bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperreactive platelet phenotypes: Relationship to altered serotonin transporter number, transport kinetics and intrinsic response to adrenergic co-stimulation
Authors: Becker Richard C. , Dentali Francesco , Kuhn Cynthia , Helms Michael J. , Ortel Thomas L. , Williams Redford , Berger Jeffrey S.
Published: December 2012

The mechanism underlying a hyperreactive platelet phenotype remains unknown. Since serotonin has been shown to influence platelet biology and atherothrombosis, we sought to investigate the association of platelet serotonin transporter number, binding affinity, and uptake kinetics with platelet aggregation. A total of 542 healthy volunteers had light transmittance platelet aggregometry measured in response to varying concentrations of epinephrine, serotonin, epinephrine plus serotonin, ADP and collagen. Transporter-dependent serotonin uptake rate was determined (Vmax), as were serotonin transporter number (Bmax) and binding affinity (Kd) using 3H paroxetine binding in a homologous displacement assay, nonlinear regression and validated algorithms for kinetic modelling. Stimulation with submaximal (2μM) epinephrine concentration elicited a distinct, bimodal pattern of platelet aggregation in this population. In contrast, subjects exhibited minimal aggregation in response to serotonin alone. Co-stimulation with submaximal epinephrine and serotonin induced platelet aggregation to a level beyond that observed with either agonist alone and maintained a bimodal response distribution. Subjects with heightened (>60%) platelet aggregation to both epinephrine alone and epinephrine plus serotonin exhibited increased platelet serotonin uptake, and transporter number and affinity. In a population of healthy subjects, co-stimulation with submaximal concentrations of epinephrine and serotonin identifies a subset of individuals with a hyperreactive platelet aggregation profile that is associated with changes in platelet serotonin function.
Decrease in high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) prevalence on switching from clopidogrel to prasugrel: Insights from the switching anti-platelet (SWAP) study
Authors: Angiolillo Dominick , DeRaad Roger , Frelinger Andrew , Gurbel Paul , Costigan Timothy , Jakubowski Joseph , Ojeh Clement , Duvvuru Suman , Effron Mark , Saucedo Jorge ,   for the SWAP Investigators
Published: December 2012

The prevalence of high platelet reactivity (HPR) in patients who have switched from clopidogrel to prasugrel during maintenance phase after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event is unknown. Therefore, the effect of switching from clopidogrel to prasugrel on the prevalence of HPR was evaluated. This analysis from the previously reported SWAP (SWitching Anti Platelet) study assessed HPR at baseline, 2 and 24 hours, and seven days after switching from clopidogrel to prasugrel maintenance dose (MD), with or without a prasugrel loading dose (LD) using four definitions: maximum platelet aggregation (MPA) >65% (primary endpoint), MPA >50%, P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) >235, and platelet reactivity index (PRI) ≥50%. A total of 95 patients were available for analysis; 56 patients provided DNA for genetic assessments of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19. There were 26 (27.4%) patients with HPR at the end of the clopidogrel run-in (defined as MPA >65%). The HPR prevalence varied by each definition and ranged from 19% (PRU >235) to 68% (PRI ≥50%). A significantly higher HPR prevalence was observed during clopidogrel versus the combined prasugrel therapy groups at seven days as measured by MPA >65% (21.2% vs. 4.5%, p>0.05), PRU >235 (18.8% vs. 0%, p=0.001), and PRI ≥50% (66.7% vs. 7.9%, p<0.0001). There was a significantly higher percentage of subjects carrying at least one reduced function allele with HPR measured by MPA >65% (p=0.02) or PRU >235 (p=0.05) than non-carriers with HPR. Switching ACS patients during maintenance clopidogrel therapy to prasugrel with or without an LD is associated with a reduced HPR prevalence and may provide an alternative strategy to treat patients with HPR, independent of CYP2C19 genotype.
The short- and long-term risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with acute spinal cord injury
Authors: Donadini Marco P. , Dentali Francesco , Ageno Walter , Marazzi Marina , Bocchi Romeo , Imberti Davide , Pierfranceschi Matteo Giorgi
Published: December 2012

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent complication in the acute setting after spinal cord injury (SCI). Less is known about the long-term risk of VTE in these patients. It was the aim of this study to prospectively evaluate the short- and long-term risk of VTE in a cohort of patients after acute SCI and during rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation follow-up period. From January 2003 to November 2007 all consecutive adult patients admitted to a Spinal Rehabilitation Unit (RU) after surgical treatment in three Neurosurgical Units for SCI, were enrolled. After an accurate evaluation of their neurosurgical medical records the patients were prospectively evaluated for VTE occurrence. Ninety-four patients (80 males; mean age 40.3 years, SD 15.9) were recruited. All the patients received thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin combined with compressive stockings during hospitalization (median duration 7 months, IQR 4.5–8.8). Over a median follow-up period of 36.3 months (IQR 4.4–48) after SCI, VTE was diagnosed in 22 patients (23.4%) The majority of VTE events were recorded during the first three months of follow-up (34.4 VTE events/100 patient-years in the first 3 months and 0.3 VTE events/100 patient-years thereafter); age over 45 years (HR 8.4, 95% CI 3–23.5), previous VTE (HR 6.0, 95% CI 1.6–23.3) and paraplegia (HR 4.7, 95% CI 1.6–13.7) were independently associated with the occurrence of VTE. In conclusion, the risk of VTE in patients suffering from SCI is high despite the use of thromboprophylaxis, in particular in some patients categories. However, this risk appears to be limited to the first 3 months after the index event.
CXCR4 positive and angiogenic monocytes in myocardial infarction
Authors: Wrigley Benjamin , Montoro-Garcia Silvia , Lip Gregory , Shantsila Eduard , Tapp Luke
Published: December 2012

Limited data are available on the role of monocytes in cardiac repair. In the present study, we evaluated the dynamic alterations of monocytes with reparative and angiogenic potential in patients with myocardial infarction(MI). Reparative CXCR4+ monocytes, and CD34+ and KDR+ monocytes with angiogenic potential derived from individual monocyte subsets were quantified by flow cytometry in patients with ST-elevation MI (n=50) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD, n=40). Parameters were measured on days 1, 3, 7 and 30 post MI. Monocyte subsets were defined as CD14++CD16–CCR2+ (‘classical’, Mon1), CD14++CD16+CCR2+ (‘intermediate’, Mon2), CD14+CD16++CCR2– (‘non-classical’, Mon3). Plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines, fibrinolytic factors and microparticles (MPs) were assessed on day 1. CXCR4+ and KDR+ monocytes were increased following MI, being more prominently associated with Mon2 (median[IQR] of CXCR4+ Mon2 60[25–126] per μl in STEMI vs. 27[21–41] per μl in stable CAD). The counts of CXCR4+ Mon2 in STEMI significantly reduced by day 30 of follow-up (27[18–47], p<0.001). Expression of the pro-reparative scavenger receptor CD163 on Mon3 was reduced in acute MI (p=0.008), and on other subsets later during the follow-up with lowest levels at day 3 post-MI (p<0.001 for Mon1, p=0.02 for Mon2). CD204 expression on Mon1 correlated with tissue type plasminogen activator levels (r=0.46, p=0.001). Interleukin(IL)6 levels correlated with counts of Mon2-derived CXCR4+ and KDR+ cells. Interleukin-1β correlated with KDR+ Mon2 counts. IL10 correlated with CXCR4+ Mon2 levels. Low count of CXCR4+ Mon2 and low CD163 expression by Mon2 were associated with higher ejection fraction six-weeks after MI. In conclusion, the Mon2 subset has the most prominent role in the observed changes in reparative monocytes in MI. The association of reparative monocytes with inflammatory/fibrinolytic markers indicates a complex interplay of these cells in the post-MI state.

Note: The review process for this paper was fully handled by Prof. Christian Weber, Editor in Chief.
Contribution of factor VIII light-chain residues 2007–2016 to an activated protein C-interactive site
Authors: Takeyama Masahiro , Wakabayashi Hironao , Fay Philip
Published: December 2012

Although factor (F) VIIIa is inactivated by activated protein C (APC) through cleavages in the FVIII heavy chain-derived A1 (Arg336) and A2 subunits (Arg562), the FVIII light chain (LC) contributes to catalysis by binding the enzyme. ELISA-based binding assays showed that FVIII and FVIII LC bound to immobilised active site-modified APC (DEGRAPC) (apparent K d ~270 nM and 1.0 μM, respectively). Fluid-phase binding studies using fluorescence indicated an estimated K d of ~590 nM for acrylodan-labelled LC binding to DEGR-APC. Furthermore, FVIII LC effectively competed with FVIIIa in blocking APC-catalysed cleavage at Arg336 (K i = 709 nM). A binding site previously identified near the C-terminal end of the A3 domain (residues 2007–2016) of FVIII LC was subjected to Ala-scanning mutagenesis. FXa generation assays and western and dot blotting were employed to assess the contribution of these residues to FVIIIa interactions with APC. Virtually all variants tested showed reductions in the rates of APC-catalysed inactivation of the cofactor and cleavage at the primary inactivation site (Arg336), with maximal reductions in inactivation rates (~3-fold relative to WT) and cleavage rates (~3 to ~9-fold relative to WT) observed for the Met2010Ala, Ser2011Ala, and Leu2013Ala variants. Titration of FVIIIa substrate concentration monitoring cleavage by a dot blot assay indicated that these variants also showed ~3-fold increases relative to WT while a double mutant (Met2010Ala/Ser2011Ala) showed a >4-fold increase in K m. These results show a contribution of a number of residues within the 2007–2016 sequence, and in particular residues Met2010, Ser2011, and Leu2013 to an APC-interactive site.
Locally Applied Leptin Induces Regional Aortic Wall Degeneration Preceding Aneurysm Formation in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice
Authors: Tao Ming , Yu Peng , Nguyen Binh T. , Mizrahi Boaz , Savion Naphtali , Kolodgie Frank D. , Virmani Renu , Hao Shuai , Ozaki C. Keith , Schneiderman Jacob
Published: December 2012

Objective—

Leptin promotes atherosclerosis and vessel wall remodeling. As abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation involves tissue remodeling, we hypothesized that local leptin synthesis initiates and promotes this process.

Methods and Results—

Human surgical AAA walls were analyzed for antigen and mRNA levels of leptin and leptin receptor, as well as mRNA for matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9 and MMP-12. Leptin and leptin receptor antigen were evident in all AAAs, and leptin, MMP-9, and MMP-12 mRNA was increased relative to age-matched nondilated controls. To simulate in vivo local leptin synthesis,
ApoE

–/–

mice were subjected to a paravisceral periaortic application of low-dose leptin. Leptin-treated aortas exhibited decreased transforming growth factor-β and increased MMP-9 mRNA levels 5 days after surgery, and leptin receptor mRNA was upregulated by day 28. Serial ultrasonography demonstrated accelerated regional aortic diameter growth after 28 days, correlating with local medial degeneration, increased MMP-9, MMP-12, and periadventitial macrophage clustering. Furthermore, the combination of local periaortic leptin and systemic angiotensin II administration augmented medial MMP-9 synthesis and aortic aneurysm size.

Conclusion—

Leptin is locally synthesized in human AAA wall. Paravisceral aortic leptin in ApoE
–/–
mice induces local medial degeneration and augments angiotensin II-induced AAA, thus suggesting novel mechanistic links between leptin and AAA formation.
BIG1, a Brefeldin A–Inhibited Guanine Nucleotide-Exchange Protein Modulates ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A-1 Trafficking and Function
Authors: Lin Sisi , Zhou Chun , Neufeld Edward , Wang Yu-Hua , Xu Suo-Wen , Lu Liang , Wang Ying , Liu Zhi-Ping , Li Dong , Li Cuixian , Chen Shaorui , Le Kang , Huang Heqing , Liu Peiqing , Moss Joel , Vaughan Martha , Shen Xiaoyan
Published: December 2012

Objective—

Cell-surface localization and intracellular trafficking are essential for the function of ATP-binding cassette transporter A-1 (ABCA1). However, regulation of these activities is still largely unknown. Brefeldin A, an uncompetitive inhibitor of brefeldin A-inhibited guanine nucleotide-exchange proteins (BIGs), disturbs the intracellular distribution of ABCA1, and thus inhibits cholesterol efflux. This study aimed to define the possible roles of BIGs in regulating ABCA1 trafficking and cholesterol efflux, and further to explore the potential mechanism.

Methods and Results—

By vesicle immunoprecipitation, we found that BIG1 was associated with ABCA1 in vesicles preparation from rat liver. BIG1 depletion reduced surface ABCA1 on HepG2 cells, and inhibited by 60% cholesterol release. In contrast, BIG1 overexpression increased surface ABCA1 and cholesterol secretion. With partial restoration of BIG1 through overexpression in BIG1-depleted cells, surface ABCA1 was also restored. Biotinylation and glutathione cleavage revealed that BIG1 small interfering RNA dramatically decreased the internalization and recycling of ABCA1. This novel function of BIG1 was dependent on the guanine nucleotide-exchange activity and achieved through activation of ADP-ribosylation factor 1.

Conclusion—

BIG1, through its ability to activate ADP-ribosylation factor 1, regulates cell-surface levels and function of ABCA1, indicating a transcription-independent mechanism for controlling ABCA1 action.
Incidence, Locations, and Longitudinal Course of Silent Microbleeds in Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Kuroda Satoshi , Kashiwazaki Daina , Ishikawa Tatsuya , Nakayama Naoki , Houkin Kiyohiro
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose—

Clinical significance of silent microbleeds is unknown in moyamoya disease. This study was aimed to clarify the incidence, locations, and longitudinal course.

Methods—

This prospective cohort study included 78 nontreated patients with moyamoya disease. The incidence and locations of silent microbleeds were evaluated on T2*-weighted MRI. MR examinations were repeated every 6 or 12 months during a mean follow-up period of 43.1 months.

Results—

T2*-weighted MRI identified silent microbleeds in 17 (29.3%) of 58 adult patients with moyamoya disease, but in none of 20 pediatric patients. During follow-up periods, de novo silent microbleeds developed in 4 (6.9%) of 58 adult patients. Hemorrhagic stroke occurred in 4 patients (6.9%), all of who had silent microbleeds on initial examination. The presence of silent microbleeds was a significant predictor for subsequent hemorrhagic stroke in adult moyamoya disease (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Careful and long-term follow-up of silent microbleeds would be essential to improve their outcome in adult patients with moyamoya disease.
Adherence to Hospital Discharge Medication in Patients With Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Hohmann Carina , Neumann-Haefelin Tobias , Klotz Jürgen M. , Freidank Annette , Radziwill Roland
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose—

Communication between hospitals and primary care physicians is essential for the continuity of care for patients being transferred from hospital to ambulatory care. Patients are often discharged from hospital on medication regimes different from those used before hospital admission. The aim of the study was to evaluate the adherence to hospital discharge medication in patients with ischemic stroke before and after implementing a systematic approach provided by a clinical pharmacist.

Methods—

Patients with transient ischemic attack/ischemic stroke taking
≥
2 drugs during hospital stay and at discharge were prospectively recruited. In the control group, the neurologist included the medication list in the discharge letter as before. In the intervention group, the clinical pharmacist listed the medication on admission and at discharge next to each other and gave detailed information for all medication changes during hospital stay.

Results—

Overall, 312 patients were enrolled in the study with 156 patients in each group. Significant differences between the control group and intervention group were ascertained with regard to adherence to both antithrombotic drugs (83.8% control group versus 91.9% intervention group [
P
=0.033]) and to statin therapy (69.8% control group versus 87.7% intervention group [
P
<0.001]).

Conclusions—

Providing detailed information on medication changes can lead to substantially improved adherence to discharge medication, probably resulting in better secondary stroke prevention.
Sensitivity of Ferry Services to the Western Isles of Scotland to Changes in Wave and Wind Climate
Authors: Coll John , Woolf David K. , Gibb Stuart W. , Challenor Peter G.
Published: December 2012

The roughness of the seas is rarely mentioned as a major factor in the economic or social welfare of a region. In this study, the relationship between the ocean wave climate and the economy of the Western Isles of Scotland is examined. This sparsely populated region has a high dependency on marine activities, and ferry services provide vital links between communities. The seas in the region are among the roughest in the world during autumn and winter, however, making maintenance of a reliable ferry service both difficult and expensive. A deterioration in wave and wind climate either in response to natural variability or as a regional response to anthropogenic climate change is possible. Satellite altimetry and gale-frequency data are used to analyze the contemporary response of wave and wind climate to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The sensitivity of wave climate to the NAO extends to ferry routes that are only partially sheltered and are exposed to ocean waves; thus, the reliability of ferry services is sensitive to NAO. Any deterioration of the wave climate will result in a disproportionately large increase in ferry-service disruption. The impacts associated with an unusually large storm event that affected the region in January 2005 are briefly explored to provide an insight into vulnerability to future storm events.
The Changing Energy Balance of the Polar Regions in a Warmer Climate
Authors: Bengtsson Lennart , Hodges Kevin I. , Koumoutsaris Symeon , Zahn Matthias , Berrisford Paul
Published: December 2012

Energy fluxes for polar regions are examined for two 30-yr periods, representing the end of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, using data from high-resolution simulations with the ECHAM5 climate model. The net radiation to space for the present climate agrees well with data from the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) over the northern polar region but shows an underestimation in planetary albedo for the southern polar region. This suggests there are systematic errors in the atmospheric circulation or in the net surface energy fluxes in the southern polar region. The simulation of the future climate is based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) A1B scenario. The total energy transport is broadly the same for the two 30-yr periods, but there is an increase in the moist energy transport on the order of 6 W m−2 and a corresponding reduction in the dry static energy. For the southern polar region the proportion of moist energy transport is larger and the dry static energy correspondingly smaller for both periods.

The results suggest a possible mechanism for the warming of the Arctic that is discussed. Changes between the twentieth and twenty-first centuries in the northern polar region show the net ocean surface radiation flux in summer increases ~18 W m−2 (24%). For the southern polar region the response is different as there is a decrease in surface solar radiation. It is suggested that this is caused by changes in cloudiness associated with the poleward migration of the storm tracks.
Downscaling Extremes: An Intercomparison of Multiple Methods for Future Climate
Authors: Bürger G. , Sobie S. R. , Cannon A. J. , Werner A. T. , Murdock T. Q.
Published: December 2012

This study follows up on a previous downscaling intercomparison for present climate. Using a larger set of eight methods the authors downscale atmospheric fields representing present (1981–2000) and future (2046–65) conditions, as simulated by six global climate models following three emission scenarios. Local extremes were studied at 20 locations in British Columbia as measured by the same set of 27 indices, ClimDEX, as in the precursor study. Present and future simulations give 2 × 3 × 6 × 8 × 20 × 27 = 155 520 index climatologies whose analysis in terms of mean change and variation is the purpose of this study. The mean change generally reinforces what is to be expected in a warmer climate: that extreme cold events become less frequent and extreme warm events become more frequent, and that there are signs of more frequent precipitation extremes. There is considerable variation, however, about this tendency, caused by the influence of scenario, climate model, downscaling method, and location. This is analyzed using standard statistical techniques such as analysis of variance and multidimensional scaling, along with an assessment of the influence of each modeling component on the overall variation of the simulated change. It is found that downscaling generally has the strongest influence, followed by climate model; location and scenario have only a minor influence. The influence of downscaling could be traced back in part to various issues related to the methods, such as the quality of simulated variability or the dependence on predictors. Using only methods validated in the precursor study considerably reduced the influence of downscaling, underpinning the general need for method verification.
Simulating Clouds with Global Climate Models: A Comparison of CMIP5 Results with CMIP3 and Satellite Data
Authors: Lauer Axel , Hamilton Kevin
Published: December 2012

Clouds are a key component of the climate system affecting radiative balances and the hydrological cycle. Previous studies from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 3 (CMIP3) showed quite large biases in the simulated cloud climatology affecting all GCMs as well as a remarkable degree of variation among the models that represented the state of the art circa 2005. Here the progress that has been made in recent years is measured by comparing mean cloud properties, interannual variability, and the climatological seasonal cycle from the CMIP5 models with satellite observations and with results from comparable CMIP3 experiments. The focus is on three climate-relevant cloud parameters: cloud amount, liquid water path, and cloud radiative forcing. The comparison shows that intermodel differences are still large in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) simulations, and reveals some small improvements of particular cloud properties in some regions in the CMIP5 ensemble over CMIP3. In CMIP5 there is an improved agreement of the modeled interannual variability of liquid water path and of the modeled longwave cloud forcing over mid- and high-latitude oceans with observations. However, the differences in the simulated cloud climatology from CMIP3 and CMIP5 are generally small, and there is very little to no improvement apparent in the tropical and subtropical regions in CMIP5.

Comparisons of the results from the coupled CMIP5 models with their atmosphere-only versions run with observed SSTs show remarkably similar biases in the simulated cloud climatologies. This suggests the treatments of subgrid-scale cloud and boundary layer processes are directly implicated in the poor performance of current GCMs in simulating realistic cloud fields.
Centennial Trend and Decadal-to-Interdecadal Variability of Atmospheric Angular Momentum in CMIP3 and CMIP5 Simulations
Authors: Paek Houk , Huang Huei-Ping
Published: December 2012

The climatology and trend of atmospheric angular momentum from the phase 3 and the phase 5 Climate Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3 and CMIP5, respectively) simulations are diagnosed and validated with the Twentieth Century Reanalysis (20CR). It is found that CMIP5 models produced a significantly smaller bias in the twentieth-century climatology of the relative MR and omega MΩ angular momentum compared to CMIP3. The CMIP5 models also produced a narrower ensemble spread of the climatology and trend of MR and MΩ. Both CMIP3 and CMIP5 simulations consistently produced a positive trend in MR and MΩ for the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The trend for the twenty-first century is much greater, reflecting the role of greenhouse gas (GHG) forcing in inducing the trend. The simulated increase in MR for the twentieth century is consistent with reanalysis. Both CMIP3 and CMIP5 models produced a wide range of magnitudes of decadal and interdecadal variability of MR compared to 20CR. The ratio of the simulated standard deviation of decadal or interdecadal variability to its observed counterpart ranges from 0.5 to over 2.0 for individual models. Nevertheless, the bias is largely random and ensemble averaging brings the ratio to within 18% of the reanalysis for decadal and interdecadal variability for both CMIP3 and CMIP5. The twenty-first-century simulations from both CMIP3 and CMIP5 produced only a small trend in the amplitude of decadal or interdecadal variability, which is not statistically significant. Thus, while GHG forcing induces a significant increase in the climatological mean of angular momentum, it does not significantly affect its decadal-to-interdecadal variability in the twenty-first century.
A Satellite-Based Convective Cloud Object Tracking and Multipurpose Data Fusion Tool with Application to Developing Convection
Authors: Sieglaff Justin M. , Hartung Daniel C. , Feltz Wayne F. , Cronce Lee M. , Lakshmanan Valliappa
Published: December 2012

Studying deep convective clouds requires the use of available observation platforms with high temporal and spatial resolution, as well as other non–remote sensing meteorological data (i.e., numerical weather prediction model output, conventional observations, etc.). Such data are often at different temporal and spatial resolutions, and consequently, there exists the need to fuse these different meteorological datasets into a single framework. This paper introduces a methodology to identify and track convective cloud objects from convective cloud infancy [as few as three Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) infrared (IR) pixels] into the mature phase (hundreds of GOES IR pixels) using only geostationary imager IR window observations for the purpose of monitoring the initial growth of convective clouds.

The object tracking system described within builds upon the Warning Decision Support System-Integrated Information (WDSS-II) object tracking capabilities. The system uses an IR-window-based field as input to WDSS-II for cloud object identification and tracking and a Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies at the University of Wisconsin (UW-CIMSS)-developed postprocessing algorithm to combine WDSS-II cloud object output. The final output of the system is used to fuse multiple meteorological datasets into a single cloud object framework. The object tracking system performance analysis shows improved object tracking performance with both increased temporal resolution of the geostationary data and increased cloud object size. The system output is demonstrated as an effective means for fusing a variety of meteorological data including raw satellite observations, satellite algorithm output, radar observations, and derived output, numerical weather prediction model output, and lightning detection data for studying the initial growth of deep convective clouds and temporal trends of such data.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Paraskevas Kosmas I. , Mukherjee Debabrata , Whayne Thomas F.
Published: December 2012

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects a considerable percentage of the population. The manifestations of this disease are not always clinically overt. As a result, PAD remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. PAD is not just a disease of the peripheral arteries, but also an indication of generalized vascular atherosclerosis. PAD patients also have a high prevalence of other arterial diseases, such as coronary/carotid artery disease and abdominal aortic aneurysms. PAD is also a predictor of increased risk of lung and other cancers. The most often used examination for the establishment of the diagnosis of PAD, the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI), is also a predictor of generalized atherosclerosis, future cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality. Several markers that have been linked with PAD (e.g. C-reactive protein, serum bilirubin levels) may also have predictive value for other conditions besides PAD (e.g. kidney dysfunction). The management of PAD should therefore not be restricted to the peripheral circulation but should include measurements to manage and decrease the systemic atherosclerotic burden of the patient.
Prophecy and Glossolalia and Paul’s Concern for Order in the Christian Assembly (1 Cor 14.26-33a)
Authors: Hollander Harm W.
Published: December 2012

In 1 Cor 14.26-33a, the apostle Paul includes a few statements about the ordering of glossolalia (vv. 27-28) and prophecy (vv. 29-32) in his argument about spiritual gifts. There are a number of similarities between the instructions regarding glossolalia and prophecy. However, the use of distributive κατά in v. 27 over against v. 29 where such a preposition is missing, makes clear that prophecies may be uttered in front of the whole community, whereas, during the meeting, speaking in tongues should take place in separate and small groups of ‘two or at the most three people’ sitting together in order not to throw the whole assembly into disorder.
Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Mirtallo Jay M.
Published: December 2012

This article explores parenteral nutrition (PN) not only as a therapy but also as a system of care, highlighting the potential “evidence gaps” in guidelines for PN use. The importance of interdisciplinary nutrition care, error reporting, and data‐driven practice changes on improving PN therapy is emphasized. Finally, the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition's current and future role in advancing the science, practice, and safety of PN is reviewed.
Maternal Authority Regarding Early Adolescents’ Social Technology Use
Authors: Fletcher Anne C. , Blair Bethany L.
Published: December 2012

Use of social technologies (e.g., cellular telephones, social networking sites) is highly prevalent among American adolescents, in some cases outpacing that of adults (Nielsen Company). Rapid cultural change such as that represented by technological advances comes with the potential to diminish elders’ authority over youth. We analyzed qualitative interviews with 20 African American and European American mother–early adolescent dyads to consider ways in which mothers would—or would not—exert authority over adolescents’ use of social technologies. Three distinct approaches emerged: abdication/loss of authority, conflicted authority, and retained authority. Mothers’ use of these different approaches varied based on factors that included mothers’ and adolescents’ expertise regarding the technology being used, mothers’ perceptions of risks associated with particular technologies, and mothers’ and adolescents’ beliefs and experiences with respect to social technology use.
Parents’ Concerns About Their Teenage Children’s Internet Use
Authors: Sorbring Emma
Published: December 2012

Many parents feel uncertain about the actions and experiences their teenage children have on the Internet, thus causing worry and concern. The aim of the study was to examine parents’ worries and concerns in relation to their teenagers’ use of the Internet. The participants were 798 Swedish parents (307 fathers, 491 mothers) and their teenage children (aged between 13 and 15 years). The results indicate that parents’ worries and concerns vary, in certain aspects, according to age and gender of the child. Furthermore, parents’ own Internet skills, experience of using the Internet, and attitudes toward the Internet are related to the type and nature of their worries and concerns. Parents’ beliefs about their teenager’s skills in using the Internet and the teenagers’ Internet use and experiences are related to the parents’ concerns. Parents with an accurate understanding of their children’s negative Internet experiences are those who are the most worried.
Outsourcing of Domestic Tasks
Authors: van der Lippe Tanja , Frey Vincenz , Tsvetkova Milena
Published: December 2012

The outsourcing of domestic tasks is an important strategy for coping with the competing time claims of the family and the workplace. Previous research explained the use of domestic help mainly in terms of financial and time constraints. In this article, we conceptualize household work as producing not only goods but also direct utility, and we argue that the more pleasure household members take in doing domestic work, the less they outsource it. Using the Dutch Time Competition Survey ( N = 736), we find that if partners enjoy maintenance, cleaning, cooking, or child care, they are less likely to outsource these tasks, controlling for time and monetary resources and gender-role expectations. A woman’s preferences are more important for the outsourcing of cleaning and child care, whereas a man’s preferences are more important for the outsourcing of home maintenance. Cooking is less likely to be outsourced when both men and women find it pleasurable to cook themselves.
Molecular Mechanisms That Differentiate Apoptosis from Programmed Necrosis
Authors: Dorn Gerald W.
Published: December 2012

Programmed cell death is physiological when disposing of senescent, dysfunctional, or redundant cells, but pathological if these cells cannot be replaced. Mitochondria help determine cell fate as “gatekeepers” of apoptosis and effectors of cell necrosis. Apoptosis was first described 40 years ago this year. Cell suicide (or the less emotionally charged “programmed cell death”) impacts organism development, normal organ homeostasis, and degenerative (too much cell death) or metaplastic (too little cell death) diseases. The components of apoptosis signaling through mitochondrial targeted Bcl-2 family proteins and activation of the caspase cascade and its downstream proteases and nucleases are well described. More recently, we have realized that there is a parallel cell death pathway, programmed necrosis, in which calcium cross-talk between endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria causes mitochondrial depolarization, reversal of electron flow through the electron transport chain, and ATP depletion. Since apoptosis and programmed necrosis signaling can occur concurrently in a suicidal cell and are difficult to distinguish using conventional techniques, their relative roles in disease are still being researched and debated. Here, the different molecular mechanisms, effects, and pathophysiological implications of apoptosis and programmed necrosis are reviewed as they relate to heart failure and diabetes mediated by the Bcl-2 family protein, Nix.
Online Community or Electronic Tribe? Exploring the Social Characteristics and Spatial Production of an Internet Hockey Fan Culture
Authors: Norman Mark
Published: December 2012

Scholarly interest in the relationship between sport and new media has increased significantly in recent years, yet research about online sport fan groups remains limited. This article contributes to this body of literature through an ethnographic examination of a fan-produced hockey blog called Nucks Misconduct. The article examines the blog’s social characteristics by conceptualizing it as an electronic tribe—that is, a fluid, neotribal social formation located in cyberspace. Specifically, it explores how the interplay between topographical website features and the social interaction of members constructs the blog as a social space; and the tensions and ambiguities that arise from this process. The possibilities and limitations for online sport fan cultures to destabilize dominant constructions of sport are discussed, with a particular focus on the gendered construction of hockey as a masculine realm.
Analysis of endothelial precursor cells in chronic migraine: A case-control study
Authors: Oterino Agustin , Toriello Maria , Palacio Enrique , Quintanilla Vicente G , Ruiz-Lavilla Nuria , Montes Silvia , Vega Maria S de la , Martinez-Nieto Rosa , Castillo Jesus , Pascual Julio
Published: December 2012

Background:

Migraine has been considered a vascular risk factor especially in young women. Factors predisposing to endothelial damage in migraine are still being debated. The insufficiency of circulating endothelial precursor circulating cells (EPCs) suggested a link between migraine and cardiovascular risk. This research aimed to study a subtype of EPCs, those expressing e-selectin, to assess endothelial activation and, therefore, endothelial dysfunction in migraine.

Methods:

Consecutive headache patients ( n = 99) and 35 adjusted controls were recruited. Total EPCs, defined as CD34+/KDR+ cells, and EPC colony-forming units (CFUs) were assayed. We identified as “early” EPCs those CD62E– EPCs, and “late” EPCs, CD62E+, a surrogate marker for endothelial damage. Plasmatic calcitonin-gene related protein (CGRP) and vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were analyzed.

Results:

We did not find differences in the total number of CFUs among clinical groups. Means of total CD34+/KDR+ and “early” EPCs were not significant among clinical groups. Nevertheless, the mean of “late” EPCs was lower (log10-transformed mean = 1.715; SD = 0.393) in the control group than in the migraine patients (log10-transformed mean = 2.167; SD = 0.685), even after adjustment by VEGF plasma level and other confounding factors. Linear regression analyses disclosed significant predictors for “late” EPCs for controls vs migraine (β = 0.452 SE ± 0.13; p = 0.001). We did not observe differences between migraine with or without aura.

Conclusion:

We observed higher number of activated EPCs in migraine patients than in controls. CD62E+ EPCs might be considered a marker for vascular damage in migraine patients.
Cannulated Screw Fixation of Refractory Olecranon Stress Fractures With and Without Associated Injuries Allows a Return to Baseball
Authors: Paci James M. , Dugas Jeffrey R. , Guy Jeffrey A. , Cain E. Lyle , Fleisig Glenn S. , Hurst Candice , Wilk Kevin E. , Andrews James R.
Published: December 2012

Background:

An olecranon stress fracture is a rare injury associated with valgus extension overload in baseball players. No long-term outcomes studies have been published documenting the results of surgical fixation of olecranon stress fractures with or without concomitant injuries in baseball players.

Hypothesis:

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of an olecranon stress fracture will reliably produce bony union and allow a successful return to the previous level of activity in competitive baseball players.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Twenty-five patients treated with ORIF for an olecranon stress fracture at least 2 years earlier (range, 2-10.14 years) were retrospectively contacted to complete a telephone survey; 18 of 25 (72%) patients responded. Data were collected to determine the return to play rate, level of arm pain, and overall arm function.

Results:

All 18 stress fractures went on to successful union; 17 of 18 (94%) athletes returned to baseball at or above their previous level. Average return to play time was 29 weeks. The numeric analog pain score was 0.2 at rest and 0.3 when throwing at the time of follow-up, at an average 6.2 years (range, 2.0-10.14 years) after surgery. The average score at follow-up on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure–shortened version ( QuickDASH) was 4.1 (range, 0-27.3). Ten (56%) patients required 13 additional future surgeries on their throwing arm; 7 surgeries in 6 (33%) patients were not related to the index surgery. Six of 18 (33%) patients underwent hardware removal, with 2 (11%) for infection.

Conclusion:

Open reduction and internal fixation of olecranon stress fractures in competitive baseball players has a high rate of success in returning players to or above their former level of play and allows for good elbow function at an average of 6.2 years postoperatively. However, these patients are at high risk for additional future surgeries on their throwing arm.
Filicide and suicide in a family by paraphenylene diamine poisoning
Authors: Abdelraheem Mohamed Babikir , Elbushra Mohamed , Ali El-Tigani , Ellidir Rashid A , Bushara Amna I , Abdelraheem Waleed B , Zijlstra Eduard E
Published: December 2012

Paraphenylene diamine (PPD) hair dye poisoning is a common health problem in the Middle East and Indian subcontinent. It is the most common cause of suicide intent especially among females. We hereby present a 27-year-old female who presented with a clinical feature of PPD poisoning due to a suicidal attempt, and she died soon after arrival. She had survived a previous suicide attempt with PPD 4 years before. This time she also intentionally tried to kill her four children using PPD. One child died, one recovered after dialysis for acute kidney injury and the other two survived without any further intervention. This case illustrates that PPD poisoning may be used in filicide and suicide intent and that all patients who committed suicide should be reviewed and assessed by clinical psychiatrist.
Protective effects of vitamin C and selenium supplementation on methomyl-induced tissue oxidative stress in adult rats
Authors: Djeffal Assia , Messarah Mahfoud , Boumendjel Amel , Kadeche Lilia , Feki Abdelfattah El
Published: December 2012

Methomyl (MET) is used worldwide in agriculture and health programs. Besides its advantages in the agriculture, it causes several toxic effects. The objective of this study was to examine the potential ability of vitamin C and/or selenium (Se), to alleviate the oxidative damage parameters, against MET-induced changes in blood biochemical markers and oxidative damage in liver and kidney of male Wistar rats. The animals were randomized into five groups of eight each: group I served as control rats; group II received MET (8 mg/kg body weight (BW)) in drinking water; group III received both MET and vitamin C (200 mg/kg BW; by intraperitoneal injection); group IV received both MET and Se (0.6 mg/100 g BW). Animals of group V were treated with MET, vitamin C and Se. A significant increase in the levels of hepatic markers enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase) was determined. Furthermore, renal markers such as urea and creatinine were increased in MET-treated rats. Additionally, serum cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly enhanced. Exposure of rats to MET caused significant increase in malondialdehyde levels, thus causing a drastic alteration in antioxidant defense system, particularly in the activities of catalase and glutathione- S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase. However, simultaneous supplementation with vitamin C and Se restored these parameters partially. In conclusion, the results of the current study revealed that MET-induced toxicity caused perturbations of some biochemical parameters, lipid peroxidation and alterations in the antioxidant enzymes in liver and kidney homogenates. Administration of vitamin C and Se exhibited protective effect by inhibiting MET-induced toxicity in liver and kidney.
Ophthalmoplegic Migraine With Persistent Dilated Pupil
Authors: Sobreira Inês , Sousa Cátia , Raposo Ana , Fagundes Fernando , Dias Ana Isabel
Published: December 2012

Ophthalmoplegic migraine is a rare disorder characterized by childhood-onset ophthalmoplegia and migraine headaches. The third cranial nerve is commonly involved, while involvement of the sixth and fourth cranial nerves is uncommon. We present the case study of a 15-year-old female teenager whose condition was diagnosed with ophthalmoplegic migraine when she was 9 years old and since then has experienced multiple and recurrent attacks. Since the diagnosis, she has exhibited a persistent right-eye mydriasis, despite resolution of migrainous episodes. Pupillary involvement in ophthalmoplegic migraine is the rule in children, with total recovery in the majority of cases. We will discuss some aspects related to the eventual association between this entity and other comorbidities, such as Adie tonic pupil, emphasizing the fact that the underlying mechanisms of this residual mydriasis are not fully understood.
Abnormal Cerebrospinal Fluid Biochemistry in Biotinidase Deficiency Causing Diagnostic Conundrum
Authors: Krishnakumar Deepa , Maw Anna , Brown Richard , Hogg Sarah , Calvin Jackie , Parker Alasdair P. J.
Published: December 2012

Biotinidase deficiency is a treatable cause of infantile epilepsy and the presentation can be nonspecific. The seizures are difficult to differentiate from other causes of epileptic encephalopathy, which generally have a poor prognosis. We report 2 infants who presented with seizures, and whose low cerebrospinal fluid glucose and high cerebrospinal lactate caused a diagnostic dilemma. Subsequent urine organic acids pointed to the correct diagnosis and avoided invasive investigation. The children had a good clinical outcome with resolution of their seizures on biotin treatment.
In Utero Diagnosis of PHACE Syndrome by Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Authors: Fernández-Mayoralas Daniel Martín , Recio-Rodríguez Manuel , Fernández-Perrone Ana Laura , Jiménez-de-la-Peña Mar , Muñoz-Jareño Nuria , Fernández-Jaén Alberto
Published: December 2012

The acronym PHACE describes the association of facial hemangioma with anomalies of the posterior fossa, cerebral arteries, and cardiovascular and ocular alterations. This study presents a case of diagnostic suspicion based on fetal MRI. We report the case of a pregnant woman whose 26-week MRI revealed a female fetus with hypoplasia of the right cerebellar hemisphere and right microphthalmia, leading to the suspicion of PHACE syndrome. The diagnosis was confirmed at birth, together with other criteria: facial hemangioma, absent posterior inferior cerebellar artery, and dysplasia of the right internal carotid artery. To our knowledge, this is the first live case described prenatally with both ocular and cerebellar findings on fetal MRI that suggest PHACE syndrome. The prenatal presence of 2 PHACE criteria led to the suspicion of this syndrome, and prenatal diagnostic criteria might be developed to improve information regarding the prognosis of cerebellar malformations.
The Pharmacist “Toolbox” for Smoking Cessation
Authors: Wynn William P. , Stroman Ron T. , Almgren Michaela M. , Clark Kelly J.
Published: December 2012

Annually there are 500 000 preventable deaths in the United States caused by smoking; as health care professionals, pharmacists have a unique opportunity to advise, assess, and assist patients to quit smoking. This review article provides pharmacists with a “toolbox” containing an overview of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods for smoking cessation. Currently approved over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications (nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, and bupropion) are summarized, and nonpharmacologic therapies discussed include cognitive therapy and hypnosis. In addition to traditional therapies some potential approaches to smoking cessation are addressed, including nicotine immunizations and electronic cigarettes.