bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CXCL12 Promotes the Stabilization of Atherosclerotic Lesions Mediated by Smooth Muscle Progenitor Cells in
Apoe
-Deficient Mice
Authors: Akhtar Shamima , Gremse Felix , Kiessling Fabian , Weber Christian , Schober Andreas
Published: February 2013

Objective—

Unstable atherosclerotic lesions are prone to rupture, which leads to atherothrombosis. Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12) promotes the mobilization and neointimal recruitment of smooth muscle progenitor cells (SPCs), and thereby mediates vascular repair. Moreover, treatment with SPCs stabilizes atherosclerotic lesions in mice. We investigated the role of CXCL12 in the treatment of unstable atherosclerotic lesions.

Approach and Results—

Intravenous injection of CXCL12 selectively increased the level of Sca1
+
Lin platelet derived growth factor receptor-β
+
SPCs in the circulation as determined by flow cytometry. Macrophage-rich lesions were induced by partial ligation of the carotid artery in
Apoe
−/−
mice. Repeated injection of CXCL12 reduced the macrophage content, increased the number of smooth muscle cells, increased the fibrous cap thickness, and increased the collagen content in these lesions. However, CXCL12 did not alter the lesion size or the luminal diameter of the carotid artery as determined by planimetry and micro-computed tomography, respectively. Recruitment of bone marrow–derived SPCs to the lesions was increased after treatment with CXCL12 in chimeric mice that expressed
SM22-LacZ
in bone marrow cells as determined by quantification of the number of lesional β-galactosidase–expressing cells. CXCL12 expression was upregulated in atherosclerotic arteries after CXCL12 treatment. Silencing of arterial CXCL12 expression during atherosclerosis promoted lesion formation and reduced the lesional smooth muscle cell content in CXCL12-treated mice.

Conclusions—

Systemic treatment with CXCL12 promotes a more stable atherosclerotic lesion phenotype and enhances the accumulation of SPCs in these lesions without promoting atherosclerosis. Thus, CXCL12-induced SPC mobilization appears a promising approach to treat unstable atherosclerosis.
Endocardial Versus Epicardial Ventricular Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Sacher Frederic , Wright Matthew , Derval Nicolas , Denis Arnaud , Ramoul Khaled , Roten Laurent , Pascale Patrizzio , Bordachar Pierre , Ritter Philippe , Hocini Meleze , Dos Santos Pierre , Haissaguerre Michel , Jais Pierre
Published: February 2013

Background—

Contact force (CF) is an important determinant of lesion formation for atrial endocardial radiofrequency ablation. There are minimal published data on CF and ventricular lesion formation. We studied the impact of CF on lesion formation using an ovine model both endocardially and epicardially.

Methods and Results—

Twenty sheep received 160 epicardial and 160 endocardial ventricular radiofrequency applications using either a 3.5-mm irrigated-tip catheter (Thermocool, Biosense-Webster, n=160) or a 3.5 irrigated-tip catheter with CF assessment (Tacticath, Endosense, n=160), via percutaneous access. Power was delivered at 30 watts for 60 seconds, when either catheter/tissue contact was felt to be good or when CF>10 g with Tacticath. After completion of all lesions, acute dimensions were taken at pathology. Identifiable lesion formation from radiofrequency application was improved with the aid of CF information, from 78% to 98% on the endocardium (
P
<0.001) and from 90% to 100% on the epicardium (
P
=0.02). The mean total force was greater on the endocardium (39±18 g versus 21±14 g for the epicardium;
P
<0.001) mainly because of axial force. Despite the force–time integral being greater endocardially, epicardial lesions were larger (231±182 mm
3
versus 209±131 mm
3
;
P
=0.02) probably because of the absence of the heat sink effect of the circulating blood and covered a greater area (41±27 mm
2
versus 29±17 mm
2
;
P
=0.03) because of catheter orientation.

Conclusions—

In the absence of CF feedback, 22% of endocardial radiofrequency applications that are thought to have good contact did not result in lesion formation. Epicardial ablation is associated with larger lesions.
Prevalence and Potential Genetic Determinants of Sensorineural Deafness in
KCNQ1
Homozygosity and Compound Heterozygosity
Authors: Giudicessi John R. , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: February 2013

Background—

Homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in
KCNQ1
cause Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome, a rare, autosomal-recessive form of long-QT syndrome characterized by deafness, marked QT prolongation, and a high risk of sudden death. However, it is not understood why some individuals with mutations on both
KCNQ1
alleles present without deafness. In this study, we sought to determine the prevalence and genetic determinants of this phenomenon in a large referral population of patients with long-QT syndrome.

Methods and Results—

A retrospective analysis of all patients with long-QT syndrome evaluated from July 1998 to April 2012 was used to identify those with ≥1
KCNQ1
mutation. Of the 249
KCNQ1
-positive patients identified, 15 (6.0%) harbored a rare putative pathogenic mutation on both
KCNQ1
alleles. Surprisingly, 11 of these patients (73%) presented without the sensorineural deafness associated with Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome. The degree of QT-interval prolongation and the number of breakthrough cardiac events were similar between patients with and without deafness. Interestingly, truncating mutations were more prevalent in patients with Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome (79%) than in nondeaf patients (36%;
P
<0.001) derived from this study and those in the literature.

Conclusions—

In this study, we provide evidence that the recessive inheritance of a severe long-QT syndrome type 1 phenotype in the absence of an auditory phenotype may represent a more common pattern of long-QT syndrome inheritance than previously anticipated and that these cases should be treated as a higher-risk long-QT syndrome subset similar to their Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome counterparts. Furthermore, mutation type may serve as a genetic determinant of deafness, but not cardiac expressivity, in individuals harboring ≥1
KCNQ1
mutation on each allele.
“Picture to Puncture”
Authors: Sun Chung-Huan J. , Nogueira Raul G. , Glenn Brenda A. , Connelly Kerrin , Zimmermann Susan , Anda Kim , Camp Deborah , Frankel Michael R. , Belagaje Samir R. , Anderson Aaron M. , Isakov Alexander P. , Gupta Rishi
Published: February 2013

Background—

Comprehensive stroke centers allow for regionalization of subspecialty stroke care. Efficacy of endovascular treatments, however, may be limited by delays in patient transfer. Our goal was to identify where these delays occurred and to assess the impact of such delays on patient outcome.

Methods and Results—

This was a retrospective study evaluating patients treated with endovascular therapy from November 2010 to July 2012 at our institution. We compared patients transferred from outside hospitals with locally treated patients with respect to demographics, imaging, and treatment times. Good outcomes, as defined by 90-day modified Rankin Scale scores of 0 to 2, were analyzed by transfer status as well as time from initial computed tomography to groin puncture (“picture-to-puncture” time). A total of 193 patients were analyzed, with a mean age of 65.8±14.5 years and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 19 (interquartile range, 15–23). More than two thirds of the patients (132 [68%]) were treated from referring facilities. Outside transfers were noted to have longer picture-to-puncture times (205 minutes [interquartile range, 162–274] versus 89 minutes [interquartile range, 70–119];
P
<0.001), which was attributable to the delays in transfer. This corresponded to fewer patients with favorable Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores on preprocedural computed tomographic imaging (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores >7: 50% versus 76%;
P
<0.001) and significantly worse clinical outcomes (29% versus 51%;
P
=0.003). In a logistic regression model, picture-to-puncture times were independently associated with good outcomes (odds ratio, 0.994; 95% confidence interval, 0.990–0.999;
P
=0.009).

Conclusions—

Delays in picture-to-puncture times for interhospital transfers reduce the probability of good outcomes among treated patients. Strategies to reduce such delays herald an opportunity for hospitals to improve patient outcomes.
H
2
S Protects Against Pressure Overload–Induced Heart Failure via Upregulation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase
Authors: Kondo Kazuhisa , Bhushan Shashi , King Adrienne L. , Prabhu Sumanth D. , Hamid Tariq , Koenig Steven , Murohara Toyoaki , Predmore Benjamin L. , Gojon Gabriel , Gojon Gabriel , Wang Rui , Karusula Naveena , Nicholson Chad K. , Calvert John W. , Lefer David J.
Published: February 2013

Background—

Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) produces H
2
S via enzymatic conversion of L-cysteine and plays a critical role in cardiovascular homeostasis. We investigated the effects of genetic modulation of CSE and exogenous H
2
S therapy in the setting of pressure overload–induced heart failure.

Methods and Results—

Transverse aortic constriction was performed in wild-type, CSE knockout, and cardiac-specific CSE transgenic mice. In addition, C57BL/6J or CSE knockout mice received a novel H
2
S donor (SG-1002). Mice were followed up for 12 weeks with echocardiography. We observed a >60% reduction in myocardial and circulating H
2
S levels after transverse aortic constriction. CSE knockout mice exhibited significantly greater cardiac dilatation and dysfunction than wild-type mice after transverse aortic constriction, and cardiac-specific CSE transgenic mice maintained cardiac structure and function after transverse aortic constriction. H
2
S therapy with SG-1002 resulted in cardioprotection during transverse aortic constriction via upregulation of the vascular endothelial growth factor–Akt–endothelial nitric oxide synthase–nitric oxide–cGMP pathway with preserved mitochondrial function, attenuated oxidative stress, and increased myocardial vascular density.

Conclusions—

Our results demonstrate that H
2
S levels are decreased in mice in the setting of heart failure. Moreover, CSE plays a critical role in the preservation of cardiac function in heart failure, and oral H
2
S therapy prevents the transition from compensated to decompensated heart failure in part via upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and increased nitric oxide bioavailability.
Erythropoietin Increases Neurogenesis and Oligodendrogliosis of Subventricular Zone Precursor Cells After Neonatal Stroke
Authors: Gonzalez Fernando F. , Larpthaveesarp Amara , McQuillen Patrick , Derugin Nikita , Wendland Michael , Spadafora Ruggero , Ferriero Donna M.
Published: February 2013

Background and Purpose—

Stroke is a common cause of neonatal brain injury. The subventricular zone is a lifelong source of newly generated cells in rodents, and erythropoietin (EPO) treatment has shown benefit in different animal models of brain injury. The purpose of this study is to investigate the specific role of exogenous EPO on subventricular zone progenitor cell populations in response to neonatal stroke.

Methods—

Intraventricular injections of green fluorescent protein (GFP)–expressing lentivirus to label subventricular zone precursor cells were made in postnatal day 1 (P1) Long-Evans rats, which then underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion on P7. Middle cerebral artery occlusion and sham rats were treated with either vehicle or EPO (1000 U/kg) at reperfusion, 24 hours, and 7 days later. The density of double-labeled DCx+/GFP+, NeuN+/GFP+, O4+/GFP+, GFAP+/GFP+, as well as single-labeled GFP+ and Ki67+ cells, was calculated to determine cell fate outcome in the striatum at 72 hours and 2 weeks after stroke.

Results—

There was a significant increase in DCx+/GFP+ and NeuN+/GFP+ neurons and O4+/GFP+ oligodendrocyte precursors, with decreased GFAP+/GFP+ astrocytes at both time points in EPO-middle cerebral artery occlusion animals. There was also a significant increase in GFP+ cells and Ki67+ proliferating cells in EPO compared with vehicle-middle cerebral artery occlusion animals.

Conclusions—

These data suggest that subventricular zone neural progenitor cells proliferate and migrate to the site of injury after neonatal stroke and multiple doses of EPO, with a shift in cell fate toward neurogenesis and oligodendrogliosis at both early and late time points. The contribution of local cell proliferation and neurogenesis remains to be determined.
The Intracerebral Hemorrhage Acutely Decreasing Arterial Pressure Trial
Authors: Butcher Kenneth S. , Jeerakathil Thomas , Hill Michael , Demchuk Andrew M. , Dowlatshahi Dariush , Coutts Shelagh B. , Gould Bronwen , McCourt Rebecca , Asdaghi Negar , Findlay J. Max , Emery Derek , Shuaib Ashfaq
Published: February 2013

Background and Purpose—

Acute blood pressure (BP) reduction aimed at attenuation of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) expansion might also compromise cerebral blood flow (CBF). We tested the hypothesis that CBF in acute ICH patients is unaffected by BP reduction.

Methods—

Patients with spontaneous ICH <24 hours after onset and systolic BP > 150 mm Hg were randomly assigned to an intravenous antihypertensive treatment protocol targeting a systolic BP of <150 mm Hg (n=39) or <180 mm Hg (n=36). Patients underwent computed tomography perfusion imaging 2 hours postrandomization. The primary end point was perihematoma relative (relative CBF).

Results—

Treatment groups were balanced with respect to baseline systolic BP: 182±20 mm Hg (<150 mm Hg target group) versus 184±25 mm Hg (<180 mm Hg target group;
P
=0.60), and for hematoma volume: 25.6±30.8 versus 26.9±25.2 mL (
P
=0.66). Mean systolic BP 2 hours after randomization was significantly lower in the <150 mm Hg target group (140±19 vs 162±12 mm Hg;
P
<0.001). Perihematoma CBF (38.7±11.9 mL/100 g per minute) was lower than in contralateral homologous regions (44.1±11.1 mL/100 g per minute;
P
<0.001) in all patients. The primary end point of perihematoma relative CBF in the <150 mm Hg target group (0.86±0.12) was not significantly lower than that in the <180 mm Hg group (0.89±0.09;
P
=0.19; absolute difference, 0.03; 95% confidence interval −0.018 to 0.078). There was no relationship between the magnitude of BP change and perihematoma relative CBF in the <150 mm Hg (
R
=0.00005; 95% confidence interval, −0.001 to 0.001) or <180 mm Hg target groups (
R
=0.000; 95% confidence interval, −0.001 to 0.001).

Conclusions—

Rapid BP lowering after a moderate volume of ICH does not reduce perihematoma CBF. These physiological data indicate that acute BP reduction does not precipitate cerebral ischemia in ICH patients.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique Identifier: NCT00963976.
Thrombolysis in Stroke Despite Contraindications or Warnings?
Authors: Frank Benedikt , Grotta James C. , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Bluhmki Erich , Lyden Patrick , Meretoja Atte , Mishra Nishant K. , Shuaib Ashfaq , Wahlgren Nils G. , Weimar Christian , Lees Kennedy R.
Published: February 2013

Background and Purpose—

Intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase is approved for acute ischemic stroke, but its use is limited by numerous contraindications and warnings arising from trial selection criteria or expert opinions. We examined outcomes from alteplase-treated versus untreated patients, registered in a trials archive, according to presence or absence of specified contraindications and warnings.

Methods—

We analyzed 90-day modified Rankin Scale across the whole distribution of scores using the Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test, with adjustment for age and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Score, followed by proportional odds logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratios for preferred outcome.

Results—

We used data from 9613 ischemic stroke patients of whom 2755 were treated with thrombolysis. Adjusted odds ratios showed a broad trend of more favorable 3-month outcome associated with alteplase treatment versus no treatment in various subgroups of patients with contraindications and warnings; for example, 1.40 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–1.70) in patients aged >80 (n=1805), 1.50 (95% CI, 1.03–2.18) in patients with combined history of prior stroke and diabetes mellitus (n=672), 1.42 (95% CI, 1.19–1.70) in patients on prior single antiplatelet agent (n=1626), 2.20 (95% CI, 1.12–4.32) in patients on oral anticoagulation, and International Normalized Ratio≤1.7 (n=157), 1.50 (95% CI, 1.15–1.97) in patients with baseline glucose >180 (n=879), and 1.57 (95% CI, 1.12–2.18) in patients with pretreatment National Institutes of Health Stroke Score >22 (n=620).

Conclusions—

This comprehensive retrospective analysis of various contraindications and warnings provides reassurance about benefits and risks of intravenous alteplase treatment in common clinical situations.
Unilateral Trade-related Climate Change Measures
Authors: Leal-Arcas Rafael
Published: February 2013

Climate change mitigation has become one of the most relevant topics today, and it will continue for years to come. It is a concern that has implications in economics, law, science, human rights, technology, international relations and ethics, to name but a few fields of knowledge. Climate change is a global problem that knows no geographical barriers. International law is not well equipped to face the challenges of climate change. Global climate is an indivisible public good. International law currently faces the challenge of fragmentation and the need to bring greater coherence to a fragmented system in combating climate change. The aim of this article is to explain the trade implications of climate change mitigation policies by analyzing a couple of areas where the international regimes for trade and climate change mitigation/energy may potentially clash: 1) border carbon adjustments and 2) applying subsidies and similar measures in order to encourage environmentally-friendly technologies. After the introduction, Section 2 provides an analysis on the link between the legal regimes of international trade and climate change. Section 3 compares both regimes and Section 4 offers an overview of unilateral trade-related climate change measures. Section 5 examines the main WTO provisions on subsidies and analyzes the WTO cases on subsidies for renewable energy. Section 6 focuses on the inclusion of aviation in the EU Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) and the potential expansion of the EU ETS to the shipping industry. Section 7 concludes the article.
The Life and Death of BITs: Legal Issues Concerning Survival Clauses and the Termination of Investment Treaties
Authors: Harrison James
Published: February 2013

This article considers a number of legal issues that arise when states decide to terminate treaties providing protection to foreign investors. This is an area that is governed both by specific provisions in investment treaties, as well as by principles of general international law. The article considers two particular mechanisms that seek to promote legal certainty for investors by limiting the ability of states to peremptorily revoke the protection offered by investment treaties. Firstly, it considers minimum periods of application. Secondly, it analyzes so-called survival clauses, which serve to extend the application of a treaty to established investors for a particular period of time after its unilateral termination. The article compares the scope of these provisions under a variety of investment treaties in order to identify differences in state practice. It also discusses the limits of these mechanisms against the backdrop of general international law. Finally, the article considers whether protection is also available for established investors when both parties to an investment treaty mutually agree to terminate the treaty. In this context, the article looks at the theory of third party rights and its application in the context of investment treaties.
The Effect of Apparent Bias or Suspicion of Bias or Unconscious Bias may not necessarily be different from that of Actual Bias - An English Perspective
Authors: Chatterjee C.
Published: February 2013

Allegations of bias of whatever type, actual or apparent or otherwise are not unknown to the world of commercial arbitration, and the English courts have always abhorred them. Judicial decisions have however made a distinction between “actual bias” and “apparent bias”, and established criteria to determine “actual bias” or “suspicion of bias” or “apparent bias”, but it is to be considered whether any effective difference, in effect, may be maintained from a practical standpoint between the various types of bias as any award rendered by a tribunal against which or a member of which, an allegation of bias has been made, would always be considered by the award-debtor to be an award vitiated by suspicion of bias.
Moral Damages in International Investment Disputes – On the Search for a Legal Basis and Guiding Principles
Authors: Markert Lars , Freiburg Elisa
Published: February 2013

This article sets out to examine the legal nature of and the requirements for granting moral damages in international (investment) law. In doing so, we will consider various general public international law and investment law cases. We will place a particular emphasis on the former, since they provide a valuable platform for the analysis of the origins of moral damages and an exploration of how international tribunals have dealt with moral damages under different circumstances. The more recent investment arbitration cases provide a useful insight into several controversial issues arising out of the arbitral tribunals’ holdings. We will develop a proposal as to how moral damages should be characterized doctrinally and show that nowadays moral damages claims are generally accepted in investment law, despite still existing uncertainties regarding their scope and application.
Antarctic Low-Tropospheric Humidity Inversions: 10-Yr Climatology
Authors: Nygård Tiina , Valkonen Teresa , Vihma Timo
Published: February 2013

Humidity inversions are nearly permanently present in the coastal Antarctic atmosphere. This is shown based on an investigation of statistical characteristics of humidity inversions at 11 Antarctic coastal stations using radiosonde data from the Integrated Global Radiosonde Archive (IGRA) from 2000 to 2009. The humidity inversion occurrence was highest in winter and spring, and high atmospheric pressure and cloud-free conditions generally increased the occurrence. A typical humidity inversion was less than 200 m deep and 0.2 g kg−1 strong, and a typical humidity profile contained several separate inversion layers. The inversion base height had notable seasonal variations, but generally the humidity inversions were located at higher altitudes than temperature inversions. Roughly half of the humidity inversions were associated with temperature inversions, especially near the surface, and humidity and temperature inversion strengths as well as depths correlated at several stations. On the other hand, approximately 60% of the humidity inversions were accompanied by horizontal advection of water vapor increasing with height, which is also a probable factor supporting humidity inversions. The spatial variability of humidity inversions was linked to the topography and the water vapor content of the air. Compared to previous results for the Arctic, the most striking differences in humidity inversions in the Antarctic were a much higher frequency of occurrence in summer, at least under clear skies, and a reverse seasonal cycle of the inversion height. The results can be used as a baseline for validation of weather prediction and climate models and for studies addressing changes in atmospheric moisture budget in the Antarctic.
Comments on “A Simple, Coherent Framework for Partitioning Uncertainty in Climate Predictions”
Authors: Northrop Paul J.
Published: February 2013

In a recent article Yip et al. present a simple, yet powerful, framework for partitioning uncertainty in multimodel climate ensembles. Simplicity is achieved by extracting from climate prediction ensembles a single subset with a convenient structure. Here, the analysis of predictions of twenty-first-century global temperature by Yip et al. is extended by analyzing all possible subsets. Findings can depend strongly on the particular dataset chosen, so relying on a single dataset may be misleading.
The Impact of Boundary Conditions on the Upstream Spreading of Bottom-Trapped Plumes
Authors: Matano Ricardo P. , Palma Elbio D.
Published: February 2013

This study shows that simulations of bottom-trapped plumes in periodic or closed domains generate a spurious cyclonic current that arrests the natural tendency of the plume to move upstream. Furthermore, it also shows that attempts to obstruct the upstream spreading lead to a bias of the fundamental characteristics of the plume.
Update in Pediatric Anaphylaxis
Authors: Chipps Bradley E.
Published: February 2013

Anaphylaxis is common in children and has many differences across age groups. A systematic review of the literature from the past 5 years was conducted with the goal of updating the pediatrician. Food is the most common trigger in children, but insect venom and drugs are other typical causes. Clinical diagnostic criteria include dermatological, respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal manifestations. A biphasic reaction is seen in some, with recurrence usually within 8 hours of the initial episode. Epinephrine is the drug of choice for acute reactions and the only medication shown to be lifesaving when administered promptly, but it is underutilized. Patients should have ready access to ≥2 doses of an epinephrine autoinjector, with thorough training regarding correct use of a given device and an emergency action plan. Management of anaphylaxis in schools presents distinct challenges. Pediatricians are in a unique position to assess and treat these patients chronically.
The Idea of the Idyll: Why it May Not Work for the Song of Songs
Authors: Dharamraj Havilah
Published: February 2013

This article picks up on the socially problematic characterization of the female protagonist of the Song of Songs. The incongruence with eastern social norms provokes the proposal that she may be a male construct, a fantasy of an uninhibited, expressive ideal. This construct lives and moves in a male world, one in which the gender stereotypes still operate. This renders suspect the reading of the Song as an idyll (at least, for the 21stcent. reader), although the position is largely adopted by both allegorical and literal interpretations. Such readings miss the Song’s mooring to (unpleasant) social realities. An alternative might be to read the Song as an analogy which derives from the faith community’s corporate experience of God.
Genuine Confession and the Joy of Forgiveness: The Pastor’s Guide to Psalm 32
Authors: Thornton Dillon T.
Published: February 2013

It is my contention that far too many of our congregants fail to understand the importance of ongoing confession of sin. We can begin to correct this misunderstanding by preaching (expositionally) passages like Psalm 32. In this article, I help preachers and teachers navigate their way through Psalm 32—understanding the structure of the psalm, the key theological words, and the numerous figures of speech—so that solid sermons and lessons on Psalm 32 can be written and delivered. My hope is that as this psalm is exposited, the church will move from prideful to penitent.
Comparing elearning and classroom instruction on HIV/AIDS knowledge uptake and internalizing among South African and Irish pupils
Authors: van Zyl Hendra , Visser Pieter , van Wyk Elmarie , Laubscher Ria
Published: February 2013

Objective:

Innovative public health approaches are required to improve human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) education and prevention among adolescents, one of the most vulnerable groups to HIV/AIDS. Consequently, elearning and classroom instruction was assessed for HIV/AIDS knowledge uptake and internalizing among South African and Irish pupils between the ages of 11 and 16 years.

Method:

An HIV/AIDS intervention was implemented based on a quasi-experimental design using experimental and control groups. Experimental group pupils underwent an elearning programme and the control group used the same material in workbooks in a classroom setting. The McNemar test assessed change in both groups’ knowledge levels from baseline to post-intervention. A theoretical framework guided by the conflict theory and health belief model strengthened the learning material. Discussions took place in the classroom and in an eforum; the latter was qualitatively analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results:

A significant increase ( P < 0.01) in HIV/AIDS knowledge uptake was experienced by the experimental group compared to a decline of 1.6% in the control group from baseline to post-intervention. Internalization of HIV/AIDS knowledge emerged in the eforum among experimental group pupils, while the classroom discussions faced structural barriers. Learning outcomes were demonstrated by higher marks achieved in the experimental than control group brochures, the outcome of the learning process.

Conclusion:

Elearning proved a superior technique to classroom instruction for HIV/AIDS knowledge uptake and internalizing and should be considered for wider implementation.
Alcohol and Violence in a Nonmetropolitan College Town
Authors: Snowden Aleksandra J. , Pridemore William Alex
Published: February 2013

This study examined the association between alcohol outlet density and violence in a nonmetropolitan college town. Nearly all prior empirical research examining this association has been undertaken in large urban cities. Using data on Bloomington, Indiana, block groups, we estimated ordinary least squared and spatially lagged regression models to determine whether alcohol outlet density was associated with assault density, and we also took into account the seriousness of violence (i.e., simple and aggravated assault) and different alcohol outlet types (i.e., off-premise, restaurants, and bars). The results showed that total alcohol outlet density was significantly associated with both simple and aggravated assault density in a nonmetropolitan college town. In addition, restaurant and bar densities were significantly associated with simple assault density, whereas off-premise and bar densities were significantly associated with aggravated assault density. These results not only extend the geographic scope of this relationship to nonmetropolitan towns but also have important policy implications.
Prevalence and Incidence of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Federally Sentenced Women in Canada
Authors: Power Jenelle , Brown Shelley L. , Usher Amelia M.
Published: February 2013

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a complex behavior that is not uncommon in the general population, yet little is known about the prevalence of this behavior among incarcerated women. Two studies were conducted to determine the prevalence and incidence of NSSI in federally sentenced Canadian women. In Study 1, a mixed-methods design that included a qualitative interview and a written questionnaire with a sample of 150 incarcerated women was used. In Study 2, archival data were analyzed for a random sample of 400 incarcerated women. Results indicated lifetime prevalence rates of NSSI ranging from 24% to 38%. Incidence of self-injury in a federal institution over a 1-year period was found to be 3.6 per 27.4 person-years (i.e., number of years incarcerated). Both studies indicated that for the majority of women in both samples, NSSI was first initiated in the community, prior to incarceration in a federal correctional institution.
Doing Ideology Amid a Crisis
Authors: Chan Cheris Shun-ching
Published: February 2013

Based on an interactionist framework, this article examines how followers of a contemporary Chinese religious movement, Falun Gong, deal with a crisis situation and sustain their conviction in the absence of their charismatic leader. Data were collected during a yearlong ethnography of the Falun Gong in Chicago and Hong Kong. The findings reveal that followers experienced cognitive dissonance as a result of the Chinese authorities’ suppression and their leader’s disappearance. To cope with the external and internal threats, they engaged in frequent collective actions and discourses. These collective exercises allowed them to act out their shared ideology, reaffirm their ideological mentality, and activate their ideological passion. Through interaction and collective interpretation, followers not only reconstructed meanings out of the confusion, they also romanticized the charisma of their missing leader. This article asserts the critical role of doing ideology in sustaining a movement and integrates an interactionist, social psychological approach into the literature of social movements.
Work–Family Conflict and Attitudes Toward Marriage
Authors: Fuwa Makiko
Published: February 2013

Using 2002 International Social Survey Programme data, this study examines the association between women’s economic resources (full-time employment, educational attainment, and income) and their attitudes toward marriage across 31 countries ( N = 14,827). The focus of this study is to test whether state policy to reduce work–family conflict (shorter working hour schedules and enhancement of public child care services and parental leave) explains cross-national differences in the association between women’s economic independence and their attitudes toward marriage. The results show that highly educated women have negative attitudes toward marriage only in countries with long average working hours. Also, in countries with generous public child care services, the positive effect of educational attainment is stronger. These findings suggest that it is not women’s economic independence per se that reduces attractiveness of marriage; instead, it is the incompatibility between work and family life that lowers women’s marriage aspirations.
Language Use in Eating Disorder Blogs
Authors: Wolf Markus , Theis Florian , Kordy Hans
Published: February 2013

Social media have become a significant means for peer-related communication, self-presentation, and identity management. So-called eating disorder websites that propagate a drastic thin ideal and unhealthy eating behaviors have triggered a debate about the harmful facets of social Internet activity. Little research has addressed the language that is used by the authors of these websites. The present study focuses on personal weblogs, a popular form of mostly text-based, diary-like, online journals. We compared 31 pro–eating disorder blogs, 29 recovery blogs, and 27 control blogs by the means of computerized quantitative text analyses. The language of pro–eating disorder blogs featured lower cognitive processing, a more closed-minded writing style, was less emotionally expressive, contained fewer social references, and focused more on eating-related contents than recovery blogs. A subset of 12 language indicators correctly classified the blogs in 84% of the cases. The distinct language patterns appear to reflect the psychological conditions of the blog authors and provide insight into their various stages of coping.
Emotional Language and Political Aggression
Authors: Matsumoto David , Hwang Hyisung C. , Frank Mark G.
Published: February 2013

We examined how leaders’ expressions of emotion and emotion-related appraisals in their speeches were associated with subsequent political aggression by their groups. We obtained records of speeches anchored to identified acts of aggression and selected for analysis those speeches that were available at three points in time prior to those acts. We then coded the speeches for their expressions of emotion and emotion-related appraisals and tested the differences in that content separately for groups that committed acts of aggression and those that did not, which we labeled acts of resistance. Leaders’ expressions of contempt and disgust and the appraisals related to them differentiated the two groups. We discuss the unique potential contributions of expressions of contempt and disgust to aggression and violence.
Antidepressant treatment and emotional processing: can we dissociate the roles of serotonin and noradrenaline?
Authors: Pringle A , McCabe C , Cowen PJ , Harmer CJ
Published: February 2013

The ability to match individual patients to tailored treatments has the potential to greatly improve outcomes for individuals suffering from major depression. In particular, while the vast majority of antidepressant treatments affect either serotonin or noradrenaline or a combination of these two neurotransmitters, it is not known whether there are particular patients or symptom profiles which respond preferentially to the potentiation of serotonin over noradrenaline or vice versa. Experimental medicine models suggest that the primary mode of action of these treatments may be to remediate negative biases in emotional processing. Such models may provide a useful framework for interrogating the specific actions of antidepressants. Here, we therefore review evidence from studies examining the effects of drugs which potentiate serotonin, noradrenaline or a combination of both neurotransmitters on emotional processing. These results suggest that antidepressants targeting serotonin and noradrenaline may have some specific actions on emotion and reward processing which could be used to improve tailoring of treatment or to understand the effects of dual-reuptake inhibition. Specifically, serotonin may be particularly important in alleviating distress symptoms, while noradrenaline may be especially relevant to anhedonia. The data reviewed here also suggest that noradrenergic-based treatments may have earlier effects on emotional memory that those which affect serotonin.
Association between bispectral index and age and use of sedative drugs in high spinal anaesthesia
Authors: Yi Yuri , Heo Daeyoung , Son Hee-Jeong , Joo Young , Lee Sang-Jin , Hwang Byeongmun
Published: February 2013

Objectives

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study using bispectral index values to objectively quantify the sedative effect of high spinal anaesthesia in patients stratified according to age, and to determine whether sedative drugs are associated with additional adverse respiratory and haemodynamic effects in older patients.

Methods

Patients who were electively scheduled for lower limb or abdominal surgery were recruited and allocated into one of three groups according to their age and whether midazolam and fentanyl were used: younger (20–40 years); and older (61–80 years) with or without midazolam and fentanyl intravenous infusion.

Results

The study recruited a total of 90 patients ( n = 30 per group). Intraoperative bispectral index values were significantly lower than preoperative values in all groups. Patients in the older age group had significantly lower intraoperative bispectral index values than younger patients. Older patients were significantly more likely to experience respiratory depression (arterial oxyhaemoglobin saturation <90%) than younger patients.

Conclusions

The sedative effect of high spinal anaesthesia is greater in older patients than in younger patients, with an increase in respiratory instability.
Isolation and Characterization of 2 New Human Rotator Cuff and Long Head of Biceps Tendon Cells Possessing Stem Cell–Like Self-Renewal and Multipotential Differentiation Capacity
Authors: Randelli Pietro , Conforti Erika , Piccoli Marco , Ragone Vincenza , Creo Pasquale , Cirillo Federica , Masuzzo Pamela , Tringali Cristina , Cabitza Paolo , Tettamanti Guido , Gagliano Nicoletta , Anastasia Luigi , Bergante Sonia , Ghiroldi Andrea
Published: February 2013

Background:

Stem cell therapy is expected to offer new alternatives to the traditional therapies of rotator cuff tendon tears. In particular, resident, tissue-specific, adult stem cells seem to have a higher regenerative potential for the tissue where they reside.

Hypothesis:

Rotator cuff tendon and long head of the biceps tendon possess a resident stem cell population that, when properly stimulated, may be induced to proliferate, thus being potentially usable for tendon regeneration.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Human tendon samples from the supraspinatus and the long head of the biceps were collected during rotator cuff tendon surgeries from 26 patients, washed with phosphate-buffered saline, cut into small pieces, and digested with collagenase type I and dispase. After centrifugation, cell pellets were resuspended in appropriate culture medium and plated. Adherent cells were cultured, phenotypically characterized, and then compared with human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), as an example of adult stem cells, and human dermal fibroblasts, as normal proliferating cells with no stem cell properties.

Results:

Two new adult stem cell populations from the supraspinatus and long head of the biceps tendons were isolated, characterized, and cultured in vitro. Cells showed adult stem cell characteristics (ie, they were self-renewing in vitro, clonogenic, and multipotent), as they could be induced to differentiate into different cell types—namely, osteoblasts, adipocytes, and skeletal muscle cells.

Conclusion:

This work demonstrated that human rotator cuff tendon stem cells and human long head of the biceps tendon stem cells can be isolated and possess a high regenerative potential, which is comparable with that of BMSCs. Moreover, comparative analysis of the sphingolipid pattern of isolated cells with that of BMSCs and fibroblasts revealed the possibility of using this class of lipids as new possible markers of the cell differentiation status.

Clinical Relevance:

Rotator cuff and long head of the biceps tendons contain a stem cell population that can proliferate in vitro and could constitute an easily accessible stem cell source to develop novel therapies for tendon regeneration.
Less-Invasive Semitendinosus Tendon Graft Augmentation for the Reconstruction of Chronic Tears of the Achilles Tendon
Authors: Maffulli Nicola , Del Buono Angelo , Spiezia Filippo , Maffulli Gayle D. , Longo Umile Giuseppe , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: February 2013

Background:

Less-extensive and gentler exposure and dissection of deep soft tissues could reduce the times of recovery and rehabilitation after Achilles tendon reconstruction.

Hypothesis:

A minimally invasive semitendinosus autologous graft reconstruction of the Achilles tendon preserves skin integrity and reduces wound breakdown.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 26 patients underwent minimally invasive semitendinosus autologous graft reconstruction for chronic ruptures to the Achilles tendon. Patients underwent a comparison of preoperative versus postoperative maximum calf circumference and isometric plantarflexion strength and evaluation of postoperative complications. The Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) was administered at the final follow-up appointment.

Results:

All patients were reviewed at an average of 8.2 years (range, 7-10 years) from surgery. No patient was lost to follow-up. At final follow-up, the maximum calf circumference was significantly higher than preoperatively but significantly lower than the contralateral side. The isometric plantarflexion strength in the operated leg was lower than in the uninjured one. The mean ATRS was 88. Two patients developed a superficial wound infection, both healing within 2 months from the index surgery after systemic antibiotics and local dressings. One patient developed scar adhesion to the distal wound. All patients returned to their preinjury working occupation; 22 patients returned to their preinjury level of activity at a mean of 6.7 months after surgery.

Conclusion:

This technique is minimally invasive, is safe, and allows most of the patients to return to preinjury daily and sport activities within 9 months from surgery.
An environmentally friendly process for the recovery of valuable metals from spent refinery catalysts
Authors: Rocchetti Laura , Fonti Viviana , Vegliò Francesco , Beolchini Francesca
Published: February 2013

The present study dealt with the whole valorization process of exhaust refinery catalysts, including metal extraction by ferric iron leaching and metal recovery by precipitation with sodium hydroxide. In the leaching operation the effects on metal recovery of the concentration and kind of acid, the concentration of catalyst and iron (III) were determined. The best operating conditions were 0.05 mol L−1 sulfuric acid, 40 g L−1 iron (III), 10% catalyst concentration; almost complete extraction of nickel and vanadium, and 50%extraction efficiency of aluminium and less than 20% for molybdenum. Sequential precipitation on the leach liquor showed that it was not possible to separate metals through such an approach and a recovery operation by means of a single-stage precipitation at pH 6.5 would simplify the procedures and give a product with an average content of iron (68%), aluminium (13%), vanadium (11%), nickel (6%) and molybdenum (1%) which would be potentially of interest in the iron alloy market. The environmental sustainability of the process was also assessed by means of life cycle assessment and yielded an estimate that the highest impact was in the category of global warming potential with 0.42 kg carbon dioxide per kg recovered metal.
Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking
Authors: Hardy Veronica L. , Compton Kevin D. , McPhatter Veronica S.
Published: February 2013

Domestic minor sex trafficking is a complex form of oppression and child maltreatment affecting children and adolescents on both the domestic and transnational levels. In the United States, the statistical account of minors who are affected by commercial sex trafficking varies because of the hidden nature of this criminal activity. Symptoms of trauma can result from such factors as forced subjugation, separation from family, and sexual acts with multiple perpetrators. Treatment relevant to this population is necessary for posttrafficking adaptation to society. In this article, we discuss the possible effects of domestic minor sex trafficking, implications for intervention, and directions for future research.
Diagnosis and its discontents: Critical perspectives on psychiatric nosology and the DSM
Authors: Kirschner Suzanne R
Published: February 2013

Recent writings that critically analyze psychiatric diagnostic categories and the practices that are intertwined with them have descriptive, contextualizing and moral dimensions. Descriptive projects depict major trends in psychiatric classification. They focus on three such trends: medicalization, an increase in both the number of diagnostic categories and the number of persons to whom they are ascribed, and a move towards framing both pathological and normative behaviors and experiences in neurobiological terms. Contextualizing projects explore how micro- and macrosocial, cultural and political economic elements influence both how diagnostic categories take form and how people who live under the description of those categories interact with them. Many descriptive and contextualizing projects also have a moral dimension: they are motivated by questions about what constitutes help for mentally distressed or impaired persons as well as by concerns that some diagnostic labels and practices may cause harm. Such critical consciousness seems to have grown in tandem with increased medicalization and biological reductionism in psychiatry, and should be further promoted in the future.