the broadest arenas of social life and how such an outlook could upend what have become standard and increasingly tedious debates about aesthetics, politics, and social engagement in art. Chan also delivers a brief attack against the xenophobic and racist 2016 G.O.P presidential candidates, in particular Donald Trump.
Confession and Authority in Post-Westphalian Alsace, 1648-1789
Authors: Lazer Stephen
Published: February 2016

This article evaluates the confessionalization and multiconfessionalism theses through the context of early modern Alsace after the French conquest in 1648. Multiconfessionalism, the political recognition of two or more confessions coexisting in a territory, has arisen as a challenge to confessionalization, yet both remain important analytical tools. France could not completely Catholicize the Protestant parts of Alsace, here represented by the lands of the dukes of Pfalz-Zweibrücken. Instead, the monarchy supported Catholic settlement and required that the dukes appoint Catholic officials. In short, France used confessionalization to create a politically-advantageous yet multiconfessional landscape. The dukes used confessional strategies to blunt French incursions into their authority and to reduce confessional tensions, traditionally the reason for multiconfessionalism. In short, the situation in early modern Alsace turns the traditional outcomes of confessionalization and multiconfessionalism on their heads, and makes it clear that they are really two sides of the same coin.
“They will know our hearts”: Practicing the Art of Dissimulation on the Islamic Periphery
Authors: O’Banion Patrick J.
Published: February 2016

From the early sixteenth century, religious and legal authorities provided Spanish crypto-Muslims with guidelines for practicing taqiyya, the Islamic art of dissimulation. As theory collided with local realities, however, local actors innovated practice in the face of the continued divergence between an internal desire to practice Islam and external pressures to conform to Christianity. This article explores these tensions by analyzing the posthumous endowments of two wealthy Morisco brothers from the Castilian town of Deza who succeeded in convincing both Christian neighbors and the Inquisition of their sincere conversion to Christianity. The town’s Morisco community, however, viewed the brothers’ bequests as secret acts of Islamic charity. Such perceived efforts to enact taqiyya not only eroded Christian confidence that true converts could be discerned from false ones but also threatened to destabilize the Moriscos’ own religious identity and their relationship to both Christianity and Islam.
Equi-Probability Prior to 1650
Authors: Schüssler Rudolf
Published: February 2016

The assumption that two probabilities can be equal is a conceptual prerequisite for the development of a numerical probability calculus. Such a calculus first emerged in the seventeenth century. Several accounts have been proposed to explain the delayed development of numerical probability, yet it has thus far not been noted that the concept of equi-probability was virtually absent from medieval thought. This article argues that its rise began in the early sixteenth century, a fact that contributes to a better understanding of the preconditions which facilitated the modern mathematization of probability.
Potential Influence of Arctic Sea Ice to the Interannual Variations of East Asian Spring Precipitation*
Authors: Wu Zhiwei , Li Xinxin , Li Yanjie , Li Yun
Published: February 2016

Arctic sea ice (ASI) and its potential climatic impacts have received increasing attention during the past decades, yet the relevant mechanisms are far from being understood, particularly how anomalous ASI affects climate in midlatitudes. The spring precipitation takes up as much as 30% of the annual total and significantly influences agriculture in East Asia. Here, observed evidence and numerical experiment results show that the ASI variability in the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea in the preceding winter is intimately connected with interannual variations of the East Asian spring precipitation (EAP). The former can explain about 14% of the total variance of the latter. The ASI anomalies persist from winter through the ensuing spring and excite downstream teleconnections of a distinct Rossby wave train prevailing over the Eurasian continent. For the reduced ASI, such a wave train pattern is usually associated with an anomalous low pressure center over the Mongolian plateau, which accelerates the East Asian subtropical westerly jet. The intensified subtropical westerly jet, concurrent with lower-level convergence and upper-level divergence, enhances the local convection and consequently favors rich spring precipitation over East Asia. For the excessive ASI, the situation tends to be opposite. Given that seasonal prediction of the EAP remains a challenging issue, the winter ASI variability may provide another potential predictability source besides El Niño–Southern Oscillation.
The Arctic Ocean Spices Up
Authors: Timmermans Mary-Louise , Jayne Steven R.
Published: February 2016

The contemporary Arctic Ocean differs markedly from midlatitude, ice-free, and relatively warm oceans in the context of density-compensating temperature and salinity variations. These variations are invaluable tracers in the midlatitudes, revealing essential fundamental physical processes of the oceans, on scales from millimeters to thousands of kilometers. However, in the cold Arctic Ocean, temperature variations have little effect on density, and a measure of density-compensating variations in temperature and salinity (i.e., spiciness) is not appropriate. In general, temperature is simply a passive tracer, which implies that most of the heat transported in the Arctic Ocean relies entirely on the ocean dynamics determined by the salinity field. It is shown, however, that as the Arctic Ocean warms up, temperature will take on a new role in setting dynamical balances. Under continued warming, there exists the possibility for a regime shift in the mechanisms by which heat is transported in the Arctic Ocean. This may result in a cap on the storage of deep-ocean heat, having profound implications for future predictions of Arctic sea ice.
“Deep-Arvor”: A New Profiling Float to Extend the Argo Observations Down to 4000-m Depth
Authors: Le Reste Serge , Dutreuil Vincent , André Xavier , Thierry Virginie , Renaut Corentin , Le Traon Pierre-Yves , Maze Guillaume
Published: February 2016

The international Argo program, consisting of a global array of more than 3000 free-drifting profiling floats, has now been monitoring the upper 2000 m of the ocean for several years. One of its main proposed evolutions is to be able to reach the deeper ocean in order to better observe and understand the key role of the deep ocean in the climate system. For this purpose, Ifremer has designed the new “Deep-Arvor” profiling float: it extends the current operational depth down to 4000 m, and measures temperature and salinity for up to 150 cycles with CTD pumping continuously and 200 cycles in spot sampling mode. High-resolution profiles (up to 2000 points) can be transmitted and data are delivered in near–real time according to Argo requirements. Deep-Arvor can be deployed everywhere at sea without any preballasting operation and its light weight (~26 kg) makes its launching easy. Its design was done to target a cost-effective solution. Predefined spots have been allocated to add an optional oxygen sensor and a connector for an extra sensor. Extensive laboratory tests were successful. The results of the first at-sea experiments showed that the expected performances of the operational prototypes had been reached (i.e., to perform up to 150 cycles). Meanwhile, the industrialization phase was completed in order to manufacture the Deep-Arvor float for the pilot experiment in 2015. This paper details all the steps of the development work and presents the results from the at-sea experiments.
Perception of Subtle Racism
Authors: Liao Hsin-Ya , Hong Ying-yi , Rounds James
Published: February 2016

Identifying contemporary racism has been problematic as this type of racism, namely subtle racism, is difficult to discern, and the actions in question can be easily justified by other causes. The present study examined how group status and legitimizing ideologies predict perception of subtle racism. White (high status) and Black (low status) college students completed measures of legitimizing ideologies. Later, they watched a video clip on an ambiguous interracial conflict, recalled the clip, and judged whether the situation was attributable to racism. Findings showed that members of the low status groups and/or individuals who were less likely to endorse ideologies were more likely to perceive subtle racism. In addition, social dominance orientation indirectly predicted the perception of subtle racism through system justification legitimizing ideologies. Contrary to our hypothesis, group status did not change the relationship between ideologies and perceptions of subtle racism.
Child protective workers’ reflections on principles underpinning the assessment of children in need: The case of Estonia
Authors: Toros Karmen
Published: February 2016

This article presents the findings of a small-scale, qualitative study that included 20 child protective workers from different regions in Estonia. The research question guiding this study was as follows: What principles underpin child protective workers’ assessment activities in cases with child protection concerns? The respondents provided examples of assessment principles through in-depth semi-structured interviews. The results indicate that workers’ assessments are adopted from a deficit view rather than from the needs and possibilities. The majority of the participants underscored the importance of child involvement and partnership in the decision-making process; nevertheless, their case reflections showed that only five of them included the child in the assessment.
Improving Children's Coordinative Skills and Executive Functions
Authors: Alesi Marianna , Bianco Antonino , Luppina Giorgio , Palma Antonio , Pepi Annamaria
Published: February 2016

Recent studies have focused on the positive influence of regular physical activity on executive functioning in children. Coordinative skills (agility) and executive functions (updating, attention, inhibition and planning processes) were investigated in children before and after 6 months of a Football Exercise Program compared to a control group of sedentary peers. The participants were 44 children aged 8.8 years: Group 1 comprised 24 children in a football (i.e., soccer) exercise program and Group 2 comprised 20 sedentary children. At pre-test and post-test, coordinative skills and executive functions were measured. After the Football Exercise Program, there were significant differences between sport and sedentary groups in coordinative skills and executive functions. The football group at post-test showed significantly larger gains than the sedentary group on measures of agility, visuo-spatial working memory, attention, planning and inhibition. Findings shed light on the issue to plan structured sport activities as a natural and enjoyable way to improve cognitive skills.
Modeling Longitudinal Changes in 5 m Sprinting Performance Among Young Male Tennis Players
Authors: Kramer Tamara , Valente-Dos-Santos João , Coelho-E-Silva Manuel J. , Malina Robert M. , Huijgen Barbara C. H. , Smith Joanne , Elferink-Gemser Marije T. , Visscher Chris
Published: February 2016

Year-to-year changes in sprinting in youth tennis players were examined in a mixed-longitudinal study (256 male players, aged 10–15 years: 993 measurements). Height (h), body mass (BM), lower limb explosive strength (LLES), and a 5-m sprint were measured over five years. During that period, players were classified as elite or sub-elite. To account for the repeated measurements within the individual nature of longitudinal data, multilevel random effects regression analyses were used. Sprint performance improved with age at each additional 1 year of age, thus predicting ∼.016 sec improvement in five-meter sprint time by all variables of the model. It was possible to predict the performance of elite tennis players in the 5-m sprint (sec) for elite players (1.1493 – (0.0159 ċ centered age) – (0.009 ċ BM) – (0.044 ċ LLES) and sub-elite players (1.1493 – (0.0159 ċ centered age) + 0.0135 – (0.009 ċ BM) – (0.044 ċ LLES) – (0.0557 ċ centered age). Sprint performance differences between elite and sub-elite players was related to longitudinal changes in body size and lower limb strength up until age 13.
Response to the Commentary
Authors: Cicchella Antonio
Published: February 2016

This is a response to commentary by Jiménez-Pavon (2015) on the relationships of leptin levels with children’s physical activity. The present response suggests actigraphs are superior to questionnaires for measuring children’s physical activity. Cicchella, Stefanelli, Jurimae, Saar and Purge (2013) pointed out some interesting methodological issues related to the relationships of leptin and physical activity in normal weight children. The questions dealt with the reliability of the questionnaires in assessing physical activity in children, choices of the cut-off points for considering levels of physical activity as moderate or intense, and the association of leptin with PA levels. Some considerations in Jiménez-Pavon (2015) remain unclear.
Development of Subcortical Pitch Representation in Three-Month-Old Chinese Infants
Authors: Jeng Fuh-Cherng , Lin Chia-Der , Chou Meng-Shih , Hollister Grant R. , Sabol John T. , Mayhugh Garrett N. , Wang Tang-Chuan , Wang Ching-Yuan
Published: February 2016

This study investigated the development of subcortical pitch processing, as reflected by the scalp-recorded frequency-following response, during early infancy. Thirteen Chinese infants who were born and raised in Mandarin-speaking households were recruited to partake in this study. Through a prospective-longitudinal study design, infants were tested twice: at 1–3 days after birth and at three months of age. A set of four contrastive Mandarin pitch contours were used to elicit frequency-following responses. Frequency Error and Pitch Strength were derived to represent the accuracy and magnitude of the elicited responses. Paired-samples t tests were conducted and demonstrated a significant decrease in Frequency Error and a significant increase in Pitch Strength at three months of age compared to 1–3 days after birth. Results indicated the developmental trajectory of subcortical pitch processing during the first three months of life.
Estimation of the Maximal Lactate Steady State Intensity by the Rating of Perceived Exertion
Authors: Madrid Bibiano , Pires F.O. , Prestes Jonato , César Leite Vieira Denis , Clark Tyler , Tiozzo Eduard , Lewis John E. , Grubert Campbell Carmen S. , Gustavo Simões Herbert
Published: February 2016

The maximal lactate steady state is the gold standard for evaluating aerobic capacity; however, it is time-consuming. The lactate minimum protocol is an easier alternative, but is not feasible and still expensive. This study investigated whether the rating of perceived exertion of 13 is an accurate predictor of lactate minimum and maximal lactate steady state intensities. Eleven physically active men performed three tests: (1) incremental exercise with workloads based on rating of perceived exertion of 10, 13, and 16 (experimental protocol – denominated RPE-13 test), (2) lactate minimum, and (3) maximal lactate steady state. No differences were observed among participants’ workloads corresponding to rating of perceived exertion 13, lactate minimum, and maximal lactate steady state intensities. Thus, the workload associated with the rating of perceived exertion of 13 was equivalent to the other two protocols investigated.
Understanding The Mediating Role of Quality of Work Life on the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors
Authors: Alfonso Lisbet , Zenasni Franck , Hodzic Sabina , Ripoll Pilar
Published: February 2016

Organizational citizenship behaviors are not directly rewarded by organizations. However, they seem to contribute to excellent performance at work. The aim of this study is to test quality of working life’s (QoWL) mediating role in the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB). 203 French adults working regularly in teams completed validated self-report measures corresponding to each construct. The collected data showed that in the studied sample, a high quality of working life was associated with Sportsmanship behaviors. However, mediation was not observed for the other OCB subscales: Altruism, Helping, or Civic virtues. These behaviors tend to occur in individuals with high emotional intelligence scores, unrelated to their quality of working life. Theoretical background, practical implications, and limitations of the study are discussed.
Individual Differences in Preventive Jealousy Determine Men's Jealousy after Subliminal Exposure to Rivals Wearing High- or Low-Status Clothes
Authors: Massar Karlijn , Buunk Abraham (Bram) P.
Published: February 2016

This study investigated sex differences in jealousy after subliminal exposure to rivals wearing high-status or low-status clothes. It was expected that individual differences in preventive jealousy would moderate the relationship between a rival's characteristics and jealousy. Participants (Men: n = 54, M age = 21.6 yr., SD = 3.5; women: n = 71, M age = 20.7 yr., SD = 1.9) completed a parafoveal subliminal priming paradigm as well as questionnaires about jealousy and preventive jealousy. As predicted, women were not affected by their rival's status, but women high in preventive jealousy reported more jealousy than women low in preventive jealousy. However, whereas men low in preventive jealousy reported equal amounts of jealousy after exposure to a high-status and a low-status rival, surprisingly, and contrary to the expectations, men high in preventive jealousy reported most jealousy after exposure to a low-status rival. To explain these unexpected results, threats to self-esteem were discussed.
Satisfaction with Life, Meaning in Life, Sad Childhood Experiences, and Psychological Symptoms among Turkish Students
Authors: Cömert Itır Tarı , Özyeşil Zümra Atalay , Burcu Özgülük S.
Published: February 2016

The aim of the current study was to investigate the contributions of sad childhood experiences, depression, anxiety, and stress, existence of a sense of meaning, and pursuit of meaning in explaining life satisfaction of young adults in Turkey. The sample comprised 400 undergraduate students ( M age = 20.2 yr.) selected via random cluster sampling. There were no statistically significant differences between men and women in terms of their scores on depression, existence of meaning, pursuit of meaning, and life satisfaction scores. However, there were statistically significant differences between men and women on the sad childhood experiences, anxiety and stress. In heirarchical regression analysis, the model as a whole was significant. Depression and existence of meaning in life made unique significant contributions to the variance in satisfaction in life. Students with lower depression and with a sense of meaning in life tended to be more satisfied with life.
An Episodic Plot and an Unhappy Ending
Authors: Whissell Cynthia
Published: February 2016

Pleasant sounds (phonemes) within Coleridge’s 1798 Rime of the Ancyent Marinere were employed to study the poem’s structure in terms of the Aristotelean concepts of fortune (many pleasant emotions/phonemes) and misfortune (few) and to address questions as to how the poem doubled in length shortly before publication. The distribution of emotionally pleasant phonemes such as long e (i), l, v, and th (θ) indicated the presence of a (likely original) poem with a pleasant ending where the albatross drops from the mariner’s neck. Three episodes of threat and escape were probably added to the albatross episode later, along with an unhappy ending. Significant differences in the proportion of pleasant phonemes employed in various sections support these conclusions.
The Effect of Overconfidence on Persistent Behavior
Authors: Bi Yanling , Dang Qingxiu , Li Shu , Guo Jingjing , Zhang Baoshan
Published: February 2016

The present study explored the effects of state overconfidence on persistent behavior with consideration of feasibility and desirability as mediators. The persistent behaviors of 61 participants (35 women, 26 men; M age = 20.9 yr, SD = 1.9), placed in overconfidence and under-confidence groups based on random positive or negative bogus feedback, were measured. Results showed that participants with overconfidence were more persistent in solving problems than were those with under-confidence. Further mediation analyses revealed that the rating of the feasibility rather than the desirability of the task mediated the influence of state overconfidence on persistent behaviors. These findings provided future support for the self-justification hypothesis, and addressed arguments regarding the origins of overconfidence.
“Managing the Migration From Military to Civil Society”
Authors: Maharajan K. , Krishnaveni R.
Published: February 2016

An estimated 70,000 personnel are annually released at the prime of life from the Indian armed forces to maintain a youthful service profile. The migration of veterans in search of a second career to civil society involves managing crucial socioeconomic needs. This article examines the resettlement needs of veterans using survey research which measured resettlement needs of air force veterans in two distinct districts (regions) in India ( N = 400). The analysis reveals that the educational needs of dependent children are on top of the agenda followed by the need to find civilian employment. This study also develops a socioeconomic need continuum and a motivation model of resettlement.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Positional Nystagmus in Normal Subjects
Authors: Martens Camilla , Goplen Frederik Kragerud , Nordfalk Karl Fredrik , Aasen Torbjørn , Nordahl Stein Helge Glad
Published: February 2016

Objective

In clinical practice, patients are often referred due to a finding of positional nystagmus that does not always appear to correlate with clinical symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. To know when to consider nystagmus to be of clinical relevance, it is necessary to know the prevalence and characteristics of positional nystagmus in a healthy population.

Study Design

Case series of 75 healthy subjects.

Setting

Two tertiary referral centers in Norway.

Subjects and Methods

Seventy‐five adult subjects aged 40 ± 13 years (mean ± SD; range, 21‐87) without a history of vertigo or balance disorder were included from 2013 to 2015. The subjects underwent 6 different standardized positional tests in a repositioning chair. Videonystagmography was used to record eye movements. Of 1350 recordings, 1329 were included and analyzed.

Results

Positional nystagmus was detected in 88% of the subjects. The most common finding was nystagmus in the Dix‐Hallpike position, which occurred in 55% of the subjects. The 95th percentile of the maximum slow‐phase velocity for each subject was found to be 5.06° per second (n = 54) in the horizontal plane and 6.48° per second (n = 48) in the vertical plane.

Conclusion

Positional nystagmus is a common finding in normal subjects and occurred in 88% of the healthy subjects in the present study. Horizontal direction‐changing apogeotropic or geotropic nystagmus may occur in asymptomatic subjects. However, nystagmus that is of the paroxysmal type or has a slow‐phase velocity greater than approximately 5° per second in the horizontal plane or 6.5° per second in the vertical plane should be considered outside the 95th percentile.
Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Salivary Gland
Authors: Farhood Zachary , Zhan Kevin Y. , Lentsch Eric J.
Published: February 2016

Objective

To describe the clinical, demographic, and prognostic features of salivary gland mucinous adenocarcinoma, a rare head and neck malignancy.

Study Design

Population‐based national cancer registry analysis.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

A review was performed with the National Cancer Database from 1998 to 2012. Demographic, clinical, and survival characteristics were compiled and analyzed. Cox multivariate regression was used to identify predictors of survival. Log‐rank tests were used to test survival differences unless otherwise specified.

Results

A total of 170 cases were identified. The most common site of involvement was the parotid gland. Rates of nodal and distant metastases were 45.9% and 10.6%, respectively. High histologic grade was associated with nodal disease (P <. 001) and advanced‐stage disease (P =. 006). Overall 5‐ and 10‐year survival rates were 60% and 44%, respectively. Multivariate analysis found tumor size ≥2 cm (hazard ratio, 22.6; 95% confidence interval: 4.06‐126.09; P <. 001) and distant metastases (hazard ratio, 17.6; 95% confidence interval: 3.75‐82.68; P <. 001) to predict poor outcomes.

Conclusions

Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the salivary gland is a rare otolaryngic cancer. Regional metastases and advanced stage are more common with high histologic grade. Tumor size and distant metastases negatively influence survival.
Cochrane Corner
Authors: Burton Martin J. , Goldstein Nira A. , Rosenfeld Richard M.
Published: February 2016

The “Cochrane Corner” is a section in the journal that highlights systematic reviews relevant to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, with invited commentary to aid clinical decision making. This installment features a Cochrane Review on tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep‐disordered breathing (oSDB) in children, which finds moderate‐quality evidence that surgery improves symptoms, behavior, and quality of life compared to nonsurgical management. The results apply to nonsyndromic children with SDB confirmed by polysomnography and must be balanced against a favorable natural history in many cases.
Adipose stem cells’ antagonism in glycosylation of D-galactose-induced skin aging of nude mice and its skin recovery function
Authors: Wang Haiying , Wei Shuyue , Xue Xinxin , You Yuntian , Ma Qiang
Published: February 2016

This study aims to discuss adipose stem cells’ (ASCs) antagonism in glycosylation of D-galactose-induced skin aging of nude mice and its skin recovery function; the study also aims to explore a new mechanism of anti-aging to provide clinical anti-aging therapy with new thoughts and methods. We selected 40 healthy specific pathogen-free (SPF) nude mice and divided them randomly into four groups which were: blank control group; D-galactose + phosphate buffer saline (PBS) group; D-galactose + ASCs treatment group; and D-galactose + aminoguanidine (AG) group. Results showed that the superoxide dismutase (SOD) level of mice in the D-galactose-induced model group (87.15 ± 4.95 U/g) decreased significantly compared with that of control group (146.21 ± 4.76 U/g), while malonaldehyde (MDA) level of mice in D-galactose induced model group (11.12 ± 2.08 nmol/mg) increased significantly compared with that of control group (5.46 ± 2.05 nmol/mg) ( P <0.05); thus D-galactose induced sub-acutely aging mice models were duplicated successfully. Results also indicated that transplantation of ASCs could reverse expression of aging-related biomarkers such as MDA, SOD, and advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs); hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining showed that thickness of the dermis layer as well as the collagen content of mice in the D-galactose-induced model group increased significantly after ASC transplantation compared with that of control group. In addition, immunohistochemical assay showed that expression quantity of CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of mice in the D-galactose-induced model group increased significantly after ASC transplantation compared with that of control group. In conclusion, ASCs can trace cell distribution successfully through bioluminescence, and they survive for a short time in the skin after transplantation, which provides a basis for the application of ASC transplantation in clinical practices. Moreover, ASCs can control glycosylation level of D-galactose-induced skin aging of nude mice, reverse expression of aging-related biomarkers as well as restrain formation of advanced glycation end products, which are similar to the effects of AG inhibitors of advanced glycation end products. Thus, ASCs can prevent glycosylation-induced skin aging as well as recover functions of skin.
Nanoparticles based on phenylalanine ethyl ester–alginate conjugate as vitamin B2 delivery system
Authors: Zhang Pei , Zhao Shi-Rui , Li Jun-Xia , Hong Liang , Raja Mazhar A , Yu Le-Jun , Liu Chen-Guang
Published: February 2016

Phenylalanine ethyl ester (PAE)–alginate (Alg) conjugate (PAE–Alg, PEA) was synthesized and formation of an amide bond between PAE and Alg was confirmed by Fourier transformed-infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The degree of PAE substitution was 3.5–4.7 (PAE group per hundred sugar residues of Alg) which was determined by elemental analysis. The critical aggregation concentration values determined for PEA conjugates PEA1, PEA2, and PEA3 were 0.20, 0.12, and 0.10 mg/ml, respectively. The particle size of PEA nanoparticles (PEA-NPs) decreased from 425 nm to 226 nm with the increasing degree of PAE substitution. Vitamin B2 (VB2), as a model nutrient, was encapsulated into the nanoparticles. The drug-loading content increased with increasing degree of PAE substitution. The maximum VB2 loading capacity and loading efficiency of PEA3 nanoparticles were 3.53 ± 0.03% and 91.48 ± 0.80%, respectively. The in vitro release behavior of VB2 from the PEA-NPs showed a biphasic release profile with an initial burst release of about 40–50% of VB2 in the first 10 h followed by a steady and continuous release phase for the following 50 h in PBS, pH 7.4. The human colorectal carcinoma cell line was used to investigate the cytotoxicity of PEA-NPs. Our results showed that various concentrations of nanoparticles did not cause significant cytotoxicity against cell lines at normal concentrations.