bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Effect of Cardiac Shock Wave Therapy on Myocardial Ischemia in Patients With Ischemic Heart Failure
Authors: Wang Wenxia , Liu Hua , Song Mengxian , Fang Weiyi , Yuan Fang 
Published: December 2015

Background: Cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) can improve myocardial ischemia and cardiac function in patients with coronary artery disease and refractory angina. The aim of the study was to test its potential role to relieve symptoms in patients with ischemic heart failure (HF) and to identify CSWT-affected genes. Methods: Cardiac shock wave therapy was performed on 23 patients (mean age: 67 ± 6 years) with ischemic HF 3 times per week for 3 weeks. Clinical assessment parameters were measured for all patients, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from whole blood of all patients 3 days before CSWT and 1 week after the 3-week CSWT schedule. RNA sequencing of PBMCs collected from 3 patients before and after CSWT was performed on the Illumina Genome Analyzer. Gene expression was determined by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Results: Cardiac shock wave therapy significantly attenuated myocardial ischemia and severity of angina, health-related quality of life, and myocardial blood flow as estimated by New York Heart Association class, Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification, Seattle Angina Questionnaire, and single photon emission computed tomography images, respectively. We then tried to investigate how CSWT improved myocardial ischemia by RNA sequencing on PBMCs. Gene set enrichment analysis on the sequencing data revealed that CSWT treatment was positively correlated with cytokine and cytokine receptor interaction and chemokine signaling pathway. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CSWT resulted in a significant increase in the expression of promoters of neovascularization (vascular endothelial growth factor A [VEGF-A], VEGF-B, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 [CXCL1], CXCL2, CXCL3 and TNFRSF12A) and a notable decrease in the expression of a mediator of cell apoptosis (mitogen-activated protein kinase 9). Conclusions: Cardiac shock wave therapy can improve myocardial ischemia and represents as a treatment option for patients with ischemic HF through promoting neovascularization and inhibiting cell apoptosis.
Renal Abnormalities Among Egyptian Children With Hemophilia A Using Renal Scintigraphy: Relation to Risk Factors and Disease Severity
Authors: Hamed Ahmed Alsaeed , Shalaby Mennatallah Hatem , El-Kinawy Nihal Saad , Elamawy Alaa Adel , Abd El-Ghany Shereen Mohamed 
Published: December 2015

Many risk factors may contribute to renal disease in patients with hemophilia A.Aim:We aimed to evaluate functional and structural renal abnormalities among a group of Egyptian children with severe and moderate hemophilia A using technetium-99m diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) and technetium-99 m dimercaptusuccinic acid (99mTc-DMSA) scan. We also aimed to determine the relation between these abnormalities and different risk factors and disease severity.Patients and methods:Forty male patients, 16 with severe and 24 with moderate hemophilia A, were enrolled in this study. Their mean age was 10.2 ± 4.3 years (range, 5-17 years). Full history taking, clinical examination, laboratory, and radionuclide investigations including serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine analysis, creatinine clearance, 24-hour urinary protein,99mTc-DTPA scan, and99mTc-DMSA scan were performed to all enrolled patients.Results:Serum creatinine and BUN were normal in all patients, and corrected creatinine clearance was diminished in 2 patients. However,99mTc-DTPA results yielded 19 (47.5%) patients with diminished glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Moreover, it showed that 14 (35%) had obstructive uropathy, 15 (37.5%) had obstructive nephropathy, while 11 (27.5%) patients showed normal scan. One patient had atrophy of 1 kidney on99mTc-DMSA scan. Among our cohort, 5 (12.5%) patients were hypertensive. Microscopic hematuria was detected in 14 (35%) patients while 72.5% had proteinuria. We found an association between hematuria and hypertension with diminished GFR.Conclusion:Despite normal kidney functions (serum creatinine and BUN), we found a high rate of diminished GFR and obstructive uropathy and nephropathy as detected by99mTc-DTPA scan among children with hemophilia A.
Imaging central veins in brain lesions with 3-T T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging differentiates multiple sclerosis from microangiopathic brain lesions
Authors: Mistry Niraj , Abdel-Fahim Rasha , Samaraweera Amal , Mougin Olivier , Tallantyre Emma , Tench Christopher , Jaspan Tim , Morris Peter , Morgan Paul S , Evangelou Nikos 
Published: December 2015

Background: White matter lesions are frequently detected using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed for various indications. Most are microangiopathic, but demyelination, including multiple sclerosis (MS), is an important cause; conventional MRI cannot always distinguish between these pathologies. The proportion of lesions with a central vein on 7-T T2*-weighted MRI prospectively distinguishes demyelination from microangiopathic lesions. Objective: To test whether 3-T T2*-weighted MRI can differentiate MS from microangiopathic brain lesions. Methods: A total of 40 patients were studied. Initially, a test cohort of 10 patients with MS and 10 patients with microangiopathic white matter lesions underwent 3-T T2*-weighted brain MRI. Anonymised scans were analysed blind to clinical data, and simple diagnostic rules were devised. These rules were applied to a validation cohort of 20 patients (13 with MS and 7 with microangiopathic lesions) by a blinded observer. Results: Within the test cohort, all patients with MS had central veins visible in >45% of brain lesions, while the rest had central veins visible in <45% of lesions. By applying diagnostic rules to the validation cohort, all remaining patients were correctly categorised. Conclusion: 3-T T2*-weighted brain MRI distinguishes perivenous MS lesions from microangiopathic lesions. Clinical application of this technique could supplement existing diagnostic algorithms.
The effects of robot-assisted gait training in progressive multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Straudi Sofia , Fanciullacci Chiara , Martinuzzi Carlotta , Pavarelli Claudia , Rossi Bruno , Chisari Carmelo , Basaglia Nino 
Published: December 2015

Background: Gait and mobility impairments are common in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), leading to reduced quality of life (QoL). Objective: In this randomized controlled study, we tested the effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) and compared it to conventional physiotherapy, measuring walking ability, depression, fatigue, and QoL in patients with progressive MS and severe gait disability. Methods: Fifty-two participants (Expanded Disability Status Scale score 6–7) completed the study protocol. They received two sessions/week over 6 weeks of RAGT or conventional walking therapy. Outcome measures were Six-Minute Walk Test, Ten-Meter Walk Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Berg Balance Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, and Short Form 36. They were performed pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 3 months. Results: Walking endurance ( p < 0.01) and balance ( p < 0.01) were improved among those in the RAGT group. Positive effects on depression in both treatment groups were highlighted. However, only among those in the RAGT group was perceived physical functioning QoL increased. No significant effects on fatigue were found. Conclusion: RAGT is a treatment option in progressive MS patients with severe gait impairments to induce short-lasting effects on mobility and QoL.
How I treat recurrent deep-vein thrombosis
Authors: Kyrle Paul A. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is regarded a chronic disease as it often recurs. DVT affects most frequently the lower limbs and hence DVT of the leg will be the focus of this article. Whereas algorithms were developed and validated for the diagnosis of a first DVT, no such well-defined strategies exist in the case of recurrence of DVT. Likewise, the scientific evidence regarding the treatment of recurrent DVT is sparse, in particular when it comes to deciding on the duration of anticoagulation. Two typical cases of recurrent DVT, one with an unprovoked DVT and one with DVT during anticoagulation, will be presented. Based on these two clinical scenarios, algorithms for the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent DVT will be put forward. The purpose of this article is to discuss strategies that can be applied in daily clinical practice by physicians who do not have access to means and measures available in specialized thrombosis centers.
Human adult stem cells derived from adipose tissue and bone marrow attenuate enteric neuropathy in the guinea-pig model of acute colitis
Authors: Stavely Rhian , Robinson Ainsley M. , Miller Sarah , Boyd Richard , Sakkal Samy , Nurgali Kulmira 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified as a viable treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). MSCs derived from bone marrow (BM-MSCs) have predominated in experimental models whereas the majority of clinical trials have used MSCs derived from adipose tissue (AT-MSCs), thus there is little consensus on the optimal tissue source. The therapeutic efficacies of these MSCs are yet to be compared in context of the underlying dysfunction of the enteric nervous system innervating the gastrointestinal tract concomitant with IBD. This study aims to characterise the in vitro properties of MSCs and compare their in vivo therapeutic potential for the treatment of enteric neuropathy associated with intestinal inflammation.

Methods
BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs were validated and characterised in vitro. In in vivo experiments, guinea-pigs received either 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene-sulfonate acid (TNBS) for the induction of colitis or sham treatment by enema. MSCs were administered at a dose of 1x106 cells via enema 3 hours after the induction of colitis. Colon tissues were collected 24 and 72 hours after TNBS administration to assess the level of inflammation and damage to the ENS. MSC migration to the myenteric plexus in vivo was elucidated by immunohistochemistry and in vitro using a modified Boyden chamber assay.

Results
Cells exhibited multipotency and a typical surface immunophenotype for validation as bona fide MSCs. In vitro characterisation revealed distinct differences in growth kinetics, clonogenicity and cell morphology between MSC types. In vivo, BM-MSCs were comparatively more effective than AT-MSCs in attenuating leukocyte infiltration and neuronal loss in the myenteric plexus. MSCs from both sources equally ameliorated body weight loss, gross morphological damage to the colon, changes in the neurochemical coding of neuronal subpopulations and the reduction in density of extrinsic and intrinsic nerve fibres innervating the colon. MSCs from both sources migrated to the myenteric plexus in in vivo colitis and in an in vitro assay.

Conclusions
These data from in vitro experiments suggest that AT-MSCs are ideal for cellular expansion. However, BM-MSCs were more therapeutic in the treatment of enteric neuropathy and plexitis. These characteristics should be considered when deciding on the MSC tissue source.
Activation of Medulla-Projecting Perifornical Neurons Modulates the Adrenal Sympathetic Response to Hypoglycemia: Involvement of Orexin Type 2 (OX2-R) Receptors
Authors: Korim Willian S. , Llewellyn-Smith Ida J. , Verberne Anthony J. M. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Iatrogenic hypoglycemia in response to insulin treatment is commonly experienced by patients with type 1 diabetes and can be life threatening. The body releases epinephrine in an attempt to counterregulate hypoglycemia, but the neural mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain to be elucidated. Orexin neurons in the perifornical hypothalamus (PeH) project to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and are likely to be involved in epinephrine secretion during hypoglycemia. In anesthetized rats, we report that hypoglycemia increases the sympathetic preganglionic discharge to the adrenal gland by activating PeH orexin neurons that project to the RVLM (PeH-RVLM). Electrophysiological characterization shows that the majority of identified PeH-RVLM neurons, including a subpopulation of orexin neurons, are activated in response to hypoglycemia or glucoprivation. Furthermore, the excitatory input from the PeH is mediated by orexin type 2 receptors in the RVLM. These results suggest that activation of orexin PeH-RVLM neurons and orexin type 2 receptors in the RVLM facilitates epinephrine release by increasing sympathetic drive to adrenal chromaffin cells during hypoglycemia.
Aesthetics and social interactions in MMOs: The gamification of music in Lord of the Rings Online and Star Wars: Galaxies
Authors: Sweeney Mark 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
This article argues that the dichotomization of aesthetic and social experiences is reductive. Music in popular Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) provides a provocative and relevant perspective on aesthetic experiences that are simultaneously social. A case study will consider music as both a gameplay mechanic and as a performative art in The Lord of the Rings Online (2007–), with Star Wars: Galaxies (2003–2011) as a point of comparison. This provides a more nuanced understanding of the interrelatedness of aesthetic and social experience, and touches on wider-ranging issues pertinent to the fields of ludomusicology, video game studies and performance studies, as well as musicology and aesthetic theory. In particular, the article will address the gamification of music, and the emerging possibilities of video games as both mass culture and aesthetic art.
From mixtapes to multiplayers: Sharing musical taste through video games
Authors: Austin Michael L. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
In the late twentieth century, the mixtape was a popular way in which fans shared their taste in music with others in their social network; the author of a mixtape would record a compilation of music, often an assortment of works by various artists, onto an audio cassette, and presented this playlist as a curated, thematic listening experience for the recipient of the mixtape. Since then, the mixtape has moved beyond tangible recording media to online peer-to-peer file sharing services (such as Napster) and shared, user-curated playlists on commercial music streaming services such as Spotify. In recent years, these playlists have been gamified – elements of competition, achievement and self-expression have been added to curated listening experiences in games wherein players create in-game musical playlists, share these playlists with others, challenge other players to quiz games about songs in their favourite genre, etc. Viewing social video games as transmutations of the mixtape, the article focuses on ways in which these games are emerging as vehicles of self-expression and taste sharing by examining the various degrees and methods of curatorial control afforded to players (and game creators) regarding the selection and sharing of musical content in gameplay and extending into ‘real life’.
Reviews
Authors: Hennigan Keith , Kamp Michiel 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
A Composer’s Guide to Game Music, Winifred Phillips (2014) Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 288 pp., ISBN: 9780262026642, h/bk, £20.95
Sound Play, William Cheng (2014) Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 240 pp., ISBN: 9780199969968, h/bk, £65.00 ISBN: 9780199969975, p/bk, £16.99
On interpolation and curvature via Wasserstein geodesics
Authors: Kell Martin 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn this article, a proof of the interpolation inequality along geodesics
in p-Wasserstein spaces is given. This interpolation inequality
was the main ingredient to prove the Borel–Brascamp–Lieb inequality
for general Riemannian and Finsler manifolds and led Lott–Villani
and Sturm to define an abstract Ricci curvature condition. Following
their ideas, a similar condition can be defined and for positively
curved spaces one can prove a Poincaré inequality. Using Gigli’s
recently developed calculus on metric measure spaces, even a q-Laplacian
comparison theorem holds on q-infinitesimal convex spaces.
In the appendix, the theory of Orlicz–Wasserstein spaces is developed
and necessary adjustments to prove the interpolation inequality along
geodesics in those spaces are given.
Partial Hölder continuity of minimizers of functionals satisfying a VMO condition
Authors: Goodrich Christopher S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractFor a bounded, open set${\Omega\hskip-0.569055pt\subseteq\hskip-0.569055pt\mathbb{R}^{n}}$we consider the partial regularity of vectorial minimizers${u\hskip-0.853583pt:\hskip-0.853583pt\Omega\hskip-0.853583pt\rightarrow\hskip-% 0.853583pt\mathbb{R}^{N}}$of the functional$u\mapsto\int_{\Omega}f(x,u,Du)\,dx,$where${f:\Omega\times\mathbb{R}^{N}\times\mathbb{R}^{N\times n}\rightarrow\mathbb{R}}$. The principal assumption we make is thatfis asymptotically related to a function of the form${(x,u,\xi)\mapsto a(x,u)F(\xi)}$, whereFpossessesp-Uhlenbeck structure and the partial maps${x\mapsto a(x,\cdot\,)}$and${u\mapsto a(\,\cdot\,,u)}$are, respectively, of class VMO and${\mathcal{C}^{0}}$. We demonstrate that any minimizer${u\in W^{1,p}(\Omega)}$of this functional is Hölder continuous on an open set${\Omega_{0}}$of full measure. Finally, we show by means of an example that our asymptotic relatedness condition is very general and permits a large class of functions.
Rules Lurking at the Heart of Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics
Authors: Curzer Howard J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAristotle speaks often of orthos logos which might be translated “right rule.” Nevertheless, many contemporary interpreters and translators avoid the term “rule” and similar terms. I shall show that Aristotle does indeed provide numerous rules including right rules for all of the virtues on his list in the Nicomachean Ethics. But these rules do not undermine Aristotle’s credentials as a founder of virtue ethics or of moderate particularism.
Why are clinical practice guidelines not followed?
Authors: Barth Julian H. , Misra Shivani , Aakre Kristin Moberg , Langlois Michel R. , Watine Joseph , Twomey Patrick J. , Oosterhuis Wytze P. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) are written with the aim of collating the most up to date information into a single document that will aid clinicians in providing the best practice for their patients. There is evidence to suggest that those clinicians who adhere to CPG deliver better outcomes for their patients. Why, therefore, are clinicians so poor at adhering to CPG? The main barriers include awareness, familiarity and agreement with the contents. Secondly, clinicians must feel that they have the skills and are therefore able to deliver on the CPG. Clinicians also need to be able to overcome the inertia of “normal practice” and understand the need for change. Thirdly, the goals of clinicians and patients are not always the same as each other (or the guidelines). Finally, there are a multitude of external barriers including equipment, space, educational materials, time, staff, and financial resource. In view of the considerable energy that has been placed on guidelines, there has been extensive research into their uptake. Laboratory medicine specialists are not immune from these barriers. Most CPG that include laboratory tests do not have sufficient detail for laboratories to provide any added value. However, where appropriate recommendations are made, then it appears that laboratory specialist express the same difficulties in compliance as front-line clinicians.
‘We Don’t Need No Education’. A Case Study About Pastoral Datoga Girls in Tanzania
Authors: Bihariová Emília 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
The topic of this paper reflects the reasons why formal education is not in accord with Datoga pastoral life in Tanzania and why this marginalized Nilotic tribe hesitates to send children to schools. In an attempt to grasp different reasons of avoiding education, the paper is focused especially on education of girls, which is less preferred than that of boys. The discussion reveals the impact of formal/informal education on traditional life of mobile Datoga and how norms, habits are slowly weakened. The suggestion is offered that unless the communication between pastoral Datoga and the government regarding school attendance and better conditions takes the cultural context, Datoga will remain outside the schooling process and their marginal position in the society will not change and neither their image of savage people.
Current Manifestations of the Ethnic Identity of Transylvanian Saxons
Authors: Drs Tomáš 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
The study ‘Current Manifestations of the Ethnic Identity of Transylvanian Saxons’ presents this ethnic minority in Romania. Based on the theoretical concepts of T. H. Eriksen, it deals with the issues of the ethnic identity and its contemporary manifestations in the culture of Transylvanian Saxons. Information gathered during the qualitative field research make it possible to capture changes in the manifestations of the ethnic identity and the relationship between the minority and the majority culture. As a result of modernization processes and large-scale emigration, there has been a change of the group’s mentality, with traditional behaviour patterns and models of social coexistence disintegrating. The need has arisen to revise the ethnic identity of the community. The observed aspects of the ethnic identity include ethnicity and Saxon self-concept, Saxon dialect, Saxon Evangelical Church, festivities, minority education and interethnic relations. Attention is also paid to the opinions of Saxon politicians and intellectuals of the current situation of the society and its future direction.
Mode of action of brown rot decay resistance of thermally modified wood: resistance to Fenton’s reagent
Authors: Hosseinpourpia Reza , Mai Carsten 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
The resistance of heat treated (HT) wood to brown rot fungi has been investigated, while the role of the Fenton reaction (FR) in the initial phase of degradation was in focus. Micro-veneers made of Scots pine, were HT with various intensities and their mass losses (MLHT) were determined before soaking with a solution of Fenton’s reagent containing Fe ions and hydrogen peroxide. The mass loss of the veneers treated that way (MLFT), their tensile strength loss (TSLFT) and the H2O2 decomposition were observed. The MLFT, TSLFT, and H2O2 loss decreased with increasing MLHT of the veneers. Soaking of the veneers in acetate buffer containing only Fe without H2O2 revealed that the heat treatment (HT) strongly reduces the Fe uptake by the cell walls. FTIR spectroscopy indicated oxidation of the unmodified control veneers but did not reveal predominant decay of cell wall components; the HT veneers were not changed at all due to FR. It was concluded that the reason for the enhanced resistance of HT wood to FR is attributable to hindered diffusion of Fe ions into the wood cell wall.