bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thoracic magnetic resonance venography using Gadofosveset in patients with venous pathology—A comparative study of image quality and inter-rater variability
Authors: Åkesson Michael , Lehti Leena , Höglund Peter , Åkeson Per , Wassélius Johan
Published: July 2016

Background

High-quality non-invasive imaging of the deep venous system in the thorax is challenging, but nevertheless required for diagnosis of vascular pathology as well as for patient selection and preoperative planning for endovascular procedures.

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic quality of Gadofosveset-enhanced thoracic magnetic resonance venography, seven consecutive patients with suspected or known disease affecting the central thoracic veins were compared to seven consecutive magnetic resonance venography using conventional gadolinium-based contrast agents.

Materials and methods

Diagnostic capability, defined as the ability to assess vessel patency and pathologic conditions, for the major thoracic deep venous segments was assessed by two-independent readers. Both reviewers rated the overall subjective image quality on a four-graded scale, and inter-rater variability was analyzed using unweighted and weighted Cohen's kappa values.

Results

Diagnostic capability was generally considerably higher in the Gadofosveset group for all examined vessel segments. The overall images quality rating was significantly higher for the Gadofosveset group with a mean rating of 2.9 and 2.7 for the two-independent readers, compared to 1.2 and 1.0 for the control croup. Inter-rater variability showed less variability for the Gadofosveset group with a quadratic-weighted Cohen's Kappa value of 0.58 compared to 0.36 for the control group.

Conclusion

Our results show that Gadofosveset-enhanced magnetic resonance venography of the central thoracic veins is a reliable technique in clinical routine practice that results in diagnostic images, superior to conventional gadolinium-based contrast medium.
Ischemia-induced spreading depolarization in the retina
Authors: Srienc Anja I , Biesecker Kyle R , Shimoda Angela M , Kur Joanna , Newman Eric A
Published: July 2016

Cortical spreading depolarization is a metabolically costly phenomenon that affects the brain in both health and disease. Following severe stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or traumatic brain injury, cortical spreading depolarization exacerbates tissue damage and enlarges infarct volumes. It is not known, however, whether spreading depolarization also occurs in the retina in vivo. We report now that spreading depolarization episodes are generated in the in vivo rat retina following retinal vessel occlusion produced by photothrombosis. The properties of retinal spreading depolarization are similar to those of cortical spreading depolarization. Retinal spreading depolarization waves propagate at a velocity of 3.0 ± 0.1 mm/min and are associated with a negative shift in direct current potential, a transient cessation of neuronal spiking, arteriole constriction, and a decrease in tissue O2 tension. The frequency of retinal spreading depolarization generation in vivo is reduced by administration of the NMDA antagonist MK-801 and the 5-HT(1D) agonist sumatriptan. Branch retinal vein occlusion is a leading cause of vision loss from vascular disease. Our results suggest that retinal spreading depolarization could contribute to retinal damage in acute retinal ischemia and demonstrate that pharmacological agents can reduce retinal spreading depolarization frequency after retinal vessel occlusion. Blocking retinal spreading depolarization generation may represent a therapeutic strategy for preserving vision in branch retinal vein occlusion patients.
Recombinant Gas6 augments Axl and facilitates immune restoration in an intracerebral hemorrhage mouse model
Authors: Tong Lu-sha , Shao An-wen , Ou Yi-bo , Guo Zhen-ni , Manaenko Anatol , Dixon Brandon J , Tang Jiping , Lou Min , Zhang John H
Published: July 2016

Axl, a tyrosine kinase receptor, was recently identified as an essential component regulating innate immune response. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 are potent Axl-inducible negative inflammatory regulators. This study investigated the role of Axl signaling pathway in immune restoration in an autologous blood-injection mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage. Recombinant growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) and R428 were administrated as specific agonist and antagonist. In vivo knockdown of Axl or suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 by siRNA was applied. After intracerebral hemorrhage, the expression of endogenous Axl, soluble Axl, and Gas6 was increased, whereas the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 was inhibited. Recombinant growth arrest-specific 6 administration alleviated brain edema and improved neurobehavioral performances. Moreover, enhanced Axl phosphorylation with cleavage of soluble Axl (sAxl), and an upregulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 were observed. In vivo knockdown of Axl and R428 administration both abolished the effect of recombinant growth arrest-specific 6 on brain edema and also decreased the expression suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3. In vivo knockdown of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 aggravated cytokine releasing despite of recombinant growth arrest-specific 6. In conclusion, Axl plays essential role in immune restoration after intracerebral hemorrhage. And recombinant growth arrest-specific 6 attenuated brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage, probably by enhancing Axl phosphorylation and production of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3.
Does Fear of Terrorism Differ From Fear of Crime and Sexual Assault: A Question of Geographical Location and Residential Area
Authors: Shechory-Bitton Mally , Cohen-Louck Keren
Published: July 2016

The study describes an examination of three types of fear: crime, sexual assault, and terrorism. The sample consisted of 507 adults from three different geographical locations in Israel with different levels of crime and terror attacks. With regard to fear of crime and fear of sexual assault, the results were compatible with the findings of many studies that indicate the effect of residential area features on levels of fear. Fear of terrorism was found to be more complex. The theoretical framework used to assess fear of crime is not fully suitable for assessing and examining fear of terrorism. Other variables should be taken into consideration, such as religion and ideology.
A case of cervicogenic headache caused by C5 nerve root derived shwannoma: Case report
Authors: Gondo Gakuji , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Kawada Junya , Tanaka Masahiko , Yamamoto Kazuaki , Tanaka Satoshi , Endo Satoshi
Published: July 2016

Introduction

We report a case of cervicogenic headache caused by an intradural extramedullary tumor of the middle cervical spine, which has not previously been reported.

Case presentation

The patient was a 73-year-old male who visited a physician for a chief complaint of pain from the left lower jaw to the auricle and occipital region. The headache was induced with retroflexion of the neck. On cervical magnetic resonance imaging, an intradural extramedullary tumor was noted on the left side at the C4/5 level. The intradural tumor, which arose from the C5 nerve root, was excised and the pain was resolved. The pathological diagnosis was schwannoma.

Conclusion

Previously reported cases of spinal cord tumor-induced cervicogenic headache were due to upper cervical spinal tumors. This is the first report that a middle-lower cervical intradural extramedullary tumor caused cervicogenic headache.
Cortical Button Fixation
Authors: Ode Gabriella E. , Piasecki Dana P. , Habet Nahir A. , Peindl Richard D.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Patellar tendon ruptures require surgical repair to optimize outcomes, but no consensus exists regarding the ideal repair technique. Cortical button fixation is a secure method for tendon repair that has not been studied in patellar tendons.

Hypothesis:

Cortical button repair is biomechanically superior to the standard transpatellar repair and biomechanically equivalent to suture anchor repair.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty-three fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were used to compare 3 techniques of patellar tendon repair after a simulated rupture at the inferior pole of the patella. Repairs were performed at 45° of flexion using a standard transpatellar suture repair (n = 7), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) suture anchor repair (n = 8), or cortical button repair (n = 8). All specimens were tested on a custom apparatus to simulate cyclic open kinetic chain quadriceps contraction from extension to 90o of flexion. Outcomes of gap formation up to 250 cycles, maximum load to failure, and mode of failure were evaluated.

Results:

Cortical button repair had significantly less gap formation than anchor repair after 1 cycle ( P < .001) and 20 cycles ( P < .01) and significantly less gap formation than suture repair from 1 to 250 cycles ( P < .05). Cortical button repair sustained significantly higher loads to failure than anchor repair and suture repair ( P < .001). All suture repairs failed through the suture. Anchor repairs failed at the suture-anchor eyelet interface (n = 4) or by anchor pullout (n = 3). Cortical button repairs either failed through the suture (n = 5), secondary failure of the patellar tendon (n = 2), or subsidence of the button through the anterior cortex of the patella (n = 1).

Conclusion:

Patellar tendon repair using cortical button fixation demonstrated mechanical advantages over suture repair and anchor repair in cadaveric specimens. Cortical button fixation showed less cyclic gap formation and withstood at least twice the load to failure of the construct.

Clinical Relevance:

The biomechanical superiority of cortical button fixation may impart clinical advantages in accelerating postoperative rehabilitation.
Slave descendants’ views regarding national policies on reparations: A Martinican perspective
Authors: Armange Roseline , Mullet Etienne
Published: July 2016

The present study concerned the views regarding the acceptability of possible national policies related to slavery by people whose families were directly affected in the past. It was conducted in the island of Martinique (an overseas French department), and 298 descendants of slaves participated. Three qualitatively different personal positions were found; these positions were designated Skeptics (28% of the sample), Reparationists (35%) and Undetermined (37%). For people holding a Skeptic position, nothing meaningful can be done to repair the horrors of slavery. However a national policy that includes public acknowledgment of past wrongs can be considered as tolerable provided it is accompanied by material compensations. For people holding a Reparationist position, any national policy that involves public acknowledgment of past wrongs is considered as acceptable, whether or not it is accompanied by material compensation. Policies of amnesia and/or exaltation of the past or policies that involve only material compensations are viewed as not acceptable. In addition reparation policies are considered as more acceptable in cases where socio-economic integration of slave descendants has been achieved than in cases where it has not. For people holding an Undetermined position, slavery and the slave trade are part of the deep past; as a result, it is difficult to have strong views about it or about related policies. These three personal positions were related to educational level and religious involvement in a meaningful way. In particular, undetermined people were less educated and more religious than others.
Multifunctional upconversion nanoparticles for targeted dual-modal imaging in rat glioma xenograft
Authors: Yang Lin , Shao Bin , Zhang Xiangtong , Cheng Qian , Lin Tie , Liu Enzhong
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Achieving a radiographic gross total resection in high-grade gliomas improves overall survival. Many technologies such as intraoperative microscope, intraoperative ultrasound, fluorescence imaging, and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging have been applied to improve tumor resection. However, most commercial available magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents have limited permeability across the blood–brain barrier and are cleared rapidly from circulation. Fluorescence imaging discriminates tumor from normal tissue and provides a promising new strategy to maximize sage surgical resection of tumor. However, the penetration depth of fluorescence imaging is generally low.

Materials and methods

In this study, a new type of magnetite NaGdF4:Yb3+,Er3+,Li+@NaGdF4 (UCNPs) core-shell nanoparticles, coated with SiO2 and further functionalized with glioma and blood–brain barrier targeting motifs, was prepared for dual-modal in vivo upconversion imaging and magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

The as-prepared multifunctional upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs @SiO2-CX-Lf) were biocompatible, showed strong upconversion luminescence under excitation of 980 nm, and provided high signal-to-noise ratio in vivo. Moreover, UCNPs @SiO2-CX-Lf nanoparticles showed a high relaxivity of 1.25 S-1 mM-1 and were successfully applied as contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging in tumor xenograft rat model with prolonged tumor signal enhancement. In vivo and magnetic resonance imaging Upconversion Luminescence (UCL) imaging results indicated that these particles can across the blood–brain barrier, bind to glioma, gave bright UCL signal and T1 magnetic resonance imaging contrast.

Conclusions

Targeted UCL and magnetic resonance imaging dual-modal in vivo imaging using Yb3+/Er3+/Li+ codoped NaGdF4 core-shell nanostructure can serve as a platform technology for the next generation of intraoperative probes for image-guided tumor resection.
Reasons for Infant Feeding Decisions in Low-Income Families in Washington, DC
Authors: Oniwon Onize , Tender Jennifer A.F. , He Jianping , Voorhees Elyshe , Moon Rachel Y.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Breastfeeding rates for low-income, African American infants remain low.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the barriers, support, and influences for infant feeding decisions among women enrolled in the Washington, DC, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) after revisions in the WIC package to include more food vouchers for breastfeeding mothers and their infants and improvement of in-hospital breastfeeding support.

Methods:

We surveyed 100 women, using a 42-item verbally administered survey that asked about demographics, infant feeding method, and influences and support for feeding decisions.

Results:

The majority of participants (76%) initiated breastfeeding; 31% exclusively breastfed in the hospital. Participants were more likely to breastfeed if they had some college education, were unemployed or employed full-time, had only one child, and had been breastfed themselves as infants. Barriers to prolonged breastfeeding included limited support after hospital discharge, pain, and perceived insufficient milk supply. Participants in this study had higher breastfeeding initiation and in-hospital exclusivity rates after improvement of in-hospital breastfeeding support.

Conclusion:

Clients of WIC initiated breastfeeding at a high rate but either supplemented with formula or stopped breastfeeding for reasons that could be remedied by improved prenatal education, encouragement of exclusive breastfeeding in the hospital, and more outpatient support.
Convenience and accessibility of library services to students with disabilities at the University of Limpopo in South Africa
Authors: Phukubje Justice , Ngoepe Mpho
Published: July 2016

Students with disabilities require special convenient access to library services as compared to the general student population. Despite the special needs requirements, there is consensus among researchers that access to library services by students with disabilities is not yet fully available, especially in countries in the global periphery. This study utilised quantitative data collected through questionnaires directed to 92 disabled students registered for the 2013 academic year, an interview with the librarian responsible for the disabled students unit and observation using the IFLA checklist for access to libraries for disabled people to evaluate the convenience and accessibility of library services for students with disabilities at the University of Limpopo in South Africa. Even though the study established that a purpose-built library service unit for students with disabilities that complies with international best practice was in place, students with disabilities were not adequately satisfied with the library services they received as very few library materials had been transcribed into accessible formats. The situation was compounded by the fact that only one librarian was assigned to manage and run the library services for the disabled. The study recommends that the university should hire more librarians to assist students with disabilities in the audio-braille library. It is hoped that the study will stimulate policy makers to include students with disabilities in information access and collection development policies. A further study on the needs and academic progress assessment of students with one group of disabilities is recommended.
Novice and experienced users’ search performance and satisfaction with Web of Science and Scopus
Authors: Okhovati Maryam , Sharifpoor Elham , Aazami Mohammad , Zolala Farzaneh , Hamzehzadeh Mehran
Published: July 2016

This paper aims to determine novice and experienced users’ search performance and satisfaction with the interfaces of the Web of Science and Scopus. This is a descriptive-analytical study. Snowball sampling was used. Given queries were searched by 15 experienced and 15 novice users and their search performance was recorded using Camtasia. Their satisfaction was determined by the QUIS questionnaire. The experienced users were more satisfied with both databases than the novices but the difference was not significant. The results imply that even a limited amount of search experience provides search performance benefits in using databases to locate information. If a user interface is designed in a proper manner and considering users’ needs, users get better results.
Mass and charge density effects on the saturation kinetics of polypyrrole doped with dodecylbenzene sulfonate
Authors: Venugopal Vinithra , Hery Travis , Venkatesh Vijay , Sundaresan Vishnu Baba
Published: July 2016

In this article, the saturation kinetics model that describes chronoamperometric response of PPy(DBS) in our recently published work is extended to study the effect of mass and charge density on the step response of PPy(DBS). The saturation kinetics model is based on a mechanistic approach for charge storage in conducting polymers and leads to the development of structure-dependent input-output relationships to develop a cation concentration sensor. In this article, we demonstrate the use of poles and residues in the saturation kinetics model to deconstruct the chronoamperometric and chronocoulometric response by seperating the contributions from double layer charge accumulation and faradaic ion transport. We show that: (i) the number of redox sites, and therefore the number of ingressing ions at saturation, is directly proportional to the mass of the conducting polymer, (ii) the accessibility of these redox sites associated with ion ingress is inversely proportional to the conducting polymer charge density, (iii) the rate of ion ingress is found to be inversely proportional to mass and charge density, due to the decrease in the driving force per unit redox site and redox site accessibility, respectively. For lower charge densities, the mass has a dominant effect on saturation and rate of ion ingress, with charge density effects becoming apparent as it increases. The saturation charges obtained are consistent with the peak charges during cyclic voltammetry, thus validating the mechanistic interpretations. The findings of this article highlight the trade-offs between charge storage and transport properties for conducting polymer devices.
“I Fear I’m a Checkbox”: College and University Victim Advocates’ Perspectives of Campus Rape Reforms
Authors: Moylan Carrie A.
Published: July 2016

This study explores campus-based victim advocates’ perspectives on the process of implementing campus rape reforms mandated by federal policy. Interviews with 14 victim advocates and sexual assault prevention specialists were analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis techniques. Participants described an increased focus on compliance as a means of managing the liability risks associated with inadequate policy implementation. These shifts toward compliance not only increased the motivation to accomplish reform but also limited those reforms by narrowing the focus. Participants described how narrow compliance resulted in decisions that may actually harm victims. Suggestions for improving policy and the implementation process are discussed.
Placemaking as an Economic Development Strategy for Small and Midsized Cities
Authors: Kelly Janet , Ruther Matt , Ehresman Sarah , Nickerson Bridget
Published: July 2016

Economic development strategies aimed at attracting highly skilled workers through investment in urban amenities are gaining momentum throughout the United States. However, most of the foundational research for the approach was tested in very large cities, both in the United States and abroad. Based on quality of place (QOP) variables suggested from previous research, confirmatory factor analysis was used to generate a set of factors for a selection of small and midsized U.S. cities, and linear regression was used to relate these factors to the presence of college-educated populations, younger college-educated populations, and adult population growth. The results indicated that some of the QOP factors associated with better human capital outcomes in prior literature focusing on larger cities were also significant predictors of better human capital outcomes in midsized cities. The relationship between these factors and development outcomes for small cities was much weaker.
Assessing the Relationship Between Religious Involvement and Health Behaviors
Authors: Krause Neal , Hill Peter C. , Emmons Robert , Pargament Kenneth I. , Ironson Gail
Published: July 2016

A growing body of research suggests that people who are more deeply involved in religion may be more likely to adopt beneficial health behaviors. However, religion is a complex phenomenon, and as a result, religion may affect health behaviors in a number of ways. The purpose of the current study was to see whether a sacred view of the body (i.e., belief that the body is the temple of God) is associated with better health behavior. It was proposed that the relationship between a sacred body view and health behavior will emerge only among study participants who have a stronger sense of religiously oriented control (i.e., stronger God-mediated control beliefs). Five positive health behaviors were evaluated: more frequent strenuous exercise, more frequent moderate exercise, more frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, higher quality sleep, and the adoption of healthy lifestyles. Data from a recent nationwide sample reveal that a sacred body view is associated with each health behavior, but only among study participants who have a strong religiously oriented sense of control.
The Contribution from Relationships with Parents and Teachers to the Adolescent Sense of Coherence
Authors: García-Moya Irene , Jiménez-Iglesias Antonia , Moreno Carmen
Published: July 2016

Sense of coherence (SOC) is receiving increasing attention from a number of disciplines interested in the study of adolescent positive development. Given the significant links between SOC and well-being, attention is now moving to the precursors of SOC. The aim of this study was to analyze the contribution of relationships with parents and teachers (contextual factors) to young people’s SOC while taking into account the potential role of individual differences in prosociality and hyperactivity-inattention (individual factors). The sample consisted of 2,979 adolescents aged 15–18 who had participated in the 2010 edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) survey ‘Health Behaviour in School-aged Children’ (HBSC) in Spain. Data were collected by means of anonymous online questionnaires, and statistical analyses included factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Both contextual and individual factors made significant contributions to the adolescents’ SOC. Importantly, the significance of relationships with parents and teachers remained once prosociality and hyperactivity-inattention were taken into account.
The power of sound in L2 idiom learning
Authors: Eyckmans June , Lindstromberg Seth
Published: July 2016

Corpus analyses of learners’ dictionaries of English idioms have revealed that 11% to 35% of English figurative idioms show either alliteration ( miss the mark) or assonance ( get this show on the road), depending on the type considered. Because English multiword combinations, particularly idiomatic expressions, present a huge challenge even to advanced learners, techniques for helping learners come to grips with this part of the lexicon should be welcomed. A quasi-experiment was conducted to investigate whether interword phonological similarity (specifically, alliteration and assonance) facilitates the delayed recall of the forms of common second language (L2) English figurative idioms which were not known at pretest. Twenty-six advanced-level EFL learners learned significantly more phonologically similar, or ‘sound-repeating’, idioms than phonologically dissimilar control idioms after a treatment designed to raise awareness of phonological similarity and to direct learners’ attention toward occurrences of it. Learners in a comparison group ( n = 24), who experienced no awareness raising or attention direction, recalled more non-sound-repeating control idioms than sound-repeating ones. We conclude that the presence of sound-repetition in idioms makes the forms of those idioms relatively easy to recall, but only when learners experience appropriate awareness raising and attention direction. It appears that the techniques of awareness raising and attention direction did not hinder learning of the control idioms.
Is it always good to feel valued? The psychological benefits and costs of higher perceived status in one’s ethnic minority group
Authors: Begeny Christopher T. , Huo Yuen J.
Published: July 2016

Two studies ( N = 1,048) examined how Blacks’, Asians’, and Latinos’ perceived value within their own ethnic group (ethnic intragroup status) shapes mental health (depression, anxiety, psychological distress). The proposed intragroup status and health (ISAH) model predicts that feeling valued among ethnic ingroup members has benefits for health, but also indirect costs. Costs arise because individuals who feel highly valued in their ethnic group see their ethnicity as more central to their self-concept; with stronger identity-centrality, individuals more frequently view daily social interactions through the “lens” of their ethnicity and ultimately perceive/experience more discrimination. Discrimination, in turn, adversely shapes mental health. Results of structural equation modeling supported these predictions across all groups in both studies. Thus, feeling valued in one’s minority group may be a double-edged sword for mental health. Overall, the ISAH model reveals how intragroup processes, when considered from an intergroup perspective, advance our understanding of minority mental health.
Investing in agriculture: A preference for democracy or dictatorship?
Authors: Bastiaens Ida
Published: July 2016

Driven by food crises and constraints on natural resources, investors are increasingly leasing or purchasing farmland abroad. This study systematically tests which political institutions attract these investors. I argue that food scarcity concerns incentivize foreign investors in agriculture to prioritize unopposed, quick deals above other predicted factors such as low political risk. I thus predict that investors will invest in nondemocratic hosts and hosts with weak laws to ensure fast negotiations, easily transferred land, and minimal citizen opposition. Panel regressions corroborate that the rule of law is statistically insignificant and democracy is negative and statistically significant in predicting agricultural foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows.
Dextran or Saline Can Replace Contrast for Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography in Lower Extremity Arteries
Authors: Kendrick Daniel E. , Allemang Matthew T. , Gosling Andre F. , Nagavalli Anil , Kim Ann H. , Nishino Setsu , Parikh Sahil A. , Bezerra Hiram G. , Kashyap Vikram S.
Published: July 2016

Purpose: To examine the hypothesis that alternative flush media could be used for lower extremity optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging in long lesions that would normally require excessive use of contrast. Methods: The OPTical Imaging Measurement of Intravascular Solution Efficacy (OPTIMISE) trial was a single-center, prospective study ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01743872) that enrolled 23 patients (mean age 68±11 years; 14 men) undergoing endovascular intervention involving the superficial femoral artery. Four flush media (heparinized saline, dextran, carbon dioxide, and contrast) were used in succession in random order for each image pullback. Quality was defined as ≥270° visualization of vessel wall layers from each axial image. Mean proportions (± standard deviation) of image quality for each flush medium were assessed using 1-way analysis of variance and are reported with the 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Four OCT catheters failed, leaving 19 patients who completed the OCT imaging protocol; from this cohort, 51 highest quality runs were selected for analysis. Average vessel diameter was 3.99±1.01 mm. OCT imaging allowed 10- to 15-μm resolution of the lumen border, with diminishing quality as vessel diameter increased. Plaque characterization revealed fibrotic lesions. Mean proportions of image quality were dextran 87.2%±12% (95% CI 0.81 to 0.94), heparinized saline 74.3%±24.8% (95% CI 0.66 to 0.93), contrast 70.1%±30.5% (95% CI 0.52 to 0.88), and carbon dioxide 10.0%±10.4% (95% CI 0.00 to 0.26). Dextran, saline, and contrast provided better quality than carbon dioxide (p<0.001). Conclusion: OCT is feasible in peripheral vessels <5 mm in diameter. Dextran or saline flush media can allow lesion characterization, avoiding iodinated contrast. Carbon dioxide is inadequate for peripheral OCT imaging. Axial imaging may aid in enhancing durability of peripheral endovascular interventions.
Inhibition of microRNA-34a prevents IL-1β-induced extracellular matrix degradation in nucleus pulposus by increasing GDF5 expression
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Yukun , Feng Xintong , Li Shuai , Gao Yong , Wang Kun , Song Yu , Yang Shuhua , Tu Ji , Shao Zengwu , Yang Cao
Published: July 2016

Accumulating evidence indicates that miRNAs, a class of small non-coding RNAs, are implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases such as cancer and intervertebral disc degeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and the biological function of microRNA-34a in intervertebral disc degeneration. In this study, microRNA-34a expression was assessed in nucleus pulposus specimens and in IL-1β-stimulated nucleus pulposus cells by real-time polymerase chain reaction. microRNA-34a functions were investigated by using gain and loss of function experiments in nucleus pulposus cells and a dual luciferase reporter assay in 293T cells. microRNA-34a was dramatically up-regulated in degenerative nucleus pulposus tissues and in IL-1β-stimulated nucleus pulposus cells when compared with controls. Furthermore, growth differentiation factor 5 was identified as a target of microRNA-34a. Aberrant expression of microRNA-34a inhibited growth differentiation factor 5 expression by direct binding to its 3′-untranslated region. This inhibition was abolished by mutation of the microRNA-34a binding sites. In addition, microRNA-34a silencing reversed IL-1β-induced decrease in type II collagen and aggrecan expression in nucleus pulposus cells. This effect was substantially suppressed by growth differentiation factor 5 silencing. Our results suggested that microRNA-34a inhibition prevents IL-1β-induced extracellular matrix degradation in human nucleus pulposus by increasing growth differentiation factor 5 expression. microRNA-34a inhibition may be a novel molecular target for intervertebral disc degeneration treatment through the prevention of nucleus pulposus extracellular matrix degradation.
Original Research: Feasibility and safety of two surgical techniques for the development of an animal model of jugular vein occlusion
Authors: Auletta Luigi , Greco Adelaide , Albanese Sandra , Meomartino Leonardo , Salvatore Marco , Mancini Marcello
Published: July 2016

To date, no studies have explored the effect of abnormal cerebral venous circulation on brain disorders, whereas many studies have investigated neurodegenerative brain anomalies associated with arterial diseases. The aim of our study was to demonstrate the feasibility of different surgical techniques to induce venous obstruction of cerebral brain drainage. Six C57/black mice underwent bilateral occlusion of the external jugular vein (group EJV), six underwent bilateral occlusion of the internal jugular vein (group IJV), and six underwent bilateral occlusion of both the EJV and the IJV (group EJV/IJV). Within each group, the interruption of blood flow was obtained via monopolar electro-coagulation (ME) in three mice and via surgical ligation (SL) in the remaining three mice. A “sham group” of two mice was used as the control. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) was used to detect the absence of blood flow in the examined vessel. The ME procedure led to successful results in two of nine (22%) mice, one in the EJV group, one in the EJV/IJV group, and zero in the IJV group, and 4 of 18 (22%) mice when considering individual veins (i.e., total number of EJVs and IJVs occluded). The SL procedure was successful in two of three (67%) mice in the EJV group, in three of three (100%) mice in the IJV and in three of four (75%) mice in the EJV/ IJV group. Therefore, the overall success rate was 8/10 (80%) when considering mice, and 20/26 (77%) when considering individual veins. The monopolar electro-coagulation method exhibited a high mortality due to cardiorespiratory arrest, while the results of the bilateral surgical ligation of EJVs and IJVs show that it is technically feasible and safe.
Chinese domestic tourism, the blogosphere, and travel writing: Assessing the literary and political status of Chinese travelogues in print and online
Authors: Calzati Stefano
Published: July 2016

By connecting among them the data concerning (1) China as a travel destination for domestic tourists, (2) the Chinese net population and (3) print and online travel writing, this article aims at exploring the potential of Chinese travel blogs as literary and political texts. In order to do so, the analysis draws upon, on one hand, Richard Strassberg’s study about classic Chinese travel writing – from Middle Ages to the 19th century – and, on the other hand, Michel Hockx’s findings concerning contemporary Chinese Internet literature. According to Strassberg, classic Chinese travel writing privileged a passive representation of the experience, focusing on either nature or the celebration of the country’s status quo. On his part, Hockx’s study suggests that, more strongly than the publishing sector, the Web constitutes a space where Chinese writers can renegotiate political and ethical boundaries. This article proposes the close reading of three contemporary Chinese travel books and travel blogs and implements it with interviews with authors and bloggers. The analysis shows that print travelogues are very politicized, thus departing sensibly from the tradition of the genre. By contrast, travel blogs, despite being published online, are chiefly focused on lights topics or the appreciation of the country’s natural beauties, more in line (paradoxically) with classic texts.
A Cautionary Tale
Authors: Walls Melissa L. , Whitbeck Les , Armenta Brian
Published: July 2016

Efforts to build empirical evidence for the protective effects of Indigenous cultural factors on psychological health have yielded mixed findings. We examine the interplay of previously hypothesized culturally relevant risk (discrimination, historical loss) and protective (spiritual activities) factors among Indigenous people. The sample includes 569 Indigenous adolescents (mean age = 17.23, SD = 0.88; 51.0% girls) and 563 Indigenous adult caregivers (mean age = 44.66, SD = 9.18; 77.4% women). Our central finding was that indigenous spirituality was associated with poorer psychological outcomes across several domains (depressive symptoms, anger, anxiety, somatization, and interpersonal difficulties), but observed effects were attenuated once perceived discrimination and historical losses were added to statistical models. Thus, consideration of relevant stressors drastically changed our conclusions, underscoring the uncertain dynamics through which specific Indigenous cultural factors impact mental health. Researchers should work in collaboration with Indigenous communities to improve measurement and empirical investigation of these complex constructs.
Is Shared Decision Making for End-of-Life Decisions Associated With Better Outcomes as Compared to Other Forms of Decision Making? A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Hajizadeh Negin , Uhler Lauren , Herman Saori Wendy , Lester Janice
Published: July 2016

Background: Whether shared decision making (SDM) has been evaluated for end-of-life (EOL) decisions as compared to other forms of decision making has not been studied. Purpose: To summarize the evidence on SDM being associated with better outcomes for EOL decision making, as compared to other forms of decision making. Data Sources: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched through April 2014. Study Selection: Studies were selected that evaluated SDM, compared to any other decision making style, for an EOL decision. Data Extraction: Components of SDM tested, comparators to SDM, EOL decision being assessed, and outcomes measured. Data Synthesis: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria (three experimental and four observational studies). Results were analyzed using narrative synthesis. All three experimental studies compared SDM interventions to usual care. The four observational studies compared SDM to doctor-controlled decision making, or reported the correlation between level of SDM and outcomes. Components of SDM specified in each study differed widely, but the component most frequently included was presenting information on the risks/benefits of treatment choices (five of seven studies). The outcome most frequently measured was communication, although with different measurement tools. Other outcomes included decisional conflict, trust, satisfaction, and “quality of dying.” Limitations: We could not analyze the strength of evidence for a given outcome due to heterogeneity in the outcomes reported and measurement tools. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence supporting SDM being associated with improved outcomes for EOL decisions as opposed to other forms of decision making. Future studies should describe which components of SDM are being tested, outline the comparator decision making style, and use validated tools to measure outcomes.
The Stillwater Complex, Montana – Overview and the significance of volatiles
Authors: Boudreau Alan E.
Published: July 2016

The geology of the 2.7 Ga Stillwater Complex in South-Central Montana is reviewed with a focus on the role of volatiles in locally modifying both the crystallization sequence of the evolving parent magma and the initially precipitated solid assemblages to favour olivine ± chromite. A secondary origin for these two minerals is particularly probable for the olivine-bearing rocks of the Banded series and, at a minimum, also increasing their modal abundance in the Peridotite zone of the Ultramafic series. Direct evidence for volatiles includes the presence of high-temperature fluid inclusions in pegmatoids and hydrous melt inclusions (now crystallized) in chromite and olivine from both the Ultramafic and the Banded series rocks. Indirect evidence includes the boninitic character of the parent magma, the presence of volatile-bearing minerals including high-temperature carbonates, rock textures, and Cl / F variations in apatite. Mechanisms which favour the formation of olivine (± chromite) over pyroxene include volatile phase boundary shifts induced by added H2O, incongruent melting of pyroxene by hydration of a partly-molten mush, and the near- to sub-solidus replacement of pyroxene by olivine and chromite by silica-undersaturated fluids. These mechanisms cast doubt that magmas with different liquid lines of descent were involved in the crystallization of the Stillwater Complex. A dry Stillwater magma would have been mineralogically and modally much less varied and lacking in high-grade platinum-group element and chromium deposits.
Bisoprolol in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: an explorative study
Authors: van Campen Jasmijn S.J.A. , de Boer Karin , van de Veerdonk Mariëlle C. , van der Bruggen Cathelijne E.E. , Allaart Cor P. , Raijmakers Pieter G. , Heymans Martijn W. , Marcus J. Tim , Harms Hendrik J. , Handoko M. Louis , de Man Frances S. , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton , Bogaard Harm-Jan
Published: July 2016

While beta-blockers are considered contraindicated in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the prognostic significance of sympathetic nervous system over-activity suggests a potential benefit of beta-blocker therapy. The aim of this randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover, single centre study was to determine the effects of bisoprolol on right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) in idiopathic PAH (iPAH) patients. Additional efficacy and safety parameters were explored.

Patients with optimally treated, stable iPAH (New York Heart Association functional class II/III) were randomised to placebo or bisoprolol. Imaging and functional measurements were performed at baseline, crossover and end of study.

18 iPAH patients were included, because inclusion faltered before enrolment of the targeted 25 patients. 17 patients completed 6 months of bisoprolol, 15 tolerated bisoprolol, one patient required intravenous diuretics. Bisoprolol was associated with a lower heart rate (17 beats per minute, p=0.0001) but RVEF remained unchanged. A drop in cardiac index (0.5 L·min−1·m−2, p=0.015) was observed, along with a trend towards a decreased 6-min walking distance (6MWD).

Although careful up-titration of bisoprolol was tolerated by most patients and resulted in a decreased heart rate, no benefit of bisoprolol in iPAH was demonstrated. Decreases in cardiac index and 6MWD suggest a deteriorated cardiac function. The results do not favour the use of bisoprolol in iPAH patients.
First evaluation of QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus performance in contact screening
Authors: Barcellini Lucia , Borroni Emanuele , Brown James , Brunetti Enrico , Campisi Daniela , Castellotti Paola F. , Codecasa Luigi R. , Cugnata Federica , Di Serio Clelia , Ferrarese Maurizio , Goletti Delia , Lipman Marc , Rancoita Paola M.V. , Russo Giulia , Tadolini Marina , Vanino Elisa , Cirillo Daniela M.
Published: July 2016

Identifying latently infected individuals is crucial for the elimination of tuberculosis (TB). We evaluated for the first time the performance of a new type of interferon-γ release assay, QuantiFERON-TB Plus (QFT-Plus), which includes an additional antigen tube (TB2), stimulating both CD4+and CD8+T-cells in contacts of TB patients.

Contacts were screened for latent TB infection by tuberculin skin test, QFT-Plus and QuantiFERON-TB Gold in Tube (QFT-GIT).

In 119 TB contacts, the overall agreement between QFT-Plus and QFT-GIT was high, with a Cohen's κ of 0.8. Discordant results were found in 12 subjects with negative QFT-GIT and positive QFT-Plus results. In analyses of markers of TB exposure and test results, the average time spent with the index case was the strongest risk factor for positivity in each of these tests. The difference in interferon-γ production between the two antigen tubes (TB2−TB1) was used as an estimate of CD8+stimulation provided by the TB2. TB2−TB1 values >0.6 IU·mL−1were significantly associated with proximity to the index case and European origin.

QFT-Plus has a stronger association with surrogate measures of TB exposure than QFT-GIT in adults screened for latent TB infection. Interferon-γ response in the new antigen tube used an indirect estimate of specific CD8+response correlates with increasedMycobacterium tuberculosisexposure, suggesting a possible role in identifying individuals with recent infection.
Defining a standard set of patient-centred outcomes for lung cancer
Authors: Mak Kimberley S. , van Bommel Annelotte C.M. , Stowell Caleb , Abrahm Janet L. , Baker Matthew , Baldotto Clarissa S. , Baldwin David R. , Borthwick Diana , Carbone David P. , Chen Aileen B. , Fox Jesme , Haswell Tom , Koczywas Marianna , Kozower Benjamin D. , Mehran Reza J. , Schramel Franz M. , Senan Suresh , Stirling Robert G. , van Meerbeeck Jan P. , Wouters Michel W.J.M. , Peake Michael D.
Published: July 2016

In lung cancer, outcome measurement has been mostly limited to survival. Proper assessment of the value of lung cancer treatments, and the performance of institutions delivering care, requires more comprehensive measurement of standardised outcomes.

The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement convened an international, multidisciplinary working group of patient representatives, medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, palliative care specialists, registry experts and specialist nurses to review existing data and practices. Using a modified Delphi method, the group developed a consensus recommendation (“the set”) on the outcomes most essential to track for patients with lung cancer, along with baseline demographic, clinical and tumour characteristics (case-mix variables) for risk adjustment.

The set applies to patients diagnosed with nonsmall cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Our working group recommends the collection of the following outcomes: survival, complications during or within 6 months of treatment and patient-reported domains of health-related quality of life including pain, fatigue, cough and dyspnoea. Case-mix variables were defined to improve interpretation of comparisons.

We defined an international consensus recommendation of the most important outcomes for lung cancer patients, along with relevant case-mix variables, and are working to support adoption and reporting of these measures globally.