bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Observation of von Willebrand Factor Elongation and Fiber Formation on Collagen During Acute Whole Blood Exposure to Pathological Flow
Authors: Colace Thomas V. , Diamond Scott L.
Published: October 2012

Objective—

In severe stenosis, von Willebrand Factor (vWF) experiences millisecond exposures to pathological wall shear rates (γ
w
). We sought to evaluate the deposition of vWF onto collagen surfaces under flow in these environments.

Methods and Results—

Distinct from viscometry experiments that last many seconds, we deployed microfluidic devices for single-pass perfusion of whole blood or platelet-free plasma over fibrillar type 1 collagen (<50 ms transit time) at pathological γ
w
or spatial wall shear rate gradients (grad γ
w
). Using fluorescent anti-vWF, long thick vWF fibers (>20 μm) bound to collagen were visualized at constant γ
w
>30000 s
–1
during perfusion of platelet-free plasma, a process enhanced by EDTA. Rapid acceleration or deceleration of EDTA platelet-free plasma at grad γ
w
=±1.1×10
5
to ±4.3×10
7
s
–1
/cm did not promote vWF deposition. At 19400 s
–1
, EDTA blood perfusion resulted in rolling vWF–platelet nets, although blood perfusion (normal Ca
2+
) generated large vWF/platelet deposits that repeatedly embolized and were blocked by anti-glycoprotein Ib or the α
IIb
β
3
inhibitor GR144053 and did not require grad γ
w
. Blood perfusion at venous shear rate (200 s
–1
) produced a stable platelet deposit that was a substrate for massive but unstable vWF–platelet aggregates when flow was increased to 7800 s
–1
.

Conclusion—

Triggered by collagen and enhanced by platelet glycoprotein Ib and α
IIb
β
3
, vWF fiber formation occurred during acute exposures to pathological γ
w
and did not require gradients in wall shear rate.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Outcomes
Authors: Kotwal Sradha , Jun Min , Sullivan David , Perkovic Vlado , Neal Bruce
Published: October 2012

Background—

Early trials evaluating the effect of omega 3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA) reported benefits for mortality and cardiovascular events but recent larger studies trials have variable findings. We assessed the effects of ω-3 FA on cardiovascular and other important clinical outcomes.

Methods and Results—

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for all randomized studies using dietary supplements, dietary interventions, or both. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular events (mostly myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death). Secondary outcomes were arrhythmia, cerebrovascular events, hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke, coronary revascularization, heart failure, total mortality, nonvascular mortality, and end-stage kidney disease. Twenty studies including 63030 participants were included. There was no overall effect of ω-3 FA on composite cardiovascular events (relative risk [RR]=0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90–1.03;
P
=0.24) or on total mortality (RR=0.95; 95% CI, 0.86–1.04;
P
=0.28). ω-3 FA did protect against vascular death (RR=0.86; 95% CI, 0.75–0.99;
P
=0.03) but not coronary events (RR=0.86; 95% CI, 0.67–1.11;
P
=0.24). There was no effect on arrhythmia (RR=0.99; 95% CI, 0.85–1.16;
P
=0.92) or cerebrovascular events (RR=1.03; 95% CI, 0.92–1.16;
P
=0.59). Adverse events were more common in the treatment group than the placebo group (RR=1.18, 95% CI, 1.02–1.37;
P
=0.03), predominantly because of an excess of gastrointestinal side effects.

Conclusions—

ω-3 FA may protect against vascular disease, but the evidence is not clear-cut, and any benefits are almost certainly not as great as previously believed.
Oxysterol-Induced Soluble Endoglin Release and Its Involvement in Hypertension
Authors: Valbuena-Diez Ana C. , Blanco Francisco J. , Oujo Barbara , Langa Carmen , Gonzalez-Nuñez María , Llano Elena , Pendas Alberto M. , Díaz Mercedes , Castrillo Antonio , Lopez-Novoa José M. , Bernabeu Carmelo
Published: October 2012

Background—

Ischemia in the placenta is considered the base of the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, a pregnancy-specific syndrome in which soluble endoglin (sEng) is a prognostic marker and plays a pathogenic role. Here, we investigated the effects of hypoxia and the downstream pathways in the release of sEng.

Methods and Results—

Under hypoxic conditions, the trophoblast-like cell line JAR showed an increase in sEng parallel to an elevated formation of reactive oxygen species. Because reactive oxygen species are related to the formation of oxysterols, we assessed the effect of 22-(R)-hydroxycholesterol, a natural ligand of the liver X receptor (LXR), and the LXR synthetic agonist T0901317. Treatment of JAR cells or human placental explants with 22-(R)-hydroxycholesterol or T0901317 resulted in a clear increase in sEng that was dependent on LXR. These LXR agonists induced an increased matrix metalloproteinase-14 expression and activity and a significant reduction of its endogenous inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3. In addition, mice treated with LXR agonists underwent an increase in the plasma sEng levels, concomitant with an increase in arterial pressure. Moreover, transgenic mice overexpressing sEng displayed high blood pressure. Finally, administration of an endoglin peptide containing the consensus matrix metalloproteinase-14 cleavage site G-L prevented the oxysterol-dependent increase in arterial pressure and sEng levels in mice.

Conclusions—

These studies provide a clue to the involvement of the LXR pathway in sEng release and its pathogenic role in vascular disorders such as preeclampsia.
Cardiovascular Events as a Function of Serum Bilirubin Levels in a Large, Statin-Treated Cohort
Authors: Horsfall Laura J. , Nazareth Irwin , Petersen Irene
Published: October 2012

Background—

Serum bilirubin is an endogenous antioxidant that is routinely measured before a statin is prescribed primarily to assess liver function, but the association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in this population has not been explored.

Method and Results—

We identified patients from a United Kingdom primary care database (The Health Improvement Network) with measurements of serum total bilirubin levels recorded 3 months before the first statin treatment between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2010, and no history of liver disease or CVD. In total, 130 052 patients met the inclusion criteria, and after a median follow-up of 43 months, there were 7850 CVD events. In men, the incidence of CVD in the lowest decile category of bilirubin (1–6 μmol/L [0.06–0.35 mg/dL]) was 215 per 10 000 person-years compared with 163 per 10 000 person-years in the highest decile (19–40 μmol/L [1.1–2.3 mg/dL]). Similar differences were seen for women. After conventional CVD risk factors were accounted for, the associations with bilirubin were nonlinear (L shaped), and the models predicted that, compared with patients with a bilirubin level of 10 μmol/L (0.6 mg/dL), those with a similar CVD risk profile but a bilirubin level of 5 μmol/L (0.3 mg/dL) had an 18% (95% confidence interval, 9–27) higher risk of any CVD event, a 34% (95% confidence interval, 13–56) higher risk of myocardial infarction, and a 33% (95% confidence interval, 21–46) higher risk of death resulting from any cause.

Conclusions—

Serum bilirubin level measured before a statin prescription to assess liver function is an independent risk factor for CVD and death in both men and women.
Carotid Atherosclerosis and Prospective Risk of Dementia
Authors: Wendell Carrington R. , Waldstein Shari R. , Ferrucci Luigi , O’Brien Richard J. , Strait James B. , Zonderman Alan B.
Published: October 2012

Background and Purpose—

Although vascular risk factors have been implicated in the development of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer disease (AD), few studies have examined the association between subclinical atherosclerosis and prospective risk of dementia.

Methods—

Participants from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (n=364; age, 60–95 years; median age, 73; 60% male; 82% white) underwent initial carotid atherosclerosis assessment and subsequently were assessed for dementia and AD annually for up to 14 years (median, 7.0). Cox proportional hazards models predicting all-cause dementia and AD were adjusted for age, sex, race, education, blood pressure, cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and smoking.

Results—

Sixty participants developed dementia, with 53 diagnosed as AD. Raw rates of future dementia and AD among individuals initially in the upper quintile of carotid intimal medial thickness or with bilateral carotid plaque were generally double the rates of individuals with intimal medial thickness in the lower quintiles or no plaque at baseline. Adjusted proportional hazards models revealed >2.5-fold increased risk of dementia and AD among individuals in the upper quintile of carotid intimal medial thickness, and approximately 2.0-fold increased risk of dementia among individuals with bilateral plaque.

Conclusions—

Multiple measures of carotid atherosclerosis are associated with prospective risk of dementia. Individuals in the upper quintile of carotid intimal medial thickness or bilateral carotid plaque were at greatest risk. These findings underscore the possibility that early intervention to reduce atherosclerosis may help delay or prevent onset of dementia and AD.
Density of Thrombus on Admission CT Predicts Revascularization Efficacy in Large Vessel Occlusion Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Moftakhar Parham , English Joey D. , Cooke Daniel L. , Kim Warren T. , Stout Charles , Smith Wade S. , Dowd Christopher F. , Higashida Randall T. , Halbach Van V. , Hetts Steven W.
Published: October 2012

Background and Purpose—

Can lysability of large vessel thrombi in acute ischemic stroke be predicted by measuring clot density on admission nonenhanced CT (NECT), postcontrast enhanced CT, or CT angiogram (CTA)?

Methods—

We retrospectively studied 90 patients with acute large vessel ischemic strokes treated with intravenous (IV) tPA, intra-arterial (IA) tPA, and/or mechanical thrombectomy devices. Clot density [in Hounsfield unit (HU)] was measured on NECT, postcontrast enhanced CT, and CTA. Recanalization was assessed by the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grading system (TICI) on digital subtraction angiography.

Results—

Thrombus density on preintervention NECT correlated with postintervention TICI grade regardless of pharmacological (IV tPA
r
=0.69, IA tPA
r
=0.72,
P
<0.0001) or mechanical treatment (
r
=0.73,
P
<0.0001). Patients with TICI≥2 demonstrated higher HU on NECT (mean corrected HU IV tPA=1.58, IA tPA=1.66, mechanical treatment=1.7) compared with patients with TICI<2 (IV tPA=1.39, IA tPA=1.4, mechanical treatment=1.3) (
P
=0.01, 0.006, <0.0001 respectively). There was no association between recanalization and age, sex, baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, treatment method, time to treatment, or clot volume.

Conclusions—

Thrombi with lower HU on NECT appear to be more resistant to pharmacological lysis and mechanical thrombectomy. Measuring thrombus density on admission NECT provides a rapid method to analyze clot composition, a potentially useful discriminator in selecting the most appropriate reperfusion strategy for an individual patient.
Precipitable Water from GPS Zenith Delays Using North American Regional Reanalysis Meteorology
Authors: Means James D. , Cayan Daniel
Published: October 2012

Precipitable water or integrated water vapor can be obtained from zenith travel-time delays from global positioning system (GPS) signals if the atmospheric pressure and temperature at the GPS site is known. There have been more than 10 000 GPS receivers deployed as part of geophysics research programs around the world; but, unfortunately, most of these receivers do not have collocated barometers. This paper describes a new technique to use North American Regional Reanalysis pressure, temperature, and geopotential height data to calculate station pressures and surface temperature at the GPS sites. This enables precipitable water to be calculated at those sites using archived zenith delays. The technique has been evaluated by calculating altimeter readings at aviation routine weather report (METAR) sites and comparing them with reported altimeter readings. Additionally, the precipitable water values calculated using this method have been found to agree with SuomiNet GPS precipitable water, with RMS differences of 2 mm or less, and are also generally in agreement with radiosonde measurements of precipitable water. Applications of this technique are shown and are explored for different synoptic situations, including atmospheric-river-type baroclinic storms and the North American monsoon.
Use of Weather Information for Agricultural Decision Making
Authors: Frisvold George B. , Murugesan Anand
Published: October 2012

This study uses data from a special subsample of the National Agricultural, Food, and Public Policy Preference Survey to assess use of weather data for agricultural decision making. Responses from 284 Arizona farmers and ranchers were used to examine (i) the importance producers placed on different types of weather data for production and marketing decisions; (ii) which producer characteristics accounted for differences in the importance they placed on weather data; (iii) producer use of weather data for specific production and marketing decisions; and (iv) which factors distinguish weather data users from nonusers. A model of demand for weather information was developed and used to specify count data and discrete choice multivariate regression models. The intensity of weather data use was greater among producers with diversified agricultural production. Diversified producers were more likely to use data for timing of planting, cultivation, and harvest. Weather data use was lower among producers with greater reliance on off-farm income. Producers who rated government risk-management programs as important also found more weather data types important and used weather data for more decisions. Access to satellite TV increased data use but access to the Internet did not.
The Economic Impact of Hurricanes in History: Evidence from Sugar Exports in the Caribbean from 1700 to 1960
Authors: Mohan Preeya , Strobl Eric
Published: October 2012

This study estimates the economic impact of hurricane strikes in the Caribbean from 1700 to 1960. More precisely, historical accounts of hurricane strikes and actual historical hurricane tracks, in conjunction with sugar export data taken from the colonial blue books and other historical sources, were used to create a cross-colony/country and time dataset that allows for the first time the ability to evaluate the susceptibility of local sugar production to hurricanes. The regression results show that these events had generally large statistically and economically significant impacts.
The Role of Special Education Training in the Development of Socially Just Leaders
Authors: Pazey Barbara L. , Cole Heather A.
Published: October 2012

Over the past two decades, colleges of education along with a number of national organizations and specialized professional associations have sought to improve educational administration programs through the incorporation of a broad policy framework designed to develop socially just leaders. Central to the growth of these new leaders is a commitment to acknowledge and embrace difference and to create educational spaces within which all children can learn. As the notion of social justice within education has been evolving, certain students, particularly those with disabilities, have been railing against persistent inequities within schools. Special education has emerged as one of the most litigious issues that school leaders must confront in their daily practice. Nevertheless, content related to special education and special education law has been a long neglected area within university-based administrator preparation programs and has been strangely absent in conversations relevant to the creation of administrator preparation programs that embrace a social justice model of leadership. Beginning with the current literature base of social justice and leadership preparation in special education and special education law, and using the recently revised Educational Leadership Constituents Council Advanced Programs in Educational Leadership Standards for building-level administrators for context, this article proposes an imperative to include curriculum content and leadership training that embraces and honors the inclusion of students in K-12 special education programs and enables building-level administrators to fulfill their role as socially just leaders.
Brain Activity and Human Unilateral Chewing
Authors: Quintero A. , Ichesco E. , Myers C. , Schutt R. , Gerstner G.E.
Published: October 2012

Brain mechanisms underlying mastication have been studied in non-human mammals but less so in humans. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to evaluate brain activity in humans during gum chewing. Chewing was associated with activations in the cerebellum, motor cortex and caudate, cingulate, and brainstem. We also divided the 25-second chew-blocks into 5 segments of equal 5-second durations and evaluated activations within and between each of the 5 segments. This analysis revealed activation clusters unique to the initial segment, which may indicate brain regions involved with initiating chewing. Several clusters were uniquely activated during the last segment as well, which may represent brain regions involved with anticipatory or motor events associated with the end of the chew-block. In conclusion, this study provided evidence for specific brain areas associated with chewing in humans and demonstrated that brain activation patterns may dynamically change over the course of chewing sequences.
‘Neighbourhood Effects’ and ‘City Effects’: The Entry of Newly Arrived Immigrants into the Labour Market
Authors: Hedberg Charlotta , Tammaru Tiit
Published: October 2012

An important debate in current research and policy focuses on the role of urban residential segregation on the social mobility of immigrants. Much focus has been on ‘neighbourhood effects’ and on how spatial variations within the city affect individual careers. This paper adds the analysis of variations of labour market incorporation between cities. The labour market careers of one migrant cohort to Sweden are analysed, where the analysis of ‘neighbourhood effects’ and ‘city effects’ are studied jointly, using a longitudinal database and discrete-time event history analysis. The results show that labour market participation increases slowly over time and there are large variations due to migrant origin, gender and education. Both ‘neighbourhood effects’ and ‘city effects’ were significant, but whereas the former decreased over time, the ‘city effect’ was robust. Accordingly, contextual aspects of the individual city need to be included in the analysis of neighbourhood effects.
Parenting, Community, and Religious Predictors of Positive and Negative Developmental Outcomes Among Muslim Adolescents
Authors: Krauss Steven Eric , Hamzah Azimi , Ismail Ismi Arif , Suandi Turiman , Hamzah Siti Raba’ah , Dahalan Dzuhailmi , Idris Fazilah
Published: October 2012

Despite existing research on the contribution of social context and religiosity to adolescent behavioral outcomes, few studies have attempted to explore this topic among Muslim adolescents in non-Western settings, looking at both positive and negative outcomes. In response to this gap, the current study explored the effects of three dimensions of developmental assets (positive parenting, community support, and religiosity) on risk, prosocial, and thriving behaviors among Muslim adolescents ( N = 895) from Malaysia. Hierarchical regression results revealed positive parenting as the greatest protective factor against risk behavior, religiosity as the most significant promotive factor of prosocial behaviors, and community support as the greatest contributor to adolescent thriving. In the final model, unique effects varied by outcome. The findings support the importance and universality of multiple levels of developmental assets for youth development, and highlight the need to better understand their interaction in non-Western cultural contexts.
The Duality of Clusters and Statistical Interactions
Authors: Melamed David , Breiger Ronald L. , Schoon Eric
Published: October 2012

We contend that clusters of cases co-constitute statistical interactions among variables. Interactions among variables imply clusters of cases within which statistical effects differ. Regression coefficients may be productively viewed as sums across clusters of cases, and in this sense regression coefficients may be said to be “composed” of clusters of cases. We explicate a four-step procedure that discovers interaction effects based on clusters of cases in the data matrix, hence aiding in inductive model specification. We illustrate with two examples. One is a reanalysis of data from a published study of the effect of social welfare policy extensiveness on poverty rates across 15 countries. The second uses General Social Survey data to predict four different dimensions of ego-network homophily. We find support for our contention that clusters of the rows of a data matrix may be exploited to discover statistical interactions among variables that improve model fit.
Never-Married Employed Men’s Gender Beliefs and Ambivalence Toward Matrimony in Japan
Authors: Nemoto Kumiko , Fuwa Makiko , Ishiguro Kuniko
Published: October 2012

Based on 25 interviews with educated and employed never-married men in Japan, this article examines how the diminished social norm to marry by a certain age, never-married men’s beliefs regarding gender in marriage, and the value these men place on individual autonomy all contribute to a trend in late marriage. We argue that the diminished social pressure to marry and the changing age norm do further men’s ambivalence toward marriage by allowing them to rationalize their detachment from the idea of their future marriage, their aversion to the perceived gender constraints of marriage, and the emphasis they place on their autonomy. However, we also argue that the weakening of the social pressure to marry does not relate to changes in employed men’s gendered views of marriage, which remain traditional.
Successful management of bleeding complications in patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with primary respiratory failure
Authors: Lamb K , Cowan SW , Evans N , Pitcher H , Moritz T , Lazar M , Hirose H , Cavarocchi NC
Published: October 2012

Background:

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a lifesaving procedure in patients with severe respiratory insufficiency failing conventional support. Bleeding complications are common due to the necessity for anticoagulation and circuit-related factors.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted in patients requiring ECMO for respiratory failure from 7/2010 to 6/2011 to identify episodes of major bleeding, bleeding management and outcomes.

Results:

Twenty-one patients were supported with ECMO during the study although five experienced massive bleeding related to chest tube insertion, jejunal arterio-venous malformations, distal perfusion cannula dislodgement and ventricular rupture. Patients required aggressive resuscitation or endoscopic or operative intervention, totaling 28 procedures. There were no instances of dehiscence, infection or sepsis related to interventions. Anticoagulation was stopped six hours before and restarted 24 hours after major interventions, with no thrombotic or neurologic complications. All patients weaned off ECMO were discharged.

Conclusions:

ECMO bleeding complications can be managed successfully via surgical and endoscopic approaches in this high-risk population.
Use of a single-circuit CentriMag® for biventricular support in postpartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Aggarwal A , Modi S , Kumar S , Korrapati C , Tatooles A , Pappas PS , Bhat G
Published: October 2012

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is defined by acute heart failure in the late stages of pregnancy to a few months postpartum. Cardiogenic shock in PPCM, though rare, can be life-threatening, often requiring support with mechanical circulatory support devices. We present a case of 37-year-old Caucasian female who developed cardiogenic shock within 24 hours of the delivery of her twins. The echocardiogram demonstrated severe biventricular failure which necessitated biventricular device placement and support with a CentriMag® centrifugal pump. This biventricular support was employed, using a single-circuit CentriMag® pump, using a ‘Y’ connection which made weaning from right-sided support and conversion to univentricular support easier and feasible. The patient recovered four weeks later and was explanted off the CentriMag® support and did well. This technology allows for the CentriMag® to be considered as an early option for biventricular support in the treatment and management of these patients as a bridge to recovery.
Perspectives of decision-making in requests for euthanasia: A qualitative research among patients, relatives and treating physicians in the Netherlands
Authors: Dees Marianne K , Vernooij-Dassen Myrra J , Dekkers Wim J , Elwyn Glyn , Vissers Kris C , van Weel Chris
Published: October 2012

Background:

Euthanasia has been legally performed in the Netherlands since 2002. Respect for patient’s autonomy is the underpinning ethical principal. However, patients have no right to euthanasia, and physicians have no obligation to provide it. Although over 3000 cases are conducted per year in the Netherlands, there is little known about how decision-making occurs and no guidance to support this difficult aspect of clinical practice.

Aim:

To explore the decision-making process in cases where patients request euthanasia and understand the different themes relevant to optimise this decision-making process.

Design:

A qualitative thematic analysis of interviews with patients making explicit requests for euthanasia, most-involved relative(s) and treating physician.

Participants/setting:

Thirty-two cases, 31 relatives and 28 treating physicians. Settings were patients’ and relatives’ homes and physicians’ offices.

Results:

Five main themes emerged: (1) initiation of sharing views and values about euthanasia, (2) building relationships as part of the negotiation, (3) fulfilling legal requirements, (4) detailed work of preparing and performing euthanasia and (5) aftercare and closing.

Conclusions:

A patient’s request for euthanasia entails a complex process that demands emotional work by all participants. It is characterised by an intensive period of sharing information, relationship building and negotiation in order to reach agreement. We hypothesise that making decisions about euthanasia demands a proactive approach towards participants’ preferences and values regarding end of life, towards the needs of relatives, towards the burden placed on physicians and a careful attention to shared decision-making. Future research should address the communicational skills professionals require for such complex decision-making.
Comparison Between Hyaluronic Acid and Platelet-Rich Plasma, Intra-articular Infiltration in the Treatment of Gonarthrosis
Authors: Cerza Fabio , Carnì Stefano , Carcangiu Alessandro , Di Vavo Igino , Schiavilla Valerio , Pecora Andrea , De Biasi Giuseppe , Ciuffreda Michele
Published: October 2012

Background:

Arthrosis is particularly prevalent in the knee. Infiltration treatment for gonarthrosis is among the most widely used techniques in orthopaedic practice.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical response of hyaluronic acid (HA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment in 2 groups of patients affected by gonarthrosis.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

A total of 120 patients affected by clinically and radiographically documented gonarthrosis were included in this study. The gonarthrosis was graded using the Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic classification scale. The 120 patients were randomized into 2 study groups in a 1:1 ratio: 60 patients received 4 intra-articular injections of PRP (specifically, autologous conditioned plasma [ACP], 5.5 mL), and 60 patients received 4 intra-articular injections of HA (20 mg/2 mL). An unblinded physician performed infiltration once a week for 4 weeks into the knee affected by clinically relevant gonarthrosis (in both groups). All patients were evaluated with the Western Ontario and McMaster (WOMAC) score before the infiltration and at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the first injection.

Results:

Treatment with a local injection of ACP had a significant effect shortly after the final infiltration and a continuously improving sustained effect up to 24 weeks (WOMAC score, 65.1 and 36.5 in the HA and ACP groups, respectively; P < .001), where the clinical outcomes were better compared with the results with HA. In the HA group, the worst results were obtained for grade III gonarthrosis, whereas the clinical results obtained in the ACP group did not show any statistically significant difference in terms of the grade of gonarthrosis. The mean WOMAC scores for grade III gonarthrosis were 74.85 in the HA group and 41.20 in the ACP group ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Treatment with ACP showed a significantly better clinical outcome than did treatment with HA, with sustained lower WOMAC scores. Treatment with HA did not seem to be effective in the patients with grade III gonarthrosis.
Arthroscopic Single-Row Modified Mason-Allen Repair Versus Double-Row Suture Bridge Reconstruction for Supraspinatus Tendon Tears
Authors: Gerhardt Christian , Hug Konstantin , Pauly Stephan , Marnitz Tim , Scheibel Markus
Published: October 2012

Background:

Arthroscopic double-row fixation of supraspinatus tendon tears compared with single-row techniques is still a matter of debate.

Hypothesis:

Arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair using the suture bridge technique provides better clinical results and lower retear rates than does single-row repair using a modified Mason-Allen stitch technique.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence 3.

Methods:

Forty patients underwent either an arthroscopic single-row modified Mason-Allen stitch (SR) (n = 20; mean age ± SD, 61.5 ± 7.4 y) or a modified suture bridge double-row repair (DR) (n = 20; age, 61.2 ± 7.5 y). The anteroposterior extension was classified as Bateman I in 10% and Bateman II in 90% of patients in the SR group and as Bateman II in 80% and Bateman III in 20% of patients in the DR group. Patients were matched for sex and age. The subjective shoulder value (SSV), Constant-Murley score (CS), and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) were used for clinical follow-up. Furthermore, MRI scans were conducted for analysis of tendon integrity, muscle atrophy, and fatty infiltration via semiquantitative signal intensity analysis. In addition, re-defect patterns were evaluated.

Results:

The mean follow-up time in the SR group was 16.8 ± 4.6 months. The mean SSV was 91.0% ± 8.8%, mean CS was 82.2 ± 8.1 (contralateral side, 88.8 ± 5.3), and mean WORC score was 96.5% ± 3.2%. The mean follow-up time in the DR group was 23.4 ± 2.9 months, with patients achieving scores of 92.9% ± 9.6% for the SSV, 77.0 ± 8.6 for the CS (contralateral side, 76.7 ± 17.1), and 90.7% ± 12.6% for the WORC ( P > .05). No significant differences were detected in the clinical outcome between groups. Tendon integrity was as follows. Type 1, none in either group; type 2, 4 SR and 5 DR; type 3, 9 SR and 10 DR; type 4, 3 SR and 3 DR; and type 5, 3 SR and 2 DR. The failure rate was 31.6% (n = 6) in the SR group and 25% (n = 5) in the DR group ( P > .05). No significant differences were obtained for muscular atrophy or fatty degeneration (SR group, 0.94 ± 0.16; DR group, 1.15 ± 0.5) ( P > .05). Re-defects revealed lateral cuff failure in 83.3% of SR patients in contrast to patients treated with DR techniques. The re-defect pattern was medial cuff failure in 80% of the patients.

Conclusion:

The clinical results after modified Mason-Allen single-row versus double-mattress suture bridge technique did not demonstrate significant differences in a matched patient cohort. Concerning the failure mode, single- and double-row techniques seem to demonstrate different re-defect patterns.
Properties and performance of flax yarn/thermoplastic polyester composites
Authors: Mehmood Shahid , Madsen Bo
Published: October 2012

Aiming at demonstrating the potential of unidirectional natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites in structural applications, textile flax yarn/thermoplastic polyester composites with variable fiber volume fractions have been manufactured by a filament-winding process followed by a vacuum-assisted compression molding process. The microstructure of the composites shows that the flax fiber yarns are well impregnated by the polyester matrix, and this supports the measured low porosity content of the composites. The experimental tensile modulus and ultimate tensile stress of the composites in the axial and transverse directions are well simulated by rule of mixtures models. In the axial direction, at a fiber volume fraction of 0.50, the experimental tensile modulus and ultimate tensile stress are 32 GPa and 350 MPa, respectively. In comparison, for glass fiber composites at a fiber volume fraction of 0.50, the tensile modulus and ultimate tensile stress are calculated to be 38 GPa and 1800 MPa, respectively. The flax yarn composites show better specific tensile modulus than the glass fiber composites with values of 23 GPa/g/cm3 and 20 GPa/g/cm3, respectively. An analysis of data from previous studies of unidirectional natural fibre composites demonstrates comparatively good reinforcement efficiency of the flax yarn fibers with an effective tensile modulus and ultimate tensile stress of the fibers in the area of 70 GPa and 800 MPa, respectively. Altogether, it is demonstrated that composites with high-quality textile flax yarn are well suited for structural applications when stiffness and weight saving are the central selection criteria.
Nutraceuticals of anti-inflammatory activity as complementary therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Al-Okbi Sahar Y
Published: October 2012

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by elevated oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. The severe side effects of drug used during such disease necessitate the search for new and safe approaches. Food is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory bioactive constituents including phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, toccopherols, and carotenoids. We have a series of publications dealing with the anti-inflammatory activity of different food extracts (as nutraceuticals) in experimental animals (acute and chronic inflammation model) and in clinical study (RA patients). Fish oil, primrose oil, extracts of black cumin, fenugreek, liquorice, coriander, tomato, carrot, sweet potato, broccoli, green tea, rosemary, hazelnut, walnut, wheat germ, and date in addition to the probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum were the nutraceuticals studied. During these studies, changes in inflammatory biomarkers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), seromucoids, fibrinogen, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde), antioxidant status (total antioxidant capacity, vitamin C, vitamin E, retinol, β-carotene), the level of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) and colonic microflora in response to the administration of nutraceuticals have been assessed. Results of these studies showed that the majority of nutraceuticals studied possess beneficial effect toward chronic inflammatory diseases, which might be due to the presence of one or more of the above-mentioned phytochemicals. Conclusion: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutraceuticals may serve as complementary medicine for the management of RA.
Compensated Dyslexics Have a More Efficient Error Detection System Than Noncompensated Dyslexics
Authors: Horowitz-Kraus Tzipi , Breznitz Zvia
Published: October 2012

Error/correct-related negativities, response-locked components of the evoked response potential, and N100, a stimulus-locked component, were used to compare error detection monitoring in skilled readers and in compensated and noncompensated dyslexic adolescent readers during a lexical decision task. Results showed a general increase in N100 amplitudes prior to error commission in all groups; a significant decrease in error/correct-related negativity amplitudes in the noncompensated dyslexics compared with the other 2 groups; and smaller error-related negativity correlated with a higher number of decoding errors, lower working memory scores, and lower speed of processing in the neuropsychological battery. Based on the hypothesis in previous studies that the error detection mechanism is a subcomponent of executive functions, the possibility that poor executive ability underlies poor reading skills in the noncompensated dyslexic readers is discussed. These findings can be used as a platform for executive-based diagnosis and training for individuals with reading disabilities.
Atypical Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy Type IV With Neither Mental Retardation Nor Pain Insensitivity
Authors: Jung Chae Lim , Ki Chang-Seok , Kim Byoung Joon , Lee Jong-Hyuck , Sung Ki-Sun , Kim Jong-Won , Park Youn-Soo
Published: October 2012

Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type IV is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe mental retardation and self-mutilation-related complications. Recently, we investigated a 16-year-old Korean boy with normal intelligence. He had preserved pain sensation but was suspected of having hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type IV because of the recurrent bone fractures and painless joint destruction in the absence of any predisposing medical conditions. Genetic analysis of the NTRK1 gene revealed compound heterozygous mutations including c.851-33T>A and c.2303C>T (p.Pro768Leu) in the NTRK1 gene. The p.Pro768Leu mutation has been identified in 2 Japanese patients with a mild phenotype. Therefore, although it is rare, hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type IV should be considered in patients with recurrent bone fractures and painless joint destruction who do not have any predisposing conditions even when they do not have typical clinical features such as mental retardation or pain insensitivity.
Aspirin Use in Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Authors: Lance Eboni I. , Sreenivasan Aditya K. , Zabel T. Andrew , Kossoff Eric H. , Comi Anne M.
Published: October 2012

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a neurocutaneous disorder with skin, eye, and brain involvement. Prior series suggest about 50% of patients have seizures/neurodeterioration. Low-dose (3-5 mg/kg/d) aspirin use in this population is controversial. This study further addresses the side effects and outcomes of low-dose aspirin usage in Sturge-Weber syndrome. Fifty-eight subjects on aspirin with brain involvement were analyzed in a retrospective chart review. Charts were evaluated for brain involvement, age at first seizure, and side effects. Subjects’ clinical stability was compared using neurologic scores. The majority of subjects had neurologic scores reflecting reasonable seizure control (91%), none or mild hemiparesis (57%), no vision impairment (71%), and none or mild cognitive impairment (80%). Forty-nine reported no significant side effects, and 9 reported either allergic reaction or minimal to significant bleeding on aspirin. This cohort’s clinical experience adds significant support for low-dose aspirin use to optimize neurodevelopmental outcome in Sturge-Weber syndrome with minimal side effects.
Ictal Priapism as an Autonomic Manifestation of Panayiotopoulos Syndrome
Authors: Brabec Jiri , Chaudhary Shuchi , Ng Yu-Tze
Published: October 2012

Panayiotopoulos syndrome is an idiopathic epilepsy syndrome presenting with a large variety of autonomic symptoms. The mechanism of autonomic symptoms is still not well understood. A neurologically normal 13-month-old boy presented on 2 occasions with complex partial status epilepticus that included significant ictal priapism. Inpatient brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed restricted diffusion-weighted imaging within his left temporal lobe and electroencephalograms (EEGs) left temporal slowing only. An outpatient EEG 6 months later showed abundant multifocal, predominantly posterior, as well as irregular generalized spike-and-slow-wave discharges on normal background consistent with the diagnosis of Panayiotopoulos syndrome. Ictal priapism is a previously undescribed phenomenon that is consistent with parasympathetic manifestations noted in this young boy. Acute postictal MRI and EEG findings suggest that this undeniably fascinating seizure semiological sign may be localized to the left temporal region.
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
Authors: Shiroff Adam M. , Herlitz Georg N. , Gracias Vicente H.
Published: October 2012

Necrotising soft tissue infection (NSTI) presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management. The key to a successful outcome is a high index of suspicion in appropriate clinical settings. Type II NSTI tends to occur on an extremity in younger, healthier patients with a history of known trauma, and to be monomicrobial. Type I NSTI tends to occur on the trunk of older, less healthy patients without an obvious history of trauma, and tends to be polymicrobial. Other, rarer types exist as well. The pathophysiology of both types involves superantigen acticivty, as well as a number of microbial byproducts which collectively decrease the viscosity of pus, facilitating its spread along deep tissue planes and ultimately causing diffuse deep thrombosis and aggressive systemic sepsis. The most important physical finding is tenderness to palpation beyond the area of redness, and the lack of crepitus should not be seen as a reassuring sign. Suspected cases should undergo early surgical exploration for diagnosis, which may be performed at bedside through a small incision. Most imaging techniques are not sufficiently specific to warrant a delay in surgical exploration. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis (LRINEC) shows promise as a tool for excluding suspected cases. Successful outcomes in cases of NSTI require early and aggressive serial debridement and a multidisciplinary critical care approach.
“I Demand More of People”
Authors: Hollander Jocelyn A.
Published: October 2012

Although accountability lies at the heart of the “doing gender” perspective, it has received surprisingly little attention from gender scholars. In this article, I analyze the different ways that scholars have conceptualized accountability. I propose a synthesis of these various understandings, and demonstrate the utility of this conceptualization with examples from my research on feminist self-defense training. This analysis sheds light on both the workings of accountability and the process of change in gender expectations and practices. I conclude by considering the implications of this reconceptualization of accountability.
The ACTIVE Cognitive Training Interventions and Trajectories of Performance Among Older Adults
Authors: Jones Richard N. , Marsiske Michael , Ball Karlene , Rebok George , Willis Sherry L. , Morris John N. , Tennstedt Sharon L.
Published: October 2012

Objectives: Salthouse illustrated that among Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) participants, cognitive change accelerated following training. Our goal was to determine if this finding persists net of practice, training, and loss of training gains effects. Methods: We evaluated change over 5 years following cognitive training among older adults ( N = 1,659, age 65 to 94). Results: Reasoning training, but not memory or speed, attenuated aging-related change. Memory gains were maintained, but about half of reasoning and speed gains were lost. Performance differences at the end of the follow-up were equivalent to about 6, 4, and 8 years of aging for memory, reasoning, and speed training, respectively. Discussion: Training can appear to accelerate age-related change, because change over time is coupled with loss of training gains. Our analysis is limited by follow-up that is short for precisely characterizing aging-related change.
Parametric design of the tangential intake port in diesel engines
Authors: Lu Zhen , Wang Tianyou , Li Xincai , Li Liting , Zhang Guoyong
Published: October 2012

The design of the intake port is very critical for the intake process and the other operating parameters of internal-combustion engines, and it significantly determines the overall performance of the combustion system. Traditionally, the development of the intake port was a time-consuming process which involved considerable test work and needed solid experience in relevant areas. Combining the long-time practices and understanding on this subject, a parameterized design method for the intake port design was explored by the current research group. Based on the existing three-dimensional computer-aided design software, a parameterized tangential port model was developed with six port structural parameters for establishing the structure of the intake port. In order to build the relationship between the port parameters and the performance, computational fluid dynamics numerical simulation was conducted by considering 11 different tangential ports. The results show that the performances of the tangential port could be controlled by necessary adjustments of the practical boundary conditions and the specified structure parameters. Finally, the technology was applied to the intake port design of a production diesel engine, and this proved that the proposed method can provide not only the optimized port performance but also significant savings for the design time and the working load.
Social Sampling Explains Apparent Biases in Judgments of Social Environments
Authors: Galesic Mirta , Olsson Henrik , Rieskamp Jörg
Published: October 2012

How people assess their social environments plays a central role in how they evaluate their life circumstances. Using a large probabilistic national sample, we investigated how accurately people estimate characteristics of the general population. For most characteristics, people seemed to underestimate the quality of others’ lives and showed apparent self-enhancement, but for some characteristics, they seemed to overestimate the quality of others’ lives and showed apparent self-depreciation. In addition, people who were worse off appeared to enhance their social position more than those who were better off. We demonstrated that these effects can be explained by a simple social-sampling model. According to the model, people infer how others are doing by sampling from their own immediate social environments. Interplay of these sampling processes and the specific structure of social environments leads to the apparent biases. The model predicts the empirical results better than alternative accounts and highlights the importance of considering environmental structure when studying human cognition.