bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disturbed Laminar Blood Flow Vastly Augments Lipoprotein Retention in the Artery Wall
Authors: Steffensen Lasse Bach , Mortensen Martin Bødtker , Kjolby Mads , Hagensen Mette Kallestrup , Oxvig Claus , Bentzon Jacob Fog 
Published: July 2015

Objective—
Atherosclerosis develops initially at branch points and in areas of high vessel curvature. Moreover, experiments in hypercholesterolemic mice have shown that the introduction of disturbed flow in straight, atherosclerosis-resistant arterial segments turns them highly atherosclerosis susceptible. Several biomechanical mechanisms have been proposed, but none has been demonstrated. In the present study, we examined whether a causal link exists between disturbed laminar flow and the ability of the arterial wall to retain lipoproteins.

Approach and Results—
Lipoprotein retention was detected at natural predilection sites of the murine thoracic aorta 18 hours after infusion of fluorescently labeled low-density lipoprotein. To test for causality between blood flow and the ability of these areas to retain lipoproteins, we manipulated blood flow in the straight segment of the common carotid artery using a constrictive collar. Disturbed laminar flow did not affect low-density lipoprotein influx, but increased the ability of the artery wall to bind low-density lipoprotein. Concordantly, disturbed laminar flow led to differential expression of genes associated with phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells, increased expression of proteoglycan core proteins associated with lipoprotein retention, and of enzymes responsible for chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan synthesis and sulfation.

Conclusions—
Blood flow regulates genes associated with vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation, as well as the expression and post-translational modification of lipoprotein-binding proteoglycan core proteins, and the introduction of disturbed laminar flow vastly augments the ability of a previously resistant, straight arterial segment to retain lipoproteins.
Cilostazol, Not Aspirin, Prevents Stenosis of Bioresorbable Vascular Grafts in a Venous Model
Authors: Tara Shuhei , Kurobe Hirotsugu , de Dios Ruiz Rosado Juan , Best Cameron A. , Shoji Toshihiro , Mahler Nathan , Yi Tai , Lee Yong-Ung , Sugiura Tadahisa , Hibino Narutoshi , Partida-Sanchez Santiago , Breuer Christopher K. , Shinoka Toshiharu 
Published: July 2015

Objective—
Despite successful translation of bioresorbable vascular grafts for the repair of congenital heart disease, stenosis remains the primary cause of graft failure. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of long-term treatment with the antiplatelet drugs, aspirin and cilostazol, in preventing stenosis and evaluated the effect of these drugs on the acute phase of inflammation and tissue remodeling.

Approach and Results—

C57BL/6 mice were fed a drug-mixed diet of aspirin, cilostazol, or normal chow during the course of follow-up. Bioresorbable vascular grafts, composed of poly(glycolic acid) mesh sealed with poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone), were implanted as inferior vena cava interposition conduits and followed up for 2 weeks (n=10 per group) or 24 weeks (n=15 per group). Both aspirin and cilostazol suppressed platelet activation and attachment onto the grafts. On explant at 24 weeks, well-organized neotissue had developed, and cilostazol treatment resulted in 100% graft patency followed by the aspirin (67%) and no-treatment (60%) groups (
P
<0.05). Wall thickness and smooth muscle cell proliferation in the neotissue of the cilostazol group were decreased when compared with that of the no-treatment group at 24 weeks. In addition, cilostazol was shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect on neotissue at 2 weeks by regulating the recruitment and activation of monocytes.

Conclusions—
Cilostazol prevents stenosis of bioresorbable vascular graft in a mouse inferior vena cava implantation model up to 24 weeks and is accompanied by reduction of smooth muscle cell proliferation and acute inflammation.
Examining Barriers and Practices to Recruitment and Retention in Stroke Clinical Trials
Authors: Boden-Albala Bernadette , Carman Heather , Southwick Lauren , Parikh Nina S. , Roberts Eric , Waddy Salina , Edwards Dorothy 
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—
The National Institutes of Health policy calls for the inclusion of under-represented groups, such as women and minorities, in clinical research. Poor minority recruitment and retention in stroke clinical trials remain a significant challenge limiting safety and efficacy in a general population. Previous research examines participant barriers to clinical trial involvement, but little is known about the investigator perspective. This study addresses this gap and examines researcher-reported barriers and best practices of minority involvement in stroke clinical trials.

Methods—
Quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys, focus groups, and key informant interviews were used.

Results—
In a survey of 93 prominent stroke researchers, 43 (51.2%; 70% response rate) respondents reported proactively setting recruitment goals for minority inclusion, 29 respondents (36.3%) reported requiring cultural competency staff training, and 44 respondents (51.2%) reported using community consultation about trial design. Focus groups and key informant interviews highlighted structural and institutional challenges to recruitment of minorities, including mistrust of the research/medical enterprise, poor communication, and lack of understanding of clinical trials. Researcher-identified best practices included using standardized project management procedures and protocols (eg, realistic budgeting to support challenges in recruitment, such as travel/parking reimbursement for participants), research staff cultural competency and communication training, and developing and fostering community partnerships that guide the research process.

Conclusions—
This study’s formative evaluation contributes a new dimension to the literature as it highlights researcher-reported barriers and best practices for enhancing participation of minority populations into stroke clinical trials.
Wiersze
Authors: Kwiatkowski Grzegorz 
Published: July 2015

PoemsKwiatkowski’s poems resemble the spirit of The Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters, The Chronicles of the Town of Pornic by Czesław Miłosz, and uprising poems by Anna Świrszczyńska. The author is interested in the mask lyric and attempts to lead his poetry in to the domain of fact, while neither leaving the sphere of poetry nor entering the sphere of journalism. WierszePoezja utrzymana w duchu Umarłych ze Spoon River Edgara Lee Mastersa, Kronik miasta Pornic Czesława Miłosza i wierszy powstańczych Anny Świrszczyńskiej. Autora interesuje liryka maski i próba wy­prowadzenia poezji na teren faktu przy jednoczesnym niewychodzeniu poza sferę poezji i niewchodzeniu w sferę publicystyki.
Ostatni pozytywista
Authors: Burawoy Michael 
Published: July 2015

The Last PositivistThe polemics between Piotr Sztompka and Michael Burawoy was originally published in Contempo­rary Sociology. A Journal of Reviews no 40/4 as Debate on International Sociology. The starting point of discussion between Piotr Sztompka and Michael Burawoy was the publication entitled Facing an Unequal World: Challenges for a Global Sociology (Volume One: Introduction, Latin America and Africa, 316 pp.; Volume Two: Asia, 362 pp.; Volume Three: Europe, and Concluding Reflections, 296 pp.), edited by Michael Burawoy, Mau-kuei Chang and Michelle Fei-yu Hsieh (Taipei, Taiwan: Institute of Sociology at Academia Sinica, Council of National Associations of the International Sociological Association & Academia Sinica, 2010). Ostatni pozytywistaPrezentowana niżej polemika pt. Debata o socjologii międzynarodowej ukazała się w „Contemporary Sociology. A Journal of Reviews” 40, nr 4. Punktem wyjścia do dyskusji między Piotrem Sztompką i Michaelem Burawoyem była książka z 2010 roku Facing an Unequal World: Challenges for a Global Sociology (t. 1: Introduction, Latin America and Africa, ss. 316; t. 2: Asia, ss. 362; t. 3: Europe, and Conclu­ding Reflexions, ss. 296), pod redakcją Michaela Burawoya, Mau-kuei Changa i Michelle Fei-yu Hsieh, wydana w Tajpej przez Institute of Sociology at Academia Sinica, Council of National Associations of the International Sociological Association & Academia Sinica.
How pluralism becomes hierarchical? Debating pluralism in contemporary Poland
Authors: Pasieka Agnieszka 
Published: July 2015

How pluralism becomes hierarchical? Debating pluralism in contemporary PolandThis article discusses the multifaceted nature of religious pluralism. More specifically, it seeks to answer the question why, while advancing the claims of equality and diversity, the idea of pluralism reproduces inequalities and naturalizes hierarchies. In order to illuminate this problem, the article first presents a theoretical discussion and then refers it to the ethnographic evidence from a yearlong fieldwork in a multireligious locality in southeast Poland. It analyzes the impact of the discourse on “multiculturalism” on minorities’ plights and it exposes the processes in which religion, reconfigured as “culture” or “tradition,” is used as a discriminatory tool. By combining an exploration of a concrete ethnographic setting with an investigation of the broader implications of locally observed phenomena, it demonstrates the importance of anthropological perspective in the study of pluralism, or rather: the importance of a thorough dialogue between theory and ethnography. Dlaczego pluralizm hierarchizuje? Dyskusja na temat pluralizmu we współczesnej PolsceArtykuł podejmuje problem pluralizmu religijnego. Jego celem jest udzielenie odpowiedzi na pytanie dlaczego, mimo iż „pluralizm” promuje różnorodność i równość, równocześnie prowadzi do reprodukowania nierówności i czyni „naturalnymi” hierarchiczne relacje. W tym celu, artykuł w pierwszej kolejności przedstawia teoretyczną dyskusję, następnie zaś łączy ją z obserwacjami z rocznych badań terenowych prowadzonych w wieloreligijnej gminie w południowo-wschodniej Polsce. Poddaje analizie wpływ dyskursu na temat „wielokulturowości” na sytuację mniejszości oraz wyjaśnia, jak religia – rozumiana jako „kulturowy zasób” lub „tradycja” – staje się narzędziem dyskryminacji. łącząc analizę konkretnego przypadku z refleksją na temat szerszych implikacji badanych zjawisk, artykuł dowodzi znaczenia antropologicznej perspektywy w badaniu pluralizmu, a mówiąc precyzyjniej: znaczenia dialogu między teorią a etnografią.
What are the ideas and motivations of bureaucrats within a religiously contested society?
Authors: O’Connor Karl 
Published: July 2015

This article reports research on bureaucrat behaviour. Where discretion exists, do primary associations such as religious, gender or racial identity guide behaviour or are these associations superseded by secondary learned professional or technocratic attachments? Using the theoretical lens of representative bureaucracy and Q methodology to investigate bureaucrat role perceptions, two distinct bureaucrat typologies are identified in Belfast. The evidence demonstrates that an elite-level bureaucrat may actively represent his or her own professional interests or, alternatively, may seek out and actively represent the interests of the political elite as a collective. The findings have implications for representative bureaucracy research as it is demonstrated that an elite-level bureaucrat may actively represent something other than a primary identity. This contribution also provides a useful insight into everyday life within a bureau of a successful power-sharing system of governance. Points for practitioners Politicians and bureaucrats from Northern Ireland are perpetually being invited to ‘teach the lessons’ of their power-sharing experience. This article highlights the importance of the elite-level bureaucrat in sustaining power-sharing regimes and provides an empirical basis for those seeking to draw on the Northern Ireland experience of conflict management and post-conflict governance.
Symptom Resolution Rates of Posttraumatic versus Nontraumatic Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: Aron Margaret , Lea Jane , Nakku Doreen , Westerberg Brian D. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo determine the rate of symptom resolution in patients with posttraumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and to determine if it differs from resolution rates in patients with BPPV and without a history of head trauma.Data SourcesSystematic review of the literature was performed using Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. English and French articles meeting inclusion criteria and published between 1946 and October 2014 were included.Review MethodsData were independently extracted from the articles by 2 reviewers using data collection forms developed a priori. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were decided a priori. Studies were included if they reported on at least 1 case of posttraumatic BPPV (t‐BPPV), reported on outcomes of all patients with t‐BPPV, had a clearly defined inception point, and provided a clear diagnosis of BPPV (defined a priori by reviewers).ResultsA total of 3017 titles, 362 abstracts, and 67 articles were reviewed, from which 16 articles met inclusion criteria and underwent data extraction. There were a total of 207 patients with posttraumatic BPPV identified. Among the 207 patients, 151 (73%) had resolution of symptoms. The T‐BPPV patients may have more multi‐canal involvement and may require more repositioning maneuvers for resolution compared to patients with nontraumatic BPPV.ConclusionsAvailable evidence does not support the notion that symptom resolution rates in patients with posttraumatic BPPV are worse than those with nontraumatic BPPV. However, well‐designed studies with adequate cohorts are lacking. Additional well‐executed studies are needed to confirm this lack of difference in resolution rates.
The VVSymQ® instrument: Use of a new patient-reported outcome measure for assessment of varicose vein symptoms
Authors: Paty Jean , Turner-Bowker Diane M , Elash Celeste A , Wright David 
Published: July 2015

Introduction No existing patient-reported outcome instrument focuses solely on assessment of varicose veins symptoms that are bothersome to patients. Methods The VVSymQ® instrument is a five-item patient-reported outcome that assesses symptoms most important to patients with varicose veins (heaviness, achiness, swelling, throbbing and itching). This paper describes how the VVSymQ® instrument was incorporated into an electronic daily diary to monitor key outcomes over time and capture treatment benefit in two randomized, controlled, phase 3 clinical trials. Results Patients were highly compliant in completing the electronic daily diary, and the VVSymQ® instrument demonstrated ability to detect overall change and ability to detect change that is meaningful to patients. Conclusion The VVSymQ® instrument is a reliable, valid instrument responsive to measuring change in the patient experience of varicose vein symptoms pre- and post-intervention, and is uniquely focused on patient-reported symptoms compared with other widely used questionnaires completed by clinicians.
Recurrence of superficial vein thrombosis in patients with varicose veins
Authors: Karathanos Christos , Spanos Konstantinos , Saleptsis Vassileios , Tsezou Aspasia , Kyriakou Despina , Giannoukas Athanasios D 
Published: July 2015

Objective To investigate which factors other than history of superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) are associated with recurrent spontaneous SVT episodes in patients with varicose veins (VVs). Materials and methods Patients with a history of spontaneous SVT and VVs were followed up for a mean period of 55 months. Demographics, comorbidities, and thrombophilia screening test were analyzed. Patients were grouped according to the clinical–etiology–anatomy–pathophysiology classification. A multiple logistic regression analysis with the forward likelihood ratio method was undertaken. Results Thirteen patients out of 97 had a recurrence SVT episode during the follow-up period. All those patients were identified to have a thrombophilia defect. Protein C and S, antithrombin, and plasminogen deficiencies were more frequently present in patients without recurrence. Gene mutations were present in 38% in the nonrecurrence group and 77% in the recurrence group. After logistic regression analysis, patients with dislipidemia and mutation in prothrombin G20210A (FII) had an increased risk for recurrence by 5.4-fold and 4.6-fold, respectively. No deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occurred. Conclusions Dislipidemia and gene mutations of F II are associated with SVT recurrence in patients with VVs. A selection of patients may benefit from anticoagulation in the short term and from VVs intervention in the long term.
Effects of the orientation of anti-BMP2 monoclonal antibody immobilized on scaffold in antibody-mediated osseous regeneration
Authors: Ansari Sahar , Freire Marcelo , Choi Moon G , Tavari Azadeh , Almohaimeed Mohammad , Moshaverinia Alireza , Zadeh Homayoun H 
Published: July 2015

Recently, we have shown that anti-BMP2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can trap endogenous osteogenic BMP ligands, which can in turn mediate osteodifferentiation of progenitor cells. The effectiveness of this strategy requires the availability of the anti-BMP-2 monoclonal antibodies antigen-binding sites for anti-BMP-2 monoclonal antibodies to bind to the scaffold through a domain that will leave its antigen-binding region exposed and available for binding to an osteogenic ligand. We examined whether antibodies bound to a scaffold by passive adsorption versus through Protein G as a linker will exhibit differences in mediating bone formation. In vitro anti-BMP-2 monoclonal antibodies was immobilized on absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) with Protein G as a linker to bind the antibody through its Fc region and implanted into rat calvarial defects. The biomechanical strength of bone regenerated by absorbable collagen sponge/Protein G/anti-BMP-2 monoclonal antibodies immune complex was compared to ACS/anti-BMP-2 monoclonal antibodies or ACS/Protein G/isotype mAb control group. Results demonstrated higher binding of anti-BMP-2 monoclonal antibodies/BMPs to C2C12 cells, when the mAb was initially attached to recombinant Protein G or Protein G-coupled microbeads. After eight weeks, micro-CT and histomorphometric analyses revealed increased bone formation within defects implanted with absorbable collagen sponge/Protein G/anti-BMP-2 monoclonal antibodies compared with defects implanted with absorbable collagen sponge/anti-BMP-2 monoclonal antibodies ( p < 0.05). Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) confirmed increased BMP-2, -4, and -7 detection in sites implanted with absorbable collagen sponge/Protein G/anti-BMP-2 monoclonal antibodies in vivo. Biomechanical analysis revealed the regenerated bone in sites with Protein G/anti-BMP-2 monoclonal antibodies had higher mechanical strength in comparison to anti-BMP-2 monoclonal antibodies. The negative control group, Protein G/isotype mAb, did not promote bone regeneration and exhibited significantly lower mechanical properties ( p < 0.05). Altogether, our results demonstrated that application of Protein G as a linker to adsorb anti-BMP-2 monoclonal antibodies onto the scaffold was accompanied by increased in vitro binding of the anti-BMP-2 mAb/BMP immune complex to BMP-receptor positive cell, as well as increased volume and strength of de novo bone formation in vivo.
Usability of the Novel Liraglutide 3.0 mg Pen Injector Among Overweight or Obese Adult Patients With or Without Prior Injection Experience
Authors: Fujioka Ken , Sparre Thomas , Sun Lily Yong-Hui , Krogsgaard Susanne , Kushner Robert F. 
Published: July 2015

Background: Obesity is associated with multiple comorbidities and increased mortality, making it an important target for treatment. However, achieving and maintaining weight loss by diet and physical activity remains challenging, and may often require pharmacotherapy. Liraglutide 3.0 mg has recently been approved for weight management in the United States, Canada, and EU. The current analysis used a summative usability test to assess safety and effectiveness, ease of use, and training requirements for the novel liraglutide 3.0 mg pen injector. Methods: Of the 234 participants, half received instructions for use and video-based training and/or opportunity to handle the device. All participants (excluding pharmacists) performed 6 tasks followed by post- task interviews on task difficulty, device ease of use, and any use errors, close calls, and operational difficulties. Tasks included differentiation of correct box and pen injector, medication clarity assessment, normal, dose reversal, and end-of-content injection. Number/type of use errors, close calls, and operational difficulties were evaluated. Results: All assessed participants interpreted the instructions for use correctly. No potentially serious use errors, and low numbers of nonserious errors, were reported. Overall, participants committed 105 use errors related to handling, with no potential for harm. A total of 25 close calls and 44 operational difficulties were reported without any pattern indicative of a design flaw. Marked differences in the incidence of events were observed for trained versus untrained participants regardless of prior injection experience. Participants rated ease of use as 6.4/7. Conclusions: The liraglutide 3.0 mg pen injector is safe and easy to use for liraglutide administration. New device features allow for safe use after brief training.
Stem cell transplantation in severe congenital neutropenia: an analysis from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Fioredda Francesca , Iacobelli Simona , van Biezen Anja , Gaspar Bobby , Ancliff Phil , Donadieu Jean , Aljurf Mahmoud , Peters Christina , Calvillo Michaela , Matthes-Martin Susanne , Morreale Giuseppe , van ’t Veer-Tazelaar Nelleke , de Wreede Liesbeth , Al Seraihy Amal , Yesilipek Akif , Fischer Alain , Bierings Marc , Ozturk Gulyuz , Smith Owen , Veys Paul , Ljungman Per , Peffault de Latour Régis , Sánchez de Toledo Codina José , Or Reuven , Ganser Arnold , Afanasyev Boris , Wynn Robert , Kalwak Krzysztof , Marsh Judith , Dufour Carlo 
Published: July 2015

Key PointsThe outcome of HSCT in this large SCN cohort is acceptable. Given the TRM, a careful selection of HSCT candidates should be undertaken.