bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency and Specificity of Red Blood Cell Alloimmunization in Chilean Transfused Patients
Authors: Caamaño José , Musante Evangelina , Contreras Margarita , Ulloa Hernán , Reyes Carolina , Inaipil Verónica , Saavedra Nicolás , Guzmán Neftalí
Published: January 2015

Background: Alloimmunization is an adverse effect of blood transfusions. In Chile, alloimmunization frequency is not established, and for this reason the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and specificity of red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies in Chilean transfused subjects. Methods: Records from 4,716 multi-transfused patients were analyzed. In these patients, antibody screening was carried out prior to cross-matching with a commercially available two-cell panel by the microcolum gel test, and samples with a positive screen were analyzed for the specificity of the alloantibody with a 16-cell identification panel. Results: The incidence of RBC alloimmunization in transfused patients was 1.02% (48/4,716) with a higher prevalence in women (40/48). We detected 52 antibodies, the most frequent specificities identified were anti-E (30.8%), anti-K (26.9%), anti-D (7.7%), and anti-Fya (5.8%). The highest incidence of alloantibodies was observed in cancer and gastroenterology patients. Conclusion: The data demonstrated a low alloimmunization frequency in Chilean transfused patients, principally associated with antibodies anti-E, anti-K, anti-D, and anti-Fya.
Complement-Mediated Macrophage Polarization in Perivascular Adipose Tissue Contributes to Vascular Injury in Deoxycorticosterone Acetate–Salt Mice
Authors: Ruan Cheng-Chao , Ge Qian , Li Yan , Li Xiao-Dong , Chen Dong-Rui , Ji Kai-Da , Wu Yong-Jie , Sheng Li-Juan , Yan Chen , Zhu Ding-Liang , Gao Ping-Jin
Published: January 2015

Objective—

We have previously shown an increased expression of complement 3 (C3) in the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) in the deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)–salt hypertensive model. This study aims to examine the role and underlying mechanism of C3 in PVAT for understanding the pathogenesis of hypertensive vascular remodeling further.

Approach and Results—

The role of C3 in macrophage polarization was investigated using peritoneal macrophages from wild-type and C3-deficient (C3KO) mice because we found that C3 was primarily expressed in macrophages in PVAT of blood vessels from DOCA-salt mice, and results showed a decreased expression of M1 phenotypic marker in contrast to an increased level of M2 marker in the C3KO macrophages. Bone marrow transplantation studies further showed in vivo that DOCA-salt recipient mice had fewer M1 but more M2 macrophages in PVAT when the donor bone marrows were from C3KO compared with those from wild-type mice. Of note, this macrophage polarization shift was accompanied with an ameliorated vascular injury. Furthermore, we identified the complement 5a (C5a) as the major C3 activation product that was involved in macrophage polarization and DOCA-salt–induced vascular injury. Consistently, in vivo depletion of macrophages prevented the induction of C3 and C5a in PVAT, and ameliorated hypertensive vascular injury as well.

Conclusions—

The presence and activation of bone marrow–derived macrophages in PVAT are crucial for complement activation in hypertensive vascular inflammation, and C5a plays a critical role in DOCA-salt–induced vascular injury by stimulating macrophage polarization toward a proinflammatory M1 phenotype in PVAT.
Association of Rare Loss-Of-Function Alleles in
HAL
, Serum Histidine
Authors: Yu Bing , Li Alexander H. , Muzny Donna , Veeraraghavan Narayanan , de Vries Paul S. , Bis Joshua C. , Musani Solomon K. , Alexander Danny , Morrison Alanna C. , Franco Oscar H. , Uitterlinden André , Hofman Albert , Dehghan Abbas , Wilson James G. , Psaty Bruce M. , Gibbs Richard , Wei Peng , Boerwinkle Eric
Published: January 2015

Background—

Histidine is a semiessential amino acid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Few data are available on the associations between genetic variants, histidine levels, and incident coronary heart disease (CHD) in a population-based sample.

Methods and Results—

By conducting whole exome sequencing on 1152 African Americans in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study and focusing on loss-of-function (LoF) variants, we identified 3 novel rare LoF variants in
HAL
, a gene that encodes histidine ammonia-lyase in the first step of histidine catabolism. These LoF variants had large effects on blood histidine levels (
β
=0.26;
P
=1.2×10
−13
). The positive association with histidine levels was replicated by genotyping an independent sample of 718 ARIC African Americans (minor allele frequency=1%;
P
=1.2×10
−4
). In addition, high blood histidine levels were associated with reduced risk of developing incident CHD with an average of 21.5 years of follow-up among African Americans (hazard ratio=0.18;
P
=1.9×10
−4
). This finding was validated in an independent sample of European Americans from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) Offspring Cohort. However, LoF variants in
HAL
were not directly significantly associated with incident CHD after meta-analyzing results from the CHARGE Consortium.

Conclusions—

Three LoF mutations in
HAL
were associated with increased histidine levels, which in turn were shown to be inversely related to the risk of CHD among both African Americans and European Americans. Future investigations on the association between
HAL
gene variation and CHD are warranted.
Metabolite Profiling and Cardiovascular Event Risk
Authors: Würtz Peter , Havulinna Aki S. , Soininen Pasi , Tynkkynen Tuulia , Prieto-Merino David , Tillin Therese , Ghorbani Anahita , Artati Anna , Wang Qin , Tiainen Mika , Kangas Antti J. , Kettunen Johannes , Kaikkonen Jari , Mikkilä Vera , Jula Antti , Kähönen Mika , Lehtimäki Terho , Lawlor Debbie A. , Gaunt Tom R. , Hughes Alun D. , Sattar Naveed , Illig Thomas , Adamski Jerzy , Wang Thomas J. , Perola Markus , Ripatti Samuli , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Raitakari Olli T. , Gerszten Robert E. , Casas Juan-Pablo , Chaturvedi Nish , Ala-Korpela Mika , Salomaa Veikko
Published: January 2015

Background—

High-throughput profiling of circulating metabolites may improve cardiovascular risk prediction over established risk factors.

Methods and Results—

We applied quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics to identify the biomarkers for incident cardiovascular disease during long-term follow-up. Biomarker discovery was conducted in the National Finnish FINRISK study (n=7256; 800 events). Replication and incremental risk prediction was assessed in the Southall and Brent Revisited (SABRE) study (n=2622; 573 events) and British Women’s Health and Heart Study (n=3563; 368 events). In targeted analyses of 68 lipids and metabolites, 33 measures were associated with incident cardiovascular events at
P
<0.0007 after adjusting for age, sex, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and medication. When further adjusting for routine lipids, 4 metabolites were associated with future cardiovascular events in meta-analyses: higher serum phenylalanine (hazard ratio per standard deviation, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–1.24;
P
=4×10
–10
) and monounsaturated fatty acid levels (1.17; 1.11–1.24;
P
=1×10
–8
) were associated with increased cardiovascular risk, while higher omega-6 fatty acids (0.89; 0.84–0.94;
P
=6×10
–5
) and docosahexaenoic acid levels (0.90; 0.86–0.95;
P
=5×10
–5
) were associated with lower risk. A risk score incorporating these 4 biomarkers was derived in FINRISK. Risk prediction estimates were more accurate in the 2 validation cohorts (relative integrated discrimination improvement, 8.8% and 4.3%), albeit discrimination was not enhanced. Risk classification was particularly improved for persons in the 5% to 10% risk range (net reclassification, 27.1% and 15.5%). Biomarker associations were further corroborated with mass spectrometry in FINRISK (n=671) and the Framingham Offspring Study (n=2289).

Conclusions—

Metabolite profiling in large prospective cohorts identified phenylalanine, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids as biomarkers for cardiovascular risk. This study substantiates the value of high-throughput metabolomics for biomarker discovery and improved risk assessment.
Relationship of High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol With Periprocedural Myocardial Injury Following Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Below 70 mg/dL
Authors: Li Xiao‐Lin , Guo Yuan‐Lin , Zhu Cheng‐Gang , Xu Rui‐Xia , Qing Ping , Wu Na‐Qiong , Jiang Li‐Xin , Xu Bo , Gao Run‐Lin , Li Jian‐Jun
Published: January 2015

Background

Recent data showed inconsistent association of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (
HDL
‐C) with cardiovascular risk in patients with different levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (
LDL
‐C) or intensive statin therapy. This study sought to determine the relationship of
HDL
‐C with periprocedural myocardial injury following elective percutaneous coronary intervention (
PCI
) across a range of
LDL
‐C levels, especially in patients with
LDL
‐C <70 mg/
dL
.

Methods and Results

We enrolled 2529 consecutive patients with normal preprocedural cardiac troponin I (
cTnI
) who underwent elective
PCI
. The association between preprocedural
HDL
‐C and periprocedural myocardial injury was evaluated across
LDL
‐C levels, especially in patients with
LDL
‐C <70 mg/
dL
. The
HDL
‐C level was not predictive of periprocedural myocardial injury across the entire study cohort. However, among patients with
LDL
‐C <70 mg/
dL
, a 1 mg/
dL
increase in
HDL
‐C was associated with a 3% reduced risk for postprocedural
cTnI
above 1×upper limit of normal (
ULN
) (odds ratio: 0.97; 95%
CI
: 0.95 to 0.99;
P
=0.004), a 3% reduced risk for postprocedural
cTnI
above 3×
ULN
odds ratio: 0.97; 95%
CI
: 0.95 to 0.99;
P
=0.022), and a 3% reduced risk for postprocedural
cTnI
above 5×
ULN
(odds ratio: 0.97; 95%
CI
: 0.95 to 0.99;
P
=0.017). The relation between plasma
HDL
‐C level and risk of postprocedural
cTnI
elevation above 1×
ULN
, 3×
ULN
, and 5×
ULN
was modified by
LDL
‐C level (all
P
for interaction <0.05).

Conclusions

Higher
HDL
‐C levels were associated with reduced risk of periprocedural myocardial injury only in patients with
LDL
‐C <70 mg/
dL
.
Is Prophylactic Anticoagulation for Deep Venous Thrombosis Common Practice After Intracerebral Hemorrhage?
Authors: Prabhakaran Shyam , Herbers Patricia , Khoury Jane , Adeoye Opeolu , Khatri Pooja , Ferioli Simona , Kleindorfer Dawn O.
Published: January 2015

Background and Purpose—

Prophylactic anticoagulation for deep venous thrombosis prevention after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is safe. Current guidelines recommend prophylactic anticoagulation after cessation of hematoma growth. We aimed to evaluate nationwide trends in deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis after ICH.

Methods—

In an analysis of the Premier database, we identified adult patients with ICH (
International Classification of Diseases
Ninth edition code 431) from 2006 to 2010 who survived to day 2 of hospitalization. We excluded those with trauma or who underwent craniotomy or angiography. We abstracted type of anticoagulant used and date of first administration. We used univariate statistics and multivariable logistic regression to assess factors associated with prophylactic anticoagulation after ICH.

Results—

Among 32 690 (mean age, 69.7 years; 50.1% men) patients with spontaneous ICH, 5395 (16.5%) patients received any prophylactic anticoagulation during the hospital stay. Among these patients, 2416 (44.8%) received prophylactic anticoagulation by day 2. The most commonly used agents were heparin (71.1%), enoxaparin (27.5%), and dalteparin (1.4%). The proportion of patients receiving prophylactic anticoagulation increased slightly during the study period from 14.3% to 18.0% (
P
<0.01 for trend). Use of prophylactic anticoagulation varied by geographic region (
P
<0.001) in the United States: Northeast (23.2%), South (19.0%), Midwest (10.8%), and West (9.8%). In multivariable analysis, geographic region remained an independent predictor of prophylactic anticoagulation.

Conclusions—

Less than 20% of patients with ICH receive anticoagulation for deep venous thrombosis in the United States. When used, the time to initiation is <2 days in less than half of the patients. Further study should focus on understanding variations in practice and emphasize guideline-driven care.
Impatiens siangensis (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Gogoi Rajib , BORAH SOURAVJYOTI
Published: January 2015

Impatiens siangensis Gogoi, a new species, is described and illustrated from Arunachal Pradesh, India. The new species differs from I. marianae Hooker by the absence of white blotches on the upper leaf surface, flowers only partially purple, bracts ovate, glabrous, lateral sepals glabrous, dorsal petal glabrous, navicular, lower sepal with straight purple streaks and spur almost straight.  The new species differs from I. porrecta Wallich in having stems, leaves, and floral parts glabrous, stems branched, flowers partially purple, lower sepal navicular with straight purple streaks and spur almost straight.
A new genus and two new species of hymenosomatid crabs (Crustacea:Brachyura: Hymenosomatidae) from the southwestern Atlantic and eastern Australia
Authors: TAVARES MARCOS , SANTANA WILLIAM
Published: January 2015

A new genus, Teramnonotus n. gen., is erected for Elamena gordonae Monod, 1956. The new genus includes two new species, T. johnlucasi n. gen., n. sp. and T. monodi n. gen., n. sp., described herein from eastern Australia (Queensland) and the southwestern Atlantic (Brazil), respectively. Teramnonotus n. gen. superficially resembles Elamena H. Milne Edwards, 1837, and Trigonoplax H. Milne Edwards, 1853, of which it can be easily distinguished by a combination of characters: eyes and ocular peduncle, rostrum, carapace, thoracic sternite 8 and thoracic pleurite 8, and the inhalant water openings. The validity of the obscure species Elamena mexicana H. Milne Edwards, 1853, is not supported and it is synonymised with Halicarcinus planatus (Fabricius, 1775).
Mixing Variability in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Meyer Amelie , Sloyan Bernadette M. , Polzin Kurt L. , Phillips Helen E. , Bindoff Nathaniel L.
Published: January 2015

A key remaining challenge in oceanography is the understanding and parameterization of small-scale mixing. Evidence suggests that topographic features play a significant role in enhancing mixing in the Southern Ocean. This study uses 914 high-resolution hydrographic profiles from novel EM-APEX profiling floats to investigate turbulent mixing north of the Kerguelen Plateau, a major topographic feature in the Southern Ocean. A shear–strain finescale parameterization is applied to estimate diapycnal diffusivity in the upper 1600 m of the ocean. The indirect estimates of mixing match direct microstructure profiler observations made simultaneously. It is found that mixing intensities have strong spatial and temporal variability, ranging from O(10−6) to O(10−3) m2 s−1. This study identifies topographic roughness, current speed, and wind speed as the main factors controlling mixing intensity. Additionally, the authors find strong regional variability in mixing dynamics and enhanced mixing in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current frontal region. This enhanced mixing is attributed to dissipating internal waves generated by the interaction of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and the topography of the Kerguelen Plateau. Extending the mixing observations from the Kerguelen region to the entire Southern Ocean, this study infers a large water mass transformation rate of 17 Sverdrups (Sv; 1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) across the boundary of Antarctic Intermediate Water and Upper Circumpolar Deep Water in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. This work suggests that the contribution of mixing to the Southern Ocean overturning circulation budget is particularly significant in fronts.
Kalman Filtering–Based Probabilistic Nowcasting of Object-Oriented Tracked Convective Storms
Authors: Rossi Pekka J. , Chandrasekar V. , Hasu Vesa , Moisseev Dmitri
Published: January 2015

The weather radar–based object-oriented convective storm tracking is a standard approach for analyzing and nowcasting convective storms. However, the majority of current storm-tracking algorithms provide nowcasts only in a deterministic fashion with limited ability to estimate the related uncertainties.

This paper proposes a method for probabilistic nowcasting of convective storms that addresses the issue of uncertainty of nowcasts. The approach first utilizes a two-dimensional radar-based storm identification and tracking algorithm in conjunction with the Kalman filtering of noisy measurements of storm centroid with the continuous white noise acceleration model. The resulting smoothed estimates of storm centroid and velocity components and their error covariance values are then applied to nowcast the probability of storm occurrence.

To verify the approach, 20–60-min nowcasts were computed every 5 min using composite weather radar data in Finland including approximately 22 000 tracked storms. The verification shows that the algorithm is applicable in both deterministic and probabilistic manner. Moreover, the forecast probabilities are consistent with observed frequencies of the storms, especially with 20- and 30-min nowcasts. The accuracy of the probabilistic nowcasts was evaluated through the Brier skill score with respect to the deterministic nowcasts and nowcasts based on observation persistence and sample climatology. The results show that the proposed nowcasting method has an improved accuracy over all of the reference forecast types.
The Retreat of Multiculturalism? Explaining the South Korean Exception
Authors: Kim Nora Hui-Jung
Published: January 2015

In the past 8 years, South Korea (hereafter Korea) has experienced a multicultural explosion—a growing emphasis on multiculturalism in both popular and political discourse. After demonstrating how multiculturalism has been framed as a means, indicator, and object of individual and national development, this article focuses on the improvement of global rank as one reason for the shift in Korea. In the course of diffusing the discourse and policies of multiculturalism, international intergovernmental organizations frame cultural diversity, and tolerance as a matter of development: Cultural diversity is necessary for individual and national development, and the more developed a society is, the more tolerant its people are. Korea’s self-perception as a nation in the middle of the global economic and symbolic hierarchy encourages multiculturalism as a way to move toward the core. The Korean case then suggests a possible reason for the retreat of multiculturalism in Western Europe. In Western European countries, the failure of multiculturalism is blamed on (illiberal) immigrant minorities rather than on majority groups, so that retreating from multiculturalism does not threaten perceptions of liberality, democracy, or core status. In Korea, in contrast, achieving multicultural tolerance is construed as a task that nonimmigrant majority Koreans must achieve in order for the nation to gain the status of a truly developed country.
Autopsy features in a newborn baby affected by a central congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Bolino Giorgio , Gitto Lorenzo , Serinelli Serenella , Maiese Aniello
Published: January 2015

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a congenital malformation of the diaphragm, resulting in the herniation of the abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity. The most common types of congenital diaphragmatic hernia are Bochdalek hernia (postero-lateral hernia), Morgagni hernia (anterior defect), and diaphragm eventration (abnormal displacement of part or all of an otherwise intact diaphragm into the chest cavity). Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a life-threatening pathology in infants, and a major cause of death due to pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. We present a fatal case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a newborn. At the autopsy, a central defect of the diaphragm was found, 8 × 5 cm in size, that led to a herniation of the small intestine, the right lobe of the liver, and the right adrenal gland into the thorax. An esophageal atresia was associated with the congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The lungs showed severe hypoplasia and atelectasia. Physicians should pay attention to a prenatal diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in order to prevent newborn fatalities.
Investigation of the dyeing characteristics of alpaca fibers (Huacaya and Suri) in comparison with wool
Authors: Atav Rıza , Türkmen Fatih
Published: January 2015

Luxury fibers have great importance in the field of high added value fabric production, but the studies related to these fibers are very limited. One of these luxury proteinous fibers is alpaca wool. In this study, dyeing characteristics (dye-uptake speed, color efficiency and nuance of color, fastness properties, etc.) of alpaca fibers (Huacaya and Suri) were investigated by taking sheep wool as a reference. Furthermore, analysis such as scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was also carried out. According to the experimental results it was found that both dye-uptake speed and amount was in the range of sheep > Suri alpaca > Huacaya alpaca for milling acid dye. Furthermore, when their fastness properties were compared with sheep wool, it could be said that there was no difference for washing and perspiration fastness, while rubbing and light fastness of alpaca fibers were lower than sheep wool.
Arendt on Principles, the Right to Have Rights, and Democracy
Authors: Cane Lucy
Published: January 2015

In her recent article, Sofia Näsström argues that the principle of responsibility provides a “normative basis” both for Hannah Arendt’s notion of the right to have right and for modern democracy. In this response, I argue that, while Näsström raises crucial questions regarding the relationships between principles of action, the right to have rights, and the institutionalization of democracy, she does not always recognize the nuance of Arendt’s insight into these questions.
Ritual circumcision and risk of autism spectrum disorder in 0- to 9-year-old boys: national cohort study in Denmark
Authors: Frisch Morten , Simonsen Jacob
Published: January 2015

Objective

Based on converging observations in animal, clinical and ecological studies, we hypothesised a possible impact of ritual circumcision on the subsequent risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young boys.

Design

National, register-based cohort study.

Setting

Denmark.

Participants

A total of 342,877 boys born between 1994 and 2003 and followed in the age span 0–9 years between 1994 and 2013.

Main outcome measures

Information about cohort members’ ritual circumcisions, confounders and ASD outcomes, as well as two supplementary outcomes, hyperkinetic disorder and asthma, was obtained from national registers. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associated with foreskin status were obtained using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

Results

With a total of 4986 ASD cases, our study showed that regardless of cultural background circumcised boys were more likely than intact boys to develop ASD before age 10 years (HR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.11–1.93). Risk was particularly high for infantile autism before age five years (HR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.36–3.13). Circumcised boys in non-Muslim families were also more likely to develop hyperkinetic disorder (HR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.11–2.96). Associations with asthma were consistently inconspicuous (HR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.84–1.10).

Conclusions

We confirmed our hypothesis that boys who undergo ritual circumcision may run a greater risk of developing ASD. This finding, and the unexpected observation of an increased risk of hyperactivity disorder among circumcised boys in non-Muslim families, need attention, particularly because data limitations most likely rendered our HR estimates conservative. Considering the widespread practice of non-therapeutic circumcision in infancy and childhood around the world, confirmatory studies should be given priority.
Voluntary Simplifiers, Spirituality, and Happiness
Authors: Walther Carol S. , Sandlin Jennifer A. , Wuensch Kristi
Published: January 2015

In this article, we explore the connections between voluntary simplicity (VS), people who are dedicated to consuming less material goods, and Western spirituality. We investigate how voluntary simplifiers connect their practices of simplicity with their concepts and enactments of Western spirituality. First, we propose two categories of voluntary simplifiers identities based on interviews with individuals practicing VS: (1) spiritual voluntary simplifiers ( N = 9) and (2) secular voluntary simplifiers ( N = 6). Second, we suggest that voluntary simplifiers believe that they are happier and more content than consumers. We conclude by suggesting future research about spirituality and identities.
Is seeking health information online different from seeking general information online?
Authors: Kim Yong-Mi
Published: January 2015

Increasing use of the Internet for health information delivery has created considerable discussion among digital divide scholars (i.e. how online information delivery benefits those individuals in higher socioeconomic brackets more than their counterparts). Because it is health information, we need to integrate how patients seek out online information. This study included patients’ information-seeking behaviour along with digital divide scholars’ constructs (i.e. literacy and computer skills). Using 1617 observations from the 2010 Pew Internet and American Life Project, this study found that individuals with a significant number of health problems, who are likely to be in a lower income bracket, are proactive online health information seekers; however, they are less likely to search general information. This finding adds value to existing research revealing that usefulness, which has been overlooked in online health information seeking, is important and should be a part of the research model.
Early versus Delayed Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Benninger Michael S. , Sindwani Raj , Holy Chantal E. , Hopkins Claire
Published: January 2015

Objective

To evaluate the impact of early versus delayed endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in terms of postoperative health care utilization, using a patient cohort with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Study Design

Retrospective administrative database analysis.

Setting

US‐based primary and secondary sites of care.

Subjects and Methods

CRS patients with ESS in 2010—with no other ESS before 2010 and with complete medical history from 2004 to 2012—were identified within the MarketScan database. Patients were characterized by time interval of first sinusitis or nasal polyposis diagnosis to ESS and grouped as following: group 1, < 1 year (n = 818); group 2, 1 to <2 years (n = 247); group 3, 2 to <3 years (n = 274); group 4, 3 to <4 years (n = 364); group 5, 4 to <5 years (n = 595); and group 6, ≥5 years (n = 535). Outpatient visits/procedures and prescriptions associated with sinusitis and/or nasal polyps were analyzed for 1 year preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. Subanalyses were conducted on separate cohorts with or without asthma or polyps, within each group.

Results

Patients in group 1 had significantly fewer visits and prescriptions than patients in group 6 (postoperative visits: group 1, 4.45 [95% CI, 4.06‐4.84]; group 6, 6.70 [95% CI, 6.10‐7.30; prescriptions: group 1, 4.54 [95% CI, 4.12‐4.96]; group 6, 7.61 [95% CI, 6.92‐8.31]). Gradual increases in utilization were observed from groups 1 to 6. Subanalysis of patients with and without asthma or polyps showed similar findings.

Conclusion

Early intervention after diagnoses of CRS, with or without asthma or polyps, is associated with lower health care utilization than intervention after many years of medical management.
Cytologic and Functional Alterations of Nasal Mucosa in Smokers
Authors: Pagliuca Giulio , Rosato Chiara , Martellucci Salvatore , de Vincentiis Marco , Greco Antonio , Fusconi Massimo , De Virgilio Armando , Gallipoli Camilla , Simonelli Marilia , Gallo Andrea
Published: January 2015

Objective

Tobacco smoke is a significant risk factor for respiratory diseases. The purpose of this study is to analyze the cytologic and functional features of nasal mucosa in smokers, nonsmokers, and ex‐smokers to evaluate if nasal alterations in smokers are permanent or reversible conditions after smoking cessation.

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Setting

University medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Ninety healthy volunteers recruited from the staff of Alfredo Fiorini Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, were enrolled in this prospective study from October to November 2013. We divided the cases according to smoking habits (smokers, nonsmokers, ex‐smokers). Each group was composed of 30 subjects. Cytologic features of nasal mucosa and effectiveness of nasal mucociliary clearance were studied, focusing on 4 parameters: (1) nasal mucociliary clearance, assessed by saccharin nasal transit time; (2) ratio between the number of ciliated cells and goblet cells, analyzed by microscopic observation of cytologic specimens of nasal mucosa that had undergone May Grunwald Giemsa staining; (3) evaluation of ciliary motility; and (4) time of ciliary movement of ciliated cells analyzed by phase‐contrast microscopy.

Results

All parameters were significantly reduced in the smokers compared to the nonsmokers. There were no statistically significant differences between the nonsmoker and ex‐smoker groups.

Conclusion

Cigarette smoking causes cytologic modifications of nasal mucosa that influence the effectiveness of mucociliary clearance. Our preliminary study suggests that these changes are not permanent and that nasal mucosa of ex‐smokers recovers normal cytologic and functional features.
Malpractice in Treatment of Sinonasal Disease by Otolaryngologists
Authors: Winford Tyler W. , Wallin Jordan L. , Clinger John D. , Graham Aaron M.
Published: January 2015

Objective

Sinonasal disease is a common condition treated by otolaryngologists. Malpractice in this area is the most common litigation faced by otolaryngologists. This study analyzes malpractice in the treatment of sinonasal disease.

Study Design

Case series, review of legal records.

Setting

Legal databases.

Subjects and Methods

Using 2 different computerized legal databases, the phrase medical malpractice was searched with terms related to sinonasal disease involving court cases in the past 10 years (2004‐2013), yielding 26 cases. The cases were analyzed for pertinent data regarding plaintiffs, presenting complaint, practice setting, type of malpractice, resulting injury, result of verdict, and amount of reward or settlement.

Results

Chronic sinusitis (42%) was the most common presenting symptom. Many cases included multiple types of alleged malpractice, with the most common being negligent technique (38%) and lack of informed consent (27%). The most common alleged injuries included cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, nasal obstruction, and orbital trauma. Defendants prevailed in 13 of 18 cases in which outcomes were known, with mean award of $225,000 and mean settlement of $212,500. The cases won by plaintiffs were all in a private practice setting.

Conclusion

Otolaryngologists should be aware of the causes of malpractice litigation as it relates to treatment of sinonasal disease. Lack of informed consent continues to be a common allegation, and surgeons should ensure complete informed consent is obtained and well documented. A unified and complete database of medical malpractice cases is needed to allow for further analysis of specialty‐related claims.
Effect of garlic powder tablet on carotid intima-media thickness in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Mahdavi-Roshan Marjan , Zahedmehr Ali , Mohammad-Zadeh Ali , Sanati Hamid-Reza , Shakerian Farshad , Firouzi Ata , Kiani Reza , Nasrollahzadeh Javad
Published: January 2015

Background/objectives:

This study was designed to investigate whether garlic powder tablets in adjunct to conventional medical treatment could have an effect on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and plasma lipoproteins and lipids in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Subjects/methods:

A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was conducted on 56 patients with CAD between the ages of 25 and 75 years. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: garlic group ( n = 27), receiving garlic powder tablet (1200 µg allicin/tab) twice daily and the placebo group ( n = 29), receiving placebo for 3 months. The rate of atherosclerosis progression was measured by B-mode ultrasonography as the increase in CIMT.

Results:

After 3 months of taking garlic tablets, CIMT values had minor variations (0.009 ± 0.007 mm reduction from baseline), while in the placebo group, an increase in CIMT values was observed (0.04 ± 0.01 mm increase from baseline). After 3 months of treatment, mean CIMT difference from baseline was significantly differ between the two groups ( p < 0.001). Plasma lipids and lipoproteins (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, Apolipoprotein A1 and Apolipoprotein B) did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that dry garlic powder tablet is superior to placebo in prevention of CIMT progression in patients with CAD and may be considered as an adjunct treatment for atherosclerosis.
The Teachers’ Role in the Assessment of Selective Mutism and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Martinez Yvonne J. , Tannock Rosemary , Manassis Katharina , Garland E. Jane , Clark Sandra , McInnes Alison
Published: January 2015

Selective mutism (SM) is a childhood disorder characterized by failure to speak in social situations, despite there being an expectation to speak and the capacity to do so. There has been a focus on elucidating the differences between SM and anxiety disorder (ANX) in the recent literature. Although children with SM exhibit more symptoms at school than at home, the assessment of SM typically does not involve teacher reports. There is also a lack of research to help us better understand how to best support students with SM in the classroom, and linking assessment to intervention. The Teacher Telephone Interview: Selective Mutism and Anxiety in the School Setting (TTI-SM) was developed by a group of researchers across three large children’s hospitals in Canada, within specialized ANXs Clinics, with the goal of addressing several of these diagnostic and treatment issues. Child participants (ages 6-11) were referred for SM ( n = 19) or ANX ( n = 10). Findings revealed that the SM subscale of the TTI-SM has acceptable psychometric properties. Scores on the SM subscale between the two groups of children were statistically significant t(29) = −3.67, p < .001, η2 = .33, suggesting that the SM subscale was able to distinguish between children with SM and ANX. Given the promising findings, and possible uses of this tool for assessment and intervention, the TTI-SM warrants further research. The role of the teacher in the assessment of children with SM and anxiety disorders, and future directions are discussed.
Piketty’s Capital: 21st-Century Gravitational Force?
Authors: O’Brien John E.
Published: January 2015

In his Capital of the Twenty-First Century, Thomas Piketty (2013) challenges the claim that the workings of capitalism in the West accord with the principles of equality and opportunity in a democratic society. Composed as much in the style of history as economics, what explains the appeal of this very long, carefully drafted and technically dense text? This review is woven of three threads: the method of research behind it; its fit with theory and practice in the critical social sciences; and what it exemplifies about the ambiguity of leaping from a science laboratory into the world of revolutionary praxis. To close, the European project of economic management will be briefly discussed, suggesting in reference to both French regulation theory and German Ordoliberalism why the recent Nobel Prize in Economics, which many consider Piketty’s work to merit, was lost in favor of another French economist, Jean Tirole.
Triple shape-memory effect by silanized polyurethane/silane-functionalized graphene oxide nanocomposites bilayer
Authors: Kim YJ , Park HC , Kim BK
Published: January 2015

Graphene oxide (GO) was chemically modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) (f-GO) and incorporated into silanized polyurethanes of two different molecular weights and chemical compositions by sol–gel reactions, and the effects were studied in terms of mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and dual and triple shape-memory polymers (DSMP and TSMP, respectively) of the nanocomposite films. It was found that the f-GO nanoparticles act as multifunctional cross-links as well as reinforcing fillers and significantly augmented the glassy and rubbery state moduli, yield strength, break strength, glass transition temperature, and dual shape-memory properties. A cohesive bilayer of the two films (lower layer and upper layer) fabricated by the interpenetrating polymer network technique exhibited synergistic mechanical properties in the glassy and rubbery states along with two undisturbed glass transitions by which an intermediate plateau region and TSMP were demonstrated.
Democratizing Information in India: Role of Community Radios as a Developmental Intervention
Authors: Shukla Madhukar
Published: January 2015

Community Radios are a relatively recent phenomenon in India. However, they are an impactful platform and hold a vast potential to reach out to India’s widely dispersed, varied and secluded communities, who have specific local needs and aspirations. Moreover, by providing a voice to the poor and marginalized they are a powerful tool for empowering the dis-empowered. This article provides a historical background of the growth of Community Radios in India, and describes how they are facilitating the promotion of social justice and inclusion, making the remote and marginalized communities aware about the government schemes and their entitlements, improving delivery of public services and sharing and preserving indigenous knowledge and best practices.
A Post-colonial Perspective towards Education in Bharat
Authors: Joshi Ankur , Bindlish Puneet , Verma Pawan Kumar
Published: January 2015

The article explores what could be a post-colonial perspective to the education delivery. If we believe that majority of the problems faced in Bharat have their roots in the colonial residue left in the society post-Independence, we should explore what can be done today. For this exploration was made whether gurukul system of indigenous education can provide the solution to few problems faced by us today? The first person embodied enquiry was made and participant observations were made to understand the pedagogy of gurukul. Hence, the experience of the researchers of the gurukul system of education is presented. Policy relevance is majorly focused on inputs for shaping up education policy with respect to elementary education.
Measuring and Mapping Transitory Spaces in India: A Case Study of Hyderabad City
Authors: Banerjee Poulomi , Mallik Chinmoyee , Babu Nani
Published: January 2015

The rapid growth of metropolitan suburbs is the most striking feature of spatial transformation in South Asian cities. Reduced carrying capacities of these metropolitan areas are pushing business and people out of their urban core, relocating them in the immediate suburbs and peripheries. Such relocation of industry and commerce or migrant residents are changing the very look and feel of the surrounding villages resulting into emergence of a zone of transition or peri-urban as it is popularly known, wherein urban and rural development processes meet, mix and inter-react ( Narain, 2010 ). However, challenge lies in managing these transitory spaces sustainably as they are institutionally rural but look and feel urban. One of the critical gaps that policy makers often argue of is not having any specialized institutional arrangements and absence of any specific indicators for identification and delineation of peri-urban interface. Following article attempts to address this gap by determining the thresholds that meaningfully distinguish between the urban, peri-urban and rural areas across India. The idea is to go beyond the conventional spatial analysis to a process-based economic modelling, wherein the social dynamism and flux can be clearly brought out to classify 40 sub-districts/taluks of Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority’s area.
Patterns of Cumulative Abuse Among Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Davies Lorraine , Ford-Gilboe Marilyn , Willson Andrea , Varcoe Colleen , Wuest Judith , Campbell Jacquelyn , Scott-Storey Kelly
Published: January 2015

Drawing on the Women’s Health Effects Study, a community sample of women ( N = 309) who recently left an abusive partner, this study examines patterns of cumulative abuse experiences over the life course, their socioeconomic correlates, and associations with a range of health outcomes. Latent class analysis identified four groups of women with differing cumulative abuse profiles: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Dominant, Child Abuse and IPV, All Forms, and All Forms Extreme. We find a relationship pattern between cumulative abuse and socioeconomic circumstances, and significantly worse health outcomes among women with the All Forms Extreme profile. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Can we improve service efficiency in CAMHS using the CAPA approach without reducing treatment effectiveness?
Authors: Fuggle Peter , McHugh Annie , Gore Lucy , Dixon Emily , Curran Daniel , Cutinha Darren
Published: January 2015

Health-care systems are under increasing pressure to deliver more care with similar or even less resources and there is concern that this may be achieved at the cost of reduced clinical effectiveness. In Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), the Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) has been widely adopted as a way of increasing the efficient use of limited service resources. Some evaluations have reported increased patient flow and reduced waiting times, but it remains unknown whether such changes have been achieved at a cost of clinical effectiveness. This article describes a pragmatic multi-method evaluation of a CAMHS service reporting service outcomes (client satisfaction, waiting times, and patient flow) and clinical outcomes (clinician-rated clinical outcomes and goals achieved by families). Results showed improved service outcomes (high levels of client satisfaction and reduced waiting times) and an increase in patient flow (49 cases increased to 72 cases over an equivalent time period). Clinical outcomes showed no reduction in effectiveness and a significant improvement against the agreed goals of the intervention. The evaluation suggested that a well-structured goal-focused patient flow system may improve services by increasing patient flow while maintaining high satisfaction levels, without negatively impacting clinical effectiveness.
Duels in the European Novel: Honor, Reputation, and the Limits of a Bourgeois Form
Authors: Merriman Ben
Published: January 2015

The emergence of market society in Europe prompted a major change in the social measurement of individual worth. The formal system of aristocratic honor culture was gradually supplanted by a bourgeois concept of reputation rooted in the public perception of individual merits. During this period, dueling was a practice of dispute resolution commonly used in honor groups, and also diffused to bourgeois groups in domains such as politics and journalism. This article explores this cultural transformation by examining duels in 20 European novels and comparing these duels with theoretical and historical work on duels as a social practice. The novels present a significantly distorted representation of dueling. This distortion demonstrates the limited ability of the novel, a bourgeois form, to describe group-oriented values such as honor. This is, in turn, sociologically significant: the novels point to major differences in the social psychologies underpinning honor and reputation, and also anticipate the obsolescence of honor culture well before this occurred historically.
Early Discontinuation and Related Treatment Costs After Initiation of Basal Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Anderten Helmut , Dippel Franz-Werner , Kostev Karel
Published: January 2015

Aims: The aim was to compare early discontinuation and related treatment costs in type 2 diabetes in primary care after initiation of insulin glargine or human basal insulin (NPH). Methods: Overall, 2765 glargine and 1554 NPH patients from 1072 general practices were analyzed (Disease Analyser). Early discontinuation was defined as switching to a different basal insulin or another insulin treatment regimen within 90 days after first basal insulin prescription (index date, ID). Treatment costs were assessed 365 days prior and post ID in both groups. Propensity score matching and linear regression was used to adjust cost differences (post vs prior ID: discontinued vs continued patients) for age, sex, diabetes duration, antidiabetic comedication, diabetologist care, disease management program participation, costs before ID, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Results: Within 3 months after ID, 13% of glargine patients switched to other insulin treatment regimens (NPH: 18%; P < .05). After propensity score matching, adjusted cost differences in 146 discontinued versus 1342 continued glargine patients were calculated (NPH: 146 vs 1342). Diabetes-related prescription costs were lower among persistent glargine patients compared to persistent NPH patients (EUR–49 [19]; P = .0109). Mean cost difference for diabetes-related prescriptions was lower among those who persisted on glargine compared to those who switched to other treatment regimens (EUR–74 [42], P = .0780). Conclusions: Treatment persistence within 3 months after basal insulin initiation was significantly higher under insulin glargine compared to NPH. Diabetes-related prescription costs were significantly lower among patients who adhered to insulin glargine compared to persistent NPH patients.
Emergency endovascular management of the common femoral artery rupture due to radiotherapy for scrotal carcinoma
Authors: Bracale Umberto Marcello , Merola Giovanni , del Guercio Luca , Sodo Maurizio , Maria Giribono Anna , Bracale Umberto
Published: January 2015

We describe the case of a 72-year-old man with massive hemorrhage and shock resulting from rupture of the left common femoral artery as a complication of radiotherapy in the groin for cancer of the scrotum. This complication is extremely rare, presents dramatically, and is usually fatal. The patient was successfully treated with a stent graft deployment in order to achieve immediate hemostasis maintaining blood flow to the leg. Open surgery is not ideal in those cases especially when there is extensive tumor involvement of the groin causing altered anatomy and increasing the risk of re-bleeding.
Herniation of uncus and parahippocampal gyrus: an accidental finding on magnetic resonance imaging of cerebrum
Authors: Yavarian Yousef , Bayat Michael , Brøndum Frøkjær Jens
Published: January 2015

Idiopathic herniation of uncus and parahippocampal gyrus into the ambient cistern is a very rare entity, which could be mistaken for other pathology such as tumor. To the best of our knowledge, two prior cases of this kind of herniation have been described. One of these cases was with associated symptomatology and other abnormalities, and the other was characterized as idiopathic. In this case report, we report a case of accidental finding of a herniation of uncus and parahippocampal gyrus into the ambient cistern, without any other accompanying abnormalities, well depicted by magnetic resonance imaging without further necessity for surgical brain intervention.