bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S‐Propargyl‐cysteine Exerts a Novel Protective Effect on Methionine and Choline Deficient Diet‐Induced Fatty Liver via Akt/Nrf2/HO‐1 Pathway
Authors: Li Wenwen , Ma Fenfen , Zhang Laiyin , Huang Yong , Li Xinghui , Zhang Aijie , Hou Cuilan , Zhu Yichun , Zhu YiZhun
Published: May 2016

This study investigated the antioxidative effect of S‐propargyl‐cysteine (SPRC) on nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) by treating mice fed a methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet with SPRC for four weeks. We found that SPRC significantly reduced hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) levels. Moreover, SPRC also increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. By Western blot, we found that this protective effect of SPRC was importantly attributed to the regulated hepatic antioxidant‐related proteins, including protein kinase B (Akt), heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), and cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE, an enzyme that synthesizes hydrogen sulfide). Next, we examined the detailed molecular mechanism of the SPRC protective effect using oleic acid‐ (OA‐) induced HepG2 cells. The results showed that SPRC significantly decreased intracellular ROS and MDA levels in OA‐induced HepG2 cells by upregulating the phosphorylation of Akt, the expression of HO‐1 and CSE, and the translocation of Nrf2. SPRC‐induced HO‐1 expression and Nrf2 translocation were abolished by the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002. Moreover, the antioxidative effect of SPRC was abolished by CSE inhibitor DL‐propargylglycine (PAG) and HO‐1 siRNA. Therefore, these results proved that SPRC produced an antioxidative effect on NAFLD through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway.
Capsaicinoids Modulating Cardiometabolic Syndrome Risk Factors: Current Perspectives
Authors: Juturu Vijaya
Published: May 2016

Capsaicinoids are bioactive nutrients present within red hot peppers reported to cutad libitumfood intake, to increase energy expenditure (thermogenesis) and lipolysis, and to result in weight loss over time. In addition it has shown more benefits such as improvement in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, improving vascular health, improving endothelial function, lowering blood pressure, reducing endothelial cytokines, cholesterol lowering effects, reducing blood glucose, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing inflammatory risk factors. All these beneficial effects together help to modulate cardiometabolic syndrome risk factors. The early identification of cardiometabolic risk factors can help try to prevent obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Etiologic Agents of Bacterial Sepsis and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns among Patients Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus at Gondar University Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Alebachew Gelila , Teka Brhanu , Endris Mengistu , Shiferaw Yitayal , Tessema Belay
Published: May 2016

Background. Bacterial sepsis is a major cause of illness in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients. There is scarce evidence about sepsis among HIV patients in Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the etiologic agents of bacterial sepsis and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns among HIV infected patients.Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out from March 1 to May 2, 2013. One hundred patients infected with HIV and suspected of having sepsis were included. Sociodemographic data were collected by interview and blood sample was aseptically collected from study participants. All blood cultures were incubated aerobically at 35°C and inspected daily for 7 days. The positive blood cultures were identified following the standard procedures and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using disk diffusion technique. Data was entered by Epi-info version 3.5.1 and analysis was done using SPSS version 20.Results. Of the study participants, 31 (31%) confirmed bacterial sepsis. The major isolates were 13 (13%)Staphylococcus aureus, 8 (8%) coagulates negative staphylococci, and 3 (3%) viridans streptococci. Majority of the isolates, 25 (80.6%), were multidrug resistant to two or more antimicrobial agents.Conclusions. Bacterial sepsis was a major cause of admission for HIV infected patients predominated byStaphylococcus aureusand coagulase negative staphylococci species and most of the isolates were multidrug resistant.
The Factors Influencing the Sense of Home in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review from the Perspective of Residents
Authors: Rijnaard M. D. , van Hoof J. , Janssen B. M. , Verbeek H. , Pocornie W. , Eijkelenboom A. , Beerens H. C. , Molony S. L. , Wouters E. J. M.
Published: May 2016

Purpose. To provide an overview of factors influencing the sense of home of older adults residing in the nursing home.Methods. A systematic review was conducted. Inclusion criteria were (1) original and peer-reviewed research, (2) qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods research, (3) research about nursing home residents (or similar type of housing), and (4) research on the sense of home, meaning of home, at-homeness, or homelikeness.Results. Seventeen mainly qualitative articles were included. The sense of home of nursing home residents is influenced by 15 factors, divided into three themes: (1) psychological factors (sense of acknowledgement, preservation of one’s habits and values, autonomy and control, and coping); (2) social factors (interaction and relationship with staff, residents, family and friends, and pets) and activities; and (3) the built environment (private space and (quasi-)public space, personal belongings, technology, look and feel, and the outdoors and location).Conclusions. The sense of home is influenced by numerous factors related to the psychology of the residents and the social and built environmental contexts. Further research is needed to determine if and how the identified factors are interrelated, if perspectives of various stakeholders involved differ, and how the factors can be improved in practice.
Plasma Periostin Levels Are Increased in Chinese Subjects with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes and Are Positively Correlated with Glucose and Lipid Parameters
Authors: Luo Yuanyuan , Qu Hua , Wang Hang , Wei Huili , Wu Jing , Duan Yang , Liu Dan , Deng Huacong
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study is to examine the relations among plasma periostin, glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin resistance and inflammation in Chinese patients with obesity (OB), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Plasma periostin levels in the T2DM group were significantly higher than the NGT group (P<0.01). Patients with both OB and T2DM had the highest periostin levels. Correlation analysis showed that plasma periostin levels were positively correlated with weight, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2 h postchallenge plasma glucose (2 h PG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), TNF-α, and IL-6 (P<0.05or 0.001) and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that TG, TNF-α, and HOMA-IR were independent related factors in influencing the levels of plasma periostin (P<0.001). These results suggested that Chinese patients with obesity and T2DM had significantly higher plasma periostin levels. Plasma periostin levels were strongly associated with plasma TG, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance.
Effects of R-Phase on Mechanical Responses of a Nickel-Titanium Endodontic Instrument: Structural Characterization and Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Santos Leandro de Arruda , Resende Pedro Damas , Bahia Maria Guiomar de Azevedo , Buono Vicente Tadeu Lopes
Published: May 2016

The effects of the presence of the R-phase in a near-equiatomic NiTi alloy on the mechanical responses of an endodontic instrument were studied by using finite element analysis. The input data for the constitutive model in the simulation were obtained by tensile testing of three NiTi wires: superelastic austenite NiTi, austenite + R-phase NiTi, and fully R-phased NiTi. The wires were also characterized by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. A commercially available endodontic instrument was scanned using microcomputed tomography, and the resulting images were used to build the geometrical model. The numerical analyses were performed in ABAQUS using load and boundary conditions based on the ISO 3630-1 specification for the bending and torsion of endodontic instruments. The modeled instrument containing only R-phase demanded the lowest moment to be bent, followed by the one with mixed austenite + R-phase. The superelastic instrument, containing essentially austenite, required the highest bending moment. During bending, the fully R-phased instrument reached the lowest stress values; however, it also experienced the highest angular deflection when subjected to torsion. In summary, this simulation showed that NiTi endodontic instruments containing only R-phase in their microstructure would show higher flexibility without compromising their performance under torsion.
Through Thick and Thin: Identifying Barriers to Bariatric Surgery, Weight Loss Maintenance, and Tailoring Obesity Treatment for the Future
Authors: Westerveld Donevan , Yang Dennis
Published: May 2016

More than one-third of the adults in the United States are obese. This complex metabolic disorder is associated with multiple comorbidities and increased all-cause mortality. Bariatric surgery has been shown to be more effective than medical therapy and has been associated with weight loss maintenance and decreased mortality. In spite of these well-established benefits, less than 1% of candidates undergo surgery due to multiple factors, such as patient and physician perceptions and attitudes, patient-physician interaction, lack of resources, and cost burden. Furthermore, even in patients who do undergo bariatric surgery and/or alternate weight loss interventions, long-term weight control is associated with high-risk failure and weight regain. In this review, we highlight some of the current barriers to bariatric surgery and long-term weight loss maintenance and underscore the importance of an individualized multidisciplinary longitudinal strategy for the treatment of obesity.
Heavy Metals Exposure and Hygienic Behaviors of Workers in Sanitary Landfill Areas in Southern Thailand
Authors: Decharat Somsiri
Published: May 2016

Objectives. The main objective of this study was to assess the cadmium and lead exposure levels in subject workers that work in sanitary landfill areas in southern Thailand. The study evaluated the blood cadmium and lead levels in terms of their possible role in worker contamination and transfer of cadmium and lead to the body.Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 114 subjects. Whole blood samples were collected to determine cadmium and lead levels by graphite furnaces atomic absorption spectrometer chromium analyzer.Results and Discussion. The mean blood cadmium levels and blood lead levels of subjects workers were2.95±0.58 μg/L (range 1.58–7.03 μg/L) and8.58±2.58 μg/dL (range 1.98–11.12 μg/dL), respectively. Gender, income, smoked cigarettes, work position, duration of work, personal protective equipment (PPE), and personal hygiene were significantly associated with blood cadmium level and blood lead levels (p<0.001andp<0.001). A multiple regression model was constructed. Significant predictors of blood cadmium levels and blood lead levels included smoked cigarettes, hours worked per day, days worked per week, duration of work (years), work position, use of PPE (mask and gloves), and personal hygiene behavior (ate snacks or drank water at work and washed hands before lunch).Conclusion. The elevated body burden of toxic metals in the solid waste exposure of subject workers is an indication of occupational metal toxicity associated with personal hygiene practices.
VEGFR2-Targeted Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Imaging Can Predict Responses to Antiangiogenic Therapy in Preclinical Models of Colon Cancer
Authors: Zhou Jianhua , Wang Huaijun , Zhang Huiping , Lutz Amelie M. , Tian Lu , Hristov Dimitre , Willmann Jürgen K.
Published: May 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging capabilities to assess responses to anticancer therapies are needed to minimize sampling errors common to two-dimensional approaches as a result of spatial heterogeneity in tumors. Recently, the feasibility and reproducibility of 3D ultrasound molecular imaging (3D USMI) using contrast agents, which target molecular markers, have greatly improved, due to the development of clinical 3D matrix array transducers. Here we report preclinical proof-of-concept studies showing that 3D USMI of VEGFR2/KDR expression accurately gauges longitudinal treatment responses to antiangiogenesis therapy in responding versus nonresponding mouse models of colon cancer. Tumors in these models exhibited differential patterns of VEGFR2-targeted 3D USMI signals during the course of antiangiogenic treatment with bevacizumab. In responding tumors, the VEGFR2 signal decreased as soon as 24 hours after therapy was started, whereas in nonresponding tumors there was no change in signal at any time point. The early decrease in VEGFR2 signal was highly predictive of treatment outcome at the end of therapy. Our results offer preclinical proof that 3D USMI can predict responses to antiangiogenic therapy, warranting further investigation of its clinical translatability to predicting treatment outcomes in patients. Cancer Res; 76(14); 4081–9. ©2016 AACR.
Insulin-Like Growth Factors and Binding Proteins in Early Milk from Mothers of Preterm and Term Infants
Authors: Elmlinger Martin W. , Hochhaus Frederike , Loui Andrea , Frommer Klaus W. , Obladen Michael , Ranke Michael B.
Published: May 2016

Breast-fed preterm infants often show a better outcome, partly ascribed to the benefit of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and their binding proteins (IGFBP). We compared IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 levels, measured by radioimmunoassays in milk samples from 30 mothers of preterm (<31 weeks) and from 19 mothers of term (>37 weeks) infants at days 7 and 21 postpartum. Proteolysis of IGFBP-2 within mother’s milk and digestion of 125I-IGF-II and 125I-IGFBP-2 by gastric juice from neonates were assessed by electrophoretic techniques. Mean concentrations did not differ between preterm and term milk: IGF-I (2.8 ± 0.2 vs. 2.3 ± 0.1 ng/ml), IGF-II (12.0 ± 0.4 vs. 12.2 ± 0.5 ng/ml), IGFBP-3 (100.0 ± 5.1 vs. 80.0 ± 5.8 ng/ml), but did so for IGFBP-2 (3,144 ± 172 vs. 2,428 ± 188 ng/ml, p < 0.02). Immunoblots revealed 42% (p < 0.05) more IGFBP-2 fragments of 14 and 25 kDa in preterm milk. Incubation with gastric juice caused cleavage of 125I-IGFBP-2 and partial cleavage of 125I-IGF-II. Mutual complexation protected IGF-II and IGFBP-2 from cleavage, suggesting that both are likely to arrive in the bowel in an intact form to exert promotive effects. The results provide further evidence that IGFBP-2 and IGF-II in breast milk are relevant factors for the early development of preterm infants.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility among European Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Isolates Collected as Part of the Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial (2004-2014)
Authors: Rodloff Arne C. , Dowzicky Michael J.
Published: May 2016

Background: European centers (n = 226) involved in the Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial (TEST, 2004-2014) submitted data and bacterial isolates. Methods: Minimal inhibitory concentrations and susceptibility were determined using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute methods and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing breakpoints. Results: The rates of the following resistant pathogens increased from 2004 to 2014: extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-positive Escherichia coli (from 8.9 to 16.9%), multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii complex (from 15.4 to 48.5%), and ESBL-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae (from 17.2 to 23.7%). The rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was 27.5% in 2004 and 28.9% in 2014. Resistance to the carbapenems (imipenem and meropenem) was 37.4 and 14.5% for A. baumannii complex and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. Carbapenem resistance was ≤4.3% among the Enterobacteriaceae and 0.2% against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The resistance to tigecycline ranged between 7.4% against ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae and 0.0% against S. aureus.Conclusions: The carbapenems and tigecycline were active against Enterobacteriaceae. Agents with activity against A. baumannii complex and P. aeruginosa are limited. The carbapenems, tigecycline, linezolid, and vancomycin were active against Gram-positive organisms.
Concentration of Smaller High‐Density Lipoprotein Particle (HDL‐P) Is Inversely Correlated With Carotid Intima Media Thickening After Confounder Adjustment: The Multi Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Kim Daniel Seung , Li Yatong K. , Bell Griffith A. , Burt Amber A. , Vaisar Tomas , Hutchins Patrick M. , Furlong Clement E. , Otvos James D. , Polak Joseph F. , Arnan Martinson Kweku , Kaufman Joel D. , McClelland Robyn L. , Longstreth W. T. , Jarvik Gail P.
Published: May 2016

Background

Recent studies have failed to establish a causal relationship between high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (
HDL
‐C) and cardiovascular disease (
CVD
), shifting focus to other
HDL
measures. We previously reported that smaller/denser
HDL
levels are protective against cerebrovascular disease. This study sought to determine which of small+medium
HDL
particle concentration (
HDL
‐P) or large
HDL
‐P was more strongly associated with carotid intima‐media thickening (
cIMT
) in an ethnically diverse cohort.

Methods and Results

In cross‐sectional analyses of participants from the Multi Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (
MESA
), we evaluated the associations of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy–measured small+medium versus large
HDL
‐P with
cIMT
measured in the common and internal carotid arteries, through linear regression. After adjustment for
CVD
confounders, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (
LDL
‐C),
HDL
‐C, and small+medium
HDL
‐P remained significantly and inversely associated with common (coefficient=−1.46 μm;
P
=0.00037; n=6512) and internal
cIMT
(coefficient=−3.82 μm;
P
=0.0051; n=6418) after Bonferroni correction for 4 independent tests (threshold for significance=0.0125; α=0.05/4). Large
HDL
‐P was significantly and inversely associated with both
cIMT
outcomes before
HDL
‐C adjustment; however, after adjustment for
HDL
‐C, the association of large
HDL
‐P with both common (coefficient=1.55 μm;
P
=0.30; n=6512) and internal
cIMT
(coefficient=4.84 μm;
P
=0.33; n=6418) was attenuated. In a separate sample of 126 men, small/medium
HDL
‐P was more strongly correlated with paraoxonase 1 activity (
r
p
=0.32;
P
=0.00023) as compared to both total
HDL
‐P (
r
p
=0.27;
P
=0.0024) and large
HDL
‐P (
r
p
=0.02;
P
=0.41) measures.

Conclusions

Small+medium
HDL
‐P is significantly and inversely correlated with
cIMT
measurements. Correlation of small+medium
HDL
‐P with cardioprotective paraoxonase 1 activity may reflect a functional aspect of
HDL
responsible for this finding.
Comparative Effectiveness of Interventions for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: A Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Tereshchenko Larisa G. , Henrikson Charles A. , Cigarroa Joaquin , Steinberg Jonathan S.
Published: May 2016

Background

The goal of this study was to compare the safety and effectiveness of individual antiembolic interventions in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (
AF
): novel oral anticoagulants (
NOAC
s) (apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban); vitamin K antagonists (
VKA
); aspirin; and the Watchman device.

Methods and Results

A network meta‐analysis of randomized, clinical trials (
RCT
s) was performed.
RCT
s that included patients with prosthetic cardiac valves or mitral stenosis, mean or median follow‐up <6 months, <200 participants, without published report in English language, and
NOAC
phase
II
studies were excluded. The placebo/control arm received either placebo or no treatment. The primary efficacy outcome was the combination of stroke (of any type) and systemic embolism. All‐cause mortality served as a secondary efficacy outcome. The primary safety outcome was the combination of major extracranial bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage. A total of 21
RCT
s (96 017 nonvalvular
AF
patients; median age, 72 years; 65% males; median follow‐up, 1.7 years) were included. In comparison to placebo/control, use of aspirin (odds ratio [
OR
], 0.75 [95%
CI
, 0.60–0.95]),
VKA
(0.38 [0.29–0.49]), apixaban (0.31 [0.22–0.45]), dabigatran (0.29 [0.20–0.43]), edoxaban (0.38 [0.26–0.54]), rivaroxaban (0.27 [0.18–0.42]), and the Watchman device (0.36 [0.16–0.80]) significantly reduced the risk of any stroke or systemic embolism in nonvalvular
AF
patients, as well as all‐cause mortality (aspirin:
OR
, 0.82 [0.68–0.99];
VKA
: 0.69 [0.57–0.85]; apixaban: 0.62 [0.50–0.78]; dabigatran: 0.62 [0.50–0.78]; edoxaban: 0.62 [0.50–0.77]; rivaroxaban: 0.58 [0.44–0.77]; and the Watchman device: 0.47 [0.25–0.88]). Apixaban (0.89 [0.80–0.99]), dabigatran (0.90 [0.82–0.99]), and edoxaban (0.89 [0.82–0.96]) reduced risk of all‐cause death as compared to
VKA
.

Conclusions

The entire spectrum of therapy to prevent thromboembolism in nonvalvular
AF
significantly reduced stroke/systemic embolism events and mortality.
Carotid Artery Vascular Mechanics Serve as Biomarkers of Cognitive Dysfunction in Aortic‐Banded Miniature Swine That Can Be Treated With an Exercise Intervention
Authors: Olver T. Dylan , Klakotskaia Diana , Ferguson Brian S. , Hiemstra Jessica A. , Schachtman Todd R. , Laughlin M. Harold , Emter Craig A.
Published: May 2016

Background

Cognitive impairment in the setting of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction remains poorly understood. Using aortic‐banded miniature swine displaying pathological features of human heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, we tested the hypothesis that increased carotid artery stiffness and altered carotid blood flow control are associated with impaired memory independent of decreased cardiac output. Furthermore, we hypothesized that chronic exercise prevents carotid artery vascular restructuring and preserves normal blood flow control and cognition in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods and Results

Yucatan pigs aged 8 months were divided into 3 groups: control (n=7), aortic‐banded sedentary (n=7), and aortic‐banded exercise trained (n=7). At 6 months following aortic‐banded or control conditions, memory was evaluated using a spatial hole‐board task. Carotid artery vascular mechanics and blood flow were assessed at rest, and blood flow control was examined during transient vena cava occlusion. Independent of decreased cardiac output, the aortic‐banded group exhibited impaired memory that was associated with carotid artery vascular stiffening, elevated carotid artery vascular resistance, and exaggerated reductions in carotid artery blood flow during vena cava occlusion. Chronic exercise augmented memory scores, normalized blood flow control, and improved indices of carotid artery vascular stiffening. Indices of vascular stiffening were significantly correlated with average memory score.

Conclusions

Carotid artery stiffness and altered vasomotor control correlate with impaired cognition independent of cardiac systolic dysfunction. Carotid artery vascular mechanics may serve as a biomarker for vascular cognitive impairment in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Chronic low‐intensity exercise reduces vascular stiffening and improves cognition, highlighting the utility of exercise therapy for treating vascular cognitive impairment in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Atrial Fibrillation and Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Appraisal of Pathophysiologic Mechanisms
Authors: Violi Francesco , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Pignatelli Pasquale , Pastori Daniele
Published: May 2016

Background

A growing body of evidence suggests that atrial fibrillation (
AF
) is associated with myocardial infarction (
MI
). However, incidence and management of
MI
in
AF
is still undefined.

Methods and Results

We searched MEDLINE via PubMed and Cochrane database between 1965 and 2015. All observational clinical studies and interventional trials reporting 1‐year incidence of
MI
in
AF
were included. We also discussed pathophysiological mechanisms, predictors, and therapeutic approaches to reduce the risk of
MI
in
AF
. Twenty‐one observational studies and 10 clinical trials were included. The annual rate of
MI
in observational studies including
AF
patients ranged from 0.4% to 2.5%. Higher rates of
MI
were reported in
AF
patients with stable coronary artery disease (11.5%/year), vascular disease (4.47%/year), heart failure (2.9%/year), and in those undergoing coronary artery interventions (6.3%/year). However, lower annual rates have been described in
AF
patients from Eastern countries (0.2–0.3%/year), and in those enrolled in clinical trials (from 0.4 to 1.3%/year).

Conclusions

AF
patients had a significant residual risk of
MI
despite anticoagulant treatment. Coexistence of atherosclerotic risk factors and platelet activation account for the increased risk of
MI
in
AF
. Identification of high‐risk
AF
patients is a needed first step to develop cost‐effective approaches for prevention. A new score, the 2
MACE
score, has been recently developed to stratify
MI
risk in
AF
, and may help not only in allocating resources to high‐risk groups, but also in design of studies examining novel therapies for prevention of
MI
in
AF
.
Impact of Statin Therapy on Clinical Outcome in Patients With Coronary Spasm
Authors: Ishii Masanobu , Kaikita Koichi , Sato Koji , Yamanaga Kenshi , Miyazaki Takashi , Akasaka Tomonori , Tabata Noriaki , Arima Yuichiro , Sueta Daisuke , Sakamoto Kenji , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Tsujita Kenichi , Yamamuro Megumi , Kojima Sunao , Soejima Hirofumi , Hokimoto Seiji , Matsui Kunihiko , Ogawa Hisao
Published: May 2016

Background

Statin therapy reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of statins on the prognosis of patients with coronary vasospastic angina (
VSA
) free of significant atherosclerotic stenosis.

Methods and Results

After exclusion of 475 from 1877 consecutive patients who underwent an acetylcholine‐provocation test between January 1991 and December 2010, data of 640
VSA
patients without significant organic stenosis of the remaining 1402 were analyzed retrospectively. Propensity score matching was performed to reduce the effect of treatment‐selection bias and possible confounders. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (
MACE
), including cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and unstable angina. Among the study population, dyslipidemia on admission was identified in 160 of 168 (95.2%) patients of the statin group compared with only 125 of 472 (26.5%) of the no‐statin group. Of the 640 patients, 24 (3.8%) developed
MACE
. Multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis identified statin therapy as a significant negative predictor of
MACE
(hazard ratio, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02–0.84;
P
=0.033). In the propensity‐score matched cohorts (n=128 each), Kaplan–Meier survival curve showed a better 5‐year
MACE
‐free survival rate for patients of the statin group compared to the no‐statin group (100% vs 91.7%, respectively;
P
=0.002).

Conclusions

Statin therapy correlated with a lower rate of cardiovascular events in
VSA
patients free of significant organic stenosis. Statins seems to improve the prognosis of
VSA
patients free of significant organic stenosis.
Efficacy and Safety of Edoxaban in Elderly Patients With Atrial Fibrillation in the ENGAGE AF–TIMI 48 Trial
Authors: Kato Eri Toda , Giugliano Robert P. , Ruff Christian T. , Koretsune Yukihiro , Yamashita Takeshi , Kiss Robert Gabor , Nordio Francesco , Murphy Sabina A. , Kimura Tetsuya , Jin James , Lanz Hans , Mercuri Michele , Braunwald Eugene , Antman Elliott M.
Published: May 2016

Background

Elderly patients with atrial fibrillation are at higher risk of both ischemic and bleeding events compared to younger patients. In a prespecified analysis from the
ENGAGE AF
‐
TIMI
48 trial, we evaluate clinical outcomes with edoxaban versus warfarin according to age.

Methods and Results

Twenty‐one thousand one‐hundred and five patients enrolled in the
ENGAGE AF
‐
TIMI
48 trial were stratified into 3 prespecified age groups: <65 (n=5497), 65 to 74 (n=7134), and ≥75 (n=8474) years. Older patients were more likely to be female, with lower body weight and reduced creatinine clearance, leading to higher rates of edoxaban dose reduction (10%, 18%, and 41% for the 3 age groups,
P
<0.001). Stroke or systemic embolic event (1.1%, 1.8%, and 2.3%) and major bleeding (1.8%, 3.3%, and 4.8%) rates with warfarin increased across age groups (
P
trend
<0.001 for both). There were no interactions between age group and randomized treatment in the primary efficacy and safety outcomes. In the elderly (≥75 years), the rates of stroke/systemic embolic event were similar with edoxaban versus warfarin (hazard ratio 0.83 [0.66–1.04]), while major bleeding was significantly reduced with edoxaban (hazard ratio 0.83 [0.70–0.99]). The absolute risk difference in major bleeding (−82 events/10 000 pt‐yrs) and in intracranial hemorrhage (−73 events/10 000 pt‐yrs) both favored edoxaban over warfarin in older patients.

Conclusions

Age has a greater influence on major bleeding than thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. Given the higher rates of bleeding and death with increasing age, treatment of elderly patients with edoxaban provides an even greater absolute reduction in safety events over warfarin, compared to treatment with edoxaban versus warfarin in younger patients.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00781391.
Extracurricular Participation, “At-Risk” Status, and the High School Dropout Decision
Authors: Crispin Laura M.
Published: May 2016

I estimate the effect of extracurricular participation on the high school dropout decision with a particular focus on at-risk students. Using a sample of tenth grade students from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988, I jointly estimate the dropout and participation decisions (including extracurricular offerings per student), and eligibility requirements as instruments for extracurricular participation. I include an interaction between the participation and at-risk indicators in the dropout equation because past disadvantages may differentially affect at-risk students. I also estimate alternative specifications to identify the effect of participation in different types of activities. Local average treatment effect estimates range from 14 to 20 percentage points, indicating that participants are significantly less likely to drop out of high school than they would have been if unable to participate, with similar estimates for both at-risk and not-at-risk students. These findings are relevant to policy makers and administrators seeking to increase high school graduation rates and improve educational outcomes.
Being Given Orthodoxy
Authors: Mitchell Philip Irving
Published: May 2016

In the following, I argue that approaches from Jean-Luc Marion’s recent phenomenology unpack Chesterton’s autobiography account in Orthodoxy. I examine how the arrival of an event or a revelation tasks him with a response, even if an unintegrated one, and how Chesterton’s undertaking illustrates this manifestation of converting events by virtue of gradual transformation. To do this, I look at how the phenomenologically rich givenness of an event overcomes the limits of the Kantian imperial ego, and in its place, offers paradoxical and thick experience of that which saturates the one who is given the revelation.
Towards a Butlerian methodology: Undoing organizational performativity through anti-narrative research
Authors: Riach Kathleen , Rumens Nick , Tyler Melissa
Published: May 2016

This article explores the methodological possibilities that Butler’s theory of performativity opens up, attempting to ‘translate’ her theoretical ideas into research practice. Specifically, it considers how research on organizational subjectivity premised upon a performative ontology might be undertaken. It asks: What form might a Butler-inspired methodology take? What methodological opportunities might it afford for developing self-reflexive research? What political and ethical problems might it pose for organizational researchers, particularly in relation to the challenges associated with power asymmetries, and the risks attached to ‘fixing’ subjects within the research process? The article outlines and evaluates a method described as anti-narrative interviewing, arguing that it constitutes a potentially valuable methodological resource for researchers interested in understanding how and why idealized organizational subjectivities are formed and sustained. It further advances the in-roads that Butler’s writing has made into organization studies, thinking through the methodological and ethical implications of her work for understanding the performative constitution of organizational subjectivities. The aim of the article is to advocate a research practice premised upon a reflexive undoing of organizational subjectivities and the normative conditions upon which they depend. It concludes by emphasizing the potential benefits and wider implications of a methodologically reflexive undoing of organizational performativity.
Mixed feelings, mixed blessing? How ambivalence in organizational identification relates to employees’ regulatory focus and citizenship behaviors
Authors: Schuh Sebastian C , Van Quaquebeke Niels , Göritz Anja S , Xin Katherine R , De Cremer David , van Dick Rolf
Published: May 2016

Recent conceptual work suggests that the sense of identity that employees develop vis-a-vis their organization goes beyond the traditional notion of organizational identification and can also involve conflicting impulses represented by ambivalent identification. In this study, we seek to advance this perspective on identification by proposing and empirically examining important antecedents and consequences. In line with our hypotheses, an experimental study ( N = 199 employees) shows that organizational identification and ambivalent identification interactively influence employees’ willingness to engage in organizational citizenship behavior. The effect of organizational identification on organizational citizenship behavior is significantly reduced when employees experience ambivalent identification. A field study involving employees from a broad spectrum of organizations and industries ( N = 564) replicated these findings. Moreover, results show that employees’ promotion and prevention focus form differential relationships with organizational identification and ambivalent identification, providing first evidence for a link between employees’ regulatory focus and the dynamics of identification. Implications for the expanded model of organizational identification and the understanding of ambivalence in organizations are discussed.
Empathy and peer violence among adolescents: Moderation effect of gender
Authors: Dinić Bojana M. , Kodžopeljić Jasmina S. , Sokolovska Valentina T. , Milovanović Ilija Z.
Published: May 2016

The study examined the relationships between empathy and peer violence among adolescents, along with gender as a moderator in these associations. Thereby, multidimensionality of empathy (affective and cognitive empathy) and different forms of violence (physical, verbal, and relational) were considered. The participants were 646 high school students (aged 15- to 19-years-old) from Serbia. The findings revealed that only the cognitive dimension of empathy was related to violence, namely to physical and relational violence, while relations between the empathy dimensions and verbal violence were not significant. Gender moderated only the relation between cognitive empathy and physical violence, in a way that there was significant negative relation only among boys. Cognitive empathy was negatively related to relational violence, regardless of gender. The results are discussed in the context of the characteristics of violent interactions among adolescents, and recommendations are given for violence prevention programs in high schools.
Academic achievements, behavioral problems, and loneliness as predictors of social skills among students with and without learning disorders
Authors: Zach Sima , Yazdi-Ugav Orly , Zeev Aviva
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to examine to what extent academic achievements, learning disorders, behavior problems and loneliness explain the variance of students’ social skills. The differences between students diagnosed with learning disorders and students without learning disorders in all four variables were examined. Participants were 733 elementary students (642 without LD; 91 with LD). Homeroom teachers assessed students’ academic achievements, behavior problems, and social skills. Students completed questionnaires regarding their loneliness feelings. Regression analysis showed that academic achievement and behavior problems explained approximately 70% of the students’ social skills variance, whereas LD did not, and loneliness explained social skills variance only among boys. These unexpected but encouraging findings are discussed in terms of the positive process of change that occurred since the announcement of the Israeli National Special Education Law of 1988, which made it possible for students with LD to be integrated in regular classes.
Effect of Early Full‐Calorie Nutrition Support Following Esophagectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wu Wei , Zhong Ming , Zhu Du‐ming , Song Jie‐qiong , Huang Jun‐feng , Wang Qun , Tan Li‐jie
Published: May 2016

Background: Early use of enteral nutrition (EN) is indicated following surgical resection of esophageal cancer. However, early EN support does not always meet the optimal calorie or protein requirements, and the benefits of supplementary parenteral nutrition (PN) remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of early supplementary PN following esophagectomy. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 80 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy. Resting energy expenditure and body composition measurements were performed in all patients preoperatively and postoperatively. EN was administered after surgery, followed by randomization to either EN+PN or EN alone. The amount of PN administered was calculated to meet the full calorie requirement, as measured by indirect calorimetry, and 1.5 g protein/kg fat‐free mass (FFM) per day was added as determined by body composition measurement. The clinical characteristics were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Patients in the EN+PN group but not in the EN group preserved body weight (0.18 ± 3.38 kg vs −2.15 ± 3.19 kg, P < .05) and FFM (1.46 ± 2.97 kg vs −2.08 ± 4.16 kg) relative to preoperative measurements. Length of hospital stay, postoperative morbidity rates, and standard blood biochemistry profiles were similar. However, scores for physical functioning (71.5 ± 24.3 vs 60.4 ± 27.4, P < .05) and energy/fatigue (62.9 ± 19.5 vs 54.2 ± 23.5, P < .05) were higher in the EN+PN group 90 days following surgery. Conclusion: Early use of supplemental PN to meet full calorie requirements of patients who underwent esophagectomy led to better quality of life 3 months after surgery. Moreover, increased calorie and protein supplies were associated with preservation of body weight and FFM.
Imaging of cerebrovascular reserve and oxygenation in Moyamoya disease
Authors: Ni Wendy W , Christen Thomas , Rosenberg Jarrett , Zun Zungho , Moseley Michael E , Zaharchuk Greg
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to determine whether measurements of cerebrovascular reserve and oxygenation, assessed with spin relaxation rate R2′, yield similar information about pathology in pre-operative Moyamoya disease patients, and to assess whether R2′ is a better measure of oxygenation than other proposed markers, such as R2* and R2. Twenty-five pre-operative Moyamoya disease patients were scanned at 3.0T with acetazolamide challenge. Cerebral blood flow mapping with multi-delay arterial spin labeling, and R2*, R2, and R2′ mapping with Gradient-Echo Sampling of Free Induction Decay and Echo were performed. No baseline cerebral blood flow difference was found between angiographically abnormal and normal regions (49 ± 12 vs. 48 ± 11 mL/100 g/min, p = 0.44). However, baseline R2′ differed between these regions (3.2 ± 0.7 vs. 2.9 ± 0.6 s−1, p < 0.001), indicating reduced oxygenation in abnormal regions. Cerebrovascular reserve was lower in angiographically abnormal regions (21 ± 38 vs. 41 ± 26%, p = 0.001). All regions showed trend toward significantly improved oxygenation post-acetazolamide. Regions with poorer cerebrovascular reserve had lower baseline oxygenation (Kendall's τ = −0.24, p = 0.003). A number of angiographically abnormal regions demonstrated preserved cerebrovascular reserve, likely due to the presence of collaterals. Finally, of the concurrently measured relaxation rates, R2′ was superior for oxygenation assessment.
Individu, famille, communauté. Niveaux d’organisation et émergence de la vie chez les Mixe de Oaxaca (Mexique)
Authors: Pitrou Perig
Published: May 2016

Unlike the concept of origin, which treats the moment of appearance as a unique event, the notion of emergence – even more so when it is plural – suggests the idea of a multiplicity of moments during which appear new configurations, according to a logic combining ‘chance and necessity.’ This is why the natural sciences, which study life as an emergent process, develop explanatory models that go beyond the strictly causal approaches to address the dynamic dimension of the phenomenon. For the social sciences, especially the anthropology of life, this problem becomes even more difficult because the analysis should, in addition, take into account the variations, through space and time, in the conceptions of life and vital processes that humans elaborate. Drawing from an ethnographic investigation conducted among the Mixe of Oaxaca, Mexico, this article explores how these Amerindians think the emergence of new individuals in their community. The joint study of life cycle rituals – such as birth and wedding – and political rituals, involving poultry sacrifices made to an entity called ‘He, Who Makes Being Alive’, attests the constant aim to articulate the emergence of a new human life form with the development of competences in conformity with the form of life in which he/she will be inserted as a new center of activity. One of the challenges for the anthropology of life is to understand how the emergence of life – regarding both its physiological/physical dimension and its relational/behavioral dimension – involves several levels of organization (individual, family, community) that connect the biological existence of a human being with his process of becoming member of his community, especially when he fulfills political functions.
Investigations of tool tilt angle on properties friction stir welding of A441 AISI to AA1100 aluminium
Authors: Elyasi Majid , Aghajani Derazkola Hamed , Hosseinzadeh Morteza
Published: May 2016

The aim of this article is the investigation of the effects of tool tilt angle on the friction stir welding of aluminium to the steel butt joint. For this purpose, 1°, 2° and 3° tilt angles are selected to friction stir welding of AA1100 to A441 AISI, while the other process parameters (i.e. tool rotational speed, travelling speed, tool offset and plunge depth) kept constant. The results showed that with increasing tool tilt angle, the interaction between two metals and axial force increased. The increasing tool tilt angle caused more surfaces to mingle, internal mixing and frictional heat generation. The results of the microstructure of joints revealed that the AA1100 microstructure is more thermo-mechanically affected than A441 AISI. The AA1100 average grain sizes at stir zone were 1.2, 1.6 and 2 µm and at A441 AISI were 6, 7 and 9 µm at 1°, 2° and 3° tilt angles, respectively. The maximum tensile strength of joints was 75% of the aluminium base metal, which was produced at 2° tilt angle. The higher heat generation and axial force at upper tilt angle cause separation of the steel fragments on the aluminium matrix and formation of Al-Fe intermetallic compound. These phenomena lead to increase in the micro-hardness of the joint at the upper tool tilt angle.
Taguchi parametric analysis of the effects of electrode and magnetic actuator characteristics on Lorentz forces and heat transfer of a weak low-profile magneto-hydrodynamic blanket propulsion system
Authors: Feizi Chekab Mohammad A , Ghadimi Parviz
Published: May 2016

Parametric studies are conducted on different aspects of a planar MHD propulsion system called propulsive MHD blanket. Effects of nine different parameters on the electro-magnetic thrust, efficiency, and heat transfer of the blanket are investigated. To efficiently conduct the parametric analysis, the Taguchi test design method is used and 16 cases are defined. The Ansys-CFX commercial code is utilized as numerical solver and the obtained results are validated using the Hartman problem which indicated a negligible error of 0.16%. Electromagnetism, energy, mass, and momentum equations are considered for the fluid domain and heat transfer and electromagnetism equations are solved for the solid domain. On one hand, magnet shapes and type are found to be the highest effective parameters, followed by the electrodes voltage, length, and width. On the other hand, a prediction of the best combination of parameters for obtaining the highest electro-magnetic thrust are statistically accomplished which has produced an electro-magnetic thrust of 18.02 N per square meter for the MHD blanket which is twice the maximum electro-magnetic thrust obtained in the 16 initial test cases. It is demonstrated in the present paper that the unique applications of propulsive MHD blanket can compensate the very low efficiencies of MHD systems. It has also been shown that efficiency can be improved by enhancing the water conductivity, which is intended as a future study.
‘We’ve got a few who don’t go to PE’
Authors: Maher Anthony John
Published: May 2016

Britain’s 1981 Education Act stimulated a partial migration of pupils from special to mainstream schools. The onus has since been on teachers to meet the needs and capitalise on the capabilities of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in mainstream school settings. The research analysed learning support assistant (LSA) and special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) views on inclusion in physical education (PE). Individual interviews were conducted with 12 LSAs and 12 SENCOs working in mainstream schools in North-West England. Open, axial and selective coding was performed on interview transcripts to identify reoccurring themes. The research found that SENCOs and LSAs considered PE to be an inclusive subject, the conceptualisation of which was left to them. However, developing PE provision that met the needs and optimised the capabilities of pupils with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and supporting pupils with SEND during team games and competitive sports, were identified as key challenges to inclusion in PE. This may be of concern to some educationalists given that these types of curriculum activities have recently been repositioned at the heart of PE in England. A key challenge for all those involved in educating pupils with SEND in PE, especially teachers and LSAs, is to plan and teach team games and competitive sports in ways that meet the needs of and stretch all pupils, in particular those with ASD.