bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular disease incidence, mortality and case fatality related to diabetes and metabolic syndrome: A community‐based prospective study (Ansung‐Ansan cohort 2001–12)
Authors: Bae Ji Cheol , Cho Nam H. , Suh Sunghwan , Kim Jae Hyeon , Hur Kyu Yeon , Jin Sang‐Man , Lee Moon‐Kyu
Published: November 2014

Background

We evaluated the separate and combined effect of metabolic syndrome (MS) and diabetes on incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), CVD mortality and case fatality risk (CFR).

Methods

8898 subjects were categorized into four groups on the basis of the presence of MS and diabetes (with MS, with diabetes, with both or without either). We compared the development of CVD events, mortality and CFR.

Results

Over a mean follow‐up of 8.0 years, 690 subjects developed CVD. There were 434 deaths, of which 101 were from CVD. The presence of diabetes alone, MS alone, or both was associated with an increased risk for incident CVD and CVD mortality. Compared with the MS only group, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for CVD events and CVD mortality in the diabetes only group was 1.07 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–1.48) and 2.02 (95% CI 0.99–1.72), respectively. Among individuals with diabetes, the presence of MS did not significantly increase CVD risk and CVD mortality. The adjusted odds ratio for CVD CFR, including adjustment for the presence of MS, in subjects with diabetes versus without diabetes was 2.11 (95% CI 1.34–3.31).

Conclusions

There was no difference in the risk of incident CVD between individuals with diabetes alone and MS alone, whereas CVD mortality was much higher in individuals with diabetes only. The presence of MS did not exhibit an additive effect on CVD risk and mortality in individuals with diabetes. Individuals with diabetes had a higher CVD case fatality regardless of the presence of MS.
Caveolae control the anti‐inflammatory phenotype of senescent endothelial cells
Authors: Powter Elizabeth E. , Coleman Paul R. , Tran Mai H. , Lay Angelina J. , Bertolino Patrick , Parton Robert G. , Vadas Mathew A. , Gamble Jennifer R.
Published: November 2014

Senescent endothelial cells (EC) have been identified in cardiovascular disease, in angiogenic tumour associated vessels and in aged individuals. We have previously identified a novel anti‐inflammatory senescent phenotype of EC. We show here that caveolae are critical in the induction of this anti‐inflammatory senescent state. Senescent EC induced by either the overexpression of ARHGAP18/SENEX or by H2O2 showed significantly increased numbers of caveolae and associated proteins Caveolin‐1, cavin‐1 and cavin‐2. Depletion of these proteins by RNA interference decreased senescence induced by ARHGAP18 and by H2O2. ARHGAP18 overexpression induced a predominantly anti‐inflammatory senescent population and depletion of the caveolae‐associated proteins resulted in the preferential reduction in this senescent population as measured by neutrophil adhesion and adhesion protein expression after TNFα treatment. In confirmation, EC isolated from the aortas of CAV‐1−/− mice failed to induce this anti‐inflammatory senescent cell population upon expression of ARHGAP18, whereas EC from wild‐type mice showed a significant increase. NF‐κB is one of the major transcription factors mediating the induction of E‐selectin and VCAM‐1 expression, adhesion molecules responsible for leucocyte attachment to EC. TNFα‐induced activation of NF‐κB was suppressed in ARHGAP18‐induced senescent EC, and this inhibition was reversed by Caveolin‐1 knock‐down. Thus, out results demonstrate that an increase in caveolae and its component proteins in senescent ECs is associated with inhibition of the NF‐kB signalling pathway and promotion of the anti‐inflammatory senescent pathway.
The Joint Effects of ADH1B Variants and Childhood Adversity on Alcohol Related Phenotypes in African‐American and European‐American Women and Men
Authors: Sartor Carolyn E. , Wang Zuoheng , Xu Ke , Kranzler Henry R. , Gelernter Joel
Published: November 2014

Background

The ADH1B gene has consistently been implicated in problem drinking, but rarely incorporated into gene by environment investigations of alcohol phenotypes. This study examined the joint effects of variation in ADH1B and childhood adversity—a well‐documented risk factor for alcohol problems and moderator of genetic liability to psychiatric outcomes—on maximum drinks consumed in a 24‐hour period (maxdrinks) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms.

Methods

Data were drawn from 2,617 African‐American (AA) and 1,436 European‐American (EA) participants (42% female) in a multisite genetic study of substance dependence. We tested the most significant ADH1B single nucleotide polymorphisms for alcohol dependence from a genomewide association study with this sample, ADH1B‐rs1229984 (Arg48His) and ADH1B‐rs2066702 (Arg370Cys), in EA and AA subsamples, respectively.

Results

Ordinal regression analyses conducted separately by sex and population revealed significant main effects for childhood adversity for both alcohol phenotypes in AA women and men and for maxdrinks in EA women. A significant rs1229984 by childhood adversity interaction was observed for AUD symptoms in EA men. Unexposed His‐allele carriers reported a mean of 3.6 AUD criteria, but adversity‐exposed His‐allele carriers endorsed approximately the same number (6.3) as those without the protective allele (6.3 and 7.0 for adversity‐exposed and ‐unexposed groups, respectively).

Conclusions

Results suggest that under conditions of childhood adversity, the His allele does not exert its protective effects in EA men (OR = 0.57, CI: 0.32 to 1.01; p = 0.056). Findings highlight the robust risk effect conferred by childhood adversity and the importance of considering population and sex in genetically informative investigations of its association with alcohol outcomes.
Soil mutualists modify priority effects on plant productivity, diversity, and composition
Authors: Burkle Laura A. , Belote R. Travis
Published: November 2014

Question

The importance of priority effects on community assembly is well recognized, as is, increasingly, the role of environmental context in shaping those priority effects. Distinguishing the effects of soil nutrients and soil mutualists may be critical in the context of restoration, but remains poorly understood. Additionally, we asked whether pioneer species and soil conditions influenced trade‐offs or complementarities between vegetation production and species diversity.

Location

Plant Growth Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, US.

Methods

Using experimental seed addition in mesocosms, we investigated how the priority effects of different plant species influenced productivity, diversity and composition of the resulting plant community. We also experimentally manipulated soil nutrients and mycorrhizae to determine how they modified those priority effects.

Results

We found that species‐specific priority effects of pioneers strongly governed the productivity, diversity and species composition of the resulting community. Pioneer grasses, one native and one non‐native species, both preempted light and space, prevented the colonization and growth of the subsequent community and restricted community dispersion (i.e. differences in species composition among mesocosms). By contrast, the pioneer forb species had little influence on the recruitment and establishment of the later colonizing species, and supported the assembly of divergent communities. We found evidence to suggest that amendments of soil mutualists, but not soil nutrients, modified the influence of one pioneer species on characteristics of the resulting community by enhancing community productivity and diversity in mesocosms with non‐native grass pioneers. Across all treatments, species diversity declined as vegetation production increased, indicating an overall trade‐off between productivity and diversity. However, relationships between productivity and diversity varied among pioneer treatments and mycorrhizal amendments.

Conclusions

Our results emphasize important interactions between priority effects and the use of soil mycorrhizal amendments in restoration, as well as highlight how pioneer species and mycorrhizae influence potential trade‐offs between restoration objectives aimed at enhancing productivity vs species diversity.
Using mixed methods to develop and evaluate an online weight management intervention
Authors: Bradbury Katherine , Dennison Laura , Little Paul , Yardley Lucy
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This article illustrates the use of mixed methods in the development and evaluation of the Positive Online Weight Reduction (POWeR) programme, an e‐health intervention designed to support sustainable weight loss. The studies outlined also explore how human support might enhance intervention usage and weight loss.

Methods

Mixed methods were used to develop and evaluate POWeR. In the development phase, we drew on both quantitative and qualitative findings to plan and gain feedback on the intervention. Next, a feasibility trial, with nested qualitative study, explored what level of human support might lead to the most sustainable weight loss. Finally, a large community‐based trial of POWeR, with nested qualitative study, explored whether the addition of brief telephone coaching enhances usage.

Results

Findings suggest that POWeR is acceptable and potentially effective. Providing human support enhanced usage in our trials, but was not unproblematic. Interestingly, there were some indications that more basic (brief) human support may produce more sustainable weight loss outcomes than more regular support. Qualitative interviews suggested that more regular support might foster reliance, meaning patients cannot sustain their weight losses when support ends. Qualitative findings in the community trial also suggested explanations for why many people may not take up the opportunity for human support.

Conclusions

Integrating findings from both our qualitative and quantitative studies provided far richer insights than would have been gained using only a single method of inquiry. Further research should investigate the optimum delivery of human support needed to maximize sustainable weight loss in online interventions.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

There is evidence that human support may increase the effectiveness of e‐health interventions.

It is unclear what level of human support might be optimal or how human support improves effectiveness.

Triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods can be used to inform the design and implementation of interventions

What does this study add?

This paper demonstrates the value of a mixed methods approach when developing and evaluating an intervention.

Qualitative methods provided complementary insights into the optimal level of human support.

Brief human support is valued by some and may enhance usage and outcomes of an e‐health intervention for weight loss
Acting in solidarity: Testing an extended dual pathway model of collective action by bystander group members
Authors: Saab Rim , Tausch Nicole , Spears Russell , Cheung Wing‐Yee
Published: November 2014

We examined predictors of collective action among bystander group members in solidarity with a disadvantaged group by extending the dual pathway model of collective action, which proposes one efficacy‐based and one emotion‐based path to collective action (Van Zomeren, Spears, Fischer, & Leach, 2004). Based on two proposed functions of social identity performance (Klein, Spears, & Reicher, 2007), we distinguished between the efficacy of collective action at consolidating the identity of a protest movement and its efficacy at achieving social change (political efficacy). We expected identity consolidation efficacy to positively predict collective action tendencies directly and indirectly via political efficacy. We also expected collective action tendencies to be positively predicted by moral outrage and by sympathy in response to disadvantaged outgroup's suffering. These hypotheses were supported in two surveys examining intentions to protest for Palestine in Britain (Study 1), and intentions to attend the June 4th vigil in Hong Kong to commemorate the Tiananmen massacre among a sample of Hong Kong citizens (Study 2). The contributions of these findings to research on the dual pathway model of collective action and the different functions of collective action are discussed.
ABCB1 polymorphism as prognostic factor in breast cancer patients treated with docetaxel and doxorubicin neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Kim Hee‐Jun , Im Seock‐Ah , Keam Bhumsuk , Ham Hye Seon , Lee Kyung Hun , Kim Tae Yong , Kim Yu Jung , Oh Do‐Youn , Kim Jee Hyun , Han Wonshik , Jang In‐Jin , Kim Tae‐You , Park In Ae , Noh Dong Young
Published: November 2014

Expression of the adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette B1 (ABCB1) transporter and P‐glycoprotein are associated with resistance to anticancer drugs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of single nucleotide polymorphism in the ABCB1 and CYP3A genes in breast cancer patients who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Stage II/III breast cancer patients were treated with three cycles of neoadjuvant, after which the patients received curative surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. The polymorphisms of ABCB1 and CYP3A were genotyped. The correlation of polymorphism of ABCB1, CYP3A, and clinical outcomes was analyzed. Among the 216 patients, ABCB1 3435TT genotype had a longer overall survival (OS). than CC/CT. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that good PS, invasive ductal carcinoma, non‐triple negative phenotype and initial operable stage were significantly associated with a lower death risk. ABCB1 3435TT genotype had a higher AUC than CC/CT for docetaxel. These higher AUCs in the C3435TT was associated with increased toxicities of neutropenia and diarrhea. This study showed that the genetic polymorphism of ABCB1 C3435T might be associated with a longer OS. Our results also suggest that the prediction of docetaxel toxicity might be possible for C3435T polymorphism. This study results provides valuable information on individualized therapy according to genotypes.
Setleis syndrome: clinical, molecular and structural studies of the first TWIST2 missense mutation
Authors: Rosti R.O. , Uyguner Z.O. , Nazarenko I. , Bekerecioglu M. , Cadilla C.L. , Ozgur H. , Lee B.H. , Aggarwal A.K. , Pehlivan S. , Desnick R.J.
Published: November 2014

Setleis syndrome is characterized by bitemporal scar‐like lesions and other characteristic facial features. It results from recessive mutations that truncate critical functional domains in the basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factor, TWIST2, which regulates expression of genes for facial development. To date, only four nonsense or small deletion mutations have been reported. In the current report, the clinical findings in a consanguineous Turkish family were characterized. Three affected siblings had the characteristic features of Setleis syndrome. Homozygosity for the first TWIST2 missense mutation, c.326T>C (p.Leu109Pro), was identified in the patients. In silico analyses predicted that the secondary structure of the mutant protein was sustained, but the empirical force field energy increased to an unfavorable level with the proline substitution (p.Leu109Pro). On a crystallographically generated dimer, p.Leu109 lies near the dimer interface, and the proline substitution is predicted to hinder dimer formation. Therefore, p.Leu109Pro‐TWIST2 alters the three dimensional structure and is unable to dimerize, thereby hindering the binding of TWIST2 to its target genes involved in facial development.
A mutation creating an out‐of‐frame alternative translation initiation site in the GRHPR 5′UTR causing primary hyperoxaluria type II
Authors: Fu Y. , Rope R. , Fargue S. , Cohen H.T. , Holmes R.P. , Cohen D.M.
Published: November 2014

Primary hyperoxaluria type II is a recessive genetic disorder caused by mutations in the GRHPR gene. Although several dozen mutations have been described, all affect coding or transcript splicing. A man suspected of having primary hyperoxaluria type II was heterozygous for a novel single‐nucleotide deletion (c.694delC) in GRHPR affecting Gln232, which introduced a pre‐mature termination (p.Gln232Argfs*3). Two 5′untranslated region (UTR) variants of unknown significance were also noted. We show that these two variants occur in cis, on the opposite allele, and introduce – immediately upstream of the canonical translation initiation site – a novel out‐of‐frame translational start site. In vitro studies using the GRHPR 5′UTR fused to a luciferase reporter show that the variant start site pre‐empted initiation at the canonical translational start site, and this was corroborated within the broader context of 1.3 kb of the GRHPR proximal promoter. This latter mechanism may be underappreciated in general; reports of clinically significant functional variation of this type are extremely rare.
Recurrent atypical fibroxanthoma with satellite metastasis
Authors: Lee Solomon S. , Lewis James M. , Liaw Kevin , Bushkell, Jr Lawrence L. , Young Yorke D. , Googe Paul B.
Published: November 2014

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a cutaneous neoplasm of uncertain etiology that develops on sun‐exposed regions of elderly males. It is widely considered to act indolently, despite its highly malignant cytologic features. Reports of metastatic AFX are very rare, and recurrence is uncommon. We report a case of recurrent AFX exhibiting a pattern of satellite metastasis followed by evidence of regional lymph node metastasis. A 76‐year‐old male with prior occupational and therapeutic radiation exposure and numerous squamous cell carcinomas had AFX of the left vertex scalp limited to the dermis completely removed by micrographic surgery. Twenty months later, multiple lesions appeared at the site of previous surgery. Imaging revealed no metastases or calvarial involvement. Wide local excision showed multiple well‐defined nodules involving dermis and subcutis. The primary and recurrent neoplasms were similar and composed of pleomorphic epithelioid and spindled cells with marked nuclear atypia, hyperchromasia and mitotic activity. Immunohistochemistry was positive for CD10, procollagen1 and vimentin and negative for cytokeratins AE1/AE3, cytokeratins 5/6, 34βE12, MNF116, p63 CD31, Mart1, smooth muscle actin, desmin, S100 and CD34. Forty‐eight months after removal of the primary, left intraparotid and posterior triangle lymph nodes are suspected to be involved by metastasis using clinical and positron emission tomography/ computed tomography examinations.
Epithelioid melanocytic nevus with tubule and pseudoacini formation
Authors: Uhlenhake Elizabeth E. , Smoller Bruce R. , Gardner Jerad M. , Shalin Sara C.
Published: November 2014

A 26‐year‐old female presented with a 7 mm irritated pink‐red papule on the left posterior shoulder. A shave biopsy revealed a dermal proliferation of epithelioid cells arranged in small nests with central lumen‐like structures resembling glands set in a densely sclerotic stroma. S100 and Melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1 (MART‐1) immunohistochemical positivity confirmed a dermal melanocytic neoplasm. Pan‐cytokeratin and cytokeratin 7 were negative within the nests ruling out an adnexal neoplasm or metastatic adenocarcinoma. A Spitz nevus variant characterized by the presence of focal tubular structures (tubular epithelioid cell nevus) has rarely been described in the literature and is of uncertain biological significance. Similar structures have also been observed in Clark/dysplastic nevi and melanoma. Glandular differentiation is seen in a wide variety of benign and malignant epithelial neoplasms; however, melanocytes are not known to be capable of forming true glands. The exact mechanism and significance of this phenomenon are currently unknown. Certain postulations include central melanocyte apoptosis, autocrine or paracrine factor secretion or retraction artifact caused by tissue fixation. This distinctive finding is important to recognize in order to avoid misdiagnosis as a glandular neoplasm.
Do China's Outward Direct Investors Prefer Countries with High Political Risk? An International and Empirical Comparison
Authors: Guo Jiann‐jong , Wang Guo‐chen , Tung Chien‐hung
Published: November 2014

This paper focuses on a conventional debate regarding whether Chinese outward direct investors tend to invest in countries with high political risk. Using 2003–2011 data from the World Bank, the Heritage Foundation and the KOF Swiss Economic Institute, we investigate China's political risk distribution and political risk index (PRI). Our results indicate that China's political risk index was ranked 48th among 153 economies in 2011, in the lower risk level of the PRI spectrum. In an international comparison of political risk distribution, the proportion of Chinese outward direct investment (ODI) among countries with high political risk is less than the world average. The Chinese ODI political risk index has significantly improved and remains lower than the world average. To improve Chinese ODI PRI, the Chinese Government should continue to implement differentiation strategies and to offer official development assistance to improve the investment environment in developing countries and reduce political risk.
Investigating Chinese Outward Foreign Direct Investments: How Can Firm‐level Data Help?
Authors: Amighini Alessia , Cozza Claudio , Rabellotti Roberta , Sanfilippo Marco
Published: November 2014

The empirical literature on China's outward foreign direct investment mainly relies on aggregate data from official statistics, but the reliability of such data is currently a matter of concern because it does not take account of relevant features such as industry breakdown, ownership structure and entry mode. A novel firm‐level database, EMENDATA, compiled by matching data from several available sources on various types of cross‐border deals and including information on group structure, provides a more accurate picture and enables new empirical analyses of the rapidly increasing presence of Chinese companies abroad. Based on this database, this paper offers a more precise assessment of the geographical and sector specialization patterns of Chinese outward foreign direct investment into Europe and suggests new avenues for future research.
Housing Markets in China and Policy Implications: Comovement or Ripple Effect
Authors: Chiang Shu‐hen
Published: November 2014

The overheated housing market has recently become a top priority of the Chinese authorities and whether the ripple effect exists is key to understanding this housing issue. The present paper uses a cointegration estimation technique for six first‐tier Chinese cities during the 2003–2013 period to show that the comovements among housing prices in China are fully reflected in a long‐run equilibrium. Using the Toda–Yamamoto causality test, the ripple effect is found to be characterized by a lead–lag relationship. More importantly, it is found that Beijing is the main source of housing price appreciation in China, and should be targeted as the regulatory object to efficiently resolve the troubles in this increasingly high housing‐price era.
Dropouts, Defaulters, and Continuing Borrowers: Client Exit from Microfinance
Authors: Pearlman Sarah
Published: November 2014

High dropout rates are a problem faced by many microfinance institutions, with borrowers exiting after a few loans. The curiosity of dropouts is that, unlike defaulters, they repay their loans. To understand this I investigate differences across borrowers using data from Zimbabwe. I find that negative shocks are a significant predictor of dropout, but not of default, and that social networks are the most important correlate of on‐time repayment. The results show the importance of social networks in determining credit relationships.
Hidden gems: validity and reproducibility of measures of oropharyngeal dysphagia – secondary conclusions and contributions
Authors: Samson‐Fang Lisa
Published: November 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Benfer et al. on pages 358–365 of this issue.
Hyperekplexia: overexcitable and underdiagnosed
Authors: Thomas Rhys H
Published: November 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Mine et al. on pages 372–377 of this issue.
The importance of cerebral magnetic resonance imaging in evaluation of neonatal seizures
Authors: Buerki Sarah E , Connolly Mary B
Published: November 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Weeke et al. on pages 248–256 of this issue.
Maternal body size prior to pregnancy, gestational diabetes and weight gain: associations with insulin resistance in children at 9–10 years
Authors: Maftei O. , Whitrow M. J. , Davies M. J. , Giles L. C. , Owens J. A. , Moore V. M.
Published: November 2014

Aims

To investigate whether maternal body size pre‐pregnancy, gestational diabetes and weight gain are independently associated with subsequent insulin resistance in children; and to examine the potential mediating role of child's body size in any associations.

Methods

At 9–10 years, 443 children took part in a follow‐up of a prospective cohort. Of those, 163 children elected to provide a fasting blood sample and child insulin resistance was estimated by homeostasis model assessment. Generalized linear models with log link function and Gaussian family were used to assess associations with antenatal exposures. Potential confounders were considered as well as the role of the child's size.

Results

Prior to pregnancy, 23% of mothers were overweight and another 17% obese. All women were screened for gestational diabetes, with 6% diagnosed. On average, women gained an estimated 14 kg during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes was positively associated with child insulin resistance. In addition, maternal pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was associated with child insulin resistance in a non‐linear manner: a positive, progressive association was observed until BMI of 30 kg/m2 was reached, but not thereafter. Estimated gestational weight gain was not associated with child insulin resistance. These findings were not accounted for by size of the child at birth or at 9–10 years.

Conclusions

Maternal body size prior to pregnancy is positively associated with increases in child insulin resistance, at least until the ‘obese’ category is reached. This is independent of gestational diabetes and not mediated by body size of the child, suggesting genetic and/or developmental programming origins.
Effects of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells Delivered through a Graft Vessel for Patients with Previous Myocardial Infarction and Chronic Heart Failure: An Echocardiographic Study of Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Qi Zhi , Duan Fujian , Liu Sheng , Lv Xiuzhang , Wang Hao , Gao Yiming , Wang Jianpeng
Published: November 2014

Objectives

The graft of stem cells to treat ischemic cardiomyopathy is popular in many clinical trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of isolated coronary artery bypass graft combined with bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) delivered through graft vessels to improve left ventricular function of patients with previous myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure using echocardiography.

Methods

Forty‐two patients with previous myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure were randomly allocated to one of the two groups: CABG only (18 in CABG group), or CABG with BMMNC transplantation (24 in CABG + BMMNC group). Echocardiographic parameters of systolic function were measured on B‐mode imaging, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), two‐dimensional (2D) strain imaging, and 8 parameters were measured totally. Echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function were measured on pulsed‐wave Doppler imaging, TDI, and 2D strain rate imaging; 17 parameters were measured totally.

Results

Postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) versus preoperative LVEF were 49.083 ± 1.914% versus 36.042 ± 1.185% (P < 0.05) in CABG + BMMMNC group and 41.389 ± 2.210% versus 34.667 ± 1.369% (P < 0.05) in CABG group, global longitudinal strain were −12.542 ± 0.512% versus −7.083 ± 0.583% (P < 0.05) in CABG + BMMMNC group and −9.278 ± 0.591% versus −7.000 ± 0.673% (P < 0.05) in CABG group, mLsr1 were −0.108 ± 0.018/sec versus −0.039 ± 0.017/sec (P < 0.05) in CABG+BMMMNC group and −0.048 ± 0.021/sec versus 0.004 ± 0.020/sec (P < 0.05) in CABG group, mLsr2 were −0.055 ± 0.013/sec versus −0.009 ± 0.015/sec (P < 0.05) in CABG + BMMMNC group and 0.004 ± 0.015/sec versus 0.024 ± 0.017/sec (P < 0.05) in CABG group, and Aa1 were 7.303 ± 0.479 cm/sec versus 5.131 ± 0.381 cm/sec (P < 0.05) in CABG + BMMMNC group and 7.908 ± 0.553 cm/sec versus 6.764 ± 0.440 cm/sec (P < 0.05) in CABG group. Parameters above were significantly improved postoperatively in both groups. The degree of the improvement was significantly different between the two groups with the CABG + BMMNC group improved more versus the group of CABG only (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The improvement of left ventricular function in CABG + BMMNC group is better than CABG group. 2D strain and strain rate imaging is a more sensitive tool to evaluate left ventricular function.
Left Ventricular Strain Modifications after Maximal Exercise in Athletes: A Speckle Tracking Study
Authors: Santoro Amato , Alvino Federico , Antonelli Giovanni , Cameli Matteo , Bertini Matteo , Molle Roberta , Mondillo Sergio
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The increase in systolic indexes from rest (R) to exercise is achieved by combination of enhanced heart rate (HR) and stroke volume (SV). Aim of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) longitudinal, circumferential, and torsional components immediately after a maximal intensity exercise (ME) by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).

Methods

Twenty‐seven male water polo players performed an ME that consisted of 6 repeats of 100 m freestyle swim sets. An echocardiographic examination was performed before and after ME. STE was performed to obtain the analysis of LV myocardial deformation.

Results

There were no differences between R and ME regarding LV longitudinal strains (PVLS). Apical circumferential LV strain (AVCS) and LV longitudinal strain rate (SR) increased at ME with respect to R (R: −23.1 ± 4.9%; ME: −28.4 ± 7.6%, P < 0.05; R: −1.1 ± 0.1/sec, ME: −1.5 ± 0.2/sec, P < 0.01). LV twisting (LVT) and untwisting (UTW) increased at ME (R: 7.9 ± 2.4°, ME: 14.2 ± 3.2°, P < 0.001; R: −107.2 ± 47.4; ME: −158.5 ± 61.5 °/sec; P < 0.01). At ME, apical rotation (Arot) had higher values than R values (5.4 ± 3.0°; 10.0 ± 6.0°; P < 0.01) and time‐to‐peak (TTP) of apical segments are earlier than all TTP. SV was related to LVT (r = 0.56, P = 0.01), AVCS (r = −0.59, P = 0.005) and Arot (r = 0.46, P = 0.04). At multivariate analysis, AVCS was the independent predictor of SV (β = −0.58; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Apical fibers and LVT give the main contribution to systolic components at ME. The storage of energy during LVT, released during early diastole, seems to be a fundamental mechanism to support diastolic filling during maximal exercise.
CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS AND INFORMATION REVELATION IN PROCUREMENT AUCTIONS
Authors: Saini Viplav , Suter Jordan F.
Published: November 2014

We utilize laboratory experiments to study behavior in sequential procurement auctions where winning an auction round increases a bidder's future costs. The game admits competitive as well as bid‐rotation style collusive equilibria. We find that (a) bidders show some propensity to account for the opportunity cost of winning an auction, but underestimate its magnitude; (b) revealing all bids (instead of only the winning bid) after each round leads to dramatically higher procurement costs. The rise in procurement costs is accompanied by an increase in very high (extreme) bids, a fraction of which appear to be collusive in nature. (JEL C91, D44, L44)
The location, strength, and mechanisms behind marine biogeographic boundaries of the east coast of North America
Authors: Pappalardo Paula , Pringle James M. , Wares John P. , Byers James E.
Published: November 2014

Classic biogeographic studies emphasized differences in species composition between regions to define biogeographic provinces and delimit biogeographic boundaries. Here we analyze the permeability of biogeographic boundaries to different species to gain mechanistic insight into the processes that maintain species boundaries in the coastal ocean. We identify sites with high frequencies of range boundaries using almost 1800 benthic marine invertebrates along the northwestern Atlantic coast and address whether their magnitude and location vary as a function of species’ taxonomy, pelagic larval duration and depth distribution. We observed clusters of species boundaries at Cape Hatteras, Cape Cod and the Bay of Fundy that are largely independent of taxonomic group. However, the boundaries were permeable and asymmetric, with a higher percentage of species shared across boundaries in the equatorward direction (82%) than in the reverse direction (59%). This pattern was particularly strong for shallow species (median occurrence depth < 20 m). Pelagic larval duration was more important to explain distributions of boundaries for deep species (median occurrence depth > 20 m), where species with long larval dispersal had significantly higher occurrence of boundaries than species with short larval dispersal. When they do exist, species boundaries seem to be set by the interaction of currents, depth distribution and pelagic larval duration. Importantly, species boundaries tend to be pinned to regions of reduced water transport, which might explain why species boundaries are concentrated in narrow geographical areas.
Causal relations between nominal exchange rates and monetary fundamentals in Central and Eastern European countries
Authors: Dąbrowski Marek A. , Papież Monika , Śmiech Sławomir
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the causal relations between nominal exchange rates and monetary fundamentals. The analysis is conducted using panel quarterly data from the period 2001–12 for Central and Eastern European countries (including Turkey) with relatively flexible exchange rate regimes. The paper reconnects the empirical literature on exchange rates in Central and Eastern European countries with the most recent findings on exchange rate determination in advanced economies. Kóyna's approach, which accounts for linkages between countries, is used in the study. The main findings indicate the existence of causal relations running from both nominal exchange rates to monetary fundamentals and in the opposite direction as well as the existence of a relatively strong link between exchange rates and differentials in the relative price of non‐tradables.
Heterogeneity in the economic returns to schooling among Chinese rural–urban migrants, 2002–07
Authors: Zhu Rong
Published: November 2014

This paper analyses the returns to schooling among Chinese rural migrants using data from the 2002 and 2007 China Household Income Project. Our non‐parametric estimates show substantial heterogeneity in the schooling rates of return among migrant workers. While the returns to schooling for the overall sample have increased over time, this result is driven by the substantial increases in the schooling coefficients of female migrants. We expect the endogeneity biases in the estimated schooling returns to be decreasing after considering the change in the ability distribution of migrant workers during 2002–07.
Pulp biology: 30 years of progress
Authors: Holland G. Rex , Botero Tatiana M.
Published: November 2014

The dental pulp, while exquisitely small, is extremely interesting. Its study has shed much light on basic biological processes such as protein production, mineralization, microvascular physiology, inflammation, pain, and most recently stem cell biology. The accumulation of knowledge on the dental pulp has been rapid over the past 30 years. With such efforts, one might think that our knowledge of the dental pulp is nearly complete, but this is not so. With the dental pulp, as with all other tissues, research always finds more questions than answers. For the specialty of Endodontics, knowledge of the tissue has reached such a point that newer, biological therapies are or shortly will be available whose effective application requires a good understanding of the biology involved. Clearly any review must be selective and will inevitably be incomplete, biased, and confused.
Indicators of perceived useful dementia care assistive technology: Caregivers' perspectives
Authors: Mao Hui‐Fen , Chang Ling‐Hui , Yao Grace , Chen Wan‐Yin , Huang Wen‐Ni Wennie
Published: November 2014

Aim

The study aims to investigate the caregivers' context‐specific perceived usefulness of available assistive technology (AT) devices and the professionals' perspectives on the usefulness indicators of AT devices for home‐dwelling individuals with mild‐to‐moderate dementia.

Methods

A total of 72 caregivers completed a questionnaire rating 82 AT devices with a high‐perceived usefulness (HPU) or low‐perceived usefulness (LPU). A total of 21 experts rated 10 usefulness indicators of these devices. We compared the mean of each indicator between the HPU and LPU groups.

Results

Most caregivers, who are generally amenable to using AT devices, thought they were useful for helping to care for home‐dwelling older adults with mild‐to‐moderate dementia. The level of perceived usefulness from the experts' perspectives depends on specific design indicators (e.g. familiarity) and the context in which the AT is used (e.g. in everyday life or in emergencies). Indicators for HPU devices were: allows selective accident prevention, has an intuitive interface, is familiar, offers ease of use and simplifies activities. LPU devices featured client prompting. There were no significant differences between HPU and LPU devices with indicators of: is automated, informs caregiver, preserves privacy and preserves autonomy. Safety issues were considered important, and sometimes overshadowed ethical dilemmas, such as privacy and autonomy concern.

Conclusions

The present study provides insight into how caregivers perceived the usefulness of AT devices, and how that varied with context. Indicators of devices perceived as useful can serve as guidelines for modifying existing devices and designing new devices. Future application could also incorporate the points of view from the persons with dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1049–1057.
Age and sex distribution in malignant and tuberculous serous effusions: A study of 127 patients and review of the literature
Authors: Das Dilip K
Published: November 2014

Aim

Tuberculosis and carcinomatosis are the two most frequent causes of pleural effusion and exudative ascites, and both are characterized by lymphocyte‐rich effusion. We attempted to discover if there is any significant difference in the age and sex distribution between patients presenting with these two conditions.

Methods

A total of 161 serous effusion samples from 127 patients (89 with pleural effusion and 38 with ascites) having follow‐up biopsy and histopathological examination were included in the present study. Three groups – malignancy (47 patients), tuberculosis (47) and non‐tuberculous benign lesions (26) as per histopathological diagnoses – were compared in respect to age and sex distribution.

Results

A total of 29 (61.7%) patients with malignancy were aged ≥50 years as compared with three (6.4%) tuberculosis patients with serous effusions (P = 0.00000). A similar trend was observed in the ≥60 years age group (18 or 38.3% malignancy vs none with tuberculosis, P = 0.00000). A total of 36 (76.6%) tuberculous effusion patients were aged less than 40 years as opposed to eight (17.0%) patients with malignant effusions (P = 0.00000). There was also s significant difference between tuberculous and non‐tuberculous benign lesions in the ≥50 years age group (6.4% vs 69.2%, P = 0.00000), but no significant difference between malignancy and non‐tuberculous benign lesions (P = 0.61385). There were 31 female (66.0%) patients with malignancy, which was significantly higher than that of patients with tuberculosis (16, [34%], P = 0.00365) and non‐specific inflammation/benign lesions (23.1%, P = 0.00059). However, the difference between tuberculosis and non‐tuberculous benign lesions was not significant (P = 0.42756).

Conclusion

Whereas malignancy in serous effusions is found in older and middle‐aged people, tuberculous effusion is a disease of younger people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1143–1150.
Decrease in blood pressure and improved psychological aspects through meditation training in hypertensive older adults: A randomized control study
Authors: de Fátima Rosas Marchiori Márcia , Kozasa Elisa Harumi , Miranda Roberto Dischinger , Monezi Andrade André Luiz , Perrotti Tatiana Caccese , Leite José Roberto
Published: November 2014

Aim

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Zen meditation on blood pressure (BP) and quality of life in elderly subjects.

Methods

A total of 59 volunteers (21 men and 38 women), aged ≥60 years with systolic BP between 130 and 159 mmHg and diastolic BP between 85 and 99 mmHg, were randomly divided into a meditation group (MG), n = 28 and a control group (CG), n = 31. The MG meditated twice a day for 20 min for 3 months, and the CG remained on a waiting list. The BP levels were measured monthly in both groups. The volunteers' medication was kept stable. A quality of life assessment instrument was applied at the beginning and end of the study.

Results

For systolic BP, analysis of variance showed the influence of time (F(4,228) = 4.74, P < 0.01, β = 0.98) and the interaction group × time (F(4,228) = 3.07, P < 0.01, β = 0.89). The MG showed a significant decrease in systolic BP levels in the second measurement after 1 month of meditation practice when compared with the CG (Newman–Keuls test, P < 0.05). Starting at the second measurement, systolic BP levels in the MG were lower than the baseline and first measurement levels; however, the systolic BP levels were similar to those observed in the CG. In the quality of life assessment evaluation, a significant improvement in psychological aspects and overall quality of life in the MG compared with the CG was observed.

Conclusion

These results suggest that Zen meditation is an interesting tool as a complementary treatment for hypertension in elderly subjects. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1158–1164.
A mapping review of the literature on UK‐focused health and social care databases
Authors: Cooper Chris , Rogers Morwenna , Bethel Alison , Briscoe Simon , Lowe Jenny
Published: November 2014

Background

Bibliographic databases are a day‐to‐day tool of the researcher: they offer the researcher easy and organised access to knowledge, but how much is actually known about the databases on offer? The focus of this paper is UK health and social care databases. These databases are often small, specialised by topic, and provide a complementary literature to the large, international databases. There is, however, good evidence that these databases are overlooked in systematic reviews, perhaps because little is known about what they can offer.

Objectives

To systematically locate and map, published and unpublished literature on the key UK health and social care bibliographic databases.

Methods

Systematic searching and mapping.

Results

Two hundred and forty‐two items were identified which specifically related to the 24 of the 34 databases under review.

Conclusion

There is little published or unpublished literature specifically analysing the key UK health and social care databases. Since several UK databases have closed, others are at risk, and some are overlooked in reviews, better information is required to enhance our knowledge. Further research on UK health and social care databases is required. This paper suggests the need to develop the evidence base through a series of case studies on each of the databases.
Metastases to the kidney: a clinicopathological study of 43 cases with an emphasis on deceptive features
Authors: Wu Angela J , Mehra Rohit , Hafez Khaled , Wolf J Stuart , Kunju Lakshmi P
Published: November 2014

Aims

To review our experience with metastases to the kidney in surgical pathology material.

Methods and results

The clinicopathological features of all metastases to the kidney in surgical pathology cases between May 1987 and May 2013 at our institution were reviewed. Autopsy cases were excluded. Forty‐three cases (16 nephrectomies, 25 biopsies, and two fine needle aspirations) were included; the primary malignancy was diagnosed prior to/concurrently with the metastasis in nearly all cases. Common primary sites included the lung, breast, female genital tract, and head and neck; the majority were carcinomas. A primary renal tumour was suspected prior to the pathological diagnosis in 35% of cases. Unusual features included: common unilateral (77%) and unifocal (70%) involvement, lack of other distant organ metastases (37%), >10 years between primary and metastasis diagnoses (19%), lack of a discrete mass (5%), and renal vein extension (19% of resections). The most common dilemma was excluding urothelial or high‐grade renal cell carcinoma; however, metastases from the thyroid commonly mimicked low‐grade renal cell carcinomas.

Conclusions

In surgical pathology material, metastases to the kidney most commonly present as solitary unilateral masses, and in a substantial subset of cases mimic a primary renal tumour.
Toxic‐Free Aqueous Gelcasting of Alumina Ceramics Using Alumina Sol Binder
Authors: Manivannan Ramalingam , Kumar Anil , Jain Rajnish Kumar , Subrahmanyam Challapalli
Published: November 2014

An eco‐friendly gelcasting system has been developed for the fabrication of alumina ceramics using alumina sol as a binder. 0.5 wt% of ammonium polymethacrylate dispersant was used based on total alumina solid loading to obtain completely dispersed slurry with high solid loading. Ceramic slurries having different volume percentage of alumina loading from 46 to 52 vol% in alumina sol were made, and the rheological properties were evaluated. 51 vol% of alumina slurry having viscosity 0.73 Pa.s with 2 wt% of alumina sol binder content per weight of alumina was optimized. The gelling behavior of concentrated slurry was evaluated by measuring storage modulus, and the consolidated green sample is homogeneous and exhibiting the bending strength of 4 MPa and 55% theoretical density. On sintering the sample at 1550°C for 2 h, the flexural strength was found to be 317 ± 30 MPa, and the corresponding theoretical density was 98%.
International Migration, Immigration Policy and Welfare Spending
Authors: Gaston Noel
Published: November 2014

Increasing immigration is often linked with the public pressure for lower levels of publicly funded social expenditures. However, the empirical evidence on the effects of increasing immigration on social expenditures is discordant and depends on which countries are studied. This article argues that the employability of new immigrants as well as their entitlement to public benefits explains the observed impacts of immigration on social expenditures. Moreover, these same features can help to explain the increasing stringency of immigration policies.