bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel α-Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Analogue Protects Against End-Organ Damage in Experimental Hypertension, Cardiac Hypertrophy, and Heart Failure
Authors: Aubdool Aisah A. , Thakore Pratish , Argunhan Fulye , Smillie Sarah-Jane , Schnelle Moritz , Srivastava Salil , Alawi Khadija M. , Wilde Elena , Mitchell Jennifer , Farrell-Dillon Keith , Richards Daniel A. , Maltese Giuseppe , Siow Richard C. , Nandi Manasi , Clark James E. , Shah Ajay M. , Sams Anette , Brain Susan D. 
Published: April 2017

Background:

Research into the therapeutic potential of α-calcitonin gene–related peptide (α-CGRP) has been limited because of its peptide nature and short half-life. Here, we evaluate whether a novel potent and long-lasting (
t
½
≥7 hours) acylated α-CGRP analogue (αAnalogue) could alleviate and reverse cardiovascular disease in 2 distinct murine models of hypertension and heart failure in vivo.

Methods:
The ability of the αAnalogue to act selectively via the CGRP pathway was shown in skin by using a CGRP receptor antagonist. The effect of the αAnalogue on angiotensin II–induced hypertension was investigated over 14 days. Blood pressure was measured by radiotelemetry. The ability of the αAnalogue to modulate heart failure was studied in an abdominal aortic constriction model of murine cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure over 5 weeks. Extensive ex vivo analysis was performed via RNA analysis, Western blot, and histology.

Results:

The angiotensin II–induced hypertension was attenuated by cotreatment with the αAnalogue (50 nmol·kg
–1
·d
–1
, SC, at a dose selected for lack of long-term hypotensive effects at baseline). The αAnalogue protected against vascular, renal, and cardiac dysfunction, characterized by reduced hypertrophy and biomarkers of fibrosis, remodeling, inflammation, and oxidative stress. In a separate study, the αAnalogue reversed angiotensin II–induced hypertension and associated vascular and cardiac damage. The αAnalogue was effective over 5 weeks in a murine model of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. It preserved heart function, assessed by echocardiography, while protecting against adverse cardiac remodeling and apoptosis. Moreover, treatment with the αAnalogue was well tolerated with neither signs of desensitization nor behavioral changes.

Conclusions:
These findings, in 2 distinct models, provide the first evidence for the therapeutic potential of a stabilized αAnalogue, by mediating (1) antihypertensive effects, (2) attenuating cardiac remodeling, and (3) increasing angiogenesis and cell survival to protect against and limit damage associated with the progression of cardiovascular diseases. This indicates the therapeutic potential of the CGRP pathway and the possibility that this injectable CGRP analogue may be effective in cardiac disease.
Hospital Performance on Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Process and Outcomes Measures
Authors: Chui Philip W. , Parzynski Craig S. , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Curtis Jeptha P. 
Published: April 2017

Background

The Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement recently proposed percutaneous coronary intervention (
PCI
)‐specific process measures. However, information about hospital performance on these measures and the association of
PCI
process and outcomes measures are not available.

Methods and Results

We linked the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) Cath
PCI
Registry with Medicare claims data to assess hospital performance on established
PCI
process measures (aspirin, thienopyridines, and statins on discharge; door‐to‐balloon time; and referral to cardiac rehabilitation), newly proposed
PCI
process measures (documentation of contrast dose, glomerular filtration rate, and
PCI
indication; appropriate indication for elective
PCI
; and use of embolic protection device), and a composite of all process measures. We calculated weighted pair‐wise correlations between each set of process metrics and performed weighted correlation analyses to assess the association between composite measure performance with corresponding 30‐day risk‐standardized mortality and readmission rates. We reported the variance in risk‐standardized 30‐day outcome rates explained by process measures. We analyzed 1 268 860
PCI
s from 1331 hospitals. For many process measures, median hospital performance exceeded 90%. We found strong correlations between medication‐specific process measures (
P
<0.01) and weak correlations between hospital performance on the newly proposed and established process measures. The composite process measure explained only 1.3% and 2.0% of the observed variation in mortality and readmission rates, respectively.

Conclusions

Hospital performance on many
PCI
‐specific process measures demonstrated little opportunity for improvement and explained only a small percentage of hospital variation in 30‐day outcomes. Efforts to measure and improve hospital quality for
PCI
patients should focus on both process and outcome measures.
Hepatic Fibrosis Is Universal Following Fontan Operation, and Severity is Associated With Time From Surgery: A Liver Biopsy and Hemodynamic Study
Authors: Goldberg David J. , Surrey Lea F. , Glatz Andrew C. , Dodds Kathryn , O'Byrne Michael L. , Lin Henry C. , Fogel Mark , Rome Jonathan J. , Rand Elizabeth B. , Russo Pierre , Rychik Jack 
Published: April 2017

Background
Congestive hepatopathy is a recognized complication of Fontan physiology. Data regarding the incidence of hepatopathy and risk factors are lacking.

Methods and Results

Liver biopsies and cardiac catherizations were performed as part of an evaluation offered to all patients ≥10 years after Fontan. Quantitative determination of hepatic fibrosis was performed using Sirius red staining with automated calculation of collagen deposition per slide (%
CD
). Biopsies from included subjects were compared to stained specimens from controls without known fibrotic liver disease. Patient characteristics, echocardiographic findings, and hemodynamic measures were evaluated as potential risk factors. The cohort consisted of 67 patients (31 female) at mean age of 17.3±4.5 years and mean time from Fontan of 14.9±4.5 years. Right ventricular morphology was present in 37 subjects. Median %
CD
by Sirius red staining was 21.6% (range 8.7% to 49.4%) compared to 2.6% (range 2.2% to 3.0%) in controls. There was a significant correlation between time from Fontan and degree of Sirius red staining (
r
=0.33,
P
<0.01). Serum liver enzymes and platelet count did not correlate with %
CD
. The median inferior vena cava pressure was 13 mm Hg (range 6‐24 mm Hg) and did not correlate with %
CD
. There was no difference in %
CD
based on ventricular morphology or severity of atrioventricular valve insufficiency.

Conclusions
In this cohort of predominantly asymptomatic children and adolescents electively evaluated after a Fontan operation, all exhibited evidence for hepatic fibrosis as measured by collagen deposition in the liver. Time from Fontan was the only factor significantly associated with collagen deposition. These findings demonstrate that liver fibrosis is an inherent feature of Fontan physiology and that the degree of fibrosis increases over time.
Characteristics of socially withdrawn youth in France: A retrospective study
Authors: Chauliac Nicolas , Couillet Audrey , Faivre Sophie , Brochard Nassima , Terra Jean-Louis 
Published: April 2017

Background: Poor social interactions have been recognized as a symptom since the beginnings of psychiatry. As far as socially withdrawn youth (SWY) are concerned, studies were mostly conducted on patients seeking care. Our psychiatric outreach team called Psymobile was able to reach SWY patients who were not seeking mental health care. Aims: To identify the clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of SWY patients referred to our Psymobile unit. Method: We carried out a retrospective study on the records of patients aged 18–34 years, who were referred to Psymobile for ‘withdrawal’, between April 2012 and December 2015. Results: In total, 66 patients were included in the study. SWY are predominantly male (80%) from large families or single-parent ones. About 42% had no prior contact with a mental health professional before being referred to Psymobile. The mean duration of withdrawal is 29 months. In all, 42% of SWY use cannabis and 73% present disorders of the sleep–wake schedule. About 71% maintain relations with their families and 73% go out occasionally. They are mostly diagnosed with schizophrenia (37%) or mood disorders (23%). Conclusion: Over one-third of Psymobile patients aged 18–34 years were referred on grounds of social withdrawal. Our data may illustrate more accurately the situation of youth social withdrawal amid the general population than data from help-seeking patients or online questionnaires.
A Network of Neighborhoods
Authors: Boivin Rémi , D’Elia Maurizio 
Published: April 2017

Objectives: Criminal target choice has been described as a multistage process: An offender first selects a suitable area from a set of alternatives and then chooses a specific target. This article studies area selection and attempts to distinguish between crime generators/visit detractors (elements that could affect anyone) and crime attractors/offense detractors (elements that affect offenders specifically). Methods: Trips that resulted in violent or property crimes between 506 census tracts in a large city ( n = 11,411) are analyzed. Multilevel negative binomial regression is used to assess the impact of measures relating to pairs of tracts and characteristics of destination tracts. Results: Various factors are significantly related to the number of crime-associated trips per pair of tracts: differences in reward (residential and visiting population size, presence of schools or bars), differences in effort (distance between tracts, major roads linking both tracts), and differences in risk (level of social disorganization). Conclusions: This article supports an “opportunistic perspective” on crime: Crime-associated trips are more likely when advantages are high and risks and efforts are low.
The Native Symbols Engaging Turkish Players to Digital Games in a Playability Perspective
Authors: Aslan Alper , Coban Murat , Karakus Yilmaz Turkan , Goktas Yuksel 
Published: April 2017

Background. The satisfaction of a player’s gaming experience has a great impact on their game preferences. The goal of this study was to investigate the opinions and experiences of Turkish players of computer games in order to examine the effects of native symbols on their game preferences. Method. The data collection tools were games developed in Turkey, websites for these games, user comments made on the video records of the games, online forums, and an open-ended questionnaire. Results. The results indicate that although native symbols from the players’ home society play a role in shaping the users’ playability perception, it cannot be argued that they change the game preferences. These results may be applied to computer games’ designs, development strategies, and advertising methods to attract all players.
Procedures of Commodification: Case Livestock Welfare
Authors: Torssonen Sami 
Published: April 2017

Background. No scholarship exists on videogames that commodify, or contribute to the emergence of objects of trade. Such games are prone to become increasingly common, however, since the popularity of commodification as a policy tool is on the rise. Purpose. A procedures of commodification approach is proposed in this article for studying how videogames commodify. Approach. The approach is based on a combination of classical economics and Ian Bogost’s established framework for studying videogame rhetoric. The resultant framework is suitable for analyzing whether, and how, a game participates in commodity circulation and production. Results. The approach is applied comparatively to two games on livestock welfare production and consumption. Conclusion. The results suggest that rhetorical analysis can be fruitfully combined with systemic social theory.
Mosaic Neurofibromatosis Type 1 in Children: A Single-Institution Experience
Authors: Lara-Corrales Irene , Moazzami Mitra , García-Romero Maria Teresa , Pope Elena , Parkin Patricia , Shugar Andrea , Kannu Peter 
Published: April 2017

Background:Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurocutaneous disorder caused by loss-of-function mutation in the NF1 gene. Segmental or mosaic NF1 (MNF) is an uncommon presentation of the NF1 result of postzygotic mutations that present with subtle localised clinical findings.Objectives:Our study’s objectives were to describe the clinical characteristics of children with MNF.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study of children diagnosed with MNF at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, from January 1992 to September 2012. Data were abstracted from health records and analysed using a standardised data collection form approved by our hospital Research Ethics Board.Results:We identified 60 patients with MNF; 32 of 60 (53.3%) were female. Mean ± SD age at first assessment was 10.6 ± 4.6 years. The most common initial physical manifestation in 39 of 60 (65.0%) patients was localised pigmentary changes only, followed by plexiform neurofibromas only in 10 of 60 (16.7%) and neurofibromas only in 9 of 60 (15.0%). Unilateral findings were seen in 46 of 60 (76.7%) patients. Most common associations identified included learning disabilities (7/60; 12%) and bony abnormalities (6/60; 10.0%).Conclusions:MNF is an underrecognised condition with potential implications for patients. Children mostly present with pigmentary anomalies only. Most patients do not develop associated findings or complications before adulthood, but long-term follow-up will help determine outcomes and possible associations. Recognition and confirmation of the diagnosis is important to provide follow-up and genetic counselling to patients.
Does dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system affect success of renal denervation in reducing blood pressure?
Authors: Fricke Lisa , Petroff David , Desch Steffen , Lurz Philipp , Reinhardt Sebastian , Sonnabend Melanie , Classen Joseph , Baum Petra 
Published: April 2017

Objectives: Renal denervation is an interventional approach aiming to reduce high blood pressure. Its efficacy is subject of controversial debate. We analyzed autonomic function in patients undergoing renal denervation to identify responders. Methods: A total of 21 patients with treatment-resistant hypertension scheduled for renal denervation were included. Heart rate variability, pupillary function and sympathetic skin response were examined prior to intervention. Before and 1 or 3 months after intervention, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure readings were taken. Results: Patients were stratified according to sympathetic nervous system function. Sympathetic activity was reduced in 12 participants (group 1) and normal or enhanced in nine patients (group 2). The mean of daytime systolic blood pressure decreased in groups 1 and 2 from 168 to 157 mmHg (95% confidence interval for difference, 1–21 mmHg, p = 0.035) and from 166 to 145 mmHg (8–34 mmHg, p = 0.005), respectively. In a linear model, blood pressure reduction was 11.3 mmHg (0.3–22 mmHg) greater in group 2 than in group 1 (p = 0.045). Conclusion: Patients with preexisting reduced activity of the sympathetic nervous system benefited less from renal denervation.
Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma: No Longer Just a Sidekick
Authors: Kamdar Manali K. , Smith Sonali M. 
Published: April 2017

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors’ suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, to patients seen in their own clinical practice. A 51-year-old healthy female with good performance status presented for gynecologic surgery for a benign condition. A preprocedure chest x-ray showed a right lower lobe infiltrate. A subsequent computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest with contrast revealed a large consolidative right lower lobe mass with surrounding inflammation ( Fig 1A ). Bronchoscopy with biopsy revealed a low-grade lymphoma with the following immunophenotype: CD45+, CD20+, BCL2+, CD10 negative, CD5 negative, cyclin D1 negative, and Ki-67 index of less than 5%. Morphology and immunohistochemistry were most consistent with pulmonary extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (ENMZL; Fig 2 ). The patient was asymptomatic and denied fevers, sweats, weight loss, shortness of breath or dyspnea on exertion, or cough. Her history was notable for exposure to parrots over several months before presentation. Complete staging with a CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis with contrast redemonstrated disease that was localized to the chest with mild compression of the pulmonary vasculature but no other evidence of lymphoma. She was referred to discuss management of stage IAE pulmonary ENMZL lymphoma.
A Retrospective Study to Evaluate the Effect of Concentration of Hypertonic Saline on Efficacy and Safety of Epidural Adhesiolysis
Authors: Choi Eun Joo , Yoo Yong Jae , Lee Pyung Bok , Kim Yong-Chul , Lee Sang Chul , Moon Jee Youn 
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND:
Percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis (PEA) is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed to relieve low back and/or lower limb pain secondary to adhesions or scarring in the epidural space that is refractory to conservative treatment. The optimal concentration of hypertonic saline might be an important factor in the safety and efficacy of PEA. We evaluated differences in the efficacy and safety of 2 concentrations of hypertonic saline (5% and 10%) used in lumbar PEA at our institutions in a retrospective study.

METHODS:
Patients who received lumbar PEA between January 2009 and June 2014 at either of 2 large civilian teaching institutions in South Korea were assigned to the 5% or 10% groups according to the osmolality of saline. The primary outcome of this study was the difference in change in the 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) scores of low back and leg pain from baseline to 6 months after PEA between patients in the 2 groups. The number of additional epidural injections, patients’ satisfaction with PEA, and any complications that occurred within 6 months after PEA were reviewed.

RESULTS:
This study included 543 patients (5% group, 333; 10% group, 210). Post-PEA NRS pain scores were significantly lower compared with those at baseline in both groups; however, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups at 6 months or any time point after PEA with regard to any of the clinical characteristics, except infusion-related pain, which exhibited borderline significance for greater scores in the 10% group compared with those in the 5% group (P = .041). Multivariable linear regression analysis with adjustments for covariates, including the number of additional epidural injections, revealed no significant association between patient group and the decrease in NRS pain scores at 6 months of follow-up. Transient adverse events related to PEA were recorded in 3 patients (10% group, 2; 5% group, 1).

CONCLUSIONS:
In PEA, 5% hypertonic saline exhibited similar positive outcomes after 6 months of follow-up as 10% hypertonic saline, with less infusion-related pain. This result suggests that infusion of 5% hypertonic saline may be considered as an alternative to 10% hypertonic saline in lumbar PEA. Further prospective randomized studies are required to better appreciate the outcome with regard to the use of different concentrations of hypertonic saline for PEA.
Prophylactic Pentazocine Reduces the Incidence of Pruritus After Cesarean Delivery Under Spinal Anesthesia With Opioids: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Hirabayashi Masato , Doi Katsushi , Imamachi Noritaka , Kishimoto Tomomune , Saito Yoji 
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND:
The incidence of pruritus after cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia with opioids is high, ranging from 50% to 100%. Pruritus is difficult to prevent; however, pentazocine has been shown to be an effective treatment. Despite this, the prophylactic effect of pentazocine on pruritus has not been defined. This randomized double-blind trial aimed to evaluate the effect of intraoperative IV pentazocine on the incidence of opioid-induced pruritus within the first 24 hours after administration of neuraxial opioids.

METHODS:
We obtained institutional review board approval and written informed consent from the 122 patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] physical status II; aged 20–40 years) scheduled for elective cesarean delivery who were included in this study. Spinal anesthesia was performed with 10 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine, 10 μg of fentanyl, and 100 μg of morphine. After delivery of the baby and placenta, the parturient women were randomized to intravenously receive 15 mg (1 mL) of pentazocine or 1 mL of saline. All women received postoperative analgesia with the epidural infusion of 0.15% levobupivacaine. The presence of pruritus within the first 24 hours after intrathecal administration of opioids was recorded, and severity of itch, numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, and adverse effects were also recorded at the time of the arrival on the ward, as well as 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after the intrathecal administration of opioids.

RESULTS:
A total of 119 women completed the study. IV pentazocine reduced the overall incidence of pruritus within the first 24 hours compared to IV saline, with an estimated relative risk of 69% (95% confidence interval [CI], 52%, 90%; P = .007). IV pentazocine also reduced the severity of pruritus. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was not significantly different. There were no significant differences in postoperative NRS scores.

CONCLUSIONS:
A single 15-mg dose of IV pentazocine after delivery can reduce both the incidence and severity of pruritus in women who have received subarachnoid opioids during cesarean delivery.
Southern Osmanthus and Northern Pear: The Garden of Xiang Ziyin as a Site of Memory in the Writings of Southern Song Literati
Authors: Ridgway Benjamin 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Taking an interdisciplinary perspective from cultural memory studies, this article examines how the garden of the northern refugee Xiang Ziyin 向子諲 (1085–1152), Aromal Arbor 薌林, became a site of memory for two generations of Southern Song literati following the collapse of the Northern Song dynasty in 1126–27. Investigating the dialogue of major figures such as Li Gang (1083–1140), Hu Hong (1105–61), Zhou Bida (1126–1204), Fan Chengda (1126–93), Lou Yue (1137–1213), and Zhu Xi (1130–1200) writing in a range of genres (shi poetry, song lyrics, personal letters, travel diaries, and the preface and postface to Xiang's collected works) on Aromal Arbor, the article concludes that the reason the space of his garden became a site of memory was due to the way it captured the tension between setting down roots and a nostalgic desire for return that defined the literati ethos of twelfth-century China during the “migration south.”
Lust as Prerequisite: Eroticism in The Story of the Stone
Authors: Wu I-Hsien 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In chapter 1 of The Story of the Stone, the internal narrator notably censures erotic fiction and draws a line between his own narrative and the filthy obscenities. Yet the novel does the exact opposite. In the Stone, eroticism is not only part of a physiological act, but it is also highlighted as a narrative act, in which a network of textual and intertextual references is made to emphasize the significance of physical desire. Focusing on this network, this article examines the importance of eroticism in the making of the novel and explores how the Stone reinterprets and positions itself in the genealogy of lust.