bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Prolonged QT Interval: Structural Heart Disease Mimicking Long QT Syndrome
Authors: WEISSLER‐SNIR ADAYA , GOLLOB MICHAEL H. , CHAUHAN VIJAY , CARE MELANIE , SPEARS DANNA A.
Published: February 2017

Background

In about 20–25% of patients with congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) a causative pathogenic mutation is not found. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of alternative cardiac diagnoses among patients exhibiting prolongation of QT interval with negative genetic testing for LQTS genes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 239 consecutive patients who were evaluated in the inherited arrhythmia clinic at the Toronto General Hospital between July 2013 and December 2015 for possible LQTS. A detailed review of the patients’ charts, electrocardiograms, and imaging was carried out.

Results

The analysis included 56 gene‐negative patients and 61 gene‐positive patients. Of the gene‐negative group, 25% had structural heart disease compared to only 1.6% of gene‐positive patients (P < 0.001). Structural heart disease was more likely if only one abnormal QTc parameter was found in the course of the evaluation (35.2% vs 9.1%, P = 0.01). The most common structural cardiac pathology was bileaflet mitral valve prolapse (8.9%). No gene‐positive patient had episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, compared to seven of the gene‐negative patients (0% vs 12.5%, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Structural pathology was detected in a quarter of gene‐negative patients evaluated for possible LQTS. Hence, cardiac imaging and Holter monitoring should be strongly encouraged to rule out structural heart disease in this population.
The Quality of Work in a Changing Labour Market
Authors: Gallie Duncan
Published: February 2017

There have been sharply contrasting scenarios of the long‐term pattern of change in the quality of work and employment in the advanced societies. Three broad perspectives have dominated enquiry in the last three decades: an optimistic tradition emphasizing progressive improvement in skills and the quality of work; a pessimistic tradition underlining emerging threats to employment and job quality; and, lastly, an institutional tradition pointing to long‐term structural differences between societies. We start by briefly outlining some of the key contrasts between these scenarios and then review the current state of empirical research with respect to three key aspects of the quality of work and employment: the structure of skills; the intrinsic quality of work in terms of job control and work intensity; and, lastly, job insecurity.
Inclusive Unions in a Dualized Labour Market? The Challenge of Organizing Labour Market Policy and Social Protection for Labour Market Outsiders
Authors: Durazzi Niccolo
Published: February 2017

Dynamics of labour market dualization have affected most Western European countries over the last two decades, and trade unions have often been seen as conservative actors protecting the interests of their core constituencies and as such contributing to labour market dualization. However, empirical evidence from Italy shows that unions' stance towards atypical workers has been more inclusive than the literature expected, despite the conditions for pro‐insider policies being firmly in place. By analyzing unions' strategies towards temporary agency workers in Italy, the article aims to reconcile the empirical observations that conflict with the theoretical expectations. It is argued that unions have indeed put in place inclusive, yet selective, policies towards atypical workers, and that unions' identity is a central explanatory variable to understand unions' selective inclusiveness.
Labour Market Policy under Conditions of Permanent Austerity: Any Sign of Social Investment?
Authors: Bengtsson Mattias , de la Porte Caroline , Jacobsson Kerstin
Published: February 2017

Social investment (SI) is part of a strategy to modernize the European welfare states by focusing on human resource development throughout the life‐course, while ensuring financial sustainability. Recognizing that this strategy was only partially implemented by the EU member states prior to the financial and Eurozone crises, this article investigates whether reforms and expenditure patterns in labour market policy (LMP) have moved more towards or away from SI following the 2008 financial crisis. We use quantitative and qualitative data to investigate the degree to which there have been shifts in the SI aspects of LMPs in eight countries across four welfare state regimes. We also investigate which aspects of LMPs have been strengthened and which have been weakened, enabling us to make a nuanced assessment of labour market SIs across the EU in a period of permanent austerity. We find that although the eight countries under examination have different starting points, there is little evidence of increased SI‐orientation of LMPs. Upskilling, which is at the heart of SI, did not increase from 2004–08 to 2009–13, while incentive reinforcement and employment assistance – more about labour market entry and marketing of skills – grew in importance. If this trend continues across Europe, there is a risk that SI will become lost in translation and end up as a clearer neo‐liberal version of workfarism.
Comparative transcriptome analysis between resistant and susceptible tomato allows the identification of lncRNA16397 conferring resistance to Phytophthora infestans by co‐expressing glutaredoxin
Authors: Cui Jun , Luan Yushi , Jiang Ning , Bao Hang , Meng Jun
Published: February 2017

The rapid development of omics sequencing technology has facilitated the identification of thousands of long non‐coding (lnc)RNAs in plant species, but the role of lncRNAs in plant–pathogen interactions remains largely unexplored. We used comparative transcriptome analysis of Phytophthora infestans‐resistant and ‐susceptible tomatoes to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and lncRNAs (DELs), and examine lncRNA‐mRNA networks. A total of 1037 DEGs and 688 DELs were identified between P. infestans‐resistant and ‐susceptible tomatoes. The co‐localization networks, including 128 DEGs and 127 DELs, were performed. We found that lncRNA16397 acted as an antisense transcript of SlGRX22 to regulate its expression, and also induced SlGRX21 expression when lncRNA16397 was overexpressed. In addition, disease symptoms and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in tomatoes overexpressing lncRNA16397 and SpGRX were fewer and lower than those in wild‐type after P. infestans infection. This result suggests that tomato lncRNA16397 induces SlGRX expression to reduce ROS accumulation and alleviate cell membrane injury, resulting in enhanced resistance to P. infestans. Our results provide insight into lncRNAs involved in the response of tomato to P. infestans infection, demonstrate that the lncRNA16397‐GRXs network is an important component of the P. infestans network in tomato, and provide candidates for breeding to enhance biotic stress‐resistance in tomato.
A Systematic Approach for Online Minimizing Volume Difference of Multiple Chambers in Machining Processes Based on High-Definition Metrology
Authors: Huang De-Lin , Du Shi-Chang , Li Gui-Long , Wu Zhuo-Qi
Published: February 2017

The volume variation of multiple chambers of a workpiece is one of the most important factors that can directly influence the performance of the final product. This paper presents a novel systematic approach for online minimizing the volume difference of multiple chambers of a workpiece based on high-definition metrology (HDM). First, the datum of high-density points is transformed by a random sample consensus (RANSAC) algorithm due to its good robustness in fitting. Second, a procedure containing reconstruction of interior curved surfaces of chambers, boundary extraction, and projection is developed to calculate the accurate volumes of the multiple chambers. Third, a model for obtaining an optimized machining parameter for depth of chambers is explored to minimize the volume difference of any two ones of all the chambers. The model is formulated as a multi-objective optimization (MOO) problem, and a new procedure of multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm is developed to solve this problem. Finally, a milling depth is output as the optimal milling parameter for controlling the volume variation of multiple chambers. The results of a case study show that the proposed approach can minimize the volume difference of four combustion chambers of a cylinder head and it can be well applied online in volume variation control of multiple chambers in machining processes.
Stellate cells drive maturation of the entorhinal-hippocampal circuit
Authors: Donato Flavio , Jacobsen R. Irene , Moser May-Britt , Moser Edvard I.
Published: February 2017

The lights go on in order

Grid cells and place cells in the brain function as part of a circuit that helps us figure out where we are in our physical world. Donato
et al.
examined how that circuit develops in the brains of mice. Expression patterns of doublecortin and parvalbumin revealed that neurons in the circuit mature in the order in which information flows. Maturation of each piece of the circuit depends on excitatory neuronal activity from the preceding portion. Stellate cells, in contrast, follow an endogenous maturation program. The stellate cells are responsible for initiating the circuit's developmental progression.

Science
, this issue p.
eaai8178
Complete Genome Sequence of a Sapporo Virus GV.2 Variant from a 2016 Outbreak of Gastroenteritis in Sweden
Authors: Hallström Björn , Lagerqvist Nina , Lind-Karlberg Maria , Helgesson Sofia , Follin Per , Hergens Maria-Pia , Nederby-Öhd Joanna , Tolfvenstam Thomas , Alm Erik
Published: February 2017

During an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis in Sweden when laboratory routine diagnostics failed to detect a causative agent, Sapporo virus was detected in stool specimens using electron microscopy (M.-P. Hergens, J. Nederby Öhd, E. Alm, H. Hervius Askling, S. Helgesson, M. Insulander, N. Lagerkvist, B. Svennungsson, M. Tihane, T. Tolfvenstam, P. Follin, unpublished data). Whole-genome sequencing revealed a Sapporo virus variant clustering with genogroup V.
Genome Sequences of Bacillus thuringiensis Serovar kurstaki Strain BP865 and B. thuringiensis Serovar aizawai Strain HD-133
Authors: Jeong Haeyoung , Choi Soo-Keun , Park Seung-Hwan
Published: February 2017

We report the draft genome sequences of two insecticidal strains against lepidopteran pests,
Bacillus thuringiensis
serovar kurstaki strain BP865, an isolate from the South Korean phylloplane, and strain HD-133, a reference strain of
B. thuringiensis
serovar aizawai.
Metabolic Perspectives on Persistence
Authors: Hartman Travis E. , Wang Zhe , Jansen Robert S. , Gardete Susana , Rhee Kyu Y.
Published: February 2017

Accumulating evidence has left little doubt about the importance of persistence or metabolism in the biology and chemotherapy of tuberculosis. However, knowledge of the intersection between these two factors has only recently begun to emerge. Here, we provide a focused review of metabolic characteristics associated with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
persistence. We focus on metabolism because it is the biochemical foundation of all physiologic processes and a distinguishing hallmark of
M. tuberculosis
physiology and pathogenicity. In addition, it serves as the chemical interface between host and pathogen. Existing knowledge, however, derives largely from physiologic contexts in which replication is the primary biochemical objective. The goal of this review is to reframe current knowledge of
M. tuberculosis
metabolism in the context of persistence, where quiescence is often a key distinguishing characteristic. Such a perspective may help ongoing efforts to develop more efficient cures and inform on novel strategies to break the cycle of transmission sustaining the pandemic.
Physical activity on prescription schemes (PARS): do programme characteristics influence effectiveness? Results of a systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Arsenijevic Jelena , Groot Wim
Published: February 2017

Background

Physical activity on prescription schemes (PARS) are health promotion programmes that have been implemented in various countries. The aim of this study was to outline the differences in the design of PARS in different countries. This study also explored the differences in the adherence rate to PARS and the self-reported level of physical activity between PARS users in different countries.

Method

A systematic literature review and meta-analyses were conducted. We searched PubMed and EBASCO in July 2015 and updated our search in September 2015. Studies that reported adherence to the programme and self-reported level of physical activity, published in the English language in a peer-reviewed journal since 2000, were included. The difference in the pooled adherence rate after finishing the PARS programme and the adherence rate before or during the PARS programme was 17% (95% CI 9% to 24%). The difference in the pooled physical activity was 0.93 unit score (95 CI −3.57 to 1.71). For the adherence rate, a meta-regression was conducted.

Results

In total, 37 studies conducted in 11 different countries met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 31 reported the adherence rate, while the level of physical activity was reported in 17 studies. Results from meta-analyses show that PARS had an effect on the adherence rate of physical activity, while the results from the meta-regressions show that programme characteristics such as type of chronic disease and the follow-up period influenced the adherence rate.

Conclusions

The effects of PARS on adherence and self-reported physical activity were influenced by programme characteristics and also by the design of the study. Future studies on the effectiveness of PARS should use a prospective longitudinal design and combine quantitative and qualitative data. Furthermore, future evaluation studies should distinguish between evaluating the adherence rate and the self-reported physical activity among participants with different chronic diseases.
QMC-PCRx: a novel method for rapid mutation detection
Authors: Ebili Henry O , Hassall James , Asiri Abutaleb , Ham-Karim Hersh , Fadhil Wakkas , Agboola Ayodeji Johnson , Ilyas Mohammad
Published: February 2017

Aims

We previously described the quick multiplex consensus PCR (QMC-PCR) as a method for rapid mutation screening in low-quality template. QMC-PCR has two-stages: a prediagnostic multiplex (PDM) reaction followed by a single specific diagnostic reaction with high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis. We aimed to develop QMC-PCRx in which second stage was multiplexed to allow testing of multiple targets.

Methods

The PDM reaction was retained without change. For the second stage,in silicodesign was used to identify targets amenable to a multiplex specific diagnostic reaction and multiplex HRM (mHRM) analysis. Following optimisation, 17 colorectal cancers were tested for mutation in five hotspots. For QMC-PCR, each target was tested individually. For QMC-PCRx, the targets were tested in the following combinations (i)KRASexon 3/PIK3CAexon 20/PTENexon 3 in triplex and (ii)PTENexon 7/NRASexon 2 in duplex. The degree of agreement between the novel QMC-PCRx and the standard QMC-PCR was tested by the percentage concordance.

Results

Optimisation of mHRM showed that peaks needed to be separated (without overlap) and the optimal number was three targets per test. Our experimental design produced distinct and widely separated peaks for the individual targets although one of the primers needed a GC-tail. A total of 85 individual targets were tested; this required 85 second-stage PCR/HRM tests by QMC-PCR versus 34 second-stage tests by QMC-PCRx. The percentage concordance between the singleplex and multiplex methodologies was 100%.

Conclusions

A multiplexed analysis using HRM is possible without loss of diagnostic accuracy. The novel QMC-PCRx protocol can significantly reduce workload and costs of mutation screening.
Effect of heparin on secondary brain injury in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: an additional ‘H’ therapy in vasospasm treatment
Authors: Bruder Markus , Won Sae-Yeon , Kashefiolasl Sepide , Wagner Marlies , Brawanski Nina , Dinc Nazife , Seifert Volker , Konczalla Juergen
Published: February 2017

Objective

Secondary brain injury leads to high morbidity and mortality rates in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). However, evidence-based treatment strategies are sparse. Since heparin has various effects on neuroinflammation, microthromboembolism and vasomotor function, our objective was to determine whether heparin can be used as a multitarget prophylactic agent to ameliorate morbidity in SAH.

Methods

Between June 1999 and December 2014, 718 patients received endovascular treatment after rupture of an intracranial aneurysm at our institution; 197 of them were treated with continuous unfractionated heparin in therapeutic dosages after the endovascular procedure. We performed a matched pair analysis to evaluate the effect of heparin on cerebral vasospasm (CVS), cerebral infarction (CI), and outcome.

Results

The rate of severe CVS was significantly reduced in the heparin group compared with the control group (14.2% vs 25.4%; p=0.005). CI and multiple ischemic lesions were less often present in patients with heparin treatment. These effects were enhanced if patients were treated with heparin for >48 hours, but the difference was not significant. Favorable outcome at 6-month follow-up was achieved in 69% in the heparin group and in 65% in the control group.

Conclusions

Patients receiving unfractionated continuous heparin after endovascular aneurysm occlusion have a significant reduction in the rate of severe CVS, have CI less often, and tend to have a favorable outcome more often. Our findings support the potential beneficial effects of heparin as a multitarget therapy in patients with SAH, resulting in an additional ‘H’ therapy in vasospasm treatment.
Carvacrol attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress in rat kidney
Authors: Gunes Sibel , Ayhanci Adnan , Sahinturk Varol , Altay Diler Us , Uyar Ruhi
Published: February 2017

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an antineoplastic drug that induces kidney damage via producing oxidative stress. Carvacrol (CAR) has antioxidative effect and we postulated that it can be protective against CP-induced nephrotoxicity. Six groups (n = 7) of rats (control, 100 mg/kg CP, CP+5 mg/kg CAR, CP+10 mg/kg CAR, 5 mg/kg CAR, and 10 mg/kg CAR) were injected intraperitoneally. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), creatinine (CRE), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant state (TOS) were measured, and oxidative stress indexes (OSI) were calculated. Kidneys were also analyzed histologically. In CP-alone group MDA, CRE, TOS, and OSI levels increased whereas GSH, SOD, CAT, and TAC levels decreased compared with control group. In CP plus CAR groups, MDA, TOS, and OSI levels decreased whereas GSH, SOD, CAT, and TAC levels increased compared with CP-alone group. However, CRE levels were similar in CP-alone and CP+5 CAR group whereas decreased in CP+10 CAR group. CP+10 CAR group was significantly different in all parameters (except TAC) from CP+5 CAR group. Kidney microscopy was showed lower tissue damage in CP plus CAR groups. In conclusion, 10 mg/kg CAR is more effective than 5 mg/kg CAR in prevention of CP-induced oxidative damage on kidney.
The Cargo Protein MAP17 (PDZK1IP1) Regulates the Cancer Stem Cell Pool Activating the Notch Pathway by Abducting NUMB
Authors: Garcia-Heredia Jose Manuel , Lucena-Cacace Antonio , Verdugo-Sivianes Eva M. , Pérez Marco , Carnero Amancio
Published: February 2017

Purpose: Cancer stem cells (CSC) are self-renewing tumor cells, with the ability to generate diverse differentiated tumor cell subpopulations. They differ from normal stem cells in the deregulation of the mechanisms that normally control stem cell physiology. CSCs are the origin of metastasis and highly resistant to therapy. Therefore, the understanding of the CSC origin and deregulated pathways is important for tumor control.

Experimental Design: We have included experiments in vitro, in cell lines and tumors of different origins. We have used patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and public transcriptomic databases of human tumors.

Results: MAP17 (PDZKIP1), a small cargo protein overexpressed in tumors, interacts with NUMB through the PDZ-binding domain activating the Notch pathway, leading to an increase in stem cell factors and cancer-initiating–like cells. Identical behavior was mimicked by inhibiting NUMB. Conversely, MAP17 downregulation in a tumor cell line constitutively expressing this gene led to Notch pathway inactivation and a marked reduction of stemness. In PDX models, MAP17 levels directly correlated with tumorsphere formation capability. Finally, in human colon, breast, or lung there is a strong correlation of MAP17 expression with a signature of Notch and stem cell genes.

Conclusions: MAP17 overexpression activates Notch pathway by sequestering NUMB. High levels of MAP17 correlated with tumorsphere formation and Notch and Stem gene transcription. Its direct modification causes direct alteration of tumorsphere number and Notch and Stem pathway transcription. This defines a new mechanism of Notch pathway activation and Stem cell pool increase that may be active in a large percentage of tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3871–83. ©2017 AACR.
The role and the meaning of work in Freud’s cultural writings
Authors: Lima Maria Elizabeth Antunes
Published: February 2017

Por meio de uma análise dos textos culturais de Freud, o ensaio propõe uma reflexão a respeito do lugar e do sentido atribuídos ao trabalho nesses escritos, concluindo pela presença de insuficiências importantes na teorização freudiana em torno do tema, o que pode ter favorecido a naturalização do homem e da sociedade, e, por conseguinte, a visão a-histórica dos processos sociais, aspectos frequentemente identificados nas críticas dirigidas à obra do autor
I want to work! The outstanding experience of selective processes in the subjectivity of university students
Authors: Garbin Andréia De Conto , Silva Heloísa Aguiar da
Published: February 2017

Este estudo teve como finalidade compreender como os processos seletivos repercutem na subjetividade do jovem que busca ingressar no mercado de trabalho. Foram entrevistados oito universitários que passaram por processos seletivos para estágio nos últimos seis meses. Os dados coletados foram analisados à luz da análise do discurso. Os entrevistados relataram sentir ansiedade nos processos seletivos e necessidade de adequar-se ao perfil pedido pela empresa, além de sentimentos de baixa autoestima e culpa diante das tentativas frustradas de inserir-se no mercado de trabalho. Concluiu-se que os processos seletivos acompanham as mudanças e exigências dos novos modelos de gestão do trabalho, exigindo novas qualidades relacionadas à capacidade de autocontrole, qualidade, mudança e mobilidade. Os resultados deste estudo ilustram que as exigências dos processos seletivos reforçam a marginalidade de alguns grupos e aumentam o contingente dos não qualificados. As experiências vivenciadas nos processos seletivos revelam mecanismos excludentes, ênfase em saberes não profissionais e valorização de comportamentos úteis às empresas, em detrimento da qualificação profissional
O TCE-SP, as Fundações de Apoio e a Constituição Federal
Authors: Tavares João Batista
Published: February 2017

A Constituição Federal ampliou sobremaneira as competências dos Tribunais de Contas, concentrando-as na Seção da Fiscalização Contábil, Financeira e Orçamentária, que compreende os arts. 70 a 75, sendo certo que, para as cortes estaduais, a jurisprudência do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF) sedimentou o entendimento de que a elas se aplica, compulsoriamente, o modelo federal quanto à organização, composição e fiscalização, em respeito ao princípio da simetria, presente no art. 75 da CF/88. No tocante à fiscalização, até os dias atuais, a Corte de Contas paulista ainda não se harmonizou com as competências previstas na CF/88. Além desse grave problema, foi também identificado que, no processo de elaboração de leis no Estado de São Paulo, infelizmente, não foi respeitado o princípio da simetria constitucional. Essa situação, ao longo do tempo, resultou em danos incalculáveis ao desenvolvimento dos projetos de ciência, tecnologia e inovação, bem como ao aprimoramento da própria administração pública paulista, que se encontra defasada em relação aos demais estados-membros, notadamente no relacionamento com fundações de apoio.
Biomarkers of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease
Authors: Small Aeron , Kiss Daniel , Giri Jay , Anwaruddin Saif , Siddiqi Hasan , Guerraty Marie , Chirinos Julio A. , Ferrari Giovanni , Rader Daniel J.
Published: February 2017

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a highly prevalent cardiovascular disorder accounting for a rising economic and social burden on aging populations. In spite of continuing study on the pathophysiology of disease, there remain no medical therapies to prevent the progression of CAVD. The discovery of biomarkers represents a potentially complementary approach in stratifying risk and timing of intervention in CAVD and has the advantage of providing insight into causal factors for the disease. Biomarkers have been studied extensively in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with success as additive for clinical and scientific purposes. Similar research in CAVD is less robust; however, the available studies of biomarkers in CAVD show promise for enhanced clinical decision making and identification of causal factors for the disease. This comprehensive review summarizes available established and novel biomarkers in CAVD, their contributions toward an understanding of pathophysiology, their potential clinical utility, and provides an outline to direct future research in the field.
Factors Associated With Left Atrial Remodeling in the General Population
Authors: Oliver Walter , Matthews Gwendolyn , Ayers Colby R. , Garg Sonia , Gupta Sachin , Neeland Ian J. , Drazner Mark H. , Berry Jarett D. , Matulevicius Susan , de Lemos James A.
Published: February 2017

Background—

Although contributors to remodeling of the left ventricle (LV) have been well studied in general population cohorts, few data are available describing factors influencing changes in left atrial (LA) structure.

Methods and Results—

Maximum LA volume was determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging among 748 participants in the Dallas Heart Study at 2 visits a mean of 8 years apart. Associations of changes in LA volume (ΔLAV) with traditional risk factors, biomarkers, LV geometry, and remodeling by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and detailed measurements of global and regional adiposity (by magnetic resonance imaging and dual-energy x ray absorptiometry) were assessed using multivariable linear regression. Greater ΔLAV was independently associated with black and Hispanic race/ethnicity, change in systolic blood pressure, LV mass and ΔLV mass, N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide and change in N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide, and body mass index (
P
<0.05 for each). In subanalyses, the associations of ΔLAV with LV mass parameters were driven by associations with baseline and ΔLV end diastolic volume (
P
<0.0001 for each) and not wall thickness (
P
=0.21). Associations of ΔLAV with body mass index were explained exclusively by associations with visceral fat mass (
P
=0.002), with no association seen between ΔLAV and subcutaneous abdominal fat (
P
=0.47) or lower body fat (
P
=0.30).

Conclusions—

Left atrial dilatation in the population is more common in black and Hispanic than in white individuals and is associated with parallel changes in the LV. LA dilatation may be mediated by blood pressure control and the development of visceral adiposity.
Loss of Endothelial CXCR7 Impairs Vascular Homeostasis and Cardiac Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hao Huifeng , Hu Sheng , Chen Hong , Bu Dawei , Zhu Liyuan , Xu Chuansheng , Chu Fei , Huo Xingyu , Tang Yue , Sun Xiaogang , Ding Bi-Sen , Liu De-Pei , Hu Shengshou , Wang Miao
Published: February 2017

Background:

Genome-wide association studies identified the association of the
CXCL12
genetic locus (which encodes the chemokine CXCL12, also known as stromal cell–derived factor 1) with coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction (MI). Unlike CXCR4, the classic receptor for CXCL12, the function of CXCR7 (the most recently identified receptor) in vascular responses to injury and in MI remains unclear.

Methods:

Tissue expression of CXCR7 was examined in arteries from mice and humans. Mice that harbored floxed
CXCR7
and
Cdh5
-promoter driven
CreERT2
were treated with tamoxifen to induce endothelium-restricted deletion of CXCR7. The resulting conditional knockout mice and littermate controls were studied for arterial response to angioplasty wire injury and cardiac response to coronary artery ligation. The role of CXCR7 in endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis was determined in vitro with cells from mice and humans. The effects of adenoviral delivery of
CXCR7
gene and pharmacological activation of CXCR7 were evaluated in mice subjected to MI.

Results:

Injured arteries from both humans and mice exhibited endothelial CXCR7 expression. Conditional endothelial CXCR7 deletion promoted neointimal formation without altering plasma lipid levels after endothelial injury and exacerbated heart functional impairment after MI, with increased both mortality and infarct sizes. Mechanistically, the exacerbated responses in vascular and cardiac remodeling are attributable to the key role of CXCR7 in promoting endothelial proliferation and angiogenesis. Impressively, the impaired post-MI cardiac remodeling occurred with elevated levels of CXCL12, which was previously thought to mediate cardiac protection by exclusively engaging its cognate receptor, CXCR4. In addition, both
CXCR7
gene delivery via left ventricular injection and treatment with a CXCR7 agonist offered cardiac protection after MI.

Conclusions:

CXCR7 represents a novel regulator of vascular homeostasis that functions in the endothelial compartment with sufficient capacity to affect cardiac function and remodeling after MI. Activation of CXCR7 may have therapeutic potential for clinical restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention and for heart remodeling after MI.
Prognostic Significance of Plasma High‐Sensitivity C‐Reactive Protein in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhu Ling , Zou Yubao , Wang Yilu , Luo Xiaoliang , Sun Kai , Wang Hu , Jia Lei , Liu Yan , Zou Juan , Yuan Zuyi , Hui Rutai , Kang Lianming , Song Lei , Wang Jizheng
Published: February 2017

Background

Elevated high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs
CRP
) has been associated with increased risks of adverse outcomes of various cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between hs
CRP
and the prognosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy remains to be evaluated.

Methods and Results

The study used an observational cohort methodology. A total of 490 patients were enrolled in the Fuwai Hospital from 2001 to 2011 and were followed for 3.7±2.0 years. According to the risk category of hs
CRP
, subjects in the high hs
CRP
group (>3.0 mg/L) had a higher risk of developing adverse events than the low hs
CRP
group (<1.0 mg/L): cardiovascular death (adjusted hazard ratios[
HR
] 5.41, 95%
CI
1.96–14.93,
P
=0.001), all‐cause mortality (adjusted
HR
4.78, 95%
CI
1.99–11.47,
P
<0.001), sudden cardiac death (adjusted
HR
11.29, 95%
CI
1.38–92.20,
P
=0.024), and heart failure–related death (adjusted
HR
4.38, 95%
CI
1.15–16.60,
P
=0.030). Similarly, the continuous variable of hs
CRP
was also an independent predictor for adverse outcomes: cardiovascular death (adjusted
HR
1.15, 95%
CI
1.06–1.25,
P
=0.001), all‐cause mortality (adjusted
HR
1.17, 95%
CI
1.09–1.26,
P
<0.001), sudden cardiac death (adjusted
HR
1.20, 95%
CI
1.06–1.36,
P
=0.003), and heart failure–related death (adjusted
HR
1.15, 95%
CI
1.02–1.30,
P
=0.020).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that elevated plasma hs
CRP
is associated with increased risk for adverse outcomes in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Outcomes of Physician‐Staffed Versus Non‐Physician‐Staffed Helicopter Transport for ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gunnarsson Sverrir I. , Mitchell Joseph , Busch Mary S. , Larson Brenda , Gharacholou S. Michael , Li Zhanhai , Raval Amish N.
Published: February 2017

Background

The effect of physician‐staffed helicopter emergency medical service (
HEMS
) on
ST
‐elevation myocardial infarction (
STEMI
) patient transfer is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of physician‐staffed
HEMS
(Physician‐
HEMS
) versus non‐physician‐staffed (Standard‐
HEMS
) in patients with
STEMI
.

Methods and Results

We studied 398
STEMI
patients transferred by either Physician‐
HEMS
(n=327) or Standard‐
HEMS
(n=71) for primary or rescue percutaneous coronary intervention at 2 hospitals between 2006 and 2014. Data were collected from electronic medical records and each institution's contribution to the National Cardiovascular Data Registry. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Median electrocardiogram‐to‐balloon time was longer for the Standard‐
HEMS
group than for the Physician‐
HEMS
group (118 vs 107 minutes;
P
=0.002). The Standard‐
HEMS
group was more likely than the Physician‐
HEMS
group to receive nitroglycerin (37% vs 15%;
P
<0.001) and opioid analgesics (42.3% vs 21.7%;
P
<0.001) during transport. In‐hospital adverse outcomes, including cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, and serious arrhythmias, were more common in the Standard‐
HEMS
group (25.4% vs 11.3%;
P
=0.002). After adjusting for age, sex, Killip class, and transport time, patients transferred by Standard‐
HEMS
had increased risk of any serious in‐hospital adverse event (odds ratio=2.91; 95%
CI
=1.39–6.06;
P
=0.004). In‐hospital mortality was not statistically different between the 2 groups (9.9% in the Standard‐
HEMS
group vs 4.9% in the Physician‐
HEMS
group;
P
=0.104).

Conclusions

Patients with
STEMI
transported by Standard‐
HEMS
had longer transport times, higher rates of nitroglycerin and opioid administration, and higher rates of adjusted in‐hospital events. Efforts to better understand optimal transport strategies in
STEMI
patients are needed.
Development of Coronary Pulse Wave Velocity: New Pathophysiological Insight Into Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Harbaoui Brahim , Courand Pierre‐Yves , Cividjian Andrei , Lantelme Pierre
Published: February 2017

Background

Although aortic stiffness assessed by pulse wave velocity (
PWV
) is a strong predictor of coronary artery disease, the significance of local coronary stiffness has never been tackled. The first objective of this study was to describe a method of measuring coronary
PWV
(Co
PWV
) invasively and to describe its determinants. The second objective was to assess both Co
PWV
and aortic
PWV
in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes or stable coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results

In 53 patients, Co
PWV
was measured from the delay in pressure wave and distance traveled as a pressure wire was withdrawn from the distal to the proximal coronary segment. Similarly, aortic
PWV
was measured invasively when the wire was pulled across the ascending aorta; carotid–femoral
PWV
was also measured noninvasively using the SphygmoCor system (AtCor Medical). Mean Co
PWV
was 10.3±6.1 m/s. Determinants of increased Co
PWV
were fractional flow reserve, diastolic blood pressure, and previous stent implantation in the recorded artery. Co
PWV
was lower in patients with acute coronary syndromes versus stable coronary artery disease (7.6±3 versus 11.5±6.4 m/s;
P
=0.02), and this persisted after adjustment for confounders. In contrast, aortic stiffness, assessed by aortic and carotid–femoral
PWV
, did not differ significantly.

Conclusions

Co
PWV
seems associated with acute coronary events more closely than aortic
PWV
. High coronary compliance, whether per se or because it leads to a distal shift in compliance mismatch, may expose vulnerable plaques to high cyclic stretch. Co
PWV
is a new tool to assess local compliance at the coronary level; it paves the way for a new field of research.
Continuing the Struggle
Authors: Dutta Sujoy
Published: February 2017

This paper demonstrates how, in three villages of Uttar Pradesh, poor Dalits and lower castes sustain their assertion against local power structure by adopting everyday politics. This proves that defiance under uncompromising circumstances need not be quiet, disguised and anonymous; rather, it can be noisy, public and open. The analysis from the field indicates that disadvantaged castes have not been able to bring about a broad structural transformation, as most opportunities are controlled by the local power structure. Despite this, a section of poor labourers has benefited from everyday protests. This transformation is a result of the enhanced politicisation of poor households under the political banner of the Bahujan Samaj Party, which has a strong presence in UP villages. This has not only empowered the disadvantaged castes, to confront the powerful dominant castes, but has made them politically and socially aware of their rights, helping them to reconfigure their ties with the powerful, dominant castes.
Qualitative Research in Public Health
Authors: Mahapatro Meerambika
Published: February 2017

Qualitative data is now increasingly used within public health research, and domestic violence widely is recognized as a serious public health problem. India is one of the most socio-economically diverse nations in the world, where language, culture and customs differ from place to place within the country. In order to carry out research on domestic violence in a multi-centre cross-cultural environment, it is imperative to pay attention to methodological issues. This paper aims to understand how domestic violence is addressed in research and identifies lessons from the methodological gaps in understanding health research. These gaps are analyzed at four levels; conceptualization, setting, ethics and cross-cultural adaptation of research instruments. The research was a multicentre study covering 18 states of India. A wide range of methods were used to narrow the methodological gaps. Despite the inherent difficulties in defining domestic violence in a cross cultural set up, the paper reflects the cumulative efforts of investigators to recognize and systematically deal with the methodological gap in addressing multi-centre research.
Hippodonta fujiannensis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae), a new epipsammic diatom from the low intertidal zone, Fujian Province, China
Authors: ZHAO LONG , SUN JIANDONG , GAO YAHUI , LIANG JUNRONG , SUN LIN , LI XUESONG , CHEN CHANGPING
Published: February 2017

Hippodonta fujiannensis sp. nov., a new small-sized species of Hippodonta (Bacillariophyceae), was described from the low intertidal zone, Fujian Province, China. The morphology and ultrastructure were investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy, which revealed the following results: 1) valves asymmetrical, elliptic-lanceolate to rhombic-lanceolate with non-protracted apices; 2) raphe filiform, with teardrop-shaped and closely spaced central endings; 3) striae uniseriate, evenly spaced throughout the whole valve; 4) single row of lineolae around the valve apices. In particular, this new species is characterized by its dissymmetrical valves with one special column of lineolae which is close to the raphe and positioned perpendicular to the remaining lineolae of the striae, on only one side of the valves. Hippodonta fujiannensis is epipsammic and inhabits the marine environment. Conventional morphometric analyses were employed to elucidate the differences between this new species and several taxa similar in valve morphology, and the results are discussed.
Hospital Payer and Racial/Ethnic Mix at Private Academic Medical Centers in Boston and New York City
Authors: Tikkanen Roosa Sofia , Woolhandler Steffie , Himmelstein David U. , Kressin Nancy R. , Hanchate Amresh , Lin Meng-Yun , McCormick Danny , Lasser Karen E.
Published: February 2017

Academic medical centers (AMCs) are widely perceived as providing the highest-quality medical care. To investigate disparities in access to such care, we studied the racial/ethnic and payer mixes at private AMCs of New York City (NYC) and Boston, two cities where these prestigious institutions play a dominant role in the health care system. We used individual-level inpatient discharge data for acute care hospitals to examine the degree of hospital racial/ethnic and insurance segregation in both cities using the Index of Dissimilarity, together with recent changes in patterns of care in NYC. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, black patients in NYC were two to three times less likely than whites, and uninsured patients approximately five times less likely than privately insured patients, to be discharged from AMCs. In Boston, minorities were overrepresented at AMCs relative to other hospitals. NYC hospitals were more segregated overall according to race/ethnicity and insurance than Boston hospitals, and insurance segregation became more pronounced in NYC after the Affordable Care Act. Although health reform improved access to insurance, access to AMCs remains limited for disadvantaged populations, which may undermine the quality of care available to these groups.
The politics of inclusivity
Authors: McLaughlin Meredith
Published: February 2017

This article examines popular perceptions of communalism and apparent lack of political engagement among Muslims in Hyderabad’s Old City. The Old City is a notoriously poor, Muslim-majority district with social problems exacerbated by poor infrastructure and political neglect. Through an examination of everyday political participation, which I term civic conduct, I argue that Hyderabadi Muslims enact notions of public interest and civic virtue. Through ethnographic fieldwork conducted along networks of voluntary associations in the Old City, I argue that Hyderabadi Muslims contest the weight of historical exclusion and political negligence through expressions of civic engagement. Everyday accomplishments and aspirations perform a norm of civility in the Old City that constitutes a powerful claim to belonging. I suggest that civic conduct becomes both a means for accessing the rights of urban citizenship and a critique of exclusionary narratives.
Inside the fences: Pedagogical practices and purposes of songwriting in an adult male U.S. state prison
Authors: Cohen Mary L. , Wilson Catherine M.
Published: February 2017

We examined pedagogical strategies for facilitating and developing songwriting skills with 17 males incarcerated at a U.S. medium security prison. We also investigated the participants’ sense of self-worth, purpose, and social adjustment related to their participation in the songwriters’ workshops. The songwriting sessions spanned over two 13-week, 60-minute workshops and one nine-week 90-minute workshop, totaling 35 weeks. Using grounded theory procedures, we analyzed four types of data: 42 sets of original lyrics, written reflections from three instructors, transcriptions of four workshop sessions, and narrative data from participants, totaling 127 single-spaced pages. Our findings indicated that the collaborative and social nature of the songwriting workshops provided a supportive atmosphere where participants generated new songs for enjoyment and expression. Participants wrote about struggles and hardships, especially relationship problems, and our data suggested that the discussions about song topics helped them cope with their incarceration. Implications for music education are discussed.
Student musicians’ experiences of reflexivity during internships: Personal narratives and complex modalities
Authors: Bennett Dawn , Reid Anna , Rowley Jennifer
Published: February 2017

A presumption behind work-integrated learning activities such as internship programmes is that student thinking will shift as a result of exposure to industry practice. We wondered if all students experience this change in the positive sense that teachers expect. To examine this presumption we asked to what extent and in what ways students reorient their thinking about self and identity as a result of an internship experience. Analysis of student reflections following a structured internship programme leads us to believe that not all students experience a shift in thinking, and that their personal narratives speak instead to a complex relation of modalities.
Constructing a “fast protocol” for middle school beginner violin classes in Japan
Authors: Akutsu Taichi
Published: February 2017

This study aimed to investigate the process of constructing a “fast-protocol” for violin instruction. Since learning string instruments has not been common, and because there are limited hours for music in Japanese schools, the author, a violinist, collaborated with the general music teacher at a middle school in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and co-created the protocol which contains three lesson units as follows: (1) to play an open string on the violin; (2) to discriminate pitch by string crosses on the violin; (3) to discriminate pitch by using fingers on the violin. As for data collection, the study videotaped students’ learning, and maintained log notes. This study also collected students’ commentary focusing on perceived challenges after each class ( N = 120). Based on all gathered data, after completing the coding process, researcher and teacher co-constructed the narrative. Findings include critical examinations of readiness in violin teaching and learning, and variations on violin-specific challenges associated with enjoyment and satisfaction for beginners.
Book Review: Aruna Pariti, Genealogy, Time and Identity
Authors: Thapar Romila
Published: February 2017

Aruna Pariti, Genealogy, Time and Identity, Primus Books, Delhi, 2015, xiii + 338 pp., 1395.
An Exploratory Study of Female Psychopathy and Drug-Related Violent Crime
Authors: Thomson Nicholas D.
Published: February 2017

There is a clear link between drugs and violence, and the extensive burden drug-related violence inflicts on society. However, drug-related violence is largely understudied, especially in female populations. The aim of the present study was to explore whether women convicted of drug-related violent crime differed on individual-level risk factors from women convicted of a nondrug-related violent crime and women convicted of nonviolent crimes. One hundred and twenty-five female inmates were classified using official criminal records. Multinomial logistic regression indicated inmates higher in antisocial psychopathic traits and low level of educational attainment were more likely to be in the drug-related violent crime group. In comparison, inmates higher in callous psychopathic traits were more likely to be in the nondrug-related violent crime group. Using official records of prison misconduct, a secondary aim tested whether prison violence increased the likelihood of being in either of the violent crime groups. Results show inmates who had committed violent misconducts over a 6-month period were more likely to be the nondrug-related violent crime group. Prison violence did not differentiate inmates in the nonviolent crime group from the drug-related violent crime group. These findings are the first to explore the relation between psychopathy and drug-related violent crime, and drug-related violent crime predicting future violent behavior in female criminals. This study demonstrates the heterogeneity in female violent behavior. Furthermore, psychopathy is not only shown to be an important risk factor for violence in women but also highlights that the dimensional construct is essential for understanding context-dependent violence.