bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Original Approach for Automated Quantification of Antinuclear Autoantibodies by Indirect Immunofluorescence
Authors: Bertin Daniel , Jourde-Chiche Noémie , Bongrand Pierre , Bardin Nathalie
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) is the gold standard method for the detection of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) which are essential markers for the diagnosis of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. For the discrimination of positive and negative samples, we propose here an original approach named Immunofluorescence for Computed Antinuclear antibody Rational Evaluation (ICARE) based on the calculation of a fluorescence index (FI).Methods. We made comparison between FI and visual evaluations on 237 consecutive samples and on a cohort of 25 patients with SLE.Results. We obtained very good technical performance of FI (95% sensitivity, 98% specificity, and a kappa of 0.92), even in a subgroup of weakly positive samples. A significant correlation between quantification of FI and IIF ANA titers was found (Spearman'sρ=0.80,P<0.0001). Clinical performance of ICARE was validated on a cohort of patients with SLE corroborating the fact that FI could represent an attractive alternative for the evaluation of antibody titer.Conclusion. Our results represent a major step for automated quantification of IIF ANA, opening attractive perspectives such as rapid sample screening and laboratory standardization.
Analysis of Mineral and Heavy Metal Content of Some Commercial Fruit Juices by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Dehelean Adriana , Magdas Dana Alina
Published: December 2013

The presence of potentially toxic elements and compounds in foodstuffs is of intense public interest and thus requires rapid and accurate methods to determine the levels of these contaminants. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for the determination of metals and nonmetals in fruit juices. In this study, 21 commercial fruit juices (apple, peach, apricot, orange, kiwi, pear, pineapple, and multifruit) present on Romanian market were investigated from the heavy metals and mineral content point of view by ICP‐MS. Our obtained results were compared with those reported in literature and also with the maximum admissible limit in drinking water by USEPA and WHO. For Mn the obtained values exceeded the limits imposed by these international organizations. Co, Cu, Zn, As, and Cd concentrations were below the acceptable limit for drinking water for all samples while the concentrations of Ni and Pb exceeded the limits imposed by USEPA and WHO for some fruit juices. The results obtained in this study are comparable to those found in the literature.
A New Adaptive LSSVR with Online Multikernel RBF Tuning to Evaluate Analog Circuit Performance
Authors: Zhang Aihua , Chen Chen , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: December 2013

Focusing on the analog circuit performance evaluation demand of fast time responding online, a novel evaluation strategy based on adaptive Least Squares Support Vector Regression (LSSVR) which employs multikernel RBF is proposed in this paper. The superiority of the multi-kernel RBF has more flexibility to the kernel function online such as the bandwidths tuning. And then the decision parameters of the kernel parameters determine the input signal to map to the feature space deduced that a well plant model by discarding redundant features. Experiment adopted the typical circuit Sallen-Key low pass filter to prove the proposed evaluation strategy via the eight performance indexes. Simulation results reveal that the testing speed together with the evaluation performance, especially the testing speed of the proposed, is superior to that of the traditional LSSVR andε-SVR, which is suitable for promotion online.
Blends of Thermoplastic Polyurethane and Polydimethylsiloxane Rubber: Assessment of Biocompatibility and Suture Holding Strength of Membranes
Authors: Rajan Krishna Prasad , Al-Ghamdi Ahmed , Parameswar Ramesh , Nando G. B.
Published: December 2013

In the present investigation, a compatibilized blend of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is prepared by using copolymer of ethylene and methyl acrylate (EMA) as a reactive compatibilizer. Detailedin vitrobiocompatibility studies were carried out for this compatibilized blend and the material was found noncytotoxic towards L929 mouse fibroblast subcutaneous connective tissue cell line. Microporosity was created on the surface of membranes prepared from the blend material by adopting the crazing mechanism. Cell proliferation and growth studies on the membranes surface showed that the microporous surface favoured ingrowth of the cells compared with a nonmicroporous surface. Suture holding strength studies indicate that the microporous membranes have enough strength to withstand the cutting and tearing forces through the suture hole. This blend material could be evaluated further to find its suitability in various implant applications.
ModeLang: A New Approach for Experts-Friendly Viral Infections Modeling
Authors: Wasik Szymon , Prejzendanc Tomasz , Blazewicz Jacek
Published: December 2013

Computational modeling is an important element of systems biology. One of its important applications is modeling complex, dynamical, and biological systems, including viral infections. This type of modeling usually requires close cooperation between biologists and mathematicians. However, such cooperation often faces communication problems because biologists do not have sufficient knowledge to understand mathematical description of the models, and mathematicians do not have sufficient knowledge to define and verify these models. In many areas of systems biology, this problem has already been solved; however, in some of these areas there are still certain problematic aspects. The goal of the presented research was to facilitate this cooperation by designing seminatural formal language for describing viral infection models that will be easy to understand for biologists and easy to use by mathematicians and computer scientists. The ModeLang language was designed in cooperation with biologists and its computer implementation was prepared. Tests proved that it can be successfully used to describe commonly used viral infection models and then to simulate and verify them. As a result, it can make cooperation between biologists and mathematicians modeling viral infections much easier, speeding up computational verification of formulated hypotheses.
Stability and Global Hopf Bifurcation Analysis on a Ratio-Dependent Predator-Prey Model with Two Time Delays
Authors: Zhao Huitao , Lin Yiping , Dai Yunxian
Published: December 2013

A ratio-dependent predator-prey model with two time delays is studied. By means of an iteration technique, sufficient conditions are obtained for the global attractiveness of the positive equilibrium. By comparison arguments, the global stability of the semitrivial equilibrium is addressed. By using the theory of functional equation and Hopf bifurcation, the conditions on which positive equilibrium exists and the quality of Hopf bifurcation are given. Using a global Hopf bifurcation result of Wu (1998) for functional differential equations, the global existence of the periodic solutions is obtained. Finally, an example for numerical simulations is also included.
The Superior Transverse Scapular Ligament in Fetuses
Authors: Aragão José Aderval , Teles Luiza Neves de Santana , Chaves Ana Bárbara de Jesus , Prado Jéssica Cândida Oliveira , Pereira Priscila Soares , Dantas João Gabriel Lima , Reis Francisco Prado
Published: December 2013

Introduction. The superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) links the margins of the suprascapular notch and converts it into a foramen, through which, the suprascapular nerve and, on some rare occasions, the suprascapular vessels pass. This conversion often results from partial or complete ossification of the STSL and may produce compressive symptoms in the suprascapular nerve. Material and Method. Twenty shoulders from human fetuses were dissected without the aid of optical instruments and, using a digital pachymeter of precision 0.01 millimeters, length measurements and thickness measurements were made. The fetal age was from 21 to 33 weeks of gestation, with a mean of 27.6±4.14 weeks. Results. There was no statistically significant difference in STSL length or any difference in the thicknesses at the medial and lateral extremities between the halves of the body (P≥0.05). However, in the left half of the body, the medial extremity of the STSL was significantly thinner than the lateral extremity (P≤0.05). Conclusion. Anatomical and morphometric details about the STSL were described in human fetuses. These findings, in fetuses, may encourage the pursuit of further studies to understand the morphofunctional role and meaning of this small ligament.
Study of Montmorillonite Clay for the Removal of Copper (II) by Adsorption: Full Factorial Design Approach and Cascade Forward Neural Network
Authors: Turan Nurdan Gamze , Ozgonenel Okan
Published: December 2013

An intensive study has been made of the removal efficiency of Cu(II) from industrial leachate by biosorption of montmorillonite. A 24 factorial design and cascade forward neural network (CFNN) were used to display the significant levels of the analyzed factors on the removal efficiency. The obtained model based on 24 factorial design was statistically tested using the well‐known methods. The statistical analysis proves that the main effects of analyzed parameters were significant by an obtained linear model within a 95% confidence interval. The proposed CFNN model requires less experimental data and minimum calculations. Moreover, it is found to be cost‐effective due to inherent advantages of its network structure. Optimization of the levels of the analyzed factors was achieved by minimizing adsorbent dosage and contact time, which were costly, and maximizing Cu(II) removal efficiency. The suggested optimum conditions are initial pH at 6, adsorbent dosage at 10 mg/L, and contact time at 10 min using raw montmorillonite with the Cu(II) removal of 80.7%. At the optimum values, removal efficiency was increased to 88.91% if the modified montmorillonite was used.
Discrepancies between Antimullerian Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone in Assisted Reproduction
Authors: Hussain Munawar , Cahill David , Akande Valentine , Gordon Uma
Published: December 2013

Data from 107 women undergoing their first IVF/ICSI were analyzed. Relationships between antimullerian hormone (AMH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were analyzed after dividing patients into four groups according to AMH/FSH levels. Concordance was noted in 57% of women (both AMH/FSH either normal or abnormal) while 43%of women had discordant values (AMH/FSH one hormone normal and the other abnormal). Group 1 (AMH and FSH in normal range) and group 2 (normal AMH and high FSH) were younger compared to group 3 (low AMH and normal FSH) and group 4 (both AMH/FSH abnormal). Group 1 showing the best oocyte yield was compared to the remaining three groups. Groups 3 and 4 required higher dose of gonadotrophins for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation showing their low ovarian reserve. There was no difference in cycle cancellation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth/ongoing pregnancy rate in all groups. These tests are useful to predict ovarian response but whether AMH is a substantially better predictor is not yet established.
Failure in Asthma Control: Reasons and Consequences
Authors: Braido Fulvio
Published: December 2013

Clinical research showed that asthma control is an achievable target. However, real-life observations suggest that a significant proportion of patients suffer from symptoms and report lifestyle limitations with a considerable burden on patient’s quality of life. The achievement of asthma control is the result of the interaction among different variables concerning the disease pattern and patients’ and physicians’ knowledge and behaviour. The failure in asthma control can be considered as the result of the complex interaction among different variables, such as the role of guidelines diffusion and implementation, some disease-related factors (i.e., the presence of common comorbidities in asthma such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep disturbances and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and rhinitis) or patient-related factors (i.e., adherence to treatment, alexithymia, and coping strategies). Asthma control may be reached through a tailored treatment plan taking into account the complexity of factors that contribute to achieve and maintain this objective.
A Case Report of Spontaneous Closure of a Posttraumatic Arterioportal Fistula
Authors: Kittaka Hirotada , Akimoto Hiroshi , Tashiro Keitaro
Published: December 2013

As the indications for the nonoperative management (NOM) of hepatic injury have expanded, the incidence of complications of NOM has increased. Among such complications, arterioportal fistula (APF) formation is rare, although dangerous, due to the potential for portal hypertension. Embolization is performed in APF patients with clinical signs suggestive of portal hypertension. Meanwhile, no indications for treatment have been established in APF patients without symptoms, as the natural history of posttraumatic APF is not well understood. We herein report the case of a 35-year-old female with severe hepatic injury (Grade IV on the Organ Injury Scale of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma) due to a traffic accident. Her hemodynamic state remained stable, and an enhanced CT scan obtained on admission showed no extravasation of contrast medium, pseudoaneurysm formation, or APF; therefore, NOM was selected. Although the patient’s physical condition was stable, an enhanced CT scan obtained 13 days after the injury showed APF in segment 8 of the liver. Although embolization was considered, the APF was not accompanied by portal dilatation suggestive of portal hypertension; hence, strict observation was selected. Consequently, follow-up CT performed on day 58 after the injury revealed spontaneous closure of the APF.
On Compactness of Embeddings of Fourier-Lebesgue Spaces into Modulation Spaces
Authors: Galperin Yevgeniy V.
Published: December 2013

It is shown that, for a certain range of parameters, embeddings of Fourier-Lebesgue Lap∩ℱLbq spaces into modulation spaces Mα,βr, s are compact.
A Case of an Acquired Factor VIII Inhibitor Complicated by Multiple Treatment-Related Opportunistic Infections and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hutchinson Anna L. , Tan Yi Ling , Kidson-Gerber Giselle
Published: December 2013

This case report describes a patient with an idiopathic acquired Factor VIII inhibitor and severe bleeding. She was treated with rituximab after failing first-line treatment with steroids and cyclophosphamide. Two months following rituximab treatment, our patient developed a succession of severe opportunistic infections requiring intensive care unit admission. Over a period of 12 weeks she required treatment forPseudomonas aeruginosasepticaemia, herpes simplex gingivostomatitis and pharyngotonsillitis, clostridium difficile-related diarrhoea, systemic cytomegalovirus infection, pneumocystis jiroveci, and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis lung infections. After significant rehabilitation, the patient was finally discharged following a 5-month admission. This case highlights the complexity of balancing a life-threatening condition with the side effects of treatment. It also raises the issue of routine prophylaxis for immunosuppression in nonmalignant conditions, which will become a common dilemma with the expanding indications for rituximab use.
Thrombophilic Genetic Factors PAI-1, MTHFRC677T, V Leiden 506Q, and Prothrombin 20210A in Noncirrhotic Portal Vein Thrombosis and Budd-Chiari Syndrome in a Caucasian Population
Authors: D’Amico Mario , Sammarco Pietro , Pasta Linda
Published: December 2013

Thrombophilic genetic factors PAI-1, MTHFRC677T, V Leiden 506Q, and Prothrombin 20210A were studied as risk factors in 235 Caucasian subjects: 85 patients with abdominal thrombosis (54 with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and 31 with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) without liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma) and 150 blood bank donors. Seventy-five patients with PVT/BCS showed associated disease or particular clinical status (46 PVT/29 BCS): 37 myeloproliferative neoplasm (20 PVT/17 BCS), 12 abdominal surgery (10 PVT/2 BCS), 10 contraception or pregnancy (6 PVT/4 BCS), 7 abdominal acute disease (6 PVT/1 BCS), and 9 chronic disease (4 PVT/5 BCS); ten patients did not present any association (8 PVT/2 BCS). PAI-14G-4G, MTHFR677TT, and V Leiden 506Q were significantly frequent (OR 95% CI andχ2test withPvalue) in abdominal thrombosis; in these patients PAI-14G-4G and MTHFR677TT distributions deviated from that expected from a population in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (PAI-1:χ2=13.8,P<0.001; MTHFR677:χ2=7.1,P<0.01), whereas the equilibrium was respected in healthy controls. V Leiden Q506 and Prothrombin 20210A were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium both in patients with abdominal thrombosis and healthy controls. Our study shows an important role of PAI-14G-4G and MTHFR677TT in abdominal thrombosis without liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma.
Effect of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and Menopause on Risk of Progression of Cervical Dysplasia in Human Immune-Deficiency Virus- (HIV-) Infected Women
Authors: Kim Suk Chul , Messing Susan , Shah Krupa , Luque Amneris E.
Published: December 2013

Background. More HIV-infected women are reaching older age and menopause, but there is limited information on cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) on these women.Methods. To assess the effect of HAART and menopause on SILs in HIV-infected women, we reviewed the results of Papanicolaou (Pap) tests obtained between 1991 and 2011 on 245 women. Progression to SILs was determined by comparing Pap test results. The association of HAART and transition to menopause on SILs was assessed using survival analysis.Results. Women receiving HAART had a 52% reduced risk in the progression to SILs compared to women receiving any other antiretroviral regimen or no regimen (CI: 0.33–0.70,P=0.0001). A greater increase of CD4+cell counts was associated with a greater reduction on the risk of progression to SILs. Menopausal women had a 70% higher risk of progression to SILs than premenopausal women (CI: 1.11–2.62,P<0.0001), adjusting for HIV medications, CD4+count, duration of HIV infection, moderation effect of menopause by age, prior IV drug use, and smoking.Conclusion. HAART had a positive long-term effect on the progression to SILs. However, being younger and menopausal increases the risk of progression.
Associations of Motor Developmental Risks with the Socioeconomic Status of Preschool Children in North-Eastern Germany
Authors: Gottschling-Lang Annika , Franze Marco , Hoffmann Wolfgang
Published: December 2013

Aims. The study is part of the pilot project “children in preschools” and aims to detect developmental risks of preschool children in the context of their socioeconomic status (SES) as a base to initiate individual intervention strategies. Methods. The “Dortmund Developmental Screening for the Kindergarten” was used in 12 preschools in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (MWP) to detect early developmental risks in children aged 3 to 6 years (n=870). Socioeconomic data from n=530 parents were collected by a standardised questionnaire. Results. Significant differences between the SES groups were identified especially in the field of fine motor skills (P<0.05). In gross motor development differences were not statistically significant. Prevalence rate of fine motor developmental risks ranges from 1.7% to 20.9%; the rate of gross motor developmental risks tops out at 14.4%. The prevalence rates are associated with age and sex. Conclusions. Fine motor skills in 3–6 years old preschool children are significantly associated with the socioeconomic status. In gross motor skills an association could not be identified. In this study, motor development was more affected by sex than by SES.
Wound-Healing Potential of Cultured Epidermal Sheets Is Unaltered after Lyophilization: A Preclinical Study in Comparison to Cryopreserved CES
Authors: Jang H. , Kim Y. H. , Kim M. K. , Lee K. H. , Jeon S.
Published: December 2013

Lyophilized Cultured Epidermal Sheets (L-CES) have been reported to be as effective as the cryopreserved CES (F-CES) in treating skin ulcers. However, unlike F-CES, no preclinical study assessing wound-healing effects has been conducted for L-CES. The present study was set out to investigate the microstructure, cytokine profile, and wound-healing effects of L-CES in comparison to those of F-CES. Keratinocytes were cultured to prepare CES, followed by cryopreservation at −70°C and lyophilization. Under microscopic observation, intact cells with apparent intracellular junctions were observed in L-CES. The L-CES, like fresh CES, consisted of three to four well-maintained epidermal layers, as shown by the expression of keratins, involucrin, and p63. There were no differences in the epidermal layer or protein expression between L-CES and F-CES, and both CES were comparable to fresh CES. TGF-α, EGF, VEGF, IL-1α, and MMPs were detected in L-CES at levels similar to those in F-CES. In a mouse study, wounds treated with L-CES or F-CES completely healed at least 4 days faster than untreated wounds. CES-treated wounds completely healed by day 10, while the untreated wounds did not heal by day 14. Masson’s trichrome staining showed that collagen deposition in the CES-treated wounds was highly increased in the dermis of the wound center compared to that in the control wounds. Thus, this study demonstrates that L-CES is as clinically effective as F-CES for wound treatment.
Impaired Fasting Glucose and Diabetes as Predictors for Radial Artery Calcification in End Stage Renal Disease Patients
Authors: Janda Katarzyna , Krzanowski Marcin , Gajda Mariusz , Dumnicka Paulina , Fedak Danuta , Lis Grzegorz J. , Jaśkowski Piotr , Litwin Jan A. , Sułowicz Władysław
Published: December 2013

Objective.The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between selected clinical and biochemical parameters of end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and arterial calcification.Materials and Methods.The study comprised 59 stage 5 chronic kidney disease patients (36 hemodialyzed and 23 predialysis). The examined parameters included common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT), BMI, incidence of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG), dyslipidemia, hypertension, and 3-year mortality. Plasma levels asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and osteocalcin (OC) were also measured. Fragments of radial artery obtained during creation of hemodialysis access were stained for calcifications using von Kossa method and alizarin red.Results.Calcification of radial artery was significantly associated with higher prevalence of IFG and diabetes (P=0.0004) and older age (P=0.003), as well as higher OPG (P=0.014) and ADMA concentrations (P=0.022). Fasting glucose>5.6 mmol/l (IFG and diabetes) significantly predicted vascular calcification in multiple logistic regression. The calcification was also associated with higher CCA-IMT (P=0.006) and mortality (P=0.004; OR for death 5.39 [1.20–24.1] after adjustment for dialysis status and age).Conclusion.Combination of renal insufficiency and hyperglycemic conditions exerts a synergistic effect on vascular calcification and increases the risk of death.
Galectin-3 Enhances Epithelial Cell Adhesion and Wound Healing in Rat Cornea
Authors: Yabuta C. , Yano F. , Fujii A. , Shearer T.R. , Azuma M.
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims: To investigate if galectin-3: (1) enhances adhesion of rat corneal epithelial cells onto a collagen IV substrate and (2) promotes wound healing in rat corneal explants. Methods: Primary cultures of rat corneal epithelial cells were fixed and immunostained with galectin-3 antibody. To test cellular adherence onto plates coated with collagen type IV, isolated corneal epithelial cells from rats were cultured for 24 h with or without recombinant galectin-3. The attached cells were counted after fixing and staining with 0.1% crystal violet. Direct binding of galectin-3 to collagen IV was tested using a biotin label transfer method. To evaluate wound healing, explants with a 3.5-mm diameter wound in the central corneal epithelium from rats were incubated for 16 h with or without recombinant galectin-3. Changes in the size of the wound were measured with a digital microscope after staining with 5% fluorescein sodium. Results: In rat corneal epithelial cells, galectin-3 was stained throughout the cytoplasm, with increasing density adjacent to the plasma membrane. Exogenous galectin-3, but not epidermal growth factor (EGF), significantly promoted adhesion of corneal epithelial cells onto the collagen IV substrate. Galectin-3 directly bound to collagen IV in vitro. Exogenous galectin-3 significantly enhances wound healing in the corneal explants, which was partially inhibited by β-lactose. Conclusion: Galectin-3 promotes adhesion of corneal epithelial cells onto collagen IV and enhances wound healing in corneal explants. Since galectin-3 functions in promoting wound healing by a different mechanism than that used by EGF, exogenous galectin-3 may be a candidate drug for enhancing epithelial cell wound healing in disorders of the cornea.
Left Atrial Volume and the Benefit of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in the MADIT-CRT Trial
Authors: Kuperstein Rafael , Goldenberg Ilan , Moss Arthur J. , Solomon Scott , Bourgoun Mikhail , Shah Amil , McNitt Scott , Zareba Wojciech , Klempfner Robert
Published: December 2013

Background—

Left atrial volume (LAV) is an important marker of heart failure (HF) severity. We hypothesized that LAV independently correlates with clinical outcomes in patients who receive cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT-D) and can be used for improved risk assessment in this population.

Methods and Results—

The benefit of CRT-D versus defibrillator-only therapy in reducing the risk of HF or death was assessed by LAV (dichotomized at the upper quartile >52 mL/m
2
) among 1785 patients enrolled in the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (MADIT-CRT) study. Landmark analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between LAV response to CRT-D and subsequent clinical outcomes. Multivariable analysis showed that patients with a higher baseline LAV experienced 69% (
P
<0.001) and 59% (
P
=0.02) increased hazard for HF or death and for all-cause mortality, respectively, independently of baseline left ventricular volume. CRT-D was associated with a significant reduction in LAV compared with defibrillator-only therapy (−28% versus −10%, respectively;
P
<0.001). Landmark analysis showed that after CRT-D implantation each 1% reduction in LAV was independently associated with a corresponding 4% reduction in the hazard of subsequent HF or death (
P
<0.001). The assessment of LAV change after CRT implantation improved prediction of clinical response to the device compared with assessment of the corresponding changes in left ventricular volume.

Conclusions—

LAV is an independent correlate of clinical outcomes in mildly symptomatic HF patients treated with CRT-D. CRT exerts pronounced reverse remodeling effects on the left atrium that independently correlate with improved clinical outcomes after device implantation.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00180271.
Discordance of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol With Alternative LDL-Related Measures and Future Coronary Events
Authors: Mora Samia , Buring Julie E. , Ridker Paul M
Published: December 2013

Background—

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is the traditional measure of risk attributable to LDL. Non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (NHDL-C), apolipoprotein B (apoB), and LDL particle number (LDL-P) are alternative measures of LDL-related risk. However, the clinical utility of these measures may only become apparent among individuals for whom levels are inconsistent (discordant) with LDL-C.

Methods and Results—

LDL-C was measured directly, NHDL-C was calculated, apoB was measured with immunoassay, and LDL-P was measured with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy among 27 533 healthy women (median follow-up 17.2 years; 1070 incident coronary events). Participants were grouped by median LDL-C (121 mg/dL) and each of NHDL-C, apoB, and LDL-P. Discordance was defined as LDL-C greater than or equal to the median and the alternative measure less than the median, or vice versa. Despite high LDL-C correlations with NHDL-C, apoB, and LDL-P (
r
=0.910, 0.785, and 0.692; all
P
<0.0001), prevalence of LDL-C discordance as defined by median cut points was 11.6%, 18.9%, and 24.3% for NHDL-C, apoB, and LDL-P, respectively. Among women with LDL-C less than the median, coronary risk was underestimated for women with discordant (greater than or equal to the median) NHDL-C (age-adjusted hazard ratio, 2.92; 95% confidence interval, 2.33–3.67), apoB (2.48, 2.01–3.07), or LDL-P (2.32, 1.88–2.85) compared with women with concordant levels. Conversely, among women with LDL-C greater than or equal to the median, risk was overestimated for women with discordant (less than the median) NHDL-C (0.40, 0.29–0.57), apoB (0.34, 0.26–0.46), or LDL-P (0.42, 0.33–0.53). After multivariable adjustment for potentially mediating factors, including HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, coronary risk remained underestimated or overestimated by ≈20% to 50% for women with discordant levels.

Conclusions—

For women with discordant LDL-related measures, coronary risk may be underestimated or overestimated when LDL-C alone is used.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00000479.
The female of Heteropoda schwalbachorum Jäger, 2008 (Araneae: Sparassidae)
Authors: LI JIANLONG , Jäger Peter , LIU JIE
Published: December 2013

Besides the genus Olios Walckenaer, 1837, Heteropoda Latreille, 1804 is the most diverse genus in the spider family Sparassidae. Currently, a total of 217 Heteropoda species is known, among them 16 species from China (Platnick 2013). The species Heteropoda schwalbachorum Jäger, 2008 was first described by only one male specimen from Mt. Bawangling (Hainan Province, China) (Jäger 2008). For the present study, the authors examined Heteropoda specimens recently collected from Hainan Province and found that 18 males and 15 females belong to this species by comparison with the type specimen. Moreover, one couple was collected in copula (Mt. Jianfengling, 18 April 2013). According to these new records, the species appears to be very common on Hainan Island. In the present paper, the female of H. schwalbachorum is described for the first time.
Loneliness mediates the relationship between internalised stigma and depression among patients with psychotic disorders
Authors: Świtaj Piotr , Grygiel Paweł , Anczewska Marta , Wciórka Jacek
Published: December 2013

Background:

Stigmatisation is a source of chronic stress and a major barrier to recovery for people with mental illnesses. The internalisation of stigma can have a negative impact on an individual’s social relations and lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.

Aim:

This research is aimed at testing the hypothesis that the internalised stigma of mental illness contributes to the intensification of depressive symptoms indirectly, through its impact on feelings of loneliness.

Methods:

A total of 110 individuals with diagnoses of psychotic disorders ( International Classification of Diseases–10th Revision (ICD-10): F20–F29) were assessed with measures of internalised stigma, loneliness, depression, positive and negative symptoms and global functioning. The ordinary least squares regression was used for data analysis.

Results:

After adding loneliness to the regression model, the initially significant impact of internalised stigma on depressive symptoms disappeared. As expected, loneliness proved to be a full mediator in the relationship between stigma and depression.

Conclusion:

The study findings provide useful insights into the mechanisms of the harmful effects of stigma on people with mental illness. Internalised stigma and loneliness should be considered important targets for interventions aiming to promote recovery.
How to Explore the Chinese Path to Constitutionalism? A Response to Larry Catá Backer
Authors: Shigong Jiang
Published: December 2013

Larry Catá Backer and the author share nearly the same thoughts on Chinese constitutionalism, even though they approach this topic from different backgrounds and perspectives. In this article, the author reflects on how his legal-sociological approach to Chinese constitutionalism and his positioning of the Chinese Communist Party as de facto sovereign in China were first formulated in response to the argument about “constitutional adjudication” in Chinese legal academic circles more than a decade ago. As a response to Backer’s review, the author discusses the points that concern Backer—such as the grand theoretical background of the European structuralist conception of power and Rousseau’s theory of sovereignty, the subtle relation between Chinese lawyers and Chinese constitutionalism—and clarifies his difference with Backer on the party. The author argues that, in order to explore the Chinese path to constitutionalism, we need to think about some fundamental theoretical questions: Are we on the way to the end of history? What lessons should we take from the experience of Western countries with constitutionalism? How can one “Sinicize” universal values and reinvigorate Chinese classical civilization as an organic part of Chinese constitutionalism?
The Brief Self-Control Scale Predicts Jail Inmates’ Recidivism, Substance Dependence, and Post-Release Adjustment
Authors: Malouf Elizabeth T. , Schaefer Karen E. , Witt Edward A. , Moore Kelly E. , Stuewig Jeffrey , Tangney June P.
Published: December 2013

Previous research finds that self-control is positively associated with adaptive and negatively associated with maladaptive behavior. However, most previous studies use cross-sectional designs, low-risk samples, and limited assessments of self-control. This study of 553 jail inmates examined the relationship of a valid measure of self-control (Brief Self-Control Scale) completed on incarceration with behavior before, during, and 1 year after incarceration. After controlling for positive impression management (PIM), self-control was negatively related to substance misuse, suicidality, risky sex, and criminal history prior to incarceration and post-release illegal substance misuse, recidivism, and positive adjustment. Lower self-control predicted increases in substance dependence at post-release compared with pre-incarceration. Self-control was not related to misbehavior during incarceration, nor alcohol use or HIV-risk behavior 1 year post-release. Results were consistent as a function of age, race, and gender. This study supports self-control as an important risk and protective factor in a sample of criminal offenders.
Resetting the Shot Clock
Authors: Campbell Benjamin Aaron , Saxton Brian M. , Banerjee Preeta M.
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we examine how employee mobility impacts the human capital of both those who are new to the organization (movers) and those who are existing members (incumbents). Employee mobility events can disrupt both the location-specific and the colleague-specific components of human capital and thus have different impacts on overall human capital. We test our theory on the disparate effects of location change and personnel change on human capital in the highly interdependent context of the National Basketball Association. We find that movers experience adverse performance shocks after mobility events that are moderated when moving as a group, and we also find that group mobility events hinder the performance improvement of incumbents. Our findings are consistent with the limited transfer of location-specific human capital and the disruption of colleague-specific human capital after mobility events.
Increasing Statistical Power in Mediation Models Without Increasing Sample Size
Authors: Fritz Matthew S. , Cox Matthew G. , MacKinnon David P.
Published: December 2013

Inadequate statistical power to detect treatment effects in health research is a problem that is compounded when testing for mediation. In general, the preferred strategy for increasing power is to increase the sample size, but there are many situations where additional participants cannot be recruited, necessitating the use of other methods to increase statistical power. Many of these other strategies, commonly applied to analysis of variance and multiple regression models, can be applied to mediation models with similar results. Additional predictors or blocking variables will increase or decrease statistical power, however, depending on whether these variables are related to the mediator, the outcome, or both. The effect of these two methods on the power for tests of mediation is illustrated through the use of simulations. Implications for health researchers using these methods are discussed.
Achieving Desired Family Size in Dual-Working Households
Authors: Galovan Adam M. , Feistman Richard E. , Stowe James D. , Hill E. Jeffrey
Published: December 2013

This study explores family formation–work fit (i.e., beliefs that work demands fit with desired family size) and its relation to achievement of desired family size, work–family facilitation and conflict, and marital satisfaction using a subsample ( N = 690) drawn from the nationally representative Singapore National Study of Work–Life Harmony. Results indicate that family formation–work fit was positively related to desired family size achievement. Importantly, those with desired family size achievement had more than twice as many children as those who had not achieved their desired family size. In addition, workplace schedule flexibility, work-to-family facilitation, and marital satisfaction were associated with higher family formation–work fit, while family-to-work conflict and work-to-family conflict were associated with lower family formation–work fit. These findings indicate the importance of considering family formation–work fit when studying family fertility decisions, particularly in nations with low fertility rates.
Commemorating 9/11 NFL-Style
Authors: Fischer Mia
Published: December 2013

This article explores how the National Football League’s (NFL’s) commemoration ceremonies on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 present a unique instance of sports–media-military convergence through their meticulous implementation across multiple games, broadcasting channels, and geographic locations. Expanding on themes of healing, the valorization of troops, and the sanitizing of war, as well as territorial conquest, I argue that the NFL’s 9/11 commemoration ceremonies are complicit in the silent re-empowerment of the neoliberal state in times of perpetual war. The policing and monitoring of U.S. citizens is hereby legitimated through reasserting hegemonic portrayals of masculinity that firmly frame the subject/citizen in a heteropatriarchal mold, as well as by creating a neoethnic version of national identity that renders certain ethnic minorities, particularly Middle Easterners, as aberrant.
Outcomes of the Evidence-Based Pitocin Administration Checklist at a Tertiary-Level Hospital
Authors: Wojnar Danuta M. , Cowgill Karen , Hoffman Lindsay , Carlson Hannah
Published: December 2013

Pitocin, a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin, is a high-alert medication that heightens patient harm when used incorrectly. This investigation examined the outcomes of an evidence-based Pitocin administration checklist used for labor augmentation at a tertiary-level hospital. Data came from patient records. Using the Perinatal Trigger Tool, N = 372 clinical records ( n = 194 prior to and n = 178 following checklist implementation) were reviewed. Checklist implementation resulted in statistically significant reductions in the duration of hospitalization (1.72 vs. 2.02 days, p = .0005), presence of meconium (23.7% vs. 6.7%, p < .001), maternal fevers (7.2% vs. 2.3%, p = .030), and episiotomies (8.8% vs. 1.7%, p = .002), and clinically important reduction in APGAR scores < 7 at 5 min (3.6%-0.6%, p = .069) and instrumented deliveries (11.9%-8.4%, p = .307). A universal Pitocin checklist implementation can improve birth outcomes and costs of care.
Apicoaortic conduit for severe hemolytic anemia after aortic valve replacement
Authors: Hatori Kyohei , Ohki Satoshi , Obayashi Tamiyuki , Koyano Tetsuya , Yasuhara Kiyomitsu , Hirai Hanako
Published: December 2013

We describe the case of an 82-year-old woman who had undergone aortic mechanical valve replacement for aortic stenosis with a small annulus, and coronary artery bypass grafting. Four years after the operation, she began to experience hemolysis. Prosthetic valve obstruction was observed but there was no paravalvular leakage or aortic regurgitation through the mechanical valve. We elected to perform apicoaortic bypass in this patient with severe hemolytic anemia secondary to a mechanical valve malfunction.
Neoliberalising a divided society? The regeneration of Crumlin Road Gaol and Girdwood Park, North Belfast
Authors: Muir Jenny
Published: December 2013

Regeneration projects take place within complex local policy environments and are also influenced by the global doctrine of neoliberalism, although the degree of influence will vary depending upon the historical, economic, social and political context. This article reviews and reflects upon the complexity of a neoliberalising policy environment in the regeneration of the divided city of Belfast. The territorial conflict in Northern Ireland has been expressed spatially and has thus affected urban regeneration. These issues are illustrated by a case study of the regeneration of the Crumlin Road Gaol and Girdwood Park in North Belfast, which sought to include both a neoliberalised economic development agenda and efforts to improve community relations through the promotion of shared space. The paper asks whether the management of community cohesion in cities experiencing conflict requires state intervention that at times goes beyond the ‘roll out’ and ‘roll back’ distinction found in neoliberal theory.
Changes in plasma concentrations of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone and the associated clinical effects during the switch from oral risperidone to extended-release paliperidone tablets in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Yang Dong suk , Seong Sook Jin , Yoon Young-Ran , Lim Mi-Sun , Kwak Kyung-Hwa , Lee Seung Jae
Published: December 2013

This study aimed to investigate changes in plasma concentrations of risperidone and 9-hydroxy-risperidone (9-OHR) and the associated clinical effects when switching from oral risperidone to extended-release (ER) paliperidone in patients with schizophrenia. This study included 25 patients with schizophrenia. Following a one-week screening period with a stable dose of risperidone, a six-week open-label switch study from risperidone to extended-release paliperidone (paliperidone ER) was conducted. Efficacy and safety assessments were performed on Day 1 and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 6. Plasma levels of the active fractions of oral risperidone and paliperidone ER were measured on Day 1 and at Week 1, respectively. Plasma levels of the active moiety (risperidone plus 9-OHR) while taking risperidone (mean dose: 4.0 mg) were significantly higher than plasma levels of 9-OHR while taking 6 mg of paliperidone ER. For 12 subjects taking only 3 mg of risperidone, plasma concentrations of the active moiety of risperidone were also significantly higher than those of 9-OHR while taking 6 mg of paliperidone ER. The amount of reduction in plasma levels was correlated with a temporal deterioration of clinical symptoms. These findings suggest that for patients with schizophrenia taking 3 mg or more of risperidone, an initial switching dose of 6 mg of paliperidone ER may be relatively low in terms of subsequent plasma concentrations and the associated clinical response.
Cool Girls, Inc. and Self-Concept
Authors: Thomason Jessica D. , Kuperminc Gabriel
Published: December 2013

Social capital was examined as a mediator of the association between youth development program participation and gains in self-concept in a sample of 86 primarily African American female adolescents in the Cool Girls, program, and 89 comparisons. Two dimensions of social capital (the diversity of girls’ social networks and the number of life domains in which girls were able to access help) were examined. It was hypothesized that participation in Cool Girls would be associated with increases in social capital and that this would mediate the relationship between participation in Cool Girls and increases in self-concept. Social capital was associated with gains in two dimensions of self-concept regardless of program participation: social acceptance and behavioral conduct. Finally, there was a significant indirect effect of participation on social acceptance and behavioral conduct, mediated through social capital. Implications are discussed.
Insights Into Cerebrospinal Fluid and Cerebral Blood Flows in Infants and Young Children
Authors: Capel Cyrille , Makki Malek , Gondry-Jouet Catherine , Bouzerar Roger , Courtois Véronique , Krejpowicz Bénédicte , Balédent Olivier
Published: December 2013

This study investigates the craniospinal flows of blood and cerebrospinal fluid using phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on 23 control neonates and infants (5 d-68 mo old). Mean arterial cerebral blood flow increased with age of infant from 180 mL/min after birth to 1330 mL/min around 6 years of age. This corresponds to 51 mL/min/100 g and 95 mL/min/100 g, respectively. Cervical cerebrospinal fluid stroke volume increased from 38 × 10–3 mL to 752 × 10–3 mL per cardiac cycle. After arterial systolic blood inflow, we observed a delay of the venous outflow that was always preceded by cerebrospinal fluid flushing out through the spinal canal. These results highlighted the importance of compliance of the spinal compartment and the interaction of blood and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. The capacity of the spinal compartment to receive intracranial cerebrospinal fluid in presence of fontanels was demonstrated. We provide reference values to understand the physiology of cerebrospinal fluid and cerebral blood.
A hierarchical decision-making scheme for directional matching suitability analysis in geomagnetic aided navigation
Authors: Wang Peng , Hu Xiaoping , Wu Meiping
Published: December 2013

In geomagnetic aided navigation, directional matching suitability can be depicted by the directional features extracted from candidate matching areas. First, Gabor filtering and gray-level co-occurrence matrix are used to extract frequency-domain and spatial-domain directional features, respectively. Meanwhile, the parameter settings of the above methods are also discussed in order to make the extracted features correctly reflect the directional matching suitability. Then, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system is utilized for modeling the complementary relationship between Gabor filtering and gray-level co-occurrence matrix with the purpose of playing their respective advantages in directional matching suitability analysis. Afterward, a hierarchical decision-making scheme is designed, where the first stage is to use adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system for selecting an appropriate analysis method (Gabor filtering or gray-level co-occurrence matrix) based on the characteristics of the given candidate matching area, and the second stage is to utilize the selected method for directional matching suitability analysis. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme is effective, and the conclusions can afford credible guidance for geomagnetic matching.