bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Treatments Recover the Alteration of Auditory‐Evoked Potentials and Reduce Morphological Damage in the Inferior Colliculus after Perinatal Asphyxia in Rat
Authors: Revuelta Miren , Arteaga Olatz , Montalvo Haizea , Alvarez Antonia , Hilario Enrique , Martinez‐Ibargüen Agustin
Published: May 2015

Maturation of the auditory pathway is dependent on the central nervous system myelination and it can be affected by pathologies such as neonatal hypoxic ischemic (HI) encephalopathy. Our aim was to evaluate the functional integrity of the auditory pathway and to visualize, by histological and cellular methods, the damage to the brainstem using a neonatal rat model of HI brain injury. To carry out this morphofunctional evaluation, we studied the effects of the administration of the antioxidants nicotine, melatonin, resveratrol and docosahexaenoic acid after hypoxia‐ischemia on the inferior colliculus and the auditory pathway. We found that the integrity of the auditory pathway in the brainstem was altered as a consequence of the HI insult. Thus, the auditory brainstem response (ABR) showed increased I–V and III–V wave latencies. At a histological level, HI altered the morphology of the inferior colliculus neurons, astrocytes and oligodendricytes, and at a molecular level, the mitochondria membrane potential and integrity was altered during the first hours after the HI and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity is increased 12 h after the injury in the brainstem. Following antioxidant treatment, ABR interpeak latency intervals were restored and the body and brain weight was recovered as well as the morphology of the inferior colliculus that was similar to the control group. Our results support the hypothesis that antioxidant treatments have a protective effect on the functional changes of the auditory pathway and on the morphological damage which occurs after HI insult.
Construct validity and reliability of the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Balzer Julia , Marsico Petra , Mitteregger Elena , van der Linden Marietta L , Mercer Thomas H , van Hedel Hubertus J A
Published: May 2015

Aim

Assessing impaired selective voluntary movement control in children with cerebral palsy (CP) has gained increasing interest. We investigated construct validity and intra‐ and interrater reliability of the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE).

Method

Thirty‐nine children (21 males, 18 females) with spasticCP, mean age 12 years 6 months [range 6y 11mo–19y 9mo], Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I toIV, participated. Differences inSCALEscores were determined on joint levels and between patients categorized according to their limb distribution andGMFCSlevels.SCALEscores were correlated with the Fugl‐Meyer Assessment, Manual Muscle Test, and Modified Ashworth Scale. To determine reliability, theSCALEwas applied once and recorded on video.

Results

SCALEscores differed significantly between the less and more affected leg (p<0.001) and between most leg joints. TotalSCALEscores differed significantly betweenGMFCSlevels I andII. Correlations with Fugl‐Meyer Assessment, Manual Muscle Test, and Modified Ashworth Scale were 0.88, 0.88, and –0.55 respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients were all above 0.9, with the minimal detectable change below 2 points.

Interpretation

TheSCALEappears to be a valid and reliable tool to assess selective voluntary movement control of the legs in children with spasticCP.
Switch to etravirine for HIV‐positive patients receiving statin treatment: a prospective study
Authors: Ciaffi Laura , Cavassini Matthias , Genne Daniel , Delhumeau Cecile , Spycher Elbes Rachel , Hill Andrew , Wandeler Gilles , Fehr Jan , Stoeckle Marcel , Schmid Patrick , Hirschel Bernard , Montecucco Fabrizio , Calmy Alexandra ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: May 2015

Background

Lifestyle changes and statins are the cornerstones in management of dyslipidaemia in patients with HIV infection. Replacement of an antiretroviral therapy (ART) component is a proposed therapeutic strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk. In dyslipidaemic patients with HIV infection, we assessed the efficacy of replacing boosted protease inhibitor (bPI) or efavirenz (EFV) by etravirine (ETR) as an alternative to statin therapy.

Materials and methods

A prospective, open‐label, multicentre, 12‐week study of patients with HIV infection on ART including bPI or EFV, and statin treatment. Four weeks after statin interruption, bPI or EFV was switched to ETR (400 mg, 8 weeks) if serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) was ≥ 3 mM. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients on ETR with no indication for statin treatment at study completion. Serum levels of HIV RNA, lipids and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease were also measured. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01543035).

Results

The 31 included patients had a HIV‐1 RNA < 50 copies/mL (median age, 52 years; median CD4, 709 cell/mL; median LDL‐C, 2·89 mM), 68% were on EFV, and 32% were on bPI. At week 4, 27 patients switched to ETR. At study completion, 15 patients (56%) on ETR did not qualify for statin treatment. After the ETR switch, serum levels of the cardiovascular biomarkers sICAM and MCP1/CCL2 decreased by 11·2% and 18·9%, respectively, and those of CCL5/RANTES and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 increased by 14·3% and 13·4%, respectively, indicating reduced cardiovascular risk. There were no notable treatment‐related adverse events.

Conclusions

Replacing bPI or EFV by ETR is a viable strategy to obviate primary prevention statin treatment.
Cytology of the lower respiratory tract in horses: An updated review
Authors: Cian F. , Monti P. , Durham A.
Published: May 2015

The diagnosis of respiratory diseases in horses can be difficult due to the nonspecific nature of the clinical signs, which overlap between the different diseases. Cytological examination of the respiratory secretions is a helpful diagnostic tool that, when combined with clinical features and other diagnostic techniques, has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy significantly. This review article should help readers to become familiar with the cytology of the normal respiratory tract and with the cytopathological abnormalities associated with common respiratory disorders in horses.
Clinical features and diagnosis of sacroiliac joint region pain in 296 horses: 2004–2014
Authors: Barstow A. , Dyson S.
Published: May 2015

There has been no large‐scale study of the clinical signs of sacroiliac (SI) joint region pain and its association with lameness and/or thoracolumbar pain. Horses with a positive response to infiltration of local anaesthetic solution around the SI joint regions (SI block) and/or abnormal radiopharmaceutical uptake (RU) in the region of the SI joints were included. History, clinical signs, diagnostic imaging findings, response to SI block, and concurrent lameness and/or thoracolumbar pain were recorded. Horses (n = 296) were divided into 2 groups: SI joint region pain only (Group 1, n = 43) and SI joint region pain and concurrent source(s) of pain (Group 2, n = 253). Clinical signs in Group 1 included increased tension in the longissimus dorsi muscles (40%), restricted flexibility of the thoracolumbar region (44%), trunk stiffness during exercise (61%) and poor hindlimb impulsion (56%). When ridden 65% had a poor contact with the bit, in 81% canter quality was worse than trot, and 35% bucked or kicked out with a hindlimb during canter. In both Groups 1 and 2 clinical signs were seen in a significantly greater proportion of horses during ridden work than lungeing (P<0.0001). Following SI block, 98% of horses showed dramatic improvement in clinical signs, including greater overall movement through the trunk, increased hindlimb impulsion and better quality canter. Abnormal RU in the SI joint regions was seen in 85/180 (47%) horses. Of horses with a positive response to SI block that underwent scintigraphy, only 43% had abnormal RU. Per rectum ultrasonographic examination of the SI joint region revealed abnormalities in 41/129 (32%) horses. Clinical signs of SI joint region pain are worse when horses are ridden. Sacroiliac joint region diagnostic analgesia is a useful, safe but nonspecific block. Ultrasonography and scintigraphy can provide additional information in some horses, but negative results do not preclude SI joint region pain.
Economic Factors of Victimization: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Entorf Horst
Published: May 2015

Victimization is a poorly studied topic in economic research. This paper considers economic factors of victimization using individual data. It tests the rationalchoice- based hypothesis that the more attractive and poorly guarded targets are facing a higher risk of victimization. The used dataset also covers own criminal activities such that individual offending behavior can be studied as endogenous driver of victimization. Econometric results confirm that a criminal background is one of the major reasons of own victimization. In line with rational choice behavior of offenders, victimization is also associated with being a job holder and more schooling. Moreover, large peer groups increase the risk of victimization, whereas married and healthy people have a significantly lower risk of becoming a crime victim.
The Durability of Carbon Cap‐and‐Trade Policy
Authors: Rabe Barry G.
Published: May 2015

The surge of American states' adoption of policies to mitigate climate change in the late 1990s and 2000s appeared to constitute a first wave of expanding use of market‐based policy tools such as carbon cap‐and‐trade in the absence of binding federal constraints. Instead, a substantial number of states have rescinded earlier policy commitments, as have Canadian provincial partners, while others have remained engaged or even expanded their policies. This article examines the durability of the three regional cap‐and‐trade zones that were established with comparable structure and intent but met very different fates. The analysis of these regional entities places particular emphasis on their political resilience across election cycles, their ability to be flexible and adapt administratively through mid‐course adjustments, and their capacity to build constituency support through benefit‐allocation to offset opposition linked to cost imposition.
Association of low vitamin D levels with metabolic syndrome in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Ahmadi Farrokhlagha , Damghani Samaneh , Lessan‐Pezeshki Mahboob , Razeghi Effat , Maziar Sima , Mahdavi‐Mazdeh Mitra
Published: May 2015

Low vitamin D levels have been linked to metabolic syndrome in the general population. In the present study, the relationship between inadequate serum concentrations of vitamin D and metabolic syndrome in patients with end‐stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis was explored. In a cross‐sectional setting, 145 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were enrolled. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Serum concentration of 25(OH) vitamin D was determined by a commercially available enzyme immunosorbent assay method. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 53.1%. The prevalence rate of severe vitamin D deficiency (<5 ng/mL) was 3.4%, mild vitamin D deficiency (5–15 ng/mL) 31.0%, vitamin D insufficiency (16–30 ng/mL) 36.6%, and vitamin D sufficiency (>30 ng/mL) 29.0%. With the increasing number of metabolic abnormalities, vitamin D levels significantly decreased (P for trend = 0.028). Among the components of metabolic syndrome, vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with central obesity (odds ratio [OR], 95% confident interval [CI] = 2.80, 1.11–7.04, P = 0.028). A positive, but nonsignificant association between vitamin D deficiency and raised fasting plasma glucose was noted (OR, 95% CI = 2.40, 0.94–6.11, P = 0.067). Both vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of having metabolic syndrome (P < 0.05). In a final model controlling for age, sex, and parathyroid hormone levels, vitamin D deficiency increased the odds of having metabolic syndrome by more than threefold (OR, 95% CI = 3.26, 1.30–8.20, P = 0.012). Low levels of vitamin D are frequent among hemodialysis patients and are associated with the metabolic syndrome.
Effect of the main ingredients of Rhizoma gastrodiae on mycelial biomass and exopolysaccharide productions by submerged culture of Grifola frondosa
Authors: Wu Cai‐Yun , Wu Tian‐Xiang
Published: May 2015

Various concentrations of the main ingredients of Rhizoma gastrodiae including gastrodin (GA) and p‐hydroxybenzyl alcohol (HA) as well as p‐hydroxylbenzaldehyde (HBA) were separately added into the cultural medium of Grifola frondosa in submerged culture. The results showed that the additive concentration of gastrodin from 0.10 to 0.35 g L−1, p‐hydroxybenzyl alcohol from 0.05 to 0.30 g L−1 and p‐hydroxylbenzaldehyde from 0.05 to 0.30 g L−1 can significantly promote the EPS production by submerged culture of G. frondosa (P < 0.05). Among them, the addition of p‐hydroxylbenzaldehyde at 0.15 g L−1 exhibited the best results, and the EPS productions reached 2.2511 ± 0.0378 g L−1, with an increase of 45.03% compared with the control (without additives). Furthermore, all of the additives had an effective stimulatory effect on mycelial biomass. In addition, there is an important and novel breakthrough that p‐hydroxylbenzaldehyde was more effective than R. gastrodiae extract on increasing the EPS productions.
High production of Aspergillus niger β‐glucosidase at pilot‐scale and application for hydroxytyrosol release from olive by‐product
Authors: Hamza Manel , Sayadi Sami
Published: May 2015

This study reports a very simple and fast method to collect extract with high amounts of hydroxytyrosol, biotransforming Olea europaea L. leaf extract and olive mill wastewater by a β‐glycosidase produced locally by Aspergillus niger. These extracts are considered as natural substances from a vegetal source; possessing a higher concentration of simple phenols, characterised by a stronger antioxidant capacity which could be commercially found as dietetic products and food integrators. The proposed process may prove useful for a further application for recycling O. europaea by‐product. In this study, a β‐glucosidase for A. niger was optimised in submerged culture conditions and produced at pilot‐scale. The optimal culture conditions for extracellular β‐glucosidase production by the submerged fermentation of A. niger were investigated using various parameters, including different substrate, nitrogen source, C/N ratio.
Identification of a novel MICB allele, MICB*030, by cloning and sequencing
Authors: Wang W. Y. , Wang F. , Tian W.
Published: May 2015

A novel MICB allele, MICB*030, has been identified in a healthy Chinese individual of Mongol ethnicity residing in northern China by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing (PCR‐SBT) and confirmed by cloning and sequencing. MICB*030 was linked to HLA‐B*35. Aligned with MICB*005:02, MICB*030 has a nonsynonymous adenine substitution at nucleotide position 50 in exon 3, leading to amino acid change from serine to arginine at codon 102 of the mature MICB molecule.
Cationic Effect on Electrical Conductivity and Viscosity of Alkaline‐Earth Silicate Melts: Phenomenology
Authors: Han Yong‐Uk , Min Dong Joon
Published: May 2015

Electrical conductivity and viscosity are measured in CaO–MgO–SiO2 and CaO–BaO–SiO2 melts to address the cationic effect on electrostatic interaction and strain field distortion based on the Anderson–Stuart theory. Electrical conductivity and viscosity at 1873 K are measured by two‐plate method and rotating cylindrical method, respectively. The effect of cationic radius on electrostatic energy and strain field distortion energy is distinguished by comparing the results of polymerized(NBO/T = 0) and depolymerized(NBO/T = 2.0) melts. The antithetic effects of cationic radius on two activation energies are shown in this work. In depolymerized silicate melts, it is proven that electrostatic energy is dominant over the strain field distortion energy and thus the electrical conductivity increases and viscosity decreases with increasing cationic radius. The absence of electrostatic interactions in polymerized compositions is again confirmed by correlating two properties through the Walden plot.
Color Variation Between PSL and PL in CaAl2Si2O8:Tb3+ with the Assistance of Trap Level
Authors: Li Ming , Yu Xue , Xu Xuhui , Cheng Shuai , Zhang Buhao , Qiu Jianbei
Published: May 2015

We reported a green photoluminescence (PL) emission associated with a blue photo‐stimulated luminescence (PSL) phenomenon in CaAl2Si2O8 (CASO): Tb3+, Dy3+. With increasing concentration of Dy3+, a great enhancement of the blue PSL attributed to the defects and the transition of Tb3+ is observed. TL spectra indicates that the establishment of trap level introduced by codoping Dy3+ is the reason for the color variation between PSL and PL in CaAl2Si2O8: Tb3+, Dy3+. The trap level not only serves as self‐excitation state but also hinders the nonradiative relaxation processes between 5D3 and 5D4 state of Tb3+. The result suggests that the introduction of appropriate trap level could provide a promising approach for controlling the color of electron trapping materials (ETMs).
Heat and Mass Transfer in Ceramic Lattices During High‐Temperature Oxidation
Authors: Aronovici Maud , Bianchi Giovanni , Ferrari Luca , Barbato Maurizio , Gianella Sandro , Scocchi Giulio , Ortona Alberto
Published: May 2015

This work reports on the heat and mass transfer evolution of ceramic lattices during their oxidation at 1400°C and 1600°C in air. Si–SiC and Si–SiC–ZrB2systems were employed as skeleton material because they, previously produced as monolithic bars, showed promising oxidation behavior at high temperatures. Regular arrays of tetrakaidecahedra were first designed byCAD, then 3D printed and finally converted into ceramic by replica technique followed by reactive silicon infiltration. The surface area of each sample was calculated and specific weight variations were evaluated as a function of time. During oxidation, effective thermal conductivity and pressure drop of each sample were measured. Finally, results were correlated with the phenomena occurring during high‐temperature oxidation.
Generative Mechanisms of the Adoption of Logistics Innovation: The Case of On‐site Shops in Construction Supply Chains
Authors: Tanskanen Kari , Holmström Jan , Öhman Mikael
Published: May 2015

Empirical studies of logistics innovations have focused on the innovation process, bypassing much the innovative artifact or solution design itself. Focusing on the artifact and solution design in a case study, we contribute to the emerging theory of logistics innovations through articulating the generative mechanisms of the adoption of logistics innovation, that is, the mechanisms through which the design of the solution enables its adoption. We study On‐site Shop, a rare example from the construction industry of a logistics innovation that has successfully migrated from a limited number of pilots to common practice. The case study is based on insights from participation in the design of the solution, and on 55 interviews conducted in a relationship triad consisting of three groups: (1) construction site users, (2) the solution designers, and (3) the suppliers. We propose that standard and efficient solution set‐up is the key enabler of logistics innovation's adoption at temporary construction sites. Communication and operating rules facilitate adoption in the triad, whereas internal and external integration further advance adoption by creating links between the innovative logistics solution and other activities. Finally, trilateral collaboration and congruent technological frames in the relationship triad sustain adoption over time.
Effects of Age‐Related Aortic Root Anatomic Changes on Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Pace‐Mapping Morphologies: A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Validation Study
Authors: MAEDA SHINGO , CHIK WILLIAM W. , HAN YUCHI , LIANG JACKSON J. , SQUARA FABIEN , ARKLES JEFFREY S. , SADEK MOUHANNAD M. , SANTANGELI PASQUALE , FRANKEL DAVID S. , ZADO ERICA S. , TAKEBAYASHI SATOSHI , DIXIT SANJAY , CALLANS DAVID J. , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E. , LIN DAVID
Published: May 2015

Age‐Related Changes in the Left Outflow Tract

Introduction

Outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OT VAs) are common and catheter ablation is an effective treatment option. We sought to investigate the relationship between age‐related anatomic aortic root changes and QRS morphology during left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) pace‐mapping using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

Methods and Results

Fifty‐one patients undergoing CMR imaging were divided into 3 groups based on age (<40, 40–60, >60 years). We measured the angle of the aortic root, the aorta to ventricular septal angle, the distance between the right coronary cusp (RCC) and left coronary cusp (LCC), and the distance between the ascending and descending aorta. Additionally, we evaluated the QRS morphologies obtained during pace‐mapping from the LVOT. In older patients, LCC was more superior to the RCC (P < 0.01). Age was positively correlated with the aortic root angle (r2 = 0.481, P < 0.01) as well as the distances between the ascending and descending aorta at a level below the arch (r2 = 0.569, P < 0.01). In older patients, LVOT pace‐mapping (performed in 16 patients) demonstrated higher maximal R‐wave amplitude, and was greater when pacing from the LCC versus the RCC in lead III (1.8 ± 0.7 vs. 1.0 ± 0.5 mV, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

The anatomy of the aortic root changes with age, and age‐related aortic root changes may affect the QRS morphology during pace‐mapping. Understanding the potential anatomic changes that accompany aging is important to maximize the efficacy of catheter ablation of OT VAs.
Difficult Hypertension Clinic Utilizing a Nurse Specialist: A Cost‐Efficient Model for the Modern Era?
Authors: van der Merwe Walter , van der Merwe Veronica
Published: May 2015

In the modern era in New Zealand, there has been a lack of specialist hypertension clinics where family practitioners might refer patients with difficult‐to‐treat or resistant hypertension. A new specialist referral hypertension clinic was established in 2009 at North Shore Hospital, Auckland, employing a model of care where much of the follow‐up work is done by a nurse specialist. The authors review data from the first 1000 patients discharged from the clinic. Mean (treated) blood pressure improved by −26/12 mm Hg over an average of three visits, two thirds of which were to nurse specialist clinics. The authors propose this as a cost‐efficient model that could easily be duplicated in other centers.
The Weight of Society Over Time and Space: A Comprehensive Account of the Construction Material Stock of Japan, 1945–2010
Authors: Tanikawa Hiroki , Fishman Tomer , Okuoka Keijiro , Sugimoto Kenji
Published: May 2015

In order to fully comprehend the socioeconomic metabolic (SEM) dynamics and material balance of nations, long‐term accounting of economy‐wide material stock is necessary in parallel to material flow accounts. Nevertheless, material stock accounts have been scarce, isolated, and mostly focused either on single materials, short time spans, or small regions. This study has two objectives: (1) review the state of the art of material stock research in the SEM discourse and (2) present a project to map, in a high level of detail, the in‐use construction material stocks of Japan and its 47 prefectures from the 1940s until the present era. This project documents the two major depositories of material stock: buildings and infrastructure. We describe the challenges and benefits of utilizing a bottom‐up approach, in order to promote its usage in material stock studies. The resulting database presents the accumulation of stock over time, as well as visually displaying the spatial distribution of the stock using geographical information systems (GIS), which, we argue, is an essential aspect of material stock analysis in the context of socioeconomic metabolism research.
Hidden Liquidity: Some New Light on Dark Trading
Authors: BLOOMFIELD ROBERT , O'HARA MAUREEN , SAAR GIDEON
Published: May 2015

Using a laboratory market, we investigate how the ability to hide orders affects traders’ strategies and market outcomes in a limit order book environment. We find that order strategies are greatly affected by allowing hidden liquidity, with traders substituting nondisplayed for displayed shares and changing the aggressiveness of their trading. As traders adapt their behavior to the different opacity regimes, however, most aggregate market outcomes (such as liquidity and informational efficiency) are not affected as much. We also find that opacity appears to increase the profits of informed traders but only when their private information is very valuable.
Stenting of Native Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstructions in Symptomatic Infants
Authors: BERTRAM HARALD , EMMEL MATHIAS , EWERT PETER , GROHMANN JOCHEN , HAAS NIKOLAUS A. , JUX CHRISTIAN , KEHL HANS GERD , KITZMÜller ERWIN , KRETSCHMAR OLIVER , MÜLLER GÖTZ , WIEBE WALTER ,   FOR THE INVESTIGATORS OF THE WORKING GROUP INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY OF THE GERMAN SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY
Published: May 2015

Objective

To assess feasibility, safety and effectiveness of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) stenting in symptomatic young infants.

Methods

Multicentre evaluation of 35 patients intended to undergo RVOT stenting in 11 pediatric cardiac centres from 2009 to August 2011.

Results

Median age and weight at the time of first stent implantation were 8 weeks and 3.3 kg, with 40% of patients <3 kg. A total of 19 patients had suffered from hypoxemic spells, 8 patients were ventilated, 6 on inotropic support and 5 on prostaglandin infusion. Severe concomitant malformations were present in 11 patients, and acute infections in 2. Stenting of the RVOT was successfully performed in 33 patients, improving oxygen saturation from a median of 77 to 90% 2 days after intervention. Besides the 2 patients in whom RVOT stenting was not successful for technical reasons, there were no procedural complications. In 17 of 33 patients, 1–3 reinterventions were performed during follow‐up, less than half of those were reinterventions in the RVOT. A total of 27 patients have undergone successful surgical repair 4–162 (median 19.5) weeks after initial RVOT stent implantation, 2 patients are still waiting. There were no perioperative deaths.

Conclusions

Stenting of the RVOT provides a safe and effective management strategy for initial palliation in symptomatic young infants, including those patients not suitable or at higher risk for surgical therapy. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:279–287)
Does Preoperative Platelet Function Predict Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Off Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery?
Authors: BERGER PETER B. , KIRCHNER H. LESTER , WAGNER ERIC S. , ISMAIL‐SAYED IBRAHIM , YAHYA SALMA , BENOIT CHARLES , BLANKENSHIP JAMES C. , CARTER RUSSELL , CASALE ALFRED S. , GREEN SANDY M. , SCOTT THOMAS D. , SKELDING KIMBERLY A. , WOODS EDWARD , HENRY YVETTE M.
Published: May 2015

Objective

We sought to examine the relationship between preoperative platelet function and perioperative bleeding in patients undergoing CABG.

Background

There are many ways to measure platelet aggregability. Little is known about their correlations with one another, or with bleeding.

Methods

We prospectively studied 50 patients undergoing a first isolated off‐pump CABG. Thirty‐four were exposed to a thienopyridine prior to surgery; 16 were not. Preoperative platelet function was measured by VerifyNow®, TEG®, AggreGuide™, Plateletworks®, vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation, and light transmission aggregometry. Bleeding was assessed 2 ways: drop from pre‐ to nadir postoperative hematocrit, and chest tube drainage. Correlation coefficients were calculated using Spearman's rank‐order correlation.

Results

Mean age was 62 years. Patient characteristics and surgical details were similar between the thienopyridine‐exposed and non‐exposed patients. The correlation coefficients between the 4 point‐of‐care platelet function measurements and hematocrit change ranged from −0.2274 to 0.2882. Only Plateletworks® correlated with drop in hematocrit (r = 0.2882, P = 0.0470). The correlation coefficients between each of the 4 point‐of‐care platelet function tests and the chest tube drainage were also poor, ranging from −0.3073 to 0.2272. Both AggreGuide™ (r = −0.3073, P = 0.0317) and VASP (r = −0.3187, P = 0.0272) were weakly but significantly correlated with chest tube drainage. The correlation among the 4 point‐of‐care platelet function measurements was poor, with coefficients ranging from −0.2504 to 0.1968.

Conclusions

We observed little correlation among 4 platelet function tests, and between those assays and perioperative bleeding defined 2 different ways. Whether any of these assays should be used to guide decision making in individual patients is unclear. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:223–232)
Comparison of Cutting Balloon Angioplasty and Percutaneous Balloon Angioplasty of Arteriovenous Fistula Stenosis: A Meta‐Analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: AGARWAL SHIV KUMAR , NADKARNI GIRISH N. , YACOUB RABI , PATEL ACHINT A. , JENKINS JAMES S. , COLLINS TYRONE J. , ANNAPUREDDY NARENDER , KUMBALA DAMODAR , BODANA SHIRISHA , BENJO ALEXANDRE M.
Published: May 2015

Background

Hemodialysis (HD) access failure is a common cause of increased morbidity and healthcare cost in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Percutaneous balloon angioplasty has been used to treat hemodialysis access stenosis but is complicated by a high rate of restenosis. Percutaneous cutting balloon (PCB) angioplasty is an alternative approach that has shown to reduce restenosis.

Objectives

The aim of the study is to assess the safety and efficacy of PCB angioplasty in comparison with conventional and high‐pressure balloon angioplasty in the treatment of hemodialysis access site stenosis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central register of controlled trials (CENTRAL) databases through August 2014 and selected studies using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. We included all randomized clinical trials with a head‐to‐head comparison between PCB and conventional or high‐pressure balloon angioplasty

Results

Three studies with 1034 participants (age 60.7 (±12.9) years and 50.1% males) with 525 in PCB and 509 in control arm were included in the analysis. The immediate procedural success rate was not significantly different in the PCB angioplasty and control arm respectively, (87.2% vs. 83.7% RD −0.02; 95%CI −0.06 to 0.01; P = 0.38). The six‐month target lesion patency was significantly higher in the PCB angioplasty arm (67.2% vs. 55.6% RD 0.12; 95%CI 0.05–0.19; P < 0.05) with number needed to treat (NNT) of 9. The device related complications were not statistically significant between groups (RD 0.03; 95%CI −0.02 to 0.07; P = 0.26).

Conclusions

PCB angioplasty is effective in treatment of hemodialysis access stenosis, with significantly higher six‐month patency compared to balloon angioplasty. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:288–295)
Reduced Glutathione for Prevention of Renal Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Selective Coronary Angiography or Intervention
Authors: WANG CHUNRUI , WANG WENJI , MA SHUAI , LU JIANXIN , SHI HAIMING , DING FENG
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of reduced glutathione on renal outcomes following the selective coronary angiography and/or intervention.

Background

Contrast agents can cause an acute reduction in renal function that may be due to the generation of reactive oxygen species. The role of antioxidants in prevention of this renal impairment is controversial.

Methods and Results

We conducted a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of reduced glutathione in 825 patients who underwent selective coronary angiography and/or intervention. Patients were assigned to reduced glutathione 1800 mg (n = 416) or placebo (n = 411) intravenously. Contrast‐induced acute kidney injury was defined by an absolute increase of serum creatinine ≥0.5 mg/dl (44.2 μmol/L) or a relative increase of ≥25% measured 48 hours after the procedure. The incidence of contrast‐induced acute kidney injury was 5.07% in the glutathione group and 4.97% in the control group (relative risk, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.59–1.83; P = 0.886). Change in serum malondialdehyde was (−) 1.01 ± 1.69 nmol/ml in the glutathione group and (−) 0.67 ± 1.55 nmol/ml in the control group (P = 0.054), and change in serum total antioxidant capacity level was also similar in both groups (0.91 ± 2.06 nmol/ml and 0.79 ± 2.18 nmol/ml, respectively; P = 0.936).

Conclusions

A single dose of reduced glutathione does not reduce the risk of contrast‐induced acute kidney injury in patients undergoing coronary angiography and/or intervention. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:249–256)
Long‐Term Effects of Novel Combination Coating Anti‐CD34 Antibody Applied on Sirolimus‐Eluting Stents
Authors: CHEN FENG , YANG FENG , ZHAO QIAN , FENG SHICHAO , LI WEIXIAO , BI YONGHUA , ZHANG SHIXUAN , WANG YANG , FENG BO
Published: May 2015

Objectives

We investigated whether the combination coating of a novel “prohealing coating” hyaluronan‐chitosan (HC) and anti‐CD34 antibody applied on an SES (HCASES) can reduce neointimal formation while promoting endothelialization compared to either agent alone.

Background

Drug‐eluting stents have considerably reduced the incidence of in‐stent restenosis compared with bare metal stents. However, the beneficial effect of drug elution is overshadowed by delayed re‐endothelialization as well as later “catch‐up” proliferation related to the drug.

Methods

Three different stents: Sirolimus‐eluting stents (SES), Genous anti‐CD34 antibody stents (GS), and the combination of HC‐anti‐CD34 antibody with sirolimus‐eluting stents (HCASES) were deployed in 54 normal porcine coronary arteries and harvested for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histological analysis at 60, 90, and 120 days.

Results

At 60 and 90 days, SEM analysis showed stent surface endothelial coverage was nearly completed in the HCASES (87 ± 3%, 95 ± 3%) compared with that in the SES (68 ± 6%, 77 ± 8%, P = 0.03). Histological examination at 90 days showed that the HCASES group had less percentage of stenosis than the GS group (P < 0.05). At 120 days, SEM showed a significantly higher extent of endothelial coverage above struts in the HCASES (96 ± 2%) and the GS (95 ± 3%) as compared with the SES group (66 ± 3%; P = 0.02). The HCASES group showed less stenosis than that in the GS group (P < 0.05), but it was not significantly different from the SES group (P = 0.063).

Conclusions

Histological and SEM analyses demonstrate that the HCASES can reduce neointimal formation and inflammation while promoting endothelialization in the long term. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:257–263)
Fluidity, Identity, and Organizationality: The Communicative Constitution of Anonymous
Authors: Dobusch Leonhard , Schoeneborn Dennis
Published: May 2015

This paper examines how fluid social collectives, where membership is latent, contested, or unclear, achieve ‘organizationality’, that is, how they achieve organizational identity and actorhood. Drawing on the “communicative constitution of organizations” perspective, we argue that the organizationality of a social collective is accomplished through ‘identity claims’ – i.e., speech acts that concern what the social collective is or does – and negotiations on whether or not these claims have been made on the collective's behalf. We empirically examine the case of the hacker collective Anonymous and analyse relevant identity claims to investigate two critical episodes in which the organizationality of Anonymous was contested. Our study contributes to organization studies by showing that fluid social collectives are able to temporarily reinstate organizational actorhood through the performance of carefully prepared and staged identity claims.
Molecular signature of salivary gland tumors: potential use as diagnostic and prognostic marker
Authors: Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Sena Filho Marcondes , Altemani Albina , Speight Paul M. , Vargas Pablo Agustin
Published: May 2015

Salivary gland tumors are a highly heterogeneous group of lesions with diverse microscopic appearances and variable clinical behavior. The use of clinical and histological parameters to predict patient prognosis and survival rates has been of limited utility, and the search for new biomarkers that could not only aid in a better understanding of their pathogenesis but also be reliable auxiliaries for prognostic determination and useful diagnostic tools has been performed in the last decades with very exciting results. Hence, gene rearrangements such as CRTC1–MAML2 in mucoepidermoid carcinomas have shown excellent specificity, and more than that, it has been strongly correlated with low‐grade tumors and consequently with an increased survival rate and better prognosis of patients affected by neoplasms carrying this translocation. Moreover, MYB–NFIB and EWSR1–ATF1 gene fusions were shown to be specifically found in cases of adenoid cystic carcinomas and hyalinizing clear cell carcinomas, respectively, in the context of salivary gland tumors, becoming reliable diagnostic tools for these entities and potential therapeutic targets for future therapeutic protocols. Finally, the identification of ETV6–NTRK3 in cases previously diagnosed as uncommon acinic cell carcinomas, cystadenocarcinomas, and adenocarcinomas not otherwise specified led to the characterization of a completely new and now widely accepted entity, including, therefore, mammary analogue secretory carcinoma in the list of well‐recognized salivary gland carcinomas. Thus, further molecular investigations of salivary gland tumors are warranted, and the recognition of other genetic abnormalities can lead to the acknowledgment of new entities and the acquirement of reliable biomarkers.
Competition or Cooperation? Promoting Supplier Performance with Incentives Under Varying Conditions of Dependence
Authors: Terpend Regis , Krause Daniel R.
Published: May 2015

In this study, we use the lens of social exchange theory to investigate the influence of incentives on supplier performance under various conditions of buyer–supplier dependence. We propose that incentives generally fall into two main categories: competitive, market‐based incentives that reward suppliers based on how well they perform relative to other suppliers, and cooperative incentives, where both buyer and supplier share benefits based on their joint performance. Using empirical data collected from 230 buyers in a sample of U.S. industrial firms, we measure the effects of these two types of incentives on various measures of performance, as well as the moderating effects of buyer–supplier dependence. Our results suggest that competitive incentives can be an effective approach to improving delivery, quality, innovation and flexibility, for purchases where the buyer–supplier relationship is characterized by balanced and moderate amounts of mutual dependence. However, competitive incentives are ineffective at generating improved cost performance. Cooperation appears to be the only way to improve cost but is only fruitful under conditions of high mutual dependence. In general, we find that high mutual dependence provides a good basis for cooperative incentives to successfully improve each of the types of performance included in our study. Finally, we find evidence that cooperation and competition can coexist without significant risk of decreased performance.
Peroxiredoxin 1 inhibits the oxidative stress induced apoptosis in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis
Authors: Mei Wenjuan , Peng Zhangzhe , Lu Miaomiao , Liu Chunyan , Deng Zhenghao , Xiao Yun , Liu Jishi , He Ying , Yuan Qiongjing , Yuan Xiangning , Tang Damu , Yang Huixiang , Tao Lijian
Published: May 2015

Aim

Apoptosis is one of the most important mechanisms underlying renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. We identified a role of protein Peroxiredoxin 1 (Prx1) in protecting apoptosis occurred in tubular epithelial cells of the rat and human kidney.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was used to detect Prx1 expression in kidney derived from unilateral‐ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats or patients with obstructive nephropathy. Modulation of Prx1 expression by transfecting siRNA and overexpression plasmid approach were carried out in NRK‐52E (rat kidney tubular epithelial cell line) cells. UUO‐induced apoptosis was determined using TUNEL assay.

Results

Immunohistochemistry staining showed that Prx1 expressed in the cytoplasm of renal tubular epithelial cells, in the kidneys of UUO rats. The reduction was confirmed by both IHC and real‐time polymerase chain reaction following a course of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in UUO rats and a decrease of Prx1 occurred concomitantly with an elevation of TUNEL‐positive cells. Fluorofenidone (AKF‐PD), a new anti‐tubulointerstitial fibrotic agent, attenuated Prx1 reduction in UUO rats. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐derived oxidative stress activated p38 MAPK, and induced apoptosis in NRK‐52E cells; knockdown of Prx1 sensitized both events in NRK‐52E cells, and overexpression of Prx1 diminished the apoptosis and the phosphorylation of p38

Conclusion

Downregulation of Prx1 occurred in renal tubular epithelial cells of UUO rats and patients with obstructive nephropathy. Prx1 may alleviate the pathogenesis by inhibiting H2O2‐induced apoptosis via inhibiting the p38 MAPK pathway. Prx1 may represent a useful target for a protective therapy towards renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis.
Disentangling the relative importance of species occurrence, abundance and intraspecific variability in community assembly: a trait‐based approach at the whole‐plant level in Mediterranean forests
Authors: de la Riva Enrique G. , Pérez‐Ramos Ignacio M. , Tosto Ambra , Navarro‐Fernández Carmen M. , Olmo Manuel , Marañón Teodoro , Villar Rafael
Published: May 2015

Understanding which factors and rules govern the process of assembly in communities constitutes one of the main challenges of plant community ecology. The presence of certain functional strategies along broad environmental gradients can help to understand the patterns observed in community assembly and the filtering mechanisms that take place. We used a trait‐based approach, quantifying variations in aboveground (leaf and stem) and belowground (root) functional traits along environmental gradients in Mediterranean forest communities (south Spain). We proposed a new practical method to quantify the relative importance of species turnover (distinguishing between species occurrence and abundance) versus intraspecific variation, which allowed us to better understand the assemblage rules of these plant communities along environmental gradients. Our results showed that the functional structure of the studied plant communities was highly determined by soil environment. Results from our modelling approach based on maximum likelihood estimators showed a predominant influence of soil water storage on most of the community functional traits. We found that changes in community functional structure along environmental gradients were mainly promoted by species turnover rather than by intraspecific variability. Specifically, our new method of variance decomposition demonstrated that between‐site trait variation was the result of changes in species occurrence rather than in the abundance of certain dominant species. In conclusion, this study showed that water availability promoted the predominance of specific trait values (both in above and belowground fractions) associated to a resource acquisition or conservation strategy. In addition, we provided evidence that changes on community functional structure along the environmental gradient were mainly promoted by a process of species replacement, which represent a crucial step towards a more general understanding of the relative importance of intraspecific versus interspecific trait variation in these woody Mediterranean communities.
Photosynthetic and phenological responses of dwarf shrubs to the depth and properties of snow
Authors: Saarinen Timo , Rasmus Sirpa , Lundell Robin , Kauppinen Olli‐Kalle , Hänninen Heikki
Published: May 2015

Snow is known to have a major impact on vegetation in arctic ecosystems, but little is known about how snow affects plants in boreal forests, where the snowpack is uneven due to canopy impact. The responses of two dwarf shrubs, the evergreen Vaccinium vitis‐idaea and the deciduous V. myrtillus, to snow conditions were studied in a snow manipulation experiment in southern Finland. The thermal insulation of the snowpack was expected to decrease with partial removal or compression of the snow, while addition of snow was expected to have the opposite effect. The penetration of light was manipulated by partial removal of snow or by formation of an artificial ice layer in the snowpack. CO2 exchange measurements that were carried out at the time of maximum snow depth in late March indicated significant photosynthetic activity in the leaves of V. vitis‐idaea under snow. Net gain of CO2 was observed in the daytime on all the manipulation plots, excluding the snow addition plots, where light intensity was very low. The subnivean photosynthesis compensated for a substantial proportion (up to 80%) of the respiratory CO2 losses. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements indicated reduced potential capacity of photosystem II in the leaves of V. vitis‐idaea on those plots where snow cover was thin. Neither V. vitis‐idaea nor V. myrtillus suffered from frost damage (assessed as electrolyte leakage) when thermal insulation was reduced by means of snow manipulations. No phenological responses were observed in V. vitis‐idaea, but in V. myrtillus bud burst, leaf unfolding and flowering were advanced by 1–3 days on the addition plots. The results of the present study show that dwarf shrubs respond to not only the thickness of snow but also the physical properties of snow, both of which are expected to change due to climatic warming.
Toxic phytoplankton as a keystone species in aquatic ecosystems: stable coexistence to biodiversity
Authors: Chakraborty Subhendu , Ramesh A , Dutta Partha Sharathi
Published: May 2015

The effect of allelochemicals released by toxic species in plankton community is often taken into account to reveal plankton biodiversity. Using a minimal chemostat model we show that the interaction between toxic and non‐toxic phytoplankton species with changing competitive effects among species due to allelopathy helps to promote the stable coexistence of many species on a single resource and hence can solve the paradox of plankton. We emphasize toxic phytoplankton as a keystone species that strongly uncovers its allelochemicals on other non‐toxic phytoplankton and enhances the species persistence and diversity in aquatic ecosystems. In addition, we analyze the consistency of ecosystem functioning and species diversity using a number of approaches, such as sampling hypothesis with selection and complementarity effects, cascading extinction–reinvasion, and examining system dynamics at different enrichment levels and toxicity. Our results suggest that chemostats with one toxic and one or more nontoxic phytoplankton species can be used for the experimental verification of the stable coexistence of many species on a single resource in aquatic ecology.