bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a Photoacoustic Gas Analyser for the Measurement of Functional Residual Capacity Using Multiple-Breath Inert Gas Washout
Authors: Gonem Sherif , Singer Florian , Corkill Steven , Singapuri Amisha , Siddiqui Salman , Gustafsson Per
Published: February 2014

Background: The respiratory mass spectrometer is the current gold-standard technique for performing multiple-breath inert gas washout (MBW), but is expensive and lacks portability. A number of alternative techniques have recently been described. Objectives: We aimed to validate, using an in vitro lung model, an open-circuit MBW system that utilises a portable photoacoustic gas analyser, with sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) as the inert tracer gas. Methods: An acrylic glass lung model was utilised to assess the accuracy of functional residual capacity (FRC) measurements derived from MBW. Measurements were performed in triplicate at 20 combinations of simulated FRC, tidal volume and respiratory rate. FRC measured using MBW (FRCmbw) was compared to FRC calculated from the known dimensions of the model (FRCcalc). MBW was also performed in 10 healthy subjects and 14 patients with asthma. Results: The MBW system measured FRC with high precision. The mean bias of FRCmbw with respect to FRCcalc was -0.4% (95% limits of agreement of -4.6 and 3.9%). The mean coefficient of variation of triplicate FRC measurements was 4.0% in vivo and 1.0% in vitro. MBW slightly underestimated low lung volumes and overestimated high lung volumes, but this did not cause a significant error in lung clearance index except at lung volumes below 1,500 ml. Conclusions: The open-circuit MBW system utilising SF6 as the inert tracer gas and a photoacoustic gas analyser is both accurate and repeatable within the adult range of lung volumes. Further modifications would be required before its use in young children or infants.
Usefulness of SNPs as Supplementary Markers in a Paternity Case with 3 Genetic Incompatibilities at Autosomal and Y Chromosomal Loci
Authors: Lindner Iris , von Wurmb-Schwark Nicole , Meier Patrick , Fimmers Rolf , Büttner Andreas
Published: February 2014

Background: In kinship testing, investigation of 15 short tandem repeats (STRs) usually provides decisive genetic information for resolving relationship cases. However, in complex deficiency cases, in cases with more than 2 mutations at different STR loci or when close (untested) relatives of the alleged father are suggested to be the biological father of the child, STR typing alone may not be sufficient. In these cases, the application of supplementary markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is recommended. Methods: We describe a paternity case with 3 genetic incompatibilities (Penta D, VWA, and DYS385) between the alleged father and the child after analyzing 23 autosomal and 16 Y chromosomal STR loci. The question arose as to whether the alleged father could be excluded and a related person could be the biological father of the child, or whether the observed genetic incompatibilities were mutations. Interestingly, the 2 excluded full brothers of the alleged father possessed identical genetic incompatibilities at locus VWA and DYS385 as the alleged father. Results and Conclusions: Additional performance of a 50-plex SNP assay demonstrated that the observed mismatches were indeed mutations and the alleged father was the biological father of the child. The results show the usefulness of SNPs as supplementary markers in relationship testing when STR analyses show ambiguous results.
A Short Note on Pseudohallucinations
Authors: Turner Mark A.
Published: February 2014

Pseudohallucinations are poorly understood, with clinicians continuing to rely on historical contributions to inform their views. There have been a number of recent attempts to develop a phenomenologically adequate theory of psychotic symptoms, yet the reciprocal dependence between the structure of such theories and the understanding of pseudohallucinations remains unexploited. This paper seeks to progress the debate about the nature of pseudohallucinations whilst simultaneously providing implicit support for a new two-factor theory of psychotic symptoms by relating the important historical contributions by Hare and Jaspers to the contemporary debate about the aetiology of psychotic symptoms. It will be argued that the focus of Hare and Jaspers on abnormal experience and vivid imagination have their respective analogues in recent theories of psychotic symptoms. It will be suggested, however, that an adequate theory requires a contribution from both processes and that this suggests that there are two types of pseudohallucinations. The paper implies that the concept of pseudohallucination is central to relating aetiological to phenomenological considerations and concludes by drawing out some of the implications of the proposals for understanding pseudohallucinations involving insight and complex psychotic symptoms.
Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: An Emotion Regulation Perspective
Authors: McKenzie Katherine C. , Gross James J.
Published: February 2014

Background: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is widely thought to serve an emotion-regulatory function. Method: The focus of the present paper is to provide a conceptual framework for understanding how NSSI might modify a person's emotions. Results: Drawing upon the process model of emotion regulation, we argue that 5 families of emotion regulation strategies may be engaged by NSSI. Individuals may engage in NSSI as an alternative to more distressing situations. They also may use NSSI to modify their social environment. Individuals may shift their attention away from unpleasant emotions or thoughts via NSSI. NSSI may change cognitions about the self via self-punishment or transformation of the self from higher-order to lower-order awareness. NSSI may also bring about various physiological effects, such as changes in endogenous opioids or parasympathetic nervous system activation, as a way of modulating emotional responses. Conclusion: Simply labeling NSSI as ‘emotion regulatory' does not tell us precisely what is going on. This is because at any given moment, NSSI can serve to regulate emotions in many different ways. One key challenge is to clarify the precise functions NSSI may be serving for a given individual in a particular context.
Testing of Integrated Human Papillomavirus mRNA Decreases Colposcopy Referrals: Could a Change in Human Papillomavirus Detection Methodology Lead to More Cost-Effective Patient Care?
Authors: Sauter Jennifer L. , Mount Sharon L. , St. John Timothy L. , Wojewoda Christina M. , Bryant Ronald J. , Leiman Gladwyn
Published: February 2014

Objectives: This study investigates potential colposcopy referral rates, as per the latest American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology recommendations, following the change in high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) detection methodology from Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) to APTIMA at our institution. Study Design: Rates of colposcopy referral were compared between two cohorts, each comprising all Pap samples with a diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) tested for HR-HPV in our laboratory during a 12-month period. Cohorts I and II included Pap samples tested with HC2 (n = 1,856) and APTIMA (n = 1,651), respectively. The rates of quantity not sufficient (QNS) results were determined for all Pap samples during the same time periods. Results: The proportion of HR-HPV-positive Pap samples with an ASCUS diagnosis was significantly lower with APTIMA (42%) than with HC2 (53%; p < 0.0001). APTIMA also resulted in a significantly lower QNS rate among all Pap samples (0.42 vs. 4.3% with HC2; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The change in HR-HPV detection methodology from HC2 to APTIMA has led to a 21% reduction in colposcopy referrals and a 90% decrease in QNS rates at our institution. The new methodology has resulted in more cost-effective patient care and fewer insufficient samples requiring repeat HR-HPV testing.
Balloon Dilatation of the Eustachian Tube: Postoperative Validation of Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Bast F. , Frank A. , Schrom T.
Published: February 2014

Objectives: The Eustachian tube is responsible for ventilation, protection and drainage of the middle ear. Dysfunction of the Eustachian tube can lead to impairments ranging from inadequate pressure equalisation in the middle ear and pneumatised mastoid process to cholesteatoma. Conventional surgical interventions for chronic tube dysfunction have not brought resounding clinical success. However, the ‘Bielefelder Balloon dilatation' constitutes a new and, judging from early results, very effective treatment for chronic tube dysfunction. Proof of the efficacy of the surgical procedures is provided by objective clinical factors, but for quality assurance, the assessment of the subjective quality of life of patients must also be taken into account. To measure health-related quality of life, standardised questionnaires are used which have been tested for reliability, validity and sensitivity. Methods: A total of 30 patients were included in the study. The patient survey was conducted retrospectively, and validation of patient satisfaction was carried out with the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). Results: GBI analysis revealed significant improvements in the total score as well as in general and physical health. Conclusions: The Bielefelder Balloon dilatation is a new and safe treatment for chronic tube dysfunction, which had a significant positive influence on the postoperative quality of life of our patient cohort.
Evaluation of Cerebral Oxygenation in Patients Undergoing Long-Term Hemodialysis
Authors: Hoshino Taro , Ookawara Susumu , Goto Sawako , Miyazawa Haruhisa , Ito Kiyonori , Ueda Yuichiro , Kaku Yoshio , Hirai Keiji , Nabata Aoi , Mori Honami , Yoshida Izumi , Tabei Kaoru
Published: February 2014

Background/Aims: Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) have higher occurrence rates of cerebral diseases, including uremic encephalopathy, cognitive impairment, dementia, and cerebrovascular disease, than the general population. During HD, ultrafiltration is performed to maintain an adequate fluid condition and is associated with subsequent blood volume (BV) reduction. We aimed to (1) monitor changes in cerebral oxygenation and BV reduction during HD, and (2) clarify the mechanism that influences cerebral oxygenation in HD patients. Methods: Eighteen HD patients and 12 healthy controls were recruited. Regional saturation of oxygen (rSO2) was continuously monitored in the frontal cortex using INVOS 5100C before, during, and after HD, and in healthy controls. Relative change in BV (%ΔBV) was simultaneously monitored during HD using a BV monitor. Results: Before HD, patients had significantly lower rSO2 values than controls (56.1 ± 1.4 vs. 70.4 ± 2.5%, p < 0.001). Although %ΔBV significantly decreased from 20 min to the end of HD (20 min: -3.3 ± 0.3%, p < 0.05; end of HD: -12.0 ± 1.0%, p < 0.01), changes in rSO2 values during HD were not significant. No relationship existed between rSO2 values and blood pressure levels, hemoglobin levels, oxygen pressure, HCO3- , oxygen saturation, and arterial O2 content before and after HD. Furthermore, changes in rSO2 were not correlated with changes in these parameters. Conclusion: rSO2 values before HD were significantly lower in HD patients than in healthy controls. rSO2 values were maintained during HD and were not influenced by BV reduction.
Decreased Levels of Lipoxin A4 and Annexin A1 in Wheezy Infants
Authors: Eke Gungor Hatice , Tahan Fulya , Gokahmetoglu Selma , Saraymen Berkay
Published: February 2014

Objective: Wheezing is a common and challenging health issue in infancy and early childhood. Asthma diagnosis is frequent in patients with a history of recurrent wheezing. A relationship has been reported between asthma and anti-inflammatory mediators such as lipoxin A4 and annexin A1. However, this remains uncertain in wheezy infants. The aim of the present study was to determine lipoxin A4 and annexin A1 levels in wheezy infants. Materials and Methods: Eighty-seven patients aged 6-36 months were included in this study. Demographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory data, clinical diagnoses, and treatments, if present, were recorded. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with wheezing (n = 59) and healthy controls (n = 28). Blood samples were taken and lipoxin A4 and annexin A1 levels were evaluated by ELISA. Results: Lipoxin A4 and annexin A1 levels were significantly lower in the wheezing group than in the control group (p < 0.05). A significant correlation was found between the serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level and the percentage and absolute number of eosinophils (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was found in terms of lipoxin A4 and annexin A1 levels, the serum total IgE level, and the percentage and absolute number of eosinophils among groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This is the first study to assess lipoxin A4 and annexin A1 levels in wheezy infants. The levels of lipoxin A4 and annexin A1 were found to be low in wheezy infants. We hope that these results will lead to novel therapeutic options for asthma in cases where an optimal treatment modality is lacking.
Fähigkeitsorientierte Verhaltenstherapie bei psychischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Muschalla Beate
Published: February 2014

Psychische Erkrankungen führen zu Beeinträchtigungen in alltäglichen Lebensvollzügen. In der Verhaltenstherapie haben Fähigkeitstrainings und der Aufbau kompensatorischer Verhaltensweisen schon immer eine wichtige Rolle gespielt. Dieser Artikel gibt einen anwendungsorientierten Überblick darüber, wie verhaltenstherapeutische Methoden und Techniken zur Verbesserung der häufig bei psychischen Erkrankungen beeinträchtigten ICF-basierten Fähigkeitsdimensionen (ICF = International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) genutzt werden können.
Psychological Impact of Male Breast Disorders: Literature Review and Survey Results
Authors: Kipling Mike , Ralph Jane E.M. , Callanan Keith
Published: February 2014

Background: Referrals of men to breast assessment clinics are increasing. While most of the men will have benign disease, some of them will have breast cancer. Whichever pathology they have, men should be offered a service tailored to their needs, rather than being ‘shoe-horned' into a service designed to care for women. This paper explores the psychological impact on men of their condition and of attending a breast assessment clinic. Methods: The literature regarding male experience of breast problems is reviewed, and screening for psychological morbidity is discussed. Results of a survey regarding an all-male breast assessment clinic are reported, with a plan for future research. Results: Many of the 78 men surveyed described negative feelings relating to their condition although they did not want to be seen in an all-male breast assessment clinic if that meant a longer wait. Men reported feelings of anxiety, embarrassment, emasculation and even depression regarding their condition. Conclusions: Men are distressed by gynaecomastia and need psychological support for any breast-related presentation. More formalised research into this area is needed, although the men's distress does not translate into the desire to attend an all-male assessment clinic if this means a longer wait before being seen.
Adjuvant Tamoxifen Influences the Lipid Profile in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Lin Che , Chen Li-Sheng , Kuo Shou-Jen , Chen Dar-Ren
Published: February 2014

Background: Currently there is a debate regarding whether tamoxifen used in breast cancer has an impact on lipid profiles. The aim of this study was to determine whether tamoxifen has an impact on the serum lipid profile in Taiwanese women. Patients and Methods: Data of 109 patients were collected from the routine clinical follow-up for women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who were treated between July 2005 and March 2008. These patients were divided into 2 subgroups, based on their tumor grade and lymph node status. Subgroup 1 patients had tumor grade I/II and a negative lymph node status. Those patients with tumor grade III or a positive lymph node status were defined as subgroup 2. Results: In the 109 patients, the mean serum total cholesterol (TC) levels after tamoxifen treatment, as well as the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, were lower than the baseline levels, with statistically significant differences. Treatment with tamoxifen lowered the serum TC and LDL-C levels in both subgroups. Conclusions: The results indicate that tamoxifen has an impact on the serum lipid profile of breast cancer patients in Taiwan. Physicians should follow up the lipid profile in these patients.
Prediction of Resection Weight in Reduction Mammaplasty Based on Anthropometric Measurements
Authors: Kececi Yavuz , Sir Emin
Published: February 2014

Background: The aim of this study was to develop a simple, clinically useful method to accurately predict resection weight in women undergoing reduction mammaplasty. Patients and Methods: 39 women undergoing breast reduction participated in the study. Sternal notch to nipple distance, nipple to inframammary fold distance (NIMF), medial end point to nipple distance (MN), lateral endpoint to nipple distance (LN), superior border of the breast to nipple distance (SN), breast circumference (BC), and chest circumference (CC) were measured. 5 other predicting variables were also derived; horizontal breast measurement (H) by adding MN to LN, vertical breast measurement (V) by adding NIMF to SN, the product of H and V (H*V), the product of H and NIMF (H*NIMF), and the difference between BC and CC (D). Regression analysis was used to compose a formula for predicting resection weight. Results: Among the predicting variables, H*NIMF measurements had the highest correlation coefficient value (Pearson correlation = 0.809) with the resection weight. The following formula was obtained with regression analysis: Predicted resection weight = (1.45 × H*NIMF) + (31.5 × D) - 576. Conclusion: Breast resection weights can be accurately predicted by the presented method based on anthropomorphic measurements.
Cardiac Tolerability of Concurrent Administration of Trastuzumab and Anthracycline-Based Regimen as Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Watanabe Naoki , Otsuka Shoko , Sasaki Yoko , Shimojima Reiko , Wani Yoji , Uchino Kaori
Published: February 2014

Background: Retrospective analysis suggests that anthracycline-containing regimens may be superior to non-anthracycline-containing regimens in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. However, both trastuzumab and anthracycline have cardiotoxicity, and it remains unclear how to use trastuzumab in combination with an anthracycline to curtail their cardiotoxicity. Patients and Methods: From 2010 to 2013, we administered weekly (q1w) paclitaxel (wP) followed by 75 mg/m2 epirubicin, fluorouracil, and cyclophosphamide (FEC) every third week (q3w) and concurrent q1w trastuzumab (H) to 41 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer (H+ group), and wP followed by FEC100 without trastuzumab to 57 patients who were HER2-negative (H- group). We routinely assessed the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by echocardiography, at the time of initiation, after wP, and after FEC, and compared them between these 2 groups. Results: LVEF decreased from 63.2 to 60.9% (p = 0.030) in the H+ group and from 63.9 to 61.9% (p = 0.009) in the H- group. These 2 groups showed no significant difference in the reduction rate of LVEF over the period of chemotherapy (0.968 vs. 0.978: NS, p = 0.6457). There was no severe cardiotoxicity or congestive heart failure in either group. Conclusion: Concurrent administration of epirubicin (q3w, 75 mg/m2) and trastuzumab showed no less cardiac tolerability in an adjuvant setting.
Nutrition and Epigenetics in Human Health
Authors: Murray Robert , Burdge Graham C. , Godfrey Keith M. , Lillycrop Karen A.
Published: February 2014

Adult-onset diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are now highly prevalent in both developed and developing countries. Evidence from both human and animal studies shows that the prenatal and early postnatal environments can influence susceptibility to chronic diseases in later life. The mechanisms by which the early life environment influences future disease risk have been suggested to include the altered epigenetic regulation of gene expression. In this article, we will review how the early life environment alters the epigenome leading to an altered susceptibility to disease in later life and how our understanding of the underlying mechanisms may allow the development of new intervention strategies to reduce the burden of disease in later life.
Ziele und Grenzen verhaltenstherapeutischer Behandlung bei einer Patientin mit lebensbedrohlicher Krebserkrankung: Ein Fallbericht
Authors: Härtl Kristin
Published: February 2014

Hintergrund: Bei einer Patientin mit lebensbedrohlichem Ovarialkarzinom (Eierstockkrebs) wurden 3 Jahre nach Erstdiagnose Metastasen in Leber und Lymphknoten festgestellt. In der Folge entwickelte sie eine schwere, rezidivierende depressive Störung, die zu längeren stationären Aufenthalten in einer psychiatrischen Klinik führte. Falldarstellung: Die vorliegende Kasuistik beschreibt eine ambulante Verhaltenstherapie der Patientin. Durch einen Progress der Erkrankung im letzten Drittel der Therapie wurde die Angst der Patientin vor Sterben und Tod erneut sehr verstärkt. Ziele der Verhaltenstherapie waren die Auseinandersetzung mit der lebensbedrohlichen Krebserkrankung und die Reduktion der depressiven Symptome. Dargestellt werden die im Rahmen der Therapie durchgeführten Interventionen sowie der Therapieverlauf und Ergebnisse. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Kasuistik liefert einen Beitrag zu den Möglichkeiten psychologischer Hilfe bei prognostisch ungünstigen Krebserkrankungen, zeigt aber auch Grenzen der Verhaltenstherapie bei onkologischen Patienten auf, die abschließend betrachtet werden.
Purpura of the Face and Neck: An Atypical Clinical Presentation Revealing a Hepatosplenic T Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Kuonen François , Bucher Maya , de Leval Laurence , Vernez Maxime , Gilliet Michel , Conrad Curdin , Feldmeyer Laurence
Published: February 2014

Background: Hepatosplenic T cell lymphoma (HSTL) is a rare but very aggressive peripheral T cell lymphoma whose initial silent clinical presentation unfortunately delays the diagnosis and worsens the prognosis of patient survival. Efforts should be aimed at early recognition and treatment. Methods: We describe a case of a 62-year-old woman who presented at our clinic with a non-palpable purpuric eruption of the face. Investigations revealed thrombocytopenia with hepatosplenomegaly, which showed rapid progression together with accentuation of the purpura. Two months later, a bone marrow biopsy revealed the diagnosis of a HSTL. Results: The patient received six cycles of CHOP chemotherapy (vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, methylprednisolone) followed by a well-tolerated autologous bone marrow graft. Normalization of the platelet count resulted in regression of the purpuric rash. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report of a facial thrombocytopenic purpura as the inaugural symptom of HSTL. It emphasizes the privileged position of the dermatologist for early recognition of potentially lethal HSTL.
Interferon lambda 3 rs12979860 polymorphism in patients with haemophilia and HCV infection: a predictor of spontaneous viral clearance and sustained virological response
Authors: Linari Silvia , Aghemo Alessio , Bartolozzi Dario , Santagostino Elena , Rumi Maria Grazia , Fognani Elisa , Fasulo Maria Rosaria , Gragnani Laura , Bruno Raffaele , Morfini Massimo , Zignego Anna Linda , Colombo Massimo , Mancuso Maria Elisa
Published: February 2014

Chronic hepatitis C is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in adult haemophilic patients who received non-virally inactivated plasma-derived clotting factor concentrates. Overall, spontaneous viral clearance rate is 10–25% and the only approach that can halt disease progression is hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication by means of antiviral therapy. In non-haemophilic patients a single nucleotide polymorphism located upstream the gene of interferon lambda 3 (IFNλ3) has been associated with both spontaneous viral clearance and sustained virological response after antiviral treatment. The aim of this study was to assess whether the rs12979860 polymorphism was a predictor of spontaneous viral clearance and of sustained virological response after antiviral therapy in a large cohort of haemophilic patients with HCV infection. The rs12979860 polymorphism, defined as CC genotype or T allele, was tested in a cohort of 342 haemophilic patients and evaluated as predictor of spontaneous clearance or response to antiviral therapy. By multivariate regression analysis the IFNλ3 CC genotype was an independent predictor of spontaneous viral clearance (odds ratio: 3.7, 95% confidence interval: 2.0–6.8). Sustained virological response rates were doubled in patients with the CC genotype than in those with the T allele (78% vs 44%; p<0.001), especially in patients with HCV type 1 (67% vs 32%; p<0.001) and higher sustained response rates were observed in patients with the CC genotype who did not achieve rapid virological response (61% vs 30% in T allele patients; p=0.006).
Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Antiarrhythmic Medication for Treatment of Ventricular Premature Beats From the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract
Authors: Ling Zhiyu , Liu Zengzhang , Su Li , Zipunnikov Vadim , Wu Jinjin , Du Huaan , Woo Kamsang , Chen Shaojie , Zhong Bin , Lan Xianbin , Fan Jinqi , Xu Yanping , Chen Weijie , Yin Yuehui , Nazarian Saman , Zrenner Bernhard
Published: February 2014

Background—

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) versus antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) for treatment of patients with frequent ventricular premature beats (VPBs) originating from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT).

Methods and Results—

A total of 330 eligible patients were included in the study and were randomly assigned to RFCA or AADs group. The absolute number and the burden of VPBs on 12-lead Holter monitors were measured at baseline and at 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months after randomization. Left ventricular eject fraction was evaluated by transthoracic echocardiogram at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after randomization. During the 1-year follow-up period, VPB recurrence was significantly lower in patients randomized to RFCA group (32 patients, 19.4%) versus AADs group (146 patients, 88.6%;
P
<0.001, log-rank test). In a Poisson generalized estimating equations (GEE) regression model, RFCA was associated with a greater decrease in the burden of VPBs (incidence rate ratio 0.105; 95% confidence intervals [0.104–0.105];
P
<0.001) compared with AADs. In a liner GEE model, the left ventricular eject fraction had a tendency to increase after the treatment in both groups (coefficient, 0.584; 95% confidence intervals [0.467–0.702];
P
<0.001). In a Cox proportional model, the QS morphology in lead I was the only predictor of VPB recurrence free for catheter ablation (hazards ratio, 0.154; 95% confidence intervals [0.044–0.543];
P
=0.004).

Conclusions—

Catheter ablation is more efficacious than AADs for preventing VPB recurrence in patients with frequent VPBs originating from the RVOT. QS morphology in lead I was associated with better outcome after ablation.
Risk for Myocardial Infarction and Stroke After Community-Acquired Bacteremia
Authors: Dalager-Pedersen Michael , Søgaard Mette , Schønheyder Henrik Carl , Nielsen Henrik , Thomsen Reimar Wernich
Published: February 2014

Background—

Infections may trigger acute cardiovascular events, but the risk after community-acquired bacteremia is unknown. We assessed the risk for acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke within 1 year of community-acquired bacteremia.

Methods and Results—

This population-based cohort study was conducted in Northern Denmark. We included 4389 hospitalized medical patients with positive blood cultures obtained on the day of admission. Patients hospitalized with bacteremia were matched with up to 10 general population controls and up to 5 acutely admitted nonbacteremic controls, matched on age, sex, and calendar time. All incident events of myocardial infarction and stroke during the following 365 days were ascertained from population-based healthcare databases. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for myocardial infarction and stroke among bacteremia patients and their controls. The risk for myocardial infarction or stroke was greatly increased within 30 days of community-acquired bacteremia: 3.6% versus 0.2% among population controls (adjusted relative risk, 20.86; 95% CI, 15.38–28.29) and 1.7% among hospitalized controls (adjusted relative risk, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.80–2.65). The risks for myocardial infarction or stroke remained modestly increased from 31 to 180 days after bacteremia in comparison with population controls (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.18–2.27), but not versus hospitalized controls (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.69–1.32). No differences in cardiovascular risk were seen after >6 months. Increased 30-day risks were consistently found for a variety of etiologic agents and infectious foci.

Conclusions—

Community-acquired bacteremia is associated with increased short-term risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.
Transient Ischemic Attack Requiring Hospitalization of Children in the United States
Authors: Adil Malik M. , Qureshi Adnan I. , Beslow Lauren A. , Jordan Lori C.
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose—

Transient ischemic attacks (TIA) are not well described in children. We assessed the prevalence of risk factors for TIA requiring hospitalization in children in a large national database.

Methods—

Using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids’ Inpatient Database, children aged 1 to 18 years admitted for TIA in 2003, 2006, and 2009 were identified by
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
code 435. Descriptive analyses identified patient characteristics. Trend analysis determined the change in annual average hospitalization days from 2003 to 2009.

Results—

TIA was the primary diagnosis for 531 children. Important secondary diagnoses included sickle cell disease (20%), congenital heart disease (11%), migraine (12%), moyamoya disease (10%), and stroke (4%). Mean length of stay decreased from 3.0 days (95% confidence interval, 2.4–3.6) in 2003 to 2.3 days (95% confidence interval, 2.0–2.7) in 2009 (
P
=0.04). During the same period, 2590 children were admitted with ischemic stroke; 4.8 children with stroke were admitted for every child with TIA.

Conclusions—

Recognized risk factors for TIA, including sickle cell disease, congenital heart disease, moyamoya, recent stroke, and migraine, were present in <60% of children. Pediatric admissions for ischemic stroke were ≈5-fold more common than for TIA. Further study is required to understand the risk of stroke after TIA in children to guide appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Variation in Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders for Patients With Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kelly Adam G. , Zahuranec Darin B. , Holloway Robert G. , Morgenstern Lewis B. , Burke James F.
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose—

Decisions on life-sustaining treatments and the use of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders can affect early mortality after stroke. We investigated the variation in early DNR use after stroke among hospitals in California and the effect of this variation on mortality-based hospital classifications.

Methods—

Using the California State Inpatient Database from 2005 to 2011, ischemic stroke admissions for patients aged ≥50 years were identified. Cases were categorized by the presence or the absence of DNR orders within the first 24 hours of admission. Multilevel logistic regression models with a random hospital intercept were used to predict inpatient mortality after adjusting for comorbidities, vascular risk factors, and demographics. Hospital mortality rank order was assigned based on this model and compared with the results of a second model that included DNR status.

Results—

From 355 hospitals, 252 368 cases were identified, including 33 672 (13.3%) with early DNR. Hospital-level–adjusted use of DNR varied widely (quintile 1, 2.2% versus quintile 5, 23.2%). Hospitals with higher early DNR use had higher inpatient mortality because inpatient mortality more than doubled from quintile 1 (4.2%) to quintile 5 (8.7%). Failure to adjust for DNR orders resulted in substantial hospital reclassification across the rank spectrum, including among high mortality hospitals.

Conclusions—

There is wide variation in the hospital-level proportion of ischemic stroke patients with early DNR orders; this variation affects hospital mortality estimates. Unless the circumstances of early DNR orders are better understood, mortality-based hospital comparisons may not reliably identify hospitals providing a lower quality of care.
Like Windows to Another World: Constructing a Systematic Typology of Pictorial Mediums
Authors: Ettlinger Or
Published: February 2014

Recent developments in image technology have significantly expanded the range of existing pictorial mediums. Painting, photography and film have been joined by video games, holograms and augmented reality, while newer technologies keep appearing. Given this growing variety of new mediums, what does the term medium even mean today? Is it possible to categorize them into a systematic typology of pictorial mediums? This article approaches these issues by reconsidering the meaning of medium. It builds on Leon Battista Alberti’s metaphor of a painting as a window to another world and explores what types of windows there might be.
Full Body Acting Rehearsal in a Networked Virtual Environment — A Case Study
Authors: Normand Jean-Marie , Spanlang Bernhard , Tecchia Franco , Carrozzino Marcello , Swapp David , Slater Mel
Published: February 2014

In order to rehearse for a play or a scene from a movie, it is generally required that the actors are physically present at the same time in the same place. In this paper we present an example and experience of a full body motion shared virtual environment (SVE) for rehearsal. The system allows actors and directors to meet in an SVE in order to rehearse scenes for a play or a movie, that is, to perform some dialogue and blocking (positions, movements, and displacements of actors in the scene) rehearsal through a full body interactive virtual reality (VR) system. The system combines immersive VR rendering techniques as well as network capabilities together with full body tracking. Two actors and a director rehearsed from separate locations. One actor and the director were in London (located in separate rooms) while the second actor was in Barcelona. The Barcelona actor used a wide field-of-view head-tracked head-mounted display, and wore a body suit for real-time motion capture and display. The London actor was in a Cave system, with head and partial body tracking. Each actor was presented to the other as an avatar in the shared virtual environment, and the director could see the whole scenario on a desktop display, and intervene by voice commands. A video stream in a window displayed in the virtual environment also represented the director. The London participant was a professional actor, who afterward commented on the utility of the system for acting rehearsal. It was concluded that full body tracking and corresponding real-time display of all the actors' movements would be a critical requirement, and that blocking was possible down to the level of detail of gestures. Details of the implementation, actors, and director experiences are provided.
The Recalibration Effect of Time Perception Using a Virtual Environment
Authors: Cha Kyung-Ae , Hong Sung-Bin , Woo Sung-Ho , Kim Hyun Taek
Published: February 2014

It has been demonstrated that recalibrations of audio-visual asynchrony are likely to occur in sensory processing rather than in the higher domains of cognition in the brain. The aim of the present study was to investigate recalibration of time perception to judge auditory and visual input simultaneity using a virtual environment (VE). A virtual corridor built for this experiment has depth of field, and includes six light sources (light-emitting diodes, LEDs) affixed on a computer monitor, which appear to be situated at different distances. Subjects in the VE were presented with both the flashes of LEDs and associated bursts of white noise with random stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA). Even though the auditory and visual stimuli were presented from the same distance on the display device, the subjects showed different time recalibration effects (TREs) depending on subjects' tendencies of immersion in VE. The results suggest that the differences in the TREs can be explained by subject-specific tendencies such as absorption to stimuli, which can construct subjective reality in top-down processing. Future research on neural substrates of recalibration for simultaneity will contribute toward understanding of how the brain creates the representation of spatiotemporal coherence.
Impact of Birth Order on Religious Behaviors among College Students Raised by Highly Religious Mormon Parents
Authors: Chou Hui-Tzu Grace , Elison Sanni
Published: February 2014

This study examined the impact of birth order on religious behaviors among college students raised by two highly religious Mormon parents. It is argued that individuals raised in the same religious family might not be equally religious due to some differential childhood experiences based on their birth-order ranking. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by undergraduate students taking classes at a state university in Utah. Results of a multivariate analysis, based on participants coming from highly religious Mormon families, indicated that earlier-borns showed a higher Mormon religiosity than later-borns.
Aquatic tardigrades in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee, U.S.A., with the description of a new species of Thulinius (Tardigrada, Isohypsibiidae)
Authors: BERTOLANI ROBERTO , BARTELS PAUL J. , GUIDETTI ROBERTO , CESARI MICHELE , NELSON DIANE R.
Published: February 2014

As part of the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (http://www.dlia.org), an extensive survey of tardigrades has been conducted in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) in Tennessee and North Carolina, U.S.A., by Bartels and Nelson. Freshwater tardigrades include three species in the aquatic genus Thulinius (Eutardigrada, Isohypsibiidae). A new species, Thulinius romanoi, described from stream sediment, is distinguished from all other congeners by having a sculptured cuticle. In addition, the presence of Thulinius augusti (Murray, 1907) was verified by combined morphological and molecular analysis, and nine specimens of a third species, Thulinius cf. saltursus, were also found. Thulinius augusti is a new record for the United States. Thulinius saltursus (Schuster, Toftner & Grigarick, 1978) was previously recorded in California and Ohio, but our specimens vary slightly in morphology. The list of tardigrades from streams in the GSMNP was updated to a total of 44 species, 22 of which were predominantly or exclusively aquatic.
Callogobius liolepis Bleeker, a senior synonym of Gobiopsis aporia Lachner and McKinney (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Gobiopsis)
Authors: DELVENTHAL NAOMI R. , MOOI RANDALL D.
Published: February 2014

Callogobius liolepis Bleeker in Koumans was briefly described from two specimens from Ambon. A later, more detailed description by Koumans was apparently based on Bleeker’s unpublished description and specimens of C. okinawae (Snyder), considerably complicating the taxonomy of several species. Re-examination of the syntypes identifies C. liolepis as a species of the genus Gobiopsis Steindachner due to the absence of raised vertical ridges of papillae that characterise Callogobius and the presence of barbels in a pattern unique among gobiids to a subset of Gobiopsis. Gobiopsis liolepis (Bleeker) is determined as the senior synonym of G. aporia Lachner and McKinney based on the absence of head pores combined with the presence of a series of tightly spaced papillae over the eye, lateral scale counts of 36–42, pectoral-fin ray counts of 20–21, dorsal-fin ray counts VI+I,10 and anal-fin ray counts of I,9. The larger syntype is designated the lectotype and the smaller the paralectotype. Specimens identified as C. liolepis in museums or the literature are likely referable to C. okinawae (Snyder) or C. bifasciatus (Smith).
A remarkable new genus of Tettigarctidae (Insecta, Hemiptera, Cicadoidea) from the Middle Jurassic of northeastern China
Authors: CHEN JUN , WANG BO , ZHANG HAICHUN , WANG XIAOLI
Published: February 2014

Tianyuprosbole zhengi, a remarkable new genus and species of Tettigarctidae (Insecta, Hemiptera, Cicadoidea), is described based on a whole-bodied fossil from the Middle Jurassic of Daohugou, northeastern China. The new species possesses a tegmen similar to that of Cicadoprosbole, the type genus of Cicadoprosbolinae, and has an exceedingly expanded pronotum as the extant genus Tettigarcta. This specimen provides new insights in the evolution and taxonomy of tettigarctids.
Late Winter Sea Ice in the Bering Sea: Predictor for Maize and Rice Production in Northeast China
Authors: Zhou Mengzi , Wang Huijun
Published: February 2014

In this research, the linkage between late winter Bering Sea ice and maize/rice yields in northeastern China (NEC) is investigated. Results show that such ice influences NEC crop production and thus can be employed to predict harvest amounts. Further investigation reveals that positive anomalies of late winter sea ice cover can persist until spring and that spring sea ice can strengthen North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) positive-phase patterns, and vice versa. NPO significantly affects sea surface temperature (SST) over the North Pacific Ocean through sea–air interaction—in particular, in the Kuroshio region—that may persist until summer. In association with the positive SST anomalies, the polar vortex weakens and the western Pacific subtropical high strengthens, resulting in the convergence of southern and northern air masses over NEC. Moreover, both the southerly flow along the western flank of the western Pacific subtropical high and the easterly flow from the Japan Sea and the central Pacific region supply more water vapor transport; thus, an anomalous water vapor convergence center appears in NEC. With the anomalous updrafts, NEC exhibits positive precipitation anomalies. The greenhouse effect of water vapor results in an increase in minimum temperature, thereby leading to a decrease in diurnal temperature range (DTR). This increase in minimum temperature and decrease in DTR are primary factors favoring increases in rice and maize yields, respectively.
University deferrers in metropolitan and non-metropolitan Victoria: A longitudinal study
Authors: Polesel John , Klatt Malgorzata
Published: February 2014

This article investigates the phenomenon of university deferral and its impact on regional youth in Australia. It seeks to compare and contrast the post-school pathways and experiences of metropolitan and non-metropolitan deferrers over a period of three years following completion of school, with a view to establishing the unique characteristics of the barriers faced by non-metropolitan deferrers in Australia. Our research indicates that regional school completers are twice as likely to defer as school completers from the city. Three years out from school, a little over two-thirds of the regional deferrers in our study ended up at university. However, this still means that about one-third never took up their offer or dropped out soon after doing so. Financial stresses and travel-related factors seem to be the biggest barriers to taking up their place at university, particularly in the first year out of school.
Building Strategically Aligned Individualized Education Programs for Transition
Authors: Flannery K. Brigid , Hellemn Lisa A.
Published: February 2014

The Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students 16 years of age or above must address specific transition components. Studies to date have focused on the presence and quality of these transition components, yet the alignment of these components and their role in leading the development of the IEP is just as critical. This qualitative study examines the change in teachers’ understanding of and alignment between IEP components (i.e., present levels, annual goals, postsecondary goals, course of study) after participation in professional development. The results indicate that after the targeted intervention, teachers are more fluent in describing the components of the IEP, as well as in their awareness of alignment and ability to describe the relationship between these components.
Men and Women in Marriage: Does it Add Up?
Authors: Biggar Nigel
Published: February 2014

Men and Women in Marriage argues on three grounds that marriage should be confined to heterosexual couples: that the procreation of children, or at least ‘openness’ to it, is essential to marriage; that the sexual complementarity of parents is necessary for the fostering of right relations between men and women; and that this is what both Scripture and natural law tell us. This article subjects these grounds to critical analysis and finds each of them wanting, in part because the last two lack any evident empirical corroboration.
Jesus as a superhero?
Authors: Hayes A. D. R.
Published: February 2014

Superhero narratives have abounded in popular culture in the last decade and evidence is emerging that this may be having an effect on the way that some churches talk about the person of Jesus. While this trend might be light hearted in tone it is no less dangerous to our theology. This article outlines some of the key differences between Jesus and superheroes by recalling the radicalness of Jesus’ own mission.
Building sacraments*
Authors: Platten Stephen
Published: February 2014

The nature and architecture of church buildings and their context relate directly to the liturgy and what the buildings say theologically. This is true to some extent of all buildings in terms of function and context. Church buildings, however, are also in a broad sense sacramental and speak directly of the Christian faith. All these factors are significant as we plan liturgy and seek to reorder our church buildings.