bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small Deep Infarction in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Evidence of Lacunar Pathogenesis
Authors: Park Yong-shik , Chung Pil-Wook , Kim Yong Bum , Moon Heui-Soo , Suh Bum-Chun , Yoon Won Tae , Yoon Kyung Jae , Lee Yong-Taek , Won Yu Sam , Park Kwang-Yeol
Published: October 2013

Background: It is difficult to clarify whether small deep infarction is caused by cardioembolism or intrinsic small vessel disease in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to determine whether preexisting small vessel disease would differ according to the presenting infarct pattern and to determine the factors associated with acute single small deep infarction in stroke patients with AF. Methods: Between January 2008 and August 2012, 1,592 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke presenting within 7 days of symptom onset were entered in a prospectively maintained stroke registry. For the present study, 231 stroke patients with AF were enrolled irrespective of the stroke subtype. We divided these patients into 2 groups (lacunar infarct pattern, n = 20, vs. nonlacunar infarct pattern, n = 211) according to the acute infarct pattern on diffusion-weighted imaging. Patients with acute single small deep infarction on diffusion-weighted imaging were assigned to the lacunar infarct pattern group. We assessed the severity of preexisting small vessel disease by grading white matter lesions (WMLs) according to the Fazekas scale (periventricular WML score ranging from 0 to 3 and deep WML score ranging from 0 to 3 were added to give a total WML score ranging from 0 to 6), multilacunar state (number of chronic lacunes ≥2) and the presence of microbleeds. Demographic characteristics, vascular risk factors and neuroimaging data were compared between the two groups. Results: Patients with a lacunar infarct pattern showed more severe WMLs than those with a nonlacunar pattern [median total WML score 2.5 (range 2-4) vs. 1.0 (0-2); p < 0.001]. A multilacunar state was more prevalent in the lacunar infarct pattern group compared with the nonlacunar pattern group (65 vs. 28.9%; p = 0.001). However, the presence of microbleeds did not differ between the groups. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed periventricular WMLs [odds ratio (OR) 4.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.14-7.92], deep WMLs (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.75-6.66) and multilacunar state (OR 7.85, 95% CI 2.45-25.6) as the predictors of a lacunar infarct pattern. Conclusions: The severity of WMLs and chronic lacunes were independent predictors of the incident infarct pattern, which suggested that acute single small deep infarction might be caused by intrinsic small vessel disease despite the presence of concomitant AF.
Emphysematous Pyelonephritis: Patient Characteristics and Management Approach
Authors: Lin Wun-Rong , Chen Marcelo , Hsu Jong-Ming , Wang Chien-Hsiang
Published: October 2013

Introduction: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is an acute, severe, necrotizing infection of the renal parenchyma and perirenal tissue that requires immediate treatment. However, the ideal approach to its management remains controversial. We conducted this study to determine the appropriate treatment modalities. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of EPN cases revealed 10 consecutive cases from July 2003 to June 2012. Clinical and demographic data were collected from each patient. Results: All patients had diabetes mellitus, 5 presented with urinary tract obstruction by urolithiasis. Seven patients had type I disease and 3 had type II disease. Six of the type I patients underwent emergent nephrectomy and 1 of these died, the remaining patient refused surgical intervention and died after receiving medical management only. The type II patients underwent percutaneous drainage, and 2 of them subsequently underwent elective nephrectomy; all 3 survived. Conclusion: Our results suggest that emergency nephrectomy may be considered the initial management for type I EPN, while percutaneous drainage may be an effective initial treatment option for type II EPN.
Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Exudation and Hemorrhage: Results of Monthly Ranibizumab Therapy at One Year
Authors: Kokame Gregg T. , Yeung Ling , Teramoto Kyla , Lai James C. , Wee Raymond
Published: October 2013

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and active exudation or hemorrhage. Methods: A prospective, single practice, open label trial of monthly intravitreal ranibizumab (0.5 mg) injections for PCV in 13 eyes of 13 patients who completed the 1-year study. The primary outcome measure was stabilization of vision (loss of <15 ETDRS letters). Secondary outcome measures included incidence of ocular and systemic adverse events, changes in subretinal hemorrhage, central foveal thickness, and polypoidal complexes on indocyanine green angiography at 1 year. Results: No patient lost ≥15 letters in visual acuity at 1 year. Three patients (23%) gained ≥15 letters at 12 months. Subretinal hemorrhage resolved in 9/9 eyes (100%). Macular edema improved in 5/5 eyes (100%). Subretinal fluid completely resolved in 4/9 eyes (44%), decreased in 2/9 eyes (22%), and increased in 3/9 eyes (33%). Polypoidal complexes decreased in 5/13 eyes (38%). Conclusion: Continuous monthly intravitreal ranibizumab decreases leakage and hemorrhage in eyes with exudative and hemorrhagic complications of PCV. Branching vascular networks persisted, and polypoidal complexes decreased in only 5/13 (38%) eyes with continuous antiangiogenic therapy at 1 year.
Annular Elastolytic Giant Cell Granuloma Associated to Late-Onset X-Linked Dominant Protoporphyria
Authors: García-Martínez Francisco Javier , Gutiérrez-González Enrique , Alonso-González Julio , Vega Ana , Santamariña Marta , Rodríguez-Granados María Teresa , Toribio Jaime
Published: October 2013

X-linked dominant protoporphyria (XLDPP) is a genetic disorder that affects the synthesis of the heme group due to an increase in delta-aminolaevulinate synthase 2 (ALAS2) enzyme activity. Moreover, annular elastolytic giant-cell granuloma (AEGCG) is a rare reactive granulomatous dermatosis, usually associated with actinic damage. An 86-year-old man presented with edematous-erythematous lesions in photoexposed areas of the face and on the dorsum of both hands. Protoporphyrin levels in serum and feces were significantly elevated and a heterozygous frameshift mutation in the exon 11 of the ALAS2 gene: c.1706-1709del (p.Glu569GlyfsX24) was identified. Concomitantly, we observed an annular plaque with raised borders on the back of his right hand, clinically and histologically compatible with a diagnosis of AEGCG. Skin lesions disappeared only upon use of a physical sunscreen. We report two rare photodermatoses in an elderly patient and discuss the significance of dermal elastic fiber damage induced by the XLDPP as a main triggering factor of AEGCG.
Prospective Evaluation of a Prenatal Sonographic Clubfoot Classification System
Authors: Glotzbecker Michael P. , Estroff Judy A. , Curtis Tracy A. , Kalish Leslie A. , Spencer Samantha A. , Parad Richard B. , Kasser James R. , Mahan Susan T.
Published: October 2013

Background: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate our recently described fetal sonographic classification system for prenatal diagnosis of clubfoot. Methods: Over 18 months, we prospectively enrolled consecutive pregnant patients evaluated for a prenatally diagnosed clubfoot. Prenatal sonographic scores assigned by a radiologist were compared to final clinical diagnosis and severity given by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Pearson's χ2 test and logistic regression were used in statistical analyses on the subject level. Generalized estimating equations were used in analyses on the foot level to account for intrasubject correlation. Results: There were 50 subjects, with 26 unilateral and 24 bilateral clubfeet, according to the prenatal ultrasound (US). A total of 51 (69%) of 74 feet and 36 (72%) of 50 subjects had a postnatal diagnosis of clubfoot. The accuracy of diagnosis in cases of a severe, moderate, and mild US score was 94, 70, and 25%, respectively (p = 0.003 comparing moderate-severe vs. mild). US severity correlated with the Dimeglio classification scoring system (Spearman's correlation 0.30). Conclusion: The fetal sonographic scoring system is predictive of clinical severity after birth, and improves the ability to counsel families with a prenatal diagnosis of clubfoot.
Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of Erythroplasia of Queyrat and Treatment with Imiquimod 5% Cream: A Case Report
Authors: Schmitz L. , Bierhoff E. , Dirschka T.
Published: October 2013

Lesion biopsy is currently used to diagnose erythroplasia of Queyrat (EQ), a rare squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the glans penis, or to determine whether the cancer is invasive, although the results only apply to the area from which the biopsy is taken. In this case report, we illustrate for the first time the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in imaging the entire lesion in a patient with EQ. The results confirmed that the patient had in situ rather than invasive carcinoma. Consequently, non-invasive treatment with imiquimod 5%, a topical immunomodulator with antitumour and antiviral properties, was initiated. Excellent clinical results were observed 4 weeks after the patient had been treated with imiquimod 5% three times a week for 8 weeks, which were confirmed using OCT imaging. One year later, there was still no evidence of pathology either clinically or via OCT imaging. OCT imaging should be used in conjunction with biopsy evaluation in the diagnostic work-up of EQ. Imiquimod 5% is a suitable treatment for patients with EQ, and the treatment response can be evaluated using OCT.
Ectopic Adrenal Rests in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia as a Cause of Androgen Excess after Adrenalectomy Detected by Pelvic Venous Sampling
Authors: Claahsen-van der Grinten H.L. , Stikkelbroeck M.M.L. , Bulten J. , den Heyer M.
Published: October 2013

Background: Patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to CYP21 deficiency are treated with supraphysiological doses of glucocorticoids to suppress elevated androgen production. This implies also side effects of high-dose glucocorticoids, possibly leading to iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome. Bilateral adrenalectomy has been suggested as the ultimate therapy in severe cases, when insufficient androgen suppression was obtained despite high glucocorticoid doses. Usually, ACTH levels rise after bilateral adrenalectomy, and this could imply an increased risk for the development of ectopic adrenal rests. In female CAH patients ovarian adrenal rests are not commonly detected by conventional radiological techniques. Methods: We report the case of an adult female CAH patient who underwent bilateral adrenalectomy in early puberty because of poorly controlled CAH. Results and Conclusions: Several years after surgery, she developed secondary amenorrhea and hair loss as a result of androgen overproduction in ovarian adrenal rests that appeared to be detectable only by pelvic venous sampling. After unilateral oophorectomy androgen levels normalized.
Disposition and Metabolism of Safinamide, a Novel Drug for Parkinson's Disease, in Healthy Male Volunteers
Authors: Leuratti Chiara , Sardina Marco , Ventura Paolo , Assandri Alessandro , Müller Markus , Brunner Martin
Published: October 2013

Background/Aims: Absorption, biotransformation and elimination of safinamide, an enantiomeric α-aminoamide derivative developed as an add-on therapy for Parkinson's disease patients, were studied in healthy volunteers administered a single oral dose of 400 mg 14C safinamide methanesulphonate, labelled in metabolically stable positions. Methods: Pharmacokinetics of the parent compound were investigated up to 96 h, of 14C radioactivity up to 192/200 h post-dose. Results/Conclusions: Maximum concentration was achieved at 1 h (plasma, median Tmax) for parent drug and at 7 and 1.5 h for plasma and whole blood 14C radioactivity, respectively. Terminal half-lives were about 22 h for unchanged safinamide and 80 h for radioactivity. Safinamide deaminated acid and the N-dealkylated acid were identified as major metabolites in urine and plasma. In urine, the β-glucuronide of the N-dealkylated acid and the monohydroxy safinamide were also characterized. In addition, the glycine conjugate of the N-dealkylated acid and 2-[4-hydroxybenzylamino]propanamide were tentatively identified as minor urinary metabolites.
Chromosome Evolution in Dendropsophini (Amphibia, Anura, Hylinae)
Authors: Suárez P. , Cardozo D. , Baldo D. , Pereyra M.O. , Faivovich J. , Orrico V.G.D. , Catroli G.F. , Grabiele M. , Bernarde P.S. , Nagamachi C.Y. , Haddad C.F.B. , Pieczarka J.C.
Published: October 2013

Dendropsophini is the most species-rich tribe within Hylidae with 234 described species. Although cytogenetic information is sparse, chromosome numbers and morphology have been considered as an important character system for systematic inferences in this group. Using a diversity of standard and molecular techniques, we describe the previously unknown karyotypes of the genera Xenohyla, Scarthyla and Sphaenorhynchus and provide new information on Dendropsophus and Lysapsus. Our results reveal significant karyotype diversity among Dendropsophini, with diploid chromosome numbers ranging from 2n = 22 in S. goinorum, 2n = 24 in Lysapsus, Scinax, Xenohyla, and almost all species of Sphaenorhynchus and Pseudis, 2n = 26 in S.carneus, 2n = 28 in P.cardosoi, to 2n = 30 in all known Dendropsophus species. Although nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) and C-banding patterns show a high degree of variability, NOR positions in 2n = 22, 24 and 28 karyotypes and C-banding patterns in Lysapsus and Pseudis are informative cytological markers. Interstitial telomeric sequences reveal a diploid number reduction from 24 to 22 in Scarthyla by a chromosome fusion event. The diploid number of X.truncata corroborates the character state of 2n = 30 as a synapomorphy of Dendropsophus.
Glutathione Homeostasis Disruption of Erythrocytes, but Not Glutathione Peroxidase Activity Change, Is Closely Accompanied with Neurological and Radiological Scoring of Acute CNS Inflammation
Authors: Ljubisavljevic Srdjan , Stojanovic Ivana , Cvetkovic Tatjana , Vojinovic Slobodan , Stojanov Dragan , Stojanovic Dijana , Bojanic Vladmila , Stokanovic Dragana , Pavlovic Dusica
Published: October 2013

Objectives and Methods: The levels of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were measured in the erythrocytes of 50 patients with clinically isolated syndrome of CNS (CIS) and 57 patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Results: A decrease in GSH content and GPx activity showed significance in both study groups compared to the control values (p = 0.0025 and 0.007 for GSH and p = 0.005 and 0.003 for GPx, in CIS and RRMS patients, respectively). The depletions were more pronounced in RRMS than in CIS patients (p = 0.009 for GSH and p = 0.031 for GPx). The results significantly verify the negative correlations between GSH values and clinical severity (r = -0.513, p = 0.004), radiological findings (r = -0.351, p = 0.008) and disease duration (r = -0.412, p = 0.0025) in CIS patients. The same correlations were observed in RRMS patients between GSH values and clinical severity (r = -0.498, p = 0.004) and patients' radiological features (r = -0.454, p = 0.005). No correlations were observed between GSH values and other patient characteristics, or between GPx activity and all tested patient characteristics (p > 0.01). Conclusions: The results indicate that GSH content and GPx activity both decreased below the normal range and were accompanied with neuroinflammation, but although both might have great importance in neuroinflammation development, the data presented here confirm that only GSH might serve as a marker which is closely correlated with neurological and radiological scoring of acute CNS inflammation.
Male Breast Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Authors: Yoo Seung Jin , Lee Dong Seok , Oh Ho Suk , Kim Hyun Joong , Kim Moon Ho , Ahn Youg Chel , Kang Gil Hyun , Eom Dae-Woon , Cha Choong Hwan , Ahn Heui June
Published: October 2013

Introduction: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast is a rare condition, and cases in male patients are even less common. Case: We describe a case of ACC of the breast with axillary lymph node metastasis, disseminated osteolytic bone metastasis and bone marrow involvement in a 41-year-old man. Conclusion: Male breast ACC is an extremely rare malignancy; there can be difficulty in obtaining a final diagnosis. We report this case because of its rarity.
Facial Pyoderma Gangrenosum in Senescence
Authors: Kratzsch Dorothea , Ziemer Mirjana , Milkova Linda , Wagner Justinus A. , Simon Jan C. , Kendler Michael
Published: October 2013

Clinically, pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is characterized by a rapidly progressive, painful cutaneous ulcer with an irregular, violaceous and undermined border. PG occurs most frequently on the lower extremities and the trunk of middle-aged individuals. The face is only very rarely affected. We present an 89- and a 90-year-old patient, who developed a facial ulcer consistent with PG.
Practice-Level Variation in Use of Recommended Medications Among Outpatients With Heart Failure
Authors: Peterson Pamela N. , Chan Paul S. , Spertus John A. , Tang Fengming , Jones Philip G. , Ezekowitz Justin A. , Allen Larry A. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Maddox Thomas M.
Published: October 2013

Background—

The objective of this study is to examine practice-level variation in rates of guideline-recommended treatment for outpatients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, and to examine the association between treatment variation and practice site, independent of patient factors.

Methods and Results—

Cardiology practices participating in the National Cardiovascular Disease Registry Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence registry from July 2008 to December 2010 were evaluated. Practice rates of treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and β-blockers and an optimal combined treatment measure were determined for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction and no documented contraindications. Multivariable hierarchical regression models were adjusted for demographics, insurance status, and comorbidities. A median rate ratio was calculated for each therapy, which describes the likelihood that the treatment of a patient with given comorbidities would differ at 2 randomly selected practices. We identified 12 556 patients from 45 practices. The unadjusted practice-level prescription rates ranged from 44% to 100% for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (median, 85%; interquartile range, 75%–89%), from 49% to 100% for β-blockers (median, 92%; interquartile range, 83%–95%), and from 37% to 100% for optimal combined treatment (median, 79%; interquartile range, 66%–85%). The adjusted median rate ratio was 1.11 (95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.18) for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers therapy, 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.15) for β-blockers therapy, and 1.17 (1.13–1.26) for optimal combined treatment.

Conclusions—

Variation in the use of guideline-recommended medications for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction exists in the outpatient setting. Addressing practice-level differences may be an important component of improving quality of care for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.
Comparable Performance of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Joseph Susan M. , Novak Eric , Arnold Suzanne V. , Jones Philip G. , Khattak Himad , Platts Anne E. , Dávila-Román Victor G. , Mann Douglas L. , Spertus John A.
Published: October 2013

Background—

Despite the growing epidemic of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), no valid measure of patients’ health status (symptoms, function, and quality of life) exists. We evaluated the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), a validated measure of HF with reduced EF, in patients with HFpEF.

Methods and Results—

Using a prospective HF registry, we dichotomized patients into HF with reduced EF (EF≤ 40) and HFpEF (EF≥50). The associations between New York Heart Association class, a commonly used criterion standard, and KCCQ Overall Summary and Total Symptom domains were evaluated using Spearman correlations and 2-way ANOVA with differences between patients with HF with reduced EF and HFpEF tested with interaction terms. Predictive validity of the KCCQ Overall Summary scores was assessed with Kaplan–Meier curves for death and all-cause hospitalization. Covariate adjustment was made using Cox proportional hazards models. Internal reliability was assessed with Cronbach’s α. Among 849 patients, 200 (24%) had HFpEF. KCCQ summary scores were strongly associated with New York Heart Association class in both patients with HFpEF (
r
=−0.62;
P
<0.001) and HF with reduced EF (
r
=−0.55;
P
=0.27 for interaction). One-year event-free rates by KCCQ category among patients with HFpEF were 0 to 25=13.8%, 26 to 50=59.1%, 51 to 75=73.8%, and 76 to 100=77.8% (log rank
P
<0.001), with no significant interaction by EF (
P
=0.37). The KCCQ domains demonstrated high internal consistency among patients with HFpEF (Cronbach’s α=0.96 for overall summary and ≥0.69 in all subdomains).

Conclusions—

Among patients with HFpEF, the KCCQ seems to be a valid and reliable measure of health status and offers excellent prognostic ability. Future studies should extend and replicate our findings, including the establishment of its responsiveness to clinical change.
Opposite Predictive Value of Pulse Pressure and Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity on Heart Failure With Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Regnault Veronique , Lagrange Jérémy , Pizard Anne , Safar Michel E. , Fay Renaud , Pitt Bertram , Challande Pascal , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez , Lacolley Patrick
Published: October 2013

Although hypertension contributes significantly to worsen cardiovascular risk, blood pressure increment in subjects with heart failure is paradoxically associated with lower risk. The objective was to determine whether pulse pressure and pulse wave velocity (PWV) remain prognostic markers, independent of treatment in heart failure with reduced left ventricular function. The investigation involved 6632 patients of the Eplerenone Post–Acute Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure Efficacy and Survival Study. All subjects had acute myocardial infarction with left ventricular ejection fraction <40% and signs/symptoms of heart failure. Carotid-femoral PWV was measured in a subpopulation of 306 subjects. In the overall population, baseline mean arterial pressure <90 mm Hg was associated with higher all-cause death (hazard ratio, 1.14 [95% confidence interval, 1.00–1.30];
P
<0.05), whereas higher left ventricular ejection fraction or pulse pressure was associated with lower rates of all-cause death, cardiovascular death/hospitalization, and cardiovascular death. In the subpopulation, increased baseline PWV was associated with worse outcomes (all-cause death: 1.16 [1.03–1.30];
P
<0.05 and cardiovascular deaths: 1.16 [1.03–1.31];
P
<0.05), independent of age and left ventricular ejection fraction. Using multiple regression analysis, systolic blood pressure and age were the main independent factors positively associated with pulse pressure or PWV, both in the entire population or in the PWV substudy. In heart failure and low ejection fraction, our results suggest that pulse pressure, being negatively associated with outcome, is more dependent on left ventricular function and thereby no longer a marker of aortic elasticity. In contrast, increased aortic stiffness, assessed by PWV, contributes significantly to cardiovascular death.
Williams Syndrome Predisposes to Vascular Stiffness Modified by Antihypertensive Use and Copy Number Changes in
NCF1
Authors: Kozel Beth A. , Danback Joshua R. , Waxler Jessica L. , Knutsen Russell H. , de las Fuentes Lisa , Reusz Gyorgy S. , Kis Eva , Bhatt Ami B. , Pober Barbara R.
Published: October 2013

Williams syndrome is caused by the deletion of 26 to 28 genes, including elastin, on human chromosome 7. Elastin insufficiency leads to the cardiovascular hallmarks of this condition, namely focal stenosis and hypertension. Extrapolation from the
Eln
+/−
mouse suggests that affected people may also have stiff vasculature, a risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiac death.
NCF1
, one of the variably deleted Williams genes, is a component of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex and is involved in the generation of oxidative stress, making it an interesting candidate modifier for vascular stiffness. Using a case–control design, vascular stiffness was evaluated by pulse wave velocity in 77 Williams cases and matched controls. Cases had stiffer conducting vessels than controls (
P
<0.001), with increased stiffness observed in even the youngest children with Williams syndrome. Pulse wave velocity increased with age at comparable rates in cases and controls, and although the degree of vascular stiffness varied, it was seen in both hypertensive and normotensive Williams participants. Use of antihypertensive medication and extension of the Williams deletion to include
NCF1
were associated with protection from vascular stiffness. These findings demonstrate that vascular stiffness is a primary vascular phenotype in Williams syndrome and that treatment with antihypertensives or agents inhibiting oxidative stress may be important in managing patients with this condition, potentially even those who are not overtly hypertensive.
Associations Between Fibrocytes and Postcontrast Myocardial T
1
Times in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fang Lu , Beale Anna , Ellims Andris H. , Moore Xiao‐lei , Ling Liang‐han , Taylor Andrew J. , Chin‐Dusting Jaye , Dart Anthony M.
Published: October 2013

Background

Fibrocytes are bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal progenitors that have been linked to various fibrotic disorders. This study was undertaken to investigate whether fibrocytes are increased in diffuse myocardial fibrosis in humans.

Methods and Results

Thirty‐seven patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (
HCM
) and 20 healthy controls were recruited. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with postcontrast T
1
mapping was performed to non‐invasively quantify diffuse myocardial fibrosis and these patients were classified into 2 groups (T
1
<470 ms or T
1
≥470 ms, as likely or unlikely to have diffuse fibrosis, respectively). Circulating fibrocytes (
CD
45+/
CD
34+/collagen I+) were measured by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (
PBMC
s) were cultured for 13 days and fibrocytes were quantitated by flow cytometry (
CD
45+/collagen I+) and real‐time
PCR
(gene expression of matrix proteins). Plasma cytokines/chemokines mediating fibrocyte trafficking and differentiation were measured by multiplex assays. Circulating fibrocytes were decreased in
HCM
patients compared to controls. The proportion of fibrocytes derived from
PBMC
s was increased in patients with diffuse fibrosis compared with those without or controls (31.1±4.1% versus 18.9±3.9% and 10.9±2.0%,
P
<0.05 and
P
<0.001, respectively), and the proportion of fibrocytes was inversely correlated with T
1
time (
r
=−0.37,
P
=0.03). Plasma levels of stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 were elevated in patients with diffuse fibrosis compared with those without or controls (5131±271 pg/mL versus 3893±356 pg/mL and 4172±185 pg/mL, respectively, both
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

HCM
patients with diffuse fibrosis as assessed by postcontrast T
1
mapping have elevated plasma
SDF
and an enhanced ability of
PBMC
s to differentiate into fibrocytes, suggesting that fibrocytes may contribute to the pathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis.
Comparison of Performance Achievement Award Recognition With Primary Stroke Center Certification for Acute Ischemic Stroke Care
Authors: Fonarow Gregg C. , Liang Li , Smith Eric E. , Reeves Mathew J. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Xian Ying , Hernandez Adrian F. , Peterson Eric D. , Schwamm Lee H. ,   GWTG‐Stroke Steering Committee & Investigators
Published: October 2013

Background

Hospital certification and recognition programs represent 2 independent but commonly used systems to distinguish hospitals, yet they have not been directly compared. This study assessed acute ischemic stroke quality of care measure conformity by hospitals receiving Primary Stroke Center (
PSC
) certification and those receiving the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines‐Stroke (GWTG‐Stroke) Performance Achievement Award (PAA) recognition.

Methods and Results

The patient and hospital characteristics as well as performance/quality measures for acute ischemic stroke from 1356 hospitals participating in the GWTG‐Stroke Program 2010–2012 were compared. Hospitals were classified as
PAA
+/
PSC
+ (hospitals n=410, patients n=169 302),
PAA
+/
PSC
− (n=415, n=129 454),
PAA
−/
PSC
+ (n=88, n=26 386), and
PAA
−/
PSC
− (n=443, n=75 565). A comprehensive set of stroke measures were compared with adjustment for patient and hospital characteristics. Patient characteristics were similar by
PAA
and
PSC
status but
PAA
−/
PSC
− hospitals were more likely to be smaller and nonteaching. Measure conformity was highest for
PAA
+/
PSC
+ and
PAA
+/
PSC
− hospitals, intermediate for
PAA
−/
PSC
+ hospitals, and lowest for
PAA
−/
PSC
− hospitals (all‐or‐none care measure 91.2%, 91.2%, 84.3%, and 76.9%, respectively). After adjustment for patient and hospital characteristics,
PAA
+/
PSC
+,
PAA
+/
PSC
−, and
PAA
−/
PSC
+ hospitals had 3.15 (95% CIs 2.86 to 3.47); 3.23 (2.93 to 3.56) and 1.72 (1.47 to 2.00), higher odds for providing all indicated stroke performance measures to patients compared with
PAA
−/
PSC
− hospitals.

Conclusions

While both
PSC
certification and
GWTG
‐Stroke
PAA
recognition identified hospitals providing higher conformity with care measures for patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke,
PAA
recognition was a more robust identifier of hospitals with better performance.
Ontogenetic development and redescription of Tribolonychus collyerae (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: YI TIAN-CI , FAN QING-HAI , ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: October 2013

Tribolonychus collyerae Zhang & Martin is redescribed based on the larva, protonymph, deutonymph and adult male and female specimens from New Zealand. The ontogenetic development of chaetotaxy in Tribolonychus and the number and position of solenidia on tibia I are discussed. Patterns of setal addition on leg III and IV from larva to adult in Trilobonychus are different from the basic pattern of the Tetranychinae and allied genus Neonidulus.
A new species of Neosclerocalyptus Paula Couto (Mammalia: Xenarthra: Cingulata): the oldest record of the genus and morphological and phylogenetic aspects
Authors: ZURITA ALFREDO E. , TAGLIORETTI MATIAS , ZAMORANO MARTIN , SCILLATO-YANÉ GUSTAVO J. , LUNA CARLOS , BOH DANIEL , SAFFER ARIANO MAGNUSSEN
Published: October 2013

Among South American Quaternary Glyptodontidae (Mammalia, Cingulata), Neosclerocalyptus Paula Couto represents one of the best known genera. Prior to this contribution, four species were recognized. N. pseudornatus (Ameghino) and N. ornatus (Owen) (Ensenadan Age/Stage, early-middle Pleistocene); N. gouldi Zurita (Bonaerian Age/Stage, middle Pleistocene-late Pleistocene), and N. paskoensis (Zurita) (Lujanian Age/Stage, late Pleistocene-early Holocene). One of the most notable characters of the species of the genus is a modified area located in the distal part of the nasals, recently interpreted as a neomorphic structure derived from the ossification of the nasal cartilages. In this contribution, a new species of Neosclerocalyptus (N. castellanosi sp. nov.), which in turn represents the oldest record of the genus, is presented and described. In addition, a cladistic analysis is carried out to test the monophyly of Neosclerocalyptus and the phylogenetic position of this new species. The material comes from Vorohuean (late Pliocene) levels in the surroundings of Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Among other morphological characters, this new species has ossified nasal cartilages restricted to the latero-dorsal area of the nasals, whereas in the remaining species these structures are more expanded and both sides contact in the midline of the skull. In turn, the phylogenetic analysis confirmed the monophyly of Neosclerocalyptus, whereas N. castellanosi  sp. nov. appears closely related to N. pseudornatus, being N. ornatus the sister taxa of this clade. On the other hand, N. gouldi + N. paskoensis constitute the other clade. The clade constituted by Hoplophorus euphractus Lund + Panochthus intermedius Lydekker constitutes the sister taxa of Neosclerocalyptus.
Temperature Changes in Central Asia from 1979 to 2011 Based on Multiple Datasets*
Authors: Hu Zengyun , Zhang Chi , Hu Qi , Tian Hanqin
Published: October 2013

The arid and semiarid region in central Asia is sensitive and vulnerable to climate variations. However, the sparse and highly unevenly distributed meteorological stations in the region provide limited data for understanding of the region’s climate variations. In this study, the near-surface air temperature change in central Asia from 1979 to 2011 was examined using observations from 81 meteorological stations, three local observation validated reanalysis datasets of relatively high spatial resolutions, and the Climate Research Unit (CRU) dataset. Major results suggested that the three reanalysis datasets match well with most of the local climate records, especially in the low-lying plain areas. The consensus of the multiple datasets showed significant regional surface air temperature increases of 0.36°–0.42°C decade−1 in the past 33 years. No significant contributions from declining irrigation and urbanization to temperature change were found. The rate is larger in recent years than in the early years in the study period. Additionally, unlike in many regions in the world, the temperature in winter showed no increase in central Asia in the last three decades, a noticeable departure from the global trend in the twentieth century. The largest increase in surface temperature was occurring in the spring season. Analyses further showed a warming center in the middle of the central Asian states and weakened temperature variability along the northwest–southeast temperature gradient from the northern Kazakhstan to southern Xinjiang. The reanalysis datasets also showed significant negative correlations between temperature increase rate and elevation in this complex terrain region.
What Constitutes an Ideal Dental Restorative Material?
Authors: Rekow E.D. , Bayne S.C. , Carvalho R.M. , Steele J.G.
Published: October 2013

Intense environmental concerns recently have prompted dentistry to evaluate the performance and environmental impact of existing restoration materials. Doing so entices us to explore the ‘what if?’ innovation in materials science to create more ideal restorative materials. Articulating a specification for our design and evaluation methods is proving to be more complicated than originally anticipated. Challenges exist not only in specifying how the material should be manipulated and perform clinically but also in understanding and incorporating implications of the skill of the operator placing the restoration, economic considerations, expectations patients have for their investment, cost-effectiveness, influences of the health care system on how and for whom restorations are to be placed, and global challenges that limit the types of materials available in different areas of the world. The quandary is to find ways to actively engage multiple stakeholders to agree on priorities and future actions to focus future directions on the creation of more ideal restorative materials that can be available throughout the world.
Antecedent Cities and Inter-referencing Effects: Learning from and Extending Beyond Critiques of Neoliberalisation
Authors: Bunnell Tim
Published: October 2013

Cities around the world are likened to, and remade with reference to, imaginings of antecedent urban experiences elsewhere. The paper begins by identifying inter-referencing effects associated with three different imaginings of urban antecedence in and beyond academic urban studies: the prototypical, paradigmatic city; the city which charts pathways to world city-ness; and the model or ‘best’ city. It is the effects of the third of these imaginings that has received the most sustained critical examination to date. The currently burgeoning literature on urban policy mobilities has proceeded methodologically by following actually existing intercity referential effects. The key argument in this paper is that critical policy mobilities research is problematic in largely reducing inter-referencing effects to neoliberalisation from above, but potentially very helpful for efforts to move beyond the EuroAmerican-centredness that has prevailed in imaginings of urban antecedence in Anglophone urban theory more widely.
Experience in Different Institutional Environments and Foreign Subsidiary Ownership Structure
Authors: Powell K. Skylar , Rhee Mooweon
Published: October 2013

Research has offered that one of the key advantages of multinational enterprises (MNEs) is the ability to learn from a diverse collection of environments. However the internationalization process model literature linking organizational experience to foreign subsidiary ownership structure has emphasized the role of related or market-specific experience, without fully considering the role of experience across a heterogeneous collection of markets. The current study seeks to bridge this gap and improve our understanding of the generalizability and influencing factors of the internationalization process model by considering how prior focal-market experience and heterogeneity in host-market experience across an MNE’s operations influence subsequent decisions on foreign subsidiary ownership structures. In the empirical context of Japanese automotive firms, the results suggest that when MNEs (a) have greater levels of experience in a focal host country or (b) have experienced a greater variety of regulatory differences across their multinational operations, they are more likely to pursue majority-owned structures in the face of less transparent regulatory environments. Our results also suggest that MNEs with greater levels of both focal host-country experience and variance in environments experienced across their operations, have less confidence in their experience in a focal host country, and are even less likely to pursue majority-ownership structures in the face of less transparent regulatory environments.
Corridor Location for Infrastructure Development
Authors: Medrano F. Antonio , Church Richard L.
Published: October 2013

Corridor location for developing new infrastructure such as transmission lines, roadways, and pipelines over terrain must consider numerous factors when determining the set of optimal route candidates. Previous researchers have cast this problem as a multiobjective least cost path problem, where competing objectives represent cost, environmental impact, and other major noncommensurate objectives. To fully characterize the optimal trade-off solution set, one must be able to generate both supported and unsupported nondominated solutions. Fortunately, the supported, nondominated solutions are relatively easy to identify by using a single-objective shortest path algorithm in conjunction with the noninferior set estimation method of Cohon, Church, and Sheer. But, finding the unsupported nondominated solutions can be nondeterministic polynomial time hard. This article proposes a heuristic approach that is capable of determining a Pareto frontier that is very near exact in polynomial time. This heuristic approach uses gateway node and gateway arc paths to generate a large set of spatially diverse locally optimal candidate solutions with few shortest path solver iterations, which are shown to represent a solution set that approximates to a high degree, the exact Pareto set. The method is described within the context of a bi-objective corridor location problem and applied to several data sets that have been used in past work. A comparison between this new approach and existing exact algorithms is provided. Overall, the new method is shown to be effective at finding a sizable number of the unsupported nondominated solutions in a very small amount of computational time.
Multispectral Imaging
Authors: Mansfield J. R.
Published: October 2013

The field of anatomic pathology has changed significantly over the last decades and, as a result of the technological developments in molecular pathology and genetics, has had increasing pressures put on it to become quantitative and to provide more information about protein expression on a cellular level in tissue sections. Multispectral imaging (MSI) has a long history as an advanced imaging modality and has been used for over a decade now in pathology to improve quantitative accuracy, enable the analysis of multicolor immunohistochemistry, and drastically reduce the impact of contrast-robbing tissue autofluorescence common in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. When combined with advanced software for the automated segmentation of different tissue morphologies (eg, tumor vs stroma) and cellular and subcellular segmentation, MSI can enable the per-cell quantitation of many markers simultaneously. This article covers the role that MSI has played in anatomic pathology in the analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections, discusses the technological aspects of why MSI has been adopted, and provides a review of the literature of the application of MSI in anatomic pathology.
Moody melodies: Do they cheer us up? A study of the effect of sad music on mood
Authors: Garrido Sandra , Schubert Emery
Published: October 2013

Despite the paradox inherent in the idea that sad music could make people happier, research indicates that an improved mood is amongst the primary motivations that people give for listening to sad music. However, it is not clear whether listeners are always able to achieve such aims. This article reports a study in which 335 participants listened to a piece of self-selected sad music. Before and after-measures of mood were taken, and participants also completed psychometric scales of rumination, absorption and reflectiveness. It was found that both ruminators and non-ruminators had significant increases in depression after listening to self-selected sad music. Furthermore, ruminators did not systematically report that they expected to benefit from listening to sad music, contrary to the literature. Results support the hypothesis that listening to sad music is related to maladaptive mood regulation strategies in some listeners.
A mixed-methods approach to studying co-regulation of student autonomy through teacher–student interactions in music lessons
Authors: Kupers Elisa , van Dijk Marijn , van Geert Paul , McPherson Gary E.
Published: October 2013

Interactions that occur between teacher and student during instrumental music lessons are complex and multifaceted and embrace a full range of promotive and demotive factors that not only underpin effective learning, but also have an impact on whether children will persist with their learning long-term (McPherson, Davidson, & Faulkner, 2012). Such interactions also provide the context in which students gain a sense of personal control and autonomy over their learning (Evans, McPherson, & Davidson, 2012). In this article, we present new ways of conceptualizing autonomy by taking the teacher–student interaction as a unit of analysis to examine the processes of co-regulation of student autonomy. In Study 1, we performed an in-depth qualitative analysis of four teacher – student dyads in individual string lessons. We found large differences between these dyads in the way autonomy is co-regulated from moment to moment. These differences are theorized to be in part connected to the general need for autonomy of the student. In addition, we found that teachers have different ways of dealing with students’ expressions of autonomy in lessons. In Study 2, we tested whether large moment-to-moment differences between the teacher’s and student’s levels of autonomy (‘out-of-synch’ moments) contributed to macro-level student outcomes. Here, we found a positive relation between the amount of out-of-synch per lesson and, respectively, students’ motivation and progress.
Comparing patient and parent recall of 90-day and 30-day migraine disability using elements of the PedMIDAS and an Internet headache diary
Authors: Heyer Geoffrey L , Perkins Sara Q , Rose Sean C , Aylward Shawn C , Lee JoEllen M
Published: October 2013

Aim

The aim of this article is to compare 90-day and 30-day recall of Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment (PedMIDAS) elements and headache frequency against daily entries from an Internet headache diary among pediatric patients and their parents.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, patients aged 10–18 years with episodic migraine or probable migraine completed a 90-day Internet-based headache diary that incorporated PedMIDAS questions. Following the 90-day diary period, patients and parents completed modified PedMIDAS instruments to assess 90-day and 30-day recall. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to measure recall reliability. The Kruskal-Wallis and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests were used to explore recall accuracy as it relates to each participant’s self-reported confidence in recall and to patient age.

Results

Fifty-two subjects completed 90 consecutive diary entries. Comparing 30-day to 90-day recall of PedMIDAS elements, ICC scores improved by 26.2% (patients) and 17.5% (parents). Patients had better recall than their parents for all study measures. Self-reported confidence in recall and patient age had limited and inconsistent effects on recall accuracy.

Conclusion

The optimal recall interval to assess migraine disability must balance recall accuracy with generalizability across a range of headache frequencies. When compared to daily diary entries, recall accuracy of PedMIDAS elements and headache frequency improves at 30 days compared to 90 days. Parent report of migraine disability should not be used as a replacement for patient report.
Return to the Source: Asres Yenesew and the West
Authors: Kebede Messay
Published: October 2013

This paper discusses the ideas of Asres Yenesew, who was a leading clerical scholar during Haile Selassie’s reign. Frustrated by the marginalization of Ethiopia despite the preservation of its independence, Asres identifies the introduction of Western education as the main culprit and derives the economic satellization of Ethiopia from the cultural ascendancy of the West. As a remedy, he proposes a return to the source by which alone Ethiopia can again recenter itself and make choices in accordance to its interests. He supports his proposal by expounding the empowering forces of some important components of the traditional system of social organization and cultural beliefs. The paper underlines the revolutionary message of Asres’s discourse, but also shows how the timidity of his political stand singularly diminished its resonance.