bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intermittent Hydrostatic Pressure Enhances Growth Factor‐Induced Chondroinduction of Human Adipose‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Safshekan Farzaneh , Tafazzoli‐Shadpour Mohammad , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Haghighipour Nooshin , Mahdian Reza , Hemmati Alireza 
Published: August 2012

AbstractHydrostatic pressure (HP) plays an essential role in regulating function of chondrocytes and chondrogenic differentiation. The objective of this study was to examine effects of intermittent HP on chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) in the presence or absence of chemical chondrogenic medium. Cells were isolated from abdominal fat tissue and confirmed for expression of ASC surface proteins and differentiation potential. Passage 3 pellets were treated with chemical (growth factor), mechanical (HP of 5 MPa and 0.5 Hz with duration of 4 h/day for 7 consecutive days), and combined chemical–mechanical stimuli. Using real‐time polymerase chain reaction, the expression of Sox9, collagen II, and aggrecan as three major chondrogenic markers were quantified among three experimental groups and compared to those of stem cells and human cartilage tissue. In comparison to the chemical and mechanical groups, the chemical–mechanical group showed the highest expression for all three chondrogenic genes close to that of cartilage tissue. Results show the beneficial role of intermittent HP on chondrogenic differentiation of hASCs, and that this loading regime in combination with chondrogenic medium can be used in cartilage tissue engineering.
Intracardiac Ultrasound for Esophageal Anatomic Assessment and Localization During Left Atrial Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: BUNCH T. JARED , MAY HEIDI T. , CRANDALL BRIAN G. , WEISS J. PETER , BAIR TAMI L. , OSBORN JEFFREY S. , ANDERSON JEFFREY L. , MUHLESTEIN JOSEPH B. , LAPPE DONALD L. , JOHNSON DAVID L. , DAY JOHN D. 
Published: August 2012

Intracardiac Ultrasound During Left Atrial Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation. Background: Esophageal injury during left atrial ablation is associated with a significant risk of mortality and morbidity. There are no validated approaches to reduce injury outside of avoidance, a strategy critically dependent on a precise understanding of the esophageal anatomy and location. Intracardiac ultrasound (ICE) can provide a real‐time assessment of the esophagus during ablation. We hypothesized that ICE can accurately define esophageal anatomy and location to enhance avoidance strategies during ablation.
Methods:
Fifty patients underwent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The left atrium and pulmonary vein anatomies were rendered by traditional electroanatomic mapping (CARTO). A Navistar catheter within the esophagus was used to create a traditional electroanatomic esophageal anatomy. ICE imaging was used to create a second geometry of the esophagus. The traditional and ICE anatomies of the esophagus were compared and the greatest border dimensions used to avoid injury.
Results:
The average age was 66 ± 10 years, 45% had persistent/longstanding persistent AF, and 18% had a prior AF ablation. The esophagus location was leftward in 17 (34%), midline in 22 (44%), and rightward in 11 (22%). Traditional esophagus and ICE imaging correlated within 1 cm in the greatest distance in 26 (52%) patients. Traditional imaging underestimated the esophageal location by >1–1.5 cm in 9 (18%) and >1.5 cm in 15 (30%). In those with poor correlation (>1.5 cm), the most common cause was the presence of a hiatal hernia. Ablation energy delivery was performed outside the greatest esophagus anatomy borders. Of those with 12‐month follow‐up, 75% were AF/atrial flutter free without antiarrhythmic drugs. No esophageal injuries were observed. One patient experienced a TIA greater than 6 months postablation.
Conclusion:
These data demonstrate that traditional means of mapping the esophagus using a catheter within the esophagus are insufficient and often grossly underestimate the actual anatomy. Imaging techniques that define the complete esophageal lumen should be considered to truly minimize esophageal injury risk. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 33‐39, January 2013)
Believing Selves: Negotiating Social and Psychological Experiences of Belief
Authors: Carlisle Steven , Simon Gregory M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe authors in this issue provide ethnographic explorations of believing and beliefs—that is, subjective commitments to truths as being true—situated within a range of religious traditions and social contexts. Anthropology has struggled with belief—its meanings, its uses, and even its validity outside of the Christian contexts from which it entered the field. This discomfort grows in large part from the fact that belief can refer both to internal psychological phenomena and to social claims to truth. Ultimately, this uncertainty is not a problem of terminology; rather, it reflects fundamental problems in the anthropology of subjectivity and selfhood. The authors in this issue make headway in theorizing the connections between individual subjectivities and social contexts by investigating the kinds of believing selves that subjects fashion as they work through the problems of belief, meeting the challenges of linking themselves to particular truths.
Outcomes of gestational diabetes in Sweden depending on country of birth
Authors: FADL HELENA E. , ÖSTLUND INGRID K. M. , HANSON ULF S. B. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjective. To analyze maternal and neonatal outcomes for women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Sweden, depending on country of birth (Nordic vs. non‐Nordic women). Design. Population‐based cohort study using the Swedish Medical Birth register. Setting. Data on pregnant women in Sweden with diagnosed GDM. Population. All singleton births to women with GDM between 1998 and 2007 (n = 8560). Methods. Logistic regression in an adjusted model to assess the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Chi‐squared tests or Student's unpaired t‐tests were used to analyze differences between maternal and fetal characteristics. Main outcome measures. Maternal and neonatal complications. Results. GDM incidence was higher at 2.0% among non‐Nordic women, compared with 0.7% in the Nordic group. The non‐Nordic women were older, had less chronic hypertensive disease, smoked less, and had lower BMI and shorter height. Preeclampsia was significantly lower in the non‐Nordic group. The mean birthweight (3561 vs. 3698 g, p < 0.001) and the large‐for‐gestational age rate (11.7 vs. 17.5%, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the non‐Nordic group. Large‐for‐gestational age was dependent on maternal height [crude odds ratio 0.6 (0.5–0.7) and adjusted odds ratio 0.8 (0.6–0.9)]. Conclusions. Non‐Nordic women with GDM in Sweden have better obstetrical and neonatal outcomes than Nordic women. These results do not support the idea of inequality of health care. Large‐for‐gestational age as a diagnosis is highly dependent on maternal height, which raises the question of the need for individualized growth curves.
Chemotherapy during pregnancy: effect of anthracyclines on fetal and maternal cardiac function
Authors: GZIRI MINA MHALLEM , DEBIÈVE FRÉDÉRIC , DE CATTE LUC , MERTENS LUC , BARREA CATHERINE , VAN CALSTEREN KRISTEL , HAN SILENY N. , HEYNS LIESBETH , AMANT FRÉDÉRIC 
Published: August 2012

AbstractChemotherapy and especially anthracyclines are associated to cardiotoxicity. To assess this potential risk during pregnancy a clinical case–control trial was conducted. Maternal cardiac function, fetal Doppler and fetal cardiac function were evaluated before and after chemotherapy. Maternal cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography before and after the third cycle of anthracyclines and compared with a control group of 10 non‐pregnant women matched for age, type of cancer and anthracycline treatment. Ten fetuses exposed to chemotherapy were compared with 10 control fetuses matched for gestational age and gender. Biometry, amniotic fluid index, fetal Doppler and cardiac function were assessed before and after each cycle of chemotherapy. In all, 108 fetal ultrasounds scans were performed before and after 36 cycles of chemotherapy. Anthracycline exposure did not result in acute maternal and fetal cardiac dysfunction in this small cohort study.
The heritability of delusional‐like experiences
Authors: Varghese D. , Wray N. R. , Scott J. G. , Williams G. M. , Najman J. M. , McGrath J. J. 
Published: August 2012

Objective:  Delusional‐like experiences (DLE) are common in the general community and are associated with a family history of mental illness. The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability of DLE.Method:  The Peter’s Delusional Inventory (PDI) was administered to a population‐based cohort of mothers (n = 2861, aged 35–67 years) and their adult offspring (n = 3079, aged 18–23 years). Heritability of DLE was estimated from the sum scores of the 21 item PDI under the assumption that the covariance between mother–offspring scores is attributable to shared additive genetic factors.Results:  The means (medians and standard deviations) for the total PDI scores for the mothers and their offspring were 3.6 (3.0, 3.0) and 5.0 (4.0, 3.5), respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient between mother and offspring PDI scores was 0.17 (P < 0.001). The heritability was estimated to be 0.35 (standard error 0.04).Conclusion:  Heritable factors contribute to over a third of the variance of PDI scores in this population. In light of the association between a family history of a wide range of mental disorders and DLE, these experiences may represent a useful quantitative endophenotype for genetic studies of common mental disorders in population settings.
Associations between health insurance and generalized periodontal disease in a study population of Gullah African Americans with type‐2 diabetes
Authors: Marlow Nicole M. , Slate Elizabeth H. , Fernandes Jyotika K. , Leite Renata S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo explore the relationship between health insurance status (Medicare, Medicaid, private, and uninsured) and generalized periodontal disease (GPD) among a study population (N = 245) of adult Gullah African Americans with type‐2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) ages <65 years.MethodsWe used multivariable logistic regression to assess GPD [using three different and increasingly severe clinical assessments: ≥3, ≥4, and ≥5 mm clinical attachment level (CAL) at ≥30% of sites] according to health insurance status.ResultsPrevalence of GPD was 33.06% for ≥3, 18.78% for ≥4, and 9.80% for ≥5 mm CAL. Age ranged 26–64 years (mean = 52.11, SD = 8.53, median = 53). Private insurance was most prevalent (39.59%), followed by uninsured (30.61%), Medicaid (16.33%), and Medicare (13.47%). Results showed increased odds (versus private insurance) for GPD at ≥3 mm among Medicaid (OR = 1.82, P = 0.2404), Medicare (OR = 3.34, P = 0.0103), and uninsured (OR = 1.96, P = 0.0956) groups; GPD at ≥4 mm among Medicaid (OR = 1.97, P = 0.3303), Medicare (OR = 5.02, P = 0.0121), and uninsured (OR = 3.38, P = 0.0319) groups; and GPD at ≥5 mm among Medicaid (OR = 1.21, P = 0.8507), Medicare (OR = 12.62, P = 0.0038), and uninsured (OR = 4.00, P = 0.0763) groups.ConclusionsWe observed substantial disparities for GPD severity among those without private health insurance even after adjusting for glycemic control, income, dental health behaviors, and other covariates. Improved insurance benefits as well as individualized oral health educational interventions may decrease GPD severity for this study population of younger (ages <65 years) Gullah African Americans with T2DM, particularly those with Medicare insurance.
Immune‐mediated interface dermatitis in a rhesus macaque
Authors: Makaron L. , Smith K. , Bailey C. , Kaliyaperumal S. , Miller A. , Kramer J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmune dermatitis, specifically interface dermatitis, is rarely reported in nonhuman primates.Results and ConclusionsThis report describes a case of idiopathic immune‐mediated dermatitis clinically manifesting as palmoplantar hyperkeratosis in a rhesus macaque, successfully controlled with the use of long‐term oral corticosteroid therapy.
Sodium chloride and potassium sorbate: a synergistic combination against Enterococcus faecalis biofilms: an in vitro study
Authors: van der Waal Suzette V. , Jiang Lei‐Meng , de Soet Johannes J. , van der Sluis Lucas W.M. , Wesselink Paul R. , Crielaard Wim 
Published: August 2012

Incomplete disinfection of the root canal system is a major cause of post‐treatment disease. This study aimed to investigate the disinfecting property of organic acid salts and sodium chloride (NaCl), in a double‐hurdle strategy, on Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. First of all, the high‐throughput resazurin metabolism assay (RMA) was used to test a range of organic acid salts. Then, to gain more insight into the efficacy of sorbate salt solutions, 48‐h E. faecalis biofilms were evaluated in colony‐forming unit (CFU) assays. Chlorhexidine (CHX) and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] were tested in parallel as controls. Sorbate salt produced the largest and most significant reduction of fluorescence intensity in the RMA assay. Neither NaCl nor potassium sorbate (KS) alone induced a clinically relevant reduction of CFU counts after 1 h. Surprisingly, the combination of the two in a single solution had a synergistic effect on the inactivation of E. faecalis. Potassium sorbate amplified the efficacy of NaCl. Of the salts tested, NaCl with KS eradicated E. faecalis biofilms within 1 h. This study showed that the double‐hurdle strategy indeed leads to synergistic efficacy and is a possible next step in the complete disinfection of endodontic infections.
Ecological resistance to Acer negundo invasion in a European riparian forest: relative importance of environmental and biotic drivers
Authors: Saccone Patrick , Girel Jacky , Pages Jean‐Philippe , Brun Jean‐Jacques , Michalet Richard 
Published: August 2012

AbstractQuestionThe relative importance of environmental vs. biotic resistance of recipient ecological communities remains poorly understood in invasion ecology. Acer negundo, a North American tree, has widely invaded riparian forests throughout Europe at the ecotone between early‐ (Salix spp. and Populus spp.) and late‐successional (Fraxinus spp.) species. However, it is not present in the upper part of the Rhône River, where native Alnus incana occurs at an intermediate position along the successional riparian gradient. Is this absence of the invasive tree due to environmental or biotic resistance of the recipient communities, and in particular due to the presence of Alnus?LocationUpper Rhône River, France.MethodsWe undertook a transplant experiment in an Alnus‐dominated community along the Upper Rhône River, where we compared Acer negundo survival and growth, with and without biotic interactions (tree and herb layer effects), to those of four native tree species from differing successional positions in the Upper Rhône communities (P. alba, S. alba, F. excelsior and Alnus incana).ResultsWithout biotic interactions Acer negundo performed similarly to native species, suggesting that the Upper Rhône floodplain is not protected from Acer invasion by a simple abiotic barrier. In contrast, this species performed less well than F. excelsior and Alnus incana in environments with intact tree and/or herb layers. Alnus showed the best growth rate in these conditions, indicating biotic resistance of the native plant community.ConclusionsWe did not find evidence for an abiotic barrier to Acer negundo invasion of the Upper Rhône River floodplain communities, but our results suggest a biotic resistance. In particular, we demonstrated that (i) additive competitive effects of the tree and herb layer led to Acer negundo suppression and (ii) Alnus incana grew more rapidly than Acer negundo in this intermediate successional niche.
What are older adults seeking? Factors encouraging or discouraging retirement village living
Authors: Crisp Dimity A , Windsor Tim D , Butterworth Peter , Anstey Kaarin J 
Published: August 2012

Aims(1) To identify factors that older adults find encouraging or discouraging about the prospect of relocation to a retirement village; and (2) to identify features or facilities often associated with retirement communities that are most appealing to prospective residents.MethodRandomly selected community residents (n = 517), aged 55–94 years, from the Australian Capital Territory completed postal surveys to identify the characteristics associated with retirement villages that influence relocation decisions.ResultsThe provision of outdoor living areas, support in maintaining independence, assisted living facilities and accessibility to medical facilities were identified as factors that would encourage relocation. Luxury services (e.g. heated swimming pools) were indicated as least likely to encourage relocation. Negative perceptions most influential in discouraging relocation reflected a fear of losing independence and privacy.ConclusionsThrough identifying the expectations of prospective residents, retirement village providers may better tailor facilities to the needs of their target demographic.
Endoprosthetic reconstruction for giant cell tumors of the distal tibia: A short term review
Authors: Ajit Singh Vivek , Nasirudin Norzatulsyima , Bernatt Michael 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCustom‐made endoprosthetic reconstruction for distal tibia tumors is a viable option of treatment in carefully selected patients. It maintains satisfactory function and provides good pain relief. We report four cases of giant cell tumors of the distal tibia successfully treated by endoprosthetic reconstruction. This is a feasible option in cases of this nature and offers a better function than the other available options.
Utilization of Intravenous Thrombolysis is Increasing in the United States
Authors: Nasr Deena M. , Brinjikji Waleed , Cloft Harry J. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. 
Published: August 2012

Background Evaluating recombinant tissue plasminogen activator utilization rates is important, as many studies have demonstrated that administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator to qualified patients significantly improves prognosis. Aims We investigated recent trends in the utilization and outcomes of administration of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in the United States using the National Inpatient Sample between 2001 and 2008. Methods We identified patients with a primary diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke who underwent treatment with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and studied utilization rates and clinical outcomes: discharge to long-term facility (morbidity), in-hospital death (mortality), and intracranial hemorrhage. Information on demographics, hospital characteristics, and comorbidities was collected. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of morbidity, mortality, and intracranial hemorrhage. Results Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator utilization increased from 1·3% in 2001 to 3·5% in 2008. On multivariate analysis, variables associated with increased morbidity after intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator administration included advanced age ( P < 0·001), female gender ( P < 0·001), and comorbidities of atrial fibrillation ( P < 0·001) and hypertension ( P < 0·001). Increased mortality was associated with increased age ( P < 0·001) and comorbidities of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes ( P < 0·001 for all comorbidities). Conclusions Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator utilization rates increased between 2001 and 2008. Advanced age and atrial fibrillation were significantly associated with increased morbidity and mortality among patients treated with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator.
Russia and the Balance of Power in Northeast Asia
Authors: Lukin Artyom 
Published: August 2012

The article attempts to examine the emerging balance‐of‐power system in Northeast Asia (NEA) that is replacing the USA's hegemony. A multipolar balance of power is beginning to take shape in the region. Within this new regional order, China and the USA are the strongest players. There are also other poles, which, albeit less influential than the USA and China, are still significant enough. Russia is the most important among them, as it is a fully independent actor with considerable strategic capabilities.Although NEA is still very much ripe for rivalry, there exist powerful forces and trends that raise the prospects for a stable and relatively peaceful regional system. These pacifying factors are nuclear weapons, demographics, and multilateral institutions. A multipolar balance of power, which has sufficient flexibility, can be another contributor to stability in NEA. By pursuing smart balance‐of‐power diplomacy, Russia would be able to secure its national interests in the region as well as promote peace and security.Moscow will have to make its strategic moves in the context of rising geopolitical competition between China and the USA One possible future option for Russia would be to end its present de‐facto alignment with China and establish entente with the USA. Rather than hard balancing against Beijing, the Russian–US alignment is likely to represent some form of coordinated hedging vis‐à‐vis China. So far this is just a scenario that might or might not materialize. Yet its very possibility could affect the calculations and behavior of NEA's players.
ANGLING FOR A STRANGLEHOLD ON THE DEATH PENALTY
Authors: CUSTER OLIVIA 
Published: August 2012

abstractResponding to Elizabeth Rottenberg's invitation to consider good signs, I first raise a question about “good” and “too good” signs by referring to a letter of Louis Althusser's that describes the risk that “too good” signs will be misread. I then turn to the distinction Rottenberg makes between deconstructive signs and Immanuel Kant's historical signs. Borrowing an image from Jacques Derrida's The Animal That Therefore I Am (2008), I suggest that we think of the task of abolition of the death penalty as requiring a particular kind of strangulation of Kantian discourse, a strangulation that would reach the center of its nervous system and disarm its powers without putting it to death. Finally, I turn to a recent initiative by a Belgian nongovernmental organization (Groupe d'action dans l'interet des animaux or Global Action in the Interest of Animals [GAIA]) in their campaign to abolish the practice of castrating piglets without anesthetic, reading it as an example of a strategy that mobilizes the discourse of rights while at the same time undermining the sovereign power that sustains it. This provides an image of the sort of stranglehold with a certain lightness of touch that, I argue, Derrida's work on the death penalty prescribes as the task for unconditional abolition.
PROTOCOL: DEATH PENALTY ADDICTION
Authors: KAMUF PEGGY 
Published: August 2012

abstract“What if the death penalty were a drug?” This question opens the essay and is pursued through two very different kinds of texts. On the one hand, Derrida's 1999–2000 Death Penalty Seminar is brought to bear for its analysis of what is called there the “anesthesial logic” of capital punishment. This logic, Derrida argues, has determined both pro– and anti–death penalty discourses since at least the mid‐eighteenth century. On the other hand, the essay gathers evidence of events that led, in 2010, to the unavailability in the United States of sodium thiopental—the anesthetic component of the three‐drug protocol of the lethal injection—which forced many death penalty states to halt executions. Current events thus confirm the philosopher's analysis that anesthesia is indeed the lynchpin of the apparatus of state‐sanctioned executions. But the analysis of this anesthesial logic also leads one to pose the further question of who is being anesthetized by this protocol and its discursive devices: the sentenced or the sentencers?