bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a single bout of walking exercise on blood coagulation parameters in obese women
Authors: Lamprecht Manfred , Moussalli Herve , Ledinski Gerhard , Leschnik Bettina , Schlagenhauf Axel , Koestenberger Martin , Polt Guenter , Cvirn Gerhard
Published: April 2013

Obesity is associated with increased prevalence of thromboembolic events. We aimed to investigate whether obese women might benefit from vigorous aerobic exercise. Forty-two overweight and obese women performed a 30-min walking exercise test (treadmill ergometer) at an intensity of 70% of individual peak oxygen uptake. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after exercise. Thrombelastometry and platelet function measurements were performed on whole blood. Standard coagulation times, thrombin generation curves, markers of thrombin generation, fibrinolytic parameters, plasma levels of pro- and anticoagulatory factors, and microparticle procoagulant activity were determined in platelet-poor plasma samples. Thrombelastometry revealed a significant prolongation of clot formation time ( P = 0.037) and a significant deceleration of fibrin build up (alpha angle, P = 0.034) after exercise. Calibrated automated thrombography revealed a significant exercise-induced decrease in endogenous thrombin potential ( P = 0.039). Moreover, thrombin formation stopped earlier postexercise, reflected in shortened StartTail ( P = 0.046). Significantly elevated tissue-plasminogen activator levels ( P = 0.001) indicate an exercise-induced activation of the fibrinolytic system. White blood cell count increased significantly from pre- to postexercise ( P = 0.045), indicating a mild exercise-induced leukocytosis. The results of this study demonstrate that vigorous aerobic exercise might be a suitable tool to protect obese women from thrombotic events. We show that a single bout of vigorous aerobic exercise is clearly associated with an activation of the fibrinolytic system and a decreased readiness of the postexercise samples to form a clot and to generate thrombin, the pivotal enzyme of hemostasis.
Human standing: does the control strategy preprogram a rigid knee?
Authors: Di Giulio Irene , Baltzopoulos Vasilios , Maganaris Constantinos N. , Loram Ian D.
Published: April 2013

Human standing requires control of multisegmental configuration. Does the postural system normally allow flexible adjustment of configuration, or does it minimize degrees of freedom at the ankle, knee, and hip joints? Gentle, external, unpredictable, sagittal, mechanical perturbations (randomized force, 1–10 N; duration, 0.2–2 s; and leg) were applied to either knee of 24 healthy participants who stood symmetrically for 200 s. The translation of knee perturbation force to ankle, knee, and hip joint rotations in the perturbed and unperturbed legs was studied. We assessed whether consequent joint rotations indicated a stiff configuration-conserving or viscous energy-absorbing relationship to the knee perturbation. Two distinctive response patterns were observed. Twenty-two participants showed limited knee flexion and high ankle stiffness, whereas two participants showed substantial knee flexion, low ankle stiffness, measurable internal rotation of the unperturbed hip (0.4 ± 0.3 vs. 3.0 ± 1°, 5.7 ± 17 vs. 0.5 ± 0.3 N/°, 1.1 ± 0.4°, respectively; mean ± SD), and a viscous relationship between perturbation force and subsequent ankle flexion, knee flexion, and perturbed and unperturbed hip internal rotation. The size of knee-flexion response to knee perturbations was uncorrelated with the extent of unperturbed standing sway. Normal standing conceals a large interindividual range in leg control strategies, indicating adaptive potential to progress with development and skill acquisition and decline with age, disease, injury, and fear. Commonly, leg configuration was maintained stiffly. Less commonly, a bilateral, low-stiffness, energy-absorbing strategy utilizing the available degrees of freedom was shown. We propose that identification of individual coordination strategy has diagnostic and prognostic potential in relation to perceptual-posture-movement-fall interactions.
ATM Kinase Inhibition Preferentially Sensitizes p53-Mutant Glioma to Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Biddlestone-Thorpe Laura , Sajjad Muhammad , Rosenberg Elizabeth , Beckta Jason M. , Valerie Nicholas C.K. , Tokarz Mary , Adams Bret R. , Wagner Alison F. , Khalil Ashraf , Gilfor Donna , Golding Sarah E. , Deb Sumitra , Temesi David G. , Lau Alan , O'Connor Mark J. , Choe Kevin S. , Parada Luis F. , Lim Sang Kyun , Mukhopadhyay Nitai D. , Valerie Kristoffer
Published: April 2013

Purpose: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal form of brain cancer with a median survival of only 12 to 15 months. Current standard treatment consists of surgery followed by chemoradiation. The poor survival of patients with GBM is due to aggressive tumor invasiveness, an inability to remove all tumor tissue, and an innate tumor chemo- and radioresistance. Ataxia–telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is an excellent target for radiosensitizing GBM because of its critical role in regulating the DNA damage response and p53, among other cellular processes. As a first step toward this goal, we recently showed that the novel ATM kinase inhibitor KU-60019 reduced migration, invasion, and growth, and potently radiosensitized human glioma cells in vitro.

Experimental Design: Using orthotopic xenograft models of GBM, we now show that KU-60019 is also an effective radiosensitizer in vivo. Human glioma cells expressing reporter genes for monitoring tumor growth and dispersal were grown intracranially, and KU-60019 was administered intratumorally by convection-enhanced delivery or osmotic pump.

Results: Our results show that the combined effect of KU-60019 and radiation significantly increased survival of mice 2- to 3-fold over controls. Importantly, we show that glioma with mutant p53 is much more sensitive to KU-60019 radiosensitization than genetically matched wild-type glioma.

Conclusions: Taken together, our results suggest that an ATM kinase inhibitor may be an effective radiosensitizer and adjuvant therapy for patients with mutant p53 brain cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 19(12); 3189–200. ©2013 AACR.
Clinical Activity and Safety of Combination Therapy with Temsirolimus and Bevacizumab for Advanced Melanoma: A Phase II Trial (CTEP 7190/Mel47)
Authors: Slingluff Craig L. , Petroni Gina R. , Molhoek Kerrington R. , Brautigan David L. , Chianese-Bullock Kimberly A. , Shada Amber L. , Smolkin Mark E. , Olson Walter C. , Gaucher Alison , Chase Cheryl Murphy , Grosh William W. , Weiss Geoffrey R. , Wagenseller Aubrey G. , Olszanski Anthony J. , Martin Lainie , Shea Sofia M. , Erdag Gulsun , Ram Prahlad , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Weber Michael J.
Published: April 2013

Purpose: A CTEP-sponsored phase II trial was conducted to evaluate safety and clinical activity of combination therapy with CCI-779 (temsirolimus) and bevacizumab in patients with advanced melanoma.

Experimental Design: Patients with unresectable stage III to IV melanoma were treated intravenously with temsirolimus 25 mg weekly and bevacizumab 10 mg every 2 weeks. Adverse events were recorded using CTCAE v3.0. Tumor response was assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors and overall survival was recorded. Correlative studies measured protein kinases and histology of tumor biopsies and immune function in peripheral blood.

Results: Seventeen patients were treated. Most patients tolerated treatment well, but 2 had grade 4 lymphopenia and 1 developed reversible grade 2 leukoencephalopathy. Best clinical response was partial response (PR) in 3 patients [17.7%, 90% confidence interval (CI) 5, 0–39.6], stable disease at 8 weeks (SD) in 9 patients, progressive disease (PD) in 4 patients, and not evaluable in 1 patient. Maximal response duration for PR was 35 months. Ten evaluable patients had BRAFWT tumors, among whom 3 had PRs, 5 had SD, and 2 had PD. Correlative studies of tumor biopsies revealed decreased phospho-S6K (d2 and d23 vs. d1, P < 0.001), and decreased mitotic rate (Ki67+) among melanoma cells by d23 (P = 0.007). Effects on immune functions were mixed, with decreased alloreactive T-cell responses and decreased circulating CD4+FoxP3+ cells.

Conclusion: These data provide preliminary evidence for clinical activity of combination therapy with temsirolimus and bevacizumab, which may be greater in patients with BRAFwt melanoma. Mixed effects on immunologic function also support combination with immune therapies. Clin Cancer Res; 19(13); 3611–20. ©2013 AACR.
MPT0B098, a Novel Microtubule Inhibitor That Destabilizes the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α mRNA through Decreasing Nuclear–Cytoplasmic Translocation of RNA-Binding Protein HuR
Authors: Cheng Yun-Ching , Liou Jing-Ping , Kuo Ching-Chuan , Lai Wen-Yang , Shih Kuang-Hsing , Chang Chi-Yen , Pan Wen-Yu , Tseng Joseph T. , Chang Jang-Yang
Published: April 2013

Microtubule inhibitors have been shown to inhibit hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression through inhibition translation or enhancing protein degradation. Little is known of the effect of microtubule inhibitors on the stability of HIF-1α mRNA. We recently discovered a novel indoline–sulfonamide compound, 7-aryl-indoline-1-benzene-sulfonamide (MPT0B098), as a potent microtubule inhibitor through binding to the colchicine-binding site of tubulin. MPT0B098 is active against the growth of various human cancer cells, including chemoresistant cells with IC50 values ranging from 70 to 150 nmol/L. However, normal cells, such as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), exhibit less susceptibility to the inhibitory effect of MPT0B098 with IC50 of 510 nmol/L. Similar to typical microtubule inhibitors, MPT0B098 arrests cells in the G2–M phase and subsequently induces cell apoptosis. In addition, MPT0B098 effectively suppresses VEGF-induced cell migration and capillary-like tube formation of HUVECs. Distinguished from other microtubule inhibitors, MPT0B098 not only inhibited the expression levels of HIF-1α protein but also destabilized HIF-1α mRNA. The mechanism of causing unstable of HIF-1α mRNA by MPT0B098 is through decreasing RNA-binding protein, HuR, translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Notably, MPT0B098 effectively suppresses tumor growth and microvessel density of tumor specimens in vivo. Taken together, our results provide a novel mechanism of inhibiting HIF-1α of a microtubule inhibitor MPT0B098. MPT0B098 is a promising anticancer drug candidate with potential for the treatment of human malignancies. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(7); 1202–12. ©2013 AACR.
Plasma Amyloid-β Levels in Drug-Resistant Bipolar Depressed Patients Receiving Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Piccinni Armando , Veltri Antonello , Vizzaccaro Chiara , Catena Dell'Osso Mario , Medda Pierpaolo , Domenici Luciano , Vanelli Federica , Cecchini Marta , Franceschini Caterina , Conversano Ciro , Marazziti Donatella , Dell'Osso Liliana
Published: April 2013

Aims: Alterations of plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides have been related to a high risk for cognitive impairment and dementia. The present study aimed to measure plasma Aβ peptides (Aβ40, Aβ42) and the Aβ40/Aβ42 ratio in a sample of drug-resistant bipolar depressed patients, as well as to explore the possible correlation between biological parameters and clinical changes along an electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) course. Methods: Aβ40 and Aβ42 were measured by means of an ELISA assay in 25 drug-resistant bipolar depressed patients before (T0) and 1 week after (T1) the end of ECT. The patients were clinically evaluated by means of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, 21-item (HRSD-21), the Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity of Illness Scale. Results: Plasma Aβ levels and the Aβ40/Aβ42 ratio were similar at T0 and T1. The Aβ40/Aβ42 ratio correlated positively with the HRSD total score at both T0 and T1. At T0, a negative correlation was found between the Aβ40/Aβ42 ratio and the improvement of depressive and cognitive symptoms. Moreover, remitters (n = 9; HRSD ≤10) showed a significantly lower Aβ40/Aβ42 ratio at T0 than nonremitters. Conclusion: The present data suggest that a low Aβ40/Aβ42 ratio might characterize a subgroup of depressed patients who respond to ECT, while higher values of this parameter seem to be typical of more severe cases of patients with cognitive impairment.
Prediction of Treatment Response and the Effect of Independent Component Neurofeedback in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Double-Blind Study
Authors: Kopřivová Jana , Congedo Marco , Raszka Michal , Praško Ján , Brunovský Martin , Horáček Jiří
Published: April 2013

Aims: The goal of this study was to assess the effect of independent component neurofeedback (NFB) on EEG and clinical symptoms in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Subsequently, we explored predictors of treatment response and EEG correlates of clinical symptoms. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, parallel design, 20 inpatients with OCD underwent 25 sessions of NFB or sham feedback (SFB). NFB aimed at reducing EEG activity in an independent component previously reported abnormal in this diagnosis. Resting-state EEG recorded before and after the treatment was analyzed to assess its posttreatment changes, relationships with clinical symptoms and treatment response. Results: Overall, clinical improvement in OCD patients was not accompanied by EEG change as assessed by standardized low-resolution electromagnetic tomography and normative independent component analysis. Pre- to posttreatment comparison of the trained component and frequency did not yield significant results; however, in the NFB group, the nominal values at the downtrained frequency were lower after treatment. The NFB group showed significantly higher percentage reduction of compulsions compared to the SFB group (p = 0.015). Pretreatment higher amount of delta (1-6 Hz) and low alpha oscillations as well as a lower amount of high beta activity predicted a worse treatment outcome. Source localization of these delta and high beta oscillations corresponded with previous EEG resting-state findings in OCD patients compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: Independent component NFB in OCD proved useful in percentage improvement of compulsions. Based on our correlation analyses, we hypothesize that we targeted a network related to treatment resistance.
Germline Mutations in RASA1 Are Not Found in Patients with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome or Capillary Malformation with Limb Overgrowth
Authors: Revencu N. , Boon L.M. , Dompmartin A. , Rieu P. , Busch W.L. , Dubois J. , Forzano F. , van Hagen J.M. , Halbach S. , Kuechler A. , Lachmeijer A.M.A. , Lähde J. , Russell L. , Simola K.O.J. , Mulliken J.B. , Vikkula M.
Published: April 2013

The RASA1 gene encodes p120RASGAP, a multidomain cytoplasmic protein that acts as a negative regulator of the RAS signalling pathway. Heterozygous loss-of-function RASA1 mutations were identified in patients with Parkes Weber syndrome and multifocal capillary malformations. This syndrome is characterised by a capillary blush on an extremity, arteriovenous microfistulas, and bony and soft tissue hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to test RASA1 in 2 disorders characterised by asymmetric limb enlargement and vascular malformations, namely Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and regional capillary malformation with overgrowth. We did not identify any clear pathogenic change in these patients. Thus, besides clinical and radiological criteria, RASA1 testing constitutes an additional tool to differentiate Parkes Weber syndrome of capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM) from overlapping disorders.
Directional Next-Generation RNA Sequencing and Examination of Premature Termination Codon Mutations in Endoglin/Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Govani F.S. , Giess A. , Mollet I.G. , Begbie M.E. , Jones M.D. , Game L. , Shovlin C.L.
Published: April 2013

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a disease characterised by abnormal vascular structures, and most commonly caused by mutations in ENG, ACVRL1 or SMAD4 encoding endothelial cell-expressed proteins involved in TGF-β superfamily signalling. The majority of mutations reported on the HHT mutation database are predicted to lead to stop codons, either due to frameshifts or direct nonsense substitutions. The proportion is higher for ENG (67%) and SMAD4 (65%) than for ACVRL1 (42%), p < 0.0001. Here, by focussing on ENG, we report why conventional views of these mutations may need to be revised. Of the 111 stop codon-generating ENG mutations, on ExPASy translation, all except one were premature termination codons (PTCs), sited at least 50-55 bp upstream of the final exon-exon boundary of the main endoglin isoform, L-endoglin. This strongly suggests that the mutated RNA species will undergo nonsense-mediated decay. We provide new in vitro expression data to support dominant negative activity of stable truncated endoglin proteins but suggest these will not generate HHT: the single natural stop codon mutation in L-endoglin (sited within 50-55 nucleotides of the final exon-exon boundary) is unlikely to generate functional protein since it replaces the entire transmembrane domain, as would 8 further natural stop codon mutations, if the minor S-endoglin isoform were implicated in HHT pathogenesis. Finally, next-generation RNA sequencing data of 7 different RNA libraries from primary human endothelial cells demonstrate that multiple intronic regions of ENG are transcribed. The potential consequences of heterozygous deletions or duplications of such regions are discussed. These data support the haploinsufficiency model for HHT pathogenesis, explain why final exon mutations have not been detected to date in HHT, emphasise the potential need for functional examination of non-PTC-generating mutations, and lead to proposals for an alternate stratification system of mutational types for HHT genotype-phenotype correlations.
A Novel MYO6 Splice Site Mutation Causes Autosomal Dominant Sensorineural Hearing Loss Type DFNA22 with a Favourable Outcome after Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Volk Alexander E. , Lang-Roth Ruth , Yigit Goekhan , Borck Guntram , Nuernberg Gudrun , Rosenkranz Stephan , Nuernberg Peter , Kubisch Christian , Beutner Dirk
Published: April 2013

Mutations in MYO6 encoding an atypical myosin motor protein important for inner ear hair cell function have been associated with autosomal recessive (DFNB37) and autosomal dominant (DFNA22) types of hearing loss in a few families worldwide. After genome-wide linkage analysis, we identified a novel MYO6 mutation at the splice acceptor site of exon 7 (c.554-1G>A) in an extended German family with autosomal dominant postlingual non-syndromic hearing impairment. Analysis of blood-derived cDNA revealed different aberrantly spliced mRNAs caused by the mutation, which are predicted to severely interfere with protein function. Two of the family members underwent cochlear implantation at ages 53 and 65. Here, we present detailed clinical data of this family which suggest a favourable outcome of cochlear implantation in hearing-impaired individuals with a MYO6 mutation.
Determinants of Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 and Parathyroid Hormone Variability in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Jia Ting , Qureshi Abdul Rashid , Brandenburg Vincent , Ketteler Markus , Barany Peter , Heimburger Olof , Uhlin Fredrik , Magnusson Per , Fernström Anders , Lindholm Bengt , Stenvinkel Peter , Larsson Tobias E.
Published: April 2013

Background/Aims: Treatment strategies for abnormal mineral metabolism in chronic kidney disease are largely based on achieving target ranges of biomarkers that vary considerably over time, yet determinants of their variability are poorly defined. Methods: Observational study including 162 patients of three dialysis cohorts (peritoneal dialysis, n = 78; hemodialysis, n = 49; hemodiafiltration, n = 35). Clinical and biochemical determinants of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) variability were analyzed in the peritoneal dialysis cohort. All cohorts were used for comparison of PTH and FGF23 intra-subject variability (intra-class correlation), and their intra-subject variability in different modes of dialysis was explored. Results: High PTH variability was independently associated with lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and factors of lipid and glucose metabolism, whereas high FGF23 variability was mainly associated with lower baseline serum phosphorous. These results were consistent in multivariate and sensitivity analyses. The intra-subject variability of FGF23 was lower than for PTH irrespective of dialysis mode. Conclusions: Baseline vitamin D status and serum phosphorous are independent determinants of the longitudinal variation in PTH and FGF23, respectively. The clinical utility of FGF23 measurement remains unknown, yet it appears favorable based on its greater temporal stability than PTH in dialysis patients.
Targeted Phosphotyrosine Profiling of Glycoprotein VI Signaling Implicates Oligophrenin-1 in Platelet Filopodia Formation
Authors: Bleijerveld Onno B. , van Holten Thijs C. , Preisinger Christian , van der Smagt Jasper J. , Farndale Richard W. , Kleefstra Tjitske , Willemsen Marjolein H. , Urbanus Rolf T. , de Groot Philip G. , Heck Albert J.R. , Roest Mark , Scholten Arjen
Published: April 2013

Objective—

Platelet adhesion to subendothelial collagen is dependent on the integrin α
2
β
1
and glycoprotein VI (GPVI) receptors. The major signaling routes in collagen-dependent platelet activation are outlined; however, crucial detailed knowledge of the actual phosphorylation events mediating them is still limited. Here, we explore phosphotyrosine signaling events downstream of GPVI with site-specific detail.

Approach and Results—

Immunoprecipitations of phosphotyrosine-modified peptides from protein digests of GPVI-activated and resting human platelets were compared by stable isotope-based quantitative mass spectrometry. We surveyed 214 unique phosphotyrosine sites over 2 time points, of which 28 showed a significant increase in phosphorylation on GPVI activation. Among these was Tyr370 of oligophrenin-1 (OPHN1), a Rho GTPase–activating protein. To elucidate the function of OPHN1 in platelets, we performed an array of functional platelet analyses within a small cohort of patients with rare oligophrenia. Because of germline mutations in the
OPHN1
gene locus, these patients lack OPHN1 expression entirely and are in essence a human knockout model. Our studies revealed that among other unaltered properties, patients with oligophrenia show normal P-selectin exposure and α
IIb
β
3
activation in response to GPVI, as well as normal aggregate formation on collagen under shear conditions. Finally, the major difference in OPHN1-deficient platelets turned out to be a significantly reduced collagen-induced filopodia formation.

Conclusions—

In-depth phosphotyrosine screening revealed many novel signaling recipients downstream of GPVI activation uncovering a new level of detail within this important pathway. To illustrate the strength of such data, functional follow-up of OPHN1 in human platelets deficient in this protein showed reduced filopodia formation on collagen, an important parameter of platelet hemostatic function.
Autoregulation of Cerebral Blood Flow is Preserved in Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Gould Bronwen , McCourt Rebecca , Asdaghi Negar , Dowlatshahi Dariush , Jeerakathil Thomas , Kate Mahesh , Coutts Shelagh B. , Hill Michael D. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Shuaib Ashfaq , Emery Derek , Butcher Kenneth
Published: April 2013

Background and Purpose—

Treatment of acute hypertension after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is controversial. In the context of disrupted cerebral autoregulation, blood pressure (BP) reduction may cause decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF). We used serial computed tomography perfusion to test the hypothesis that CBF remains stable after BP reduction.

Methods—

Patients recruited within 72 hours of ICH were imaged with computed tomography perfusion before and after BP treatment. Change in perihematoma relative (r) CBF after BP treatment was the primary end point.

Results—

Twenty patients were imaged with computed tomography perfusion at a median (interquartile range) time from onset of 20.2 (25.7) hours and reimaged 2.1 (0.5) hours later, after BP reduction. Mean systolic BP in treated patients (n=16; 4 untreated as BP<target at baseline) decreased significantly between the first (168±21 mm Hg) and second (141±19 mm Hg;
P
<0.0001) computed tomography perfusion scans. The primary end point of rCBF was not affected by BP reduction (pretreatment=0.89±0.11; post-treatment=0.87±0.11 mL/100 g per minute;
P
=0.37). Linear regression showed no relationship between changes in systolic BP and perihematoma rCBF (β=0.001 [−0.002 to 0.003];
P
=0.63).

Conclusions—

CBF remained stable after acute BP reduction, suggesting some preservation of cerebral autoregulation.
A Review of Luke Timothy Johnson’s Prophetic Jesus, Prophetic Church (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans 2011)
Authors: Stronstad Roger
Published: April 2013

Prophetic Jesus, Prophetic Church by Luke Timothy Johnson joins a slowly growing swell of scholarly literature espousing the theme of ‘prophethood’ to be one of Luke’s most prominent themes. Johnson examines the data holistically (throughout Luke–Acts) and he observes that in his gospel Luke portrays Jesus’ public ministry to be prophetic and in its sequel – Acts – he also portrays the disciples’ ministry as prophetic. Whether consciously or unconsciously, Johnson structures his chapter by chapter exposition of the theme of prophethood like the sequence of alternating panels of biblical exposition/pastoral exhortation which is to be found in Hebrews. This is a book whose value far outweighs its modest presentation.
Response to Reviews of Prophetic Jesus, Prophetic Church
Authors: Johnson Luke Timothy
Published: April 2013

This essay is a response to my Pentecostal dialogue partners around their review of my Prophetic Jesus Prophetic Church. The piece is structured around the book’s general framework, our points of basic agreement, and points where we disagree.
Venation patterns of neotropical blueberries (Vaccinieae: Ericaceae) and their phylogenetic utility
Authors: PEDRAZA-PEÑALOSA PAOLA , SALINAS NELSON R. , WHEELER WARD C.
Published: April 2013

The description of venation patterns in neotropical Vaccinieae has been problematic because of the lack of an operational definition. Moreover, the underlying homologies remain unknown across and within lineages, thus precluding the use of venation characters in phylogenetic analyses. Venation patterns are often obscured in herbarium and living specimens due to the characteristic coriaceous and thick nature of Ericaceae leaves. Therefore, to obtain an unobstructed view of the veins, leaf clearings of 16 putative generic lineages of Vaccinieae were prepared and described. The main venation patterns were then defined and traditional definitions of venation were discussed in the light of the observed patterns. Selected characters were scored and the evolution of venation characters was discussed using a phylogenetic framework derived from molecular data analyzed under Maximum Likelihood. Venation descriptions and photographs are provided for 33 species.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Kaya Ahmet , Kaya Yasemin , Topçu Selim , Günaydın Zeki Yüksel , Kurt Mustafa , Tanboğa Ibrahim Halil , Kalkan Kamuran , Aksakal Enbiya
Published: April 2013

We investigated the relationship between baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Consecutive patients diagnosed with STEMI (n = 691) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) were included in the study. The CIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine concentration ≥25% over baseline at 48 hours. Both NLR and C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in the CIN group. There was a stronger correlation in patients with a known history of chronic kidney disease and in patients with a history of diabetes mellitus (DM). Advanced age, DM, low baseline glomerular filtration rate, reduced postprocedural ST resolution, high amount of contrast media, high NLR, and low left ventricular ejection fraction were independent predictors of CIN. The NLR may be used as a simple and reliable indicator of CIN in patients with STEMI who underwent p-PCI.
Protecting the Brain and the Heart
Authors: Safouris Apostolos , Anagnostis Panagiotis , Karlovasitou Anna , Karras Spyridon , Karagiannis Asterios
Published: April 2013

Novel anticoagulants (NOACs) are the recent therapeutic breakthrough in the prophylaxis of stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Patients with NVAF seem to have a high atherosclerotic burden, but it has not yet been established whether these agents also protect against cardiovascular disease (CVD). Different NOACs could have cardioprotective properties of different importance, but data come only from indirect comparisons. Patients with NVAF are at risk of stroke when there is concomitant atherosclerosis that also necessitates optimal treatment to reduce CVD risk. Combining antiplatelets with anticoagulants is a common clinical scenario and not always justified by current data and guidelines, putting patients at unnecessary bleeding risk. This review provides current knowledge about the cardioprotective properties of NOACs, the clinical importance of the link between CVD and NVAF, and the pitfalls of combining antiplatelet therapy with warfarin or NOACs.
Adjustment of ionized calcium concentration for serum pH is not a valid marker of calcium homeostasis: implications for identifying individuals at risk of calcium metabolic disorders
Authors: Lam Virginie , Dhaliwal Satvinder S , Mamo John C
Published: April 2013

Background

Ionized calcium (iCa) is the biologically active form of this micronutrient. Serum determination of iCa is measured via ion-electrode potentiometry (IEP) and reporting iCa relative to pH 7.4 is normally utilized to avoid the potential confounding effects of ex vivo changes to serum pH. Adjustment of iCa for pH has not been adequately justified.

Methods

In this study, utilizing carefully standardized protocols for blood collection, the preparation of serum and controlling time of collection-to-analysis, we determined serum iCa and pH utilizing an IEP-analyser hosted at an accredited diagnostic laboratory.

Results

Regression analysis of unadjusted-iCa (iCaraw) concentration versus pH was described by linear regression and accounted for 37% of serum iCaraw variability. iCaraw was then expressed at pH 7.4 by either adjusting iCaraw based on the linear regression equation describing the association of iCa with serum pH (iCaregr) or using IEP coded published normative equations (iCapub). iCaregr was comparable to iCaraw, indicating that blood collection and processing methodologies were sound. However, iCapub yielded values that were significantly lower than iCaraw. iCapub did not identify 15% subjects who had greater than desirable serum concentration of iCa based on iCaraw. Sixty percent of subjects with low levels of iCaraw were also not detected by iCapub. Determination of the kappa value measure of agreement for iCaraw versus iCapub showed relatively poor concordance ( κ = 0.42).

Conclusions

With simple protocols that avoid sampling artefacts, expressing iCaraw is likely to be a more valid and physiologically relevant marker of calcium homeostasis than is iCapub.
Debt and Foregone Medical Care
Authors: Kalousova Lucie , Burgard Sarah A.
Published: April 2013

Most American households carry debt, yet we have little understanding of how debt influences health behavior, especially health care seeking. We examined associations between foregone medical care and debt using a population-based sample of 914 southeastern Michigan residents surveyed in the wake of the late-2000s recession. Overall debt and ratios of debt to income and debt to assets were positively associated with foregoing medical or dental care in the past 12 months, even after adjusting for the poorer socioeconomic and health characteristics of those foregoing care and for respondents’ household incomes and net worth. These overall associations were driven largely by credit card and medical debt, while housing debt and automobile and student loans were not associated with foregoing care. These results suggest that debt is an understudied aspect of health stratification.
Learning through Computer Model Improvisations
Authors: Landström Catharina , Whatmore Sarah J. , Lane Stuart N.
Published: April 2013

It has been convincingly argued that computer simulation modeling differs from traditional science. If we understand simulation modeling as a new way of doing science, the manner in which scientists learn about the world through models must also be considered differently. This article examines how researchers learn about environmental processes through computer simulation modeling. Suggesting a conceptual framework anchored in a performative philosophical approach, we examine two modeling projects undertaken by research teams in England, both aiming to inform flood risk management. One of the modeling teams operated in the research wing of a consultancy firm, the other were university scientists taking part in an interdisciplinary project experimenting with public engagement. We found that in the first context the use of standardized software was critical to the process of improvisation, the obstacles emerging in the process concerned data and were resolved through exploiting affordances for generating, organizing, and combining scientific information in new ways. In the second context, an environmental competency group, obstacles were related to the computer program and affordances emerged in the combination of experience-based knowledge with the scientists’ skill enabling a reconfiguration of the mathematical structure of the model, allowing the group to learn about local flooding.
Chronic venous disorder registry: A new perspective
Authors: Chi Yung-Wei , Schul Marlin , Gibson Kathleen , Rosenblatt Mel , Kabnick Lowell , Jaff Michael
Published: April 2013

Chronic venous disorder is one of the most prevalent medical conditions in the US that carries significant economic and health burden. The knowledge into venous pathophysiology, how it develops, and the true quality of life benefits of various treatment options are largely unknown. A truly meaningful clinical data capture system specifically for venous disorder may provide answers to the paucity of data. We describe a modern system to capture research and best practice data using the state of art information technology.
Differences in perfusion CT parameter values with commercial software upgrades: a preliminary report about algorithm consistency and stability
Authors: Mazzei Maria Antonietta , Squitieri Nevada Cioffi , Sani Eleonora , Guerrini Susanna , Imbriaco Giusi , Di Lucia Duccio , Guasti Andrea , Mazzei Francesco Giuseppe , Volterrani Luca
Published: April 2013

Background

Computed tomographic perfusion (CTp) imaging is a promising technique that allows functional imaging, as an adjunct to a morphologic CT examination, that can be used as an aid to carefully evaluate the response to therapy in oncologic patients. Considering this statement, it could be desirable that the measurements obtained with the CT perfusion software, and their upgrades, are consistent and reproducible.

Purpose

To determine how commercial software upgrades impact on algorithm consistency and stability among the three version upgrades of the same platform in a preliminary study.

Material and Methods

Blood volume (BV), blood flow (BF), mean transit time (MTT), and permeability surface area product (PS) were calculated with repeated measurements ( n = 1119) while truncating the time density curve at different time values in six CT perfusion studies using CT perfusion software version 4D (CT Perfusion 4D), then repeated with the previous version (CT Perfusion 3.0 and CT Perfusion 4.0), using a fixed ROI both for arterial input and target lesion. The software upgrades were compared in pairs by applying a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to all the parameters measured. Stability and reliability of the three versions were verified through the variation of the truncated parameters.

Results

The three software versions provided different parent distributions for approximately 80% of the 72 parameters measured. A complete agreement was found only for one patient in version 3.0 vs. 4.0 and 3.0 vs. 4D. Perfusion 4.0 vs. 4D: a complete agreement was found only in two cases. Parameters obtained with Perfusion 4D always showed the lowest standard deviation in all temporal intervals and also for all individual parameters.

Conclusion

The three versions of the same platform tested yield different perfusion measurements. Thus, our preliminary results show that Perfusion 4D version uses a stable deconvolution algorithm to provide more reliable measurements.
Embodied Inequality
Authors: Casanova Erynn Masi De
Published: April 2013

Research on bodies and work relies on theoretical perspectives that see the working body as a resource and/or symbol. This study bridges these complementary theories, incorporating two concepts (occupational habitus and body work) that extend and synthesize them into a more holistic model of embodied inequality. Drawing primarily on the accounts of women domestic workers in Ecuador’s largest city, I explore the embodied dimensions of domestic work and show how unequal relations between workers and employers manifest in and on bodies, specifically through interactions around health, food, and appearance/clothing. I argue that paid domestic workers’ bodies are simultaneously resources that can be used (up) for work, and symbols interpreted according to local hierarchies of gender and class.
The Social Network Effect
Authors: Saxton Gregory D. , Wang Lili
Published: April 2013

Social networking applications such as Facebook, Twitter, and Crowdrise offer new ways for nonprofits to engage the community in fundraising efforts. This study employs data from Facebook Causes to examine the nature and determinants of charitable giving in social networking environments. Our findings suggest donations on these sites are not driven by the same factors as in “off-line” settings. Instead, a social network effect takes precedence over traditional economic explanations. Facebook donors do not seem to care about efficiency ratios, their donations are typically small, and fundraising success is related not to the organization’s financial capacity but to its “Web capacity.” Moreover, online donors are prone to contribute to certain categories of causes more than others, especially those related to health. Given the growth in social media-driven fundraising—and the increase in crowdfunding, slacktivism, impulse donating, and other new practices this entails—these findings carry notable theoretical and practical implications.
A numerical investigation of moment coefficient and flow structure in a rotor–stator cavity with rotor-mounted bolts
Authors: Moghaddam Elham Roshani , Long Christopher , Sayma Abdulnaser
Published: April 2013

The torque associated with overcoming the losses on a rotating disc is of particular importance to the designers of gas turbine engines. Not only does this represent a reduction in useful work, but it also gives rise to unwanted heating of metal surfaces and the adjacent fluid. This article presents a numerical study on the effect of rotor-mounted bolts on the moment coefficient and velocity distributions within a rotor–stator cavity under conditions representative of modern gas turbine engine design. Steady-state, two-dimensional and three-dimensional, computational fluid dynamics simulations are obtained using the FLUENT commercial code with a standard k–ɛ turbulence model. The model is validated against experimental data and then used to investigate the effects of varying the number of bolts and also a continuous ring. Two test cases are investigated: one corresponds to where the flow structure is dominated by the superimposed flow ( λT = 0.35); and the other, where rotation is expected to govern the flow structure ( λT = 0.35). The principal flow phenomena in the vicinity of the bolts were described using the simulation results. Increasing the number of bolts will decrease the relative total pressure difference around bolts and increase the tangential velocity of the core of fluid between the rotor and stator. It was also found out that the free-stream Reynolds number of the flow approaching the bolts decreases and angle of attack increases with increasing number of bolts. As a consequence, the bolts’ wake character changes leading to a situation where the wake of one bolt is not fully collapsed in advance of the following bolt. The occurrence of Taylor columns were also investigated in the rotor–stator system with rotor-mounted bolts. It was found that while increasing the number of bolts can decrease the Rossby number to produce an intermediate rotation in the system, the Taylor columns will not be produced even for 60 bolts under the both flow conditions. The contribution of skin friction to the overall moment coefficient reduces as the number of bolts increases and the pressure-related losses increase. Increasing the number of bolts will decrease the moment produced by each individual bolt. However, since there are more bolts in the system the total moment of all bolts will increase by increasing their number. There also appears to be a point where increasing the number of bolts does not bring about an increase in the overall moment coefficient. It is also interesting to report that the moment coefficient associated with a continuous ring is similar to that for a plain disc.
OK-432 Sclerotherapy for Malleolar Bursitis of the Ankle
Authors: Park Kwang Hwan , Lee Jongseok , Choi Woo Jin , Lee Jin Woo
Published: April 2013

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and usefulness of OK-432 (Picibanil) sclerotherapy as a new option in the conservative treatment of patients with malleolar bursitis of the ankle.

Methods:

Retrospectively, we reviewed a total of 20 consecutive patients (20 feet) in whom OK-432 sclerotherapy had been performed between March 2009 and June 2010. After aspiration of fluid in the malleolar bursal sac, 0.05 mg of OK-432 was injected into the malleolar bursal sac. We evaluated the clinical outcomes and side effects at the following time points: 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after OK-432 sclerotherapy. The responses to the treatment were assessed according to the degree of fluctuation, shrinkage of the bursal sac, and soft tissue swelling.

Results:

Complete resolution was observed in 19 patients (95%) after the first or second application of OK-432 sclerotherapy, and a partial response was observed in 1 patient (5%) after a second application of OK-432 sclerotherapy. The physical component scores of SF-36 improved from 70.0 ± 6.8 to 76.5 ± 7.3 at the last follow-up ( P = .0002).

Conclusion:

OK-432 sclerotherapy was a useful procedure for patients not responding to the usual conservative treatment of malleolar bursitis of the ankle.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
2010 McDonald criteria in a pediatric cohort: is positivity at onset associated with a more aggressive multiple sclerosis course?
Authors: Bigi Sandra , Marrie Ruth A , Verhey Leonard , Yeh E Ann , Banwell Brenda
Published: April 2013

The 2010 McDonald criteria allow the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) at first attack in children and adults provided that the first attack symptoms are typical of MS and that the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conforms to prescribed features. We evaluate whether meeting the 2010 McDonald criteria at onset correlates with a more aggressive clinical course in a cohort of pediatric MS patients. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and annualized relapse rate were not associated with positivity for 2010 McDonald criteria at onset. The 2010 McDonald criteria identify children with similar MS features to those identified by clinical or MRI evidence of dissemination over time.
Partnership working and improved service delivery: views of staff providing sexual health services
Authors: Pow Janette , Elliott Lawrie , Raeside Robert , Themessl-Huber Markus , Claveirole Anne
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Successful partnership working has theoretically been linked to improvements in service delivery and is dependent on the strength of the partnership, trust, communication, professional roles and resource sharing. Empirical evidence to confirm the relationships between these factors and improved service provision, however, is lacking. Our aim was to assess the views of staff as to the conditions required for partnership working.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional survey of 687 staff offering sexual health education, information or support to young people in the Healthy Respect intervention area in Scotland. Views of each variable were scored and structural equation modelling was used to assess the theoretical model.

Results

Responses were received from 284 (41%) staff. Greater strength of partnership was directly associated with increasing the number of referrals. Establishing professional roles between organizations was also associated with increasing the number of referrals. Strength of partnership was indirectly associated with working more effectively with young people and this relationship depended on clear communication, trust, established professional roles and shared resources. Effective partnership working depends on a number of interdependent relationships between organizations, which act synergistically to improve organizational outcomes.

Conclusions

Effective partnership working leads to improved service delivery though there is a need for better controlled studies which demonstrate the effect on health outcomes.
Reifying and reconciling class conflict
Authors: Hedrick Todd
Published: April 2013

This article examines the role of class divisions in critical social theory through Habermas’ theory of law and democracy. It begins with Hegel’s view that social freedom involves reconciliation with the modern division of labor, which in turn requires membership in ‘estates’, and his thoughts on their role in the state. While subsequent Left Hegelian thinkers reject these institutions as authoritarian, the melancholic tenor of much Frankfurt School social theory stems partly from their view that class divisions are not only entrenched, but also ‘latent’ and therefore not amenable to reconciliation through the political process that Hegel envisions. Habermas’ conception of ‘interchange roles’ between the system and the lifeworld as sites of reification, but potentially of democratic contestation, synthesizes these lines of thought, by conceptualizing how the political mediation of class-based interests can be an ongoing possibility amidst a condition of latent class conflict.
Intermittent fasting: a dietary intervention for prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease?
Authors: Brown James E , Mosley Michael , Aldred Sarah
Published: April 2013

Intermittent fasting, in which individuals fast on consecutive or alternate days, has been reported to facilitate weight loss and improve cardiovascular risk. This review evaluates the various approaches to intermittent fasting and examines the advantages and limitations for use of this approach in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.