bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for the diagnosis of hip femoroacetabular impingement/labral tear: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Reiman M P , Goode A P , Cook C E , Hölmich P , Thorborg K
Published: December 2014

Background

Surgery for hip femoroacetabular impingement/acetabular labral tear (FAI/ALT) is exponentially increasing despite lacking investigation of the accuracy of various diagnostic measures. Useful clinical utility of these measures is necessary to support diagnostic imaging and subsequent surgical decision-making.

Objective

Summarise/evaluate the current diagnostic accuracy of various clinical tests germane to hip FAI/ALT pathology.

Methods

A computer-assisted literature search of MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE databases using keywords related to diagnostic accuracy of the hip joint, as well as thePreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA) guidelines were used for the search and reporting phases of the study. Quality assessment of bias and applicability was conducted using the Quality of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). Random effects models were used to summarise sensitivities (SN), specificities (SP), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and respective confidence intervals (CI).

Results

The employed search strategy revealed 21 potential articles, with one demonstrating high quality. Nine articles qualified for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that flexion-adduction-internal rotation (pooled SN ranging from 0.94 (95% CI 0.90 to 0.97) to 0.99 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.00); DOR 5.71 (95% CI 0.84 to 38.86) to 7.82 (95% CI 1.06 to 57.84)) and flexion-internal rotation (pooled SN 0.96 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.99); DOR 8.36 (95% CI 0.41 to 171.3) tests possess only screening accuracy.

Conclusions

Few hip physical examination tests for diagnosing FAI/ALT have been investigated in enough studies of substantial quality to direct clinical decision-making. Further high-quality studies across a wider spectrum of hip pathology patients are recommended to discern the confirmed clinical utility of these tests.

Trials registration number

PROSPERO Registration # CRD42014010144.
Socioprofessional trajectories and mortality in France, 1976–2002: a longitudinal follow-up of administrative data
Authors: Karimi Maryam , Geoffroy-Perez Béatrice , Fouquet Aurélie , Latouche Aurélien , Rey Grégoire
Published: December 2014

Background

Occupying a low socioeconomic position is associated with increased mortality risk. To disentangle this association, previous studies considered various dimensions of socioeconomic trajectories across the life course. However, they used a limited number of stages. We simultaneously examined various dimensions of the whole professional trajectory and its association with mortality.

Methods

We used a large sample (337 706 men and 275 378 women) of the data obtained by linking individuals’ annual occupation (collected in 1976–2002 from a representative panel of the French salaried population in the semipublic and private sectors) with causes of death obtained from registries. All-cause and cause-specific HRs were estimated using Cox's regression models adjusted for the occupational class at the beginning of the follow-up, the current occupational class, the transition rates between occupational categories and the duration of time spent in occupational categories.

Results

An increase in the time spent in the clerk class increased men and women's cardiovascular mortality risk compared with that in the upper class (HRs=1.59 (1.14 to 2.20) and 2.65 (1.14 to 6.13) for 10 years increase, respectively, for men and women). Men with a high rate of transitions had about a 1.2-fold increased risk of all-cause and external-cause mortality compared with those without transitions during their professional life. This association was also observed for women's all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

Strong associations between professional trajectories and mortality from different causes of death were found. Long exposure to lower socioeconomic conditions was associated with increased mortality risk from various causes of death. The results also suggest gradual associations between transition rates and mortality.
INTERNATIONALISATION OF NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT: RESULTS FROM A MULTIPLE CASE STUDY ON COMPANIES WITH INNOVATION PROCESSES IN GERMANY AND INDIA
Authors: BREM ALEXANDER , FREITAG FLORIAN
Published: December 2014

A rich body of literature has emerged from research on Western new product development (NPD). However, the impact of country- and culture-specific influences on these processes has not been examined in detail yet. Hence, this study identifies the differences in NPD practices between the Indian and German research and development (R&D) subsidiaries of multinational companies (MNCs). Data have been generated by interviews with R&D executives in both countries across multiple cases. The study samples strategic, organisational, and operational aspects and indicates differences in process coordination, reward systems, NPD creativity techniques, market orientation, and the average age of NPD teams. Other aspects, such as top management support, the use of structured NPD processes, and the use of heterogeneous NPD teams, show no substantial differences between the countries. Our findings suggest that, while some aspects are universally applicable across cultural frontiers, Western companies must understand India's different expectations regarding NPD and adjust their practices accordingly.
Estriol blunts postprandial blood glucose rise in male rats through regulating intestinal glucose transporters
Authors: Yamabe Noriko , Kang Ki Sung , Lee Woojung , Kim Su-Nam , Zhu Bao Ting
Published: December 2014

Despite increased total food intake in healthy, late-stage pregnant women, their peak postprandial blood sugar levels are normally much lower than the levels seen in healthy nonpregnant women. In this study, we sought to determine whether estriol (E3), an endogenous estrogen predominantly produced during human pregnancy, contributes to the regulation of the postprandial blood glucose level in healthy normal rats. In vivo studies using rats showed that E3blunted the speed and magnitude of the blood glucose rise following oral glucose administration, but it did not appear to affect the total amount of glucose absorbed. E3also did not affect insulin secretion, but it significantly reduced the rate of intestinal glucose transport compared with vehicle-treated animals. Consistent with this finding, expression of the sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 and 2 was significantly downregulated by E3treatment in the brush-border membrane and basolateral membrane, respectively, of enterocytes. Most of the observed in vivo effects were noticeably stronger with E3than with 17β-estradiol. Using differentiated human Caco-2 enterocyte monolayer culture as an in vitro model, we confirmed that E3at physiologically relevant concentrations could directly inhibit glucose uptake via suppression of glucose transporter 2 expression, whereas 17β-estradiol did not have a similar effect. Collectively, these data showed that E3can blunt the postprandial glycemic surge in rats through modulating the level of intestinal glucose transporters.
Recurrent PRDM10 Gene Fusions in Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma
Authors: Hofvander Jakob , Tayebwa Johnbosco , Nilsson Jenny , Magnusson Linda , Brosjö Otte , Larsson Olle , Vult von Steyern Fredrik , Mandahl Nils , Fletcher Christopher D.M. , Mertens Fredrik
Published: December 2014

Purpose: Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is defined as a sarcoma with cellular pleomorphism and no identifiable line of differentiation. It is typically a high-grade lesion with a metastatic rate of about one third. No tumor-specific rearrangement has been identified, and genetic markers that could be used for treatment stratification are lacking. We performed transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) to search for novel gene fusions.

Experimental design: RNA-Seq, FISH, and/or various PCR methodologies were used to search for gene fusions and rearrangements of the PRDM10 gene in 84 soft tissue sarcomas.

Results: Using RNA-Seq, two cases of UPS were found to display novel gene fusions, both involving the transcription factor PRDM10 as the 3′ partner and either MED12 or CITED2 as the 5′ partner gene. Further screening of 82 soft tissue sarcomas for rearrangements of the PRDM10 locus revealed one more UPS with a MED12/PRDM10 fusion. None of these genes has been implicated in neoplasia-associated gene fusions before.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that PRDM10 fusions are present in around 5% of UPS. Although the fusion-positive cases in our series showed the same nuclear pleomorphism and lack of differentiation as other UPS, it is noteworthy that all three were morphologically low grade and that none of the patients developed metastases. Thus, PRDM10 fusion-positive sarcomas may constitute a clinically important subset of UPS. Clin Cancer Res; 21(4); 864–9. ©2014 AACR.
The Wear and Tear of Teeth
Authors: Lucas Peter W. , van Casteren Adam
Published: December 2014

A review is presented of the mechanical damage suffered by tooth crowns. This has been the subject of much recent research, resulting in a need to revise some of the thinking about the mechanisms involved. Damage is classified here by scale into macro-, meso- and microfracture. The focus is on the outer enamel coat because this is the contact tissue and where most fractures start. Enamel properties appear to be tailored to maximize hardness, but also to prevent fracture. The latter is achieved by the deployment of developmental flaws called enamel tufts. Macrofractures usually appear to initiate as extensions of tufts on the undersurface of the enamel adjacent to the enamel-dentine junction and extend from there into the enamel. Cracks that pass from the tooth surface tend to be deflected by an enamel region of high toughness; if they find the surface again, a chip (mesofracture) is produced. The real protection of the enamel-dentine junction here is the layer of decussating inner enamel. Finally, a novel analysis of mechanical wear (microfracture) suggests that the local toughness of the enamel is very important to its ability to resist tissue loss. Enamel and dentine have contrasting behaviours. Seen on a large scale, dentine is isotropic (behaving similarly in all directions) while enamel is anisotropic, but vice versa on a very small scale. These patterns have implications for anyone studying the fracture behaviour of teeth.
Potential Reduction of Interstitial Myocardial Fibrosis With Renal Denervation
Authors: Doltra Adelina , Messroghli Daniel , Stawowy Philipp , Hassel Jan‐Hendrik , Gebker Rolf , Leppänen Olli , Gräfe Michael , Schneeweis Christopher , Schnackenburg Bernhard , Fleck Eckart , Kelle Sebastian
Published: December 2014

Background

Hypertensive cardiomyopathy is characterized by myocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis. The effects of renal denervation (
RD
) on the heart are poorly understood. New magnetic resonance imaging techniques (extracellular volume fraction) permit the quantitative assessment of myocardial fibrosis. Our aim was to study the effects of
RD
on myocardial fibrosis.

Methods and Results

Twenty‐three patients with resistant hypertension undergoing
RD
and 5 resistant hypertensive controls were prospectively included. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 T was performed before
RD
and at 6‐month follow‐up. Indexed left ventricular mass, septal extracellular volume fraction, and indexed absolute extracellular volume (a quantitative measure of extracellular matrix) were quantified. All data are reported as mean±SD deviation (median). Decreases in systolic (161.96±19.09 [160] versus 144.78±16.48 [143] mm Hg,
P
<0.0001) and diastolic (85.61±12.88 [83] versus 80.39±11.93 [81] mm Hg,
P
=0.018) blood pressures and in indexed left ventricular mass (41.83±10.20 [41.59] versus 37.72±7.44 [38.49] g/m
1.7
,
P
=0.001) were observed at follow‐up only in
RD
patients. No significant differences in extracellular volume were found (26.24±3.92% [26.06%] versus 25.74±4.53% [25.63%],
P
=0.605). A significant decrease in absolute extracellular volume was observed after 6 months in
RD
patients exclusively (10.36±2.25 [10.79] versus 9.25±2.38 [9.79] mL/m
1.7
,
P
=0.031). This effect was observed independently of blood pressure reduction.

Conclusions

RD
significantly decreases left ventricular mass, while extracellular volume remains stable. Our results suggest that the observed left ventricular mass decrease was due not exclusively to a reversion of myocyte hypertrophy but also to an additional reduction in collagen content, indicating interstitial myocardial fibrosis.
High-Dose Simvastatin for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Wong George K.C. , Chan David Y.C. , Siu Deyond Y.W. , Zee Benny C.Y. , Poon Wai S. , Chan Matthew T.V. , Gin Tony , Leung Michael , Zhu X.L. , Liang M. , Tan H.B. , Lee M.W. , Wong C.K. , Chan T.K. , Po Y.C. , Woo P.Y. , Chan K.Y.
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose—

Experimental evidence has indicated the benefits of simvastatin for the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Two randomized placebo-controlled pilot trials that used the highest clinically approved dose of simvastatin (80 mg daily) gave positive results despite the fact that a lower dose of simvastatin (40 mg daily) did not improve clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that a high dose of 80 mg of simvastatin daily for 3 weeks would reduce the incidence of delayed ischemic deficits after subarachnoid hemorrhage compared with a lower dose (40 mg of simvastatin daily) and lead to improved clinical outcomes.

Methods—

The study design was a randomized controlled double-blinded clinical trial. Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (presenting within 96 hours of the ictus) from 6 neurosurgical centers were recruited for 3 years. The primary outcome measure was the presence of delayed ischemic deficits, and secondary outcome measures included a modified Rankin disability score at 3 months and an analysis of cost-effectiveness.

Results—

No difference was observed between the groups treated with the higher dose or the lower dose of simvastatin in the incidence of delayed ischemic deficits (27% versus 24%; odds ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.7–2.0;
P
=0.586) or in the rate of favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2) at 3 months (73% versus 72%; odds ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.6–1.9;
P
=0.770).

Conclusions—

High-dose simvastatin treatment should not be prescribed routinely for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01077206.
Community-Based Case–Control Study of Childhood Stroke Risk Associated With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Fox Christine K. , Sidney Stephen , Fullerton Heather J.
Published: December 2014

Background and Purpose—

A better understanding of the stroke risk factors in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) could inform stroke prevention strategies. We analyzed pediatric stroke associated with CHD in a large community-based case–control study.

Methods—

From 2.5 million children (aged <20 years) enrolled in a Northern California integrated healthcare plan, we identified children with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes and randomly selected age- and facility-matched stroke-free controls (3 per case). We determined exposure to CHD (diagnosed before stroke) and used conditional logistic regression to analyze stroke risk factors.

Results—

CHD was identified in 15 of 412 cases (4%) versus 7 of 1236 controls (0.6%). Cases of childhood stroke (occurring between ages 29 days to 20 years) with CHD had 19-fold (odds ratio, 19; 95% confidence interval 4.2–83) increased stroke risk compared to controls. History of CHD surgery was associated with >30-fold (odds ratio, 31; confidence interval 4–241) increased risk of stroke in children with CHD when compared with controls. After excluding perioperative strokes, the history of CHD surgery still increased the childhood stroke risk (odds ratio, 13; confidence interval 1.5–114). The majority of children with stroke and CHD were outpatients at the time of stroke, and almost half the cases who underwent cardiac surgery had their stroke >5 years after the most recent procedure. An estimated 7% of ischemic and 2% of hemorrhagic childhood strokes in the population were attributable to CHD.

Conclusions—

CHD is an important childhood stroke risk factor. Children who undergo CHD surgery remain at elevated risk outside the perioperative period and would benefit from optimized long-term stroke prevention strategies.
Tussen Harmonie en Hiërarchie
Authors: J. Verkerk Maarten
Published: December 2014

Dit artikel richt zich op de achtergronden van de positie van de vrouw in de Chinese samenleving. Veel aandacht wordt gegeven aan de man-vrouwrelatie zoals deze getekend wordt in de Chinese klassieken. Ik concludeer dat de confuciaanse traditie dé bepalende factor is voor de positie van de vrouw. Twee elementen zijn van belang. In de eerste plaats is de man-vrouwrelatie binnen de chinese samenleving relatief onbelangrijk. In de tweede plaats is de manvrouwrelatie sterk hiërarchisch. Gelijkheid van man en vrouw in huwelijk, gezin, kerk en samenleving betekent een breuk met de confuciaanse traditie, die nog steeds springlevend is.
‘Eternity’ Revisited: A Study of the Greek Word αἰών
Authors: Keizer Heleen M.
Published: December 2014

The Greek word afiâ‰ˆn (aiôn) has a wide-ranging meaning as well as a wideranging history: it is most commonly translated as ‘eternity’ but has as its first meaning ‘life’ or ‘lifetime’; it has its place in Greek literature and philosophy, but also in the Greek Bible, where it represents the Hebrew word ‘olâm. In this article I intend to sketch the history of the meaning and interpretation of aiôn from the word’s first attestation in Homer up until the beginning of the Christian era. The expanded version of this study was defended as a doctoral dissertation, entitled Life Time Entirety: A Study of AIVN in Greek Literature and Philosophy, the Septuagint and Philo, on 7 September 1999 at the University of Amsterdam.
Integrated simulation and optimization scheme of real-time large-scale water supply network: applied to Catalunya case study
Authors: Sun Cong Cong , Puig Vicenç , Cembrano Gabriela
Published: December 2014

This paper presents an integrated simulation and optimization modeling approach in order to provide the optimal configuration for large-scale water supply systems (LSWSS) in real time. Model predictive control (MPC) has been chosen to handle the complex set of objectives involved in the management of LSWSS. The computation of control strategies by MPC uses a simplified model of the network dynamics. The use of the combined approach of optimization and simulation contributes to making sure that the effect of more complex dynamics, better represented by the simulation model, may be taken into account. Coordination between simulator and optimizer works in a feedback scheme, from which both real-time interaction and extensive validation of the proposed solution have been realized using a case study based on the Catalunya regional water network.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Anxiety in People With Dementia
Authors: Charlesworth Georgina , Sadek Susan , Schepers Astrid , Spector Aimee
Published: December 2014

This article describes a 10-session cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) used in a randomized controlled trial with people with anxiety and mild-to-moderate dementia. The aim of the therapy is to reduce symptoms of anxiety by increasing a sense of safety and self-efficacy. The therapy is characterized by a person-centered approach to CBT, using individual tailoring to accommodate for cognitive deficits and other challenges. Three phases of therapy are described: (a) socialization to model (including overcoming barriers to participation), goal setting, and formulation; (b) application of cognitive and behavioral change techniques to address unhelpful autonomic reactions, “strategic” reactions, “rules for living,” and interpersonal aspects; and (c) consolidation and ending in the context of chronic, deteriorating illness. The approach prioritizes direct work with the person with dementia, with the involvement of a “supportive other” where available and when necessary. The protocol is designed for use by therapists with prior experience in CBT.
Planning for a Payout
Authors: Fay Daniel L.
Published: December 2014

Public management literature has previously examined privatization in which government contracts with private firms or other organizations to provide goods or services to the public. However, privatization of organizational structure through the creation of special purpose organizations remains relatively underexplored. This study examines the policy consequences of privatizing state lottery organizations by comparing the revenue returned to state governments from lotteries managed by independent state agencies to lotteries managed by privatized special purpose organizations. Using data on the organizational structure and revenue returns of the state lottery administrations in the United States from 1985-2008, fixed effects analyses demonstrate that independent state lottery agencies are more effective than privatized special purpose administrations. The revenue costs of lottery administrative privatization are robust to multiple measurements and specifications, and suggest that choosing a privatized organizational structure can cost states tens of millions of dollars in lost lottery revenue annually. Special purpose lottery administrations maximize returns to state governments in average-sized states with low African American populations. State-agency lottery administrations maximize returns to state governments in small- or large-sized states with high per capita income and high population density. Implications of state special purpose administrations and future research opportunities are discussed.
Effect of micro-patterning on bacterial adhesion on polyethylene terephthalate surface
Authors: Wang Liyun , Chen Wei , Terentjev Eugene
Published: December 2014

Bacterial adhesion on surfaces commonly used in medicine and food industry could lead to infections and illnesses. Topographically patterned surfaces recently have shown to be a promising alternative to chemical antibacterial methods, which might release cytotoxin and promote antibiotic resistance. In this study, we fabricated micro-patterned polyethylene terephthalate surfaces, and quantitatively explored the amount and localization of Escherichia coli MG1655 cells attached on a series of defined topographies. The adhesion was conducted in static conditions and under a weak flow, in both physiological buffer and nutritious solutions. The results showed that in the presence of weak shear force, live bacteria could still maintain sensing ability in nutritious culture, but not in buffer solution. The finely textured surface, which could inhibit bacterial adhesion in the early stage of attachment, reversed its effect to enhance the adhesion after 24 h incubation, indicating that microbial cells seemed to be able to sense the disadvantageous condition and eventually overcome it. In terms of adhesion localization, bacteria exhibited preferential adhesion onto the edges of topographic features. The patterned substrates that have the most even (homogeneous) bacterial localization on topographic features retained the least attachment after 24 h exposure.
School restructuring in England
Authors: Simkins Tim
Published: December 2014

This article considers the ways in which government policy in England is causing local schooling landscapes to be reconfigured. By August 2014, 12 percent of primary schools and 53 percent of secondary schools had become academies – ‘independent publicly funded schools’ directly responsible to the Secretary of State. The article begins by considering ways in which schools may choose, or be forced, to respond to this policy environment, and, in particular, the new forms of school grouping that may emerge. It then draws on case studies of three local authorities – a large metropolitan authority, a large rural county and a small unitary authority – to explore changing patterns of schooling. It notes that rates of ‘academization’ vary between the three areas, that local and regional groupings have gained greater purchase than national chains, and that, even allowing for this, almost half the academies are stand-alone – not belonging to any formal grouping. It concludes by arguing that deeper understanding of emerging patterns will require further study of the ways in which the values, purposes and power of key actors interact as decisions are taken about schools’ futures.
The Centricity of Presence in Scenario-Based High Fidelity Human Patient Simulation
Authors: Dunnington Renee M.
Published: December 2014

Enhancing immersive presence has been shown to have influence on learning outcomes in virtual types of simulation. Scenario-based human patient simulation, a mixed reality form, may pose unique challenges for inducing the centricity of presence among participants in simulation. A model for enhancing the centricity of presence in scenario-based human patient simulation is presented here. The model represents a theoretical linkage among the interaction of pedagogical, individual, and group factors that influence the centricity of presence among participants in simulation. Presence may have an important influence on the learning experiences and learning outcomes in scenario-based high fidelity human patient simulation. This report is a follow-up to an article published in 2014 by the author where connections were made to the theoretical basis of presence as articulated by nurse scholars.
Martha E. Rogers
Authors: Phillips John R.
Published: December 2014

Rhythms of Martha Rogers’ life and work are presented showing her evolution as a heretic and a heroine through her heretical thinking. New concepts of unitariology, energyspirit, wellbecoming, integral presence, and soul are presented with their relevance for advancing Rogers’ science of unitary human beings. New dimensions of practice make explicit pandimensional ministering to humankind and living in the universe.
IRB Reformation
Authors: Florczak Kristine L. , Lockie Nancy M.
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this column is to consider if research using only an interview should be evaluated by an institutional review board (IRB) or if it may be considered exempt. A review of atrocities committed by researchers both in the biomedical and psychosocial domains will be considered as a backdrop to the discussion. Issues that plague IRBs will be examined including lack of transparency, overreach of the process, and stipulations that change the nature of research. Finally, recommendations for reform will be entertained.
Cutting force, tool life and surface integrity in milling of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V with coated carbide tools
Authors: Polini Wilma , Turchetta Sandro
Published: December 2014

Titanium alloys are widely used in aeronautics that demands a good combination of high strength, good corrosion resistance and low mass. The mechanical properties lead to challenges in machining operations, such as high process temperature as well as rapidly increasing tool wear. In this work, three carbide end mills have been used in machining of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. The first tool is coated with TiAl; the second and the third are coated with multi-layers or with a single layer of TiAlN. The cutting force and the tool life have been experimentally investigated and put into relationship with the process parameters under dry cutting condition. The quality of the machined surfaces has been evaluated by measuring the roughness of the machined surfaces. Finally, the correlation among cutting force variation, tool wear propagation and surface roughness has been analyzed and discussed. These three tools demonstrate to be able to maintain their hardness and other mechanical properties at the high cutting temperatures that they encountered.
How Does Mindfulness Training Affect Health? A Mindfulness Stress Buffering Account
Authors: Creswell J. David , Lindsay Emily K.
Published: December 2014

Initial well-controlled studies have suggested that mindfulness training interventions can improve a broad range of mental and physical health outcomes (e.g., HIV pathogenesis, depression relapse, inflammation, drug abuse), yet the underlying pathways linking mindfulness and health are poorly understood. In this article, we offer a mindfulness stress buffering account to explain these health outcomes, which posits that mindfulness-based health effects are mostly likely to be observed in high-stress populations for which stress is known to affect the onset or exacerbation of disease pathogenic processes. We then offer an evidence-based biological model of mindfulness, stress buffering, and health.
Health Neuroscience
Authors: Erickson Kirk I. , Creswell J. David , Verstynen Timothy D. , Gianaros Peter J.
Published: December 2014

Health neuroscience is a new field that is at the interface of health psychology and neuroscience. It is concerned with the interplay between the brain and physical health over the life span. A chief goal of health neuroscience is to characterize bidirectional and dynamic brain-behavior and brain-physiology relationships that are determinants, markers, and consequences of physical-health states across the life span. The motivation behind this goal is that a better understanding of these relationships will provide mechanistic insights into how the brain links multilevel genetic, biological, psychological, behavioral, social, and environmental factors with physical health—especially vulnerability to and resilience against clinical illnesses. This review provides a conceptual introduction to health neuroscience, focusing on its major themes, representative studies, methodologies, and future directions.
Safety of Novel Oral Anticoagulants Compared With Uninterrupted Warfarin for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Armbruster Heather L. , Lindsley John P. , Moranville Michael P. , Habibi Mohammadali , Khurram Irfan M. , Spragg David D. , Berger Ronald D. , Calkins Hugh , Marine Joseph E.
Published: December 2014

Background: The novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are used for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF), but their safety and efficacy in the periablation period are not well established. Additionally, no standard procedure for managing periprocedural and intraprocedural anticoagulation has been established. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of hemorrhagic and thrombotic events as well as periprocedural management strategies of NOACs compared with warfarin as anticoagulation therapy for AF ablation. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study from a prospective AF ablation registry maintained at a large, academic medical center. Results: A total of 374 cases (173 warfarin, 123 dabigatran, 61 rivaroxaban, and 17 apixaban) were included in the analysis. The overall hemorrhagic/thrombotic event rate was 14.2 % (major hemorrhage 2.7%, minor hemorrhage 11.2%, thrombotic stroke 0.5%). The frequency of minor hemorrhage was significantly higher with warfarin compared with dabigatran (15% vs 5.7%, P = 0.012). The average heparin dose required to reach the goal activated clotting time (ACT) was 5600 units for warfarin, 12 900 units for dabigatran ( P < 0.001), 15 100 units for rivaroxaban ( P < 0.001), and 14 700 units for apixaban ( P < 0.001). The average time in minutes to reach the goal ACT was significantly longer, compared with warfarin, for dabigatran (57 vs 28, P < 0.001), rivaroxaban (63 vs 28, P < 0.001), and apixaban (72 vs 28, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Compared with warfarin, periprocedural anticoagulation with dabigatran resulted in fewer minor hemorrhages and total adverse events after AF ablation. Patients anticoagulated with NOACs required larger doses of heparin and took longer to reach the goal ACT compared with patients anticoagulated with warfarin.
Carcinosarcoma of the Parotid
Authors: Vélez-Pérez Anneliese , Huang Richard S. P. , Everett Jamie M. , Guo Shan , Buryanek Jamie , Karni Ron J. , Brown Robert E.
Published: December 2014

Carcinosarcoma of the parotid is a rare biphasic malignant neoplasm comprised of both carcinomatous and sarcomatous components representing approximately 0.4% of all malignant salivary gland neoplasms. We report a case of a 55-year-old Caucasian man who presented with a progressively enlarging left facial mass. Histopathological evaluation of the tumoral tissue revealed a high grade, mixed epithelial and mesenchymal malignant tumor, most consistent with a carcinosarcoma of the parotid. Morphoproteomic analysis was performed and revealed expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC); glioma-associated oncogen protein 2 (Gli2); and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription (p-STAT3 [Tyr705]) in the carcinomatous and malignant mesenchymal components. These aforementioned markers have been linked to the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in which epithelial cells lose their characteristics and phenotypically become mesenchymal cells. This finding allows us to further understand the biology of the 2 cellular components of the carcinosarcoma as having a monoclonal origin.
Going Rich, Returning Poor
Authors: Merlino Aldo
Published: December 2014

In this article, I present an autoethnographic reflection on my experience as a traveler in a commercial flight. I describe my mixed feelings as an accidental first-class traveler and as an economy-class traveler. I compare the two situations while reflecting on the reproduction of social differences in a social space such as a plane. In addition, the voices of some characters are brought to the text.
Normolipidic Dietary Fat Modifies Circulating Renin–Angiotensin System–Regulating Aminopeptidase Activities in Rat With Breast Cancer
Authors: Ruíz-Sanjuan María Dolores , Martínez-Martos José Manuel , Carrera-González María Pilar , Mayas María Dolores , García María Jesús , Arrazola Marcela , Ramírez-Expósito María Jesús
Published: December 2014

Hypothesis. Renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has been considered not only as a regulator of systemic volume and electrolyte balance but also has been recently involved in various pathological processes such as cancer. In the etiology of breast cancer, dietary factors have been analyzed and especially the influence of dietary fat has been studied, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed RAS-regulating enzymes in serum of rats with N-methyl nitrosourea (NMU)-induced breast cancer fed with different diets. Study Design. Four groups of rats were injected intraperitoneally with 3 doses of 50 mg/kg body weight of NMU at different days after birth and were fed with an AIN-93 commercial diet or AIN-93 diets with 4% fat constituted respectively by extra virgin olive oil, refined sunflower oil, and refined sunflower oil enriched to 50% with oleic acid. Method. After sacrifice, blood and tumor samples were collected by spectrophotometric determinations of RAS-regulating enzymes in plasma and histopathology studies. Results. We show that the type of dietary fat does not influence latency period, incidence of animals with tumors, incidence of mortality, or tumor yield per rat. However, changes were observed in tumor volume and the histopathology. The type of dietary fat also differently modified the enzymes involved in RAS regulation. Conclusions. It might suggest that one of the mechanisms by which dietary fat affects breast cancer is the modification of the RAS system, which may be consider as a new target for integrative therapies.
Characterisation of friction stir spot welding process based on envelope analysis of vibro-acoustical signals
Authors: Macías E. J. , Roca A. S. , Fals H. C. , Muro J. C. S. , Fernández J. B.
Published: December 2014

The evaluation of the relationship between the vibro-acoustical signals generated by friction stir spot welding (FSSW) process with its parameters and stages such as torque, dwell time, and tool rotation speed, is developed in this work. A dissimilar lap-joint was conducted using pure copper and AA1050 H24 aluminium alloy. The vibro-acoustical signals in Z and Y directions, and torque applied by the tool during the process have been acquired by the instrument NI USB-9234. The characterisation in the time and frequency domains of the vibro-acoustical signals has been performed in order to correlate them with the stages of processing and tool torque. The analysis has confirmed that the vibro-acoustical signals were significantly affected by changes in process forces and can thus be used as a non-destructive method for process monitoring, optimisation tasks, and control of FSSW process.
Numerical Analysis of Foam-Protected RC Members under Blast Loads
Authors: Xia Ye , Wu Chengqing , Zhang Fangrui , Li Zhong-Xian , Bennett Terry
Published: December 2014

Due to the threat of terrorist activities worldwide, research on the protection of building structures from the effects of explosions is critical in order to avoid catastrophic damage to buildings. Protecting our infrastructures means protecting lives. Metallic foam is an economical, light-weight and recyclable material used as a sacrificial cladding to protect structures. Its efficient energy absorption enables metallic foam to mitigate the blast energy acting on the protected structure. This paper describes our numerical investigation of the protective performance of metallic foam cladding on reinforced concrete (RC) structural members using LS-DYNA. In the numerical model, Modified Honeycomb (Material 126) from the LS-DYNA material library was used to represent the aluminium foam while Continuous Surface Cap Model (Material 159) was selected to model the behaviour of concrete. The numerical model was validated by field blast testing results. Using the validated numerical model, parametric studies were conducted to assess the influence of different foam properties on the pressure-impulse (P-I) diagrams of the foam-protected RC slabs. The influence of the thickness of the RC members was also investigated. The derived P-I diagrams will prove useful in the preliminary design of the foam cladding on RC members.
Tall Tales
Authors: Helle Merete
Published: December 2014

‘Tall Tales’ consists of a series of fictional, modular narratives that accompanied artefacts shown at the Danish prehistory exhibition in the Danish National Museum, during the summer of 2012. The exhibition built on Merete Helle’s study of archaeology and on the Museum’s attempts to interpret artefacts by constructing fictional narratives about them. These photographs and texts document how Helle’s humorous narratives question the interpretative language used in museum exhibitions.
The lengthened grade in Germanic hypocoristica
Authors: Lühr Rosemarie
Published: December 2014

In Germanic a group of nouns belonging to the n-stems display a long *ē followed by geminate voiced stops, MHG tāpe ‘paw’ (*dēbban-), OHG tāpe, MHG hā(c)ke ‘hook’ (*hēggan-), OHG chrācco ‘uncinus: barb, fuscina: trident’ (*krēggan-), OHG chrāppo ‘aspidius, uncinus: barb’ (*krēbban-), MHG snācke snōcke ‘midge’ (*snēggan-). While Kluge explained geminate voiceless stops as lengthening before *n, he attributed geminate voiced stops to analogy. But the investigation about whether geminate voiceless stops are allowed following long vowels in Proto-Germanic reveals that Kluge’s opinion is indefensible. As sound symbolism and expressivity are present in the Germanic lexicon, it is assumed that mental phenomena caused these sounds. In this regard the status of the long *ē will be clarified. It is postulated that the long vowels in front of geminate voiced stops have the function of reinforcing expressivity by creating this phonetically odd mixture.
RET Cys634Arg mutation confers a more aggressive multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A phenotype than Cys634Tyr mutation
Authors: Valdés Nuria , Navarro Elena , Mesa Jordi , Casterás Anna , Alcázar Victoria , Lamas Cristina , Tébar Javier , Castaño Luis , Gaztambide Sonia , Forga Lluís
Published: December 2014

Objective

Specific germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene are correlated with clinical features in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A); however, data are scarce regarding differences in clinical profiles dependent on the type of nucleotide and amino acid substitution at the same codon. We aimed to analyse differences in clinical risk profiles and outcomes among different amino acids encoded by codon 634.

Design

The study was retrospective and multicentric.

Methods

We collected data included in the Spanish Online National Database from patients with MEN2A carrying a RET proto-oncogene mutation on codon 634. The mean follow-up time was 7.6±6.9 years (1–32).

Results

Patients (n=173) from 49 unrelated families were C634Y carriers, and 26 patients from eight different families had C634R mutation. We found higher penetrance of medullary thyroid carcinoma, phaeochromocytoma and hyperparathyroidism (P<0.001, P=0.007 and P<0.001 respectively) in C634R carriers than in C634Y carriers. The Kaplan–Meier estimate of cumulative lymph node and distant metastases rates showed that these events occurred earlier in patients harbouring the C634R mutation (P<0.001). A multivariate adjusted Cox regression analysis indicated that the C634R mutation was an independent factor for persistent/recurrent disease (hazard ratio, 3.17; 95% CI: 1.66–6.03; P<0.001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that there could be clinical differences caused by different amino acid substitutions at codon 634; specifically, the C634R mutation was associated with a more aggressive MEN2A phenotype than the C634Y mutation.
Tumour-associated fibroblasts contribute to neoangiogenesis in human parathyroid neoplasia
Authors: Verdelli C , Avagliano L , Creo P , Guarnieri V , Scillitani A , Vicentini L , Steffano G B , Beretta E , Soldati L , Costa E , Spada A , Bulfamante G P , Corbetta S
Published: December 2014

Components of the tumour microenvironment initiate and promote cancer development. In this study, we investigated the stromal component of parathyroid neoplasia. Immunohistochemistry for alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) showed an abundant periacinar distribution of α-SMA+ cells in normal parathyroid glands (n=3). This pattern was progressively lost in parathyroid adenomas (PAds; n=6) where α-SMA+cells were found to surround new microvessels, as observed in foetal parathyroid glands (n=2). Moreover, in atypical adenomas (n=5) and carcinomas (n=4), α-SMA+ cells disappeared from the parenchyma and accumulated in the capsula and fibrous bands. At variance with normal glands, parathyroid tumours (n=37) expressed high levels of fibroblast-activation protein (FAP) transcripts, a marker of tumour-associated fibroblasts. We analysed the ability of PAd-derived cells to activate fibroblasts using human bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). PAd-derived cells induced a significant increase in FAP and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) mRNA levels in co-cultured hBM-MSCs. Furthermore, the role of the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) and of the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway in the PAd-induced activation of hBM-MSCs was investigated. Treatment of co-cultures of hBM-MSCs and PAd-derived cells with the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 reduced the stimulated VEGFA levels, while CASR activation by the R568 agonist was ineffective. PAd-derived cells co-expressing parathyroid hormone (PTH)/CXCR4 and PTH/CXCL12 were identified by FACS, suggesting a paracrine/autocrine signalling. Finally, CXCR4 blockade by AMD3100 reduced PTH gene expression levels in PAd-derived cells. In conclusion, i) PAd-derived cells activated cells of mesenchymal origin; ii) PAd-associated fibroblasts were involved in tumuor neoangiogenesis and iii) CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway was expressed and active in PAd cells, likely contributing to parathyroid tumour neoangiogenesis and PTH synthesis modulation.
SSTR3 is a putative target for the medical treatment of gonadotroph adenomas of the pituitary
Authors: Lee Misu , Lupp Amelie , Mendoza Nigel , Martin Niamh , Beschorner Rudi , Honegger Jürgen , Schlegel Jürgen , Shively Talia , Pulz Elke , Schulz Stefan , Roncaroli Federico , Pellegata Natalia S
Published: December 2014

Gonadotroph pituitary adenomas (GPAs) often present as invasive macroadenomas not amenable to complete surgical resection. Radiotherapy is the only post-operative option for patients with large invasive or recurrent lesions. No medical treatment is available for these patients. The somatostatin analogs (SSAs) octreotide and lanreotide that preferentially target somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2) have little effect on GPAs. It is widely accepted that the expression of specific SSTR subtypes determines the response to SSAs. Given that previous studies on mRNA and protein expression of SSTRs in GPAs have generated conflicting results, we investigated the expression of SSTR2, SSTR3, and SSTR5 (the main targets of available SSAs) in a clinically and pathologically well-characterized cohort of 108 patients with GPAs. A total of 118 samples were examined by immunohistochemistry using validated and specific MABs. Matched primary and recurrent tissues were available for ten patients. The results obtained were validated in an independent cohort of 27 GPAs. We observed that SSTR3 was significantly more abundant than SSTR2 (P<0.0001) in GPAs, while full-length SSTR5 was only expressed in few tumors. Expression of SSTR3 was similar in primary and recurrent adenomas, was high in potentially aggressive lesions, and did not change significantly in adenomas that recurred after irradiation. In conclusion, low levels of expression of SSTR2 may account for the limited response of GPAs to octreotide and lanreotide. Given the potent anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic activities of SSTR3, targeting this receptor with a multireceptor ligand SSA such as pasireotide may be indicated for potentially aggressive GPAs.
What if the revolution never happened?
Authors: Hodge Bob
Published: December 2014

This article reports a thought-experiment in linguistics, and discusses implications for the scope and identity of linguistics today. It questions arguments that linguistics underwent a Kuhnian revolution around Chomsky’s Syntactic Structures of 1957, and that his analysis of the sentence ‘colorless green ideas’ definitively created a split between grammar and semantics in linguistics. The thought-experiment asks: ‘What if Whorf and Halliday’s work already published by 1956 were taken as paradigm-forming works that created identities in linguistics?’ It argues that these works could have laid foundations for a more productive, inclusive linguistics, better able to analyse and negotiate identities.
Instrumento para avaliação da capacidade de autocuidado de pacientes adultos: CADEM
Authors: Dias Denise Costa
Published: December 2014

Este estudo trata do desenvolvimento de um instrumento para facilitar a determinação da capacidade de autocuidado de pacientes adultos, tendo como finalidade a promoção de linguagem clara e objetiva. O instrumento desenvolvido, chamado CADEM, estabelece níveis para determinar a categorização dos pacientes segundo a necessidade de cuidados de enfermagem. Considerou-se que o CADEM é um instrumento válido e que pode auxiliar no planejamento da assistência de enfermagem, e também documentar a evolução do paciente através de sua aplicação sistemática e continuada, servindo de subsídio para embasar mudanças necessárias no plano de cuidados dos pacientes.
Educação em saúde enfocando higiene, sexualidade e drogadição junto aos meninos de rua na faixa etária de 11 a 14 anos
Authors: Brum Zaleia de Prado , Pereira Maria Arlety
Published: December 2014

O presente estudo consiste no relato de um trabalho de educação em saúde um modelo assistencial da prática docente realizado com os adolescentes da escola aberta de Cruz Alta - RS na Universidade de Cruz Alta usando a pedagogia progressista em um grupo de meninas e meninos de rua enfocando sexualidade; higiene e drogadição na faixa etária de 11 a 14 anos.