bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Shear Stress and Platelet-Derived Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Release and Activation in Animal Models of Aortic Valve Stenosis
Authors: Wang Wei , Vootukuri Spandana , Meyer Alexander , Ahamed Jasimuddin , Coller Barry S.
Published: June 2014

Objective—

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is characterized by fibrosis and calcification of valves leading to aortic valve narrowing, resulting in high wall shear stress across the valves. We previously demonstrated that high shear stress can activate platelet-derived transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a cytokine that induces fibrosis and calcification. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of shear-induced platelet release of TGF-β1 and its activation in AS.

Approach and Results—

We studied hypercholesterolemic
Ldlr

−
/−

Apob
100/100
/
Mttp
fl/fl
/
Mx1Cre
+/+
(Reversa) mice that develop AS on Western diet and a surgical ascending aortic constriction mouse model that acutely simulates the hemodynamics of AS to study shear-induced platelet TGF-β1 release and activation. Reversa mice on Western diet for 6 months had thickening of the aortic valves, increased wall shear stress, and increased plasma TGF-β1 levels. There were weak and moderate correlations between wall shear stress and TGF-β1 levels in the progression and reversed Reversa groups and a stronger correlation in the ascending aortic constriction model in wild-type mice but not in mice with a targeted deletion of megakaryocyte and platelet TGF-β1 (
Tgfb1
flox
). Plasma total TGF-β1 levels correlated with collagen deposition in the stenotic valves in Reversa mice. Although active TGF-β1 levels were too low to be measured directly, we found (1) canonical TGF-β1 (phosphorylated small mothers against decapentaplegic 2/3) signaling in the leukocytes and canonical and noncanonical (phosphorylated extracellular signal–regulated kinases 1/2) TGF-β1 signaling in aortic valves of Reversa mice on a Western diet, and (2) TGF-β1 signaling of both pathways in the ascending aortic constriction stenotic area in wild-type but not
Tgfb1
flox
mice.

Conclusions—

Shear-induced, platelet-derived TGF-β1 activation may contribute to AS.
Alternative Splicing of Endothelial Fibronectin Is Induced by Disturbed Hemodynamics and Protects Against Hemorrhage of the Vessel Wall
Authors: Murphy Patrick A. , Hynes Richard O.
Published: June 2014

Objective—

Abnormally low-flow conditions, sensed by the arterial endothelium, promote aneurysm rupture. Fibronectin (FN) is among the most abundant extracellular matrix proteins and is strongly upregulated in human aneurysms, suggesting a possible role in disease progression. Altered FN splicing can result in the inclusion of EIIIA and EIIIB exons, generally not expressed in adult tissues. We sought to explore the regulation of FN and its splicing and their possible roles in the vascular response to disturbed flow.

Approach and Results—

We induced low and reversing flow in mice by partial carotid ligation and assayed
FN
splicing in an endothelium-enriched intimal preparation. Inclusion of EIIIA and EIIIB was increased as early as 48 hours, with negligible increases in total
FN
expression. To test the function of EIIIA and EIIIB inclusion, we induced disturbed flow in
EIIIAB

−/−

mice unable to include these exons and found that they developed focal lesions with hemorrhage and hypertrophy of the vessel wall. Acute deletion of floxed
FN
caused similar defects in response to disturbed flow, consistent with a requirement for the upregulation of the spliced isoforms, rather than a developmental defect. Recruited macrophages promote
FN
splicing because their depletion by clodronate liposomes blocked the increase in endothelial EIIIA and EIIIB inclusion in the carotid model.

Conclusions—

These results uncover a protective mechanism in the inflamed intima that develops under disturbed flow, by showing that splicing of FN mRNA in the endothelium, induced by macrophages, inhibits hemorrhage of the vessel wall.
Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Induces Long-Term Proinflammatory Cytokine Production and Foam Cell Formation via Epigenetic Reprogramming of Monocytes
Authors: Bekkering Siroon , Quintin Jessica , Joosten Leo A.B. , van der Meer Jos W.M. , Netea Mihai G. , Riksen Niels P.
Published: June 2014

Objective—

Although the role of monocytes in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is well established, the persistent vascular inflammation remains largely unexplained. Recently, our group reported that stimulation of monocytes with various microbial products can induce a long-lasting proinflammatory phenotype via epigenetic reprogramming, a process termed trained immunity. We now hypothesize that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) also induces a long-lasting proinflammatory phenotype in monocytes, which accelerates atherosclerosis by proinflammatory cytokine production and foam cell formation.

Approach and Results—

Isolated human monocytes were exposed for 24 hours to medium or oxLDL. After washing and resting for 6 days, the cells were exposed to toll-like receptor 2 and 4 agonists. Pre-exposure to oxLDL increased mRNA expression and protein formation on toll-like receptor 2 and 4 stimulation of several proatherogenic proteins, including interleukin-6, interleukin-18, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9. In addition, foam cell formation was enhanced after oxLDL exposure, which was associated with an upregulation of scavenger receptors CD36 and scavenger receptor-A and downregulation of ATP-binding cassette transporters, ABCA1 and ABCG1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation performed 6 days after oxLDL stimulation demonstrated increased trimethylation of lysine 4 at histone 3 in promoter regions of
tnfα
,
il-6
,
il-18
,
mcp-1
,
mmp2
,
mmp9
,
cd36
, and
sr-a.
Finally, pretreatment of the monocytes with the histone methyltransferase inhibitor methylthioadenosine completely prevented the oxLDL-induced long-lasting proinflammatory phenotype.

Conclusions—

Brief exposure of monocytes to a low concentration of oxLDL induces a long-lasting proatherogenic macrophage phenotype via epigenetic histone modifications, characterized by increased proinflammatory cytokine production and foam cell formation.
Phosphoinositide 3-Kinases p110α and p110β Have Differential Roles in Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1–Mediated Akt Phosphorylation and Platelet Priming
Authors: Blair Thomas A. , Moore Samantha F. , Williams Christopher M. , Poole Alastair W. , Vanhaesebroeck Bart , Hers Ingeborg
Published: June 2014

Objective—

Platelet hyperactivity is a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and can be induced by elevated levels of circulating growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is a primer that cannot stimulate platelet activation by itself, but in combination with physiological stimuli can potentiate platelet functional responses via a phosphoinositide 3-kinase–dependent mechanism. In this study, we explored the role of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase p110α isoform in IGF-1–mediated enhancement of platelet function.

Approach and Results—

Using a platelet-specific p110α knockout murine model, we demonstrate that genetic deletion, similar to pharmacological inactivation of p110α, did not affect proteinase-activated receptor 4 signaling to Akt/protein kinase B but significantly reduced IGF-1–mediated Akt phosphorylation. The p110β inhibitor TGX-221 abolished IGF-1–induced Akt phosphorylation in p110α-deficient platelets, demonstrating that both p110α and p110β contribute to IGF-1–mediated Akt phosphorylation. Genetic deletion of p110α had no effect on IGF-1–mediated increases in thrombus formation on collagen and enhancement of proteinase-activated receptor 4–mediated integrin activation and α-granule secretion. In contrast, pharmacological inhibition of p110α blocked IGF-1–mediated potentiation of integrin activation and α-granule secretion. Functional enhancement by IGF-1 in p110α knockout samples was lost after TGX-221 treatment, suggesting that p110β drives priming in the absence of the p110α isoform.

Conclusions—

Together, these results demonstrate that both p110α and p110β are involved in Akt signaling by IGF-1, but that it is the p110α isoform that is responsible for IGF-1–mediated potentiation of platelet function.
Elevated Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure Predicts Heart Failure Admissions in African Americans
Authors: Choudhary Gaurav , Jankowich Matthew , Wu Wen-Chih
Published: June 2014

Background—

Although elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) is associated with heart failure (HF), whether PASP measurement can help predict future HF admissions is not known, especially in African Americans who are at increased risk for HF. We hypothesized that elevated PASP is associated with increased risk of HF admission and improves HF prediction in African American population.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a longitudinal analysis using the Jackson Heart Study cohort (n=3125; 32.2% men) with baseline echocardiography-derived PASP and follow-up for HF admissions. Hazard ratio for HF admission was estimated using Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for variables in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Community (ARIC) HF prediction model. During a median follow-up of 3.46 years, 3.42% of the cohort was admitted for HF. Subjects with HF had a higher PASP (35.6±11.4 versus 27.6±6.9 mm Hg;
P
<0.001). The hazard of HF admission increased with higher baseline PASP (adjusted hazard ratio per 10 mm Hg increase in PASP: 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.67–2.48; adjusted hazard ratio for highest [≥33 mm Hg] versus lowest quartile [<24 mm Hg] of PASP: 2.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.43–5.06) and remained significant irrespective of history of HF or preserved/reduced ejection fraction. Addition of PASP to the ARIC model resulted in a significant improvement in model discrimination (area under the curve=0.82 before versus 0.84 after;
P
=0.03) and improved net reclassification index (11–15%) using PASP as a continuous or dichotomous (cutoff=33 mm Hg) variable.

Conclusions—

Elevated PASP predicts HF admissions in African Americans and may aid in early identification of at-risk subjects for aggressive risk factor modification.
Left Atrial Passive Emptying Function Determined by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Predicts Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: Dodson John A. , Neilan Tomas G. , Shah Ravi V. , Farhad Hoshang , Blankstein Ron , Steigner Michael , Michaud Gregory F. , John Roy , Abbasi Siddique A. , Jerosch-Herold Michael , Kwong Raymond Y.
Published: June 2014

Background—

Although pulmonary vein isolation has become a mainstream therapy for selected patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), late recurrent AF is common and its risk factors remain poorly defined. The purpose of our study was to test the hypothesis that reduced left atrial passive emptying function (LAPEF) as determined by cardiac magnetic resonance has a strong association with late recurrent AF after pulmonary vein isolation.

Methods and Results—

Three hundred forty-six patients with AF referred for cardiac magnetic resonance pulmonary vein mapping before pulmonary vein isolation were included. Maximum LA volumes (VOL
max
) and volumes before atrial contraction (VOL
bac
) were measured; LAPEF was calculated as (VOL
max
−VOL
bac
)/VOL
max
×100. Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed to determine late recurrent AF stratified by LAPEF quintile. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to adjust for known markers of recurrence. During a median follow-up of 27 months, 124 patients (35.8%) experienced late recurrent AF. Patients with recurrence were more likely to have nonparoxysmal AF (75.8% versus 51.4%;
P
<0.01), higher mean VOL
max
(60.2 versus 52.8 mL/m
2
;
P
<0.01), and lower mean LAPEF (19.1% versus 26.0%;
P
<0.01). Patients in the lowest LAPEF quintile were at highest risk of developing recurrent AF (2-year recurrence for lowest versus highest: 60.5% versus 17.3%;
P
<0.01). After adjusting for known predictors of recurrence, patients with low LAPEF remained significantly more likely to recur (hazard ratio for lowest versus highest quintile, 3.92; 95% confidence interval, 2.01–7.65).

Conclusions—

We found a strong association between LAPEF and recurrent AF after pulmonary vein isolation that persisted after multivariable adjustment.
Prevalence of Myocardial Fibrosis Patterns in Patients With Systolic Dysfunction
Authors: Almehmadi Fahad , Joncas Sebastien Xavier , Nevis Immaculate , Zahrani Mohammad , Bokhari Mahmoud , Stirrat John , Fine Nowell M. , Yee Raymond , White James A.
Published: June 2014

Background—

Late gadolinium enhancement-cardiac magnetic resonance is increasingly performed in patients with systolic dysfunction. Numerous patterns of fibrosis are commonly reported among this population. However, the relative prevalence and prognostic significance of these findings remains uncertain.

Methods and Results—

Three hundred eighteen consecutive patients referred for late gadolinium enhancement-cardiac magnetic resonance and a left ventricular ejection fraction <55% were followed up for the primary end point of sudden cardiac arrest or appropriate implantable cardiac defibrillator therapy. Late gadolinium enhancement images were blindly interpreted for the presence of 6 distinct pattern(s) of myocardial fibrosis in addition to signal threshold-based quantification of total fibrosis volume. The mean age and left ventricular ejection fraction of participants were 62.0±12.9 years and 32.6±11.9%, respectively. Any pattern of myocardial fibrosis was seen in 248 patients (78%) with ≥2 patterns present in 25% of patients. During follow-up (median of 467 days), 49 patients (15%) had a primary outcome. After adjustment for left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiomyopathy pathogenesis, and total fibrosis volume, the presence of a midwall striae pattern of fibrosis was an independent predictor of sudden cardiac arrest or appropriate implantable cardiac defibrillator therapy with a hazard ratio of 2.4 (95% confidence interval, 1.2–4.6;
P
=0.01); this finding is present in 30% of patients with nonischemic and 15% of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Cumulative event rate was significantly higher among those with midwall striae, particularly among those with a left ventricular ejection fraction >35% (40% versus 6%;
P
=0.005).

Conclusions—

Patients with systolic dysfunction frequently demonstrate multiple patterns of myocardial fibrosis. Of these, a midwall striae pattern of fibrosis is the strongest independent predictor of sudden cardiac arrest or appropriate implantable cardiac defibrillator therapy.
Interventricular Differences in β‐Adrenergic Responses in the Canine Heart: Role of Phosphodiesterases
Authors: Molina Cristina E. , Johnson Daniel M. , Mehel Hind , Spätjens Roel L. H. M. G. , Mika Delphine , Algalarrondo Vincent , Slimane Zeineb Haj , Lechêne Patrick , Abi‐Gerges Najah , van der Linde Henk J. , Leroy Jérôme , Volders Paul G. A. , Fischmeister Rodolphe , Vandecasteele Grégoire
Published: June 2014

Background

RV
and
LV
have different embryologic, structural, metabolic, and electrophysiologic characteristics, but whether interventricular differences exist in β‐adrenergic (β‐
AR
) responsiveness is unknown. In this study, we examine whether β‐
AR
response and signaling differ in right (
RV
) versus left (
LV
) ventricles.

Methods and Results

Sarcomere shortening, Ca
2+
transients, I
Ca,L
and I
Ks
currents were recorded in isolated dog LV and RV midmyocytes. Intracellular [
cAMP
] and PKA activity were measured by live cell imaging using FRET‐based sensors. Isoproterenol increased sarcomere shortening ≈10‐fold and Ca
2+
‐transient amplitude ≈2‐fold in LV midmyocytes (LVMs) versus ≈25‐fold and ≈3‐fold in RVMs. FRET imaging using targeted Epac2camps sensors revealed no change in subsarcolemmal [
cAMP
], but a 2‐fold higher β‐AR stimulation of cytoplasmic [
cAMP
] in RVMs versus LVMs. Accordingly, β‐AR regulation of I
Ca,L
and I
Ks
were similar between LVMs and RVMs, whereas cytoplasmic PKA activity was increased in RVMs. Both PDE3 and PDE4 contributed to the β‐AR regulation of cytoplasmic [
cAMP
], and the difference between LVMs and RVMs was abolished by PDE3 inhibition and attenuated by PDE4 inhibition. Finally LV and RV intracavitary pressures were recorded in anesthetized beagle dogs. A bolus injection of isoproterenol increased RV
dP
/dt
max
≈5‐fold versus 3‐fold in LV.

Conclusion

Canine RV and LV differ in their β‐AR response due to intrinsic differences in myocyte β‐AR downstream signaling. Enhanced β‐AR responsiveness of the RV results from higher
cAMP
elevation in the cytoplasm, due to a decreased degradation by PDE3 and PDE4 in the RV compared to the LV.
Acute Cerebrovascular Disease Occurring After Hospital Discharge for Labor and Delivery
Authors: Hovsepian Dominic A. , Sriram Nandita , Kamel Hooman , Fink Matthew E. , Navi Babak B.
Published: June 2014

Background and Purpose—

The risk of stroke and other postpartum cerebrovascular disease (CVD) occurring after hospital discharge for labor and delivery is uncertain.

Methods—

We performed a retrospective cohort study using administrative databases to identify all pregnant women who were hospitalized for labor and delivery at nonfederal, acute care hospitals in California from 2005 to 2011 and who were discharged without an
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
diagnosis of CVD. The primary outcome was an acute CVD composite defined as any ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, pituitary apoplexy, carotid/vertebral artery dissection, hypertensive encephalopathy, or other acute CVD occurring after hospital discharge and before 6 weeks after labor and delivery. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the incidence of postdischarge CVD. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between selected baseline factors and postdischarge CVD.

Results—

The rate of any postdischarge acute CVD was 14.8 per 100 000 patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.2–16.5). Risk factors for any acute CVD were eclampsia (odds ratio [OR], 10.1; 95% CI, 3.09–32.8), chronic kidney disease (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 2.5–11.8), black race (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.9–3.3), preeclampsia (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.6–2.8), pregnancy-related hematologic disorders (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3–2.5), and age (OR, 1.5 per decade; 95% CI, 1.3–1.8).

Conclusions—

The incidence of postpartum acute CVD after hospital discharge for labor and delivery is similar to rates reported for all postpartum events in previous publications, suggesting that a substantial proportion of postpartum CVD occurs after discharge.
Lost Opportunity
Authors: Jones Gareth A. , Thomas de Benítez Sarah
Published: June 2014

This paper provides a close analysis of a scandal that broke in Mexico following publication of a book that accused businessmen and politicians of involvement in child trafficking and paedophilia. The book’s author, Lydia Cacho, was abducted, imprisoned, threatened with violence and charged with defamation. As further evidence of complicity in the protection of paedophile rings surfaced, a firestorm of public anger and media scrutiny focussed on the plight of Cacho and key political figures including a state governor. A rare political space was thus opened for a debate on child rights. Yet it was a space that csos and child rights networks failed to exploit. This paper examines how child rights discourse had limited salience in circumstances where csos were compromised, uncommitted and disunited. Developing the concept of a ‘rights effect’, we argue that advocacy for child rights must not assume a natural fellowship with discourses of human rights generally, or with women’s rights, press freedoms and rule of law.
A new Amazonian species of Cryptocellus (Arachnida, Ricinulei), with descriptions of its integumental structures and all free-living life stages
Authors: TOURINHO ANA LÚCIA , LO-MAN-HUNG NANCY FRANÇA , SALVATIERRA LIDIANNE
Published: June 2014

A new species of Cryptocellus Westwood, 1874 is described, based on males, females and all free-living immature stages. Cryptocellus muiraquitan sp. nov. from Juruti, Pará, Brazil, is a member of the foedus group of species and probably closely related to Cryptocellus icamiabas Tourinho & Azevedo, 2007, C. abaporu Bonaldo & Pinto-da-Rocha, 2003 and C. simonis Hansen & Sørensen, 1904. The new species is illustrated using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The large diversity of integumental structures of the new species is described and compared to that of previously studied species of Cryptocellus and Pseudocellus Platnick, 1980.
Revision of the genus Pteroplistes in India, with the description of two new species Pteroplistes kervasae Jaiswara, n. sp. and Pteroplistes masinagudi Jaiswara, n. sp. (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Pteroplistinae)
Authors: JAISWARA RANJANA , DESUTTER-GRANDCOLAS LAURE
Published: June 2014

Pteroplistes Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1873 is an Indo-Malaysian cricket genus with only one species, P. platycleis Bolivar, 1899(1900) known from India. Here, we redescribe the genus Pteroplistes and P. platycleis and describe two new Indian species, Pteroplistes kervasae Jaiswara, n. sp. and Pteroplistes masinagudi Jaiswara, n. sp. from the Western Ghats, using morphology and genitalia. Identification keys to separate the Indian species of Pteroplistes are provided and the distribution of the genus in India is discussed.
New quill mites (Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae) parasitizing tyrannid birds (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) in Peru
Authors: GLOWSKA ELIZA
Published: June 2014

Two new quill mite species (Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae) are described from tyrannid birds (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) in Peru: Picobia sayornis sp. nov. from the black phoebe Sayornis nigricans (Swainson) (first record of Picobia Haller species on tyrannid host) and Syringophilopsis szeffleri sp. nov. from the scale-crested pygmy-tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus (Tschudi). The Pacific elaenia Myiopagis subplacens (Sclater) is recorded as a new host for Syringophilopsis tyranni Bochkov and Galloway.
From serosocial to sanguinary identities: Caste, transnational race science and the shifting metonymies of blood group B, India c. 1918–1960
Authors: Mukharji Projit Bihari
Published: June 2014

A serendipitous encounter during the Great War left a brilliant Polish–Jewish scientist and his wife stranded at a Greek outpost with a small contingent of British and French Imperial troops. This chance encounter led to the birth not only of a new branch of science, that is, sero-anthropology, but also a novel theory about the origin of the blood group ‘B’ in India. In the following decades, this theory evolved and metamorphosed within British India through transnational scientific conversations as well as its resonances with South Asian identity politics. As the meanings of the isohaemagglutinin B morphed, the transnational meanings of race were repeatedly tripped up. In due course vernacularized Indian sero-anthropology produced a range of serosocial identities located as much in blood sera as in embedded socialities. After 1960, however, these serosocial identities were gradually overcome by purely sanguinary identities whose truth was located exclusively in the blood devoid of any sociality.
Desecrating the sacred taste: The making of Gurram Jashua—the father of dalit literature in Telugu
Authors: Jangam Chinnaiah
Published: June 2014

The experience of discrimination based on caste, especially the stigma of untouchability, never formed a part of the socio-cultural and intellectual history of modern India. This article focuses on the life of Gurram Jashua (1895–1971) and re-reads the poignant and lived experience of untouchability on the basis of his seminal autobiography and other literary texts written in Telugu. This article argues that in ideas against caste prejudices, it is the themes of self-suffering and lived experience that provide a crucial impetus to the germination of protest. Through an analysis of Jashua’s writings, especially Gabbilam, often called the Dalit Bible, this article attempts to capture and record the psychosomatic agony of living under the gaze of caste. With an untouchable whose rebellious spirit questioned the legitimacy of Hindu Brahmanical ideology cast as its hero, Gabbilam’s revolutionary intervention subverted the content and form of the classical Telugu literary sphere. It was a socially and politically relevant text because in it, Jashua also engaged with anti-colonial nationalism and other issues of his time. Jashua remains peerless in his ability to express the dark realities of caste harnessed into a literary rhythm, as he continues to be read and admired even by non-Dalits.
The genesis of hospital medicine in India: The Calcutta Medical College (CMC) and the emergence of a new medical epistemology
Authors: Bhattacharya Jayanta
Published: June 2014

The history of the Calcutta Medical College (CMC) is intertwined with the rise of hospital medicine and modern medical pedagogy in India. This article will argue that the extension of medicinal practice in India ushered in a new paradigm of knowledge: the singular act of cadaveric dissection introduced indelible changes in the perception of the body and disease. The CMC was constituted by an ensemble of different components—medical teaching at University College London (UCL), the unique surgical practices of the Company’s surgeons and the specificity of a uniquely ‘colonial’ praxis. The transition from military medical training to general medical education involved various processes of acculturation—visual, verbal and psychological. CMC played a key role in the materialisation of public health programmes in colonial India. Consequently, Ayurvedics were caught in a position of simultaneously being ‘modern’ as well as ‘original’. As a result of the interactive process, the western medical toolkit reconstituted the terminologies and practice of Ayurveda so that, epistemologically speaking, they became a variant of modern medicine.
Book Review: Andrew J. May, Welsh Missionaries and British Imperialism: The Empire of Clouds in North-east India
Authors: Sharma Jayeeta
Published: June 2014

Andrew J. May, Welsh Missionaries and British Imperialism: The Empire of Clouds in North-east India, Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2012, pp. 312.
Book Review: Ruth Vanita, Gender, Sex, and the City: Urdu Rekhti Poetry in India, 1780–1870
Authors: Taneja Anand Vivek
Published: June 2014

Ruth Vanita, Gender, Sex, and the City: Urdu Rekhti Poetry in India, 1780–1870, New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2012, pp. 310.
Exposure to maternal distress in childhood and cortisol activity in young adulthood
Authors: Mahrer Nicole E. , Luecken Linda J. , Wolchik Sharlene A. , Tein Jenn-Yun , Sandler Irwin N.
Published: June 2014

Dysregulated cortisol is a risk factor for poor health outcomes. Children of distressed mothers exhibit dysregulated cortisol, yet it is unclear whether maternal distress predicts cortisol activity in later developmental stages. This longitudinal study examined the prospective relation between maternal distress during late childhood (9–12 years) and adolescence (15–19 years) and cortisol response in offspring in young adulthood (24–28 years). Data were collected from 51 recently divorced mothers and their children across 15 years. Higher maternal distress during late childhood was associated with lower total cortisol independent of levels of maternal distress in adolescence or young adulthood. Maternal distress during adolescence marginally predicted blunted cortisol when distress in childhood was low. Findings suggest that blunted cortisol activity in young adulthood may be a long-term consequence of exposure to maternal distress earlier in development.
Early Prediction of Oral Calcium and Vitamin D Requirements in Post‐thyroidectomy Hypocalcaemia
Authors: Al‐Dhahri Saleh F. , Mubasher Mohamed , Al‐Muhawas Fida , Alessa Mohammed , Terkawi Rayan S. , Terkawi Abdullah S.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To optimize and individualize post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia management.

Study Design

A multicenter prospective cohort study.

Setting

Two tertiary care hospitals.

Subjects and Methods

parathyroid hormone (PTH) was measured preoperatively, then at 1 and 6 hours after surgery. The required doses of calcium and vitamin D were defined as those maintaining the patients asymptomatic and their cCa ≥ 2 mmol/L. They were used as an endpoint in a generalized linear mixed effect model (GLIMMEX) aiming to identify the best predictors of these optimal required doses. Models were evaluated by goodness of fit and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐eight patients were analyzed; 85.1% were female, 49.3% had BMI > 30, and 64% had vitamin D deficiency. Post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia was found in 25.6%, of whom 18 (41.9%) were symptomatic and received intravenous calcium. First hour percentage of drop in PTH correlated positively with the severity of hypocalcemia (P <. 0001). The GLIMMIX prediction model for oral calcium requirement was based on first‐hour percentage change from preoperative PTH level, preoperative actual PTH, BMI, and thyroid function. The same predictors were identified for vitamin D, except that thyroid function was replaced with vitamin D status. These factors were used to build predictive equations for calcium and vitamin D doses.

Conclusion

Our findings help to optimize management of post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia by assisting in the early identification of those who are not at risk of hypocalcaemia and by guiding early effective management of those at risk. This may reduce complications and medical cost.
Cultivating a Narrative Sensibility in Nursing Practice
Authors: Beuthin Rosanne E.
Published: June 2014

Stories hold meaning, and when persons tell of their experiences of living with illness, they are afforded an opportunity to make sense of all that is happening. As nurses, we have the privilege of hearing the particular, gaining understanding, and creating a powerful encounter that has healing and health benefits. This is a call for nurses to more intentionally invite and listen to the stories of persons living with illness. The mnemonic STORIED is offered to help nurses weave together essential elements of a narrative practice approach: Subjective, Tell/Listen, Openness, Reflection, Invite/Intention, Engage, and Document. Nurses are the voice of the vulnerable, and to learn to listen to our patients’ stories such that what is gleaned contributes to their healing is nothing less than a call to excellent care of the unique person before us.
Evaluation of residual stress in ultrafine-grained aluminum tubes using shearography
Authors: Sanati H , Reshadi F , Faraji G , Soltani N , Zalnezhad E
Published: June 2014

Parallel tubular channel angular pressing is a novel severe plastic deformation method for producing ultrafine-grained metallic tubes. The objective of this work is to determine the residual stresses in parallel tubular channel angular pressing processed tubes using an incremental blind hole drilling with digital shearography instead of conventional hole-drilling method of strain gauges. Shearography is a full-field speckle interferometric method employed to measure both in-plane and out-of-plane displacements. The displacement derivative distribution due to hole drilling is calculated by analyzing unwrapped phase maps. Using image processing fringe analysis, the optical data involved in the displacement derivatives are converted into the values of residual stresses. The results have shown that an increase in the number of parallel tubular channel angular pressing pass would lead to a decrease in residual stresses that attributed to the low stress gradients along the thickness and length of the parallel tubular channel angular pressing processed tubes. Comparison of the residual stress values obtained from the shearography method with those from finite element modeling has shown good agreement of the stress values, indicating the suitability of shearography technique for stress evaluations in the parallel tubular channel angular pressing process.
Mechanical analysis on the cylinder-crown integrated hydraulic press with a hemispherical cylinder
Authors: Zhang WW , Wang XS , Wang ZR , Yuan SJ , He ZB , Liu G , Dai K
Published: June 2014

As a new press, cylinder-crown integrated hydraulic press (CCIHP) is analyzed firstly in this paper. The hydraulic cylinder consists of a hemispherical shell, which also functions as a main proportion of press crown. Compared with the conventional hydraulic press which has a hydraulic cylinder mounted in the press crown, the structure and force distribution of CCIHP are significantly different. First, the section modulus of the hemispherical crown is much larger than that of the conventional rectangle crown because the hydraulic cylinder and press crown are manufactured into a solid part and have a higher geometry centroid. Therefore, the hemispherical crown has lower tensile bending stress and a higher safety factor from the strength point of view when the same bending moment is applied. Second, under the conditions of same value in terms of the allowable stress, internal pressure and internal radius, the wall thickness of hemispherical hydraulic cylinder could be much thinner than that of the conventional hydraulic cylinder. Both of the reasons mentioned above can result in a weight reduction of the press. Also, the cylinder and the press crown can be reinforced by each another, as a result, the material strength capacity is better utilized. As a prototype, the 6300 kN CCIHP with hemispherical hydraulic cylinder, which is the first one of this kind press designed and manufactured by Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) is introduced in this paper. Finite element analysis for CCIHP has shown that both the stress and displacements on the press during the loading process are allowable, even if eccentric force is loaded. Finally the priority application range of CCIHP has also been proposed.
An analytical solution for vibration analysis of carbon nanotube conveying viscose fluid embedded in visco-elastic medium
Authors: Rezaee M , Maleki Vahid A
Published: June 2014

In this paper, considering a more realistic model for the carbon nanotube (CNT) conveying viscous fluid which is embedded in a visco-elastic medium, the effect of viscosity of the medium surrounding the CNT has been investigated. By taking into account the influence of the fluid viscosity and using the Navier-Stokes equations, the governing equation of motion has been derived and a new analytical technique based on the power series is presented for its vibration analysis. The frequency equation of the system is obtained by applying the boundary conditions. The influence of the medium parameters and the fluid viscosity on the natural frequencies of the CNT has been studied. The results show that the medium damping has a marked effect on the natural frequencies and the critical fluid velocity. Furthermore, by increasing the fluid viscosity, the natural frequencies and the critical fluid velocity increase. There is a good agreement between the results obtained through the proposed method and the data reported in the literature. The two main advantages of the proposed method are the applicability of the method to all kinds of the boundary conditions and its rapid convergence.
Effects of low Reynolds number on flow stability of a transonic compressor
Authors: Zhao Shengfeng , Lu Xingen , Zhu Junqiang , Ge Han , Chengwu Yang
Published: June 2014

As the aircraft cruising at high altitude over 20,000 m with subsonic speed, the Reynolds number in terms of the compressor blade becomes very low and the compressor performance decreases dramatically due to separation of boundary layer and secondary-flow. The main objective in this paper is to understand the physical mechanism by which Reynolds number affects the compressor stable range. In this paper, a series of steady and unsteady numerical simulations were carried out for a transonic compressor rotor under several conditions, which corresponded to the operations at sea level, and at high altitude. Detailed analyses of the flow visualization have exposed the different flow topologies of the complicated secondary flow. It was found that the transonic axial-flow compressor rotor used in current investigation was prone to tip stall behavior, and the complex flow mechanisms which occur near the blade tip are found to be the key factors for the limited flow stability both under high Reynolds number and low Reynolds number. Under high Reynolds number, the tip flow field was dominated by the low momentum zones generated by the interaction between tip leakage flow and incoming flow, and with the decrease of Reynolds number, the tip leakage flow was weakened and the low-momentum fluid due to the surface boundary layer separation and radial transport of low-energy fluid was dominant in the tip flow.
Regimen-Related Distress, Medication Adherence, and Glycemic Control in Rural African American Women With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Cummings Doyle M. , Lutes Lesley , Littlewood Kerry , DiNatale Emily , Hambidge Bertha , Schulman Kathleen , Morisky Donald E.
Published: June 2014

Background: Regimen-related emotional distress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with poor glycemic control, but the mediators of this relationship are not well described. Objective: This cross-sectional study at baseline examines these relationships, including the specific role of medication adherence in rural African American women. Methods: At baseline in the EMPOWER randomized trial, the investigators collected the following data: Regimen-Related Distress (RRD; subscale of the validated Diabetes Distress Scale), diabetes medications, medication adherence using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, and hemoglobin A1C (A1C). Results: The study enrolled 189 rural African American women with T2DM (mean age = 53 ± 11 years, A1C = 9.1% ± 1.8%, body mass index = 37.7% ± 8.2%; 61% on insulin); 56% reported elevated RRD (mean ≥ 3.0), and this was associated with significantly lower medication adherence (4.4 vs 6.4, P < 0.001) and significantly higher A1C (9.5% vs 8.6%, P < 0.001). In multivariate modeling, both elevated RRD (exp β = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.1-4.2; P < 0.05) and lower medication adherence (exp β = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.1-9.6; P < 0.05) were independently associated with higher A1C values. In mediation analysis, medication adherence was a significant mediator of the effects of RRD on A1C. Conclusion: Among rural African American women with T2DM, elevated levels of RRD were common and were associated with higher A1C values, in part via effects on medication adherence. Complex treatment regimens accompanied by psychological distress may be associated with poorer glycemic control.
Ultrasound for the non-invasive measurement of IC engine piston skirt lubricant films
Authors: Mills R , Dwyer-Joyce R
Published: June 2014

Measurements of piston skirt film thickness in-recoprocare are relatively scarce and generally require significant modification to a test engine. However, the trend of engine original equipment manufacturers to downsize capacities whilst maintaining power outputs, increases the demands placed on the piston components. As a result, the relative pressure loading on the piston skirt is increasing and requires that lubrication be optimised to maintain low friction. This paper outlines experimental skirt film thickness measurements obtained from a fired single cylinder engine using reflected ultrasound. The profile of the film structure is observed and an insight into some of the motions of the piston can be determined. This study shows that quantitative film thickness measurements can be made using ultrasound and which are comparable with other established techniques.
Intercollegiate Athletes and Sexual Violence
Authors: McCray Kristy L.
Published: June 2014

The 1990s saw the development of research on violence against women perpetrated by intercollegiate student-athletes. Research in this field stagnated during the last 15 years, despite the fact that this time period has evidenced multiple high-profile, even fatal, cases of violence against women at the hands of male student-athletes. These events prompted the Office of Civil Rights to call upon universities to more appropriately investigate and sanction perpetrators of sexual assault. The ensuing actions by universities are expected to bring a renewed focus on male student-athletes, requiring further research to explore student-athletes sexually abusing women. This article outlines the pertinent literature on violence against women by male student-athletes, and suggests future research using new institutionalism as a theoretical framework.
Paraoxonases function as unique protectors against cardiovascular diseases and diabetes: Updated experimental and clinical data
Authors: Li Y Robert , Zhu Hong , Kauffman Megan , Danelisen Igor , Misra Hara P , Ke Yuebin , Jia Zhenquan
Published: June 2014

Paraoxonase (PON) refers to a family of three enzymes, namely PON1, PON2, and PON3. PON1 and PON3 are found in circulation bound to high-density lipoprotein, whereas PON2 is an intracellular protein. PON1 was first discovered as an enzyme to hydrolyze the organophosphate pesticide paraoxon, an activity that both PON2 and PON3 lack. All three PON enzymes are able to degrade oxidized lipids and protect against oxidative stress. PON enzymes also act to suppress inflammation. Animal studies show a critical role for PON enzymes, especially PON1 in protecting against cardiovascular diseases and related disorders, including diabetes and metabolic syndrome. In line with the findings in experimental animals, accumulating evidence from clinical research also indicates that PON enzymes function as potential protectors in human cardiovascular diseases and related disorders. Identification of PON enzymes as important players in cardiovascular health will facilitate the development of novel preventive and therapeutic modalities targeting PON enzymes to combat cardiovascular diseases and related disorders, which collectively constitute the chief contributors to the global burden of disease. This review describes the biochemical properties and molecular regulation of PON and summarizes the major recent findings on the functions of PON in protecting against cardiovascular diseases and related disorders.
Metformin prevents LYRM1-induced insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes via a mitochondrial-dependent mechanism
Authors: Qin Zhen-Ying , Zhang Min , Dai Yong-mei , Wang Yu-Mei , Zhu Guan-zhong , Zhao Ya-Ping , Ji Chen-Bo , Qiu Jie , Cao Xin-Guo , Guo Xi-Rong
Published: June 2014

We previously proposed that LYR motif containing 1 (LYRM1)-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production contributes to obesity-related insulin resistance. Metformin inhibits ROS production and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in specific tissues. We assessed the effects of metformin on insulin resistance in LYRM1-over-expressing 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Metformin enhanced basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation, reduced IRS-1 and Akt phosphorylation and ROS levels, and affected the expression of regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis in LYRM1-over-expressing adipocytes. Metformin may ameliorate LYRM1-induced insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction in part via a direct antioxidant effect and in part by activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-PGC1/NRFs pathway.
Design of a Test System for the Development of Advanced Video Chips and Software Algorithms
Authors: Falkinger Marita , Kranzfelder Michael , Wilhelm Dirk , Stemp Verena , Koepf Susanne , Jakob Judith , Hille Andreas , Endress Wolfgang , Feussner Hubertus , Schneider Armin
Published: June 2014

Background. Visual deterioration is a crucial point in minimally invasive surgery impeding surgical performance. Modern image processing technologies appear to be promising approaches for further image optimization by digital elimination of disturbing particles. To make them mature for clinical application, an experimental test environment for evaluation of possible image interferences would be most helpful. Methods. After a comprehensive review of the literature (MEDLINE, IEEE, Google Scholar), a test bed for generation of artificial surgical smoke and mist was evolved. Smoke was generated by a fog machine and mist produced by a nebulizer. The size of resulting droplets was measured microscopically and compared with biological smoke (electrocautery) and mist (ultrasound dissection) emerging during minimally invasive surgical procedures. Results. The particles resulting from artificial generation are in the range of the size of biological droplets. For surgical smoke, the droplet dimension produced by the fog machine was 4.19 µm compared with 4.65 µm generated by electrocautery during a surgical procedure. The size of artificial mist produced by the nebulizer ranged between 45.38 and 48.04 µm compared with the range between 30.80 and 56.27 µm that was generated during minimally invasive ultrasonic dissection. Conclusion. A suitable test bed for artificial smoke and mist generation was developed revealing almost identical droplet characteristics as produced during minimally invasive surgical procedures. The possibility to generate image interferences comparable to those occurring during laparoscopy (electrocautery and ultrasound dissection) provides a basis for the future development of image processing technologies for clinical applications.
Prone ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Guérin Claude
Published: June 2014

Prone positioning has been used for many years in patients with acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with no clear benefit for patient outcome. Meta-analyses have suggested better survival in patients with an arterial oxygen tension (PaO2)/inspiratory oxygen fraction (FIO2) ratio <100 mmHg. A recent randomised controlled trial was performed in ARDS patients after a 12–24 h stabilisation period and severity criteria (PaO2/FIO2<150 mmHg at a positive end-expiratory pressure ≥5 cmH2O). This trial has demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality from 32.8% in the supine group to 16% in the prone group (p<0.001). The reasons for this dramatic effect are not clear but probably involves a reduction in ventilator-induced lung injury due to prone positioning, for which there is ample evidence in experimental and clinical studies.

The aims of this article are to discuss: the rationale of prone positioning in patients with ALI/ARDS; the evidence of its use based on trial analysis; and the limitations of its use as well as the current place of prone positioning in the management of patients with ALI/ARDS.

From the currently available data, prone positioning should be used as a first-line therapy in patients with severe ALI/ARDS.
Current approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Europe: the AIR survey
Authors: Cottin Vincent
Published: June 2014

This review presents the results of the 2013 Advancing IPF Research (AIR) survey, which assessed current approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by experienced physicians. A total of 149 physicians, predominantly from European countries, replied to the 28-question survey. The results of the AIR survey were compared with a similar survey of 509 French pulmonologists conducted by the French National Reference Centre and the Network of Regional Competence Centres for Rare Lung Diseases.

A number of positive findings emerged from the AIR survey, including the high level of multidisciplinary team involvement in both diagnosis and management. This survey, when taken together with the French survey, suggests that there is still a need to improve earlier diagnosis of IPF.