bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the rotator cable in various rotator cuff conditions using indirect MR arthrography
Authors: Choo Hye Jung , Lee Sun Joo , Kim Dong Wook , Park Young-Mi , Kim Jung-Han
Published: November 2013

Background

The rotator cable is an important structure providing stress shield to the rotator cuff, similar to the mechanism of suspension bridge.

Purpose

To evaluate the visibility and appearance of the rotator cable in various conditions of the rotator cuff, using indirect magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography.

Material and Methods

Indirect MR arthrography images from 27 patients (age range, 20–63 years) with normal rotator cuffs, and 47 (age range, 20–73 years) with tendinosis, 32 (age range, 49–71 years) with partial-thickness tears, and 55 (age range, 44–75 years) with full-thickness tears in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons (SST-ISTs) were included in this study. In these various rotator cuff conditions, the visibility and appearance (thickness and width) of the rotator cable and the relationships between the rotator cable appearance, rotator cuff tear size, rotator cuff thickness, and patient’s age were assessed.

Results

On the sagittal MR images, all rotator cables were visible in the normal rotator cuffs and tendinosis/partial-thickness tears of SST-ISTs. In the order of normal cuff, tendinosis, partial-thickness tear, and full-thickness tear of SST-ISTs, the rotator cable tended to become thicker (1.07, 1.27, 1.32, and 1.59 mm, respectively) and narrower (12.1, 10.68, 10.90, and 8.55 mm, respectively). The thickness of the rotator cable was significantly positively correlated with the rotator cuff thickness in the normal rotator cuffs (coefficient, 0.49; P = 0.010) and tendinosis of SST-ISTs (coefficient, 0.53; P < 0.001), but was not correlated with patients’ age.

Conclusion

On sagittal plane of indirect MR arthrography, most rotator cables were visible. The appearance of the rotator cable changed according to the rotator cuff condition.
Increased serum HMGB1 is related to oxidative stress in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wu Yongbo , Zhang Kai , Zhao Lin , Guo Jie , Hu Xiaorong , Chen Zhiqiang
Published: November 2013

Objective

To investigate the relationship between the serum concentration of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and oxidative stress in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Patients with AF (paroxysmal or persistent) and matched control subjects were recruited. Serum HMGB1 concentration and malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined.

Results

Serum hs-CRP and HMGB1 concentrations and MDA activity were significantly higher in patients with persistent AF ( n = 33) or paroxysmal AF ( n = 53) than in controls ( n = 30). Serum SOD activity was significantly lower in both patient groups than in controls. In the patient group, HMGB1 concentration was significantly positively correlated with MDA activity ( r = 0.535), and negatively correlated with SOD activity ( r = −0.491). MDA, SOD, hs-CRP and HMGB1 were significant independent predictors of AF.

Conclusions

Increased oxidative stress may contribute to increased HMGB1 concentrations in patients with AF. Inhibition of oxidative stress may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for AF.
Effect of miR-29b-1* and miR-29c knockdown on cell growth of the bladder cancer cell line T24
Authors: Xu Feng , Zhang Qingling , Cheng Wen , Zhang Zhengyu , Wang Jiandong , Ge Jingping
Published: November 2013

Objective

To investigate the role of the microRNAs miR-29b-1-5p (miR-29b-1*) and miR-29c in bladder urothelial cancer (BUC).

Methods

Levels of miR-29b-1* and miR-29c in normal urothelial cells (HU609) and BUC cells (T24) were determined via quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. T24 cells were transfected with small interfering RNA targeting miR-29b-1* or miR-29c, and cell growth was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimehylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The predicted targets and oncogenic pathways of these microRNAs were determined using bioinformatics analysis.

Results

MiR29b-1* and miR-29c levels were higher in T24 cells than normal urothelial cells. Knockdown of miR-29b-1* or miR-29c suppressed T24 cell growth. Bioinformatic analysis showed that miR-29b-1* and miR-29c co-regulated a subset of putative target genes, about 10% of which have been experimentally validated.

Conclusion

Both miR-29b-1* and miR-29c regulate cell growth in BUC. The targets of miR-29b-1* and miR-29c may be functionally associated with proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis.
A knowing ear: The effect of explicit information on children’s experience of a musical performance
Authors: Margulis Elizabeth Hellmuth , Kisida Brian , Greene Jay P.
Published: November 2013

Program notes are distributed before performances at arts centers throughout the country, but research on the effects of this kind of explicit information on audience experience has led to contradictory findings. This study experimentally manipulated the kind of information given to 506 schoolchildren attending a music performance at a local arts center, and assessed the effects of this information on their enjoyment of, attention to, and comprehension of the performance. Results suggest that explicit information of the sort found in a program note can elevate the attention children pay to a performance and their comprehension of it. Program notes did not as a rule elevate enjoyment, except in the case of a subgroup of participants for whom the performance was likely a new experience. This difference suggests that listeners’ prior experience may be an important mediating factor in the relationship between program notes and enjoyment.
Treatment and Management Outcomes of Tibial Eminence Fractures in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Gans Itai , Baldwin Keith D. , Ganley Theodore J.
Published: November 2013

Background:

Tibial eminence fractures are rare but occur more frequently in children and adolescents. There are a variety of methods to surgically treat these fractures, but surgeons disagree about the optimal method of reduction and fixation.

Hypotheses:

Regarding clinical results and complications after treatment in children and adolescent patients with tibial eminence fractures, the authors hypothesize that (1) there is no difference between reduction and fixation with screws versus sutures, (2) there is no difference in arthroscopic versus open reduction and fixation, and (3) outcomes are better in patients with minimally displaced (types I and II) versus completely displaced (types III and IV) fractures.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was performed studying the treatment of tibial eminence fractures in children and adolescents to determine clinical results, functional outcomes, and complications. A meta-analytic technique on observational studies was used to compare outcomes when sufficient data were available.

Results:

The review identified 26 articles with extractable clinical results and data on complications: 1 level 3 article and 25 level 4 articles. Ten of 580 tibial eminence fractures identified in the literature had nonunion, with 60% of nonunions occurring in type III fractures treated by nonoperative modalities. Appreciable healing was noted for both open and arthroscopic fixation techniques as well as patients treated by screw or suture fixation. Laxity ( P < .001) and loss of range of motion ( P = .009) occurred significantly less after the treatment of minimally displaced fractures (types I and II).

Conclusion:

The level of evidence supporting various treatments of tibial eminence fractures in children and adolescents is low. There is insufficient evidence to conclude the superiority of open versus arthroscopic fixation or screw versus suture fixation techniques. Nonoperative treatment of completely displaced tibial eminence fractures results in higher rates of nonunion. Type III and IV fractures heal with greater laxity and greater loss of range of motion after treatment. Higher level studies are necessary to determine the optimal method of fixation for tibial eminence fractures.
Impact of Daily Assessments on Distress and PTSD Symptoms in Trauma-Exposed Women
Authors: Pedersen Eric R. , Kaysen Debra L. , Lindgren Kristen P. , Blayney Jessica , Simpson Tracy L.
Published: November 2013

As more advanced methodologies are developed for symptom assessment in traumatic stress studies, it is important to examine how these methodologies can exacerbate distress or contribute to symptoms among study participants. Using a sample of 202 female college students, we examined the changes in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and general psychological symptomatology among groups of trauma-exposed and non-trauma-exposed women randomly assigned to complete 30 days of daily monitoring of traumatic symptoms and substance use behaviors using personal digital assistants (PDAs). These two groups were compared with a trauma-exposed sample of women who did not complete daily monitoring assessments and only completed pre- and post-monitoring online assessments. While trauma-exposed participants in the monitoring group reported more distress from the daily assessments than those in the monitoring group with no history of trauma, this distress level was relatively low. Online surveys delivered pre- and post-monitoring showed a similar pattern. Trauma-exposed participants in monitoring and no-monitoring groups reported a decrease in general psychological symptoms over the 30 days; however, monitoring participants reported increased levels of PTSD severity over time. Closer examination revealed the observed changes were relatively moderate. Participants expressed benefits and risks regarding study participation supporting the findings that repeated assessments of traumatic symptoms using personal handheld devices may lead to small increases in distress and PTSD symptoms, but that these approaches may be generally well tolerated.
Identifying Victims of Workplace Bullying by Integrating Traditional Estimation Approaches Into a Latent Class Cluster Model
Authors: Leon-Perez Jose M. , Notelaers Guy , Arenas Alicia , Munduate Lourdes , Medina Francisco J.
Published: November 2013

Research findings underline the negative effects of exposure to bullying behaviors and document the detrimental health effects of being a victim of workplace bullying. While no one disputes its negative consequences, debate continues about the magnitude of this phenomenon since very different prevalence rates of workplace bullying have been reported. Methodological aspects may explain these findings. Our contribution to this debate integrates behavioral and self-labeling estimation methods of workplace bullying into a measurement model that constitutes a bullying typology. Results in the present sample ( n = 1,619) revealed that six different groups can be distinguished according to the nature and intensity of reported bullying behaviors. These clusters portray different paths for the workplace bullying process, where negative work-related and person-degrading behaviors are strongly intertwined. The analysis of the external validity showed that integrating previous estimation methods into a single measurement latent class model provides a reliable estimation method of workplace bullying, which may overcome previous flaws.
The Relationships between Co-Rumination, Social Support, Stress, and Burnout among Working Adults
Authors: Boren Justin P.
Published: November 2013

Workers regularly report high levels of stress and burnout because of their daily interactions at work. They also tend to seek social support as a mechanism to reduce stress and burnout. Social support buffers the negative effects of stress on health-related outcomes and is inversely associated with burnout and perceived stress. However, recent research has revealed that not all social support is beneficial. Co-rumination, or excessive negative problem talk about an issue, has been linked to increasing levels of stress and burnout. Working adults ( N = 447) completed a survey exploring the relationships between social support, co-rumination, stress, and burnout. Two mediation models predicted that co-rumination would suppress the relationships between social support and both burnout and perceived stress. Data supported both partial mediation hypotheses. This study concludes that some social support can be less-than-beneficial, if the content of the supportive transaction focuses on excessive and negative problem talk.
Out of the shadows: a classification of economies by the size and character of their informal sector
Authors: Williams Colin C
Published: November 2013

Given that 60 per cent of the global workforce is in the informal sector, this article develops a typology that classifies economies according to, firstly, where different countries sit on a continuum of informalization and, secondly, the character of their informal sectors. This is then applied to the economies of the 27 member states of European Union (EU-27). Finding a clear divide from east to west and south to north in the EU-27, with the more informalized and wage-based informal economies on the eastern/southern side and the less informalized and more own-account informal economies on the western/Nordic side, it is then revealed that formalization and more own-account informal sectors are significantly correlated with wealthier and more equal (as measured by the gini-coefficient) countries in which there is greater labour market intervention, higher levels of social protection and more effective redistribution via social transfers. The article concludes by discussing the implications for theory and practice.
Development of controller-based compensation for biodynamic feedthrough in a backhoe
Authors: Humphreys Heather C , Book Wayne J , Feigh Karen M
Published: November 2013

Biodynamic feedthrough can occur in many types of human-controlled machines where the operator is also a passenger. The motion of the controlled machine excites motion of the human operator’s body, causing motion of the operator’s hand, creating undesirable input. Backhoes are one example of a machine that is susceptible to significant performance degradation from biodynamic feedthrough. This study investigates and models the system dynamics, including the human operator and biodynamic feedthrough, develops two methods of compensation for biodynamic feedthrough based on those models, compares them with similar controllers without vibration compensation, and experimentally validates the performance of the biodynamic feedthrough compensation. The performance results, as well as operator survey results, show that the operators perform better and prefer the vibration-compensating controllers over their non-vibration-compensating counterparts.
Ethical issues in cardiovascular risk management
Authors: Loon Marije S Koelewijn-van , van Dijk-de Vries Anneke , van der Weijden Trudy , Elwyn Glyn , Widdershoven Guy AM
Published: November 2013

Involving patients in decisions on primary prevention can be questioned from an ethical perspective, due to a tension between health promotion activities and patient autonomy. A nurse-led intervention for prevention of cardiovascular diseases, including counselling (risk communication, and elements of shared decision-making and motivational interviewing) and supportive tools such as a decision aid, was implemented in primary care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nurse-led intervention from an ethical perspective by exploring in detail the experiences of patients with the intervention, and their views on the role of both the nurse and patient. The study had a qualitative design. 18 patients who had received the intervention participated. Data were gathered by in-depth interviews. The interviews were analysed using directed content analysis. The findings revealed that patients perceived the consultations not as an infringement on their autonomy, but as supportive to risk reduction efforts they tried but found hard to realise. They specifically emphasised the role of the nurse, and appreciated the nurse's realistic advice, encouragement, and help in understanding. Patients' views on and experiences with risk management are in line with notions of relational autonomy, caring cooperation and communicative action found in the literature. We conclude that patients define the relationship with the nurse as shared work in the process of developing a healthier lifestyle.
Beyond Multiplication
Authors: Hsieh Chang-Ming
Published: November 2013

Objective:

This article brings the discussions on incorporating perceived importance across study areas into the study of client satisfaction and cautions the use of multiplicative scores (multiplying satisfaction and importance scores) as a weighting method. An alternative weighting method is provided.

Method:

Analyze data from a client satisfaction survey of 103 clients of a publicly funded elderly case management service unit located in a large U.S. Midwest region city.

Results:

The alternative weighted score correlated higher with all the global client satisfaction measures than the multiplicative score.

Conclusion:

Using multiplicative scores to represent global client satisfaction should be avoided. The proposed alternative weighting method is a reasonable way to incorporate perceived importance to represent global client satisfaction.
Transdisciplinarity and Translation
Authors: Nurius Paula S. , Kemp Susan P.
Published: November 2013

Contemporary research models are becoming increasingly transdisciplinary (TD), multilevel, community-connected, and bent on expediting the movement of research to impact. This requires not only fresh thinking about the science of social work but an educational architecture that fosters both cross-disciplinary understanding of complex underlying determinants and the ability to translate that knowledge into effective, sustainable action. This article illustrates the need for greater intentionality and coherence in preparing social work practitioners and researchers for participation in this changing landscape. We focus here on doctoral level training, but underscore opportunities for a robust educational “pipeline” linking undergraduate and graduate professional degree preparation to that at the doctoral and postdoctoral levels. We summarize selected literature that defines and operationalizes TD translational research, reflect strategically on social work’s positioning within this scientific “marketplace,” and offer recommendations for capacity building in social work doctoral education.
Biofield Therapies for Symptom Management in Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Authors: Henneghan Ashley M. , Schnyer Rosa N.
Published: November 2013

Terminally ill patients experience negative symptoms at end of life (EOL) that hinder well-being and quality of life (QOL). Current intervention strategies are not always effective or feasible. A focused literature review to evaluate the use of biofield therapies (ie, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, and Reiki) to manage the symptoms in EOL revealed no studies on the use these therapies, specifically in this population. Evidence from studies on relevant populations (patients with cancer, elderly patients, and patients experiencing chronic pain), which addressed the outcomes relevant to palliative and EOL care (EOLC; pain levels, changes in psychological symptoms, well-being, and QOL), supports the use of biofield therapies in relieving pain, improving QOL and well-being, and reducing psychological symptoms of stress. Further research to assess the use of biofield therapies in EOLC is clearly needed.
The Effect of Subtalar Joint Position on Dorsiflexion of the Ankle/Rearfoot Versus Midfoot/Forefoot During Gastrocnemius Stretching
Authors: Johanson Marie A. , DeArment Amy , Hines Krystol , Riley Erin , Martin Meghan , Thomas Justin , Geist Kathleen
Published: November 2013

Background:

Limited ankle joint dorsiflexion passive range of motion (PROM) has been associated with common chronic lower extremity conditions, and clinicians often instruct patients in stretching exercises to increase dorsiflexion. However, little is known about how subtalar joint (STJ) position affects dorsiflexion at the midfoot/forefoot versus ankle/rearfoot during gastrocnemius stretching. The purpose of this study was to determine if more dorsiflexion occurs at the ankle/rearfoot and less at the midfoot/forefoot during gastrocnemius stretching with the STJ positioned in supination versus pronation.

Methods:

In this repeated measures design, 27 participants (23 females, 4 males; mean age = 31.3 years, SD = 10.7) with current or recent history of lower extremity chronic conditions and less than 10 degrees ankle dorsiflexion measured with the knee in extension on the involved side(s) performed five 30-second gastrocnemius stretching trials in pronation and supination on each side in a randomly determined sequence. A 7-camera Vicon Motion Analysis System and an AMTI force plate were used to measure midfoot/forefoot dorsiflexion, ankle/rearfoot dorsiflexion, knee extension, and normalized vertical ground reaction force.

Results:

Two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant increase in midfoot/forefoot dorsiflexion when stretching in pronation compared to supination ( P < .001). ANOVAs also demonstrated significantly more extension of the knee when stretching in supination compared to pronation ( P < .001), and increased normalized vertical ground reaction force when stretching in supination compared to pronation ( P = .032). With the numbers available, no significant difference in ankle/rearfoot dorsiflexion when stretching in supination compared to pronation could be detected ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

Gastrocnemius stretching in pronation resulted in more dorsiflexion at the midfoot/forefoot than stretching in supination.

Clinical Relevance:

Clinicians may want to consider STJ position during gastrocnemius stretching to either facilitate or limit recruitment of dorsiflexion motion at the midfoot/forefoot.
Natalizumab treatment alters the expression of T-cell trafficking marker LFA-1 α-chain (CD11a) in MS patients
Authors: Jilek Samantha , Mathias Amandine , Canales Mathieu , Lysandropoulos Andreas , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Schluep Myriam , Du Pasquier Renaud A
Published: November 2013

Objective:

To determine the long-term effect of natalizumab (NTZ) treatment on the expression of integrins and chemokine receptors involved in the migration of T cells towards the central nervous system (CNS).

Methods:

We drew the blood of 23 patients just before starting NTZ therapy and every 12 months thereafter, for up to 48 months of treatment. We assessed the ex-vivo expression of phenotype markers (CCR7 and CD45RA), CNS-addressing integrins (CD11a, CD49d and CD29) and chemokine receptors (CXCR3 and CCR6) in CD4+ or CD8+ T-cell subsets by flow cytometry.

Results:

As compared to the pre-NTZ values, there was a marked increase in central memory (CCR7+/CD45RA-) CD4+ T cells and in effector memory (CCR7-/CD45RA-) CD8+ T cells at 12 and 24 months. In addition to an expected downregulation of both VLA-4 subunits (CD49d/CD29), we also found decreased T-cell expression of CXCR3 at 12 months, and of CD11a (LFA-1 αL subunit) at 12 months, but mostly at 24 months of NTZ treatment.

Conclusion:

Our data show a nadir of CD11a expression at 2 years of NTZ treatment, at the peak of incidence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), indirectly suggesting that a lack of these molecules may play a role in the onset of PML in NTZ-treated patients.
Perceptions and sociodemographic factors influencing vaccination uptake and precautionary behaviours in response to the A/H1N1 influenza in Sweden
Authors: Börjesson Marcus , Enander Ann
Published: November 2013

Aims: In response to the 2009 outbreak of A/H1N1 influenza, Swedish authorities decided on a programme for universal vaccination. Over 60% of the population received at least one dose of vaccine. This study examines demographic factors and perceptions related to the decision whether or not to become vaccinated. Methods: A combined web/postal survey was conducted ( n = 1587, response rate 53%) in late spring 2010. Questions reported here concerned perceptions, precautionary behaviours and vaccination decision. Results: Main reasons for becoming vaccinated were concerns about spreading the disease to relatives or in the community and confidence in the good effect of vaccination. Vaccination rates were higher among women, those with young children or belonging to a risk group. Main reasons for abstaining were belief that the flu was not a serious threat, low risk of spreading the disease, concern about side-effects and perceived uncertainties in information. Three profiles representing different patterns of thought and beliefs were identified by cluster analysis, respectively labelled as a vulnerable, a trusting and a sceptical group. Vaccination rates and precautionary behaviours were demonstrated to differ between these groups. Conclusions: Perceptions relating to the 2009 pandemic are likely to influence uptake of vaccination in the future. Authorities need to be aware of different patterns of beliefs and attitudes among the public, and that these may vary in different phases. Communication of risk needs to be dynamic and prepared to engage with the public before, during and even for some time after the acute risk period.
The ideal of the person: Recovering the novelty of Durkheim’s sociology. Part II: Modern society, the cult of the person, and the sociological project
Authors: Callegaro Francesco
Published: November 2013

The aim of this article is to clarify the difference between the anthropological category of the person, as analyzed in The Elementary Forms of Religious Life (1912), and the modern ideal of a free autonomous person, which had been at the center of Durkheim’s sociological project since The Division of Social Labor (1893). After explaining the need to return to a sociological perspective, the article considers Durkheim’s examination of the transformations implied by the modern cult of the person in the practical and intellectual organization of social practices. The modern ideal constitutes morality as a social fact, requiring a new form of moral education, as a first step toward a wider political transformation, based on social aspirations to justice that it is the task of sociology to explain, understand, and help realize. This practical commitment opens the way to an understanding of sociology’s original place in the modern epistemological discussion and, consequently, to an appreciation of the novelty Durkheim achieved in founding the French School of Sociology.
Duodenal penetration of an inferior vena cava filter: case report and literature review
Authors: Ward William H , Donahue David R , Platz Timothy A , Scibelli Christopher D
Published: November 2013

The insertion of inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) is a well-known therapy used in the prevention of pulmonary embolism (PE). The incidence of IVCF-related complications is low and complete caval penetration of a filter with adjacent organ injury has a reported incidence of 0–1%. We report the case of an 18-year-old male who sustained a spinal cord injury after a motor vehicle crash. The patient received a prophylactic IVCF and subsequently presented with right flank pain, postprandial nausea, and vomiting. His exam was benign and a computed tomography scan revealed extra-caval penetration of the filter with struts within the duodenal lumen and psoas muscle. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy with extraction of the filter, inferior vena cava venorrhaphy, and repair of the duodenal injury. This complication illustrates the potential morbidity of a common procedure and emphasizes the importance of investigating the IVCF as a possible source of abdominal pain.
Coil embolization of an excluded internal iliac artery aneurysm with rapid expansion via gluteal artery approach
Authors: De Luccia Nelson , Sassaki Paulo , Santo Fabio Espirito , Rosa Karina , Puech-Leao Pedro
Published: November 2013

The aim of the paper is to describe open approach of gluteal arteries for coil embolization of internal iliac artery (IIA) aneurysm. We observed enlargement of the IIA to 5.8 cm at the four-year follow-up evaluation of a 78-year-old man who had undergone surgical abdominal aortic aneurysm repair during which the IIA had been ligated at its origin. Following dissection of the gluteal artery with the patient in the prone position, a catheter was placed inside the aneurysmal sac, and coil embolization was possible to exclude the aneurysm. Postoperative angio-computed tomography showed good coil positioning and no demonstrable blood flow or type 2 endoleak.
Elimination of pneumothorax and hemothorax during placement of implantable venous access ports using ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance
Authors: Fankhauser Grant T , Fowl Richard J , Stone William M , Money Samuel R
Published: November 2013

Implantable venous access ports are essential for patients requiring chronic venous access. Ultrasound guided catheter placement has been recognized as a valuable adjunct for reducing complications during placement of access ports in the radiology and critical care medicine literature. We reviewed the medical records of patients undergoing insertion of implantable venous access ports from June 2006 through June 2009. All procedures were performed using ultrasound guidance with the internal jugular vein as the access site. There were 500 implantable venous access ports placed and included for review. There were no post-procedure pneumothoraces or hemothoraces. Carotid puncture was documented in 4 (0.8%)cases. Routine use of ultrasound guidance during placement of implantable venous access ports has eliminated the complications of pneumothorax and hemothorax during placement of internal jugular venous access ports on our vascular surgery service. Elimination of these complications and decreased use of chest x-rays should also provide increased cost savings for this procedure.
Cryoplasty offers no advantage over standard balloon angioplasty for the treatment of in-stent stenosis
Authors: Shin S H , Baril D T , Chaer R A , Makaroun M S , Marone L K
Published: November 2013

In-stent restenosis is the primary failure mode of endovascular treatment of occlusive disease in the femeropopliteal segment. Cryoplasty has been proposed to reduce intimal hyperplasia through induction of apoptosis. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of cryoplasty for treatment of in-stent restenosis compared to conventional balloon angioplasty (CBA). After IRB approval, a retrospective record review was performed of reinterventions for in-stent restenosis by a single vascular surgery group at a university hospital. Reinterventions involving cryoplasty and CBA were evaluated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after intervention with duplex imaging to identify significant recurrent stenosis utilizing established velocity criteria. Data collected included basic demographic information and comorbidities as well as time to restenosis. Statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves with the log rank test, Wilcoxon rank test, and Cox proportional hazards models. From December 2004 to November 2007, 76 reinterventions were performed using CBA (n = 39) or cryoplasty (n = 37) for in-stent restenosis without placement of additional stents. Periprocedural technical success (>30% residual stenosis) was 100% for both groups, with no complications. The two cohorts were statistically similar in mean age, gender, comorbidities, tobacco use and use of statins, aspirin and Plavix. However, the mean lesion length was significantly longer in the cryoplasty cohort (CBA: 140.9 mm, Cyro: 191.7 mm; P = 0.032). The mean time to recurrent stenosis or need for additional secondary intervention was significantly shorter for the cyroplasty cohort than for the CBA, 4.09 and 10.79 months, respectively ( P = .0001). Recurrent stenosis-free survival was significantly lower in the cyroplasty cohort at 3 months (CBA: 96.9%, Cyro: 88.9%) and 6 months (CBA: 84.0%, Cyro: 43.8%; P = .0089). Cyroplasty as a modality for treatment of in-stent stenosis in the femoropopliteal segment offers no benefit over CBA.
Study about correlation of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and anticardiolipin antibodies with thromboangiitis obliterans
Authors: Guo Yi , Dai Yuanbin , Lai Junyu , Fan Ying
Published: November 2013

Doctors often have difficulties in clinical diagnosis and clinical stage of thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO). Immunolesion was important in the initiation and progression of various kinds of vasculitis diseases, including TAO. Several kinds of immune complexes were developed by immunolesion, including anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA). Our aim was to determine if it is an effective way for clinical diagnosis and clinical stage of TAO by detection of the presence of ANCA and ACA in blood serum of patients with TAO and the relationship among the presence of ANCA, ACA and patients with different grades of TAO. Blood samples and clinical characteristics were collected from 38 patients with Rutherford grade I TAO, 30 patients with Rutherford grade II–III TAO, 75 patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) and 65 healthy volunteers. Their serum samples were investigated for ANCA by indirect immunofluorescent (IIF), and for ACA and ANCA specificity antigens including reactivity to proteinase 3(PR3), myeloperoxidase (MPO), cathepsin G (CG), bactericidal/permesbility-increasing protein (BPI), elastase (HLE) and lactoferrin (LF) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). (1) ANCA positive rate and titre were much higher in cases with Rutherford grade I TAO (52.6%, 20/38, 0.386 ± 0.458) and Rutherford grade II–III TAO (73.3%, 22/30, 0.847 ± 0.658) than those in cases with ASO (4%, 3/75, 0.011 ± 0.002) and healthy volunteers (0%,0/65, 0.010 ± 0.002) ( P < 0.01). ANCA positive rate and titre were higher in cases with Rutherford grade II–III TAO (73.3%, 22/30, 0.847 ± 0.658) than those in cases with Rutherford grade I TAO (52.6%, 20/38, 0.386 ± 0.458) ( P < 0.05). (2) ACA concentration was much higher in cases with Rutherford grade I TAO (270.13 ± 13.05 IU/mL) and Rutherford grade II–III TAO (279.33 ± 19.98 IU/mL) than that in cases with ASO (236.85 ± 17.32 IU/mL) and healthy volunteers (229.16 ± 15.55 IU/mL) ( P < 0.05) respectively. (3) In 42 cases of ANCA-positive samples, there were 20 cases reacted with MPO, 14 cases reacted with LF, five cases reacted with HLE, five cases reacted with BPI and no one reacted with PR3 and CG. All cases were Rutherford grade II–III TAO. Our results indicate that ANCA, ANCA specificity antigens and ACA were detected susceptibly and availably in patients with TAO. Thus, detection of ANCA, ANCA specificity antigens and ACA was helpful for clinical diagnosis of TAO and detection of ANCA and ANCA specificity antigens was helpful for clinical staging of TAO. They are important assistance for clinical diagnosis and stage of TAO.
Endovascular repair of subclavian/axillary artery injury with a covered stent. A case report and review of literature
Authors: Mousa Albeir , Chong Benny , AbuRahma Ali F
Published: November 2013

Experience with and acceptance of endovascular repair of arch vessel injuries continues to increase. This manuscript reports the case of a 65-year-oldman with a gunshot wound to the right supraclavicular area with a hematoma, pulsating mass and loss of neurological function of the right upper extremity. As he was hemodynamically stable, a computed tomography angiogram was performed and it demonstrated a 6 cm right subclavian/axillary artery pseudoaneurysm. The patient was taken to the angiogram/hybrid room and an arch angiogram was performed. A selective right subclavian angiogram was performed and a covered stent was deployed across the pseudoaneurysm and a completion angiogram showed complete exclusion with normal runoff to the upper extremity. In conclusion, penetrating subclavian/axillary artery trauma can be successfully managed with minimal morbidity via early utilization of endovascular covered stent therapy. A literature review suggests that the endovascular approach will soon be the standard of care for traumatic disruption of subclavian arteries.
An accident data–based approach for congestion risk assessment of inland waterways: A Yangtze River case
Authors: Zhang Di , Yan Xinping , Yang Zaili , Wang Jin
Published: November 2013

Inland waterway transportation is often claimed to be reliable, congestion-free, economic and environmentally friendly. However, inland waterway transport accidents such as groundings cause congestions that can easily reduce the navigational capability of the waterways with confined channel dimensions particularly during a dry season. An accident data–based approach is presented in this article to assess the congestion risk of inland waterways using a case of the Yangtze River. Through a correlation analysis of historical failure data, the safety critical factors of congestion are first identified and used to establish a Bayesian network for the analysis and prediction of the congestion risk in the Yangtze River. A Congestion Risk Index is then developed by taking into account both probability and consequence of congestion risks in order to evaluate the impacts of various safety critical factors (i.e. Visibility, Gross Tonnage, etc.) on the congestion of the Yangtze River. The outcomes of this work can be used to effectively diagnose and predict the congestion risks of inland waterways in general and the Yangtze River in specific.
The class A scavenger receptor SR-A/CD204 and the class B scavenger receptor CD36 regulate immune functions of macrophages differently
Authors: Józefowski Szczepan , Biedroń Rafał , Śróttek Małgorzata , Chadzińska Magdalena , Marcinkiewicz Janusz
Published: November 2013

SR-A/CD204 and CD36 are major receptors responsible for oxidized lipoproteins uptake by macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques. Both receptors also share the role as receptors for different pathogens, but studies on their signaling have been hampered by the lack of selective ligands. We report that, upon specific ligation by Ab, SR-A does not induce cytokine production, but mediates inhibition of LPS-stimulated production of IL-6 and IL-12/23p40, enhancement of IL-10 release, and has no effect on TNF-α and RANTES production in murine macrophages. In contrast, anti-CD36 Ab alone stimulated production of all these cytokines, with IL-10 production being exceptionally high. Effects of anti-CD36 Ab, except of IL-10 production, were mediated by CD14 and TLR2, whereas those of SR-A ligation by heterotrimeric Gi/o proteins and by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases. Surprisingly, we found that LPS uptake by macrophages was mediated in part by CD36 cooperating with CD14, whereas SR-A was not involved in this process. Finely, during in vitro Ag presentation to naïve CD4+ lymphocytes, pre-incubation of macrophages with anti-CD36 Ab enhanced IFN-γ production in the co-culture, but exerted the opposite effect under conditions enabling IL-10 accumulation. In contrast, anti-SR-A Ab was ineffective alone, but reversed the Th1-polarizing effect of LPS.
Pharmacologic Approaches to the Aging Athlete
Authors: Tokish John M. , DeRosa Daniel C.
Published: November 2013

As America’s baby boomer population matures, there is an increasing interest in supplements that can delay or oppose the aging process. This antiaging movement has exploded over the past decade. While most supplements are not supported by scientific literature or government controls, a number of products have been the subject of significant scientific inquiry. Hormone replacement therapy, including testosterone and growth hormone, has mixed results, and antioxidative strategies are supported by basic science but lack clinical evidence-based outcomes. While the process of aging has become better understood leading to more rational approaches to combat its effects on health, the clinician is reminded to carefully discern between the science and marketing that is available in this area.
What’s New in Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery
Authors: Gupta Anil K. , Abrams Geoffrey D. , Nho Shane J.
Published: November 2013

Context:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been described as a common cause of hip pain in young adults. This leads to abnormal hip joint mechanics and contact pressures. The associated pathomechanics can lead to the development of early osteoarthritis. Better understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology, biomechanics, and diagnostic and therapeutic advances has led to improved clinical outcomes. A growing body of evidence has set the foundation for future progress in the treatment of this commonly encountered condition.

Evidence Acquisition:

The PubMed database was searched for English-language articles pertaining to FAI over the past 15 years (1998-2013).

Study Design:

Retrospective literature review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

The authors evaluated and discussed the current evidence regarding the anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, imaging, and clinical outcomes of surgical intervention for FAI. Based on this information, future directions for improving the diagnosis and management of FAI are proposed.

Conclusion:

There remains a diverse approach to the diagnosis and management of cam- and/or pincer-type FAI. Recent advances in clinical diagnosis, imaging, indications, and arthroscopic techniques have led to improved outcomes and have set the foundation for future progress in the management of this condition.

Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT):

B
A prospective audit project into the adequacy of pain assessment in the medical and surgical wards in a North London District General Hospital
Authors: Atkinson Victoria J , Almahdi Basil
Published: November 2013

Background:

Accurate assessment of pain is associated with improved pain management, which can lead to better patient outcomes. It has been recommended that all patients have their pain assessed and the scores documented as the ‘fifth vital sign’.

Method:

All inpatients in the medical and surgical wards in our hospital were asked directly to score their pain according to the hospital-wide scoring system. Their observation charts and drug charts were then reviewed in order to determine the accuracy of documented pain assessments and the subsequent analgesic management.

Results:

Of the 208 patients reviewed, 20 (15%) patients on medical wards and 26 (38%) patients on surgical wards were in moderate to severe pain. Documentation of pain scores was not universal, with 29 (14%) patients having no score documented with their last set of observations. Of those with a score recorded, it was not found to correlate with the scores reported on direct questioning in 41% of medical patients and 71% of surgical patients. Provision of analgesia was also found to differ between medical and surgical wards.

Discussion:

The care of pain in the wards falls below the standards set by the Royal College of Anaesthetists. It is necessary to undertake a programme of education to increase awareness of the problem and to improve assessment and management to enhance the patient experience.
Lipid trait-associated genetic variation is associated with gallstone disease in the diverse Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III)
Authors: Goodloe Robert , Brown-Gentry Kristin , Gillani Niloufar B , Jin Hailing , Mayo Ping , Allen Melissa , McClellan Bob , Boston Jonathan , Sutcliffe Cara , Schnetz-Boutaud Nathalie , Dilks Holli H , Crawford Dana C
Published: November 2013

Background

Gallstone disease is one of the most common digestive disorders, affecting more than 30 million Americans. Previous twin studies suggest a heritability of 25% for gallstone formation. To date, one genome-wide association study (GWAS) has been performed in a population of European-descent. Several candidate gene studies have been performed in various populations, but most have been inconclusive. Given that gallstones consist of up to 80% cholesterol, we hypothesized that common genetic variants associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) would also be associated with gallstone risk.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, the Epidemiologic Architecture for Genes Linked to Environment (EAGLE) study as part of the Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE) study performed tests of association between 49 GWAS-identified lipid trait SNPs and gallstone disease in non-Hispanic whites (446 cases and 1,962 controls), non-Hispanic blacks (179 cases and 1,540 controls), and Mexican Americans (227 cases and 1,478 controls) ascertained for the population-based Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).

Results

At a liberal significance threshold of 0.05, five, four, and four SNP(s) were associated with disease risk in non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican Americans, respectively. No one SNP was associated with gallstone disease risk in all three racial/ethnic groups. The most significant association was observed for ABCG5 rs6756629 in non-Hispanic whites [odds ratio (OR) = 1.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.44-2.49; p = 0.0001). ABCG5 rs6756629 is in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs11887534 (D19H), a variant previously associated with gallstone disease risk in populations of European-descent.

Conclusions

We replicated a previously associated variant for gallstone disease risk in non-Hispanic whites. Further discovery and fine-mapping efforts in diverse populations are needed to fully describe the genetic architecture of gallstone disease risk in humans.
Strength gain through eccentric isotonic training without changes in clinical signs or blood markers
Authors: Alves Thâmara , Guarnier Flávia A , Campoy Fernanda AS , Gois Mariana O , Albuquerque Maíra C , Seraphim Patrícia M , Netto Jayme Junior , Vanderlei Luiz Carlos Marques , Padovani Carlos R , Cecchini Rubens , Pastre Carlos Marcelo
Published: November 2013

Background

Localized exercises are widely used in rehabilitation processes. The predominant options are exercises with an emphasis on either concentric or eccentric contractions. Eccentric exercises promote greater strength gains compared to classical concentric stimuli, but can cause muscle damage. The aim of present study was to compare strength training composed of 10 sessions with progressive loads between groups with a predominance of concentric versus eccentric contraction through an analysis of isotonic strength, pressure pain threshold, creatine kinase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and cortisol.

Methods

One hundred twenty male subjects were divided into four groups: C1 and E1 – single session of maximum strength with emphasis on concentric and eccentric contraction, respectively; C10 and E10 – 10 sessions with progressive loads from 80% to maximum strength with emphasis on concentric and eccentric contraction, respectively.

Results

Isotonic strength increased by 10% in E10 following the ten training sessions. C1 and E1 exhibited a lower pressure pain threshold 48 hours after the sessions in comparison to C10 and E10, respectively. Creatine kinase was increased in C1 in comparison to baseline, with significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in comparison to E1 at 48 and 96 hours as well as C10 at 48, 72 and 96 hours. No significant differences were found in TNF-α or cortisol among the groups or evaluation times.

Conclusion

Eccentric contraction training promotes functional adaptation. Moreover, both concentric and eccentric contraction training have a protective effect on the muscle in relation to a single session of maximum strength exercise.

Trial registration

RBR-75scwh