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Introduction: Differential diagnosis of myopericarditis (MPC) versus acute coronary syndromes (ACS) can be difficult in the emergency room (ER). Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) is a transmembrane receptor with diverse biological functions. LRP-1 is increased after viral infections as a defense mechanism. sLRP-1 (soluble form) can be measured in the serum. We study the diagnostic sLRP-1 levels in patients with MPC, ACS and healthy controls.Methods: The study included consecutive patients who were admitted between the dates of 1.1.2018 and 1.1.2019 with the diagnosis of MPC or ACS. All patients reported to the ER with chest pain (CP) and elevated cardiac troponin levels. Control group (n = 61) was selected from healthy subjects. In addition to routine laboratory work up, serum sLRP-1 concentrations were measured on admission.Results: sLRP-1 levels were significantly higher in MPC, compared to controls (p = 0.005) and ACS (p = 0.001). Median (IQR) sLRP-1 levels in MPC, controls and ACS were 7.39 (22.42), 2.27 (1.74), 2.41 (0.98) μg/ml, respectively (p = 0.004). Among the covariates: sLRP-1, age, gender, HDL-C and LDL-C; only sLRP-1 differentiated a diagnosis of MPC versus ACS (OR = 1684, p = 0,046, CI for OR (1008-2812). The area under the curve (AUC) was measured as 0.79 [CI 0.62-0.95] in ROC analysis, p = 0.001; sLRP-1 had 69% sensitivity and 85% specificity for diagnosis of MPC with a cut-off value of 4.3 μg/ml.Conclusion: sLRP-1 is a potential biomarker in the differential diagnosis of MPC versus ACS in ER. Future studies are needed to evaluate and develop the utility of sLRP-1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in MPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban transformation process is consists of several changes in space and time. These changes include, social, economic, physical, political, ecologic and some other factors which constitute the city as a complex system. As the spatial organisation of the cities is a kind of reflection of that factors, this research focused on understanding the transformation rules of the built environment as a complex system which is constituted by simple and complex sub systems. The main question of this research is what are the transformation rules which lead the continuity or discontinuity of built environment and how the changes in built environment can be formulated to contribute the urban planning and urban design processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bereavement is a universal experience, and its association with excess morbidity and mortality is well established. Nevertheless, grief becomes a serious health concern for a relative few. For such individuals, intense grief persists, is distressing and disabling, and may meet criteria as a distinct mental disorder. At present, grief is not recognized as a mental disorder in the DSM-IV or ICD-10. The goal of this study was to determine the psychometric validity of criteria for prolonged grief disorder (PGD) to enhance the detection and potential treatment of bereaved individuals at heightened risk of persistent distress and dysfunction. Methods and Findings: A total of 291 bereaved respondents were interviewed three times, grouped as 0–6, 6–12, and 12–24 mo post-loss. Item response theory (IRT) analyses derived the most informative, unbiased PGD symptoms. Combinatoric analyses identified the most sensitive and specific PGD algorithm that was then tested to evaluate its psychometric validity. Criteria require reactions to a significant loss that involve the experience of yearning (e.g., physical or emotional suffering as a result of the desired, but unfulfilled, reunion with the deceased) and at least five of the following nine symptoms experienced at least daily or to a disabling degree: feeling emotionally numb, stunned, or that life is meaningless; experiencing mistrust; bitterness over the loss; difficulty accepting the loss; identity confusion; avoidance of the reality of the loss; or difficulty moving on with life. Symptoms must be present at sufficiently high levels at least six mo from the death and be associated with functional impairment. Conclusions: The criteria set for PGD appear able to identify bereaved persons at heightened risk for enduring distress and dysfunction. The results support the psychometric validity of the criteria for PGD that we propose for inclusion in DSM-V and ICD-11., Version of Record

Smartwatches are one of the most disruptive innovations of the past decade. However, these hi-tech gadgets fail to attract interest in the same way as smartphones, or tablet PCs. Despite optimistic market growth forecasts, smartwatches have not taken the place of traditional wristwatches until today, and the number of people who use traditional wristwatches outnumbered those who use smartwatches. This study is thus motivated to examine the factors that affect traditional wristwatch users' intentions to switch to smartwatches. Based on the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, a research model was developed involving perceived product lifetime, financial switching costs, and procedural switching costs. The proposed model was then empirically evaluated using survey data collected from 234 actual traditional wristwatch users about their perception of switching intentions to smartwatches. The findings revealed that relative advantage and financial switching costs significantly influence traditional wristwatch users' behavioral intentions to switch to smartwatches. Furthermore, financial switching costs mediated the effects of relative advantage and perceived product lifetime on the switching intention. Surprisingly, perceived product lifetime, complexity, and procedural switching costs do not have direct impacts on switching intention. • Relative advantage increases traditional wristwatch users' intention to switch to the smartwatch. • Complexity does not significantly influence the intention to switch to the smartwatch. • Financial switching costs are barriers to switch to smartwatch. • Perceived product lifetime is positively associated with financial switching costs. Mehmet Cem BÖLEN: Dr. Mehmet Cem BÖLEN is an assistant professor at Open Education Faculty, Ataturk University, Turkey. He has conducted research on post-adoption behavior in the fields of e-learning and mobile commerce. His research work has been published or accepted in international journals and conferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine possible factors that influence continuance intention to use a smartwatch. The proposed research model is based on the expectation confirmation model adapted to include individual mobility, perceived aesthetics, and habit. The sample consisted of 348 actual users of smartwatches and structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the research model. The results indicate that perceived aesthetics, satisfaction, individual mobility, and habit are associated with individuals' continuance intention to use smartwatches. Surprisingly, perceived usefulness does not directly influence continuance intention of smartwatches. The implications for both theory and practice are provided based on the findings. • Based on IS post-adoption literature, an integrated research model was developed. • Data was collected from 348 actual smartwatch users in Turkey. • Aesthetics is relatively more important than usefulness for continuance. • Continuance intention strongly related to habit and satisfaction. • Individual mobility significantly influences continuance intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isolation and characterization of growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) has initiated a new and exciting era in our understanding of the neuroendocrine regulation of pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretion. This report briefly describes the isolation and characterization of GRF, factors which modulate the GH response to GRF and the effects of chronic administration and deprivation of GRF on somatic growth. The intent of this report is to serve as a general introduction on biochemical and physiological aspects of GRF. The following reports from this symposium will then cover many of these topics in much greater detail.