bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The renaming of Asclepias xysmalobioides with Asclepias montevaga (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae)
Authors: Glen Melissa Frances , Nicholas Ashley , Bester Stoffel Petrus , Lamb Jennifer
Published: March 2015

Asclepias xysmalobioides Hilliard & B.L. Burtt (1986: 193) is a later homonym of Asclepias xysmalobioides S. Moore (1912: 342). There are no valid synonyms available, and so we propose the new name Asclepias montevaga M. Glen, Nicholas & Bester here.
Redescription of Tripleurospermum heterolepis (Asteraceae), endemic to Turkey
Authors: Inceer Huseyin
Published: March 2015

Tripleurospermum heterolepis (Freyn & Sintenis) Bornmüller has been poorly known as a local endemic species classified within DD category of IUCN. It had not been collected since its introduction to scientific community in 1895. In 2007, T. heterolepis was rediscovered in its type locality. Based on its syntypes deposited at B and G as well as the new specimens collected from the type locality, a misdescription of the species in the Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands is also reported. A new description of T. heterolepis, amended and extended, is presented here, and its updated conservation status is indicated. The diagnostic morphological characters that distinguish the species from its close relatives are discussed.
Scrophularia koraiensis, a new synonym to Scrophularia kakudensis (Lamiales: Scrophulariaceae)
Authors: Wang Ruihong , WANG DANDAN , Qi Zhechen , Li Pan , Fu Chengxin
Published: March 2015

Scrophularia Linnaeus (1753: 619), is one of the largest genera of Scrophulariaceae, includes about 270 exant species, and is predominantly distributed in Holarctic regions of both the Old and New World (Olivencia, 2009; Olivencia & Devesa, 1993). Scrophularia koraiensis was first described by Nakai (1909) based on material collected in mount Kum-gang san, Kang-uön, Korea and considered as an endemic medicinal plant of Korea (Han et al. 2003). S. koraiensis was characterized by having petiole 4 to 7 cm long, blade ovate–lanceolate, 10 to 15 cm long, terminal or axillary cymes, pedicels glandular hairy and ovate capsule (Nakai 1909).
The Relationship Between Cochleovestibular Orientation, Age, and Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Formeister Eric J. , Campbell Adam P. , Choudhury Baishakhi , Huang Benjamin , Jewells Valerie , Adunka Oliver F.
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

To determine if spatial orientation of the cochlea within the temporal bone is related to age or sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and describe the implications for cochlear implantation.

Methods:

Five angles of cochlear orientation were determined from computed tomography (CT) imaging of the temporal bones in adults with (n = 55) and without (n = 27) sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and children with (n = 45) and without (n = 12) SNHL: facial recess versus basal turn, posterior semicircular canal versus basal turn, round window versus basal turn (axial view), round window versus basal turn (coronal view), and the cochlear axis versus the mastoid facial nerve.

Results:

All angles showed substantial variation between subjects and between ears. The angles between the round window and basal turn (coronal view) and the posterior semicircular canal and basal turn were significantly correlated with age for all subjects with SNHL ( r = 0.22, P = .002 and r = 0.15, P = .03, respectively). Patients with SNHL had significantly more acute angles (46.6° vs 55.8°) between the round window versus basal turn (axial orientation) compared to controls ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

Cochlear orientation within the temporal bone changes with age and the degree of SNHL. These results suggest that the approach to the round window for electrode insertion might differ between children and adults.
Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid for xanthochromia versus modern computed tomography scanners in the diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage: experience at a tertiary trauma referral centre
Authors: Goyale A , O’Shea J , Marsden J , Keep J , Vincent RP
Published: March 2015

Background

Diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage, a neurosurgical emergency in patients with headache remains a logistical challenge. The rationale of the traditional pathway of cerebrospinal fluid xanthochromia analysis following negative computed tomography head scans to exclude subarachnoid haemorrhage has been challenged by the increasing accuracy of modern computed tomography scanners.

Aim

We set out to establish whether our xanthochromia service was adding value to the diagnostic pathway for subarachnoid haemorrhage or whether it was acting merely as a supportive test.

Method

A retrospective audit of all cerebrospinal fluid requests received since the inception of Xanthochromia service at a tertiary trauma centre. Cases interpreted as being consistent with subarachnoid haemorrhage based on cerebrospinal fluid xanthochromia analysis were selected for in-depth review from the total number of cases.

Results

In total 660 requests were received for cerebrospinal fluid xanthochromia between August 2009 and July 2012. A total 28 of these were interpreted as being consistent with subarachnoid haemorrhage. Only 18 (64.3%) of requests were deemed appropriate as the clinical presentation in the remaining 10 (35.7%) was strongly suggestive of other causes of headache. A final clinical diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage was made in 11 of the 18 patients who had cerebrospinal fluid xanthochromia requested appropriately. From these 11, five (45%) were deemed initially computed tomography negative and cerebrospinal fluid analysis led to final correct diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage and appropriate surgical management.

Conclusion

Despite improved computed tomography scanning technology, cerebrospinal fluid xanthochromia interpretation aids in the definitive diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage. When requested appropriately cerebrospinal fluid xanthochromia analysis remains a vital service as results impact on clinical decision making, especially when computed tomography scan results are equivocal and is also important in later presenting patients when computed tomography accuracy decreases.
Predicting Adult Under- and Over-Reporting of Self-Reported Arrests From Discrepancies in Adolescent Self-Reports of Arrests
Authors: Emmert Amanda D. , Carlock Arna L. , Lizotte Alan J. , Krohn Marvin D.
Published: March 2015

Building on previous research, this article investigates whether discrepancies between official and self-reported measures of arrests as an adult can be predicted from such discrepancies as an adolescent. We use longitudinal data from the Rochester Youth Development Study to assess whether a pattern exists in adolescent and adult under- and over-reporting of arrests. We find consistency in under- and over-reporting throughout the adolescent–young adult life course. In other words, when respondents misreport the number of arrests they have experienced, they do so consistently regardless of age. This is reassuring for scholars using self-report data, as under- and over-reporting behaviors remain stable over this span of the life course. Finally, our models predicting discrepancies in official and self-reported arrests during the combined period of adolescence and young adulthood are both extremely strong. Our findings support the continued use of self-report measures as a valid indicator of delinquency.
The Relation of Interracial Relationships to Intimate Partner Violence by College Students
Authors: Field Carolyn J. , Kimuna Sitawa R. , Lang Marissa N.
Published: March 2015

This study explores the likelihood of physical violence perpetration against an intimate partner in same-race relationships in comparison with those in interracial relationships. The sample consists of 1,174 students at four American universities and one Canadian university. Results indicate little difference between racial groups in the percent who reported minor assaults but large differences in severe assaults. Students in interracial relationships did not report more intimate partner violence than same-race couples when controlling for demographic variables.
Effect of the skin layer on the overall behavior of closed-cell polyethylene foam sheets
Authors: Berezvai Szabolcs , Kossa Attila
Published: March 2015

This article presents an experimental investigation of the effect of the skin layer on the mechanical behavior of a closed-cell polymeric foam material. The skin layer is a thin layer with increased density due to the manufacturing processes, which results in inhomogeneity. The skin-layer effect is investigated by comparing the stretch-stress characteristics of specimens with and without this skin layer on a particular closed-cell polyethylene foam sheet. The characteristics were recorded via uniaxial tension and compression tests, respectively, in all principal manufacturing directions. Thus, the skin-layer effect can be obtained by analyzing the recorded data points, which are also presented. The skin-layer-free specimens are prepared with a particularly designed assembly in accordance with the ASTM standards.
Parents as Cultural Middlemen
Authors: Tam Kim-Pong , Chan Hoi-Wing
Published: March 2015

As the world is increasingly globalized, more and more families now reside in a society culturally differing from their ethnic origin and thus face a bicultural environment. Ethnic minority families exemplify this situation. What values do parents from these families prefer when they socialize their children? To answer this question, the present research examines an extension of the intersubjective model of value transmission. In two studies conducted in Hong Kong, it was found that when constructing their value socialization preference, ethnic minority parent participants emphasized not only values they personally endorsed but also values they perceived to be normative in the settlement society and the ethnic society, respectively. Furthermore, it was found that the reference to these dual sets of perceived norms was a function of the participants’ plans about their children’s future destination: They were more likely to refer to values of a society when they to a larger extent expected that their children would reside in that society in future. The participants’ ethnic identity played a significant role too: The reference to perceived norms in the ethnic society was particularly pronounced among those who strongly identified with their ethnic group. Taken together, this extended model represents a useful tool for researchers to examine the intricate dynamics in bicultural and even multicultural families’ value socialization practice. It also offers insights for the understanding of various culture-related psychological issues, including behavioral influence of perceived cultural norms, cultural transmission, and effects of globalization.
Support for Voluntary and Nonvoluntary Euthanasia
Authors: Ho Robert , Chantagul Natalie
Published: March 2015

This study investigated the level of support for voluntary and nonvoluntary euthanasia under three conditions of suffering (pain; debilitated nature of the body; burden on the family) experienced by oneself, a significant other, and a person in general. The sample consisted of 1,897 Thai adults (719 males, 1,178 females) who voluntarily filled in the study’s questionnaire. Initial multivariate analysis of variance indicated significant group (oneself, significant other, person in general) differences in level of support for voluntary and nonvoluntary euthanasia and under the three conditions of suffering. Multigroup path analysis conducted on the posited euthanasia model showed that the three conditions of suffering exerted differential direct and indirect influences on the support of voluntary and nonvoluntary euthanasia as a function of the identity of the person for whom euthanasia was being considered. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Approaches to Death and Dying
Authors: Beaty Darla D.
Published: March 2015

Three principles that guide the bioethics movement in the United States and other Western societies apply to the approaches of death and dying in both the United States and Turkey. These three principles, Autonomy, Beneficence, and Justice, are reflected in the practices of people in both countries. The issue of autonomy is of greater concern to those in the United States, while decisions are made entirely with family and physician involvement in Turkey. Beneficence and Justice can be identified as ethical issues in both countries. Similarities with end-of-life experiences are linked by faith-based beliefs of Islam and Christianity. Differences in sociocultural influences, such as policies about advance directives in the United States, account for differences in end-of-life decision making. This article examines the spiritual, cultural, legal, and political factors that inform the experience of people in Turkey and in the United States when death is at hand.
The Multidimensional Mortality Awareness Measure and Model
Authors: Levasseur Oona , McDermott Mark R. , Lafreniere Kathryn D.
Published: March 2015

For each of eight literature-identified conceptual dimensions of mortality awareness, questionnaire items were generated, producing 89 in all. A total of 359 participants responded to these items and to questionnaires measuring health attitudes, risk taking, rebelliousness, and demographic variables. Multivariate correlational analyses investigated the underlying structure of the item pool and the construct validity as well as the reliability of the emergent empirically derived subscales. Five components, rather than eight, were identified. Given the item content of each, the associated mortality awareness subscales were labeled as legacy, fearfulness, acceptance, disempowerment, and disengagement. Each attained an acceptable level of internal reliability. Relationships with other variables supported the construct validity of these empirically derived subscales and more generally of this five-factor model. In conclusion, this new multidimensional measure and model of mortality awareness extends our understanding of this important aspect of human existence and supports a more integrative and optimistic approach to mortality awareness than previously available.
Officer perceptions of crisis intervention team training effectiveness
Authors: Tully Tracy , Smith Melissa
Published: March 2015

This paper presents the initial findings of a multi-stage research project. The purpose of the study is to examine officer perception of preparedness after receiving Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, specifically the elements of CIT that focus on mental illness. An additional goal of this study was to examine the underlying factors contributing to these perceptions. The sample utilised was 32 CIT-trained officers out of a population of 70 from a large urban police department in Connecticut. CIT-trained officers were administered a 13-item self-report questionnaire that required participants to evaluate perceptions of preparedness. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted in order to obtain a more in-depth understanding of the findings. Results indicate that, overall, police feel better prepared to deal with the mentally ill population due to CIT training. Additionally, results indicated that although officers felt more prepared to deal with the mentally ill population after CIT training, they did not feel that they had adequate information pertaining to availability of diversion programmes.
Patient dose monitoring in Dubai in radiography and interventional procedures
Authors: AlSuwaidi J.S. , AlMazrouei N.K. , Pottybindu S. , Siraj M. , Mathew D. , Al Blooshi A.A. , Kuriakose V.P.
Published: March 2015

This paper presents ongoing actions in Dubai on patient dose monitoring in digital radiographic examinations, mammography, interventional procedures, and dental radiological procedures. The aim of Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is to move towards the establishment of local diagnostic reference levels. DHA has participated in national and regional projects under the umbrella of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The need for local radiation protection educational programmes and wider patient dosimetry monitoring and recording emerged from this work.
Biomechanical Comparison of 2 Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Preparation Techniques for Tibial Fixation
Authors: Mayr Raul , Heinrichs Christian Heinz , Eichinger Martin , Coppola Christian , Schmoelz Werner , Attal René
Published: March 2015

Background:

Cortical button fixation at the femoral side and interference screws within the tibial bone tunnel are widely used for anterior cruciate ligament graft fixation. Using a bone socket instead of a full tunnel allows cortical button fixation on the tibial side as well. If adjustable-length loop cortical button devices are used for femoral and tibial fixation, the tendon graft has to be secured with sutures in a closed tendon loop. The increased distance of fixation points and potential slippage of the tendon strands at the securing sutures might lead to greater risk of postoperative graft elongation when compared with conventional graft preparation with tibial interference screw fixation.

Hypothesis:

Compared with an anterior cruciate ligament graft with tibial adjustable-length loop cortical button fixation, a graft with tibial interference screw fixation will show less graft elongation during cyclic loading and lower ultimate failure loads.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Grafts with tibial adjustable-length loop cortical button fixation and grafts with tibial interference screw fixation were biomechanically tested in calf tibiae (n = 10 per group). Femoral fixation was equivalent for both groups, using an adjustable-length loop cortical button. Specimens underwent cyclic loading followed by a load-to-failure test.

Results:

Grafts with screw fixation showed significantly less initial elongation (cycles 1-5: 1.46 ± 0.26 mm), secondary elongation (cycles 6-1000: 1.87 ± 0.67 mm), and total elongation (cycles 1-1000: 3.33 ± 0.83 mm) in comparison with grafts with button fixation (2.47 ± 0.26, 3.56 ± 0.39, and 6.03 ± 0.61 mm, respectively) ( P < .001). While pull-out stiffness was significantly higher for grafts with screw fixation (309.5 ± 33.2 vs 185.6 ± 16.4 N/mm) ( P < .001), grafts with button fixation were able to withstand significantly higher ultimate failure loads (908 ± 74 vs 693 ± 119 N) ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Grafts with tibial adjustable-length loop cortical button fixation resulted in higher graft elongation during cyclic loading and showed higher ultimate failure loads in comparison with conventional graft preparation with tibial interference screw fixation at time zero.

Clinical Relevance:

The results of this biomechanical study suggest that grafts with tibial interference screw fixation provide better knee stability at time zero because of reduced graft elongation and greater stiffness in comparison with grafts with tibial adjustable-length loop cortical button fixation.
Low doses of mercuric chloride cause the main features of anti-nucleolar autoimmunity in female outbred CFW mice
Authors: Arefieva Alla S , Kamaeva Alfia G , Krasilshchikova Marina S
Published: March 2015

The growth of the influence of anthropogenic factors aimed on the improvement of human life has its side effect, for example, living organisms receive increasing exposure to toxic mercuric compounds. Experimental data show that mercury (Hg) salts are able to induce systemic autoimmunity in rodents. This Hg-induced autoimmune process (HgIA) is characterized by T cell-dependent polyclonal activation of B lymphocytes, increased level of serum immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and immunoglobulin E (IgE), production of antinucleolar autoantibodies (ANoA), and immune complex deposition in multiple organs. HgIA in mice is used as a model of human systemic autoimmune disorders. However, the dose of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) usually used in laboratory mice to induce HgIA is above the allowable limit for everyday levels of Hg exposure in humans. So, we decided to determine the lowest dose of HgCl2 that is able to trigger autoimmunity in outbred Carworth Farms Swiss Webster (CFW) mice not genetically prone to HgIA development. The lowest dose (50 µg/kg body weight (b.w.)/week) was chosen to match the World Health Organization provisional weekly tolerable intake of total Hg for humans. We also tested HgCl2 at 500 and 1500 µg/kg b.w./week (6.5- and 2-fold less than usually used for induction of HgIA in mice). We found that even the lowest dose of Hg resulted in a statistically significant increase in serum level of IgG1 after 8 weeks of treatment. HgCl2 in doses 500 and 1500 µg/kg b.w./week resulted in a significant increase in serum level of IgG1 after 4 weeks of treatment, followed by ANoA production. Sera of HgCl2-treated mice stained the regions in which the major autoantigen in HgIA, fibrillarin, was revealed. These results suggest that low doses of Hg are able to induce the main features of HgIA in genetically heterozygous mice, and that humans chronically exposed to low doses of Hg may be at risk of autoimmunity induction regardless of their genetic background.
Development of emulsification resistant heavier-than-water tamponades using high molecular weight silicone oil polymers
Authors: Caramoy Albert , Kearns Victoria R , Chan Yau Kei , Hagedorn Nadine , Poole Robert J , Wong David , Fauser Sascha , Kugler Wilfried , Kirchhof Bernd , Williams Rachel L
Published: March 2015

Purpose

Developing new blends of heavier-than-water silicone oil tamponade agents containing high molecular weight polydimethylsiloxane polymer for use in vitreoretinal surgery.

Materials and methods

The viscoelastic properties of heavier-than-water silicone oil blends (30.5% F6H8 + 69.5% polydimethylsiloxane) containing high molecular weight polymer additive at increasing concentrations were measured using a controlled-stress rheometer (TA Instruments Rheolyst AR 1000 N). Emulsification of the blends was induced using a sonication device and a pluronic surfactant as a strong emulsifier. The percentage emulsion area was photographed and measured using ImageJ software. In a second in vitro emulsification assessment, silicone oil blends were dispersed using a high shear homogenizer and the oil-in-water droplets were counted using a coulter counter particle analyser.

Results

The addition of the high molecular weight polymer increased shear viscosity and viscoelasticity of the oil blends, which were measureable and to some extent predictable. The in vitro emulsification models produced contradictory results. This demonstrates the difficulty of designing and using in vitro models to evaluate the emulsification tendency of tamponade agents in vivo.

Conclusion

Addition of a high molecular weight polymer to heavy silicone oil can increase the viscoelasticity. These findings might contribute to the development of emulsification resistant heavy silicone oils.
Three-dimensional polycaprolactone–hydroxyapatite scaffolds combined with bone marrow cells for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Wei Bo , Yao Qingqiang , Guo Yang , Mao Fengyong , Liu Shuai , Xu Yan , Wang Liming
Published: March 2015

The goal of this study was to investigate the chondrogenic potential of three-dimensional polycaprolactone–hydroxyapatite (PCL–HA) scaffolds loaded with bone marrow cells in vitro and the effect of PCL–HA scaffolds on osteochondral repair in vivo. Here, bone marrow was added to the prepared PCL–HA scaffolds and cultured in chondrogenic medium for 10 weeks. Osteochondral defects were created in the trochlear groove of 29 knees in 17 New Zealand white rabbits, which were then divided into four groups that underwent: implantation of PCL–HA scaffolds (left knee, n = 17; Group 1), microfracture (right knee, n = 6; Group 2), autologous osteochondral transplantation (right knee, n = 6; Group 3), and no treatment (right knee, n = 5; Control). Extracellular matrix produced by bone marrow cells covered the surface and filled the pores of PCL–HA scaffolds after 10 weeks in culture. Moreover, many cell-laden cartilage lacunae were observed, and cartilage matrix was concentrated in the PCL–HA scaffolds. After a 12-week repair period, Group 1 showed excellent vertical and lateral integration with host bone, but incomplete cartilage regeneration and matrix accumulation. An uneven surface of regenerated cartilage and reduced distribution of cartilage matrix were observed in Group 2. In addition, abnormal bone growth and unstable integration between repaired and host tissues were detected. For Group 3, the integration between transplanted and host cartilage was interrupted. Our findings indicate that the PCL–HA scaffolds loaded with bone marrow cells improved chondrogenesis in vitro and implantation of PCL–HA scaffolds for osteochondral repairenhanced integration with host bone. However, cartilage regeneration remained unsatisfactory. The addition of trophic factors or the use of precultured cell–PCL–HA constructs for accelerated osteochondral repair requires further investigation.
Sadness Shifts to Anxiety Over Time and Distance From the National Tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut
Authors: Doré Bruce , Ort Leonard , Braverman Ofir , Ochsner Kevin N.
Published: March 2015

How do increasing temporal and spatial distance affect the emotions people feel and express in response to tragic events? Standard views suggest that emotional intensity should decrease but are silent on changes in emotional quality. Using a large Twitter data set, we identified temporal and spatial patterns in use of emotional and cognitive words in tweets about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Although use of sadness words decreased with time and spatial distance, use of anxiety words showed the opposite pattern and was associated with concurrent increases in language reflecting causal thinking. In a follow-up experiment, we found that thinking about abstract causes (as opposed to concrete details) of this event similarly evoked decreased sadness but increased anxiety, which was associated with perceptions that a similar event might occur in the future. These data challenge current theories of emotional reactivity and identify time, space, and abstract causal thinking as factors that elicit categorical shifts in emotional responses to tragedy.
A note on the design of cancer screening trials
Authors: Duffy Stephen W , Smith Robert A
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To investigate the consequences of different cancer screening trial designs and follow-up options for accuracy of the estimate of the effect of screening on disease-specific mortality.

Methods

We consider a randomized trial of breast cancer screening with a screening phase in which the intervention group is offered screening and the control group is not, and optional further follow-up after this screening phase. Postulating a lead time effect similar to that observed in breast cancer screening trials, we calculate the observed relative risk of disease-specific mortality and compare this with the true relative risk, for four design options: (1) no follow-up beyond the screening phase, ie. the screening phase and the observation period are identical; (2) follow-up continuing beyond the screening phase, all cancer-specific deaths counted, including those diagnosed after the screening phase; (3) follow-up continuing beyond the screening phase, but with only deaths from cancers diagnosed during the screening phase included; and (4) follow-up continuing beyond the screening phase, a single screen of the control group conducted at the end of the screening phase, and only deaths from cancers diagnosed during the screening phase in both arms up to completion of the single control screen included.

Results

All designs in which follow-up for mortality continues beyond the screening phase incurred a bias against screening. The design in which the control group undergoes a single screen at the end of the screening phase was least biased in the example used.

Conclusions

The expedient of a single screen of the control group at the end of the screening phase has acceptable accuracy, but is still slightly conservatively biased.
Distress improves after mindfulness training for progressive MS: A pilot randomised trial
Authors: Bogosian A , Chadwick P , Windgassen S , Norton S , McCrone P , Mosweu I , Silber E , Moss-Morris R
Published: March 2015

Background:

Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to effectively reduce anxiety, depression and pain in patients with chronic physical illnesses.

Objectives:

We assessed the potential effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a specially adapted Skype distant-delivered mindfulness intervention, designed to reduce distress for people affected by primary and secondary progressive MS.

Methods

Forty participants were randomly assigned to the eight-week intervention ( n = 19) or a waiting-list control group ( n = 21). Participants completed standardised questionnaires to measure mood, impact of MS and symptom severity, quality of life and service costs at baseline, post-intervention and three-month follow-up.

Results:

Distress scores were lower in the intervention group compared with the control group at post-intervention and follow-up ( p < 0.05), effect size −0.67 post-intervention and −0.97 at follow-up. Mean scores for pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression and impact of MS were reduced for the mindfulness group compared with control group at post-therapy and follow-up; effect sizes ranged from −0.27 to −0.99 post-intervention and −0.29 to −1.12 at follow-up. There were no differences in quality-adjusted life years, but an 87.4% probability that the intervention saves on service costs and improves outcome.

Conclusions:

A mindfulness intervention delivered through Skype video conferences appears accessible, feasible and potentially effective and cost-effective for people with progressive MS.
If home telemonitoring reduces mortality in heart failure, is this just due to better guideline-based treatment?
Authors: Dierckx Riet , Cleland John GF , Pellicori Pierpaolo , Zhang Jufen , Goode Kevin , Putzu Paola , Boyalla Vennela , Clark Andrew L
Published: March 2015

To investigate, in a ‘real-world’ setting, the impact of home telemonitoring (HTM) compared to usual care on achieved dose of guideline-recommended medication, hospitalisation rate and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data on 333 patients with HF referred to a HTM service supported by a nurse-specialist (mean age 71±12 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 36 ± 11% and median N-Terminal pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) 2,972 ng/L (interquartile range (IQR): 1,447–7,801 ng/L)). Most patients (n = 278) accepted HTM (HTM-group) but 55 refused and received usual care (UC-group). In the HTM-group, weight, heart rate, blood pressure and symptom severity were measured daily. Results: At referral, respectively 90%, 90%, 67% and 94% of patients with LVEF ≤40% (n = 229) were treated with β-blockers (BB), angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitors (ACE-I) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) and diuretics, with rates similar between groups. After 6 months, prescription of BB (92% vs 83%), ACE-I/ARB (92% vs 90%) and MRA (68% vs 67%) did not differ significantly between groups. The proportions of patients who achieved ≥50% and ≥100% of target doses of BB, ACE-I/ARB and MRA were also similar in each group. However, during a median follow-up of 1094 days (IQR 767–1419) fewer patients who chose HTM died (33% vs 49%; P = 0.002). Conclusion: Patients who choose HTM have a better prognosis than those who do not but this does not appear to be mediated through greater prescription of key HF medications.
TulaSalud: An m-health system for maternal and infant mortality reduction in Guatemala
Authors: Martínez-Fernández Andrés , Lobos-Medina Isabel , Díaz-Molina Cesar Augusto , Chen-Cruz Moisés Faraón , Prieto-Egido Ignacio
Published: March 2015

Summary

The Guatemalan NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) TulaSalud has implemented an m-health project in the Department of Alta Verapaz. This Department has 1.2 million inhabitants (78% living in rural areas and 89% from indigenous communities) and in 2012, had a maternal mortality rate of 273 for every 100,000 live births. This m-health initiative is based on the provision of a cell phone to community facilitators (CFs). The CFs are volunteers in rural communities who perform health prevention, promotion and care. Thanks to the cell phone, the CFs have become tele-CFs who able to carry out consultations when they have questions; send full epidemiological and clinical information related to the cases they attend to; receive continuous training; and perform activities for the prevention and promotion of community health through distance learning sessions in the Q’eqchí and/or Poqomchi’ languages. In this study, rural populations served by tele-CFs were selected as the intervention group while the control group was composed of the rural population served by CFs without Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools. As well as the achievement of important process results (116,275 medical consultations, monitoring of 6,783 pregnant women, and coordination of 2,014 emergency transfers), the project has demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in maternal mortality (p < 0.05) and in child mortality (p = 0.054) in the intervention group compared with rates in the control group. As a result of the telemedicine initiative, the intervention areas, which were selected for their high maternal and infant mortality rates, currently show maternal and child mortality indicators that are not only lower than the indicators in the control area, but also lower than the provincial average (which includes urban areas).
Mindfulness and personal identity in the Western cultural context: A plea for greater cosmopolitanism
Authors: Panaïoti Antoine
Published: March 2015

In the psychological sciences, mindfulness practices are increasingly being used, studied, and theorized, but their indigenous theoretical foundations in Buddhist accounts of the dynamics and psychology of personal identity tend to be overlooked. This situation is mirrored in the discipline of philosophy: here, Buddhist views on personal identity are beginning to draw attention, but almost invariably in a way which entirely blanks out the role of mindfulness practices in cultivating Buddhist insights on selfhood. The aggregate result is a failure, in the West, to reflect upon and seriously consider Buddhist theory and Buddhist practice in an integrated, holistic fashion. In its effort to overcome the compartmentalization of Buddhist theory (in philosophy) versus Buddhist practice (in psychology) and to embrace the challenges this might pose to fundamental Western beliefs about the self, this paper is intended both as a plea for and an exercise in greater, more venturesome cosmopolitanism.
‘Homing’ Guangzhou: Emplacement, belonging and precarity among Africans in China
Authors: Castillo Roberto
Published: March 2015

Over the last decade, countless Africans have been moving between China and Africa. While Africans in Guangzhou have been generally portrayed as a wave of ‘immigrant traders’, they arrive in China for myriad reasons, occupy multiple (usually transient) emplacements, and engage in diverse activities. By following the stories and insights of two Nigerian community leaders, this article explores the place-making processes through which individuals and collectives negotiate their everyday lives in Guangzhou under conditions of uncertainty. Throughout the article, I suggest that despite different trajectories and emplacements, precarity is a common thread running through most accounts of Africans in the city. While sometimes paralysing, I argue that this precarity functions as a trigger encouraging individuals to develop structures of solidarity and networks of support (i.e. sporting clubs and community offices), which are crucial sites for individual and collective attempts to ‘feel at home’ while on the move in China.
Seeker-friendly: The Hillsong megachurch as an enchanting total institution
Authors: Wade Matthew
Published: March 2015

The increasingly voluntary quality of religious expression has prompted many faith-based entities to embrace ‘secular’ means of evangelism. This is evident within the Sydney-based Hillsong Church, which has grown rapidly in attendees, capital resources and global reach. This ‘seeker-friendly’ strategy, however, raises questions around whether the ‘megachurch’ can sustain itself in offering respite from wearying Weberian processes of rationalisation and disenchantment. Hillsong’s resolution of this dilemma has been to create an encompassing arena of enchantment for constituents, a contemporary Goffmanian ‘total institution’ by reproducing the unalterable mechanisms of the economic order in a way that imbues them with greater meaning. Loyalties are sought by aligning desires for both personal reinvention and collective subsumption with the overarching evangelical aims of the Church. Thus for the committed devotee the transcendent and pragmatic may become synonymous and imbued with wonder, so that any gnawing dissonance felt as characteristic of late capitalism may be reconciled.
Looking westwards and worshipping: The New York ‘Creative Revolution’ and British advertising, 1956–1980
Authors: Nixon Sean
Published: March 2015

This article explores the ways in which developments associated with the ‘creative revolution’ in New York advertising in the 1950s and 1960s were imported into the United Kingdom, helping to reshape advertising practices in London. In locating the development of UK advertising within this history of commercial exchange, this article explores the modes of transmission and the material conduits through which innovations in advertising practice crossed the Atlantic. It also focuses on the role played by a distinctive 1960s formation of practitioners who used an organisation called the Design and Art Directors Association to champion the new idioms of US advertising. Their rise to influence helped to legitimate a new set of criteria for evaluating advertising which placed ‘creativity’ above ‘research’ and the ‘science of selling’ as the principal measure of good advertising. In exploring the exporting of the ‘new advertising’ to the United Kingdom, this article develops a particular understanding of how Anglo-American advertising relations worked to shape UK advertising practices. This foregrounds the way the US ‘creative revolution’, like other forms of US advertising, was adapted, hybridised and indigenised in its importing to Britain. This article shows how the ‘new advertising’ pioneered in New York was reworked and combined with more local cultural influences. Out of this emerged distinctive styles of British advertising in the 1960s and 1970s.
Personal message cards: An evaluation of an alternative method of delivering simulated presence therapy
Authors: Evans Nina , Cheston Richard , Harris Nigel
Published: March 2015

Simulated presence therapy is a technique which utilises a familiar recorded voice to calm and reassure people with dementia who are agitated or anxious. Although simulated presence therapy has shown potential benefits in small-scale studies, practical limitations in making and playing the recordings have restricted its use. An alternative method of delivering a message from an attachment figure is through a personal message card. This was one of seven products used within the Bath Memory Technology Library which was made available free of charge to people affected by dementia and their carers. This paper provides an evaluation of the personal message cards. Although feedback was received on only 10 of the 24 cards that were distributed, for nine people there was evidence that the cards met the goals that had been set either fully or in part, and that people affected by even quite severe levels of dementia could benefit from them.
A combination of resistance and endurance training increases leg muscle strength in COPD
Authors: Iepsen Ulrik Winning , Jørgensen Karsten Juhl , Ringbæk Thomas , Hansen Henrik , Skrubbeltrang Conni , Lange Peter
Published: March 2015

Resistance training (RT) is thought to be effective in preventing muscle depletion, whereas endurance training (ET) is known to improve exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our objectives were to assess the efficiency of combining RT with ET compared with ET alone. We identified eligible studies through a systematic multi-database search. One author checked titles and abstracts for relevance using broad inclusion criteria, whilst two independent authors checked the full-text copies for eligibility. Two authors independently extracted data, and we assessed the risk of bias and quality of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines. We included 11 randomized controlled trials (331 participants) and 2 previous systematic reviews. The meta-analyses showed equal improvements in HRQoL, walking distance and exercise capacity. However, we found moderate quality evidence of a significant increase in leg muscle strength favouring a combination of RT and ET (standardized mean difference of 0.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.39–0.98). In conclusion, we found significantly increased leg muscle strength favouring a combination of RT with ET compared with ET alone. Therefore, we recommend that RT should be incorporated in rehabilitation of COPD together with ET.
Immobilization of modified hydroxyapatite particles onto PET filter fabric for adsorption property
Authors: Jiang Zhen , Wang Xiao , Lv Lihua , Cui Yongzhu , Pang Guibing
Published: March 2015

Polymer chains were introduced to esterified hydroxyapatite particle surface with methacrylic acid for modification and subsequently modified particles were immobilized onto PET filter fabric via heat fusion method to impart adsorption property. The polymerization process of methyl methacrylate on esterified hydroxyapatite surface was optimized and effects of treating time, temperature, particle size, and concentration on immobilization ratio and pore size of filter fabric were discussed. FTIR were applied to characterize the structure of modified hydroxyapatite and treated PET filter fabric. TG was used to determine average chain length of grafted polymer on particles. The results showed that polymer chain with length of 13.57 (mole ratio to hydroxyapatite) was introduced to particle surface and modified particles were embedded onto PET filter fabric with a hydroxyapatite immobilization ratio of 63.6% and pore size of 102.3 µm under optimum conditions. Cadmium adsorption amount of 118.4 mg/g was achieved at the cadmium concentration of 392.8 mg/L, implying that PET filter fabric has adsorption ability toward heavy metal ions.
Angiotensin II increases matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression in human aortic smooth muscle cells via AT1R and ERK1/2
Authors: Wang Chunmao , Qian Xiangyang , Sun Xiaogang , Chang Qian
Published: March 2015

Increased levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and activated matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) produced by human aortic smooth muscle cells (human ASMCs) have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). Additionally, angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R)-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 activation contributes to TAA development in Marfan Syndrome. However, there is scant data regarding the relationship between Ang II and MMP-2 expression in human ASMCs. Therefore, we investigated the effect of Ang II on MMP-2 expression in human ASMCs and used Western blotting to identify the Ang II receptors and intracellular signaling pathways involved. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence data demonstrated that Ang II receptors were expressed on human ASMCs. Additionally, Ang II increased the expression of Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R) but not AT1R at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Furthermore, Western blotting showed that Ang II increased MMP-2 expression in human ASMCs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This response was completely inhibited by the AT1R inhibitor candesartan but not by the AT2R blocker PD123319. In addition, Ang II–induced upregulation of MMP-2 was mediated by the activation of ERK1/2, whereas p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) had no effect on this process. In conclusion, these results indicate that Ang II can increase the expression of MMP-2 via AT1 receptor and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in human ASMCs and suggest that antagonists of AT1R and ERK1/2 may be useful for treating TAAs.
Allogeneic HY antibodies detected 3 months after female-to-male HCT predict chronic GVHD and nonrelapse mortality in humans
Authors: Nakasone Hideki , Tian Lu , Sahaf Bita , Kawase Takakazu , Schoenrock Kelsi , Perloff Spenser , Ryan Christine E. , Paul Jed , Popli Rakesh , Wu Fang , Otani Joanne M. , Coller John , Warren Edus H. , Miklos David B.
Published: March 2015

Key Points

Detection of multiple HY-Abs at 3 months post-F→M HCT predicts cGVHD incidence, severity, and nonrelapse mortality. Patients with a high HY score may be good candidates for cGVHD prevention trials, especially those targeting allogeneic B cells.
Gene expression profiling reveals potential prognostic biomarkers associated with the progression of heart failure
Authors: Maciejak Agata , Kiliszek Marek , Michalak Marcin , Tulacz Dorota , Opolski Grzegorz , Matlak Krzysztof , Dobrzycki Slawomir , Segiet Agnieszka , Gora Monika , Burzynska Beata
Published: March 2015

Background

Heart failure (HF) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Here, we identify biologically relevant transcripts that are significantly altered in the early phase of myocardial infarction and are associated with the development of post-myocardial infarction HF.

Methods

We collected peripheral blood samples from patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI): n = 111 and n = 41 patients from the study and validation groups, respectively. Control groups comprised patients with a stable coronary artery disease and without a history of myocardial infarction. Based on plasma NT-proBNP level and left ventricular ejection fraction parameters the STEMI patients were divided into HF and non-HF groups. Microarrays were used to analyze mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from the study group at four time points and control group. Microarray results were validated by RT-qPCR using whole blood RNA from the validation group.

Results

Samples from the first three time points (admission, discharge, and 1 month after AMI) were compared with the samples from the same patients collected 6 months after AMI (stable phase) and with the control group. The greatest differences in transcriptional profiles were observed on admission and they gradually stabilized during the follow-up. We have also identified a set of genes the expression of which on the first day of STEMI differed significantly between patients who developed HF after 6 months of observation and those who did not. RNASE1, FMN1, and JDP2 were selected for further analysis and their early up-regulation was confirmed in HF patients from both the study and validation groups. Significant correlations were found between expression levels of these biomarkers and clinical parameters. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated a good prognostic value of the genes chosen.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates an altered gene expression profile in PBMCs during acute myocardial infarction and through the follow-up. The identified gene expression changes at the early phase of STEMI that differentiated the patients who developed HF from those who did not could serve as a convenient tool contributing to the prognosis of heart failure.