bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lung-Derived Mediators Induce Cytokine Production in Downstream Organs via anNF-κB-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Patterson E. K. , Yao L. J. , Ramic N. , Lewis J. F. , Cepinskas G. , McCaig L. , Veldhuizen R. A. W. , Yamashita C. M.
Published: March 2013

In the setting of acute lung injury, levels of circulating inflammatory mediators have been correlated with adverse outcomes. Previous studies have demonstrated that injured, mechanically ventilated lungs represent the origin of the host inflammatory response; however, mechanisms which perpetuate systemic inflammation remain uncharacterized. We hypothesized that lung-derived mediators generated by mechanical ventilation (MV) are amplified by peripheral organs in a “feed forward” mechanism of systemic inflammation. Herein, lung-derived mediators were collected from 129X1/SVJ mice after 2 hours of MV while connected to the isolated perfused mouse lung model setup. Exposure of liver endothelial cells to lung-derived mediators resulted in a significant increase in G-CSF, IL-6, CXCL-1, CXCL-2, and MCP-1 production compared to noncirculated control perfusate media (P<0.05). Furthermore, inhibition of the NF-κB pathway significantly mitigated this response. Changes in gene transcription were confirmed using qPCR for IL-6, CXCL-1, and CXCL-2. Additionally, liver tissue obtained from mice subjected to 2 hours ofin vivoMV demonstrated significant increases in hepatic gene transcription of IL-6, CXCL-1, and CXCL-2 compared to nonventilated controls. Collectively, this data demonstrates that lung-derived mediators, generated in the setting of MV, are amplified by downstream organs in a feed forward mechanism of systemic inflammation.
The Role of Vitamin D in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: Possible Genetic and Cell Signaling Mechanisms
Authors: Lương Khanh vinh quốc , Nguyễn Lan Thi Hoàng
Published: March 2013

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease of the liver of unknown etiology. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with PBC, and many studies have demonstrated the significant effect of calcitriol on liver cell physiology. Vitamin D has antiproliferative and antifibrotic effects on liver fibrosis. Genetic studies have provided an opportunity to determine which proteins link vitamin D to PBC pathology (e.g., the major histocompatibility complex class II molecules, the vitamin D receptor, toll-like receptors, apolipoprotein E,Nramp1, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4). Vitamin D also exerts its effect on PBC through cell signaling mechanisms, that is, matrix metalloproteinases, prostaglandins, reactive oxygen species, and the transforming growth factor betas. In conclusion, vitamin D may have a beneficial role in the treatment of PBC. The best form of vitamin D for use in the PBC is calcitriol because it is the active form of vitamin metabolite, and its receptors are present in the sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and stellate cells of normal livers, as well as in the biliary cell line.
Semiclassical Modeling of Isotropic Non-Heisenberg Magnets for Spin and Linear Quadrupole Excitation Dynamics
Authors: Yousefi Yousef , Muminov Khikmat Kh.
Published: March 2013

Equations describing one-dimensional non-Heisenberg model are studied by use of generalized coherent states in real parameterization, and then dissipative spin wave equation for dipole and quadrupole branches is obtained if there is a small linear excitation
from the ground state. Finally, it is shown that for such exchange-isotropy Hamiltonians, optical branch of spin wave is nondissipative.
A Compact Unconditionally Stable Method for Time-Domain Maxwell's Equations
Authors: Su Zhuo , Yang Yongqin , Long Yunliang
Published: March 2013

Higher order unconditionally stable methods are effective ways for simulating field behaviors of electromagnetic problems since they are free of Courant-Friedrich-Levy conditions. The development of accurate schemes with less computational expenditure is desirable. A compact fourth-order split-step unconditionally-stable finite-difference time-domain method (C4OSS-FDTD) is proposed in this paper. This method is based on a four-step splitting form in time which is constructed by symmetric operator and uniform splitting. The introduction of spatial compact operator can further improve its performance. Analyses of stability and numerical dispersion are carried out. Compared with noncompact counterpart, the proposed method has reduced computational expenditure while keeping the same level of accuracy. Comparisons with other compact unconditionally-stable methods are provided. Numerical dispersion and anisotropy errors are shown to be lower than those of previous compact unconditionally-stable methods.
Efficacy of Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Needling in the Prevention of Pain after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Mayoral Orlando , Salvat Isabel , Martín María Teresa , Martín Stella , Santiago Jesús , Cotarelo José , Rodríguez Constantino
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to determine whether the dry needling of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) is superior to placebo in the prevention of pain after total knee arthroplasty. Forty subjects were randomised to a true dry needling group (T) or to a sham group (S). All were examined for MTrPs by an experienced physical therapist 4–5 hours before surgery. Immediately following anesthesiology and before surgery started, subjects in the T group were dry needled in all previously diagnosed MTrPs, while the S group received no treatment in their MTrPs. Subjects were blinded to group allocation as well as the examiner in presurgical and follow-up examinations performed 1, 3, and 6 months after arthroplasty. Subjects in the T group had less pain after intervention, with statistically significant differences in the variation rate of the visual analogue scale (VAS) measurements 1 month after intervention and in the need for immediate postsurgery analgesics. Differences were not significant at 3- and 6-month follow-up examinations. In conclusion, a single dry needling treatment of MTrP under anaesthesia reduced pain in the first month after knee arthroplasty, when pain was the most severe. Results show a superiority of dry needling versus placebo. An interesting novel placebo methodology for dry needling, with a real blinding procedure, is presented.
OralHuangqiFormulae for Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Lei , Chen Yuanbin , Xu Yinji , Guo Xinfeng , Li Xiaoyan , Zhang Anthony Lin , May Brian H. , Xue Charlie Changli , Wen Zehuai , Lin Lin
Published: March 2013

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oralHuangqiformulae for the treatment of stable COPD.Methods. The major databases were searched until September 2010 and supplemented with a manual search. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of oralHuangqiformulae that reported on lung function, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, symptom improvement and/or frequency of exacerbations were extracted by two reviewers. The Cochrane tool was used for the assessment of risk of bias in the included trials. Data were analyzed with RevMan 5.1.2 software.Results. 25 RCTs (1,661 participants) were included. Compared with conventional therapy (CT) alone, oralHuangqiformulae plus CT increased FEV1, and a similar result was found comparingHuangqiformulae with no treatment. Improvements in SGRQ total score, COPD-related symptoms and reduction of frequency of exacerbations were found in patients receivingHuangqiformulae plus CT compared to those receiving CT alone or CT plus placebo. No serious adverse events were reported. However, there were some methodological inadequacies in the included studies.Conclusions. The benefits ofHuangqiformulae for stable COPD were promising, but its efficacy and safety have not been established due to methodological weakness and possible bias in the reported results. Further rigorously designed studies are warranted.
MR Neurography: Advances
Authors: Chhabra Avneesh , Zhao Lianxin , Carrino John A. , Trueblood Eo , Koceski Saso , Shteriev Filip , Lenkinski Lionel , Sinclair Christopher D. J. , Andreisek Gustav
Published: March 2013

High resolution and high field magnetic resonance neurography (MR neurography, MRN) is shown to have excellent anatomic capability. There have been considerable advances in the technology in the last few years leading to various feasibility studies using different structural and functional imaging approaches in both clinical and research settings. This paper is intended to be a useful seminar for readers who want to gain knowledge of the advancements in the MRN pulse sequences currently used in clinical practice as well as learn about the other techniques on the horizon aimed at better depiction of nerve anatomy, pathology, and potential noninvasive evaluation of nerve degeneration or regeneration.
A Simplified Descriptor System Approach to Delay-Dependent Stability and Robust Performance Analysis for Discrete-Time Systems with Time Delays
Authors: Xu Fengying , Li Daxin
Published: March 2013

A simplified descriptor system approach is proposed for discrete-time systems with delays in terms of linear matrix inequalities. In comparison with the results obtained by combining the descriptor system approach with recently developed bounding technique, our approach can remove the redundant matrix variables while not reducing the conservatism. It is shown that the bounding technique is unnecessary in the derivation of our results. Via the proposed method, delay-dependent results on quadratic cost andH∞performance analysis are also presented.
Stability Analysis of Two-Segment Stepped Columns with Different End Conditions and Internal Axial Loads
Authors: Pinarbasi Seval , Okay Fuad , Akpinar Erkan , Erdogan Hakan
Published: March 2013

Members with varying geometrical and/or material properties are commonly used in many engineering applications. Stepped columns with internal axial loads constitute a special case of such nonuniform columns. Crane columns in industrial buildings or structural columns supporting intermediate floors are important applications of stepped members in civil engineering. Since neither axial load nor stiffness is constant along the column height, the stability analysis of a stepped column is usually more complicated than that of a uniform column. Determination of exact buckling loads for stepped columns with different end conditions is not always practical. This paper shows that variational iteration method (VIM), a kind of analytical technique recently proposed for solution of nonlinear differential equations, can satisfactorily be used to obtain approximate solutions for buckling loads of stepped columns with internal axial loads. VIM solutions perfectly match with the exact solutions available in the literature for some special cases of two-segment stepped columns. For many other cases, that is, for various values of three design parameters, namely, (i) load ratio, (ii) stiffness ratio, and (iii) length ratio, approximate buckling loads for two-segment stepped columns are determined using VIM and presented in tabular form which can easily be used by design engineers.
A Support Vector Classifier Based on Vague Similarity Measure
Authors: Zhang Yong , Cai Jing
Published: March 2013

Support vector machine (SVM) is a popular machine learning method for its high generalizaiton ability. How to find the adaptive kernel function is a key problem to SVM from theory to practical applications. This paper proposes a support vector classifer based on vague sigmoid kernel and its similarity measure. The proposed method uses the characteristic of vague set, and replaces the traditional inner product with vague similarity measure between training samples. The experimental results show that the proposed method can reduce the CPU time and maintain the classification accuracy.
PRAMEing a Picture of Differentiation Therapy for AML?
Authors: Redner Robert L.
Published: March 2013

Addition of retinoic acid to chemotherapy improves survival of patients with acute myeloid leukemia. This effect is more pronounced in leukemias that express high levels of PRAME. PRAME is an inhibitor of retinoic acid signaling, which may prove to be an important marker for retinoic acid response. Clin Cancer Res; 19(9); 2277–9. ©2013 AACR.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Neurocircuitry and Implications for Potential Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Taghva Alexander , Oluigbo Chima , Corrigan John , Rezai Ali R.
Published: March 2013

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent and highly disabling psychiatric disorder that is notoriously difficult to treat. At some point in their lifetimes, 5-8% of men, 10-14% of women, and up to a quarter of combat veterans carry this diagnosis. Despite pharmacological and behavioral therapies, up to 30% of patients are still symptomatic 10 years after initial diagnosis. Recent advances in imaging have implicated changes in the limbic and autonomic corticostriatopallidothalamocortical (CSPTC) circuitry in the pathogenesis of this disease. Deep brain stimulation modulates CSPTC circuits in movement and other neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we discuss the salient clinical features and neurocircuitry of PTSD and propose a neuromodulation strategy for the disorder.
Chronic Evaluation of a Clinical System for Deep Brain Stimulation and Recording of Neural Network Activity
Authors: Stypulkowski Paul H. , Stanslaski Scott R. , Denison Timothy J. , Giftakis Jonathon E.
Published: March 2013

Background/Aims: In conjunction with therapeutic stimulation, next-generation deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices may offer the ability to record and analyze neural signals, providing for unprecedented insight into DBS effects on neural networks. This work was conducted to evaluate an implantable, clinical-grade system that permits concurrent stimulation and recording using a large animal (ovine) model recently developed to study DBS for epilepsy. Methods: Following anesthesia and 1.5-tesla MRI acquisition, unilateral anterior thalamic and hippocampal DBS leads were implanted (n = 3) using a frameless stereotactic system. Chronic, awake recordings of evoked potentials (EPs) and local field potentials were collected with the implanted device and analyzed off-line. Results: Hippocampal EPs were stable over long-term (>1 year) recording and consistent in morphology and latency with prior acute results. Thalamic and hippocampal DBS produced both excitatory and inhibitory network effects that were stimulation site and parameter dependent. Free roaming recordings illustrated periods of highly correlated activity between these two structures within the circuit of Papez. Conclusions: These results provide further insight into mechanisms of DBS therapy for epilepsy and an encouraging demonstration of the capabilities of this new technology, which in the future, may afford unique opportunities to study human brain function and neuromodulation mechanism of action.
Surgical Outcomes of Microsurgical Selective Peripheral Neurotomy for Intractable Limb Spasticity
Authors: Sitthinamsuwan Bunpot , Chanvanitkulchai Kannachod , Phonwijit Luckchai , Nunta-aree Sarun , Kumthornthip Witsanu , Ploypetch Teerada
Published: March 2013

Background: The authors frequently employed selective peripheral neurotomy (SPN) as the primary treatment of severe intractable focal and multifocal spastic hypertonia. We occasionally operated SPN in diffuse spastic disorders. Objective: To study surgical outcome of SPN in terms of severity of spasticity and functional condition. Methods: Patients harboring refractory harmful spasticity of various origins were enrolled into the present study. They were clinically evaluated by using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), passive range of motion (PROM) and functional status. These variables were compared between pre- and postsurgery by using the paired t test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank matched-pairs test. Results: One hundred and forty-one SPNs were accomplished in 33 patients. Overall mean pre- and postoperative MAS and PROM were 3.0 and 0.7 (p < 0.001) and 78.3 and 102.3° (p < 0.001), respectively. Analysis of individual SPN subgroups also demonstrated statistically significant improvement of both parameters. Furthermore, we found significant gait improvement among 10 ambulatory subjects. Nine bed-bound cases attained significant enhancement of sitting competency and ambulatory condition. Conclusion: SPN is an efficacious neurosurgical intervention in the treatment of spasticity. It is apparently beneficial in the reduction of spasticity, amelioration of functional status, facilitation of patient care and prevention of long-term musculoskeletal sequelae.
Volume Expansion Does Not Alter Cerebral Tissue Oxygen Extraction in Preterm Infants with Clinical Signs of Poor Perfusion
Authors: Kooi Elisabeth M.W. , van der Laan Michelle E. , Verhagen Elise A. , Van Braeckel Koenraad N.J.A. , Bos Arend F.
Published: March 2013

Background: Preterm infants with signs of poor perfusion are often treated with volume expansion, although evidence regarding its effect on cerebral perfusion is lacking. Moreover, the effect is questionable in preterm infants with an adequate cerebrovascular autoregulation (CAR). A useful measure to assess perfusion is cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE). Objectives: To assess the effect of volume expansion on cFTOE in preterm infants with signs of poor perfusion. Methods: In this observational study, we assessed cFTOE using near-infrared spectroscopy in preterm infants with signs of poor perfusion before, during and 1 h after volume expansion treatment. Simultaneously, we measured mean arterial blood pressure (MABP). We tested the effect of volume expansion on both cFTOE and MABP, using multi-level analyses. We intended to define a subgroup that responded to volume expansion with an increase in blood pressure and a decrease in cFTOE, suggesting absent CAR. Results: In 14 preterm infants, with a median gestational age of 26.7 weeks (25.0-28.7 weeks) and a median birth weight of 836 g (615-1,290 g), we found a small increase in MABP during (1.4 ± 1.4 mm Hg, p = 0.003) and after (1.8 ± 1.7 mm Hg, p = 0.001) volume expansion, but no change in cFTOE during (-0.19 ± 0.1% p = 0.44) or after (-0.53 ± 0.1% p = 0.34) volume expansion. We were unable to define a subgroup lacking CAR. Conclusions: Cerebral perfusion, as assessed by cFTOE, does not improve in preterm infants with signs of poor perfusion following volume expansion. In these infants, either CAR is present or volume expansion is inadequate to affect cFTOE.
Does Stroke Subtype and Measurement Technique Influence Estimation of Cerebral Autoregulation in Acute Ischaemic Stroke?
Authors: Saeed Nazia P. , Panerai Ronney B. , Horsfield Mark A. , Robinson Thompson G.
Published: March 2013

Background: It is known that dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) is acutely impaired following ischaemic stroke (IS). However, the influence of stroke subtype, the affected (AF) and unaffected (UA) hemispheres, and the effects of a methodological approach on dCA estimates in stroke are all inconclusive. Therefore, we studied cortical and subcortical acute IS (AIS) patients to test the primary hypotheses that (1) dCA is impaired in stroke subtypes when compared to controls, (2) dCA impairment is more pronounced in the AF compared with the UA hemisphere, and (3) similar results are obtained with both spontaneous blood pressure (BP) fluctuation techniques, and sudden induced BP changes by thigh cuff deflation. Methods: We assessed the dCA values in AIS patients and in healthy controls (n = 10). The AIS patient group consisted of anterior circulation cortical (n = 11) and subcortical (n = 11) strokes within 48 h of symptom onset. Cerebral blood flow velocity was measured using transcranial Doppler ultrasound, and BP measurements were recorded before, during and after the release of bilateral thigh cuffs in 10 controls (7 males) of a mean age of 59 ±15 years (range 31-75), 11 cortical strokes (7 males) of a mean of age 65 ± 19 years (range 25-88) and 11 subcortical strokes (7 males) of a mean age of 60 ± 18 years (range 39-85). Autoregulation index (ARI) estimates, calculated using spontaneous fluctuations and thigh cuff manoeuvre, were derived. Differences in ARI (Tiecks' model) were tested with repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: A total of 22 patients were included, comprising 11 subcortical (lacunar clinical syndrome) and 11 cortical strokes (total anterior circulation stroke/partial anterior circulation syndrome). Of the 10 control subjects, 1 later withdrew because of intolerance to the thigh cuffs. Similar ARI estimates were obtained in both groups, whether assessed from spontaneous fluctuations or thigh cuff measurements (p = 0.37). ARI differences were not significantly different between hemispheres for both control and stroke populations. ARI was significantly impaired in AIS patients compared to age-, sex- and BP-matched control subjects, with a greater impairment of dCA observed in cortical IS. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that both spontaneous fluctuations and thigh cuff deflation techniques are able to provide reliable estimates of ARI, with the estimates from both spontaneous fluctuations and thigh cuff deflation techniques being in keeping with those reported elsewhere in the literature. dCA was impaired following AIS compared to controls when stroke subtype was considered. Importantly, no differences were observed between UA and AF. This has implications for the assessment of CA after stroke and reinforces the need to define a ‘gold standard' test for the investigation of CA.
Training Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair with Nasoseptal Flap on the Lamb's Head
Authors: Mladina Ranko , Castelnuovo Paolo , Locatelli Davide , Đurić Vuković Katarina , Skitarelić Neven
Published: March 2013

Background: One of the major challenges of cranial base surgery is reconstruction of dural defects and cerebrospinal fluid leak closure. Various grafting methods have been used for smaller skull base defects with great success. The indications for endoscopic reconstruction have recently evolved to encompass much larger breeches in the skull base following tumor removal, thus emphasizing the need for vascularized tissue flaps for reconstruction. Methods: Some authors proposed a pedicled flap of the nasal septum mucoperiosteum and mucoperichondrium, which is very vascularized and has quite a large surface. It is also long enough to easily cover even larger defects of the skull base. The elevation of a nasoseptal flap is based on a particularly advanced surgical technique and thus requires proper training before being performed in a real patient. Results: Anatomical differences between human and lamb heads were observed and explained although they do not affect the procedure of the elevation of the nasoseptal flap. Conclusions: The lamb's head has been shown to be an ideal model for the adequate training of the surgical skills required for this demanding procedure.
Dimensions of Subcortical Infarcts Associated with First- to Third-Order Branches of the Basal Ganglia Arteries
Authors: Phan Thanh G. , van der Voort Sanne , Beare Richard , Ma Henry , Clissold Benjamin , Holt Michael , Ly John , Foster Emma , Thong Eleanor , Stuckey Stephen , Cassell Martin D. , Srikanth Velandai
Published: March 2013

Background: It has been described that lacunar infarct is characterized by its smallish size (15-20 mm) in the axial plane. However, the size of the basal ganglia artery responsible for this type of infarct is uncertain. Detection of small arterial occlusion is not possible with current angiography, hindering correlation of arterial occlusion with subcortical infarct size. Recently, investigators have published microangiographic templates of arteries supplying the basal ganglia. These templates display first-order (proximal) to third-order (distal) branching of these arteries and can help with estimating the likely site of arterial disease in subcortical infarcts. We correlated the dimensions of subcortical infarcts with the order of arterial branching described in a microangiographic template. Such data may provide further clues about the type of arteries associated with subcortical infarcts and assist in refining the concept of lacunar infarction. Method: Patients with subcortical infarcts on MR imaging (MRI) admitted to our institution between 2009 and 2011 were included in the study. Infarcts were manually segmented and registered to a standard brain template. These segmented infarcts were scaled and overlapped with published microangiographic templates, and used by 6 raters who independently estimated the branching order of arterial disease that might result in these infarcts. We used regression analysis to relate these ratings to infarct dimensions. Results: Among 777 patients, there were 33 (58% male) patients with subcortical infarcts. The mean age was 63.1 ± 15.1 years. Infarct dimensions for the groups were as follows: group 1 (first-order branch): height 37.6 ± 7.4 mm, horizontal width 21.2 ± 11.6 mm, anterior-posterior length 36.8 ± 20.1 mm; group 2 (second-order branch): height 25.2 ± 7.9 mm, horizontal width 16.6 ± 22.8 mm, anterior-posterior length 16.1 ± 8.0 mm; group 3 (third-order branch): height 11.6 ± 5.7 mm, axial width 5.3 ± 3.1 mm, anterior-posterior length 5.5 ± 3.8 mm. Increasing vessel branching order (from large to small vessels) was linearly and negatively associated with infarct height (β = -16.7 mm per change in branching order disease, 95% CI -20.3, -13.1 mm, p < 0.01) and anterior-posterior length (β = -16.8 mm per change in branching order disease, 95% CI -23.2, -10.5 mm, p < 0.01). Discussion: Based on MRI infarct dimensions and a microangiographic template, it may be possible to estimate the branching order of the artery involved in subcortical infarcts. Further, our small data set suggests that reliance on an axial dimension of 15-20 mm may not be the best approach to classifying lacunar infarct. This finding needs to be confirmed in a larger data set.
Association between the 8473T>C Polymorphism of PTGS2 and Prostate Cancer Risk: A Metaanalysis Including 24,716 Subjects
Authors: Yang Xueling , Li Bo , Si Tongguo , Liu Ya , Guo Zhi
Published: March 2013

Background: Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) is involved in prostate cancer (PCa) by stimulating cell proliferation, promoting angiogenesis, inhibiting apoptosis, and mediating immune suppression. 8473T>C, located in the 3' UTR of the PTGS2 gene, has been considered to influence PCa risk. Methods: We searched Medline, PubMed, Elsevier, and Web of Science (updated to February 5, 2012) using the following search terms: ‘8473T>C' or ‘rs5275', ‘genetic variant' or ‘polymorphism', ‘prostate cancer', ‘cancer', ‘PTGS2' or ‘COX-2'. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were assessed by using fixed or random effect models. Both funnel plot and Egger's test were used to assess the publication bias. Results: Finally, 5 case control studies were included. Overall, no evidence was observed of a relationship between the 8473T>C and PCa risk in any genetic model. No significant association was found in the studies whose controls conform to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. In the stratified analysis, significant association was detected in other populations (except for Caucasians), which were based on hospitals. Conclusion: The 8473T>C polymorphism may have little association with PCa risk among Caucasians, but might be involved in PCa risk in other ethnicities. Nevertheless, more well-designed studies with a larger sample size including different ethnicities should be conducted.
Biventricular Mechanics in Constrictive Pericarditis Comparison With Restrictive Cardiomyopathy and Impact of Pericardiectomy
Authors: Kusunose Kenya , Dahiya Arun , Popović Zoran B. , Motoki Hirohiko , Alraies M. Chadi , Zurick Andrew O. , Bolen Michael A. , Kwon Deborah H. , Flamm Scott D. , Klein Allan L.
Published: March 2013

Background—

The aim of our study was to compare myocardial mechanics of constrictive pericarditis (CP) with restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), or healthy controls; to assess the impact of pericardial thickening detected by cardiac magnetic resonance on regional myocardial mechanics in CP; and to quantitate the effect of pericardiectomy on myocardial mechanics in CP.

Methods and Results—

Myocardial mechanics were evaluated by 2-dimensional speckle tracking in 52 consecutive patients with CP who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance examination before pericardiectomy, 35 patients with RCM, and 26 control subjects. CP patients had selectively depressed left ventricular (LV) anterolateral wall strain (LWS) and right ventricular (RV) free wall longitudinal systolic strain (FWS) but preserved LV septal wall systolic strain (SWS). In a comparison of RCM and normals, CP patients had significantly lower regional longitudinal systolic strain ratios (CP versus RCM and normal; LVLWS/LVSWS: 0.8±0.2 versus 1.1±0.2 and 1.0±0.2; P<0.001, RVFWS/LVSWS: 0.8±0.4 vs. 1.4±0.5 and 1.2±0.2; P<0.001). LVLWS/LVSWS was more robust than the LV lateral wall to LV septal wall ratio of early diastolic velocities at the LV base (LE′/SE′) in differentiating CP from RCM (area under the curve=0.91 versus 0.76;
P
=0.011). There was a significant inverse correlation between pericardial thickness and respective ventricular strains (
P
=0.001). Pericardiectomy resulted in the improvement of the depressed LVLWS/LVSWS (0.83±0.18–0.95±0.12;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Regional longitudinal systolic strain ratios are robust novel diagnostic tools for CP. Regional myocardial mechanics inversely correlates with adjacent pericardial segment thickness detected by cardiac magnetic resonance, and pericardiectomy leads to systolic strain improvement, which is more pronounced in right ventricular and LV free walls.
Cathepsin K Knockout Alleviates Pressure Overload–Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Hua Yinan , Xu Xihui , Shi Guo-Ping , Chicco Adam J. , Ren Jun , Nair Sreejayan
Published: March 2013

Evidence from human and animal studies has documented elevated levels of lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin K in failing hearts. Here, we hypothesized that ablation of cathepsin K mitigates pressure overload–induced cardiac hypertrophy. Cathepsin K knockout mice and their wild-type littermates were subjected to abdominal aortic constriction, resulting in cardiac remodeling (heart weight, cardiomyocyte size, left ventricular wall thickness, and end diastolic and end systolic dimensions) and decreased fractional shortening, the effects of which were significantly attenuated or ablated by cathepsin K knockout. Pressure overload dampened cardiomyocyte contractile function along with decreased resting Ca
2+
levels and delayed Ca
2+
clearance, which were partly resolved by cathepsin K knockout. Cardiac mammalian target of rapamycin and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) signaling cascades were upregulated by pressure overload, the effects of which were attenuated by cathepsin K knockout. In cultured H9c2 myoblast cells, silencing of cathepsin K blunted, whereas cathepsin K transfection mimicked phenylephrine–induced hypertrophic response, along with elevated phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin and ERK. In addition, cathepsin K protein levels were markedly elevated in human hearts of end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy. Collectively, our data suggest that cathepsin K ablation mitigates pressure overload–induced hypertrophy, possibly via inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin and ERK pathways.
Estrogen Normalizes Perinatal Nicotine–Induced Hypertensive Responses in Adult Female Rat Offspring
Authors: Xiao Daliao , Huang Xiaohui , Yang Shumei , Zhang Lubo
Published: March 2013

Perinatal nicotine exposure caused a sex-dependent heightened vascular response to angiotensin II (Ang II) and increased blood pressure in adult male but not in female rat offspring. The present study tested the hypothesis that estrogen normalizes perinatal nicotine–induced hypertensive response to Ang II in female offspring. Nicotine was administered to pregnant rats via subcutaneous osmotic minipumps from day 4 of gestation to day 10 after birth. Ovariectomy and 17β-estradiol replacement were performed on 8-week-old female offspring. At 5 months of age, Ang II–induced blood pressure responses were not changed by nicotine treatment in the sham groups. In contrast, nicotine significantly enhanced Ang II–induced blood pressure responses as compared with saline control in the ovariectomy groups, which was associated with increased Ang II–induced vascular contractions. These heightened responses were abrogated by 17β-estradiol replacement. In addition, nicotine enhanced Ang II receptor type I, NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase type 2 protein expressions, and reactive oxygen species production of aortas as compared with saline control in the ovariectomy groups. Antioxidative agents, both apocynin and tempol, inhibited Ang II–induced vascular contraction and eliminated the differences of contractions between nicotine-treated and control ovariectomy rats. These findings support a key role of estrogen in the sex difference of perinatal nicotine–induced programming of vascular dysfunction, and suggest that estrogen may counteract heightened reactive oxygen species production, leading to protection of females from development programming of hypertensive phenotype in adulthood.
Validation of the ABCD
3
-I Score to Predict Stroke Risk After Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Song Bo , Fang Hui , Zhao Lu , Gao Yuan , Tan Song , Lu Jiameng , Sun Shilei , Chandra Avinash , Wang Ruihao , Xu Yuming
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose—

The Age, Blood Pressure, Clinical Features, Duration, and Diabetes plus Dual TIA (ABCD
3
-I) score is recommended to predict the risk of early stroke after transient ischemic attack. The aim of this study was to validate the predictive value of the ABCD
3
-I score and compare the accuracy of the Age, Blood Pressure, Clinical Features, Duration, and Diabetes (ABCD
2
) and ABCD
3
-I scores in a Chinese population.

Methods—

Data were prospectively collected from patients who had transient ischemic attack, as defined by the World Health Organization time-based criteria. ABCD
2
and ABCD
3
-I scores were available within 7 days of the index transient ischemic attack. The predictive outcome was stroke occurrence at 90 days. The receiver-operating characteristic curves were plotted, and the C statistics were calculated as a measure of predictive ability. The comparison of the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (area under the curve) was performed by Z test.

Results—

Among 239 eligible patients, the mean age was 57.4±13.32 years, and 40.2% of the patients were women. The incidence of stroke at 90 days was 12.1%, which ranged from 0% in patients with lower ABCD
3
-I scores (0–3) to 40.91% in those with higher scores of 8 to 13 (
P
for trend <0.0001). Moreover, the C statistic of ABCD
3
-I scores (0.825; 95% confidence interval, 0.752–0.898) was statistically higher than that of ABCD
2
scores (0.694; 95% confidence interval, 0.601–0.786;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

The ABCD
3
-I score had a higher predictive value than the ABCD
2
score for assessing the risk of early stroke after transient ischemic attack in a Chinese population.
Effects of Working Memory Demand on Neural Mechanisms of Motor Response Selection and Control
Authors: Barber Anita D. , Caffo Brian S. , Pekar James J. , Mostofsky Stewart H.
Published: March 2013

Inhibitory control commonly recruits a number of frontal regions: pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA), frontal eye fields (FEFs), and right-lateralized posterior inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), dorsal anterior insula (DAI), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and inferior frontal junction (IFJ). These regions may directly implement inhibitory motor control or may be more generally involved in executive control functions. Two go/no-go tasks were used to distinguish regions specifically recruited for inhibition from those that additionally show increased activity with working memory demand. The pre-SMA and IFG were recruited for inhibition in both tasks and did not have greater activation for working memory demand on no-go trials, consistent with a role in inhibitory control. Activation in pre-SMA also responded to response selection demand and was increased with working memory on go trials specifically. The bilateral FEF and right DAI were commonly active for no-go trials. The FEF was also recruited to a greater degree with working memory demand on go trials and may bias top–down information when stimulus–response mappings change. The DAI, additionally responded to increased working memory demand on both go and no-go trials and may be involved in accessing sustained task information, alerting, or autonomic changes when cognitive demands increase. DLPFC activation was consistent with a role in working memory retrieval on both go and no-go trials. The inferior frontal junction, on the other hand, had greater activation with working memory specifically for no-go trials and may detect salient stimuli when the task requires frequent updating of working memory representations.
A review of the genera Acathrito Lyneborg, Phycus Walker and Salentia Costa (Diptera: Therevidae: Phycinae) from Egypt
Authors: BADRAWY HAITHAM B. M.
Published: March 2013

The Egyptian fauna of the three genera Acathrito Lyneborg, Phycus Walker and Salentia Costa of subfamily Phycinae (Therevidae) is revised. Five species are recognized, three species of Phycus (including Phycus rufofemoratus Kröber as a new record) and one species for each of Acathrito and Salentia. A key to Egyptian Phycus species is included. Illustrations, specimens examined and distributions are given for each species.
Revision of the peristediid genus Satyrichthys (Actinopterygii: Teleostei) with the description of a new species, S. milleri sp. nov.
Authors: KAWAI TOSHIO
Published: March 2013

The Indo-Pacific peristediid genus Satyrichthys Kaup, 1873 was first diagnosed as having a broad head with mesethmoid, postocular, parietal and preopercular spines. Later, most ichthyologists characterized Satyrichthys by its toothless jaws and strong preopercular spine. Kawai (2008) divided Satyrichthys into two genera, Satyrichthys and Scalicus, on the basis of a phylogenetic hypothesis, and redefined Satyrichthys. Seven species of Satyrichthys are recognized here, including one new species: S. clavilapis, S. laticeps, S. longiceps, S. milleri sp. nov., S. moluccensis, S. rieffeli and S. welchi. The new species is distinguished from its congeners in having equilateral-triangular rostral projections, 4 lip and 4 chin barbels, and no anterior directed spines on the upper lateral row of the caudal peduncle. Satyrichthys laticeps, previously treated as a junior synonym of S. moluccensis, is regarded as a valid species. The following new synonyms are noted: S. adeni, S. halyi and S. magnus are all junior synonyms of S. laticeps; S. isokawae is a junior synonym of S. moluccensis; and S. lingi is a junior synonym of S. welchi. In addition, a neotype is designated for S. moluccensis.
Barriers to Client-Centredness and Their Resolution
Authors: Sumsion Thelma , Smyth Genevieve
Published: March 2013

This research sought to determine which therapist barriers prevent client-centred practice the most, and which methods are perceived as being most effective in resolving therapist barriers. A list of barriers that therapists bring to client-centred practice and methods to resolve these was identified from the literature and formed the basis of a questionnaire sent to 60 occupational therapists in the United Kingdom. The results showed that the therapist and client having different goals was the barrier which most prevented client-centred practice. The high ratings of other statements suggested that the values, beliefs and attitudes of therapists and of the employment culture make client-centred practice uncomfortable to use and hence prevent its implementation. Case examples showing how to practice in a client-centred fashion were rated as the most effective method of barrier removal.
Principes d'attribution des lève-personnes et des toiles en ergothérapie
Authors: Demers Louise , Vincent Claude , Filion Marie-Josée
Published: March 2013

L'ergothérapeute est fréquemment impliqué dans le processus d'attribution de lève-personnes auprès des clients présentant des incapacités physiques sévères et vivant à domicile. Le but de cet article est de présenter un cadre conceptuel pour faciliter la recommandation d'un lève-personne incluant la toile. Premièrement, les facteurs qui influencent la décision d'octroyer cette aide technique sont analysés à partir des concepts du Modèle canadien de rendement occupationnel (Association canadienne des ergothérapeutes, 1997). Pour faciliter les transferts, l'ergothérapeute tiendra compte des caractéristiques du client, de son environnement, de l'équipement de même que du temps requis pour compléter l'activité. Deuxièmement, la notion de situation de travail proposée par une organisation spécialisée en santé et sécurité au travail est utilisée comme guide lors de l'évaluation des manœuvres de transferts. Dans cette veine, l'introduction du lève-personne est située dans un continuum de perte d'autonomie progressive en tenant compte des degrés d'autonomie physique, d'assistance humaine et d'assistance technique requis pour effectuer les transferts. Finalement, les avantages et les inconvénients inhérents à l'utilisation de cette aide technique à domicile sont présentés en guise de conclusion.
Reflections on a Renaissance of Occupation
Authors: Whiteford Gail , Townsend Elizabeth , Hocking Clare
Published: March 2013

At the close of the 20th century, there is a renaissance of occupation in occupational therapy and occupational science. Kielhofner (1992) offers an intraprofessional explanation that the growing interest in occupation recaptures occupational therapy's lost identity. An extraprofessional explanation is that postmodern ideas and social practices have helped to create a societal context in which a renaissance of occupation is welcome. Postmodernism raises questions and awareness of power, diversity, temporality, and situatedness in which normative ideas of occupation as paid work can be challenged. Since occupation is of primary concern to occupational therapy and occupational science, the authors reflect on postmodernism and its influence on a renaissance of occupation in these two fields. These reflections consider what such a renaissance means for occupational therapists and occupational scientists in the 21st century.
Integration Tutorials and Seminars: Examining the Integration of Academic and Fieldwork Learning by Student Occupational Therapists
Authors: Banks Sheila , Bell Elizabeth , Smits Emely
Published: March 2013

This paper, the second of two companion papers, describes a collaborative research study conducted by academic and fieldwork educators of an undergraduate educational programme in occupational therapy. The study examined the perception of student occupational therapists' ability to integrate and apply academic and theoretical knowledge in fieldwork education sites following the introduction of Integration Tutorials and Seminars to the curriculum. The literature review supports the need to develop educational strategies to improve this integration process. The qualitative research design consisted of guided interviews with preceptors and students during two consecutive fieldwork education experiences. Inductive data analysis revealed three themes that contribute to understanding students' ability to integrate academic learning during their fieldwork education: the fieldwork learning environment; preceptor influence on student learning; and the student learning process over time. The discussion section raises implications for academic and fieldwork education approaches.
Perceived Efficacy and Goal Setting in Young Children
Authors: Missiuna Cheryl , Pollock Nancy
Published: March 2013

One of the central tenets of client-centred occupational therapy is to enable clients to select goals to work on in therapy (Law, 1998). The process of identifying and prioritizing goals is fairly abstract, therefore occupational therapy goals for children are often prescribed by the therapist or by parents and teachers. The purpose of this study was to pilot test a measure and a process that would provide young children with the opportunity to assess their performance on daily tasks and to establish goals for occupational therapy intervention. Parents and children completed the Perceived Efficacy and Goal Setting System (PEGS), a measure of children's perception of their competence performing fine and gross motor tasks. Children 5–9 years of age were able to discriminate among tasks and to rate whether or not they were able to perform each task competently. They were also able to use this information to select and prioritize goals for intervention. While parents often rated the child's competence lower than the child did, there was a high level of agreement regarding which tasks were difficult for the child. Parents and children often did not agree about the specific selection or priority of these tasks for intervention, however, which highlights the need for further research.
A Review of a Major Driver Rehabilitation Centre: A Ten-Year Client Profile
Authors: Klavora Peter , Young Margaret , Heslegrave Ron J.
Published: March 2013

Driver Rehabilitation Services at Bloorview MacMillan Centre in Toronto provide important assessment and rehabilitation services for persons with various physical, neurological, and medical disabilities. Each year, the programme sees approximately 700 to 800 clients. Since 1985, the earliest year for which records are currently available, the program has seen approximately 7300 clients. The client information filing system consists predominantly of paper reports filed alphabetically by hand. A comprehensive computer database program was implemented in 1996 to organize and analyze client-driver records more efficiently. A systematic random sample consisting of 364 records (5% of the total population) was examined to describe the characteristics of the population within five major study categories: demographics, administration, medical information, visual and perceptual abilities and driving record.
Introducing an Evaluation of Community Based Occupational Therapy Services: A Client-Centred Practice
Authors: Hébert Michèle , Thibeault Rachel , Landry Anic , Boisvenu Michèle , Laporte Diane
Published: March 2013

The results of a study conducted in 1996 by the “Groupe de recherche en ergothérapie communautaire” (GREC), indicate that the quality of occupational therapy services in community settings is infrequently evaluated. A conceptual framework supporting such a process is presented in the context of client-centered services with a focus on continuous health care improvement. Both the research process leading to the design of an assessment tool, and its congruence with the beliefs and values of the profession, are explored. Finally, some issues relating to the implementation of a formal evaluation process are discussed.
Replication Research: A Purposeful Occupation Worth Repeating
Authors: Klein Jennifer Greenwood , Brown G. Ted , Lysyk Mary
Published: March 2013

It is common for researchers to request at the end of their published studies, the urgency for further studies to be completed. Unfortunately there are very few published studies that have replicated original studies. The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for understanding issues related to replication research that will assist occupational therapy researchers, clinicians, managers, students and educators to realize the importance of implementing and publishing replication research to establish evidence-based practice. Various areas related to replication research are explored. In addition, a computerized literature search using the search term ‘replication’ was completed. Only four articles published between 1982-1998 were discovered. This article concludes with recommendations to ensure replication studies are included in the occupational therapy literature and utilized in clinical practice.