bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Related to the Initial Stroke Severity of Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kim Seo Hyun , Lee Ji-Yong , Kim Do Han , Ham Jee Hyun , Song Young Ki , Lim Eun Ju , Park Chan Ik , Chang Sei-Jin , Lee Sung-Soo
Published: July 2013

Background: Posterior circulation (PC) stroke, which was previously less well known than anterior circulation (AC) stroke, has become more identified due to the development of imaging equipment. Recently, the initial stroke severity assessed by the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was reported as a useful measure for predicting the outcome of PC as well as AC stroke. The aim of our study was to investigate the factors related to the stroke severity of PC ischemic stroke as assessed by the baseline NIHSS and the predictors of progressive neurological deficit and 3-month outcome. Methods: All patients with first-time PC stroke (onset ≤7 days), admitted for a 5-year period and given a complete evaluation including brain MRI and angiographic studies, were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups by the baseline NIHSS: moderate-to-severe stroke (MTSS, NIHSS >5) and mild stroke (MS, NIHSS ≤5). Baseline characteristics, symptoms and progression, etiological subtypes, lesion characteristics from imaging, and patient 3-month outcome assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were compared between the two groups. Results: Among 604 enrolled patients with PC ischemic stroke, 143 belonged to the MTSS group and 461 to the MS group. In logistic regression analysis, MTSS was independently associated with white blood cell count (odds ratio, OR = 1.00, p = 0.001), high sensitivity C-reactive protein level (OR = 1.23, p = 0.004), dysarthria (OR = 2.59, p = 0.013), weakness (OR = 6.43, p < 0.001), dysphagia (OR = 5.77, p < 0.001) and decreased consciousness (OR = 10.54, p < 0.001). The independent predictors associated with progressive neurological deficit were MTSS (OR = 3.82, p = 0.001), the distal territory classified by lesion location (OR = 0.09, p = 0.004) and dysphagia (OR = 2.38, p = 0.010). The independent predictors associated with a 3-month mRS of 3-6 were MTSS (OR = 7.69, p < 0.001), diplopia (OR = 0.26, p = 0.023), visual field defect (OR = 4.87, p = 0.014), dysphagia (OR = 3.15, p < 0.001) and progressive neurological deficit (OR = 4.27, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The initial severity categorization of PC ischemic stroke by the NIHSS has provided several distinctions and could help with the prediction of neurological deficit progression and 3-month clinical outcome.
Ranolazine for Congenital and Acquired Late I
Na
-Linked Arrhythmias
Authors: Moreno Jonathan D. , Yang Pei-Chi , Bankston John R. , Grandi Eleonora , Bers Donald M. , Kass Robert S. , Clancy Colleen E.
Published: July 2013

Rationale:

The antianginal ranolazine blocks the human ether-a-go-go–related gene–based current I
Kr
at therapeutic concentrations and causes QT interval prolongation. Thus, ranolazine is contraindicated for patients with preexisting long-QT and those with repolarization abnormalities. However, with its preferential targeting of late I
Na
(I
NaL
), patients with disease resulting from increased I
NaL
from inherited defects (eg, long-QT syndrome type 3 or disease-induced electric remodeling (eg, ischemic heart failure) might be exactly the ones to benefit most from the presumed antiarrhythmic properties of ranolazine.

Objective:

We developed a computational model to predict if therapeutic effects of pharmacological targeting of I
NaL
by ranolazine prevailed over the off-target block of I
Kr
in the setting of inherited long-QT syndrome type 3 and heart failure.

Methods and Results:

We developed computational models describing the kinetics and the interaction of ranolazine with cardiac Na
+
channels in the setting of normal physiology, long-QT syndrome type 3–linked ΔKPQ mutation, and heart failure. We then simulated clinically relevant concentrations of ranolazine and predicted the combined effects of Na
+
channel and I
Kr
blockade by both the parent compound ranolazine and its active metabolites, which have shown potent blocking effects in the therapeutically relevant range. Our simulations suggest that ranolazine is effective at normalizing arrhythmia triggers in bradycardia-dependent arrhythmias in long-QT syndrome type 3 as well tachyarrhythmogenic triggers arising from heart failure–induced remodeling.

Conclusions:

Our model predictions suggest that acute targeting of I
NaL
with ranolazine may be an effective therapeutic strategy in diverse arrhythmia-provoking situations that arise from a common pathway of increased pathological I
NaL
.
Inhibition of MicroRNA-92a Protects Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in a Large-Animal Model
Authors: Hinkel Rabea , Penzkofer Daniela , Zühlke Stefanie , Fischer Ariane , Husada Wira , Xu Quan-Fu , Baloch Elisabeth , van Rooij Eva , Zeiher Andreas M. , Kupatt Christian , Dimmeler Stefanie
Published: July 2013

Background—

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small noncoding RNAs that posttranscriptionally control gene expression. Small-animal studies suggest that miRs might offer novel therapeutic targets in cardiovascular diseases such as cardioprotection of murine hearts after myocardial infarction via miR-92a inhibitors. Because the functional benefits of miR-92a inhibitors in larger preclinical models are not known, we assessed the therapeutic efficacy of miR-92a inhibition in a porcine model of ischemia and reperfusion.

Methods and Results—

Pigs (n=5 per group) underwent percutaneous ischemia/reperfusion (60 min/72 h or 7 days, respectively). Locked nucleic acid–modified antisense miR-92a (LNA-92a) was applied either regionally (antegrade or retrograde) with a catheter or systemically (intravenously). LNA-92a significantly (
P
<0.01) reduced miR-92a expression in the infarct zone regardless of the application venue. However, catheter-based delivery, but not intravenous infusion, of LNA-92a significantly (
P
<0.05) reduced the infarct size compared with control LNA–treated pigs, which correlated with an improved ejection fraction and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (
P
<0.05). Histochemistry revealed that LNA-92a increased capillary density but decreased leukocyte influx and cardiac cell death. Complete loss of miR-92a in mice attenuated the infarct-related myocardial dysfunction to a larger extent than cardiomyocyte-specific miR-92a deletion. In vitro, LNA-92a protected against hypoxia/reoxygenation–induced cardiomyocyte cell death.

Conclusions—

Regional LNA-92a delivery reduces miR-92a levels and infarct size and postischemic loss of function. LNA-92a exerts cell-protective, proangiogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. miR-92a inhibition might be a novel therapeutic tool to preserve cardiac function after ischemia.
Impact of Atrial Fibrillation on the Accuracy of Oscillometric Blood Pressure Monitoring
Authors: Pagonas Nikolaos , Schmidt Sven , Eysel Jörg , Compton Friederike , Hoffmann Clemens , Seibert Felix , Hilpert Justus , Tschöpe Carsten , Zidek Walter , Westhoff Timm H.
Published: July 2013

The introduction of automated oscillometric blood pressure monitors was the basis for today’s widespread use of blood pressure self-measurement. However, in atrial fibrillation, there is a controversial debate on the use of oscillometry because there is a high variability of heart rate and stroke volume. To date, the accuracy of oscillometric blood pressure monitoring in atrial fibrillation has only been investigated using auscultatory sphygmomanometry as reference method, which may be biased by arrhythmia as well. We performed a cross-sectional study in 102 patients (52 sinus rhythm, 50 atrial fibrillation) assessing the accuracy of an automated and validated oscillometric upper arm (M5 Professional, Omron) and wrist device (R5 Professional, Omron) to invasively assessed arterial pressure. Blood pressure values were calculated as the mean of 3 consecutive measurements. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not significantly differ in patients with sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation, independent of the method of measurement (
P
>0.05 each). The within-subject variability of the oscillometric measurements was higher in patients with atrial fibrillation compared with sinus rhythm (
P
<0.01 each). The biases of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, however, did not significantly differ in presence or absence of atrial fibrillation in Bland-Altmann analysis (
P
>0.05 each). In conclusion, atrial fibrillation did not significantly affect the accuracy of oscillometric measurements, if 3 repeated measurements were performed.
The oldest representative of Helius Lepeletier & Serville 1828 (Diptera: Limoniidae) from Lebanese amber (Early Cretaceous)
Authors: Kania Iwona , Krzemiński Wiesław , Azar Dany
Published: July 2013

Helius lebanensis sp.n., the oldest representative of the genus Helius Lepeletier & Serville 1828 (Diptera: Limoniidae), from Lebanese amber (Early Cretaceous) is characterized, illustrated and described. A hypothesis of origin and evolution of the genus Helius with association with the Angiosperms is provided and discussed. A complete list of fossil limoniids belonging to Helius is given.
Contribution to the knowledge of the Polia praecipua (Staudinger, 1895) species complex with description of a new species from China (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Noctuinae, Hadenini)
Authors: SALDAITIS AIDAS , BENEDÉK BALÁZS , BEHOUNEK GOTTFRIED
Published: July 2013

A new species of Polia Ochsenheimer, 1816, Polia minae sp. n., related to P. praecipua (Staudinger, 1895) and P. sublimis (Draudt, 1950) from northeastern Sichuan province, China is described. Adults and male and female gentalia of P. praecipua (Staudinger, 1898), P. praecipua angusta Hreblay & Ronkay, 1998, and P. sublimis (Draudt, 1950) are figured. Lectotypes and paralectotypes of P. praecipua praecipua and P. sublimis are designated. Polia is a well defined and complex noctuid genus in the tribe Hadenini with a Holarctic distribution. In the Palaearctic region, Polia is represented by 25, mostly large or medium-sized moths. The highest species richness is found in the Himalayan region. European species of Polia was recently revised by Hacker et al. (2002) with the check list of the know Palaearctic species. Recent collecting trips to China provided additional Polia material, including long series of P. praecipua and P. sublimis. During the study of those specimens, a third, externally different species was discovered by comparing of the genitalia of P. minae sp. n., with P. praecipua and P. sublimis. The moths studied were all collected at ultraviolet lights. Fifteen male and female genitalia dissections follows Lafontaine (2004) and slides were mounted in euparal. The abdominal integument was cut lengthwise, descaled, and slide mounted. Wild M3Z microscope and Canon EOS 350D camera were used to produce images. For systematic classificaton we follow Lafontaine & Schmidt (2010). Nomenclature used in this study relied upon taxonomic experts and relevant literature Draudt (1950); Boursin (1964); McCabe (1980); Chen (1982 and 1999); Yoshimoto (1995). Hreblay & Ronkay 1998; Hreblay et al. 1998; and Gyulai & Ronkay (2001). Repository acronims are as follows: AFM = Alessandro Floriani (Milan, Italy); GBG/ZSM = Gottfried Behounek (Grafing)/Zoologische Staatssammlung, München (Germany); NKM = Natukundemuseum, Berlin; NRCV = Nature Research Centre (Vilnius, Lithuania); PGM = Peter Gyulai (Miskolc, Hungary); WSM = Wolfgang Speidel (München, Germany); ZFMK = Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum, A. König, Bonn.
Downscaling of Climate Change in the Hawaii Region Using CMIP5 Results: On the Choice of the Forcing Fields*
Authors: Lauer Axel , Zhang Chunxi , Elison-Timm Oliver , Wang Yuqing , Hamilton Kevin
Published: July 2013

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model has been configured as a regional climate model for the Hawaii region (HRCM) to assess the uncertainties associated with the pseudo–global warming (PGW) downscaling method using different warming increments from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) model experiments. Results from 15-km downscaling experiments using warming increments from 10 individual CMIP5 models for the two warming scenarios representative concentration pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) and 8.5 (RCP8.5) are compared with experiments using multimodel mean warming increments. The results show that changes in 2-m temperatures, 10-m wind speed, rainfall, water vapor path, and trade wind inversion vary significantly among the individual model experiments. This translates into large uncertainties when picking one particular CMIP5 model to provide the warming increments for dynamical downscaling in the Hawaii region. The simulations also show that, despite the large interexperiment spread, a single downscaling experiment using multimodel mean warming increments gives very similar results to the ensemble mean of downscaling experiments using warming increments obtained from 10 individual CMIP5 models. Robust changes of the projected climate by the end of the twenty-first century in the Hawaii region shown by most downscaling experiments include increasing 2-m temperatures with stronger warming at higher elevations, a large increase in precipitable water, and an increase in the number of days with a trade wind inversion (TWI). Furthermore, most experiments agree on a reduction in TWI height and an increase in the TWI strength. Uncertainties in the projected changes in rainfall and 10-m wind speed are large and there is little consensus among the individual downscaling experiments.
The association between gestational diabetes mellitus and first trimester aneuploidy screening markers
Authors: Spencer Kevin , Cowans Nicholas J
Published: July 2013

Objective

To establish whether maternal serum first trimester concentrations of PAPP-A and free hCGβ are altered in pregnancies that subsequently are diagnosed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

Over the period 2009 and 2011, the results for women who had first trimester screening for aneuploidy were matched with those having an oral glucose tolerance test at 22–26 weeks for suspected GDM. Free hCGβ, PAPP-A and NT MoMs were compared amongst the group having an OGTT with confirmed GDM and those in which GDM was not confirmed. A second comparison group consisted of all non-aneuploidy singleton pregnancies in which no OGTT was performed.

Results

During the three-year period, 27,660 singleton pregnancies were screened of which 7429 cases had an OGTT of which 870 cases were classed as GDM by WHO criteria. There was a significant 7–9% reduction in both PAPP-A and free hCGβ MoM in the GDM group compared with either the OGTT non-GDM group or the remaining pregnancies with no known risk factors for evidence of GDM. There was no difference in the NT measurements.

Conclusions

First trimester concentrations of PAPP-A and free hCGβ are reduced in pregnancies that subsequently are diagnosed with GDM and may be useful in further screening algorithms for this disorder although the sensitivity alone is quite poor.
Supported liquid extraction as an alternative to solid phase extraction for LC-MS/MS aldosterone analysis?
Authors: Owen Laura J , Keevil Brian G
Published: July 2013

Background

Supported liquid extraction (SLE) techniques are relatively new compared to other sample preparation approaches such as solid phase extraction (SPE), liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) and protein precipitation (PPE). We investigated the use of SLE as an alternative to SPE for the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) measurement of aldosterone.

Methods

Samples ( n = 83) were analysed by the routine method using SPE. The same samples were subsequently analysed using two different SLE 96-well plate devices (Thermo and Biotage) with methyl-tertiary butyl ether extraction. A direct comparison of the three extraction techniques on two different mass spectrometers was also performed.

Results

Both results using SLE plates gave excellent agreement with the results from the SPE analysis. The area counts obtained with the Biotage plates were considerably higher than those obtained using the Thermo plate.

Conclusions

SLE is an acceptable alternative to SPE for the LC-MS/MS analysis of aldosterone. Using SLE reduces the time required for sample preparation.
Observing Guerrillas in the Wild: Reinterpreting Practices of Urban Guerrilla Gardening
Authors: Adams David , Hardman Michael
Published: July 2013

Despite an emerging literature on guerrilla gardening as a political practice in public spaces, with few exceptions, these accounts theorise it as working against many corporate and bureaucratic forms of power. Using the example of ‘F Troop’—a group of gardeners operating on a site in an English midland city—this paper focuses on the practices of urban guerrilla gardening in order to illustrate that these are perhaps not as ‘resistant’ or ‘celebratory’ as previous accounts have suggested. Rather, this paper draws on ethnographic data to focus attention on the micro politics of garden activism, arguing that the social backgrounds and motivations of those involved in guerrilla gardening and their relationship with other users of the space surrounding the dig site are also important—but largely underacknowledged—aspects of guerrilla gardening.
Little Rock’s Social Question
Authors: Locke Jill
Published: July 2013

This essay interprets Hannah Arendt’s concept of the “social question” through a reading of her controversial essay “Reflections on Little Rock.” I argue that Arendt’s social question refers to social climbing and not simply poverty, as she initially suggests. The social-climbing framework illuminates “Little Rock” in two ways. First, it explains why Arendt opposed mandatory school desegregation, which she saw as black social climbing, that is, African American citizens and the NAACP using the US courts and federal government to raise the status of African Americans to the level of whites. Second, and more significant, it provides a framework for criticizing “Little Rock” with Arendt’s own standards and criteria in mind. Reminded by Arendt of the suspect politics of social climbing, we can see something she did not: segregation was not “natural” association but an institution established after the Civil War to protect white social climbing and social advancement.
SMBG Out of Control
Authors: Chaudhry Tahir , Klonoff David C.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this project was to determine how prevalent control solution calibration is in patients who perform self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG).

Methods

Eighteen patients with or parents of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus were surveyed to gauge patients’ knowledge of control testing and the prevalence of its use. US census data of educational attainment of residents in the surveyed region were used. The availability of control solution (CS) in all pharmacies in 8 cities in mid San Mateo County, California, was evaluated as well. User manuals from 6 leading blood glucose monitor (BGM) manufacturers were retrieved for their indications for using CS.

Results

It was found that although 82% of respondents claimed to know what CS is, 58% claimed to never use this product. In the analyzed geographic region, the educational attainment was above the educational level for the entire San Francisco Bay Area and the United States. CS in our region was stocked by only 15% of pharmacies that sold BGM equipment, even though 6 major BGM manufacturers in the aggregate listed 10 indications for its use.

Conclusions

It was concluded that BGM users are frequently not using CS to calibrate their monitors. The low availability of CS at pharmacies might contribute to the low demand for this product. It can be concluded that patients who perform SMBG need education from diabetes educators about proper CS calibration. Without the use of CS, BGMs are not being used according to manufacturer’s specifications. This misuse could lead to erroneous results and erode the potential benefits of SMBG.
Dynamic walking and whole-body motion planning for humanoid robots: an integrated approach
Authors: Dalibard Sébastien , El Khoury Antonio , Lamiraux Florent , Nakhaei Alireza , Taïx Michel , Laumond Jean-Paul
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a general method for planning collision-free whole-body walking motions for humanoid robots. First, we present a randomized algorithm for constrained motion planning, that is used to generate collision-free statically balanced paths solving manipulation tasks. Then, we show that dynamic walking makes humanoid robots small-space controllable. Such a property allows to easily transform collision-free statically balanced paths into collision-free dynamically balanced trajectories. It leads to a sound algorithm which has been applied and evaluated on several problems where whole-body planning and walk are needed, and the results have been validated on a real HRP-2 robot.
The stress of work, with bonus vaudeville section
Authors: Lachter Bruce
Published: July 2013

Objective:

This paper applies a psychoanalytic perspective to notions of workplace stress.

Conclusion:

At its most extreme, workplace stress can evoke a crisis of conscience, and its sequelae include psychosis and suicide.
Is risk assessment the new clinical model in public mental health?
Authors: Holmes Alex
Published: July 2013

Objective:

Australian public mental health services have seen a rapid adoption of risk assessment into clinical practice over the past decade. It is timely to review the role of risk assessment in clinical practice, evidence for its validity and to explore its role in clinical decision-making.

Conclusion:

There is little evidence to support the current form of risk assessment used in public mental health. The continued focus in risk may lead public psychiatrists into a bind where their specialist role is defined by a capacity that they do not fully possess. Further work is required to find ways of demonstrating our attention to the possibility of adverse outcomes whilst maintaining our skills and capacity to manage mental illness with complexity and balance within the limitations of rational decision-making.
Probabilistic model-based imitation learning
Authors: Englert Peter , Paraschos Alexandros , Deisenroth Marc Peter , Peters Jan
Published: July 2013

Efficient skill acquisition is crucial for creating versatile robots. One intuitive way to teach a robot new tricks is to demonstrate a task and enable the robot to imitate the demonstrated behavior. This approach is known as imitation learning. Classical methods of imitation learning, such as inverse reinforcement learning or behavioral cloning, suffer substantially from the correspondence problem when the actions (i.e. motor commands, torques or forces) of the teacher are not observed or the body of the teacher differs substantially, e.g., in the actuation. To address these drawbacks we propose to learn a robot-specific controller that directly matches robot trajectories with observed ones. We present a novel and robust probabilistic model-based approach for solving a probabilistic trajectory matching problem via policy search. For this purpose, we propose to learn a probabilistic model of the system, which we exploit for mental rehearsal of the current controller by making predictions about future trajectories. These internal simulations allow for learning a controller without permanently interacting with the real system, which results in a reduced overall interaction time. Using long-term predictions from this learned model, we train robot-specific controllers that reproduce the expert’s distribution of demonstrations without the need to observe motor commands during the demonstration. The strength of our approach is that it addresses the correspondence problem in a principled way. Our method achieves a higher learning speed than both model-based imitation learning based on dynamics motor primitives and trial-and-error-based learning systems with hand-crafted cost functions. We successfully applied our approach to imitating human behavior using a tendon-driven compliant robotic arm. Moreover, we demonstrate the generalization ability of our approach in a multi-task learning setup.
Study on discrete acceleration feedback control with time delay
Authors: An Fang , Chen Wei-dong , Shao Min-qiang
Published: July 2013

This paper addresses the design problem of a discrete controller with time delay and acceleration feedback. The delta operator is firstly used to describe the discrete acceleration signal and convert the delayed continuous-time state equation into the delayed discrete-time system. Then the delayed discrete-time system is transformed into the delay-free one by applying a discrete reduction method. Based on the delay-free discrete-time system, the optimal output delta state feedback controller is designed by minimizing a discrete non-standard quadratic performance index and the feedback gain of the controller is obtained by a convergent algorithm. On the basis of the optimal output delta state feedback controller, the discrete time-delayed acceleration feedback controller is achieved by using the inverse reduction method, and the corresponding recursive control algorithm is developed. The controller saves the process of performing numerical integration and eliminating direct current and trend term in designing the displacement or velocity feedback control, so as to make the closed-loop system become simpler. Moreover, it can solve the problem of phase shift of the measured signal caused by time delay. The proposed controller with a low order model-based control algorithm is implemented on a smart cantilever beam with an accelerometer and piezoelectric actuator for different controller gain-delay combinations, and the control performance is evaluated. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the controller can effectively reduce the free vibration response of the smart cantilever beam.
Extraction and quantification of SO2 content in wines using a hollow fiber contactor
Authors: Plaza Andrea , Romero Julio , Silva Wladimir , Morales Elizabeth , Torres Alejandra , Aguirre María J
Published: July 2013

Sulfites [Formula: see text] or sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a preservative widely used in fruits and fruit-derived products. This study aims to propose a membrane contactor process for the selective removal and recovery of SO2 from wines in order to obtain its reliable quantification. Currently, the aspiration and Ripper methods offer a difficult quantification of the sulfite content in red wines because they involve evaporation steps of diluted compounds and a colorimetric assay, respectively. Therefore, an inexpensive and accurate methodology is not currently available for continuous monitoring of SO2 in the liquids food industry. Red wine initially acidified at pH < 1 was treated by membrane extraction at 25 ℃. This operation is based on a hydrophobic Hollow Fiber Contactor, which separates the acidified red wine in the shell side and a diluted aqueous sodium hydroxide solution as receiving solution into the lumenside in countercurrent. Sulfite and bisulfite in the acidified red wine become molecular SO2, which is evaporated through the membrane pores filled with gas. Thus, SO2 is trapped in a colorless solution and the membrane contactor controls its transfer, decreasing experimental error induced in classical methods. Experimental results using model solutions with known concentration values of [Formula: see text] show an average extraction percentage of 98.91 after 4 min. On the other hand, two types of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon wines were analyzed with the same system to quantify the content of free and total sulfites. Results show a good agreement between these methods and the proposed technique, which shows a lower experimental variability.
Narratives in the courtroom: Female poisoners in mid-nineteenth century England
Authors: Nagy Victoria M
Published: July 2013

Three Essex women were accused of poisoning their family members in the mid-19th century. While their crimes were not out of the ordinary, the legal responses to these three women were irregular and highlight how female deviance was a concern to the legal system in England during the 19th century. Historians have embraced the possibility of studying crime and violence in order to better understand how societies and their legal systems responded to deviance (real or perceived). This paper presents the cases of the three Essex poisoners, as well as the narratives created in the courtroom to explain their deviance, and illustrates how and why criminologists should turn to historical criminal cases in order to further criminological understandings of crime and violence.
A tale of two regicides
Authors: Mooney Jayne
Published: July 2013

This paper examines two attempted 18th century cases of regicide: those of Robert François Damiens against Louis XV and Margaret Nicholson against George III, which have similar circumstances yet, on the face of it, strikingly different outcomes. For both assailants were seemingly unremarkable individuals, employed for much of their working lives as domestic servants, the attacks were relatively minor and both were diagnosed as ‘mad’. However, Margaret Nicholson was to be confined for life in Bethlem Royal Hospital for the insane, whereas Robert François Damiens was tortured and torn apart by horses at the Place de Grève. The name of Damiens resonates today amongst scholars of criminology through the utilization of his execution by Michel Foucault in the opening to his seminal work Discipline and Punish: the Birth of the Prison (1975); Margaret Nicholson is less widely known. By analyzing the considerable amount of media and literary coverage devoted to these attempted regicides at the time this paper concludes by locating these crimes as symptomatic of the ‘spirit of the times’.
An evaluation of the impact and costs of three strategies used to recruit acutely unwell young children to a randomised controlled trial in primary care
Authors: Redmond Niamh M , Hollinghurst Sandra , Costelloe Céire , Montgomery Alan A , Fletcher Margaret , Peters Tim J , Hay Alastair D
Published: July 2013

Background

Recruitment to primary care trials, particularly those involving young children, is known to be difficult. There are limited data available to inform researchers about the effectiveness of different trial recruitment strategies and their associated costs.

Purpose

To describe, evaluate, and investigate the costs of three strategies for recruiting febrile children to a community-based randomised trial of antipyretics.

Methods

The three recruitment strategies used in the trial were termed as follows: (1) ‘local’, where paediatric research nurses stationed in primary care sites invited parents of children to participate; (2) ‘remote’, where clinicians at primary care sites faxed details of potentially eligible children to the trial office; and (3) ‘community’, where parents, responding to trial publicity, directly contacted the trial office when their child was unwell.

Results

Recruitment rates increased in response to the sequential introduction of three recruitment strategies, which were supplemented by additional recruiting staff, flexible staff work patterns, and improved clinician reimbursement schemes. The three strategies yielded different randomisation rates. They also appeared to be interdependent and highly effective together. Strategy-specific costs varied from £297 to £857 per randomised participant and represented approximately 10% of the total trial budget.

Limitations

Because the recruitment strategies were implemented sequentially, it was difficult to measure their independent effects. The cost analysis was performed retrospectively.

Conclusions

Trial recruiter expertise and deployment of several interdependent, illness-specific strategies were key factors in achieving rapid recruitment of young children to a community-based randomised controlled trial (RCT). The ‘remote’ recruitment strategy was shown to be more cost-effective compared to ‘community’ and ‘local’ strategies in the context of this trial. Future trialists should report recruitment costs to facilitate a transparent evaluation of recruitment strategy cost-effectiveness.
Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load, and Blood Glucose Outcomes in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Crouse Jennifer , Baumler Megan , Gleason Linda , Kaugars Astrida S. , Kichler Jessica C.
Published: July 2013

Background. Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) are tools to estimate the postprandial glycemic response (PPG) to carbohydrate-containing foods. Currently, the American Diabetes Association recommends matching insulin dose to the carbohydrate content of food in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) without considering GI or GL. Objectives. The objective of this study was to determine the following: (1) the relationship between the PPG and the carbohydrate content, GI, and GL of a meal in adolescents with T1DM and (2) whether mean GL per meal is related to long-term glycemic control as measured by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Methods. A retrospective analysis of three 24-hour recall interviews was performed for 87 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. Average GL was calculated for each meal and each day and compared with 2 weeks of blood glucose data and HbA1c data using linear regression analysis. Results. A significant correlation was seen between GL and PPG only in those who dosed prior to eating. Inverse correlations were found between HbA1c, average GL per meal, and average reported carbohydrate intake. However, when the analysis was repeated in only those with an HbA1c below 8%, a positive correlation was found between average GL and HbA1c. Conclusion. GI/GL may be clinically useful in managing PPG in those who dose before eating. The inverse correlation between GL and HbA1c may be explained by underreporting of carbohydrate intake in adolescents with poor glycemic control. For those with a HbA1c below 8%, GL may be considered an advanced tool to optimize management.
First Steps
Authors: Strawhacker MaryAnn Tapper
Published: July 2013

The transition from home or daycare to preschool can be a stressful time for both parent and child. Through advance planning and preparation, the school nurse can begin to establish a trusting relationship with the family and provide the educational team with critical information that will shape school programming for the child with disabilities. This investment will ease family stress and facilitate a successful launch to preschool.
The Src and c-Kit kinase inhibitor dasatinib enhances p53-mediated targeting of human acute myeloid leukemia stem cells by chemotherapeutic agents
Authors: Dos Santos Cedric , McDonald Tinisha , Ho Yin Wei , Liu Hongjun , Lin Allen , Forman Stephen J. , Kuo Ya-Huei , Bhatia Ravi
Published: July 2013

Key Points

SRC family kinases are activated in AML stem/progenitor cells and contribute to AML stem cell survival and proliferation. Combined inhibition of SFKs and c-KIT with dasatinib enhances p53-mediated elimination of AML stem cells.
Thrombospondin-1 modulates VEGF signaling via CD36 by recruiting SHP-1 to VEGFR2 complex in microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Chu Ling-Yun , Ramakrishnan Devi Prasadh , Silverstein Roy L.
Published: July 2013

Key Points

TSP-1 binding to CD36 recruits SHP-1 to CD36-VEGFR2 complex in microvascular endothelial cells. SHP-1 recruitment to CD36-VEGFR2 complex dephosphorylates VEGFR2 and inhibits angiogenesis.
Experimental transmission of enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma in sheep
Authors: Walsh Scott R , Linnerth-Petrik Nicolle M , Yu Darrick L , Foster Robert A , Menzies Paula I , Diaz-Méndez Andrés , Chalmers Heather J , Wootton Sarah K
Published: July 2013

Enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma (ENA) is a contagious neoplasm of the secretory epithelial cells of the nasal mucosa of sheep and goats. It is associated with the betaretrovirus, enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV), but a causative relationship has yet to be demonstrated. In this study, 14-day-old lambs were experimentally infected via nebulization with cell-free tumor filtrates derived from naturally occurring cases of ENA. At 12 weeks post-infection (wpi), one of the five infected lambs developed clinical signs, including continuous nasal discharge and open mouth breathing, and was euthanized. Necropsy revealed the presence of a large bilateral tumor occupying the nasal cavity. At 45 wpi, when the study was terminated, none of the remaining infected sheep showed evidence of tumors either by computed tomography or post-mortem examination. ENTV-1 proviral DNA was detected in the nose, lung, spleen, liver and kidney of the animal with experimentally induced ENA, however there was no evidence of viral protein expression in tissues other than the nose. Density gradient analysis of virus particles purified from the experimentally induced nasal tumor revealed a peak reverse transcriptase (RT) activity at a buoyant density of 1.22 g/mL which was higher than the 1.18 g/mL density of peak RT activity of virus purified from naturally induced ENA. While the 1.22 g/mL fraction contained primarily immature unprocessed virus particles, mature virus particles with a similar morphology to naturally occurring ENA could be identified by electron microscopy. Full-length sequence analysis of the ENTV-1 genome from the experimentally induced tumor revealed very few nucleotide changes relative to the original inoculum with only one conservative amino acid change. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ENTV-1 is associated with transmissible ENA in sheep and that under experimental conditions, lethal tumors are capable of developing in as little as 12 wpi demonstrating the acutely oncogenic nature of this ovine betaretrovirus.
Infrequent cross-transmission of Shigella flexneri 2a strains among villages of a mountainous township in Taiwan with endemic shigellosis
Authors: Ko Ching-Fen , Lin Nien-Tsung , Chiou Chien-Shun , Wang Li-Yu , Liu Ming-Ching , Yang Chiou-Ying , Lee Yeong-Sheng
Published: July 2013

Background

Shigellosis is rare in Taiwan, with an average annual incidence rate of 1.68 cases per 100,000 persons in 2000–2007. However, the incidence rate for a mountainous township in eastern Taiwan, Zhuoxi, is 60.2 times the average rate for the entire country. Traveling between Zhuoxi’s 6 villages (V1–V6) is inconvenient. Disease transmission among the villages/tribes with endemic shigellosis was investigated in this study.

Methods

Demographic data were collected in 2000–2010 for epidemiological investigation. Thirty-eight Shigella flexneri 2a isolates were subjected to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) genotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).

Results

Fifty-five shigellosis cases were identified in 2000–2007, of which 38 were caused by S. flexneri 2a from 2000–2007, 16 cases were caused by S. sonnei from 2000–2003, and 1 case was caused by S. flexneri 3b in 2006. S. flexneri 2a caused infections in 4 of the 6 villages of Zhuoxi Township, showing the highest prevalence in villages V2 and V5. PFGE genotyping categorized the 38 S. flexneri 2a isolates into 2 distinct clusters (clones), 1 and 2. AST results indicated that most isolates in cluster 1 were resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (ACSSuX); all isolates in cluster 2 were resistant to ACSSuX and tetracycline. Genotypes were primarily unique to different villages or tribes. Tribe V2-1 showed the highest endemic rates. Eighteen isolates recovered from V2-1 tribe members fell into 6 genotypes, where 5 were the same clone (cluster 1). An outbreak (OB2) in 2004 in village V2 was caused by different clonal strains; cases in tribe V2-1 were caused by 2 strains of clone 1, and those in tribe V2-2 were infected by a strain of clone 2.

Conclusions

From 2000–2007, 2 S. flexneri 2a clones circulated among 4 villages/tribes in the eastern mountainous township of Zhuoxi. Genotyping data showed restricted disease transmission between the villages and tribes, which may be associated with difficulties in traveling between villages and limited contact between different ethnic aborigines. Transmission of shigellosis in this township likely occurred via person-to-person contact. The endemic disease was controlled by successful public health intervention.
Fever in the tropics: aetiology and case-fatality - a prospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital in South India
Authors: Abrahamsen Siri Kratter , Haugen Cathrine Nødtvedt , Rupali Priscilla , Mathai Dilip , Langeland Nina , Eide Geir Egil , Mørch Kristine
Published: July 2013

Background

The objective of this study was to describe aetiology and case fatality of fever among inpatients in a tertiary care hospital in South India.

Methods

This was an observational, prospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. Between July 2nd 2007 and August 2nd in 2007, adult patients admitted to the hospital with temperature ≥ 38.0°C were included consecutively and followed during the hospitalisation period. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analysed for each patient. Associations were sought between death and various clinical and demographic variables.

Results

One hundred patients were included, 61 male and 39 female. Mean age was 37.5 (range: 16 to 84) years. Mean fever duration was 5.4 (range: 0.1 to 42.9) weeks.

The following infectious aetiologies were recorded: tuberculosis (19%), lower respiratory infection (11%) including three with sepsis, urinary tract infection (10%) including three with E. coli sepsis, Plasmodium falciparum malaria (5%) including three patients with mixed P. vivax infection, scrub typhus (5%), typhoid fever (4%), cryptococcal meningitis (4%) including three HIV positive patients, endocarditis (3%) including two patients with Staphylococcus aureus sepsis, spleen abscess (2%), amoebic liver abscess (2%), sepsis undefined focus (1%), HIV infection (1%), hepatitis B (1%), rubella (1%), peritonitis (1%) and cholecystitis (1%).

Non-infectious causes of fever were diagnosed in 15%, including systemic lupus erythematosus in four and malignancy in six patients. Cause of fever remained unknown in 13%.

Case fatality during hospitalisation was 7% (7/100). Six of those who died were male. Five fatalities had bacterial sepsis, one spleen abscess and malignancy, and one had lymphomalignant disorder.

Diabetes and increasing age were significant risk factors for fatal outcome in unadjusted analyses, but only increasing age was a risk factor for death in adjusted analysis.

Conclusions

A high number of tuberculosis and bacterial infections and a high case fatality rate from sepsis were found in this cohort, underlining the importance of microbiological diagnostics and targeted antimicrobial treatment in the management of fever. P. falciparum was identified in all malaria cases, and this rapidly fatal infection should be considered in patients with acute undifferentiated fever in India.
Diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in thyroid disease: application in differentiating benign from malignant disease
Authors: Wu Yingwei , Yue Xiuhui , Shen Weiwen , Du Yushan , Yuan Ying , Tao Xiaofeng , Tang Cheuk Ying
Published: July 2013

Background

Fine needle aspiration biopsy is usually performed to evaluate thyroid lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of diffusion weighted imaging to differentiate malignancy of thyroid lesions.

Methods

The study was approved by ethics committee of Shanghai Changzheng Hospital.Forty-two patients, 10 men and 32 women (range: 20–72 years, mean age 42.4 years) with thyroid lesions were included in the study. Routine neck MR and diffusion-weighted MR imaging was performed using multiple b-values. ADC values were computed for the different b-values. Histological results of the thyroidectomy samples were obtained for all the patients. ADC values of benign and malignant thyroid lesions were compared with the pathology results. Logistic regression analysis was used to detect independent parameters for differentiating benign and malignancy of lesions.

Result

Based on the histology results there were 28 benign and 14 malignant cases. The difference of ADC value between benign and malignant thyroid lesions was significant for ADC values obtained using b-values of 0 and 300 s/mm2 (p < 0.001). The ADC values were significantly higher in benign lesions (benign ADC: 2.37 ± 0.47 × 10-3 mm2/s vs. malignant: 1.49 ± 0.60 × 10-3 mm2/s). ADC values obtained with b-values of 0 and 300 mm2/s and max nodular diameter was regarded as the two most discriminative parameters for differentiating malignancy. Using the pathology results as a standard reference, area under ROC curve was found to be 0.876 for an ADC cutoff value of 2.17 × 10-3 mm2/s that corresponded to an acquisition with b-values of 0 and 300 mm2/s.

Conclusion

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging is a promising non-invasive method to differentiate malignancy in thyroid lesions.
Overexpression of primary microRNA 221/222 in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Rommer Anna , Steinleitner Katarina , Hackl Hubert , Schneckenleithner Christine , Engelmann Maria , Scheideler Marcel , Vlatkovic Irena , Kralovics Robert , Cerny-Reiterer Sabine , Valent Peter , Sill Heinz , Wieser Rotraud
Published: July 2013

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematopoietic malignancy with a dismal outcome in the majority of cases. A detailed understanding of the genetic alterations and gene expression changes that contribute to its pathogenesis is important to improve prognostication, disease monitoring, and therapy. In this context, leukemia-associated misexpression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been studied, but no coherent picture has emerged yet, thus warranting further investigations.

Methods

The expression of 636 human miRNAs was compared between samples from 52 patients with AML and 13 healthy individuals by highly specific locked nucleic acid (LNA) based microarray technology. The levels of individual mature miRNAs and of primary miRNAs (pri-miRs) were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase (qRT) PCR. Transfections and infections of human cell lines were performed using standard procedures.

Results

64 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between AML and controls. Further studies on the clustered miRNAs 221 and 222, already known to act as oncogenes in other tumor types, revealed a deficiency of human myeloid cell lines to process vector derived precursor transcripts. Moreover, endogenous pri-miR-221/222 was overexpressed to a substantially higher extent than its mature products in most primary AML samples, indicating that its transcription was enhanced, but processing was rate limiting, in these cells. Comparison of samples from the times of diagnosis, remission, and relapse of AML demonstrated that pri-miR-221/222 levels faithfully reflected the stage of disease.

Conclusions

Expression of some miRNAs is strongly regulated at the posttranscriptional level in AML. Pri-miR-221/222 represents a novel molecular marker and putative oncogene in this disease.