bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Study of Ripple Mapping the Post-Infarct Ventricular Scar to Guide Substrate Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Luther Vishal , Linton Nick W.F. , Jamil-Copley Shahnaz , Koa-Wing Michael , Lim Phang Boon , Qureshi Norman , Ng Fu Siong , Hayat Sajad , Whinnett Zachary , Davies D. Wyn , Peters Nicholas S. , Kanagaratnam Prapa
Published: June 2016

Background—

Post-infarct ventricular tachycardia is associated with channels of surviving myocardium within scar characterized by fractionated and low-amplitude signals usually occurring late during sinus rhythm. Conventional automated algorithms for 3-dimensional electro-anatomic mapping cannot differentiate the delayed local signal of conduction within the scar from the initial far-field signal generated by surrounding healthy tissue. Ripple mapping displays every deflection of an electrogram, thereby providing fully informative activation sequences. We prospectively used CARTO-based ripple maps to identify conducting channels as a target for ablation.

Methods and Results—

High-density bipolar left ventricular endocardial electrograms were collected using CARTO3v4 in sinus rhythm or ventricular pacing and reviewed for ripple mapping conducting channel identification. Fifteen consecutive patients (median age 68 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 30%) were studied (6 month preprocedural implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies: median 19 ATP events [Q1–Q3=4–93] and 1 shock [Q1–Q3=0–3]). Scar (<1.5 mV) occupied a median 29% of the total surface area (median 540 points collected within scar). A median of 2 ripple mapping conducting channels were seen within each scar (length 60 mm; initial component 0.44 mV; delayed component 0.20 mV; conduction 55 cm/s). Ablation was performed along all identified ripple mapping conducting channels (median 18 lesions) and any presumed interconnected late-activating sites (median 6 lesions; Q1–Q3=2–12). The diastolic isthmus in ventricular tachycardia was mapped in 3 patients and colocated within the ripple mapping conducting channels identified. Ventricular tachycardia was noninducible in 85% of patients post ablation, and 71% remain free of ventricular tachycardia recurrence at 6-month median follow-up.

Conclusions—

Ripple mapping can be used to identify conduction channels within scar to guide functional substrate ablation.
Assessment of Mitral Paravalvular Leakage After Mitral Valve Replacement Using Cardiac Computed Tomography
Authors: Suh Young Joo , Hong Geu-Ru , Han Kyunghwa , Im Dong Jin , Chang Suyon , Hong Yoo Jin , Lee Hye-Jeong , Hur Jin , Choi Byoung Wook , Chang Byung-Chul , Shim Chi Young , Kim Young Jin
Published: June 2016

Background—

The diagnostic performance of cardiac computed tomography (CT) for detection of paravalvular leakage (PVL) after mitral valve replacement has not been investigated in a large population. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of CT for diagnosis of mitral PVL using surgical findings as the standard reference and to compare the diagnostic performance of CT with those of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Methods and Results—

A total of 204 patients with previous mitral valve replacement who underwent cardiac CT were retrospectively included. The presence of mitral PVL was analyzed on CT, TTE, and TEE. In 78 patients who underwent redo-surgery, diagnostic performance for the detection of PVL for CT, TTE, and TEE were compared with surgical findings as the standard reference. The location of mitral PVL on CT and TEE was compared with surgical findings. Mitral PVL was present in 18.1% (37/204) on CT, in 16.2% (32/198) on TTE, and in 42.6% (29/68) on TEE. On the surgical field, PVL was identified in 41.0% (32/78). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy for detection of PVL were 96.9%, 97.8%, 96.9%, 97.8%, and 97.4% for CT; 81.3%, 95.6%, 92.9%, 87.8%, and 89.6% for TTE; and 96.2%, 95.8%, 96.2%, 95.8%, and 96.0% for TEE. CT and TEE identified the correct location of PVL in 75.9% (22/29) and 85.6% (19/23).

Conclusions—

Cardiac CT may have better diagnostic accuracy compared with TTE for the detection of mitral PVL and may be comparable to TEE for the detection and localization of PVL.
Outcomes With the Use of the Retrograde Approach for Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion Interventions in a Contemporary Multicenter US Registry
Authors: Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Karatasakis Aris , Alaswad Khaldoon , Jaffer Farouc A. , Yeh Robert W. , Wyman R. Michael , Lombardi William L. , Grantham J. Aaron , Kandzari David E. , Lembo Nicholas J. , Doing Anthony , Patel Mitul , Bahadorani John N. , Moses Jeffrey W. , Kirtane Ajay J. , Parikh Manish , Ali Ziad A. , Kalra Sanjog , Nguyen-Trong Phuong-Khanh J. , Danek Barbara A. , Karacsonyi Judit , Rangan Bavana V. , Roesle Michele K. , Thompson Craig A. , Banerjee Subhash , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: June 2016

Background—

We sought to examine the efficacy and safety of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention using the retrograde approach.

Methods and Results—

We compared the outcomes of the retrograde versus antegrade-only approach to chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention among 1301 procedures performed at 11 experienced US centers between 2012 and 2015. The mean age was 65.5±10 years, and 84% of the patients were men with a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus (45%) and previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery (34%). Overall technical and procedural success rates were 90% and 89%, respectively, and in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 31 patients (2.4%). The retrograde approach was used in 539 cases (41%), either as the initial strategy (46%) or after a failed antegrade attempt (54%). When compared with antegrade-only cases, retrograde cases were significantly more complex, both clinically (previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery prevalence, 48% versus 24%;
P
<0.001) and angiographically (mean Japan-chronic total occlusion score, 3.1±1.0 versus 2.1±1.2;
P
<0.001) and had lower technical success (85% versus 94%;
P
<0.001) and higher major adverse cardiovascular events (4.3% versus 1.1%;
P
<0.001) rates. On multivariable analysis, the presence of suitable collaterals, no smoking, no previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and left anterior descending artery target vessel were independently associated with technical success using the retrograde approach.

Conclusions—

The retrograde approach is commonly used in contemporary chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention, especially among more challenging lesions and patients. Although associated with lower success and higher major adverse cardiovascular event rates in comparison to antegrade-only crossing, retrograde percutaneous coronary intervention remains critical for achieving overall high success rates.
Impact of Sleep‐Disordered Breathing on Long‐Term Outcomes in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Who Have Undergone Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Mazaki Toru , Kasai Takatoshi , Yokoi Hiroyoshi , Kuramitsu Shoichi , Yamaji Kyohei , Morinaga Takashi , Masuda Hisaki , Shirai Shinichi , Ando Kenji
Published: June 2016

Background

Sleep‐disordered breathing (
SDB
) has been recognized as an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases; however, the impact of
SDB
on long‐term outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome has not been fully evaluated.

Methods and Results

We performed overnight cardiorespiratory monitoring of 241 patients with acute coronary syndrome who were successfully treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention between January 2005 and December 2008. The presence of
SDB
was defined as apnea–hypopnea index ≥5 events per hour. The end point was incidence of major adverse cardiocerebrovascular events, defined as a composite of all‐cause death, recurrence of acute coronary syndrome, nonfatal stroke, and hospital admission for congestive heart failure. Patients were followed for a median period of 5.6 years. Among the 241 patients who were finally enrolled, comorbidity of
SDB
with acute coronary syndrome was found in 126 patients (52.3%). The cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiocerebrovascular events was significantly higher in patients with
SDB
than in those without
SDB
(21.4% versus 7.8%,
P
=0.006). Multivariable analysis revealed that the presence of
SDB
was a significant predictor of major adverse cardiocerebrovascular events (hazard ratio 2.28, 95%
CI
1.06–4.92;
P
=0.035).

Conclusions

The study's results showed that the presence of
SDB
among patients with acute coronary syndrome following primary percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with a higher incidence of major adverse cardiocerebrovascular events during long‐term follow‐up.
An Aulus Gellius ‘commentary’ on Masurius Sabinus (Noct. Att. 11.18)
Authors: Battaglia Federico
Published: June 2016

The survey moves from the analysis of a well-known passage of Aulus Gellius concerning the punishment for theft in ancient legal cultures (N.A. 11.18). The close inspection of the precisely ordered structure of Gellian text reveals some hitherto undetected aspects of Gellius’ working method, providing insight into the manner in which he managed his legal sources (particularly Sabinus’ works). This issue, of literary and cultural interest (the exegesis discloses a sort of ‘commentary’ on Sabinus’ works), is at the core of the present study and extends throughout its first part. The relationship between Gellius and the works of the Roman jurists, however, does not exhaust the interest of N.A. 11.18. The structural analysis of Gellius’ Chapter 18 will enable us, in fact, to read in a new light the discussion on Roman theft provided by Gaius’ Institutes (Gai 3.183 ff.). We devote the second part of this study to a short analysis of Gaian text as well, which can be extensively compared with N.A. 11.18. The contrast between the structures of the two texts will help us track down some common elements, providing us with evidence of a shared underlying pattern. This result makes a textual contribution to the never-ending debate on the ‘model’ of Gaius’ Institutes, on the one hand, and to the palingenesis of Sabinus’ Libri iuris civilis, on the other.
‘Usages and Customs of the Sea’
Authors: Trivellato Francesca
Published: June 2016

This article focuses on an influential but today little-known book first published in Bordeaux in 1647 and later reprinted in multiple editions: Étienne Cleirac’s Us et coustumes de la mer (Usages and Customs of the Sea). It is the earliest and most extensive vernacular treatise on maritime law composed in early modern Europe, assembling and commenting on a large body of legal norms issued from the twelfth century to the then present, including the Laws of Wisby, the Judgements of Oléron, and a great many French regional and royal compilations of maritime law. The importance of this text is threefold. At the most basic, it helps us reconstruct the process through which doctrine and scholarship on European maritime law developed in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It also brings new evidence to bear on controversial scholarly debates about the so-called lex mercatoria, its supposedly private and cosmopolitan nature, and its transition from the medieval to the early modern period. Finally, it sheds new light on the intersection of law, politics, and socio-economic transformations in France during the half-century before the proclamation of the Ordonnance de commerce (1673) and the Ordonnance de la marine (1681).
Professorial opinions and Scottish-Dutch legal relations at the turn of the eighteenth century
Authors: Finlay John
Published: June 2016

This article considers two Scottish cases, in 1693 and 1711, in which legal opinions were obtained from professors in law faculties in the Netherlands. These are the only known examples of this phenomenon. As well as considering the contemporary citation of Dutch sources in Scottish pleadings, and the relevance of legal education particularly in Utrecht, the article considers why, in the context of the cases concerned, such appeals might have been made to the Dutch universities. These Dutch opinions are contrasted with the later tendency of Scottish lawyers to obtain opinions from English counsel in certain circumstances. The article ends with the text and translation of the 1711 opinion from Utrecht.
The political and legal views of Mikhail Speranskiy in the Rules on the Siberian Kirghiz
Authors: Pochekaev Roman Yu.
Published: June 2016

Mikhail Speranskiy, an outstanding Russian statesman and legislator of the first half of the 19th century, was Governor-General of Siberia from 1819 to 1821. The main result of this moment in his career was the government reform in Asiatic Russia as well as the formulation in 1822 of a set of codes – rules and regulations – for Siberia and its peoples. Speranskiy tried to incorporate his theories on state and law into these codifications. One of these codes was the Rules on the Siberian Kirghiz which provided for a reform of the government system of the Kazakhs (‘Kirghiz’ in the Russian pre-revolutionary tradition) of the Middle Horde, who were under the control of Siberian regional authorities. The Middle Horde became a place where Speranskiy could experiment with his ideas. Previous researchers have paid more attention to the consequences of the promulgation of the ‘Rules on the Siberian Kirghiz’ for the later history of Kazakhstan. This paper clarifies which specific ideas of Speranskiy on state and law the Rules on the Siberian Kirghiz reflect, and answers the question of whether they had practical importance. A substantial part of the ‘Rules on the Siberian Kirghiz’ was, in fact, ineffective and would not be used in practice because of Speranskiy’s lack of knowledge of the Kazakhs, and his underrating of their political and legal level. At the same time, the authority of Speranskiy in 19th century Russia as legislator and reformer was so high that his Rules on the Siberian Kirghiz remained in force until the 1860’s, when the next substantial administrative reforms of the Kazakh steppe took place.
Conscientious Objection to Same-sex Marriages: Beyond the Limits of Toleration
Authors: Smet Stijn
Published: June 2016

When civil servants conscientiously refuse to register same-sex marriages, a clash arises between freedom of religion and same-sex equality. The scholarly world is divided on the optimal way to tackle this human rights clash. States, however, are not. Courts and legislators in the us, the uk and the Netherlands—among others—have decisively and unequivocally sided with same-sex equality. This article contributes to the debate by presenting an alternative to existing scholarly analyses, which the author finds wanting. The primary aim is to offer a coherent account of the relevant practice in the uk and the Netherlands. The article’s core argument is that this practice is best understood in terms of the limits of toleration in liberal States. The author argues, in particular, that the uk courts and Dutch legislators have drawn those limits at the point where civil servants cause same-sex couples expressive harm.
Gastrodia cajanoae (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Gastrodieae), a new species from the Philippines
Authors: PELSER PIETER B. , DOBLE KIM JOHN S. , O’BYRNE PETER , ORMEROD PAUL , BARCELONA JULIE F.
Published: June 2016

Gastrodia Brown (1810: 330) is a holomycotrophic terrestrial orchid genus of c. 65 species with an Old World distribution and centre of diversity in Southeast Asia (Cribb et al. 2010, Huang et al. 2015, Ong 2015). In the Philippines, two species are thus far known: G. javanica (Blume, 1825: 421) Lindley (1840: 384) and G. verrucosa Blume (1856: 175). Both have a widespread distribution in northern Malesia and southern East Asia. During fieldwork for the Co’s Digital Flora of the Philippine project (Pelser et al. 2011 onwards) in early December 2012, Gastrodia plants were photographed that belong to a third Philippine species. These plants were observed in three areas on the island of Mindanao: Mt. Apo Natural Park (North Cotabato Prov.) and two sites in Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park (Lantapan and Baungon municipalities; Bukidnon Prov.). In December 2015, plants belonging to the same species were collected in Northern Negros Natural Park (Victorias City, Negros Occidental Prov., Negros) and in March 2016 plants were photographed in Barlig (Mountain Prov., Luzon). Morphological studies showed that this species is distinct from all Gastrodia species except G. spathulata (Carr, 1935: 180) Wood (in Wood et al. 2011: 355) in having petals that are considerably shorter than the calyx tube and separate from it about half way along the inner surface of the tube. It differs from G. spathulata in the longer adnation of the petals to the calyx tube, the shape of the petals and their lack of indumentum, and characters of the lip ridges. Assuming that these morphological differences are an indication of reproductive isolation, we name and describe these plants here as a new species under a biological species concept (Mayr 2000). This new addition brings the total number of Philippine Gastrodia species to three.
The Ambrysus Stål (Heteroptera: Naucoridae: Cryphocricinae) of Mexico:
Revision of the subgenus Syncollus La Rivers
Authors: REYNOSO-VELASCO DANIEL , SITES ROBERT W. , NOVELO-GUTIÉRREZ RODOLFO
Published: June 2016

The subgenus Ambrysus (Syncollus) La Rivers is mostly Neotropical and includes nine described species. Features uniting species in this subgenus are related to the position of the propleura with respect to the prosternum in males and females, as well as characteristics of tergum V and the genitalia of males. Three species of Syncollus are known from Mexico including Ambrysus baeus Polhemus & Polhemus, A. circumcinctus Montandon, and A. pygmaeus La Rivers. The remaining six species in the subgenus are distributed in Central and South America. Herein we review Syncollus and revise the Mexican fauna. More specifically, three new species from Mexico are described: A. chiapanecus n. sp., A. totonacus n. sp., and A. xico n. sp. The subspecies A. circumcinctus caliginosus Usinger, A. c. concavus La Rivers, and A. c. extremus La Rivers are proposed as junior synonyms of A. c. circumcinctus Montandon. Ambrysus partridgei De Carlo is transferred from Syncollus to the subgenus Ambrysus.
Paroctonchus nanjiensis gen. nov., sp. nov. (Nematoda, Enoplida, Oncholaimidae) from intertidal sediments in the East China Sea
Authors: SHI BENZE , XU KUIDONG
Published: June 2016

Paroctonchus nanjiensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is described from a sand beach in the China Nanji Islands Natural Reserve in the East China Sea. Paroctonchus nanjiensis is distinct in the family Oncholaimidae in having more than three teeth, a character found otherwise only in the monotypic genera Octonchus and Patagonema. The new genus and species differs from Octonchus and Patagonema in the number and pattern of teeth, bearing three large teeth with the left ventrosublateral one the largest plus about 27 small teeth distributed on the wall of buccal cavity. By contrast, Octonchus possesses one large tooth plus eight small teeth, while Patagonema has three large teeth with the right ventrosublateral one the largest plus 12 small teeth on three mandibular ridges. Moreover, Paroctonchus nanjiensis differs from Octonchus also in position of the amphidial aperture (located in the middle portion of buccal cavity vs. at the base of buccal cavity), and from Patagonema in the absence of a demanian system (vs. present) and the presence of two subventral rows of wart-like precloacal supplements (vs. a ventral row of papillate supplements). We provide an improved diagnosis for the subfamily Octonchinae, and discuss the evolution of teeth in the family Oncholaimidae.
Taxonomic status of a population of Gymoncypris waddelli Regan, 1905 (Cypriniformes: Schizothoracinae) distributed in Pengqu River, Tibet, China
Authors: TANG YONG-TAO , FENG CHEN-GUANG , WANGHE KUN-YUAN , LI GUO-GANG , ZHAO KAI
Published: June 2016

Gymnocypris waddelli, a highland cold-water fish, is distributed among rivers and lakes of the southern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Although previously described as G. waddelli, specimens from the Pengqu River are morphologically distinguishable from those from Lake Yamzhog Yumco, which is the type locality of G. waddelli. We investigated morphological variations of G. waddelli specimens from Pengqu River and Lake Yamzhog Yumco using not only traditional morphological methods but also newly-developed geometric morphometric analysis; furthermore, mitochondrial Cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene analysis was employed to explore the phylogenetic position of the Pengqu River population. Our morphological analyses suggested that G. waddelli from the Pengqu River had an obtuse snout, nearly straight oral fissure, shorter lower jaw than upper jaw, broad mouth and sparse inside gill rakers of the first arch relative to the Lake Yamzhog Yumco population. The strongly supported monophyly of Pengqu population according to mitochondrial datasets was obtained, indicating genetic differences between Pengqu River and Lake Yamzhog Yumco populations. Given their substantial genetic and morphological divergence, specimens from Pengqu River warrant recognition as a distinct species, here described and named Gymnocypris pengquensis.
Reduced heart rate variability in remitted bipolar disorder and recurrent depression
Authors: Bassett Darryl , Bear Natasha , Nutt David , Hood Sean , Bassett Sherylee , Hans Davinder
Published: June 2016

Objective:

There is evidence that mood disorders are associated with impaired parasympathetic nervous system function and consequently increased morbidity and mortality. Our study addresses whether this impairment persists into remission in unipolar and bipolar disorders.

Methods:

Heart Rate Variability was measured in groups of subjects during remission, with Bipolar Affective Disorder I ( n = 29), recurrent Major Depressive Disorder ( n = 41) and a healthy control group ( n = 38), during the bedtime period.

Results:

Heart Rate Variability was found to be lower in the bipolar and depression groups, compared with control subjects, using the Root Mean Square of Successive Distances variable, and lower in the depression group using the Standard Deviation of Normal to Normal variable and the Standard Deviation, Poincare Plot variable.

Conclusion:

Autonomic function during bedtime was impaired in subjects with Bipolar I and recurrent Major Depressive Disorder, despite clinical remission. This has significant implications for the morbidity and mortality of patients with major mood disorders.
Political Mobilization and Government Targeting: When Do Dissidents Challenge the State?
Authors: Salehyan Idean , Stewart Brandon
Published: June 2016

Activist groups face a number of strategic challenges when pursuing social change. Among the most important is selecting the appropriate target for protest activity. Yet, scholars have typically focused on dissident–government interactions, rather than the entire range of potential targets. Why, then, do dissidents choose to target the state rather than other social actors such as firms, rival ethnic groups, the press, and so on? We argue that dissident target choice is shaped by the interaction of dissident demands and regime characteristics. When the state is highly central in generating particular grievances, dissidents will be more likely to target the state; however, this also depends on the degree of state responsiveness to opposition movements. We highlight how state control over the economy shapes economic protest, how democracy conditions political protest, and how ethnic discrimination discourages anti-state protest. The results of our quantitative analysis of protest events in Africa and Latin America demonstrate that there is an interactive effect between contextual features of the state and the specific demands of activists.
Auditory Attention and Comprehension During a Simulated Night Shift
Authors: Pilcher June J. , Jennings Kristen S. , Phillips Ginger E. , McCubbin James A.
Published: June 2016

Objective:

The current study investigated performance on a dual auditory task during a simulated night shift.

Background:

Night shifts and sleep deprivation negatively affect performance on vigilance-based tasks, but less is known about the effects on complex tasks. Because language processing is necessary for successful work performance, it is important to understand how it is affected by night work and sleep deprivation.

Method:

Sixty-two participants completed a simulated night shift resulting in 28 hr of total sleep deprivation. Performance on a vigilance task and a dual auditory language task was examined across four testing sessions.

Results:

The results indicate that working at night negatively impacts vigilance, auditory attention, and comprehension. The effects on the auditory task varied based on the content of the auditory material. When the material was interesting and easy, the participants performed better. Night work had a greater negative effect when the auditory material was less interesting and more difficult.

Conclusion:

These findings support research that vigilance decreases during the night. The results suggest that auditory comprehension suffers when individuals are required to work at night. Maintaining attention and controlling effort especially on passages that are less interesting or more difficult could improve performance during night shifts.

Application:

The results from the current study apply to many work environments where decision making is necessary in response to complex auditory information. Better predicting the effects of night work on language processing is important for developing improved means of coping with shiftwork.
How Do Financial Resources Affect the Timing of Retirement after a Job Separation?
Authors: Rutledge Matthew S.
Published: June 2016

This study examines working people between the ages of 50 and 70 years old and the conditions that lead them to decide to retire or not after they experience a job separation. Based on data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation, the author finds that among individuals whose jobless spells end in retirement, most decide to retire within a year after separation. The availability of resources such as Social Security retirement benefits, high net worth, and income from defined benefit pensions appear to encourage more rapid labor force exit and retirement, rather than supporting job seekers during a long search. Perhaps surprisingly, no correlation between retirement and the unemployment rate occurs, but unemployment insurance benefits do delay retirement. These results suggest little tolerance for long job searches regardless of labor market prospects and indicate that those who can afford to retire will do so rather quickly.
Listening to refugees: How traditional mental health interventions may miss the mark
Authors: Mitschke Diane B , Praetorius Regina T , Kelly Don R , Small Eusebius , Kim Youn K
Published: June 2016

Understanding the dynamics of mental health of recently resettled refugees is an essential component of any comprehensive resettlement program, yet establishing the components of a successful and acceptable mental health intervention is an elusive task. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 resettled refugees from five countries who had received treatment for depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, or anxiety. Themes generated from the interviews emphasized the need for strong group-based social support as well as a focus on practical needs such as acquiring and maintaining employment, language and literacy training, and access to care.
Role of Oxidized Lipids and TRP Channels in Orofacial Pain and Inflammation
Authors: Hargreaves K.M. , Ruparel S.
Published: June 2016

Acute or chronic inflammation comprises a highly prevalent type of orofacial pain and is mediated by the generation of endogenous agonists that activate numerous receptors expressed on terminals of trigeminal (TG) nociceptive afferent neurons. One such studied receptor is transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1 is a ligand-gated cation channel that is expressed on a major subclass of nociceptors and is found in many orofacial tissues, including dental pulp. Antagonists to TRPV1 reveal an important role for this channel in mediating hypersensitivity in preclinical models of inflammatory or neuropathic pain. Recent studies have demonstrated that endogenous TRPV1 agonists are generated by oxidation of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including both linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. A major mechanism triggering the release of oxidative linoleic acid metabolites (OLAMs) and oxidative arachidonic acid metabolites (OAAMs) is the action of oxidative enzymes. Oxidative enzymes such as cytochrome P450 isozymes are rapidly upregulated in TG neurons after orofacial inflammation and increase the capacity of TG neurons to generate OLAMs. Cytochrome P450 isozymes are also increased in immune cells in irreversibly inflamed human dental pulp, and extracts of this tissue have significantly increased capacity to generate OLAMs. Together, these studies point to a novel pain mechanism involving the enzymatic generation of endogenous OLAM and OAAM agonists of TRPV1. This finding provides a rationale for an entirely new class of analgesics by inhibition of oxidative enzyme activity.
Does age matter? The impact of rodent age on study outcomes
Authors: Jackson Samuel J , Andrews Nick , Ball Doug , Bellantuono Ilaria , Gray James , Hachoumi Lamia , Holmes Alan , Latcham Judy , Petrie Anja , Potter Paul , Rice Andrew , Ritchie Alison , Stewart Michelle , Strepka Carol , Yeoman Mark , Chapman Kathryn
Published: June 2016

Rodent models produce data which underpin biomedical research and non-clinical drug trials, but translation from rodents into successful clinical outcomes is often lacking. There is a growing body of evidence showing that improving experimental design is key to improving the predictive nature of rodent studies and reducing the number of animals used in research. Age, one important factor in experimental design, is often poorly reported and can be overlooked. The authors conducted a survey to assess the age used for a range of models, and the reasoning for age choice. From 297 respondents providing 611 responses, researchers reported using rodents most often in the 6–20 week age range regardless of the biology being studied. The age referred to as ‘adult’ by respondents varied between six and 20 weeks. Practical reasons for the choice of rodent age were frequently given, with increased cost associated with using older animals and maintenance of historical data comparability being two important limiting factors. These results highlight that choice of age is inconsistent across the research community and often not based on the development or cellular ageing of the system being studied. This could potentially result in decreased scientific validity and increased experimental variability. In some cases the use of older animals may be beneficial. Increased scientific rigour in the choice of the age of rodent may increase the translation of rodent models to humans.
Human-Centered Design and the Field of Technical Communication
Authors: Zachry Mark , Spyridakis Jan H.
Published: June 2016

In this special journal issue, we explore the turn toward human-centered design (HCD) in research and higher education. We begin with a discussion of how HCD emerged in scholarly work at the edges of our field in places such as design, psychology, art, and engineering. Following this, we consider how an HCD perspective is manifesting itself in academic programs in different institutional contexts. We then discuss how this trend is further illustrated by the transformation of our department at the University of Washington, which shifted from being the Department of Technical Communication to becoming the Department of Human Centered Design and Engineering. Finally, we discuss the work of a group of researchers who contributed articles to this special issue. Each of these articles offers a perspective from someone within our field about how an HCD perspective has influenced their thinking and research.
Talk versus Action
Authors: Mendez-Luck Carolyn A. , Amorim Clarice , Anthony Katherine P.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this longitudinal qualitative study was to explore Latino caregiving dyads’ experiences with managing diabetes in the home.

Methods

The authors used Sebern’s Shared Care construct as a framework for understanding the realities that some Latino older adults and their caregivers face in managing diabetes. Twelve caregiving dyads completed a semistructured interview followed by weekly participant observation in their homes over 3 to 4 months. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

Results

Diet was the most commonly discussed and observed aspect of diabetes care and also a source of strain within dyads. Dyads talked and acted congruently about food preparation and the challenges of diet adherence but had conflicting views on whether the care receiver’s diabetes was under control. Analysis also revealed a discordance between views and observed actions of diabetes care related to monitoring blood glucose levels.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that caregivers or other key family members should be considered as active participants in diabetes management among Latinos, which is consistent with American Diabetes Association and Institute of Medicine recommendations for a patient- and family-centered approach to improve care. In addition, family environments that are in flux, chaotic, or low in resources may benefit from increased support to initiate and maintain diabetes management behaviors.
Two-Year Follow-Up of a Sexual Health Promotion Program for Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Espada Jose P. , Escribano Silvia , Morales Alexandra , Orgilés Mireia
Published: June 2016

The aim is to evaluate the effects of the Competencias para adolescentes con una sexualidad saludable (COMPAS) program and compare them with an evidence-based program ( ¡Cuídate!) and a control group (CG). Eighteen public high schools were randomly assigned to one of the three experimental conditions. Initially, 1,563 Spanish adolescents between 14 and 16 years of age participated, and 24 months after their implementation, 635 of them completed a survey. Self-report measures collected data on sexual behavior, knowledge, attitudes, intention, sexual risk perception, and perceived norm. Compared to the CG, COMPAS increased the level of knowledge about sexually transmitted infections and improved the attitudes toward people living with human immunodeficiency virus at the 2-year follow-up. Neither intervention had a long-term impact on behavioral variables. Results suggest that COMPAS has a comparable impact to the other intervention on the variables predicting consistent condom use. Reinforcing the messages and skills that have the greatest impact on condom use and adding booster sessions following program completion as strategies to maintain long-term effects are necessary.
Electoral paths and support for same-sex marriage legislation: Evidence from Taiwan’s mixed-member system
Authors: Rich Timothy S
Published: June 2016

To what extent do electoral institutions influence positions on same-sex marriage? Debates over same-sex marriage legislation have increased globally for the past 20 years, yet little research focuses on either debates in East Asia or the effect of electoral institutions. Using an original dataset on Taiwanese legislators and their public stances on same-sex marriage, this research finds that legislators elected under proportional representation (PR) are consistently more likely to support same-sex marriage laws than their counterparts elected in single-member districts (SMDs), even after controlling for partisanship. The results here not only highlight overlooked institutional influences on support, but also tie the broader literature on mixed-member systems to the growing research on same-sex marriage rights.
Political equality within the household? The political role and influence of mothers and fathers in a multi-party setting
Authors: Boonen Joris
Published: June 2016

This study aims to contribute new insights into the way ‘political labour’ is divided in the household. I use data from a large-scale panel study, the Parent–Child Socialization Study 2012–2013, conducted among adolescents and both their parents in Belgium, to analyse the different ways in which family members engage in politics and influence each other’s political preferences. First, I analyse differences in political engagement between fathers, mothers and adolescents. Second, I present a full triadic structural equation model to measure the political influence that fathers, mothers and adolescent children exert on one another. The findings suggest that fathers are (still) more engaged in politics, but when it comes to preferences for political parties, both parents influence their partners and their adolescent children in equal measure.
The dynamics of the winner–loser gap in satisfaction with democracy: Evidence from a Swedish citizen panel
Authors: Dahlberg Stefan , Linde Jonas
Published: June 2016

Several studies have demonstrated a gap in support for the political system between electoral winners and losers. This research has generated a large stock of knowledge about the causes and effects of this winner–loser gap. However, we know little about the dynamics of the winner–loser gap over time. Drawing on a unique Swedish panel survey, this study investigates the stability of the winner–loser gap among Swedish voters over an electoral cycle of four years. The empirical analyses demonstrate a substantial consistency of the gap over time also when controlling for other determinants. The winner–loser gap thus seems to be a stable phenomenon rather than a short-lived election effect. The results are robust to different specifications and statistical techniques.
Defining the optimum tumescent anaesthesia solution in endovenous laser ablation
Authors: Wallace Tom , Leung Clement , Nandhra Sandip , Samuel Nehemiah , Carradice Daniel , Chetter Ian
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To produce a tumescent anaesthesia solution with physiological pH for endovenous thermal ablation and evaluate its influence on peri- and postoperative pain, clinical and quality of life outcomes, and technical success.

Methods

Tumescent anaesthetic solution (0.1% lidocaine with 1:2,000,000 epinephrine) was titrated to physiological pH by buffering with 2 ml incremental aliquots of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate. Patients undergoing great saphenous vein endovenous laser ablation and ambulatory phlebectomy were studied before and after introduction of buffered tumescent anaesthetic. Primary outcome was perioperative pain measured on a 10 cm visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes were daily pain scores during the first postoperative week, complications, time to return to normal activity, patient satisfaction, generic and disease-specific quality of life, and technical success. Patients were assessed at baseline, and at 1, 6 and 12 weeks following the procedure.

Results

A physiological pH was achieved with the addition of 10 ml of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate to 1 l of standard tumescent anaesthetic solution. Sixty-two patients undergoing great saphenous vein endovenous laser ablation with phlebectomy were recruited before and after the introduction of buffered tumescent anaesthetic solution. Baseline and operative characteristics were well matched. The buffered solution was associated with significantly lower (median (interquartile range)) periprocedural pain scores (1 (0.25–2.25) versus 4 (3–6), p < 0.001) and postoperative pain score at the end of the treatment day (1.8 (0.3–2.8) versus 3.0 (1.2–5.2), p = 0.033). There were no significant differences in postoperative pain scores between the groups at any other time. There were no significant differences in other clinical outcomes between the groups. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in generic and disease-specific quality of life, with no intergroup differences. Both groups demonstrated 100% ultrasonographic technical success at all time points.

Conclusions

Buffering of tumescent anaesthetic solution during endovenous thermal ablation is a simple, safe, inexpensive and effective means of reducing perioperative and early postoperative pain.
The Evolution of Community Self-Organization in Interaction With Government Institutions: Cross-Case Insights From Three Countries
Authors: Edelenbos Jurian , van Meerkerk Ingmar , Schenk Todd
Published: June 2016

This article deals with the evolution of community self-organization in public administration. Within the literature of interactive governance, increasing attention is being paid to how communities take initiative in dealing with societal issues. However, we know little about the factors contributing to the durability of self-organization. We analyzed three cases of community self-organization in three different countries: the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Netherlands. We found that community self-organization initiatives are strongly embedded in governmental environments, leading to different modes of interaction that change from phase to phase and in response to reciptiveness (or the lack thereof) among government counterparts. These modes of interaction strongly influence the evolution of community self-organization efforts. Moreover, we conclude that it is important that self-organized citizen initiatives represent and capture the perspectives and interests of large groups of citizens. This condition positively influences the evolution and duration of citizen initiatives. Those who manage to link with other citizens, including via community and volunteer organizations, can succeed. Those who do not can lose their legitimacy and fail.
Portal vein stent placement with or without varix embolization of jejunal variceal bleeding after hepatopancreatobiliary surgery
Authors: Shim Dong Jae , Shin Ji Hoon , Ko Gi-Young , Kim Yook , Han Kichang , Gwon Dong-Il , Ko Heung-Kyu
Published: June 2016

Background

Extrahepatic portal hypertension after surgery involving the duodenum or jejunum might result in massive ectopic variceal bleeding.

Purpose

To report the results of portal vein stent placement with the addition of variceal embolization.

Material and Methods

Between January 2000 and June 2015, portal vein stent placement was attempted in 477 patients. Of these, 22 patients (age, 63 ± 10 years) with jejunal variceal bleeding caused by portal vein obstruction after surgery were included in this study. Computed tomography (CT) findings before and after treatment and the rates of technical and clinical success, complications, and clinical outcomes were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

Stent placement was successful in 19 of 22 patients. Additional variceal embolization was performed in five cases. Clinical success, defined as the cessation of bleeding without recurrence within 1 month, was achieved in 18 of 19 patients with technical success. One patient developed recurrent bleeding 4 days after stent placement and was successfully treated with additional variceal embolization. There were no procedure-related complications. A regression of the jejunal varices was noted in 14 of 19 patients on follow-up CT scans. During the follow-up period (258 days; range, 7–1196 days), stent occlusion and recurrent bleeding occurred in six and four patients, respectively, of the 19 patients who achieved technical success. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences regarding stent patency between benign and malignant strictures.

Conclusion

Percutaneous, transhepatic, portal vein stent placement with or without jejunal variceal embolization appears to be a safe and effective treatment for jejunal variceal bleeding after surgery.
Are there gender differences in instrumental music practice?
Authors: Hallam Susan , Varvarigou Maria , Creech Andrea , Papageorgi Ioulia , Gomes Teresa , Lanipekun Jennifer , Rinta Tiija
Published: June 2016

This research aimed to consider whether there were gender differences in the amount of practice undertaken by boys and girls, the practice strategies adopted and motivation to practise. A sample of 2027 girls and 1225 boys aged 6–19 years, ranging in level of expertise from beginner through to conservatory entrance level, playing instruments representative of the classical and popular instruments played in the UK completed a self-report Likert scale questionnaire. There were no statistically significant gender differences in weekly practice time or motivation to practise. Factor analysis of statements relating to practice revealed seven factors. There were statistically significant gender differences in relation to the adoption of systematic practice strategies (girls were more systematic), concentration (boys perceived they had higher levels of concentration) and immediate correction of errors (girls reported more immediate correction). There were no statistically significant gender differences in relation to the organisation of practice, the use of recordings and a metronome, the use of analytic strategies, and the adoption of ineffective practice strategies although for this factor there was a statistically significant interaction between gender and level of expertise.
A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatments of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Lantto Iikka , Heikkinen Juuso , Flinkkila Tapio , Ohtonen Pasi , Siira Pertti , Laine Vesa , Leppilahti Juhana
Published: June 2016

Background:

The optimal treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures for active patients is under debate.

Purpose:

To compare clinical outcomes and calf muscle strength recovery after the nonsurgical treatment and open surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures with identical accelerated rehabilitation programs.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

From 2009 to 2013, a total of 60 patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture were randomized to surgery or nonsurgical treatment. Nonsurgical treatment included first a week of cast immobilization, followed by a functional orthosis for 6 weeks, allowing full weightbearing after week 1 and active plantar flexion after week 5. Surgery was simple end-to-end open repair, and postoperative treatment was identical to nonsurgical treatment. Outcome measures included the Leppilahti Achilles tendon performance score, isokinetic calf muscle strength, and RAND 36-Item Health Survey at 18-month follow-up.

Results:

At 18-month follow-up, the mean Leppilahti score was 79.5 and 75.7 for the surgically and nonsurgically treated groups, respectively (mean difference, 3.8; 95% CI, –1.9 to 9.5; P = .19). Angle-specific peak torque results of affected legs showed that surgery resulted in faster and better recovery of calf muscle strength over the entire range of motion of the ankle joint: at 6 months, the difference varied from 16% to 24% ( P = .016), favoring the surgically treated group, whereas at 18 months, surgically treated patients had 10% to 18% greater strength results ( P = .037). At 18 months, a 14% difference in the peak torque of the affected leg favored the surgical group versus the nonsurgical group (mean peak torque, 110.3 vs 96.5 N·m, respectively; mean difference, 13.6 N·m; 95% CI, 2.0-25.1 N·m; P = .022). The RAND 36-Item Health Survey indicated better results in the domains of physical functioning ( P = .006) and bodily pain ( P = .037) for surgically treated patients.

Conclusion:

Surgical and nonsurgical treatments of acute Achilles tendon ruptures have similar results in terms of the Achilles tendon performance score, but surgery restores calf muscle strength earlier over the entire range of motion of the ankle joint, with a 10% to 18% strength difference favoring surgery at 18 months. Surgery may also result in better health-related quality of life in the domains of physical functioning and bodily pain compared with nonsurgical treatment.

Registration:

NCT02012803 ( ClinicalTrials.gov )