bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep Brain Stimulation: Are Astrocytes a Key Driver Behind the Scene?
Authors: Fenoy Albert J. , Goetz Laurent , Chabardès Stéphan , Xia Ying 
Published: January 2014

SummaryDespite its widespread use, the underlying mechanism of deep brain stimulation (DBS) remains unknown. Once thought to impart a “functional inactivation”, there is now increasing evidence showing that DBS actually can both inhibit neurons and activate axons, generating a wide range of effects. This implies that the mechanisms that underlie DBS work not only locally but also at the network level. Therefore, not only may DBS induce membrane or synaptic plastic changes in neurons over a wide network, but it may also trigger cellular and molecular changes in other cells, especially astrocytes, where, together, the glial–neuronal interactions may explain effects that are not clearly rationalized by simple activation/inhibition theories alone. Recent studies suggest that (1) high‐frequency stimulation (HFS) activates astrocytes and leads to the release of gliotransmitters that can regulate surrounding neurons at the synapse; (2) activated astrocytes modulate synaptic activity and increase axonal activation; (3) activated astrocytes can signal further astrocytes across large networks, contributing to observed network effects induced by DBS; (4) activated astrocytes can help explain the disparate effects of activation and inhibition induced by HFS at different sites; (5) astrocytes contribute to synaptic plasticity through long‐term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), possibly helping to mediate the long‐term effects of DBS; and (6) DBS may increase delta‐opioid receptor activity in astrcoytes to confer neuroprotection. Together, the plastic changes in these glial–neuronal interactions network‐wide likely underlie the range of effects seen, from the variable temporal latencies to observed effect to global activation patterns. This article reviews recent research progress in the literature on how astrocytes play a key role in DBS efficacy.
Time to adjuvant chemotherapy following colorectal cancer resection is associated with an improved survival
Authors: Day A. R. , Middleton G. , Smith R. V. P. , Jourdan I. C. , Rockall T. A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimMulticentre randomized trials have demonstrated equivalent long‐term outcomes for open and laparoscopic resection of colon cancer. Some studies have indicated a possible survival advantage in certain patients undergoing laparoscopic resection. Patients who receive adjuvant chemotherapy in < 8 weeks following surgery can have an improved survival.MethodData were collated for patients having an elective laparoscopic or open resection for non‐metastatic colorectal cancer between October 2003 and December 2010 and subsequently having adjuvant chemotherapy. Survival analysis was conducted.ResultsIn all, 209 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy following open (n = 76) or laparoscopic (n = 133) surgery. Median length of stay was 3 days with laparoscopic resection and 6 days with open resection (P < 0.0005). Median number of days to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy was 52 with laparoscopic resection and 58 with open resection (P = 0.008). The 5‐year overall survival was 89.6% in patients receiving chemotherapy in < 8 weeks after surgery, compared with 73.5% who started the treatment over 8 weeks (P = 0.016). The 5‐year overall survival for those patients with a laparoscopic resection was 82.3% compared with 80.3% with an open resection (P = 0.049).ConclusionThere is an overall survival advantage when patients receive adjuvant chemotherapy < 8 weeks after surgery. Laparoscopic resection allows earlier discharge and, subsequently, earlier initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy.
USING IDENTITY PREMIUM FOR HONESTY ENFORCEMENT AND WHITEWASHING PREVENTION
Authors: Vu Le‐Hung , Zhang Jie , Aberer Karl 
Published: January 2014

One fundamental issue with existing reputation systems, particularly those implemented in open and decentralized environments, is whitewashing attacks by opportunistic participants. If identities are cheap, it is beneficial for a rational provider to simply defect when selling services to its clients, leave the system to avoid punishment and then rejoin with a new identity. Current work usually assumes the existence of an effective identity management scheme to avoid the problem, without proposing concrete solutions to directly prevent this unwanted behavior.This article presents and analyzes an incentive mechanism to effectively motivate honesty of rationally opportunistic providers in the aforementioned scenario, by eliminating incentives of providers to change their identities. The main idea is to give each provider an identity premium, with which the provider may sell services at higher prices depending on the duration of its presence in the system. Our price‐based incentive mechanism, implemented with the use of a reputation‐based provider selection protocol and a reverse auction scheme, is shown to significantly reduce the impact of malicious and strategic ratings, while still allowing explicit competition among the providers. It is proven that if the temporary cheating gain by a provider is bounded and small and given a trust model with a reasonable low error bound in identifying malicious ratings, our approach can effectively eliminate irrationally malicious providers and enforce honest behavior of rationally opportunistic ones, even when cheap identities are available. We suggest an identity premium function that helps such honesty to be sustained given a certain cost of identities and analyze incentives of participants in accepting the proposed premium. Related implementation issues in different application scenarios are also discussed.
Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor‐producing lung cancer and acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Inokuchi Ryota , Manabe Haruki , Ohta Fumihito , Nakamura Kensuke , Nakajima Susumu , Yahagi Naoki 
Published: January 2014

AbstractGranulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐producing lung cancers are known to cause extreme leukocytosis. However, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by G‐CSF‐producing lung cancer is extremely rare. We present a case of G‐CSF‐producing lung cancer with marked leukocytosis, which rapidly led to severe ARDS after the patient developed pneumonia. The present case suggests that extreme leukocytosis may easily lead to ARDS, triggered by infection. Thus, G‐CSF‐producing lung cancer with marked leukocytosis should be carefully monitored before surgery and during treatment.
Survey of restless legs syndrome in a pulmonary hypertension population
Authors: Ussavarungsi Kamonpun , Kaplan Joseph , Burger Charles , Arunthari Vichaya 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIntroductionThe prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) varies from 5% to 24% in the general population and is associated with a variety of medical disorders. However, the association between RLS and pulmonary hypertension (PH) is unknown.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of RLS in PH patients.MethodsA cross‐sectional questionnaire was given to patients with PH who attended the Pulmonary Hypertension Association conference. We used the RLS Diagnostic Index questionnaire. Demographic data included age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), medication list, PH World Health Organization (WHO) diagnosis group and current WHO functional class.ResultsThe study included 128 PH patients. Most were females (86.8%) with a mean age of 49.68 years [standard deviation (SD) 14.24]. The mean BMI was 31.3 (SD 20.46). One hundred and twenty‐one patients (93.75%) were classified as WHO group 1 (pulmonary arterial hypertension). Three patients were identified in WHO group 3 (hypoxemic states), four patients in group 4 (chronic thromboemboli) and one patient in group 5 (2.3%, 3.1% and 0.8%, respectively). Definite RLS was found in 16 of 128 patients with PH resulting in a prevalence of 12.5%, possible RLS in 39 of 128 patients (30.46%) and no RLS in 73 (57.03%) patients.ConclusionThe prevalence of RLS is not increased in PH. There is a high prevalence of possible RLS in our study. The overall prevalence of combined definite and possible RLS is significant. Future research is needed to assess more patients with PH and the association or correlation with RLS.
The Paradoxes and Pitfalls of Revived Fiscal Activism
Authors: Makin Anthony J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper critiques the revival of fiscal activism by the G20 in response to the global financial crisis of 2008–9. It first re‐examines the international macroeconomic conditions leading up to that crisis, before highlighting the paradoxes and pitfalls of revived fiscal activism for advanced economies. It argues that the harmful legacy of budget deficits and escalated public debt levels spawned further financial crises, most notably in southern Europe, and generally damaged household and business confidence to the detriment of private consumption and investment spending, which has delayed economic recovery. To undertake the repair necessary to the fiscal accounts of most advanced economies, the paper proposes that government spending programmes need to be thoroughly reviewed against the key principles of public finance.
Australia's Carbon Tax: An Economic Evaluation
Authors: Robson Alex 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAustralia's carbon tax has been in place since July 2012. Following the 2013 federal election and change of government, it is likely that the tax will be abolished. This paper evaluates Australia's carbon tax experience and draws lessons for policymakers in other jurisdictions who may be considering following the Australian example and implementing their own carbon taxes or cap and trade schemes. Overall, the policy was poorly thought through, badly implemented, and lacked majority public support before it began. Australia's carbon tax experience is an interesting case study in how not to go about implementing climate change policy.
Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography‐Based Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion: Correlation with 2D Echocardiography
Authors: Singh Jaspreet , Borgstrom Mark , Abidov Aiden 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundRight heart evaluation on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is underutilized due to nonopacification of the right heart chambers and poor endocardial resolution. We analyzed feasibility and reproducibility of right heart functional analysis by measuring CCTA‐based tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (CT‐TAPSE) on ECG‐gated CCTA and correlated the results with 2D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)‐derived TAPSE (Echo‐TAPSE).MethodsCT‐TAPSE was measured on a total population of 41 patients who had CCTA and TTE performed within 6 months of each other. Two independent CCTA readers performed analysis on reformatted four‐chamber view. Intra‐ and inter‐observer variability analysis was performed on 16 randomly selected patients. Correlative (Spearman's R) and Bland–Altman analysis was used to assess the level of agreement between the 2 methods and to compare CT‐TAPSE with Echo‐TAPSE.ResultsCT‐TAPSE measured by Readers 1 and 2 on 16 randomly selected patients, demonstrated excellent intra‐observer and inter‐observer agreement, with very close correlation (R > 0.80 and 2‐tailed P‐value of <0.001). When tested in the entire study population of 41 patients, CT‐TAPSE correlated closely with Echo‐TAPSE (R = 0.738, P < 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis indicated that the 2 methods provided similar measures as majority of values lay within the 95% confidence limits. Based on abnormal Echo‐TAPSE cutoff value of <16 mm, CT‐TAPSE identified impaired right ventricle (RV) function with sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 93%, respectively.ConclusionWe demonstrated feasibility and reproducibility of assessing TAPSE on coronary CTA. RV functional analysis utilizing CT‐TAPSE is simple and reproducible methodology, and is in close agreement with Echo‐TAPSE.
Evaluation of Stroke Volume and Ventricular Mass in a Fetal Heart Model: A Novel Four‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Analysis
Authors: Zhu Meihua , Streiff Cole , Panosian Jill , Roundhill David , Lapin Michael , Tutschek Boris , Ashraf Muhammad , Sahn David J. 
Published: January 2014

AimsThis study aimed to assess the feasibility and accuracy of nongated four‐dimensional echocardiography (4DE) for determining left ventricular (LV) stroke volume (SV) and mass in a fetal heart‐sized LV model.MethodsA balloon was inserted into the LV of 20 fresh rabbit hearts and attached to a calibrated pulsatile pump. Ten hearts retaining the right ventricle were imaged in Group A. Ten hearts without the right ventricles (RVs) attached were imaged in Group B. Nongated 4D volumes were obtained using a Philips iU‐22 system with an X6‐1 matrix probe at SVs ranging from 1 to 5 mL at increments of 1 mL. At each SV, the volume displacement of the heart was measured at end‐systole and end‐diastole. Mass was determined by displacement at the conclusion of the experiment.ResultsThe images were analyzed offline by manually tracing endocardial and epicardial boundaries of stacked contours. An excellent correlation in SV and mass between echo‐derived values and displacement values was demonstrated and accompanied by high coefficients of determination (R2) in both groups (SV: Group A: R2 = 0.9461, Group B: R2 = 0.9811; Mass: Group A: R2 = 0.9223, Group B: R2 = 0.9602; all P < 0.001). Bland–Altman analyses showed a slight overestimation in both groups for both SV and LV mass.ConclusionsNongated 4DE was demonstrated to be feasible and that it could accurately define SV and ventricular mass for a fetal heart‐sized LV model.
Baseline adjustment and change revisited: effect of smoking on change in periodontal status following periodontal therapy
Authors: Preus Hans R. , Sandvik Leiv , Gjermo Per , Baelum Vibeke 
Published: January 2014

Smokers have frequently been reported to have more severe periodontitis, to respond less favorably to periodontal therapy, and to show elevated rate of recurrence compared with non‐smokers. The aims of this study was to compare the results of baseline‐adjusted and ‐unadjusted analyses when assessing the effect of smoking on change in periodontal status following therapy and to discuss the methodological issues involved. This is a secondary analysis of data from 180 periodontitis patients enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical intervention trial. Information on smoking habits was elicited from the participants before, and 12 months after, therapy. The clinical parameters analyzed were probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level, using both simple analysis of change (SAC) and analysis of covariance (ancova), adjusting for age, gender, and treatment group. The current smokers presented with more severe periodontitis at baseline than did former and never smokers. Results of the SAC indicated that the current smokers benefitted more from treatment than did former or never smokers, whereas the results of the baseline‐adjusted ancova indicated no such differences. Both sets of results are likely to be biased with respect to valid conclusions regarding the ‘causal’ effect of smoking. Possible sources of bias are discussed.
Persistence in the desert: ephemeral waterways and small‐scale gene flow in the desert spring amphipod, Wangiannachiltonia guzikae
Authors: Robertson Hannah L. , Guzik Michelle T. , Murphy Nicholas P. 
Published: January 2014

Summary

The springs of the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) in central Australia support a unique, but threatened ecosystem adapted to permanent fresh water in a desert landscape.

Taxa within these springs are short‐range endemics, with very limited distributions, making them highly susceptible to extinction. Knowledge of fine‐scale dispersal mechanisms will help to develop conservation management plans that maintain gene flow and, by extension, the genetic diversity of these populations.

This study focused on determining dispersal capabilities of the endemic GAB spring amphipod, Wangiannachiltonia guzikae, in an area <4 km2. Using 11 microsatellite loci, 288 individuals were genotyped from 14 springs.

Despite the very small area, low levels of gene flow and significant population differences were found among individual spring populations. Microgeographical genetic structure is clearly evident, and fine‐scale dispersal is significantly correlated with temporary waterways between springs.

This pattern of genetic divergence supports the stream hierarchy model of population structure and suggests that connectivity between springs is critical for gene flow, although the precise mechanism of dispersal is still open for interpretation.
An improved approach for remotely sensing water stress impacts on forest C uptake
Authors: Sims Daniel A. , Brzostek Edward R. , Rahman Abdullah F. , Dragoni Danilo , Phillips Richard P. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractGiven that forests represent the primary terrestrial sink for atmospheric CO2, projections of future carbon (C) storage hinge on forest responses to climate variation. Models of gross primary production (GPP) responses to water stress are commonly based on remotely sensed changes in canopy ‘greenness’ (e.g., normalized difference vegetation index; NDVI). However, many forests have low spectral sensitivity to water stress (SSWS) – defined here as drought‐induced decline in GPP without a change in greenness. Current satellite‐derived estimates of GPP use a vapor pressure deficit (VPD) scalar to account for the low SWSS of forests, but fail to capture their responses to water stress. Our objectives were to characterize differences in SSWS among forested and nonforested ecosystems, and to develop an improved framework for predicting the impacts of water stress on GPP in forests with low SSWS. First, we paired two independent drought indices with NDVI data for the conterminous US from 2000 to 2011, and examined the relationship between water stress and NDVI. We found that forests had lower SSWS than nonforests regardless of drought index or duration. We then compared satellite‐derived estimates of GPP with eddy‐covariance observations of GPP in two deciduous broadleaf forests with low SSWS: the Missouri Ozark (MO) and Morgan Monroe State Forest (MMSF) AmeriFlux sites. Model estimates of GPP that used VPD scalars were poorly correlated with observations of GPP at MO (r2 = 0.09) and MMSF (r2 = 0.38). When we included the NDVI responses to water stress of adjacent ecosystems with high SSWS into a model based solely on temperature and greenness, we substantially improved predictions of GPP at MO (r2 = 0.83) and for a severe drought year at the MMSF (r2 = 0.82). Collectively, our results suggest that large‐scale estimates of GPP that capture variation in SSWS among ecosystems could improve predictions of C uptake by forests under drought.
Local and systemic tissue response submitted to injection of 2 and 30% polymethylmethacrylate in rats′ tongue
Authors: Vargas Karlon F. , Borghetti Ruchielli L. , Moure Sabrina P. , Cherubini Karen , de Figueiredo Maria Antonia Z. 
Published: January 2014

IntroductionAdverse effects on the oral mucosa after the use of dermal fillers have been reported due to their increased use for facial aesthetics.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate, clinically and histologically, the local and systemic effects of two concentrations of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) dermal filler in rats.Material and methodsFifty‐four female rats were allocated into three treatment groups (2% PMMA, 30% PMMA and 0.9% NaCl), according to the substance injected in the tongue, and three experimental periods: 7, 60 and 90 days. The rats were clinically evaluated and then euthanised, and their tongue and right kidney removed. The histological sections were stained with haematoxylin/eosin and picrosirius.ResultsClinically, significant differences were found between test groups as to the occurrence of nodules (Kruskal–Wallis; p < 0.001). Histologically, there was greater inflammatory response in the PMMA compared with control (Kruskal–Wallis; p < 0.001). 30% PMMA had greater collagen formation (anova mixed models; p < 0.01). No migration of the material towards kidney was found.ConclusionPolymethylmethacrylate induced intense reaction in the initial period of observation (7 days), followed by gradual decrease during the study, favouring the presence of fibroplasia adjacent to the material.
Parkinson Activity Scale: Cross‐cultural adaptation and reliability of the Brazilian version
Authors: Santos Mariana P , Ovando Angélica C , Silva Bruna A , Fontana Samanta RCB , do Espírito Santo Caroline C , Ilha Jocemar , Swarowsky Alessandra 
Published: January 2014

AimFollowing the substantial growth of the elderly population in Brazil, there has been an increase in cases of Parkinson's disease (PD), which raises the need for reliable and culturally adapted scales specific to the disease. The Parkinson Activity Scale (PAS) was developed in order to assess the activity level of people with PD through tasks related to mobility. The aims of the present study were to translate the cross‐cultural adaptation of the PAS into Brazillian Portuguese and analyze its reliability during the “on” phase of PD.MethodsA total of 25 patients with PD participated in the study. The intrarater reliability was evaluated using a test–retest design with a 1‐week interval.ResultsThe interrater reliability was tested twice on the same day by two different raters. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the Bland and Altman plots were calculated to examine the test–retest and interrater reliabilities for total score of the PAS, whereas the weighted Kappa (Wk) was used to assess interrater agreement. The interrater ICC was 0.89 and Wk was 0.65 for the total score. For intrarater reliability, the total score ICC was 0.88.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that the Brazilian version of the PAS is a reliable instrument for the assessment of mobility in elderly patients with PD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 89–95.
Coping in adult patients with severe haemophilia
Authors: Binnema M. , Schrijvers L. H. , Bos R. , Schuurmans M. J. , Fischer K. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryAn adequate use of coping strategies could help patients to deal with disease‐related stress. The study aim was to explore coping behaviour in adult patients with severe haemophilia and its possible determinants. Coping was assessed through three basic dimensions (task‐oriented, emotion‐oriented and avoidance coping), using the short version of the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS‐21). Patients' scores were compared with Dutch working men (N = 374), according to three categories: low use (<P25 of normal), average use (P25–P75) and high use (>P75). Determinants were measured using questionnaires on activities (Haemophilia Activities List), participation (Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire), physical functioning [physical component of the Dutch Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales‐2 (D‐AIMS2)] and socio‐psychological health (psychological component of the D‐AIMS2). In total, 86 adults with severe haemophilia (FVIII/IX<1%) were included. The median age was 38 years (range: 18–68) with 85% affected with haemophilia A and 75% using prophylaxis. Patients with haemophilia used task‐oriented coping as frequently as the control group (P = 0.13); but used significantly less emotion‐oriented coping (57% vs. 25%, P < 0.05) and avoidance coping (P < 0.05). Emotion‐oriented coping showed a strong correlation with socio‐psychological health (r = 0.67) and weak correlations with participation (r = 0.32) and social interaction (r = 0.29). Other associations of coping strategies with patient characteristics of health status could not be demonstrated. Overall, patients predominantly used the task‐oriented approach to deal with their disease; the use of this strategy was comparable to the control group. Having a poor psychological health, less social interaction and/or less participation in daily life was associated with an increased use of emotion‐oriented coping.