bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethanol attenuates vasorelaxation via inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase in rat artery exposed to interleukin-1β
Authors: Yuui K , Kudo R , Kasuda S , Hatake K
Published: October 2015

Nitric oxide produced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) regulates sepsis-induced hypotension. During septic shock, interleukin (IL)-1β is synthesized in endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells by endotoxin. Ethanol (EtOH) suppresses endotoxin-induced hypotension. The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of EtOH on gradual relaxation and iNOS expression induced by IL-1β in isolated rat superior mesenteric arteries (SMAs). Exposure to IL-1β–induced contraction in SMA rings, followed by a gradual relaxation of phenylephrine precontracted tone. Contraction was abolished by indomethacin (IM), cycloheximide (Chx), and endothelium denudation. In contrast, the gradual relaxation was abolished by NOS inhibitors, Chx, endothelium denudation, and inhibited by EtOH (50 and 100 mM). However, IM had no effect on relaxation. Western blot analysis demonstrated that iNOS expression was induced by IL-1β and was inhibited by EtOH and endothelium denudation. Furthermore, messenger RNA expression of iNOS, but not endothelial NOS, was inhibited by EtOH. These data suggest that IL-1β–induced contraction is mediated by thromboxane A2, whereas IL-1β–induced relaxation occurs via NO derived from iNOS. The endothelium plays an important role in vasorelaxation. Taken together, EtOH inhibits IL-1β–mediated vasorelaxation by suppressing endothelium iNOS expression. This study provides the first evidence of EtOH -induced inhibition of IL-1β–mediated vasorelaxation.
Effects of silver nanoparticles on human dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Galandáková A , Franková J , Ambrožová N , Habartová K , Pivodová V , Zálešák B , Šafářová K , Smékalová M , Ulrichová J
Published: October 2015

Biomedical application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been rapidly increasing. Owing to their strong antimicrobial activity, AgNPs are used in dermatology in the treatment of wounds and burns. However, recent evidence for their cytotoxicity gives rise to safety concerns. This study was undertaken as a part of an ongoing programme in our laboratory to develop a topical agent for wound healing. Here, we investigated the potential toxicity of AgNPs using normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) with the aim of comparing the effects of AgNPs and ionic silver (Ag-I). Besides the effect of AgNPs and Ag-I on cell viability, the inflammatory response and DNA damage in AgNPs and Ag-I–treated cells were examined. The results showed that Ag-I were significantly more toxic than AgNPs both on NHDF and NHEK. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of AgNPs and Ag-I did not induce DNA strand breaks and did not affect inflammatory markers, except for a transient increase in interleukin 6 levels in Ag-I–treated NHDF. The results showed that AgNPs are more suitable for the intended application as a topical agent for wound healing up to the concentration 25 µg/mL.
Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of vigabatrin, a γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase inhibitor, in Wistar rats submitted to rotarod task
Authors: Coelho VR , Sousa K , Pires TR , Papke DKM , Vieira CG , de Souza LP , Leal MB , Schunck RVA , Picada JN , Pereira P
Published: October 2015

Vigabatrin (VGB) is an antiepileptic drug thatincreases brain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels through irreversible inhibition of GABA transaminase. The aim of this study was to evaluate neurotoxicological effects of VGB measuring motor activity and genotoxic and mutagenic effects after a single and repeated administration. Male Wistar rats received saline, VGB 50, 100, or 250 mg/kg by gavage for acute and subchronic (14 days) treatments and evaluated in the rotarod task. Genotoxicity was evaluated using the alkaline version of the comet assay in samples of blood, liver, hippocampus, and brain cortex after both treatments. Mutagenicity was evaluated using the micronucleus test in bone marrow of the same animals that received subchronic treatment. The groups treated with VGB showed similar performance in rotarod compared with the saline group. Regarding the acute treatment, it was observed that only higher VGB doses induced DNA damage in blood and hippocampus. After the subchronic treatment, VGB did not show genotoxic or mutagenic effects. In brief, VGB did not impair motor activities in rats after acute and subchronic treatments. It showed a repairable genotoxic potential in the central nervous system since genotoxicity was observed in the acute treatment group.
Familiarity of Western melodies: An exploratory approach to influences of national culture, genre and musical expertise
Authors: Büdenbender Niklas , Kreutz Gunter
Published: October 2015

It is unknown to what extent listeners in different Western countries share long-term representations of melodies as well as their genre associations, and whether such knowledge is modulated through music training. A group of German listeners ( N = 40) rated their familiarity with 144 melody excerpts from different genres implicitly (melody structure) and explicitly (melody title). Melodies were identical to those used in a previous Franco-Canadian study (Peretz, Babaï, Lussier, Hébert, & Gagnon, 1995). In addition, melodies were attributed by the participants to predefined genre categories, and similarities between pairs of melodies were computed, using an algorithm by Müllensiefen and Frieler (2006). Results revealed patterns of (un)familiarity, which, in part, deviated from the previous study. Melodies from classical, ceremonial, and – to a lesser extent – children’s songs categories were rated as most familiar, whereas traditional and more recent francophone tunes from mixed categories were judged as unfamiliar. Music training had no significant influence on implicit memory for melodies but rather on explicit knowledge of their titles. Computational analyses suggest that highly familiar and highly unfamiliar tunes share structural features with melodies belonging to the same category, whereas dissimilarities were detected between certain clusters of genre categories. Taken together, these results suggest that long-term representation of melodies is influenced by a listener’s (Western) national background. Representations are differently affected by specific genres but only partially influenced by music training and by structural properties.
Research leadership: should clinical directors be distinguished researchers?
Authors: Allison Stephen , Goodall Amanda H , Bastiampillai Tarun
Published: October 2015

Objectives:

Clinical directors established research-led healthcare by combining research, teaching and clinical excellence within the teaching hospitals. This research culture created high clinical standards, which benefited patients, the workforce and healthcare organisations. The current paper explores this research leadership role for clinical directors. It reviews studies arising from the theory of expert leadership, which focuses on the relationship between a leader’s core knowledge and organisational performance. More specifically, we examine the expert leader’s research track record, the associations with their organisation’s performance, and the influence of research activity on clinical excellence.

Conclusion:

Distinguished researchers still lead the most prestigious teaching hospitals and the most trusted departments of psychiatry in the United States where the clinical directorate structure originated. It is also known that good scholars can improve research output when appointed to leadership positions. This suggests that the clinical director’s research track record should be a consideration at a time when research is being embedded in Australia’s local health networks. A clinical director’s leadership may influence the research performance of their department and contribute to the quality of mental healthcare.
Rel8: demonstrating the feasibility of delivering an 8-week social skills program in a public mental health setting
Authors: Wauchope Bronwyn , Terlich Alissa , Lee Stuart
Published: October 2015

Objective:

As community mental health services integrate recovery-oriented practices, treatments that focus on skills development and social integration are desirable. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of implementing “Rel8”, an 8-week social skills training group adapted to suit a public community mental health setting.

Method:

A retrospective audit was conducted of quantitative and qualitative data from four groups run between 2011 and 2013. Pre- and post-group measures were collected, assessing self-rated friendships and confidence with social skills and clinician-rated social skill performance. Qualitative feedback about group participation was also collected through use of a developed questionnaire.

Results:

Analysis revealed significant improvements in participants’ confidence with their social skills following group participation, with a trend also found for improved social skill performance.

Conclusions:

“Rel8”, an adapted 8-week social skills training group, is a feasible program in the context of community mental health services. The program added to the recovery-centred practice of the community mental health service while also adding to the diversity of clinician skills for psychosocial-oriented practice.
Development of an incipient Stevens–Johnson reaction while on a stable dose of lamotrigine
Authors: Parker Gordon
Published: October 2015

Objective:

To describe a case of a possible incipient Stevens–Johnson reaction while a patient had been on a stable dose of lamotrigine for several months and to consider the likely cause.

Methods:

The history is recounted.

Results:

One likely cause implicates differing effective doses of lamotrigine across differing brands and raises quality control issues.

Conclusion:

The patient’s severe reaction may reflect changing to a brand of lamotrigine that precipitously generated a higher serum level of lamotrigine.
The pivotal role of primary care in meeting the health needs of people recently released from prison
Authors: Kinner Stuart A , Young Jesse T , Carroll Megan
Published: October 2015

Objective:

Australia’s prison population is growing at a rate well in excess of population growth. Indigenous Australians are over-represented by a factor of 13. Prisoners are a profoundly marginalised group characterised by complex health and social needs. Despite improvements in health during incarceration, poor health outcomes after release are common, and the net effect of incarceration is usually health depleting. Given the need for effective care coordination, primary care plays a pivotal role in meeting the health needs of this population. In this paper we review what is known about patterns of primary care utilisation in ex-prisoners, identify evidence-based strategies for increasing access to primary care in ex-prisoners, and consider how such contact may shape subsequent health service outcomes.

Conclusions:

Primary care is a necessary but not sufficient condition for effective post-release support. Positive outcomes may depend more on the quality than the quantity of care received. Given massive over-representation of Indigenous people in Australia’s prisons, and compelling evidence of preventable morbidity and mortality after release from prison, effective models of care for this population are an important component of closing the gap in Indigenous life expectancy.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor–Associated Pancreatic Carcinoma
Authors: Nagel Angela K. , Ahmed-Sarwar Nabila , Werner Paul M. , Cipriano Gabriela C. , Van Manen Robbert P. , Brown Jack E.
Published: October 2015

Background: To date, there is limited literature regarding the association between dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and pancreatic carcinoma. Objective: To describe the comparative incidence of DPP-4 inhibitors and pancreatic carcinoma as reportedly available in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. The goal was to provide health care practitioners a general understanding of the drug-disease occurrence. Methods: This is a case/noncase study utilizing Empirica Signal software to query FAERS from November 1968 to December 31, 2013. The software was used to calculate a disproportionality statistic—namely, the empirical Bayesian geometric mean (EBGM)—for reports of DPP-4 inhibitors–associated pancreatic carcinoma. The FDA considers an EBGM significant if the fifth percentile of the distribution is at least 2, defined as an EB05 ≥ 2. With use of a disproportionality analysis, DPP-4 inhibitors were compared with all agents listed in FAERS. Results: A total of 156 patients experienced pancreatic carcinoma while receiving DPP-4 inhibitor therapy. An EB05 of 10.3 was determined for sitagliptin, 7.1 for saxagliptin, 4.9 for linagliptin, and 1.4 for alogliptin, compared with all other agents included in FAERS. Although an EB05 > 2 was achieved in 2 other antihyperglycemic agents, the findings were not consistent within their medication classes. Conclusion: There appears to be a statistical association between DPP-4 inhibitor use and pancreatic carcinoma. Causality cannot be inferred from the data provided. Additional clinical studies are needed to further explore this statistical association.
Comparative Effects of Diet-Induced Lipid Lowering Versus Lipid Lowering Along With Apo A-I Milano Gene Therapy on Regression of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Wang Lai , Tian Fang , Arias Ana , Yang Mingjie , Sharifi Behrooz G. , Shah Prediman K.
Published: October 2015

Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A-I) Milano, a naturally occurring Arg173 to Cys mutant of Apo A-1, has been shown to reduce atherosclerosis in animal models and in a small phase 2 human trial. We have shown the superior atheroprotective effects of Apo A-I Milano (Apo A-IM) gene compared to wild-type Apo A-I gene using transplantation of retrovirally transduced bone marrow in Apo A-I/Apo E null mice. In this study, we compared the effect of dietary lipid lowering versus lipid lowering plus Apo A-IM gene transfer using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) 8 as vectors on atherosclerosis regression in Apo A-I/Apo E null mice. All mice were fed a high-cholesterol diet from age of 6 weeks until week 20, and at 20 weeks, 10 mice were euthanized to determine the extent of atherosclerosis. After 20 weeks, an additional 20 mice were placed on either a low-cholesterol diet plus empty rAAV (n = 10) to serve as controls or low-cholesterol diet plus 1 single intravenous injection of 1.2 × 1012 vector genomes of adeno-associated virus (AAV) 8 vectors expressing Apo A-IM (n = 10). At the 40 week time point, intravenous AAV8 Apo A-IM recipients showed a significant regression of atherosclerosis in the whole aorta ( P < .01), aortic sinuses ( P < .05), and brachiocephalic arteries ( P < .05) compared to 20-week-old mice, whereas low-cholesterol diet plus empty vector control group showed no significant regression in lesion size. Immunostaining showed that compared to the 20-week-old mice, there was a significantly reduced macrophage content in the brachiocephalic ( P < .05) and aortic sinus plaques ( P < .05) of AAV8 Apo A-IM recipients. These data show that although dietary-mediated cholesterol lowering halts progression of atherosclerosis, it does not induce regression, whereas combination of low-cholesterol diet and AAV8 mediated Apo A-I Milano gene therapy induces rapid and significant regression of atherosclerosis in mice. These data provide support for the potential feasibility of this approach for atherosclerosis regression.
3-D elastic coupling vibration and acoustical radiation characteristics of cracked gear under elastic support condition
Authors: Renping Shao , Jia Purong , Qi Xiankun
Published: October 2015

According to the actual working condition of the gear, the supporting gear shaft is treated as an elastic support. Its impact on the gear body vibration is considered and investigated and the dynamic response of elastic teeth and gear body is analyzed. On this basis, the gear body is considered as a three-dimensional elastic disc and the gear teeth are treated as an elastic cantilever beam. Under the conditions of the elastic boundary (support shaft), combining to the elastic disk and elastic teeth, the influence of three-dimensional elastic discs on the meshing tooth response under an elastic boundary condition is also included. A dynamic model of the gear support system and calculated model of the gear tooth response are then established. The inherent characteristics of the gear support system and dynamics response of the meshing tooth are presented and simulated. It was shown by the results that it is correct to use the elastic support condition to analyze the gear support system. Based on the above three-dimensional elastic dynamics analysis, this paper set up a dynamics coupling model of a cracked gear structure support system that considered the influence of a three-dimensional elastic disc on a cracked meshing tooth under elastic conditions. It discusses the dynamic characteristic of the cracked gear structure system and coupling dynamic response of the meshing tooth, offering a three-dimensional elastic body model of the tooth root crack and pitch circle crack with different sizes, conducting the three-dimensional elastic dynamic analysis to the faulty crack. ANSYS was employed to carry out dynamic responses, as well as to simulate the acoustic field radiation orientation of a three-dimensional elastic crack body at the tooth root crack and pitch circle with different sizes.
Broadcasting Regulation and the Public Interest
Authors: Ginosar Avshalom , Krispil Or
Published: October 2015

This study addresses the potential connection between media regulation and public interests. While investigating two Israeli media regulatory authorities, the study’s findings indicate that there is a difference between an Independent Regulatory Agency (IRA) and a governmental agency regarding the place of public interests and that both institutional and substantive consideration affect the extent to which public interests are the core of media regulatory policy. The study’s design and findings enhance the trend of bringing back the public interest theory to the center of media regulatory agenda on the expense of the competitive theory, the private interest theory.
Governments’ Uses and Misuses of Freedom of Information Laws in Emerging European Democracies
Authors: Camaj Lindita
Published: October 2015

This study tests the normative assumptions on the empowerment effects of freedom of information (FOI) legislation on the press–government relationship in the context of new democracies. In-depth interviews with journalists in Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro imply that FOI laws can facilitate access to some previously unavailable official information. But, contrary to expectations, FOI laws are proving counterproductive for journalists who report stories beyond the official storyline, as government relies on this tool to control information access and the news agenda. The implication of these results for media freedom, agenda-building theory, and future transparency initiatives is discussed.
Who’s careful: Regime type and target selection
Authors: Bak Daehee , Kenwick Michael R. , Palmer Glenn
Published: October 2015

Democratic leaders are commonly thought to be more likely than autocrats to select into conflicts where the ex ante probability of victory is high. We construct a novel empirical test of this notion by comparing democracies to various types of autocracies and determining which states are most likely to initiate disputes against relatively strong or weak opponents. Contrary to common belief, we find that democracies are not more selective than most forms of autocracy. Only military regimes demonstrate unique patterns of target selection, with these states being particularly likely to initiate disputes against relatively strong opponents. Our findings suggest a need to further scrutinize the conventional wisdom on democratic target selection and to disaggregate autocratic regimes into more refined categories when doing so.
“Every selfie tells a story …”: LGBTQ youth lifestreams and new media narratives as connective identity texts
Authors: Wargo Jon M
Published: October 2015

Drawing from a subset of data from a multi-year connective ethnographic study with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth, this article explores the scriptural counter-economy of composing new media narratives across online/offline contexts. Combining theoretical constructs from “multi-” literacy studies alongside visual and textual analysis, this article describes the influences of Web 2.0 technologies and photo-based composing tools on contemporary configurations of LGBTQ youth identity making. Giving visuality a place of primacy, this article focuses on two larger thematic findings: snapping selfies as sedimentary identity texts and curating lifestreams as operationalizing community. Focusing on how youth use these material, embodied, and visual texts to reinforce, challenge, combat, and/or resist identities of difference, this article considers how the so-called visual vernaculars and material texts of youth lifestreaming offer alternative conceptions to contemporary new media writing and storying of the self.
The impact of informalisation: Early agreements and voting cohesion in the European Parliament
Authors: Bressanelli Edoardo , Koop Christel , Reh Christine
Published: October 2015

European Union legislative decision-making is increasingly shifted into informal secluded arenas. Scholars have explained this trend and analysed its consequences for bargaining success and democratic legitimacy. Yet, we know little about how informalisation affects legislative behaviour in the European Parliament. This article contributes to closing the gap, by theorising and analysing the impact of ‘early agreements’ on cohesion. Given the reputational, political and transaction costs of failing an early agreement in plenary, we expect political groups to invest heavily in discipline and consensus, and legislators to comply in votes. Using a new dataset, combining Hix et al.’s (2007) roll-call data with original codecision data (1999–2011), we show that informalisation increases cohesion but only for centrist parties. Rapporteurships and votes on ‘costly’ legislative resolutions also matter, but do not mediate the effect of early agreement.
Lesson study model: The challenge of transforming a global idea into local practice
Authors: Grimsæth Gerd , Hallås Bjørg Oddrun
Published: October 2015

The lesson study (LS) model, which originated in Japan, has become popular all over the world. This article will highlight some of the challenges encountered when the LS model was picked up and introduced in a local school context in a Norwegian municipality. The article views this process in the light of research on LS-model transfer into local contexts in various countries, and considers the impact modes of collaboration have on the implementation of a borrowed idea. The aim has been to reflect upon the challenges encountered in transforming a global idea into local practice. A four-stage composite-process model has provided the framework for this personal reflection: stage 1: cross-national attraction; stage 2: decision-making; stage 3: implementation; and stage 4: internalisation. The article argues that the LS model may undergo a transformation from an idea that is global, into a practice that is glocal.
Magnitude, treatment, and impact of diabetes mellitus in patients hospitalized with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction: A community-based study
Authors: Awad Hamza H , Tisminetzky Mayra , Metry Diana , McManus David , Yarzebski Jorge , Gore Joel M , Goldberg Robert J
Published: October 2015

Purpose of the study:

To examine differences in the characteristics, treatment practices and in-hospital outcomes of patients with and without previously diagnosed diabetes hospitalized for non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Key methods:

The study cohort consisted of 3916 patients diagnosed with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction at all 11 central MA medical centres between 1999 and 2009, of whom 1475 (38%) had been previously diagnosed with diabetes.

Main results:

Diabetic patients were more likely to have received treatment with effective cardiac medications, and to have undergone coronary bypass surgery, but were less likely to have received a percutaneous coronary intervention, than non-diabetic patients. Patients with a history of diabetes were more likely to have developed cardiogenic shock, heart failure and died during their index hospitalization than non-diabetic patients.

Main conclusion:

Diabetic patients presenting with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction remain at high risk of developing significant clinical complications during hospitalization.
Prevalence of macro- and microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease with or without albuminuria in a single Chinese Diabetes Centre
Authors: Wu Dingting , Xuan Yanyan , Ruan Yu , Feng Xiaocheng , Zhu Yinchao , Jia Chengfang , Liu Jun , Li Hong , Li Lianxi , Dong Xuehong
Published: October 2015

Objective:

To investigate the relationship between diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy and low ankle-brachial index in mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease of type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods:

We enrolled 875 type 2 diabetic patients who were divided into two phenotypes (with or without albuminuria) and stratified into three groups (stage 1 with estimated glomerular filtration rate ⩾ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2, stage 2 with estimated glomerular filtration rate of 60–89, stage 3 with estimated glomerular filtration rate of 30–59). The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy and low ankle-brachial index was compared and the risk factors of renal impairment were determined.

Results:

Among chronic kidney disease stages, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy increased from 42.5%, 56.6% to 66.7% in albuminuric subjects and from 29.4%, 33.0% to 50.0% with no significant trend in normoalbuminuric subjects ( p = 0.005, 0.007 and 0.399 compared with albuminuric subjects in each stage). There was a significantly increased prevalence of low ankle-brachial index (17.5%, 22.6% and 44.4%) in normoalbuminuric subjects but no significant trend in albuminuric subjects. Diabetic retinopathy (odds ratio = 2.474, 95% confidence interval = 1.009–6.068) was an independent risk factor of declining kidney function in albuminuric patients.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was graded according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate declining in albuminuric patients while the prevalence of low ankle-brachial index was gradually increased in normoalbuminuric patients, indicating the diverse underlying mechanisms of mild to moderate chronic kidney disease between these two phenotypes.
State Fall Prevention Coalitions as Systems Change Agents
Authors: Schneider Ellen C. , Smith Matthew Lee , Ory Marcia G. , Altpeter Mary , Beattie (Bonita) Lynn , Scheirer Mary Ann , Shubert Tiffany E.
Published: October 2015

Background. Falls among older adults are an escalating public health issue, which requires a multidisciplinary and multilevel approach to affect systems change to effectively address this problem. The National Council on Aging established the Falls Free® Initiative, enfolding and facilitating statewide Fall Prevention Coalitions. Fall Free® activities included developing the State Policy Toolkit for Advancing Falls Prevention to promote sustainable change by supporting the dissemination and adoption of evidence-based strategies. Purpose. To (1) determine if the policies being implemented were recommended and supported by the Toolkit, (2) identify the perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing policies, and (3) identify Coalitions’ current and future fall prevention policy activities. Methods. A 63-item online survey was distributed to State Coalition Leads. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and counts) were used to describe Coalition characteristics and activities. Results. Coalitions had several similarities, and varied greatly in their number of member organizations and members as well as meeting frequencies. Key activities included building partnerships, disseminating programs, and pursuing at least one of the eight National Council on Aging-recommended policy goals. The most commonly reported facilitator was active support from the Coalition Leads, whereas the lack of funding was the most cited barrier. Conclusion. This study serves as the first national census of empirical evidence regarding Falls Coalitions’ composition, goals, and activities. Results indicate that Coalitions are actively pursuing evidence-based policies but could benefit from additional technical assistance and resources. Findings support the value of Toolkit recommendations by documenting what is feasible and being implemented. Knowledge about facilitators and barriers will inform future efforts to foster sustainable systems change in states with active Coalitions and encourage Coalitions in other states.
Subcortical Volume Loss in the Thalamus, Putamen, and Pallidum, Induced by Traumatic Brain Injury, Is Associated With Motor Performance Deficits
Authors: Gooijers Jolien , Chalavi Sima , Beeckmans Kurt , Michiels Karla , Lafosse Christophe , Sunaert Stefan , Swinnen Stephan P.
Published: October 2015

Background. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been associated with altered microstructural organization of white matter (WM) and reduced gray matter (GM). Although disrupted WM organization has been linked to poorer motor performance, the predictive value of GM atrophy for motor impairments in TBI remains unclear. Objective. Here, we investigated TBI-induced GM volumetric abnormalities and uniquely examined their relationship with bimanual motor impairments. Methods. 22 moderate to severe TBI patients (mean age = 25.9 years, standard deviation [SD] = 4.9 years; time since injury = 4.7 years, SD = 3.7 years) and 27 age- and gender-matched controls (mean age = 23.4 years; SD = 3.8 years) completed bimanual tasks and a structural magnetic resonance imaging scan. Cortical and subcortical GM volumes were extracted and compared between groups using FreeSurfer. The association between bimanual performance and GM volumetric measures was investigated using partial correlations. Results. Relative to controls, patients performed significantly poorer on the bimanual tasks and demonstrated significantly smaller total GM as well as overall and regional subcortical GM. However, the groups did not show significant differences in regional cortical GM volume. The majority of the results remained significant even after excluding TBI patients with focal lesions, suggesting that TBI-induced volume reductions were predominantly caused by diffuse injury. Importantly, atrophy of the thalamus, putamen, and pallidum correlated significantly with poorer bimanual performance within the TBI group. Conclusions. Our results reveal that GM atrophy is associated with motor impairments in TBI, providing new insights into the etiology of motor control impairments following brain trauma.
Delayed aneurysm rupture due to residual blood flow at the inflow zone of the intracranial paraclinoid internal carotid aneurysm treated with the Pipeline embolization device: Histopathological investigation
Authors: Ikeda Hiroyuki , Ishii Akira , Kikuchi Takayuki , Ando Mitsushige , Chihara Hideo , Arai Daisuke , Hattori Etsuko , Miyamoto Susumu
Published: October 2015

Cerebral aneurysm rupture is a serious complication that can occur after flow diverter (FD) placement, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We encountered a case in which direct stress on the aneurysm wall caused by residual blood flow at the inflow zone near the neck during the process of thrombosis after FD placement appeared associated with aneurysm rupture. The patient was a 67-year-old woman with progressive optic nerve compression symptoms caused by a large intracranial paraclinoid internal carotid aneurysm. The patient had undergone treatment with a Pipeline embolization device (PED) with satisfactory adherence between the PED and vessel wall. Surgery was completed without complications, and optic nerve compression symptoms improved immediately after treatment. Postoperative clinical course was satisfactory, but the patient suddenly died 34 days postoperatively. Autopsy confirmed the presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by rupture of the internal carotid aneurysm that had been treated with PED. Although the majority of the aneurysm lumen including the outflow zone was thrombosed, a non-thrombosed area was observed at the inflow zone. Perforation was evident in the aneurysm wall at the inflow zone near the neck, and this particular area of aneurysm wall was not covered in thrombus. Macrophage infiltration was not seen on immunohistochemical studies of the aneurysm wall near the perforation. A hemodynamically unstable period during the process of complete thrombosis of the aneurysm lumen after FD placement may be suggested, and blood pressure management and appropriate management with antiplatelet therapy may be important.
Delayed vertebral body collapse after stereotactic radiosurgery and radiofrequency ablation: Case report with histopathologic-MRI correlation
Authors: Wallace Adam N , Vyhmeister Ross , Hsi Andy C , Robinson Clifford G , Chang Randy O , Jennings Jack W
Published: October 2015

Stereotactic radiosurgery and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation are emerging therapies for pain palliation and local control of spinal metastases. However, the post-treatment imaging findings are not well characterized and the risk of long-term complications is unknown. We present the case of a 46-year-old woman with delayed vertebral body collapse after stereotactic radiosurgery and radiofrequency ablation of a painful lumbar metastasis. Histopathologic-MRI correlation confirmed osteonecrosis as the underlying etiology and demonstrated that treatment-induced vascular fibrosis and tumor progression can have identical imaging appearances.
Mortars and memes: Participating in pop culture from a war zone
Authors: Silvestri Lisa
Published: October 2015

Post 9/11 wars have been mediated more than any other conflict in history. Just as television defined Vietnam and the first Gulf war, the internet is defining what we know, see, and remember about Iraq and Afghanistan. A handful of communication scholars have begun to pay attention to the way personnel represent themselves online, arguing that warrior-produced videos offer an alternative to the military–media control over information. This article takes up internet meme videos as mediated forms of cultural participation, arguing that the compulsion for US troops to create meme videos is fueled in part by the technology and in part by the popular culture they still interact with.
Jurors’ Emotions and Judgments of Legal Responsibility and Blame: What Does the Experimental Research Tell Us?
Authors: Feigenson Neal
Published: October 2015

Jurors’ emotions, both integral and incidental, can affect their attributions of legal responsibility and blame in several, sometimes complexly interrelated ways. The article reviews the experimental research, outlining the multiple paths of emotional influence, and explains why identifying them is worthwhile. It then discusses why the modest to moderate effect sizes found in the research may understate emotions’ actual influence in some cases yet overstate it in others, and discounts moral intuitionism as a reason for believing that emotional influences in real cases are stronger than the experimental data indicates. The article concludes with recommendations for further research.
A Sociological Perspective on Emotions in the Judiciary
Authors: Bergman Blix Stina , Wettergren Åsa
Published: October 2015

Introducing a sociological perspective on judicial emotions, we argue that previous studies underemphasize structural and interactional dimensions. Through key concepts in the sociology of emotions we relate professional court actors’ emotion management to the emotional regime of the judiciary. Examples from the Swedish judiciary illustrate three main arguments: (a) The idea of rational justice as nonemotional must be investigated as a joint accomplishment including collective emotion management; (b) Judicial objectivity requires situated emotion management and empathy, orientated by emotions of pride/shame; (c) The structural dimensions of power/status mitigate feeling and display rules. The situated power of the judge is upheld by ritual deference from other court professionals. Concluding, we suggest topics to develop structural and interactional perspectives on judicial emotion.
Appraisals and Reappraisals in the Courtroom
Authors: Ellsworth Phoebe C. , Dougherty Adrienne
Published: October 2015

This article provides a brief introduction to psychological emotion theories, particularly appraisal theory. According to appraisal theory emotions are combinations of a person’s appraisal of the novelty, valence, certainty, goal conduciveness, causal agency, controllability, and morality of a situation. These dimensions correspond to elements of the stories attorneys attempt to create in arguing a case. Appraisal theory puts specific content into the vague concept of reappraisal, accounting for emotional changes that go beyond the changes in valence and intensity generally studied by law and emotions scholars.
A Field Evolves: Introduction to the Special Section on Law and Emotion
Authors: Maroney Terry A.
Published: October 2015

Law and emotion has evolved into a vibrant and diverse field, drawing in legal scholars and interdisciplinary partners from across the social sciences, hard sciences, and humanities. This introduction to the special section on law and emotion traces the history and theoretical underpinnings of this movement and situates the special section within it. The insights of emotion research can help legal scholars and practitioners to better calibrate law to human realities and to foster a desired set of emotional experiences among law’s subjects. Law, in turn, offers to researchers a forum within which to explore emotion in a dynamic and influential real-world setting. The introduction ends with a call to disciplined interdisciplinarity.
Practice patterns in NAFLD and NASH: real life differs from published guidelines
Authors: Rinella Mary E. , Lominadze Zurabi , Loomba Rohit , Charlton Michael , Neuschwander-Tetri Brent A. , Caldwell Stephen H. , Kowdley Kris , Harrison Stephen A.
Published: October 2015

Background:

Management guidelines from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases/American College of Gastroenterology/American Gastroenterology Association published in 2012 for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) recommend weight loss, vitamin E and pioglitazone as effective therapies for the treatment of biopsy-confirmed NASH. However, little is known about how physicians in the US diagnose NASH or whether published guidelines are being followed.

Methods:

We assessed current diagnostic and treatment patterns of the management of NAFLD and NASH among academic gastroenterologists and hepatologists in the US using a standardized survey developed to collect information regarding respondents’ practice environments, diagnostic techniques, and medication usage in patients with NAFLD/NASH.

Results:

We invited 482 gastroenterologists and hepatologists, predominantly from academic centers, of whom 163 completed the survey. Only 24% of providers routinely perform liver biopsy, predominantly among patients with elevated serum aminotransferases. Vitamin E is prescribed regularly by 70% while only 14% routinely prescribe pioglitazone. Despite recommendations to the contrary, ~25% prescribe pioglitazone or vitamin E without biopsy confirmation of NASH. Metformin is used as frequently as pioglitazone despite its proven lack of efficacy in NASH. Overall, 40–73% adhere to published guidelines, depending on the specific question. There was no significant difference seen in adherence to guidelines between gastroenterologists and hepatologists.

Conclusion:

This survey suggests that clinical practice patterns among gastroenterologists and hepatologists for the management of NASH frequently diverge from published practice guidelines. Although liver biopsy remains the gold standard to diagnose NASH, less than 25% of respondents routinely require it to make the diagnosis of NASH. We conclude that NASH is underdiagnosed in gastroenterology and hepatology practices, highlighting the need to refine noninvasive diagnostic tools.
Redundancy in Glucose Sensing
Authors: Sharifi Amin , Varsavsky Andrea , Ulloa Johanna , Horsburgh Jodie C. , McAuley Sybil A. , Krishnamurthy Balasubramanian , Jenkins Alicia J. , Colman Peter G. , Ward Glenn M. , MacIsaac Richard J. , Shah Rajiv , O’Neal David N.
Published: October 2015

Background:

Current electrochemical glucose sensors use a single electrode. Multiple electrodes (redundancy) may enhance sensor performance. We evaluated an electrochemical redundant sensor (ERS) incorporating two working electrodes (WE1 and WE2) onto a single subcutaneous insertion platform with a processing algorithm providing a single real-time continuous glucose measure.

Methods:

Twenty-three adults with type 1 diabetes each wore two ERSs concurrently for 168 hours. Post-insertion a frequent sampling test (FST) was performed with ERS benchmarked against a glucose meter (Bayer Contour Link). Day 4 and 7 FSTs were performed with a standard meal and venous blood collected for reference glucose measurements (YSI and meter). Between visits, ERS was worn with capillary blood glucose testing ≥8 times/day. Sensor glucose data were processed prospectively.

Results:

Mean absolute relative deviation (MARD) for ERS day 1-7 (3,297 paired points with glucose meter) was (mean [SD]) 10.1 [11.5]% versus 11.4 [11.9]% for WE1 and 12.0 [11.9]% for WE2; P < .0001. ERS Clarke A and A+B were 90.2% and 99.8%, respectively. ERS day 4 plus day 7 MARD (1,237 pairs with YSI) was 9.4 [9.5]% versus 9.6 [9.7]% for WE1 and 9.9 [9.7]% for WE2; P = ns. ERS day 1-7 precision absolute relative deviation (PARD) was 9.9 [3.6]% versus 11.5 [6.2]% for WE1 and 10.1 [4.4]% for WE2; P = ns. ERS sensor display time was 97.8 [6.0]% versus 91.0 [22.3]% for WE1 and 94.1 [14.3]% for WE2; P < .05.

Conclusions:

Electrochemical redundancy enhances glucose sensor accuracy and display time compared with each individual sensing element alone. ERS performance compares favorably with ‘best-in-class’ of non-redundant sensors.
Clinical laboratory diagnostics of immunosuppressants: One laboratory’s journey
Authors: Ng Wai Yoong , Yeo Chin Pin
Published: October 2015

Laboratory support for the organ transplant patient is the provision of the best testing technology for a specific and accurate determination of immunosuppressive drug level. This translates to better management with the therapeutic cocktail of immunosuppressive drugs used with a lesser incidence of organ rejection and side effects. Over the years, development of automated immunoassay/chemistry test platforms with standardization of test protocols has demonstrated great improvements. The present clinical laboratory services with tandem mass spectrometry in our hospital present more precise and specific therapeutic drug monitoring so necessary still for the patient. This article follows the evolving testing technologies over the years for immunosuppressive drug monitoring following the organ transplants programme (renal in general) in Singapore General Hospital.
Sequential vs alternating administration of VMP and Rd in elderly patients with newly diagnosed MM
Authors: Mateos María-Victoria , Martínez-López Joaquín , Hernández Miguel-Teodoro , Ocio Enrique-M. , Rosiñol Laura , Martínez Rafael , Teruel Ana-Isabel , Gutiérrez Norma C. , Martín Ramos María-Luisa , Oriol Albert , Bargay Joan , Bengoechea Enrique , González Yolanda , Pérez de Oteyza Jaime , Gironella Mercedes , Encinas Cristina , Martín Jesús , Cabrera Carmen , Paiva Bruno , Cedena María-Teresa , Puig Noemí , Bladé Joan , Lahuerta Juan-José , San-Miguel Jesús
Published: October 2015

Key Points

The sequential and alternating administration of VMP and Rd have equal efficacy and toxicity. The greatest benefit of this total therapy approach was observed for patients aged 65 to 75 years.
The tryptophan metabolite picolinic acid suppresses proliferation and metabolic activity of CD4+ T cells and inhibits c-Myc activation
Authors: Prodinger Johanna , Loacker Lisa J , Schmidt Ralf L J , Ratzinger Franz , Greiner Georg , Witzeneder Nadine , Hoermann Gregor , Jutz Sabrina , Pickl Winfried F , Steinberger Peter , Marculescu Rodrig , Schmetterer Klaus G
Published: October 2015

Tryptophan metabolites, including kynurenine, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, and picolinic acid, are key mediators of immunosuppression by cells expressing the tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme indoleamine2,3-dioxygenase. In this study, we assessed the influence of picolinic acid on cell viability and effector functions of CD4+ T cells following in vitro activation with agonistic anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies. In contrast to kynurenine and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, exposure of T cells with picolinic acid did not affect cell viability, whereas proliferation and metabolic activity were suppressed in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, cytokine secretion and up-regulation of cell surface activation markers were not or only weakly inhibited by picolinic acid. Picolinic acid exposure induced a state of deep anergy that could not be overcome by the addition of exogenous IL-2 and inhibited Th cell polarization. On the molecular level, important upstream signaling molecules, such as the MAPKs ERK and p38 and the mammalian target of rapamycin target protein S6 ribosomal protein, were not affected by picolinic acid. Likewise, NFAT, NF-?B, and AP-1 promoter activity in Jurkat T cells was not influenced by exposure to picolinic acid. Whereas transcriptional levels of v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog were not affected by picolinic acid, phosphorylation at Ser62 was strongly reduced in picolinic acid-exposed T cells following activation. In conclusion, picolinic acid mediates a unique immunosuppressive program in T cells, mainly inhibiting cell cycle and metabolic activity, while leaving other effector functions intact. These functional features are accompanied by reduced phosphorylation of v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog. It remains to be determined whether this effect is mediated by direct inhibition of ERK activity or whether indirect mechanisms apply.