bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major Contribution of the Medial Amygdala to Hypertension in BPH/2J Genetically Hypertensive Mice
Authors: Jackson Kristy L. , Palma-Rigo Kesia , Nguyen-Huu Thu-Phuc , Davern Pamela J. , Head Geoffrey A.
Published: January 2014

BPH/2J mice are recognized as a neurogenic model of hypertension primarily based on overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and greater neuronal activity in key autonomic cardiovascular regulatory brain regions. The medial amygdala (MeAm) is a forebrain region that integrates the autonomic response to stress and is the only region found to have greater Fos during the night and daytime in BPH/2J compared with BPN/3J mice. To determine the contribution of the MeAm to hypertension, the effect of neuronal ablation on blood pressure (BP) was assessed in BPH/2J (n=7) and normotensive BPN/3J mice (n=7). Mice were preimplanted with radiotelemetry devices to measure 24-hour BP and cardiovascular responses to stress, before and 1 to 3 weeks after bilateral lesions of the MeAm. Baseline BP was 121±4 mm Hg in BPH/2J and 101±2 mm Hg in BPN/3J mice (
P
strain
<0.001). MeAm lesions reduced BP by 11±2 mm Hg in BPH/2J mice (
P
lesion
<0.001) but had no effect in BPN/3J mice. The hypotensive effect of lesions in BPH/2J mice was similar during both day and night, suggesting that the MeAm has tonic effects on BP, but the pressor response to stress was maintained in both strains. Midfrequency BP power was attenuated in both strains (
P
lesion
<0.05) and the depressor responses to pentolinium after enalaprilat pretreatment was attenuated after lesions in BPH/2J mice (
P
lesion
<0.001; n=3). These findings indicate that the MeAm provides a tonic contribution to hypertension in BPH/2J mice, which is independent of its role in stress reactivity or circadian BP influences.
Characterization of Antibody Specificities Associated With Preeclampsia
Authors: Elliott Serra E. , Parchim Nicholas F. , Liu Chen , Xia Yang , Kellems Rodney E. , Soffici Alex R. , Daugherty Patrick S.
Published: January 2014

The presence of maternal autoantibodies has been previously associated with preeclampsia, although the composition of the antibody repertoire in preeclampsia has not been well characterized. Given this, we applied a bacterial display peptide library to identify peptides that preferentially react with plasma antibodies from patients with preeclampsia (n=15) versus healthy-outcome pregnancies (n=18). Screening using fluorescence-activated cell sorting identified 38 peptides that preferentially bind to antibodies from individuals with preeclampsia. These preeclampsia-specific peptides possessed similar motifs of R
G
/
S
G
/
-
WW
G
/
S
, RWW
G
/
S
, or WGWGXX
R
/
K
distinct from the angiotensin II type 1 receptor epitope AFHYESQ. Seven library-isolated peptides and a cell surface–displayed angiotensin II type 1 receptor epitope were used to construct a diagnostic algorithm with a training set of 18 new preeclamptic and 22 healthy-outcome samples from geographically distinct cohorts. Cross-validation within the training group resulted in averaged areas underneath a receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 and 0.72 with and without the known receptor epitope, respectively. In a small validation set (12 preeclamptic; 8 healthy), the algorithm consisting only of library-isolated peptides correctly classified 10 preeclamptic and 6 healthy samples using a predefined cutoff that achieved 61% sensitivity (95% confidence interval, 36%–83%) at 95% specificity (95% confidence interval, 77%–100%) in training set (n=40) cross-validation. Our results indicate that antibodies with specificities other than anti–angiotensin II type 1 receptor are prevalent in preeclampsia patients and may be useful as diagnostic biomarkers.
Features of Cardiac Remodeling, Associated With Blood Pressure and Fibrosis Biomarkers, Are Frequent in Subjects With Abdominal Obesity
Authors: Eschalier Romain , Rossignol Patrick , Kearney-Schwartz Anna , Adamopoulos Chris , Karatzidou Kyparissi , Fay Renaud , Mandry Damien , Marie Pierre-Y. , Zannad Faïez
Published: January 2014

Incidence and prevalence of abdominal obesity (AO) are growing exponentially. Subjects with AO are at higher risk of developing heart failure. The purpose of the study was to investigate early changes in cardiac and arterial structure and function and extracellular matrix biomarkers in normotensive healthy subjects with AO. Subjects with AO and age- and sex-matched controls underwent echocardiography, MRI (cardiac remodeling index), carotid intima–media thickness, pulse wave velocity, and blood fibrosis biomarkers measurements. We enrolled 87 subjects with AO and 53 controls. Although normotensive, subjects with AO had higher systolic blood pressure (BP; 122±11 versus 116±11 mm Hg;
P
=0.003), left ventricular mass (94±24 versus 84±21 g;
P
=0.034), and cardiac remodeling index (0.67±0.16 versus 0.60±0.10 g/mL;
P
=0.026) but unchanged carotid intima–media thickness and pulse wave velocity. Diastolic dysfunction (E′ <10 cm/s) could be detected in 38% of subjects with AO (4% in controls). Left ventricular remodeling, as assessed by cardiac remodeling index, was positively and independently associated with higher BP (systolic BP and mean arterial pressure but not diastolic BP) and AO. Higher BP, AO, and procollagen-III-N-terminal peptide (≥2.4 ng/mL) concentrations (odds ratio, 4.15 [1.42–12.2];
P
=0.01) were positively associated with diastolic dysfunction. Early cardiac structural remodeling, fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction were detectable in healthy subjects with AO. Higher BP, procollagen-III-N-terminal peptide, and AO were independently associated with early cardiac structural and functional changes. It is to be investigated whether in subjects with AO, an early BP reduction, even if normotensive, combined with weight loss may avoid adverse cardiac remodeling and protect against progression to heart failure.
Bidirectional Adherence Changes and Associated Factors in Patients Switched From Free Combinations to Equivalent Single-Pill Combinations of Antihypertensive Drugs
Authors: Wang Tzung-Dau , Chen Ying-Hsien , Huang Chien-Hua , Chen Wen-Jone , Chen Ming-Fong
Published: January 2014

There are no reported studies assessing the effects of fixed-dose single-pill combinations (SPCs) of antihypertensive drugs on adherence in real-world patients with hypertension switched from free combinations to the corresponding SPCs. In this retrospective cohort study with a 1-year mirror-image design, a total of 896 patients who had been prescribed with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker and a thiazide-type diuretic within the preceding 12 months of the index (switching) date and the corresponding SPC within 12 months after the index date were included by using the Taiwan National Health Insurance database from January 2001 to December 2007. Adherence was measured by medication possession ratio (MPR). For patients switched to SPCs, the MPR increased significantly from 42% in the preindex period to 69% in the postindex period (relative difference, 75%; 95% confidence interval, 58%–100%;
P
<0.001). However, for switched patients with high adherence (MPR ≥0.8) in the preindex period, the MPR unexpectedly decreased in the postindex period (absolute difference, −13%; 95% confidence interval, −17% to −9%;
P
<0.001). In multivariate analysis, MPR difference was inversely related to the preindex MPR, the number of other antihypertensive drugs, and congestive heart failure. In summary, despite of the dramatic effect of SPCs on improving adherence, this strategy is not effective or even worse in patients adequately adhering to their free-combined antihypertensive regimens. The inverse association between adherence improvement and number of concurrent antihypertensive drugs suggests early use of SPCs to curtail the nonadherence gap.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2–Independent Action of Presumed Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Activators
Authors: Haber Philipp K. , Ye Minghao , Wysocki Jan , Maier Christoph , Haque Syed K. , Batlle Daniel
Published: January 2014

Angiotensin (Ang)-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a key enzyme in the metabolism of Ang II. XNT (1-[(2-dimethylamino)ethylamino]-4-(hydroxymethyl)-7-[(4-methylphenyl) sulfonyl oxy]-9H-xanthene-9-one) and diminazene have been reported to exert various organ-protective effects, which are attributed to the activation of ACE2. To test the effect of these compounds, we studied Ang II degradation in vivo and in vitro as well as their effect on ACE2 activity in vivo and in vitro. In a model of Ang II–induced acute hypertension, blood pressure (BP) recovery was markedly enhanced by XNT (slope with XNT, −3.26±0.2 versus −1.6±0.2 mm Hg/min without XNT;
P
<0.01). After Ang II infusion, neither plasma nor kidney ACE2 activity was affected by XNT. Plasma Ang II and Ang (1–7) levels also were not significantly affected by XNT. The BP-lowering effect of XNT seen in wild-type animals was also observed in ACE2 knockout mice (slope with XNT, −3.09±0.30 versus −1.28±0.22 mm Hg/min without XNT;
P
<0.001). These findings show that the BP-lowering effect of XNT in Ang II–induced hypertension cannot be because of the activation of ACE2. In vitro and ex vivo experiments in both mice and rat kidney confirmed a lack of enhancement of ACE2 enzymatic activity by XNT and diminazene. Moreover, Ang II degradation in vitro and ex vivo was unaffected by XNT and diminazene. We conclude that the biological effects of these compounds are ACE2-independent and should not be attributed to the activation of this enzyme.
Haplopteris yakushimensis (Pteridaceae, Vittarioideae), a new species from Yakushima Island, Japan
Authors: Chen Cheng-Wei , EBIHARA ATSUSHI , CHIOU WEN LIANG , LI CHIA WEI
Published: January 2014

A new species of vittarioid ferns (Pteridaceae) that has long been regarded as Haplopteris amboinensis or H. forrestiana (a synonym of H. doniana), is described here as Haplopteris yakushimensis. Both macro- and micromorphological characteristics were compared with these two species. Chartaceous matured fronds, shallowly grooved adaxial costae and obtuse carinate abaxial costae are the diagnostic characteristics that distinguish H. yakushimensis from the other species in the genus. A phylogeny based on plastid regions chlL, ndhF and matK of 14 East-Asian Haplopteris species, including our new taxon is presented here.
Late onset simple schizophrenia
Authors: O’Brien D , Macklin J
Published: January 2014

Simple schizophrenia is a rarely used and controversial diagnosis. Here we report the case of a 54-year-old man with insidious changes in personality and behaviour, lacking perceptual abnormalities and delusions. He showed progressive inability in general functioning and self-care. He was diagnosed with simple schizophrenia and treated with antipsychotics, making a rapid and maintained recovery. We use this case to illustrate the continued relevance of the diagnosis, and highlight the risks of overlooking these patients, with significant consequences for their ability to function adequately in society.
The rise and fall of the ‘nudge’ of minimum unit pricing: The continuity of neoliberalism in alcohol policy in England
Authors: Haydock William
Published: January 2014

This article explores the continuities in alcohol policy over the past decade under both Labour and Coalition governments. It is argued that these continuities reflect a neoliberal mentality of government whereby market mechanisms are maintained even when the outcomes produced are deemed undesirable. Policies to address these outcomes have focused on the individual citizen, conceived of as a potentially rational decision-maker. If exhortations to behave in the desired fashion do not reap results then measures are targeted at specific individuals or groups of individuals considered flawed consumers. The continuity is examined in light of recent commentary that has identified a trend in policymaking reflecting a loss of confidence in individual rationality and market outcomes, described variously as post-liberalism or neocommunitarianism. It is suggested that the stability of the broader underlying structures of thought that circumscribe contemporary policy discussions should not be underestimated.
An Interview with Marilyn Strathern: Kinship and Career
Authors: Carsten Janet
Published: January 2014

The interview was conducted in September 1996 in Cambridge. Marilyn Strathern (MS) and Janet Carsten (JC) had been colleagues at the University of Manchester’s Department of Social Anthropology until September 1993, when Marilyn Strathern left to take up the William Wyse Professorship at the University of Cambridge, where she remained until retirement in 2008. Janet Carsten joined Edinburgh in October of the same year, where she is presently Professor of Social and Cultural Anthropology. (Supplementary questions, reflecting back on the earlier interview, were put to Marilyn Strathern by the editors of the special issue in 2013.)
Foreword to Social Theory After Strathern
Authors: Rabinow Paul
Published: January 2014

Today, somewhat counter-intuitively, we no longer have an obvious venue for thinking-in-the world about our actuality. Despite, or because of, the endless conferences, seminars, mobility, publication outlets, new media and the like in which it is easier and easier to be connected, it is increasingly difficult to avoid the diagnostic that it is harder and harder to relate. This Foreword to the special issue ‘Social Theory After Strathern’ considers the contemporary problem of the inversion of connectedness and relatedness in the light of Marilyn Strathern’s oeuvre. Proceeding from a discussion of the three kinds of friendship distinguished by Aristotle, Deleuze and Guattari’s notion of conceptual persona is invoked as a way of thinking through conceptual friendship and the forms of relationality that an engagement with Strathern’s work requires and sustains.
Is there a need for MRI within 24 hours after CT-guided percutaneous thermoablation of the liver?
Authors: Ringe Kristina Imeen , Wacker Frank , Raatschen Hans-Jürgen
Published: January 2014

Background

Radiofrequency (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are established minimally invasive techniques for treatment of hepatic tumors.

Purpose

To compare technical success and accuracy of hepatic thermoablation using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquired 24 h after ablation with regard to evaluation of the post-interventional ablation zone and local tumor recurrence (LTR), and to assess whether additional MRI within 24 h is beneficial.

Material and Methods

Thirty-two patients (23 men, 9 women; mean age, 60 years) with 48 lesions were included in this retrospective study. CT was performed immediately and MRI was performed 24 h after ablation. Diameter and volume calculations of the ablation zone were compared (T-Test). Technical success and ablation margin distinction, shape, and configuration were evaluated (κ-statistic). Local effectiveness was calculated based on follow-up imaging. Technical success and ablation margin features were correlated with LTR (log-rank test, Fisher's exact test).

Results

Ablation zone volumes were significantly higher with MRI compared to CT ( P < 0.05; mean volume, 55.19 and 45.97 mL). Agreement between CT and MRI for technical success was good (κ = 0.801) and for margin conspicuity fair (κ = 0.289). LTR was 26.1% (mean follow-up, 11.7 months). LTR showed no correlation with technical success or margin conspicuity.

Conclusion

CT and MRI are suited for early evaluation of technical success after thermoablation. Within 24 h a significant increase of the ablation volume is observed, which has to be taken into account when interpreting immediate postprocedural imaging and treating lesions near critical structures. Additional MRI 24 h after ablation seems of limited value regarding prognosis of LTR, especially with regards to evaluation of ablation margin shape and conspicuity.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound using real-time contrast harmonic imaging in invasive breast cancer: comparison of enhancement dynamics with three different doses of contrast agent
Authors: Saracco Ariel , Szabó Botond K , Aspelin Peter , Leifland Karin , Tánczos Ervin , Wilczek Brigitte , Axelsson Rimma
Published: January 2014

Background

In the last few years new potential applications have been developed for contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and the management of breast diseases, but there is still some debate concerning the optimal dose to evaluate breast lesions, especially as a diagnostic tool.

Purpose

To compare different CEUS doses of injected contrast agent in order to establish an optimal dose for the diagnosis of invasive breast cancer.

Material and Methods

In Group A we compared the bolus dose of 1.2 mL vs. 2.4 mL and in Group B we compared the bolus dose of 2.4 mL vs. 4.8 mL (26 and 25 invasive carcinomas, respectively). CEUS was performed in real-time contrast harmonic imaging (CHI) using a L9-3 MHz probe. All examinations were recorded in a contrast side/side imaging mode loop for 120 s. Wash-in and wash-out patterns of the contrast agent were analyzed with advanced US quantification software and kinetic curves were used for statistical analysis.

Results

In Group B (2.4 mL vs. 4.8 mL), more and stronger correlation was found among kinetic parameters (area under the curve, P < 0.00001; lognormal model parameters, μ, P = 0.0007 and σ, P < 0.0001; mean transit time, P < 0.0001; model-based wash-out ratios, W21m, P = 0.0002; W50m, P = 0.0001; time-to-peak, P = 0.005) as compared to Group A (1.2 mL vs. 2.4 mL).

Conclusion

The optimal way to evaluate kinetic features of invasive breast tumors using real-time CEUS is with an injection of contrast agent of either 2.4 mL or 4.8 mL.
Rotator cuff tears: correlation between geometric tear patterns on MRI and arthroscopy and pre- and postoperative clinical findings
Authors: Sela Yaron , Eshed Iris , Shapira Shachar , Oran Ariel , Vogel Guy , Herman Amir , Perry (Pritsch) Moshe
Published: January 2014

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered to be the best non-invasive procedure for the evaluation of rotator cuff (RC) tendon tears. Burkhart’s classification is a geometric classification of full-thickness RC tears on MRI.

Purpose

To correlate MRI and arthroscopic geometric full-thickness RC tears according to the Burkhart’s classification with pre- and postoperative clinical findings.

Material and Methods

Patients who underwent arthroscopic RC repair between 2006 and 2010 were retrospectively evaluated. Preoperative MRI and arthroscopic surgical reports were reviewed for tear geometry (Burkhart’s) by three (1 radiologist, 2 surgeons) and two (surgeons) readers. MRIs were also evaluated for tear size and change of tear size in successive sagittal sections and for muscle mass and fatty infiltration. Clinical examinations were performed preoperatively and at least 12 months afterwards. Postoperative function questionnaires were filled in by the patients.

Results

Forty-six patients (35 men, 11 women; mean age, 57 years; range, 41–72 years) were evaluated. Tears depicted on MRIs were classified as crescent in 11 patients (24%), longitudinal in three (6.5%), massive contracted in 29 (63%), and cuff arthropathy in three (6.5%). Muscle changes were noted almost exclusively in patients with massive tears and cuff arthropathy (16/32 patients, P = 0.013). MRIs and arthroscopic geometric classifications were in close agreement. Tear type did not correlate with pre- and postoperative physical examination or with postoperative clinical questionnaires scores.

Conclusion

Geometric RC tear characterizations on preoperative MRIs were closely associated with arthroscopic findings. Postoperative results were not affected by the geometric pattern of the tears.
Cardiac structural and functional changes in old elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnoea–hypopnoea syndrome
Authors: Sun Yi , Yuan Hai , Zhao Miao-Qing , Wang Yan , Xia Ming , Li Yan-Zhong
Published: January 2014

Objective

To investigate cardiac structural changes in elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnoea–hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) and the impact on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function.

Methods

The study enrolled elderly patients with OSAHS and age-matched healthy control subjects. Cardiac structure, left ventricular diastolic function and left ventricular systolic function were measured using a Doppler ultrasound scanner and compared between the two groups.

Results

The study included 136 patients with OSAHS and 50 healthy control subjects. There were significant differences in the echocardiography indicators that reflect cardiac structure, including interventricular septum, left ventricle posterior wall thickness, and left ventricular mass and mass index between the two groups. There were significant differences between the two groups in the ventricular septal early diastolic myocardial peak velocity/late diastolic myocardial peak velocity (Em/Am), mitral annulus Em/Am, and left ventricle posterior wall Em/Am. There were also significant differences in the indicators of interventricular septum, mitral annulus and left ventricular posterior wall systolic peak velocity between the two groups.

Conclusion

Elderly patients with OSAHS demonstrated cardiac structural changes and their left ventricular diastolic and systolic functions were significantly diminished.
The first experiences of music students with Dalcroze-inspired activities: A phenomenological study
Authors: van der Merwe Liesl
Published: January 2014

This phenomenological study investigated the meaning of Dalcroze-inspired activities for first-year Baccalareus Musicae (BMus) students during a music education module and describes the essence of this experience for them. In the first semesters of 2011 and 2013, these movement activities were concurrently facilitated during workshops by a licensed Dalcroze teacher and during the semester by a senior lecturer in music education. In the first semester of 2012, a Dalcroze student in her final year presented workshops and another music education lecturer facilitated the activities. Data were collected by means of in-depth interviews, reflective essays and reflective descriptions until data saturation was reached. Data were organized using Atlas.ti 7 and analysed by means of coding, categorizing, and the identification of themes. The following main themes have been identified: social integration, joyful experience, bodily experience, easier understanding, and musical expression. This article will provide a deeper understanding of what it is like for first-year BMus students in South Africa to experience Dalcroze-inspired activities. Their experiences can inform the use of Dalcroze-inspired activities in music education at tertiary level and support advocacy for the embodied and enactive view of music cognition.
Cluster headache: Is age of onset important for clinical presentation?
Authors: Zidverc-Trajkovic Jasna , Markovic Kristina , Radojicic Aleksandra , Podgorac Ana , Sternic Nadezda
Published: January 2014

Background

The age of onset of cluster headache (CH) attacks most commonly is between 20 and 40 years old, although CH has been reported in all age groups. There is increasing evidence of CH with early or late onset and a different course of the disorder. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of the age of onset on clinical features, disorder course, and therapy effectiveness in CH patients.

Methods

A retrospective and cross-sectional analysis was performed on 182 CH patients divided into three groups according to the age of onset. The first group consisted of patients with the first CH attack before 20 years of age, the second group was patients with age of onset between 20 and 40 years of age, and the third group was patients with age of onset after 40 years of age. Demographic data, features of CH periods and attacks, and the response to standardized treatment were compared among the groups.

Results

Patients with CH onset after 40 years of age reported a lower number of autonomic features and less frequently had conjunctival injection and nasal congestion/rhinorrhea phenomena during their attacks. Diagnostic delay was the longest in the patients with CH onset before 20 years of age.

Conclusion

The influence of the age of onset of CH is intriguing for further studies and could possibly extend the knowledge about CH pathophysiology. From a clinical point of view, the differences in CH presentation are insufficient to preclude a correct diagnosis and treatment because the same criteria could be applied regardless of patient age.
Ventilator Settings Can Substantially Impact Patients’ Comfort
Authors: Fortis Spyridon , Florindez Jorge , Balasingham Shiva , Aguirre Manuel De , Amoateng-Adjepong Yaw , Manthous Constantine A.
Published: January 2014

Background:

With increasing realization that sedatives may complicate care of mechanically ventilated patients, greater emphasis might turn to promoting comfort by titration of ventilator settings.

Hypothesis:

Patients with acute on chronic respiratory failure (ACRF) with underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) demonstrate different levels of comfort in response to varying ventilator settings compared to those with underlying obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).

Methods:

Patients recovering from ACRF with underlying COPD or OHS were randomized to varying combinations of ventilator modes (assist control and pressure support), tidal volumes, and inspiratory flows for 3 minutes/setting. For each ventilator setting, physiologic variables were recorded and patients indicated their level of comfort using a 10-point Borg scale.

Results:

In all, 20 patients, aged 68 ± 13 years (standard deviation) and ventilated for 4.9 days, were enrolled. Of 20 patients, 13 had COPD and 7 had OHS. No ventilator mode, flow, or tidal volume provided consistently greater comfort between the groups, but patients reported substantial ranges of comfort (up to 8 Borg points) across the ventilator settings studied. There were no significant differences in heart rate, blood pressure, or airway pressures within patients across ventilator settings or between the groups, but patients with OHS were more tachypneic compared to patients with COPD while breathing on assist control of 6 mL/kg (constant flow 60 L/min) and 8 mL/kg (decelerating flow 40 L/min). There was no correlation between comfort and systolic blood pressure, heart rate, or respiratory rate.

Conclusion:

Ventilator parameters may impact patients’ comfort substantially. Future studies may help identify evidence-based methodology for gauging comfort following changes in ventilator settings and the settings that are most likely to positively impact various groups of patients.
Evaluation of menstrual blood stem cells seeded in biocompatible Bombyx mori silk fibroin scaffold for cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Rahimi Maryam , Mohseni-Kouchesfehani Homa , Zarnani Amir-Hassan , Mobini Sahba , Nikoo Shohreh , Kazemnejad Somaieh
Published: January 2014

Recently, silk fibroin scaffolds have been introduced as novel and promising biomaterials in the field of cardiac tissue engineering. This study was designed to compare infiltration, proliferation, and cardiac differentiation potential of menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) versus bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in Bombyx mori-derived silk scaffold. Our primary data revealed that the fabricated scaffold has mechanical and physical qualities suitable for cardiac tissue engineering. The MenSCs tracking in scaffolds using immunofluorescent staining and scanning electron microscopy confirmed MenSCs attachment, penetration, and distribution within the porous scaffold matrix. Based on proliferation assay using propidium iodide DNA quantification, the significantly higher level of growth rates of both MenSCs and BMSCs was documented in scaffolds than that in two-dimensional culture ( p < 0.01). The expression level of TNNT2, a bona fide cardiac differentiation marker, in BMSCs differentiated on silk scaffolds was markedly higher than those cultured in two-dimensional culture indicating the improvement of cardiac differentiation in the silk scaffolds. Furthermore, differentiated MenSCs exhibited higher expression of TNNT2 compared with induced BMSCs. It seems that silk scaffold-seeded MenSCs could be viewed as a novel, safe, natural, and accessible construct for cardiac tissue engineering.
The fragility of deterrence in conflicts
Authors: Denter Philipp , Sisak Dana
Published: January 2014

We study deterrence in sequential move conflicts, modeled as a contest. We bias the model in favor of peace by assuming that under complete information deterrence is achieved and peace prevails. We show that under incomplete information about states’ types (resolve) the chances of deterrence decrease rapidly. Studying a uniform type distribution, we show that the finer the type space becomes the more resolve a defending state must have to support deterrence in equilibrium. In the limit, as types occur on a continuum, deterrence is possible only under relatively extreme conditions.
Leader–follower formation control with obstacle avoidance using sonar-equipped mobile robots
Authors: Fujimori Atsushi , Kubota Hiroshi , Shibata Naoya , Tezuka Yoshinari
Published: January 2014

This article presents a leader–follower formation control of sonar-equipped mobile robots in obstacle scattered environments. The follower robots need to distinguish the leader robot from obstacles by using multiple sonars. In this article, multiple sonars equipped on the follower robots are adaptively assigned to either tracking the leader robot or detecting obstacles. Furthermore, the position of the leader robot is estimated by the follower robots to improve the accuracy of the relative distance and angle. The effectiveness of the proposed techniques is examined in experiments using real mobile robots Pioneer 1 and Pioneer 2.
An SLE patient with prolactinoma and recurrent granulomatous mastitis successfully treated with hydroxychloroquine and bromocriptine
Authors: Zhang L-N , Shi T-Y , Yang Y-J , Zhang F-C
Published: January 2014

Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a rare benign mammary lesion in which autoimmunity and hyperprolactinemia are considered possible etiological factors. GM has a high frequency of relapse and may lead to chronic ulceration and fistula if not treated properly. Here we report a case of a 22-year-old systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient with three years’ disease duration, stable on prednisone and hydroxychloroquine, who was found to have prolactinoma and recurrent GM after she discontinued medication on her own accord. The patient subsequently recovered and remained free of GM relapse under treatment of prednisone, hydroxychloroquine and bromocriptine. Though autoimmune disorders and prolactinoma were reported in GM, a coexisting condition of SLE, prolactinoma, and granulomatous mastitis has rarely been observed in one patient. We suggest our case as an illustrative example of the complex interaction between autoimmunity, neuroendocrine dysfunction, and manifestations in the breast: Immunological disturbances in the background of SLE, coupled with elevated prolactin levels secondary to a prolactinoma, may have predisposed the patient to the development of GM. The mammary lesion recovered and maintained free of relapse under immunosuppressive and antiprolactinemic therapy.
‘Come Join the Rock Gharaana’
Authors: Coventry Chloe
Published: January 2014

In the first two decades of liberalization MTV has been a symbol of the complicated trajectory of transnational media in Indian public culture. A juggernaut cultural force and arguably one of the most potent dynamics in the globalization of youth culture, MTV, whose content in India is largely film-music oriented, has recently ( 2009 ) introduced a rock-centric ‘making-the band’ show called Kurkure Desi Beats Rock On (KDBRO) that taps into and draws from a six-decades old culture of rock music performance in urban middle-class India. Drawing from personal interviews and examining musical and discursive texts from KDBRO’s first season, this article interprets how the show’s producers and judges have attempted to ascertain an appropriately ‘Indian’ yet ‘rock’ sound, with musical outcomes that display tension between a desire for audible cultural nationalism and the practicalities of performing a transnational musical form. Through close reading of the show’s musical and discursive negotiations I argue that the figure of the rock musician is a conduit for complicated cultural politics in which a mandate for cultural ‘authenticity’ is troubled by the realities of participation in a globalized media field—and that this dynamic speaks to larger social transformations in an economically globalized India.
Double Hegemony-Market and Ideology Control of ‘the Same Song’
Authors: Wang Qian
Published: January 2014

The redevelopment of popular music in mainland China had gone through the transformation from banned ‘porno music’ in the early 1980s to officially acknowledged ‘ Tongsu’ music in 1986 to commercialized popular music since 1992. This transformation triggered the constant negotiation between politics and economy, ideology and market, propaganda and entertainment. The government compromized for market and economy, but this did not suggest that the government was willing to give up control over popular music. On the contrary, the government aimed to establish double hegemony over market and ideology control. As the mouthpiece of the government, CCTV (China Central Television) had played a vital role in structuring and solidifying this double hegemony, which allowed CCTV to influence the conversion between different types of capital. CCTV demonstrated its tremendous power by transforming ‘the Same Song’ ( Tongyi Shou Ge) from a song in 1990 into a money-maker concert/show in 2000, and rearticulated its social significance from sports, the reunification of China, domestic stability to a society in harmony. When this hegemony was eventually resisted, and challenged by various social forces in 2009, CCTV stopped ‘the Same Song’ concert/show as a democratic gesture, but immediately introduced other similar concert/shows to maintain its double hegemony.
The Relationship between Music and Taboos in the Society of the Tao (An Indigenous Ethnic Group of Taiwan)
Authors: Lin Wei-Ya
Published: January 2014

The Tao (chi. 達悟 or Yami 雅美) are one of the 14 officially recognized indigenous groups in Taiwan, who live on Orchid Island southeast of the main island of Taiwan. Their language is orally transmitted.

The traditional music of the Tao primarily consists of songs, which are used as means for teaching and saving history, life stories and taboos of the Tao. Their songs carry all the wisdom gained from centuries of experience; they support the life of the Tao, their surviving in harmony with nature and they are necessary as tools for education of their traditions and heritage.

How are taboos defined and what kind of function do taboos have in the society of Tao? How is the function of traditional songs related to the taboos? What kind of relationship do songs and taboos have in the society of Tao? I would like to discuss these questions in this article.
Thirty Years of Contemporary Christian Music in Hong Kong
Authors: Ho Vicky Wing-Ki
Published: January 2014

Contemporary Christian music (CCM) in general refers to a music genre that carries Christian messages with popular music styles. Today CCM in US has evolved into a genre that has its own magazines, charts, awards as well as being listed as multiple Grammy categories, and certainly also making good sales. In Hong Kong, for 30 years, a creative community has been struggling to find the right mix for the genre and push the music to a secular audience since local CCM took shape in the 1980s. Throughout the years, the CCM creative community has to simultaneously overcome resistance from church traditionalists and handles opportunities and obstacles presented by the mainstream music industry. In this paper, a brief history of Hong Kong CCM is included and mapped against certain trends and changes in the mainstream music business in Hong Kong. Next, the article elaborates four cases of crossover acts between the CCM scene and the mainstream music scene to discuss the possibilities and limitations for CCM to be culturally relevant under the backdrop of the Hong Kong pop music soundscape.
Bedaquiline
Authors: Chahine Elias B. , Karaoui Lamis R. , Mansour Hanine
Published: January 2014

Objective: To review the chemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, safety, dosage, and administration of bedaquiline, a novel oral diarylquinoline antimycobacterial agent approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adults with pulmonary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Data Sources: A search of PubMed (January 2004-May 2013) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (January 2004-May 2013) using the search terms bedaquiline, diarylquinoline, R207910, and TMC207 was performed. Supplementary sources included proceedings of the Union World Conference on Lung Health. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Preclinical data as well as Phase 1 and 2 studies published in English were evaluated. Data Synthesis: Bedaquiline possesses a unique mechanism of action that disrupts the activity of the mycobacterial adenosine triphosphate synthase. Clinical trials have been conducted evaluating the use of bedaquiline in combination with a background regimen for the treatment of adults with pulmonary MDR-TB. Bedaquiline has an excellent in vitro activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including multidrug resistant M tuberculosis; however, its side effect profile limits its use against MDR-TB when no other effective regimen can be provided. Bedaquiline carries Black Box warnings for increased risk of unexplained mortality and QT prolongation. Bedaquiline is metabolized via the CYP3A4 isoenzyme and thus interacts with rifamycins and several antiretrovirals. Conclusions: In an era of emerging resistance and given the suboptimal efficacy and toxicity of currently available regimens for MDR-TB, bedaquiline represents a great addition to the existing armamentarium of anti-TB agents particularly in areas of the world where the disease is endemic.
Vismodegib
Authors: Proctor Amber E. , Thompson Lisa A. , O’Bryant Cindy L.
Published: January 2014

Objective: To review vismodegib, the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway inhibitor, in the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Data Sources: MEDLINE and PubMed were searched using the terms vismodegib, GDC-0449, RG3616, and basal cell carcinoma for relevant clinical trials through September 2013. The FDA Web site, the National Clinical Trials registry, and abstracts from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) were also evaluated to identify unpublished data and future clinical trials. Study Selection/Data Extraction: All identified clinical and preclinical studies published in the English language were assessed, including selected references from the bibliographies of articles. Data Synthesis: Activation of the Hh signaling pathway is well documented in BCC. Vismodegib is a small-molecule inhibitor of Hh signaling that acts by antagonizing the protein Smoothened (SMO), thereby preventing downstream transcriptional activation of genes involved in cell proliferation and survival. Vismodegib was approved by the FDA in January 2012 for the treatment of recurrent, locally advanced BCC (laBCC), or metastatic BCC (mBCC) for which surgery or radiation cannot be utilized. A pivotal phase 2 trial evaluating 104 patients demonstrated that treatment with vismodegib, 150 mg orally once daily, resulted in a 30% and 43% objective response rate in patients with mBCC and laBCC, respectively. The most common adverse effects from vismodegib were mild to moderate and included muscle spasms, dysgeusia, decreased weight, fatigue, alopecia, and diarrhea. However, clinical studies noted a high incidence of discontinuation of therapy by patients for reasons other than disease progression. Conclusions: The approval of vismodegib represents the only targeted, prospectively studied treatment option for patients with advanced BCC. Further research assessing the utility of vismodegib in the treatment of other malignancies and the development of resistance patterns will more clearly define the role of Hedgehog inhibition in the broader scheme of oncological disorders.
Resistant Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Amelioration With Rosuvastatin and Pioglitazone Combination Therapy in a Patient With Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Riche Daniel M. , Fleming Joshua W. , Malinowski Scott S. , Black Catherine A. , Miller Kristen H. , Wofford Marion R.
Published: January 2014

Objective: To report a case describing resolution of persistently elevated aminotransferases in a patient with severe, resistant nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using combination therapy. Case Summary: A 47-year-old obese male patient presented with a history of elevated aminotransferases and numerous statin intolerances. In addition to worsening control of diabetes and dyslipidemia, severe NAFLD was confirmed. Rosuvastatin was started, which induced short-term elevations in aminotransferases resulting in patient discontinuation. Biochemical markers of NAFLD worsened over time. Therefore, both rosuvastatin 20 mg daily and pioglitazone 15 mg daily were started simultaneously to potentially blunt the early increase in transaminases seen with rosuvastatin. At 2 weeks, the patient’s alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) had decreased 57% and 56% from baseline, respectively. By 9 months, the patient’s ALT and AST serum concentrations had normalized. Repeat liver ultrasound demonstrated improvement in steatosis grading and reduction in liver size. These improvements occurred despite a 4.5-kg weight gain since starting rosuvastatin and pioglitazone. Discussion: Pharmacotherapy in NAFLD is not well validated, particularly combination therapy. Medications that target obesity-related consequences are commonly used, although evidence regarding biochemical and histological improvement is inconclusive. Consideration should be given to the use of combination of thiazolidinediones and statins for rapid biochemical improvement and long-term histological impact. Conclusions: The improvement in this patient’s biochemical and ultrasonographic markers of resistant, severe NAFLD was rapid and sustained with combination therapy. This case represents a potential solution for initiating or maintaining statin therapy in patients with NAFLD who are at high cardiovascular risk.
Utility of Procalcitonin as a Biomarker for Rejection and Differentiation of Infectious Complications in Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Sammons Chelsea , Doligalski Christina T.
Published: January 2014

Objective: To evaluate the utility of procalcitonin (PCT) as a biomarker for rejection and differentiation of infectious complications in lung transplant recipients. Data Sources: An English-language literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (1966-September 2013) using the terms procalcitonin, transplantation, and lung transplantation. Additional articles were identified through a manual search of reference lists of the articles obtained. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles evaluating PCT use in lung transplant recipients, including those where lung transplant patients were a subgroup of immunocompromised patients, were included. Data Synthesis: Infection and rejection are leading causes of mortality in lung transplant recipients, with similar clinical presentations; PCT could be a valuable biomarker to differentiate between these complications. Five prospective and 2 retrospective single-center observational evaluations were reviewed. Study populations were diverse, with only 3 focused solely on lung transplant recipients. PCT levels were not elevated during episodes of rejection and viral infections, whereas elevations were seen with bacterial infections. The effect of colonization or fungal infection on PCT varied. Conclusions: Current data suggest that PCT can be used to differentiate bacterial infections from rejection in lung transplant recipients, with unclear utility in colonization or fungal infection. It is reasonable to conclude that PCT values more than 8.18 ng/mL and PCT area under receiver operating curve greater than 0.97 indicate bacterial infection in this population, and PCT trends may increase predictive value. Because of the lack of randomized controlled trials, PCT should only be utilized in conjunction with standard tests for infection and rejection diagnosis.
Treatment Strategy for a Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella UTI
Authors: Fleming Erin , Heil Emily L. , Hynicka Lauren M.
Published: January 2014

Objective: To describe the management strategy for a multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella urinary tract infection (UTI). Case Summary: A 69-year-old Caucasian woman with a past medical history of recurrent UTIs and a right-lung transplant presented with fever to 101.4°F, chills, malaise, and cloudy, foul-smelling urine for approximately 1 week. She was found to have a MDR Klebsiella UTI that was sensitive to tigecycline and cefepime. To further evaluate the degree of resistance Etest minimum inhibitory concentrations were requested for cefepime, amikacin, meropenem, and ertapenem. The patient received a 14-day course of amikacin, which resulted in resolution of her symptoms. One month later, the patient’s UTI symptoms returned. The urine culture again grew MDR Klebsiella, sensitive only to tigecycline. Fosfomycin was initiated and resulted in limited resolution of her symptoms. Colistin was started, however, therapy was discontinued on day 5 secondary to the development of acute kidney injury. Despite the short course of therapy, the patient’s symptoms resolved. Discussion: The case presented lends itself well to numerous discussion items that are important to consider when determining optimal treatment for MDR Gram-negative bacilli (GNBs). Susceptibility testing is an important tool for optimizing antibiotic therapy, however, automated systems may overestimate the susceptibility profile for a MDR GNB. Treatment strategies evaluated to treat MDR GNB, include combination therapy with a carbepenem and synergy using polymyxin. Conclusion: We have described the management strategy for a MDR Klebsiella UTI, the consequences of the initial management strategy, and potential strategies to manage these types of infections in future patients.