bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Academic Resilience and Achievement
Authors: Montero-Hernandez Virginia , Levin John , Diaz-Castillo Maribel
Published: September 2014

This study uses narrative analysis to understand the ways in which Mexican university faculty members used their self-motivational resources to persist in an instructional technology training program within adverse work conditions. The methodology included interviews and participant observation. Findings suggest that faculty’s academic resilience was based on faculty’s self-definition as permanent learners and innovators, the perception of instruction as a field of reflection-in-action and systematization, and the caring instructional approach used by training instructors.
Comparison of Three Tools to Measure Improvements in Upper-Limb Function With Poststroke Therapy
Authors: Thompson-Butel Angelica G. , Lin Gaven , Shiner Christine T. , McNulty Penelope A.
Published: September 2014

Background. Functional ability is regularly monitored poststroke to assess improvement and the efficacy of clinical trials. The balance between implementation times and sensitivity has led to multidomain tools that aim to assess upper-limb function comprehensively. Objective. This study implemented 3 common multidomain tools to investigate their suitability across a broad spectrum of movement ability after stroke. Methods. Forty-nine hemiparetic patients (18 females), aged 22 to 83 years and 24.7 ± 39.2 months poststroke, were assessed before and after a 14-day upper-limb rehabilitation program of Wii-based Movement Therapy. Assessments included the upper-limb motor subscale of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (F-M), the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and the Motor Assessment Scale (MAS) upper-limb sections 6 to 8. The MAS was analyzed both with and without the hierarchical system. Patients were stratified with low, moderate, or high motor-function. Results. Upper-limb function improved significantly for the pooled cohort for all assessments ( P < .001), although ceiling effects were evident for the F-M, floor effects for the WMFT, and both floor and ceiling effects for MAS. When analyzed by stratified subgroup these improvements were significant for all groups with the F-M, for the moderate and high motor-function groups with both the WMFT and the MAS scored without hierarchical system, but only for the high motor-function group with the hierarchically scored MAS. Conclusion. These results suggest that no single test is suitable for measuring function and improvement across the spectrum of poststroke upper-limb dysfunction and that assessment tool selection should be based on the level of residual motor-function of individual patients.
Using 7.5 frames per second reduces radiation exposure in lower extremity peripheral vascular interventions
Authors: Akkus Nuri I , Mina George S , Abdulbaki Abdulrahman , Shafiei Fereidoon , Tandon Neeraj
Published: September 2014

Background

Peripheral vascular interventions can be associated with significant radiation exposure to the patient and the operator.

Objective

In this study, we sought to compare the radiation dose between peripheral vascular interventions using fluoroscopy frame rate of 7.5 frames per second (fps) and those performed at the standard 15 fps and procedural outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from consecutive 87 peripheral vascular interventions performed during 2011 and 2012 from two medical centers. The patients were divided into two groups based on fluoroscopy frame rate; 7.5 fps (group A, n = 44) and 15 fps (group B, n = 43). We compared the demographic, clinical, procedural characteristics/outcomes, and radiation dose between the two groups. Radiation dose was measured as dose area product in micro Gray per meter square.

Results

Median dose area product was significantly lower in group A (3358, interquartile range (IQR) 2052–7394) when compared to group B (8812, IQR 4944–17,370), p < 0.001 with no change in median fluoroscopy time in minutes (18.7, IQR 11.1–31.5 vs. 15.7, IQR 10.1–24.1), p = 0.156 or success rate (93.2% vs. 95.3%), p > 0.999.

Conclusion

Using fluoroscopy at the rate of 7.5 fps during peripheral vascular interventions is associated with lower radiation dose compared to the standard 15 fps with comparable success rate without associated increase in the fluoroscopy time or the amount of the contrast used. Therefore, using fluoroscopy at the rate of 7.5 fps should be considered in peripheral vascular interventions.
Endovascular embolization of a muscular symptomatic arteriovenous malformation with Glubran 2 acrylic glue
Authors: San Norberto Enrique M , Brizuela José A , Revilla Álvaro , Taylor James H , Vaquero Carlos
Published: September 2014

Objective

Few cases of muscle arteriovenous malformations have been reported in literature to date.

Case report

We report the case of a 32-year-old man presenting a muscle arteriovenous malformation involving the vastus lateralis muscle with recurrent episodes of pain. The patient was treated by transcatheter embolization with Glubran 2 acrylic glue. There were no periprocedural or subsequent clinical complications, the glue resulted in successful selective occlusion and the patient showed resolution of symptoms at the six-months follow-up.

Conclusions

Endovascular therapy has been shown to be beneficial in patients with high surgical risks and is the treatment of choice for arteriovenous malformation lesions that extend beyond the deep fascia and involve muscle, tendon, and bone. Glubran 2 constitutes a useful tool to attempt embolization of the muscle arteriovenous malformation nidus, with easier handling and promising results.
Complexity of lower extremity peripheral artery disease reflects the complexity of coronary artery disease
Authors: Aykan Ahmet Çağrı , Hatem Engin , Karabay Can Yücel , Gül İlker , Gökdeniz Tayyar , Kalaycıoğlu Ezgi , Turan Turhan , Kara Faruk , Arslan Ahmet Oğuz , Dursun İhsan , Çetin Mustafa , Güler Ahmet
Published: September 2014

We investigated the relationship between peripheral artery disease complexity and coronary artery disease complexity in patients with peripheral artery disease. A total of 449 patients were enrolled. SYNTAX score, a marker of coronary artery disease complexity, was assessed by dedicated computer software and complexity of peripheral artery disease was determined by Trans Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II classification. The SYNTAX score of patients with minimal peripheral artery disease, Trans Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus A, Trans Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus B, Trans Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus C and Trans Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus D were 5 (11), 12.5 (13.25), 20 (14), 20.5 (19) and 27.5 (19), respectively (values in brackets represent the interquartile range). SYNTAX score and Trans Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus class was moderately correlated (r = 0.495, p < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis male sex (B = 0.169, p < 0.001, CI95% = 0.270–0.735), Log10 SYNTAX score (B = 0.282, p < 0.001, CI95% = 0.431–0.782), Log10 creatinine (B = 0.081, p = 0.036, CI95% = 0.043–1.239), low-density lipoprotein (B = 0.114, p = 0.003, CI95% = 0.001–0.006) and high-density lipoprotein (B = −0.360, p < 0.001, CI95% = −0.063 to −0.041) were the independent predictors of Trans Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II class. We have shown that patients with complex peripheral artery disease had complex coronary artery disease.
Flavors of Appraisal Theories of Emotion
Authors: Moors Agnes
Published: September 2014

Appraisal theories of emotion have two fundamental assumptions: (a) that there are regularities to be discovered between situations and components of emotional episodes, and (b) that the influence of these situations on these components is causally mediated by a mental process called appraisal. Appraisal theories come in different flavors, proposing different to-be-explained phenomena and different underlying mechanisms for the influence of appraisal on the other components.
An Evolutionary Approach to Understanding Distinct Emotions
Authors: Tracy Jessica L.
Published: September 2014

According to evolutionary accounts of distinct emotions, these emotions are shaped by natural selection to adjust the physiological, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral parameters of an organism to facilitate its capacity to respond adaptively to threats and opportunities present in the environment. This account has a number of implications, most notably: (a) each distinct emotion serves, or served, an adaptive function, and (b) emotions are comprised of multiple components, all of which should be functional. In this article, I briefly outline an evolutionary approach to understanding distinct emotions, then explain how this approach could be falsified, how one’s own emotion experience differs from the observation of an emotion experience in someone else, and why variability in emotional responding should be expected.
Emotions in Context: A Sociodynamic Model of Emotions
Authors: Mesquita Batja , Boiger Michael
Published: September 2014

We propose a sociodynamic model of emotions, in which emotions are seen as dynamic systems that emerge from the interactions and relationships in which they take place. Our model does not deny that emotions are biologically constrained, yet it takes seriously that emotions are situated in specific contexts. We conceive emotions as largely functional to the sociocultural environment in which they occur; this is so because sociocultural environments foster the emergence of emotions that positively contribute to social cohesion. The role of the social context includes actual, online shaping—affordances, constraints, and reward structures—and thus goes beyond merely providing the content of cognitive representations (e.g., goals, concepts).
Comment: Evolutionary Criteria for Considering an Emotion “Basic”: Jealousy as an Illustration
Authors: Buss David M.
Published: September 2014

Modern evolutionary psychology provides a cogent criterion for considering an emotion as “basic”: Whether the emotion evolved to solve an adaptive problem tributary to reproduction. Criteria such as distinctive universal signals, presence in other primates, or contribution to survival are not relevant, even though some basic emotions have these properties. Abundant evidence suggests that sexual jealousy is properly considered a basic emotion, even though it lacks a distinct expressive signature, contributes to adaptive problems of mating rather than survival, and may or may not be present in other primates.
Comment: Emotions Are Functional – So… ?
Authors: Gendolla Guido H. E.
Published: September 2014

In this commentary I focus on similarities, discrepancies, and problems in the four large theoretical perspectives on emotions presented in this issue. Focusing on the approaches’ ideas about the functionality of emotions, I will discuss limitations that call for (additional) smaller and more focused theories.
Comment: A General “Theory of Emotion” Is Neither Necessary nor Possible
Authors: Nesse Randolph M.
Published: September 2014

Progress in emotions research requires understanding why debate about the general nature of emotions remains intractable. Much confusion arises from proposals that offer one of the four different kinds of biological explanation, without recognizing the need for other three. More arises from tacitly thinking of emotions as products of design, when they are actually organically complex products of natural selection. Finally, debate persists because of categorizing emotions by functions, instead of recognizing that each emotion was shaped by the adaptive challenges posed by a recurring situation. No general explanation of the kind usually sought for emotions exists, however progress is possible if we study emotions as organically complex partially differentiated constellations of changes that have been useful in certain situations.
Comment: Status, Power, and Emotion
Authors: Clay-Warner Jody
Published: September 2014

The authors of the articles in this special section discuss an array of psychological perspectives on emotion. The articles provide only a limited consideration of status and power processes, however, which play a larger role in sociological theories of emotion than in psychological ones. Here, I examine the ways in which the theories account for status and power and suggest opportunities for greater inclusion of these key facets of social structure.
Comment: The Tower of Appraisals: Trying to Make Sense of the One Big Thing
Authors: Shweder Richard A.
Published: September 2014

This commentary on four theoretical articles published in this issue of Emotion Review discusses the one big thing that links them all and raises some questions about the ontological status of the appraisal part of appraisal theories of emotion.
Making Sense of the Social World and Influencing It by Using a Naïve Attribution Theory of Emotions
Authors: Hareli Shlomo
Published: September 2014

Weiner’s (1986) attribution theory of motivation and emotion assumes emotions are determined by beliefs about causality. Individuals share a naïve understanding of this linkage between causal attribution and emotions and use it in order to draw inferences from and influence others’ emotions. Evidence for such uses is provided and recent research and theory that goes beyond the attribution–emotion linkage is discussed. Specifically, recent research considers the naïve use of a larger set of emotions and appraisals and their connections, and the role of context in this process. However, still missing is a fuller understanding when this naïve knowledge is employed and how and when it is based on an explicit understanding of the emotion–appraisal linkage rather than more automatic processes.
The Attribution Approach to Emotion and Motivation: History, Hypotheses, Home Runs, Headaches/Heartaches
Authors: Weiner Bernard
Published: September 2014

In this article the history of the attribution approach to emotion and motivation is reviewed. Early motivation theorists incorporated emotion within the pleasure/pain principle but they did not recognize specific emotions. This changed when Atkinson introduced his theory of achievement motivation, which argued that achievement strivings are determined by the anticipated emotions of pride and shame. Attribution theorists then suggested many other emotional reactions to success and failure that are determined by the perceived causes of achievement outcomes and the shared characteristics or dimensions of causality. The article outlines the hypothesized dimensional antecedents of a number of self- and other-directed achievement-related emotions following success (admiration, apprehension, confidence, disliking, envy, gratitude, liking, pride, and surprise) and failure (anger, guilt, helplessness, hope, hopelessness, pity, regret, Schadenfreude, scorn, shame, surprise, and sympathy). Motivational consequences of emotions also are highlighted.
Author Reply: Incompatible Conclusions or Different Levels of Analysis?
Authors: Tracy Jessica L.
Published: September 2014

This exchange provides an array of perspectives on the questions of what emotions are, how they function, and how they should be studied. While my approach is evolutionary and functionalist—viewing each distinct emotion as having evolved to serve a particular function (though not necessarily one entirely unique to that emotion)—this approach is not the only one needed to fully understand emotions. Furthermore, several of the accounts offered here might be effectively synthesized by accepting the importance of both universal evolutionary factors and sociocultural particulars in shaping emotion experiences.
Author Reply: The “Social” Is Not Merely Another Level of Reality
Authors: Mesquita Batja
Published: September 2014

It is time to abandon essentialism in emotional research: Our sociodynamic model (Mesquita & Boiger, 2014) proposes to study emotions as contextualized processes, rather than as states. This does not mean eschewing mental processes, but rather studying them dynamically and in open interaction with their environment. Our proposal is not to shift the focus of emotion studies to a different level. Rather, placing emotions in their social context renders their psychological qualities understandable and predictable. This is illustrated by some examples from my own cross-cultural research.
Comment: What’s Basic About the Brain Mechanisms of Emotion?
Authors: LeDoux Joseph E.
Published: September 2014

While it is common to think that neuroscientists are proponents of basic emotions theory, this is not necessarily the case. My ideas, for example are more aligned with cognitive than basic emotions theories.
An Attributional Analysis of Moral Emotions: Naïve Scientists and Everyday Judges
Authors: Rudolph Udo , Tscharaktschiew Nadine
Published: September 2014

This article provides an analysis of moral emotions from an attributional point of view, guided by the metaphors of man as a naïve scientist (Heider, 1958) and as a moral judge (Weiner, 2006). The theoretical analysis focuses on three concepts: (a) The distinction between the actor and the observer, (b) the functional quality of moral emotions, and (c) the perceived controllability of the causes of events. Moral emotions are identified (admiration, anger, awe, contempt, disgust, elevation, embarrassment, envy, gratitude, guilt, indignation, jealousy, pity, pride, rage, regret, remorse, resentment, respect, schadenfreude, scorn, shame, and sympathy). A classification of these moral emotions is suggested and the empirical evidence briefly summarized. In discussing our results, we identify unresolved issues awaiting further analyses and research.
Current Emotion Research in Cognitive Neuroscience: Linking Enhancing and Impairing Effects of Emotion on Cognition
Authors: Dolcos Florin , Denkova Ekaterina
Published: September 2014

Emotions can have both enhancing and impairing effects on various cognitive processes, from lower (e.g., perceptual) to higher level (e.g., mnemonic and executive) processes. The present article discusses emerging brain imaging evidence linking these opposing effects of emotion, which points to overlapping and dissociable neural systems involving both bottom-up and top-down mechanisms. The link between the enhancing and impairing effects is also discussed in a clinical context, with a focus on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where these opposing effects tend to co-occur, are exacerbated, and are detrimental. Overall, the present review highlights the need to consider together enhancing and impairing effects of emotion on cognition in studies investigating emotion–cognition interactions.
Evaluation of a community arts installation event in support of public health
Authors: Philipp Robin , Gibbons Nigel , Thorne Pam , Wiltshire Laura , Burrough June , Easterby John
Published: September 2014

Aims:

This study is set in the context of recent arts and health developments. It evaluates the worth for public health of a ten day community arts installation event held in Bristol, England, in support of new immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

Methods:

Action research methods were used by members of a creative writing group to elicit among 434 public visitors their free-text reflections on the project and/or their reactions to the event. Based on the three themes of the event, ‘Homes’, ‘Histories’ and ‘Hope’, three independent researchers coded the material for analysis.

Results:

Participants addressed the theme of hope much more frequently than home or histories. Responses to all three themes were mostly positive. What they hoped was principally for opportunities for themselves and others to be able to enjoy life more and in non-material ways. In all, 45% of them expressed appreciation for the event helping to raise awareness and understanding of the roles of arts and culture in the community.

Conclusion:

Despite its methodological limitations, the study identified non-material ways individuals can be enabled to feel better supported in society and more positive in their outlooks. From the findings, to help strengthen social capital, community cohesion and constructive citizenship, the outline of a proposed educational tool is presented.
Driving Reaction Times in Patients With Foot and Ankle Pathology Before and After Image-Guided Injection
Authors: Talusan Paul G. , Miller Christopher P. , Save Ameya V. , Reach John S.
Published: September 2014

Background: Foot and ankle pathology is common in the driving population. Local anesthetic steroid injections are frequent ambulatory treatments. Brake reaction time (BRT) has validated importance in motor vehicle safety. There are no prior studies examining the effect of foot and ankle pathology and injection treatment on the safe operation of motor vehicles. We studied BRT in patients with foot and ankle musculoskeletal disease before and after image-guided injection treatment. Methods: A total of 37 participants were enrolled. Image-guided injections of local anesthetic and steroid were placed into the pathological anatomical location of the right or left foot and ankles. A driving reaction timer was used to measure BRTs before and after injection. Patients suffering right “driving” and left “nondriving” pathology as well as a healthy control group were studied. Results: All patients reported >90% pain relief postinjection. All injections were confirmed to be accurate by imaging. Post hoc Bonferonni analysis demonstrated significant difference between the healthy group and the right-sided injection group (P = .008). Mean BRT for healthy controls was 0.57 ± 0.11 s. Patients suffering right foot and ankle disease displayed surprisingly high BRTs (0.80 ± 0.23 s preinjection and 0.78 ± 0.16 s postinjection, P > .99). Left nondriving foot and ankle pathology presented a driving hazard as well (BRT of 0.75 ± 0.12 s preinjection and 0.77 ± 0.12 s postinjection, P > .99). Injections relieved pain but did not significantly alter BRT (P > .99 for all). Conclusion: Patients suffering chronic foot and ankle pathology involving either the driving or nondriving side have impaired BRTs. This preexisting driving impairment has not previously been reported and exceeds recommended cutoff safety values in the United States. Despite symptom improvement, there was no statistically significant change in BRT following image-guided injection in either foot and ankle.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level II: Prospective Comparative Study
Surgical repair of large aortocaval fistula with limited shunt: Case report
Authors: Gyoten Takayuki , Doi Toshio , Yamashita Akio , Fukahara Kazuaki , Kotoh Keiju , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: September 2014

A 67-year-old man was admitted with severe back pain and bilateral lower limb swelling. Enhanced computed tomography showed an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (92 × 75 mm2) and a short aortocaval fistula (7 mm). Immediately afterward, circulatory collapse occurred, and the patient was rushed to the operating theater. A much larger aortocaval fistula (22 × 35 mm2) than that demonstrated by preoperative computed tomography was found and was repaired with a Dacron patch while using two balloon-tipped catheters to control bleeding. Then, the abdominal aortic aneurysm was replaced with a bifurcated graft. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. In this case, enhanced computed tomography detected the aortocaval fistula, but could not assess its size accurately. Successful surgical repair of an aortocaval fistula depends on early accurate delineation of the fistula and prompt control of bleeding.
Is citation index a good indicator of landmark papers in urology?
Authors: McLoughlin LC , O’Kelly F , Thornhill JA
Published: September 2014

Objective:

Knowledge of landmark papers in urology is essential both for the practise of evidence-based medicine and for trainees requiring a syllabus for the FRCS Urology examination. Citation index (CI) is seen as a direct measure of the quality of a scientific paper. The aim of this study was to compare papers with the highest CI in each urologic sub-speciality with the landmark papers in urology.

Methods:

Seventy-nine of the highest impact factor journals in urology, medicine and urologic sub-specialities were identified from the Journal of Citation Reports: Science edition 2012. Urology papers with the highest CI were identified from these journals using the database of the Science CI (1965–2012). Forty-four landmark papers in urology were then identified from textbooks, recommended reading lists for the FRCS Urology examination, and publications on landmark urology papers. High CI papers were then compared to landmark papers.

Results:

The top 10 cited papers in each urologic sub-speciality were identified. A total of 31.8% ( n = 14) landmark papers were among the top 10 cited papers. Urinary tract infection had the highest proportion of landmark papers in the top 10 cited articles. Kidney cancer papers had the highest mean CI while urinary tract trauma had the lowest.

Conclusion:

This study shows that CI alone is a poor indicator of landmark papers in urology. This paper gives a comprehensive overview both of landmark papers in urology and those with the highest CI, and may be used as an adjunct to the FRCS Urology syllabus.
An Action Research Study on Using Elegant Tasks for Primary One Pupils to Learn Art
Authors: Shir Pei Poh-Lim Fiona
Published: September 2014

This action research study explored the use of Elegant Tasks for 30 Primary One pupils from a typical public school in Singapore to learn art. According to Sandra Kay, an Elegant Task is an open-ended-problem approach that serves to elicit “creative thoughts” and “elegant” or “aesthetically meaningful” solutions from pupils. Apart from making the teaching of art interesting, the use of Elegant Tasks helps to amuse the pupils into developing an awareness of his or her own style of thinking including its strong points as well as its weaknesses. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions. The findings from this study showed that pupils like the adoption of Elegant Tasks in their art lessons as they were given enough room to explore materials, make new discoveries, and work collaboratively in groups. Besides, this approach has also developed a strong sense of ownership and pride in their artworks as witnessed from pupils’ presentation of their artworks at the end of each Elegant Task topic.
What Research Reveals About School Jazz Education
Authors: West Chad
Published: September 2014

Though jazz has been a part of many school music programs for more than 40 years, relatively little research on jazz education exists. Despite this scarcity, a comprehensive examination of the extant literature could serve to inform practice and guide future studies. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to analyze and synthesize the extant research on school jazz education. The first section addresses research as it applies to jazz ensembles in general, while the second section addresses the research as it applies to jazz improvisation in particular. The article concludes with implications for music education.
Genetic variants in PLG, LPA, and SIGLEC 14 as well as smoking contribute to plasma plasminogen levels
Authors: Ma Qianyi , Ozel Ayse B. , Ramdas Shweta , McGee Beth , Khoriaty Rami , Siemieniak David , Li Hong-Dong , Guan Yuanfang , Brody Lawrence C. , Mills James L. , Molloy Anne M. , Ginsburg David , Li Jun Z. , Desch Karl C.
Published: September 2014

Key Points

Genome-wide association analyses revealed common DNA variants in PLG, LPA, and near SIGLEC14 that contribute to plasma plasminogen level variation. Tobacco smoking and female sex were associated with higher levels of plasminogen.
A Bim-targeting strategy overcomes adaptive bortezomib resistance in myeloma through a novel link between autophagy and apoptosis
Authors: Chen Shuang , Zhang Yu , Zhou Liang , Leng Yun , Lin Hui , Kmieciak Maciej , Pei Xin-Yan , Jones Richard , Orlowski Robert Z. , Dai Yun , Grant Steven
Published: September 2014

Key Points

Loss of Bim contributes to adaptive rather than intrinsic bortezomib resistance in multiple myeloma. A Bim-targeting strategy combining an HDACI with a BH3 mimetic overcomes such resistance through a new link between autophagy and apoptosis.
T-cell-replete haploidentical HSCT with low-dose anti-T-lymphocyte globulin compared with matched sibling HSCT and unrelated HSCT
Authors: Luo Yi , Xiao Haowen , Lai Xiaoyu , Shi Jimin , Tan Yamin , He Jingsong , Xie Wanzhuo , Zheng Weiyan , Zhu Yuanyuan , Ye Xiujin , Yu Xiaohong , Cai Zhen , Lin Maofang , Huang He
Published: September 2014

Key Points

We developed an approach of T-cell-replete haploidentical HSCT with low-dose anti-T-lymphocyte globulin. Outcomes of suitably matched URD-HSCT and HRD-HSCT are similar, and HRD-HSCT improves outcomes of patients with high-risk leukemia.
Preoperative risk factor analysis of postoperative stroke after Cox-maze procedure with mitral valve repair
Authors: Kim Jun Seok , Lee Song Am , Park Jae Bum , Chee Hyun Keun , Chung Jin Woo
Published: September 2014

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a life-threatening arrhythmia that carries the high risk of thromboembolic complication. Stroke often develops in patients who undergo successful Cox Maze procedure, despite the fact that the procedure has shown a high rate of success in sinus conversion from AF. This study examined the preoperative risk factors predictive of stroke following Cox Maze procedure in patients with mitral valve disease.

Methods

240 patients with the mean age of 57 years underwent Cox-Maze IV procedure with mitral valve repair from November 2007 through December 2010. All patients were available during the follow-up period with the mean duration of 23.6 months. This study excluded those patients who had undergone mitral valve replacement because of maintenance of warfarin medication

Results

Sixteen patients had an ischemic stroke. Of these sixteen patients, six had a transitional ischemic accident while the remaining ten had cerebral infarction. Twelve of sixteen showed sustained sinus rhythm, three showed AF and one had pacing rhythm. Univariate analysis showed that only preoperative stroke history was associated with postoperative stroke (p = 0.03). High CHA2DS2-VASc score, rheumatic etiology, large left atrium (LA), preoperative or postoperative LA thrombus, age, sex, hypertension, and concomitant surgery were not associated with predictive risks for stroke.

Conclusions

In the group of patients who underwent the Cox-Maze procedure with mitral valve repair, having a stroke history was the only preoperative risk factor that could lead to a stroke event after surgery. Accordingly, patients with affliction of ischemic stroke, albeit sustained sinus rhythm, may require prophylactic anticoagulation.
Risk of breast cancer and family history of other cancers in first-degree relatives in Chinese women: a case control study
Authors: Zhou Wenbin , Ding Qiang , Pan Hong , Wu Naping , Liang Mengdi , Huang Yaoyu , Chen Lin , Zha Xiaoming , Liu Xiaoan , Wang Shui
Published: September 2014

Background

Few studies have systematically reported the relationship between the risk of breast cancer and family history of other cancers. This study was designed to systematically determine the relationship between breast cancer risk and family history of other cancers in first-degree relatives.

Methods

Between January 2006 and June 2011, 823 women diagnosed with breast cancer were included, and age-matched women diagnosed with benign breast disease were selected as controls. Family history of other cancers in first-degree relatives was recorded by trained reviewers. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to analyze the relationships.

Results

A family history of esophagus cancer (OR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.11 – 6.57), lung cancer (OR: 2.49 95% CI: 1.10 – 5.65), digestive system cancer (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.14 – 2.79) and any cancer (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.49 – 3.04) in first-degree relatives was directly associated with increased breast cancer risk. In subgroup analysis, the risk of hormone receptor positive breast cancer was increased in subjects with a family history of lung cancer (OR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.45 – 7.82), while the risk of hormone receptor negative breast cancer was increased in subjects with a family history of esophagus cancer (OR: 6.19, 95% CI: 2.30 – 16.71), uterus cancer (OR: 6.92, 95% CI: 1.12 – 42.89), digestive tract cancer (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.03 – 4.10) and gynecology cancer (OR: 6.79, 95% CI: 1.46 – 31.65). Additionally, a significant increase in breast cancer was observed with a family history of digestive system cancer for subjects 50 y and younger (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.03 – 3.43), not for subjects 50 y older (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 0.86 – 3.25).

Conclusions

Breast cancer aggregates in families with several types of cancer especially for digestive system cancer. The influence of a family history of other cancers seems more likely to be limited to hormone receptor negative breast cancer.
Design of dual-diameter nanoholes for efficient solar-light harvesting
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Li Xiaofeng , Shang Aixue , Wu Shaolong , Zhan Yaohui , Yang Zhenhai
Published: September 2014

A dual-diameter nanohole (DNH) photovoltaic system is proposed, where a top (bottom) layer with large (small) nanoholes is used to improve the absorption for the short-wavelength (long-wavelength) solar incidence, leading to a broadband light absorption enhancement. Through three-dimensional finite-element simulation, the core device parameters, including the lattice constant, nanohole diameters, and nanohole depths, are engineered in order to realize the best light-matter coupling between nanostructured silicon and solar spectrum. The designed bare DNH system exhibits an outstanding absorption capability with a photocurrent density (under perfect internal quantum process) predicted to be 27.93 mA/cm2, which is 17.39%, 26.17%, and over 100% higher than the best single-nanohole (SNH) system, SNH system with an identical Si volume, and equivalent planar configuration, respectively. Considering the fabrication feasibility, a modified DNH system with an anti-reflection coating and back silver reflector is examined by simulating both optical absorption and carrier transport in a coupled way in frequency and three-dimensional spatial domains, achieving a light-conversion efficiency of 13.72%.

PACS

85.60.-q; Optoelectronic device; 84.60.Jt; Photovoltaic conversion
Influence of water content in mixed solvent on surface morphology, wettability, and photoconductivity of ZnO thin films
Authors: Zhao Min , Shang Fengjiao , Lv Jianguo , Song Ying , Wang Feng , Zhou Zhitao , He Gang , Zhang Miao , Song Xueping , Sun Zhaoqi , Wei Yiyong , Chen Xiaoshuang
Published: September 2014

ZnO thin films have been synthesized by means of a simple hydrothermal method with different solvents. The effect of deionized water content in the mixed solvents on the surface morphology, crystal structure, and optical property has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. A large number of compact and well-aligned hexagonal ZnO nanorods and the maximal texture coefficient have been observed in the thin film, which is grown in the mixed solvent with x = 40%. A lot of sparse, diagonal, and pointed nanorods can be seen in the ZnO thin film, which is grown in the 40-mL DI water solution. The optical band gap decreases firstly and then increases with the increase of x. Reversible wettability of ZnO thin films were studied by home-made water contact angle apparatus. Reversible transition between hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity may be attributed to the change of surface chemical composition, surface roughness and the proportion of nonpolar planes on the surface of ZnO thin films. Photocurrent response of ZnO thin films grown at different solvents were measured in air. The response duration of the thin film, which is grown in the solvent with x = 40%, exhibits a fast growth in the beginning but cannot approach the saturate current value within 100 s. The theoretical mechanism for the slower growth or decay duration of the photocurrent has been discussed in detail.
Improved conversion efficiency of amorphous Si solar cells using a mesoporous ZnO pattern
Authors: Go Bit-Na , Kim Yang Doo , suk Oh Kyoung , Kim Chaehyun , Choi Hak-Jong , Lee Heon
Published: September 2014

To provide a front transparent electrode for use in highly efficient hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film solar cells, porous flat layer and micro-patterns of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle (NP) layers were prepared through ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography (UV-NIL) and deposited on Al-doped ZnO (AZO) layers. Through this, it was found that a porous micro-pattern of ZnO NPs dispersed in resin can optimize the light-trapping pattern, with the efficiency of solar cells based on patterned or flat mesoporous ZnO layers increased by 27% and 12%, respectively.
Nanostructured copper/porous silicon hybrid systems as efficient sound-emitting devices
Authors: Recio-Sánchez Gonzalo , Namura Kyoko , Suzuki Motofumi , Martín-Palma Raúl J
Published: September 2014

In the present work, the photo-acoustic emission from nanostructured copper/porous silicon hybrid systems was studied. Copper nanoparticles were grown by photo-assisted electroless deposition on crystalline silicon and nanostructured porous silicon (nanoPS). Both the optical and photo-acoustic responses from these systems were determined. The experimental results show a remarkable increase in the photo-acoustic intensity when copper nanoparticles are incorporated to the porous structure. The results thus suggest that the Cu/nanoPS hybrid systems are suitable candidates for several applications in the field of thermoplasmonics, including the development of sound-emitting devices of great efficiency.
The role of transcavitary ultrasonography in diagnosis and staging of nonmuscle-ınvasive bladder cancer: a prospective non-randomized clinical study
Authors: Oktem Gultekin Cagri , Kocaaslan Ramazan , Karadag Mert Ali , Bagcioglu Murat , Demir Aslan , Cecen Kursat , Unluer Erdinc
Published: September 2014

To evaluate the efficacy of cystoscopy, computed tomography (CT), transcavitary ultrasound (TCUS) and cytology, separately and in combination, for the diagnosis and evaluation of superficial bladder cancer.

Initial cystoscopy and wash-out cytology were performed for 1548 patients. Of these, 206 with proven bladder tumors were included in this prospective study. CT and TCUS were performed for patients with bladder tumors without knowledge of their cystoscopy results. The lesions were classified as low- (pTa) and high- (pT1) risk superficial tumors according to multiplicity and size.

Patients were divided into three categories according to their cystoscopically evaluated tumor size: ≤1 cm (88 patients, 42.7%), 1–3 cm (51 patients, 24.8%) and ≥3 cm (67 patients, 32.5%). TCUS identified 46 (22.3%) high-risk patients with/without invasion and 160 (77.7%) low-risk patients with no invasion. Overall, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of TCUS for tumor detection were 77.4%, 60%, 94.7% and 22.2%, respectively.

Cystoscopy remains the most widely used technique for the diagnosis of bladder cancer. The combined use of CT, TCUS and cytology detected 72% of cystoscopically proven tumors. Among the three, TCUS findings exhibited the strongest correlation with cystoscopy findings.
Transcriptomic analysis of rice in response to iron deficiency and excess
Authors: Bashir Khurram , Hanada Kousuke , Shimizu Minami , Seki Motoaki , Nakanishi Hiromi , Nishizawa Naoko K
Published: September 2014

Background

Iron (Fe) is essential micronutrient for plants and its deficiency as well as toxicity is a serious agricultural problem. The mechanisms of Fe deficiency are reasonably understood, however our knowledge about plants response to excess Fe is limited. Moreover, the regulation of small open reading frames (sORFs) in response to abiotic stress has not been reported in rice. Understanding the regulation of rice transcriptome in response to Fe deficiency and excess could provide bases for developing strategies to breed plants tolerant to Fe deficiency as well as excess Fe.

Results

We used a novel rice 110 K microarray harbouring ~48,620 sORFs to understand the transcriptomic changes that occur in response to Fe deficiency and excess. In roots, 36 genes were upregulated by excess Fe, of which three were sORFs. In contrast, 1509 genes were upregulated by Fe deficiency, of which 90 (6%) were sORFs. Co-expression analysis revealed that the expression of some sORFs was positively correlated with the genes upregulated by Fe deficiency. In shoots, 50 (19%) of the genes upregulated by Fe deficiency and 1076 out of 2480 (43%) genes upregulated by excess Fe were sORFs. These results suggest that excess Fe may significantly alter metabolism, particularly in shoots.

Conclusion

These data not only reveal the genes regulated by excess Fe, but also suggest that sORFs might play an important role in the response of plants to Fe deficiency and excess.
Insulin treatment guided by subcutaneous continuous glucose monitoring compared to frequent point-of-care measurement in critically ill patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Boom Daphne T , Sechterberger Marjolein K , Rijkenberg Saskia , Kreder Susanne , Bosman Rob J , Wester Jos PJ , van Stijn Ilse , DeVries J Hans , van der Voort Peter HJ
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Glucose measurement in intensive care medicine is performed intermittently with the risk of undetected hypoglycemia. The workload for the ICU nursing staff is substantial. Subcutaneous continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems are available and may be able to solve some of these issues in critically ill patients.

Methods

In a randomized controlled design in a mixed ICU in a teaching hospital we compared the use of subcutaneous CGM with frequent point of care (POC) to guide insulin treatment. Adult critically ill patients with an expected stay of more than 24 hours and in need of insulin therapy were included. All patients received subcutaneous CGM. CGM data were blinded in the control group, whereas in the intervention group these data were used to feed a computerized glucose regulation algorithm. The same algorithm was used in the control group fed by intermittent POC glucose measurements. Safety was assessed with the incidence of severe hypoglycemia (<2.2 mmol/L), efficacy with the percentage time in target range (5.0 to 9.0 mmol/L). In addition, we assessed nursing workload and costs.

Results

In this study, 87 patients were randomized to the intervention and 90 to the control group. CGM device failure resulted in 78 and 78 patients for analysis. The incidence of severe glycemia and percentage of time within target range was similar in both groups. A significant reduction in daily nursing workload for glucose control was found in the intervention group (17 versus 36 minutes; P <0.001). Mean daily costs per patient were significantly reduced with EUR 12 (95% CI −32 to −18, P = 0.02) in the intervention group.

Conclusions

Subcutaneous CGM to guide insulin treatment in critically ill patients is as safe and effective as intermittent point-of-care measurements and reduces nursing workload and daily costs. A new algorithm designed for frequent measurements may lead to improved performance and should precede clinical implementation.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01526044. Registered 1 February 2012.
Efficacy and bleeding risk of antithrombin supplementation in septic disseminated intravascular coagulation: a secondary survey
Authors: Iba Toshiaki , Saitoh Daizoh , Wada Hideo , Asakura Hidesaku
Published: September 2014

Introduction

In a previous report, we demonstrated a favorable trend for supplementation with antithrombin (AT) concentrate at a dosage of 3,000 IU/day over 1,500 IU/day for the treatment of sepsis-associated disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in patients with an AT activity of 70% or less. Since the survival difference did not reach statistical significance, we planned to examine the effects in a larger number of cases with severer disease.

Methods

We performed a non-randomized multi-institutional survey. In total, 307 septic DIC patients who had AT activity less than 40% and who had undergone AT substitution at a dose of either 1,500 IU/day or 3,000 IU/day for three consecutive days were analyzed. Of these, 259 patients received 1,500 IU/day (AT1500 group) and 48 patients received 3,000 IU/day (AT3000 group). The primary efficacy endpoints were recovery from DIC by day 7 and an all-cause mortality on day 28. Adverse bleeding events were also examined. A logistic regression analysis was conducted by using age, sex, body weight, initial AT activity, DIC score, platelet count, coadministration of heparin, recombinant thrombomodulin, suspected source of infection, surgery, and supplemented AT dose.

Results

Supplementation significantly decreased the DIC score in the AT3000 group, leading to the superior resolution of DIC, compared with the results in the AT1500 group (66.7% versus 45.2%, P = 0.007). In addition, the AT3000 group exhibited a better survival than the AT1500 group (77.1% versus 56.4%, P = 0.010). Bleeding events were observed in 6.96% (severe bleeding: 3.04%) in the AT1500 group and 6.52% (severe bleeding, 4.35%) in the AT3000 group (P = 1.000; severe bleeding, P = 0.648). A logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of AT3000 (odds ratio (OR), 2.419; P = 0.025), a higher initial platelet count (OR, 1.054; P = 0.027), and patient age (OR, 0.977; P = 0.045) were significantly correlated with an improved survival.

Conclusions

The AT3000 group exhibited significantly improved rates of survival and recovery from DIC without an increased risk of bleeding, compared with the AT1500 group, among the patients with sepsis-associated DIC and an AT activity of less than 40%.
Heart–lung interactions during neurally adjusted ventilatory assist
Authors: Berger David , Bloechlinger Stefan , Takala Jukka , Sinderby Christer , Brander Lukas
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Assist in unison to the patient’s inspiratory neural effort and feedback-controlled limitation of lung distension with neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) may reduce the negative effects of mechanical ventilation on right ventricular function.

Methods

Heart–lung interaction was evaluated in 10 intubated patients with impaired cardiac function using esophageal balloons, pulmonary artery catheters and echocardiography. Adequate NAVA level identified by a titration procedure to breathing pattern (NAVAal), 50% NAVAal, and 200% NAVAal and adequate pressure support (PSVal, defined clinically), 50% PSVal, and 150% PSVal were implemented at constant positive end-expiratory pressure for 20 minutes each.

Results

NAVAal was 3.1 ± 1.1cmH2O/μV and PSVal was 17 ± 2 cmH20. For all NAVA levels negative esophageal pressure deflections were observed during inspiration whereas this pattern was reversed during PSVal and PSVhigh. As compared to expiration, inspiratory right ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (surrogating stroke volume) was 103 ± 4%, 109 ± 5%, and 100 ± 4% for NAVAlow, NAVAal, and NAVAhigh and 101 ± 3%, 89 ± 6%, and 83 ± 9% for PSVlow, PSVal, and PSVhigh, respectively (p < 0.001 level-mode interaction, ANOVA). Right ventricular systolic isovolumetric pressure increased from 11.0 ± 4.6 mmHg at PSVlow to 14.0 ± 4.6 mmHg at PSVhigh but remained unchanged (11.5 ± 4.7 mmHg (NAVAlow) and 10.8 ± 4.2 mmHg (NAVAhigh), level-mode interaction p = 0.005). Both indicate progressive right ventricular outflow impedance with increasing pressure support ventilation (PSV), but no change with increasing NAVA level.

Conclusions

Right ventricular performance is less impaired during NAVA compared to PSV as used in this study. Proposed mechanisms are preservation of cyclic intrathoracic pressure changes characteristic of spontaneous breathing and limitation of right-ventricular outflow impedance during inspiration, regardless of the NAVA level.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00647361, registered 19 March 2008