bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Outcomes of Anterior Chamber Gas Bubble during Femtosecond Flap Creation for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis
Authors: Rush Sloan W. , Cofoid Philip , Rush Ryan B.
Published: April 2015

Purpose. To report the incidence and outcomes of anterior chamber gas bubble formation during femtosecond laser flap creation for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).Methods. The charts of 2,886 consecutive eyes that underwent femtosecond LASIK from May 2011 through August 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The incidence, preoperative characteristics, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed in subjects developing anterior chamber gas bubble formation during the procedure.Results. A total of 4 cases (0.14%) developed anterior chamber gas bubble formation during femtosecond laser flap creation. In all four cases, the excimer laser was unable to successfully track the pupil immediately following the anterior chamber bubble formation, temporarily postponing the completion of the procedure. There was an ethnicity predilection of anterior chamber gas formation toward Asians (p=0.0055). An uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 was ultimately achieved in all four cases without further complications.Conclusions. Anterior chamber gas bubble formation during femtosecond laser flap creation for LASIK is an uncommon event that typically results in a delay in treatment completion; nevertheless, it does influence final positive visual outcome.
Increased NY-ESO-1 Expression and Reduced Infiltrating CD3+ T Cells in Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Giavina-Bianchi Mara , Giavina-Bianchi Pedro , Sotto Mirian Nacagami , Muzikansky Alona , Kalil Jorge , Festa-Neto Cyro , Duncan Lyn M.
Published: April 2015

NY-ESO-1 is a cancer-testis antigen aberrantly expressed in melanomas, which may serve as a robust and specific target in immunotherapy. NY-ESO-1 antigen expression, tumor features, and the immune profile of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were assessed in primary cutaneous melanoma. NY-ESO-1 protein was detected in 20% of invasive melanomas (16/79), rarely in in situ melanoma (1/10) and not in benign nevi (0/20). Marked intratumoral heterogeneity of NY-ESO-1 protein expression was observed. NY-ESO-1 expression was associated with increased primary tumor thickness (P=0.007) and inversely correlated with superficial spreading melanoma (P<0.02). NY-ESO-1 expression was also associated with reduced numbers and density of CD3+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (P=0.017). When NY-ESO-1 protein was expressed, CD3+ T cells were less diffusely infiltrating the tumor and were more often arranged in small clusters (P=0.010) or as isolated cells (P=0.002) than in large clusters of more than five lymphocytes. No correlation of NY-ESO-1 expression with gender, age, tumor site, ulceration, lymph node sentinel status, or survival was observed. NY-ESO-1 expression in melanoma was associated with tumor progression, including increased tumor thickness, and with reduced tumor infiltrating lymphocytes.
Corrosion Performance of AISI-309 Exposed to Molten Salts V2O5-Na2SO4at 700°C Applying EIS andRpElectrochemical Techniques
Authors: Diaz E. F. , Cuevas-Arteaga C. , Flores-García N. , Mejía Sintillo S. , Sotelo-Mazón O.
Published: April 2015

The corrosion performance of AISI-309 exposed 5 days to molten salts 50 mol% V2O5-50 mol% Na2SO4at 700°C is reported in this paper. Such evaluation was made using three electrochemical techniques: potentiodynamic polarization curve (PC), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and linear polarization resistance (Rp). FromPC, the Tafel slopes,Icorr, andEcorrwere obtained. From Nyquist and Bode plots, it was possible to determine two different stages; the first one showed just one loop, which indicated the initial formation of Cr2O3layer over the metallic surface; after that, the dissolution of Cr2O3formed a porous layer, which became part of the corrosion products; at the same time a NiO layer combined with sulfur was forming, which was suggested as the second stage, represented by two capacitive loops. EIS plots were in agreement with the physical characterization made from SEM and EDS analyses. Fitting of EIS experimental data allowed us to propose two electrical circuits, being in concordance with the corrosion stages. Parameters obtained from the simulation of EIS data are also reported. From the results, it was stated that AISI-309 suffered intergranular corrosion due to the presence of sulfur, which diffused to the metallic surface through a porous Cr2O3layer.
Liver Fibrosis and Mechanisms of the Protective Action of Medicinal Plants Targeting Inflammation and the Immune Response
Authors: Duval Florent , Moreno-Cuevas Jorge E. , González-Garza María Teresa , Maldonado-Bernal Carmen , Cruz-Vega Delia Elva
Published: April 2015

Inflammation is a central feature of liver fibrosis as suggested by its role in the activation of hepatic stellate cells leading to extracellular matrix deposition. During liver injury, inflammatory cells are recruited in the injurious site through chemokines attraction. Thus, inflammation could be a target to reduce liver fibrosis. The pandemic trend of obesity, combined with the high incidence of alcohol intake and viral hepatitis infections, highlights the urgent need to find accessible antifibrotic therapies. Medicinal plants are achieving popularity as antifibrotic agents, supported by their safety, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. The aim of this review is to describe the role of inflammation and the immune response in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and detail the mechanisms of inhibition of both events by medicinal plants in order to reduce liver fibrosis.
A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Maca Root as Treatment for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Women
Authors: Dording Christina M. , Schettler Pamela J. , Dalton Elizabeth D. , Parkin Susannah R. , Walker Rosemary S. W. , Fehling Kara B. , Fava Maurizio , Mischoulon David
Published: April 2015

Objective. We sought to demonstrate that maca root may be an effective treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction (AISD) in women.Method. We conducted a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of maca root (3.0 g/day) in 45 female outpatients (mean age of 41.5 ± 12.5 years) with SSRI/SNRI-induced sexual dysfunction whose depression remitted. Endpoints were improvement in sexual functioning as per the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) and the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Function Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ).Results. 45 of 57 consented females were randomized, and 42 (30 premenopausal and 12 postmenopausal women) were eligible for a modified intent-to-treat analysis based on having had at least one postmedication visit. Remission rates by the end of treatment were higher for the maca than the placebo group, based on attainment of an ASEX total score ≤ 10 (9.5% for maca versus 4.8% for placebo), attaining an MGH-SFQ score ≤ 12 (30.0% for maca versus 20.0% for placebo) and reaching an MGH-SFQ score ≤ 8 (9.5% for maca versus 5.0% for placebo). Higher remission rates for the maca versus placebo group were associated with postmenopausal status. Maca was well tolerated.Conclusion. Maca root may alleviate SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. This trial is registered withNCT00568126.
Intuitive Web-Based Experimental Design for High-Throughput Biomedical Data
Authors: Friedrich Andreas , Kenar Erhan , Kohlbacher Oliver , Nahnsen Sven
Published: April 2015

Big data bioinformatics aims at drawing biological conclusions from huge and complex biological datasets. Added value from the analysis of big data, however, is only possible if the data is accompanied by accurate metadata annotation. Particularly in high-throughput experiments intelligent approaches are needed to keep track of the experimental design, including the conditions that are studied as well as information that might be interesting for failure analysis or further experiments in the future. In addition to the management of this information, means for an integrated design and interfaces for structured data annotation are urgently needed by researchers. Here, we propose a factor-based experimental design approach that enables scientists to easily create large-scale experiments with the help of a web-based system. We present a novel implementation of a web-based interface allowing the collection of arbitrary metadata. To exchange and edit information we provide a spreadsheet-based, humanly readable format. Subsequently, sample sheets with identifiers and metainformation for data generation facilities can be created. Data files created after measurement of the samples can be uploaded to a datastore, where they are automatically linked to the previously created experimental design model.
Mechanistic Rationale to Target PTEN-Deficient Tumor Cells with Inhibitors of the DNA Damage Response Kinase ATM
Authors: McCabe Nuala , Hanna Conor , Walker Steven M. , Gonda David , Li Jie , Wikstrom Katarina , Savage Kienan I. , Butterworth Karl T. , Chen Clark , Harkin D. Paul , Prise Kevin M. , Kennedy Richard D.
Published: April 2015

Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is an important signaling molecule in the DNA damage response (DDR). ATM loss of function can produce a synthetic lethal phenotype in combination with tumor-associated mutations in FA/BRCA pathway components. In this study, we took an siRNA screening strategy to identify other tumor suppressors that, when inhibited, similarly sensitized cells to ATM inhibition. In this manner, we determined that PTEN and ATM were synthetically lethal when jointly inhibited. PTEN-deficient cells exhibited elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, increased endogenous DNA damage, and constitutive ATM activation. ATM inhibition caused catastrophic DNA damage, mitotic cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis specifically in PTEN-deficient cells in comparison with wild-type cells. Antioxidants abrogated the increase in DNA damage and ATM activation in PTEN-deficient cells, suggesting a requirement for oxidative DNA damage in the mechanism of cell death. Lastly, the ATM inhibitor KU-60019 was specifically toxic to PTEN mutant cancer cells in tumor xenografts and reversible by reintroduction of wild-type PTEN. Together, our results offer a mechanistic rationale for clinical evaluation of ATM inhibitors in PTEN-deficient tumors. Cancer Res; 75(11); 2159–65. ©2015 AACR.
Endoscopic Placental Laser Coagulation in Monochorionic Diamniotic Twins with Type II Selective Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Peeva Gergana , Bower Sarah , Orosz Laszlo , Chaveeva Petya , Akolekar Ranjit , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: April 2015

Objective: To determine predictors of survival in monochorionic diamniotic twins with selective fetal growth restriction type II (sFGR-II), with or without twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), treated by endoscopic placental laser coagulation. Methods: Laser surgery was performed at 20 (15-27) weeks' gestation in 405 cases of sFGR-II with and 142 without coexisting TTTS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine significant predictors of survival to discharge from hospital. Results: There was survival of the small twin in 216 (39.5%) and of the large twin in 379 (69.3%) cases. Significant predictors of survival of both the small and larger twin were ductus venosus Doppler findings in the small twin, gestational age at laser and cervical length, but not the presence of TTTS or Doppler findings in the large twin. Conclusions: In sFGR-II, survival after laser surgery is primarily dependent on the condition of the small twin.
Ibuprofen Attenuates Cardiac Fibrosis in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Qiao Weili , Wang Cheng , Chen Bing , Zhang Fan , Liu Yaowu , Lu Qian , Guo Hao , Yan Changdong , Sun Hong , Hu Gang , Yin Xiaoxing
Published: April 2015

Objective: To investigate the effects of ibuprofen on cardiac fibrosis in a rat model of type 1 diabetes. Methods: The diabetic model was established by injecting streptozotocin into the rats. Then, ibuprofen or pioglitazone was given by gavage for 8 weeks. The cardiac fibrosis was assessed, and the major components of the renin-angiotensin system, the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), were evaluated by histopathological, immunohistochemical, Western blot analysis or ELISA assay. Results: Obvious cardiac fibrosis was detected in the diabetic group and was alleviated by ibuprofen treatment. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin (Ang) II and AngII type 1 receptor (AT1-R) levels were higher, and ACE2, Ang(1-7) and Mas receptor (Mas-R) were lower in the diabetic group. The ratio of ACE to ACE2 was raised in the diabetic group. All these changes were ameliorated by ibuprofen. TGF-β1 and mTOR were raised in the hearts of the diabetic group and were attenuated by ibuprofen treatment. There was no significant difference between the ibuprofen and the pioglitazone groups. Conclusion: Ibuprofen could ameliorate the cardiac fibrosis in diabetic rats by reduction of the ACE/AngII/AT1-R axis and enhancement of the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/Mas-R axis, leading to a decrease in TGF-β1 and mTOR.
What Cancer Patients Find in the Internet: The Visibility of Evidence-Based Patient Information - Analysis of Information on German Websites
Authors: Liebl Patrick , Seilacher Eckart , Koester Marie-Jolin , Stellamanns Jan , Zell Joerg , Hübner Jutta
Published: April 2015

Background: The internet is an easy and always accessible source of information for cancer patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the information provided on German websites. Material and Methods: We developed an instrument based on criteria for patient information from the German Network for Evidence-based Medicine, the Agency for Quality in Medicine, HONcode, DISCERN, and the afgis. We simulated a patient's search and derived the websites for evaluation. We analyzed the visibility of each website and evaluated the websites using the developed instrument. Results: We analyzed 77 websites. The highest visibility index was shown by 4 profit websites. Websites from professional societies and self-help groups have low rankings. Concerning quality, websites from non-profit providers and self-help groups are on top. Websites with a profit interest have the lowest average score. Conclusions: A discrepancy exists between the visibility and the quality of the analyzed websites. With the internet becoming an important source of information on cancer treatments for patients, this may lead to false information and wrong decisions. We provide a list of suggestions as to how this risk may be reduced by complementary information from the physician and from trustworthy websites.
Usabilidade da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde: avaliando a eficácia, eficiência e satisfação
Authors: Lima Izabel França de , Souza Renato Rocha , Dias Guilherme Ataíde
Published: April 2015

Aborda aspectos relativos à avaliação de bibliotecas digitais, consideradas como dispositivos informacionais que podem auxiliar na democratização da informação mediada pelas tecnologias digitais. Tais bibliotecas podem ser compreendidas como um espaço de organização, armazenamento, disseminação e acesso à informação por meio de uma rede de comunicação. Discute a importância da avaliação dessas bibliotecas, observando a ausência de normas internacionais destinadas à mensuração dessas. Objetiva avaliar a usabilidade da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Metodologicamente caracteriza-se como um teste formal de usabilidade, com a finalidade de medir a eficiência, a eficácia e a satisfação de usuários de bibliotecas digitais. O teste foi composto por três instrumentos de coleta de dados, um questionário de perfil/experiência; uma lista de dez tarefas a serem realizadas, utilizando o site da BVS; e um questionário com oito perguntas abertas que extraía percepções sobre o uso da biblioteca e seus recursos. O modelo metodológico foi aplicado entre os dias 05 e 21 de dezembro de 2011 no laboratório de informática do Centro de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Os resultados do teste de usabilidade possibilitam inferir que a BVS apresenta um bom nível de eficácia e boa eficiência, tendo o quesito satisfação atingido o nível satisfatório, conforme as respostas apresentadas nas questões abertas pelos participantes da pesquisa. Foram detectados alguns problemas de usabilidade e apresentadas sugestões para melhorar a interface e, consequentemente, a interação usuário/biblioteca digital.
Análise do processo de recuperação de conjuntos de dados em repositórios governamentais
Authors: Rodrigues Fernando De Assis , Sant'Ana Ricardo César Gonçalves , Ferneda Edberto
Published: April 2015

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo identificar, na fase de recuperação, atributos disponíveis nos momentos em que se realiza pesquisas por conjuntos de dados em repositórios governamentais, a partir do modelo de Ciclo de Vida de Dados para a Ciência da Informação (CVD-CI) proposto por Sant'Ana (2013). A pesquisa fora delimitada a realização de buscas por conjuntos de dados através do mecanismo oferecido pelo sítio Portal Brasileiro de Dados Abertos, utilizando os termos 'Educação' e 'Saúde'. O uso do termo 'Saúde' resultou na recuperação de 14 conjunto de dados e o termo 'Educação' recuperou 23, totalizando 37 conjuntos de dados. A análise destes conjuntos de dados dividiu-se em duas etapas: na primeira foram identificados quais atributos estavam disponíveis na página contendo o resultado das buscas a partir termos utilizados. A segunda etapa consistiu em identificar os atributos disponíveis nas páginas referentes a cada um dos conjuntos de dados recuperados na busca. Como resultado, fora construído dois quadros: o primeiro identifica os atributos que estão disponíveis nas páginas com resultados da pesquisa pelo mecanismo de busca do site; o segundo, identifica os atributos disponíveis em cada conjunto de dados recuperado pela pesquisa. Os resultados demonstraram que na primeira etapa, não há diferença nos atributos disponíveis nos resultados de busca por ambos os termos. Entretanto, na segunda etapa houve discrepâncias nos atributos identificados em cada conjunto de dados.
Gestão de Serviços em Bibliotecas Públicas: aplicação do 5W2H na política de aquisição de acervo
Authors: Massaroni Iracema Fernandes , Scavarda Annibal José Roris Rodriguez
Published: April 2015

Apresenta o processo de aquisição de materiais informacionais  que compõem o acervo das bibliotecas públicas, a gestão de serviços e a aplicação da ferramenta 5W2H  sobre a aquisição do acervo, a utilização desta ferramenta permite a elaboração de um plano de ação proporcionando qualidade a gestão de serviços em bibliotecas públicas, evidenciando ainda o modelo das Bibliotecas Parque, tendo a Biblioteca Parque da Rocinha como laboratório deste estudo. Enfatizar que a biblioteca pública é uma instituição aberta, dinâmica, que através de seus serviços, atividades, funções, contribuem para o desenvolvimento educacional, cultural e social do individuo.
A Gestão do Conhecimento como recurso de inovação para Micro e Pequenas Empresas (MPEs): o modelo Enabling Knowledge Creation (EKC)
Authors: Felipe André Anderson , Mota Denysson Axel Ribeiro
Published: April 2015

Este artigo expõe e analisa o modelo de Gestão do Conhecimento (GC), apresenta no livro Enabling Knowledge Creation de von Krogh, Ichijo e Nonaka (2000), chamado aqui de modelo EKC, traçando suas principais etapas e formas de sua aplicação. Como objetivo analisa como as diretrizes de inovação para MPEs propostas pelo Serviço Brasileiro de Apoio às Micro e Pequenas Empresas (SEBRAE) envolvem procedimentos da GC, mais especificamente, como se configuram frente ao modelo EKC. A pesquisa bibliográfica e documental foi utilizada como aporte metodológico para apresentar o modelo EKC, e a análise comparativa como recurso para propiciar a análise das diretrizes de inovação para MPEs propostas pelo SEBRAE e a comparação das mesmas, com as etapas estabelecidas pelo modelo EKC. Os resultados mostram que as diretrizes de inovação para MPEs estabelecidas pelo SEBRAE se aproximam das etapas apresentadas pelo modelo EKC, demostrando a relevância da GC no desenvolvimento de ações que promovem formas de inovar no contexto empresarial brasileiro.
Percepções conceituais sobre mediação da informação
Authors: Silva Jonathas Luiz Carvalho
Published: April 2015

Discute perspectivas conceituais de mediação da informação. O presente estudo tem como condição problematizadora uma questão a partir da seguinte pergunta: como é possível identificar e propor um conceito de mediação no campo da Ciência da Informação? O objetivo deste estudo é investigar os conceitos de mediação e mediação da informação a partir de um diálogo entre algumas áreas do conhecimento das ciências sociais, visando à proposição de um conceito de mediação no campo da Ciência da Informação. A metodologia do estudo é constituída de uma pesquisa bibliográfica mediante um diálogo com autores/textos diversos que abordam conceitualmente a mediação da informação. Conclui-se que o conceito de mediação no campo da Ciência da Informação ainda está em pleno desenvolvimento podendo se constituir como conjunto construtivo de práticas de intervenção e interferências tipificada por elementos técnicos, pedagógicos e institucionais.
Intermediate Outcomes in the Prospective, Multicenter Coarctation of the Aorta Stent Trial (COAST)
Authors: Meadows Jeffery , Minahan Matthew , McElhinney Doff B. , McEnaney Kerry , Ringel Richard
Published: April 2015

Background—

The Coarctation of the Aorta Stent Trial (COAST) was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of the Cheatham Platinum stent when used in children and adults with native or recurrent coarctation. Acute outcomes have been reported. We report here follow-up to 2 years.

Methods and Results—

A total of 105 patients underwent attempted implantation, with 104 successes. There were no procedural deaths, serious adverse events, or surgical intervention. All patients experienced immediate reduction in upper- to lower-extremity blood pressure difference with sustained improvement to 2 years. Rates of hypertension and medication use decreased from baseline to 12 months and remained largely unchanged at 2 years. Six aortic aneurysms have been identified: 5 were successfully treated with covered stent placement, and 1 resolved without intervention. Stent fractures were noted in 2 patients at 1 year and 11 patients at 2 years, with evidence of fracture progression. To date, only larger stent diameter was associated with stent fracture. Twelve additional fractures have occurred after 2 years. No fracture has resulted in loss of stent integrity, stent embolization, aortic wall injury, or reobstruction. Nine reinterventions occurred in the first 2 years for stent redilation and address of aneurysms, and 10 additional reinterventions occurred after 2 years.

Conclusions—

The Cheatham Platinum stent is safe and associated with persistent relief of aortic obstruction. Stent fracture and progression of fracture occur but have not resulted in clinically important sequelae. Reintervention is common and related to early and late aortic wall injury and need for re-expansion of small-diameter stents.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00552812.
Endogenous Ghrelin Attenuates Pressure Overload–Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy via a Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway
Authors: Mao Yuanjie , Tokudome Takeshi , Kishimoto Ichiro , Otani Kentaro , Nishimura Hirohito , Yamaguchi Osamu , Otsu Kinya , Miyazato Mikiya , Kangawa Kenji
Published: April 2015

Cardiac hypertrophy, which is commonly caused by hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart failure and sudden death. Endogenous ghrelin has been shown to exert a beneficial effect on cardiac dysfunction and postinfarction remodeling via modulation of the autonomic nervous system. However, ghrelin’s ability to attenuate cardiac hypertrophy and its potential mechanism of action are unknown. In this study, cardiac hypertrophy was induced by transverse aortic constriction in ghrelin knockout mice and their wild-type littermates. After 12 weeks, the ghrelin knockout mice showed significantly increased cardiac hypertrophy compared with wild-type mice, as evidenced by their significantly greater heart weight/tibial length ratios (9.2±1.9 versus 7.9±0.8 mg/mm), left ventricular anterior wall thickness (1.3±0.2 versus 1.0±0.2 mm), and posterior wall thickness (1.1±0.3 versus 0.9±0.1 mm). Furthermore, compared with wild-type mice, ghrelin knockout mice showed suppression of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, as indicated by reduced parasympathetic nerve activity and higher plasma interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 levels. The administration of either nicotine or ghrelin activated the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and attenuated cardiac hypertrophy in ghrelin knockout mice. In conclusion, our results show that endogenous ghrelin plays a crucial role in the progression of pressure overload–induced cardiac hypertrophy via a mechanism that involves the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.
Strategies for Classifying Patients Based on Office, Home, and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement
Authors: Zhang Lu , Li Yan , Wei Fang-Fei , Thijs Lutgarde , Kang Yuan-Yuan , Wang Shuai , Xu Ting-Yan , Wang Ji-Guang , Staessen Jan A.
Published: April 2015

Hypertension guidelines propose home or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring as indispensable after office measurement. However, whether preference should be given to home or ambulatory monitoring remains undetermined. In 831 untreated outpatients (mean age, 50.6 years; 49.8% women), we measured office (3 visits), home (7 days), and 24-h ambulatory blood pressures. We applied hypertension guidelines for cross-classification of patients into normotension or white-coat, masked, or sustained hypertension. Based on office and home blood pressures, the prevalence of white-coat, masked, and sustained hypertension was 61 (10.3%), 166 (20.0%), and 162 (19.5%), respectively. Using daytime (from 8
am
to 6
pm
) instead of home blood pressure confirmed the cross-classification in 575 patients (69.2%), downgraded risk from masked hypertension to normotension (
n
=24) or from sustained to white-coat hypertension (
n
=9) in 33 (4.0%), but upgraded risk from normotension to masked hypertension (
n
=179) or from white-coat to sustained hypertension (
n
=44) in 223 (26.8%). Analyses based on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure were confirmatory. In adjusted analyses, both the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (+20.6%; confidence interval, 4.4–39.3) and aortic pulse wave velocity (+0.30 m/s; confidence interval, 0.09–0.51) were higher in patients who moved up to a higher risk category. Both indexes of target organ damage and central augmentation index were positively associated (
P
≤0.048) with the odds of being reclassified. In conclusion, for reliably diagnosing hypertension and starting treatment, office measurement should be followed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Using home instead of ambulatory monitoring misses the high-risk diagnoses of masked or sustained hypertension in over 25% of patients.
Gut Dysbiosis Is Linked to Hypertension
Authors: Yang Tao , Santisteban Monica M. , Rodriguez Vermali , Li Eric , Ahmari Niousha , Carvajal Jessica Marulanda , Zadeh Mojgan , Gong Minghao , Qi Yanfei , Zubcevic Jasenka , Sahay Bikash , Pepine Carl J. , Raizada Mohan K. , Mohamadzadeh Mansour
Published: April 2015

Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota is critical in the maintenance of physiological homeostasis. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that dysbiosis in gut microbiota is associated with hypertension because genetic, environmental, and dietary factors profoundly influence both gut microbiota and blood pressure. Bacterial DNA from fecal samples of 2 rat models of hypertension and a small cohort of patients was used for bacterial genomic analysis. We observed a significant decrease in microbial richness, diversity, and evenness in the spontaneously hypertensive rat, in addition to an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. These changes were accompanied by decreases in acetate- and butyrate-producing bacteria. In addition, the microbiota of a small cohort of human hypertensive patients was found to follow a similar dysbiotic pattern, as it was less rich and diverse than that of control subjects. Similar changes in gut microbiota were observed in the chronic angiotensin II infusion rat model, most notably decreased microbial richness and an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. In this model, we evaluated the efficacy of oral minocycline in restoring gut microbiota. In addition to attenuating high blood pressure, minocycline was able to rebalance the dysbiotic hypertension gut microbiota by reducing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. These observations demonstrate that high blood pressure is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis, both in animal and human hypertension. They suggest that dietary intervention to correct gut microbiota could be an innovative nutritional therapeutic strategy for hypertension.
Effect of Bilateral Carotid Body Resection on Cardiac Baroreflex Control of Blood Pressure During Hypoglycemia
Authors: Limberg Jacqueline K. , Taylor Jennifer L. , Mozer Michael T. , Dube Simmi , Basu Ananda , Basu Rita , Rizza Robert A. , Curry Timothy B. , Joyner Michael J. , Wehrwein Erica A.
Published: April 2015

Hypoglycemia results in a reduction in cardiac baroreflex sensitivity and a shift in the baroreflex working range to higher heart rates. This effect is mediated, in part, by the carotid chemoreceptors. Therefore, we hypothesized hypoglycemia-mediated changes in baroreflex control of heart rate would be blunted in carotid body–resected patients when compared with healthy controls. Five patients with bilateral carotid body resection for glomus tumors and 10 healthy controls completed a 180-minute hyperinsulinemic, hypoglycemic (≈3.3 mmol/L) clamp. Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and spontaneous cardiac baroreflex sensitivity were assessed. Baseline baroreflex sensitivity was not different between groups (
P
>0.05). Hypoglycemia resulted in a reduction in baroreflex sensitivity in both the groups (main effect of time,
P
<0.01) and responses were lower in resected patients when compared with controls (main effect of group,
P
<0.05). Hypoglycemia resulted in large reductions in systolic (−17±7 mm Hg) and mean (−14±5 mm Hg) blood pressure in resected patients that were not observed in controls (interaction of group and time,
P
<0.05). Despite lower blood pressures, increases in heart rate with hypoglycemia were blunted in resected patients (interaction of group and time,
P
<0.01). Major novel findings from this study demonstrate that intact carotid chemoreceptors are essential for increasing heart rate and maintaining arterial blood pressure during hypoglycemia in humans. These data support a contribution of the carotid chemoreceptors to blood pressure control and highlight the potential widespread effects of carotid body resection in humans.
Comprehensive T wave Morphology Assessment in a Randomized Clinical Study of Dofetilide, Quinidine, Ranolazine, and Verapamil
Authors: Vicente Jose , Johannesen Lars , Mason Jay W. , Crumb William J. , Pueyo Esther , Stockbridge Norman , Strauss David G.
Published: April 2015

Background

Congenital long
QT
syndrome type 2 (abnormal
hERG
potassium channel) patients can develop flat, asymmetric, and notched T waves. Similar observations have been made with a limited number of
hERG
‐blocking drugs. However, it is not known how additional calcium or late sodium block, that can decrease torsade risk, affects T wave morphology.

Methods and Results

Twenty‐two healthy subjects received a single dose of a pure
hERG
blocker (dofetilide) and 3 drugs that also block calcium or sodium (quinidine, ranolazine, and verapamil) as part of a 5‐period, placebo‐controlled cross‐over trial. At pre‐dose and 15 time‐points post‐dose,
ECG
s and plasma drug concentration were assessed. Patch clamp experiments were performed to assess block of
hERG
, calcium (L‐type) and late sodium currents for each drug. Pure
hERG
block (dofetilide) and strong
hERG
block with lesser calcium and late sodium block (quinidine) caused substantial T wave morphology changes (
P
<0.001). Strong late sodium current and
hERG
block (ranolazine) still caused T wave morphology changes (
P
<0.01). Strong calcium and
hERG
block (verapamil) did not cause T wave morphology changes. At equivalent
QT
c prolongation, multichannel blockers (quinidine and ranolazine) caused equal or greater T wave morphology changes compared with pure
hERG
block (dofetilide).

Conclusions

T wave morphology changes are directly related to amount of
hERG
block; however, with quinidine and ranolazine, multichannel block did not prevent T wave morphology changes. A combined approach of assessing multiple ion channels, along with
ECG
intervals and T wave morphology may provide the greatest insight into drug‐ion channel interactions and torsade de pointes risk.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov/
Unique identifier:
NCT
01873950.
A TARGETED KILLING IN THE PHILIPPINES
Authors: Loja Herbert Aclan
Published: April 2015

On 2 February 2012, the Philippine Air Force conducted a precision bombing on an Abu Sayyaf camp in Parang, Sulu, Mindanao, Philippines. The airstrike killed Abu Sayyaf commander Gumbahali Umbra Jumdail, a Filipino terrorist suspect. To date, no human rights organisation or group in the country has expressed any apprehension on the state action. In the midst of silence, this article explores the permissibility of the targeted killing of a Filipino citizen carried out by state agents. It argues that the killing has the hallmarks of an international humanitarian law paradigm applied to what could otherwise be an international human rights law and domestic law situation. The blurring of distinction and the secrecy surrounding the incident indicate a less than transparent act of deprivation of life of an individual with tremendous implications on the future of human rights protection in the country. Where the Philippines operates in such legal ambiguity and decides to exercise the most lethal of options in depriving a person of his or her life, it is suggested that it should consider the adoption of an effective post-targeting investigation mechanism to ensure respect for and protection of human dignity and fundamental rights and freedoms.
Movement Induces the Use of External Spatial Coordinates for Tactile Localization in Congenitally Blind Humans
Authors: Heed Tobias , Möller Johanna , Röder Brigitte
Published: April 2015

To localize touch, the brain integrates spatial information coded in anatomically based and external spatial reference frames. Sighted humans, by default, use both reference frames in tactile localization. In contrast, congenitally blind individuals have been reported to rely exclusively on anatomical coordinates, suggesting a crucial role of the visual system for tactile spatial processing. We tested whether the use of external spatial information in touch can, alternatively, be induced by a movement context. Sighted and congenitally blind humans performed a tactile temporal order judgment task that indexes the use of external coordinates for tactile localization, while they executed bimanual arm movements with uncrossed and crossed start and end postures. In the sighted, start posture and planned end posture of the arm movement modulated tactile localization for stimuli presented before and during movement, indicating automatic, external recoding of touch. Contrary to previous findings, tactile localization of congenitally blind participants, too, was affected by external coordinates, though only for stimuli presented before movement start. Furthermore, only the movement’s start posture, but not the planned end posture affected blind individuals’ tactile performance. Thus, integration of external coordinates in touch is established without vision, though more selectively than when vision has developed normally, and possibly restricted to movement contexts. The lack of modulation by the planned posture in congenitally blind participants suggests that external coordinates in this group are not mediated by motor efference copy. Instead the task-related frequent posture changes, that is, movement consequences rather than planning, appear to have induced their use of external coordinates.
Neural Correlates of Human Echolocation of Path Direction During Walking
Authors: Fiehler Katja , Schütz Immo , Meller Tina , Thaler Lore
Published: April 2015

Echolocation can be used by blind and sighted humans to navigate their environment. The current study investigated the neural activity underlying processing of path direction during walking. Brain activity was measured with fMRI in three blind echolocation experts, and three blind and three sighted novices. During scanning, participants listened to binaural recordings that had been made prior to scanning while echolocation experts had echolocated during walking along a corridor which could continue to the left, right, or straight ahead. Participants also listened to control sounds that contained ambient sounds and clicks, but no echoes. The task was to decide if the corridor in the recording continued to the left, right, or straight ahead, or if they were listening to a control sound. All participants successfully dissociated echo from no echo sounds, however, echolocation experts were superior at direction detection. We found brain activations associated with processing of path direction (contrast: echovs.no echo) in superior parietal lobule (SPL) and inferior frontal cortex in each group. In sighted novices, additional activation occurred in the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and middle and superior frontal areas. Within the framework of the dorso-dorsal and ventro-dorsal pathway proposed by Rizzolatti and Matelli (2003), our results suggest that blind participants may automatically assign directional meaning to the echoes, while sighted participants may apply more conscious, high-level spatial processes. High similarity of SPL and IFC activations across all three groups, in combination with previous research, also suggest that all participants recruited a multimodal spatial processing system for action (here: locomotion).
Has the Western Pacific Subtropical High Extended Westward since the Late 1970s?
Authors: Wu Liguang , Wang Chao
Published: April 2015

Previous studies reported that the summer western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) has extended westward since the late 1970s and the change has affected summer rainfall over China and tropical cyclone prevailing tracks in the western North Pacific. The authors show that the 500-hPa geopotential height in the midlatitudes of the Northern Hemisphere has trended upward in the warming climate and the westward extension of the WPSH quantified with the 500-hPa geopotential height is mainly a manifestation of the global rising trend. That is, the summer 500-hPa WPSH has not remarkably extended westward since the late 1970s when the global trend is removed. It is suggested that the index that indicates the west–east shift of the summer 500-hPa WPSH should be redefined and that further investigation is needed to understand the observed climate change in the summer rainfall over China and tropical cyclone prevailing tracks in the western North Pacific.
Changes in Drought Characteristics over China Using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index
Authors: Chen Huopo , Sun Jianqi
Published: April 2015

The standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) is computed and compared in China using reference evapotranspiration calculated using the Thornthwaite (TH) approach and the Penman–Monteith (PM) equation. The analysis reveals that SPEI_PM outperforms the SPEI_TH with regard to drought monitoring during the period 1961–2012 over China, especially in arid regions of China. Furthermore, the SPEI_PM also performs better with regard to observed variations in soil moisture and streamflow in China. Thus, changes in drought characteristics over China are detected on the basis of variations in the SPEI_PM. The results indicate that droughts over China exhibit pronounced decadal variations over the past 50 yr, with more frequent and severe droughts occurring before the 1980s and in the 2000s compared with the 1980s and 1990s. Since the late 1990s, droughts have become more frequent and severe across China, especially in some regions of northern China. Concurrently, consecutive drought events have also increased across China. This suggests that dry conditions in China have been enhanced in recent years. Further analyses illustrate that the temperature and precipitation anomalies exhibit different roles in detecting droughts across China, which is primarily due to the magnitude of their variations and different climate variability. Considering temperature and precipitation perturbations, droughts exhibit relatively larger responses to temperature fluctuations in northern China and relatively larger responses to precipitation anomalies in southern China.
Family, School, and Access to Social Capital Among High School Students in Urban Nanjing
Authors: Lai Gina , Wong Odalia , Feng Xiaotian
Published: April 2015

Unequal access to bridging social capital is found to be an important factor of social inequality. School is a social organization where individuals can make social connections and through whom, can accumulate social capital. Existing research on the relationship between school and social capital has mainly focused on the bonding function of social capital and its impact on academic outcomes. Access to bridging social capital through school peers is little understood. The present study aims to examine the relationship between school and access to bridging social capital through peers in urban China. Data come from a probability sample of 989 high school students in urban Nanjing. Respondents from better family backgrounds are found to be more likely to enter high-prestige schools than the less advantaged students. School peers are the most significant source of social capital for students in high-prestige schools. These findings suggest that school is an important channel through which family advantages in social capital can be transmitted to the younger generation and reinforced through school tracking, further exacerbating social capital inequality.
Color-Blindness and Commonality
Authors: Dovidio John F. , Gaertner Samuel L. , Saguy Tamar
Published: April 2015

Although overt racism still adversely affects the well-being and advancement of Black Americans, subtle racism also has a pervasive influence. Color-blind racism, a form of subtle racism, rationalizes the current disadvantaged status of Black Americans and institutionalizes practices that perpetuate the disadvantage. The present article, adopting a psychological perspective, reviews the evidence on the existence and dynamics of contemporary forms of color-blind racism. It documents how racial biases that unconsciously and uncontrollably strategically shape the behavior of White Americans, even among seemingly well-meaning people. The article further examines how White Americans emphasizing color-blindness and common connection between members of different groups can improve intergroup attitudes but reinforce hierarchical relations between groups, which benefit Whites. Understanding the nature of subtle bias and the automatic processes that may underlie it can help illuminate how seemingly well-meaning interventions can obscure its effects, creating a veneer of tolerance while deflecting attention away from unfair treatment (and thus undermining motivation for action toward equality) among members of both dominant and disadvantaged groups.
Beyond the Strength of Social Ties
Authors: Bian Yanjie , Huang Xianbi
Published: April 2015

This article provides an assessment of the effect of job-search networks on entry-level wage in urban China. The analysis of a 2009 large-scale survey shows that (a) users of social contacts have a significantly higher wage at job entry than nonusers; (b) both strong ties and weak ties increase entry-level wage; (c) network-mobilized information and favoritism increase entry-level wage; and (d) these network effects are stronger in sectors of less institutionalization and for jobs of lower skill specificity, but do not vary significantly from the prereform to the postreform period.
Guanxi, Tie Strength, and Network Attributes
Authors: Barbalet Jack
Published: April 2015

Guanxi possesses a variant network form. A characterization of guanxi in terms of its cultural and institutional attributes is provided, paralleling accounts emphasizing respectively its expressive and instrumental qualities. Both are aspects of guanxi’s reputational focus. Tie strength is considered in terms of differences between latent-structure networks, where tie strength discerns patterned differences, and volitionally constructed networks, where it does not. It is shown that as guanxi networks are constituted by iterated obligations, influence (a directing power) cannot flow through them. Obligation (a constraining power) marks the character of guanxi networks. Finally, discussion turns to the information opaque nature of guanxi, resulting from guanxi’s cultivated form and the obligatory relationships underlying it (requiring confidentiality and mutual monitoring of participants). The adaptability of guanxi in different historical contexts, from imperial China to the present-day market reform period, is suggested throughout.
What Affects the Spiral of Silence and the Hard Core on Twitter? An Analysis of the Nuclear Power Issue in Japan
Authors: Miyata Kakuko , Yamamoto Hitoshi , Ogawa Yuki
Published: April 2015

We test the Spiral of Silence theory about Internet use in Japanese Internet society. We looked at Twitter and analyzed whether the Spiral of Silence theory would hold for it. Twitter’s speed and scope of information dissemination is fast and extremely wide ranging. For these reasons, Twitter is an appropriate field for analyzing the influences of the Internet on the formation of public opinion. By integrating social investigation and behavioral log analysis, we test a model that incorporates an individual’s attitudes (measured via a questionnaire) and an individual’s communication network structure and actual communication behavior (measured via behavior log analysis). The results from our analysis show a positive correlation between individuals’ perception that their opinion represents the majority view and the number of times they have spoken out. Moreover, while homogeneity of opinions of a personal network on Twitter influenced speaking out by a majority group, homogeneity of opinions does not influence speaking out by a minority group.
The Implications of Networked Individualism for Social Participation
Authors: Tseng Shu-Fen , Hsieh Yuli Patrick
Published: April 2015

An extensive research has suggested the positive and capital-enhancing implications of information and communication technologies (ICTs). However, the mechanisms connecting ICT use to capital-enhancing opportunities for users’ social well-being and social participation remain undertheorized. To address this agenda, we examine how e-mail, instant messenger, and mobile phones are used to maintain interpersonal networks and participation in voluntary organizations, along with engagement in community affairs. We analyze survey data collected from a sample of rural Taiwanese residing on an outer island of Kinmen County, finding that different ICTs allow participants to connect to different types of personal contacts and, in turn, encourage social participation in various ways. Respondents with a larger e-mail network tend to be more involved in civic organizations, whereas participants with a mobile phone network, including more close friends, tend to participate more in civic organizations and community affairs. We conclude with a future research agenda for investigating the link between networked individualism and digital inequality.