bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rationale and design of TransplantLines: a prospective cohort study and biobank of solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Eisenga Michele F , Gomes-Neto Antonio W , van Londen Marco , Ziengs Aaltje L , Douwes Rianne M , Stam Suzanne P , Osté Maryse C J , Knobbe Tim J , Hessels Niek R , Buunk Anne M , Annema Coby , Siebelink Marion J , Racz Emoke , Spikman Jacoba M , Bodewes Frank A J A , Pol Robert A , Berger Stefan P , Drost Gea , Porte Robert J , Leuvenink Henri G D , Damman Kevin , Verschuuren Erik A M , de Meijer Vincent E , Blokzijl Hans , Bakker Stephan J L
Published: December 2018

Introduction

In the past decades, short-term results after solid organ transplantation have markedly improved. Disappointingly, this has not been accompanied by parallel improvements in long-term outcomes after transplantation. To improve graft and recipient outcomes, identification of potentially modifiable risk factors and development of biomarkers are required. We provide the rationale and design of a large prospective cohort study of solid organ transplant recipients (TransplantLines).

Methods and analysis

TransplantLines is designed as a single-centre, prospective cohort study and biobank including all different types of solid organ transplant recipients as well as living organ donors. Data will be collected from transplant candidates before transplantation, during transplantation, at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 5 years, and subsequently every 5 years after transplantation. Data from living organ donors will be collected before donation, during donation, at 3 months, 1 year and 5 years after donation, and subsequently every 5 years. The primary outcomes are mortality and graft failure. The secondary outcomes will be cause-specific mortality, cause-specific graft failure and rejection. The tertiary outcomes will be other health problems, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and cardiovascular disease, and disturbances that relate to quality of life, that is, physical and psychological functioning, including quality of sleep, and neurological problems such as tremor and polyneuropathy.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the relevant local ethics committee. The TransplantLines cohort study is designed to deliver pioneering insights into transplantation and donation outcomes. The study design allows comprehensive data collection on perioperative care, nutrition, social and psychological functioning, and biochemical parameters. This may provide a rationale for future intervention strategies to more individualised, patient-centred transplant care and individualisation of treatment.

Trial registration number

NCT03272841.
Qualitative study of patient views on a ‘telephone-first’ approach in general practice in England: speaking to the GP by telephone before making face-to-face appointments
Authors: Ball Sarah L , Newbould Jennifer , Corbett Jennie , Exley Josephine , Pitchforth Emma , Roland Martin
Published: December 2018

Objective

To understand patients’ views on a ‘telephone-first’ approach, in which all appointment requests in general practice are followed by a telephone call from the general practitioner (GP).

Design

Qualitative interviews with patients and carers.

Setting

Twelve general practices in England.

Participants

43 patients, including 30 women, nine aged over 75 years, four parents of young children, five carers, five patients with hearing impairment and two whose first language was not English.

Results

Patients expressed varied views, often strongly held, ranging from enthusiasm for to hostility towards the ‘telephone-first’ approach. The new system suited some patients, avoiding the need to come into the surgery but was problematic for others, for example, when it was difficult for someone working in an open plan office to take a call-back. A substantial proportion of negative comments were about the operation of the scheme itself rather than the principles behind it, for example, difficulty getting through on the phone or being unable to schedule when the GP would phone back. Some practices were able to operate the scheme in a way that met their patients’ needs better than others and practices varied significantly in how they had implemented the approach.

Conclusions

The ‘telephone-first’ approach appears to work well for some patients, but others find it much less acceptable. Some of the reported problems related to how the approach had been implemented rather than the ‘telephone-first’ approach in principle and suggests there may be potential for some of the challenges experienced by patients to be overcome.
Pressure to change: a low-cost anatomically accurate cricoid pressure simulator for just-in-time training
Authors: Parson Mark , Duke Nathaniel
Published: December 2018

Cricoid pressure attempts to reduce the risk of aspiration during intubation. The technique is in routine use within the UK in line with current recommendations. Problems are often attributed to the application of an incorrect amount of force. Research has shown training to be limited in providing long-term benefit, with a skill retention period of <4 weeks. Using our previously created anatomically accurate comparatively low-cost cricoid pressure simulator, we have investigated the argument for cricoid pressure providers to perform just-in-time ‘self-calibration’ on a training device. The ‘Crikey Trainer’ device was used in four hospitals in South East England assessing 75 cricoid pressure providers. A structured interview examined: (1) cricoid pressure force before and after self-calibration; (2) associated skill knowledge; and (3) opinions on the device. 55% of participants successfully described cricoid ring location, 28% successfully described the force required. Difference between mean force and 30 Newton target improved in all groups after training (mean reduction 4.7N; p<0.0001). SD of measured force within each of the individual 30s tests reduced from an average of 3.0N (CI 2.62 to 3.36) to 2.09 (CI 1.75 to 2.42; p<0.0001). 97.3% of participants would consider using the device pre-Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI). We have developed an accurate cricoid pressure training device and improved cricoid pressure application force and variation. The data we and others have collected suggest that there is a place for regular pre-RSI self-calibration and that the majority of cricoid pressure providers would be receptive to it.
A nationwide follow-up study of occupational organic dust exposure and risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Authors: Vested Anne , Basinas Ioannis , Burdorf Alex , Elholm Grethe , Heederik Dick J J , Jacobsen Gitte H , Kolstad Henrik A , Kromhout Hans , Omland Øyvind , Sigsgaard Torben , Thulstrup Ane M , Toft Gunnar , Vestergaard Jesper M , Wouters Inge M , Schlünssen Vivi
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To study exposure-response relations between cumulative organic dust exposure and incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among subjects employed in the Danish farming and wood industry.

Methods

We studied exposure-response relations between cumulative organic dust exposure and incident COPD (1997–2013) among individuals born during 1950–1977 in Denmark ever employed in the farming or wood industry (n=1 75 409). Industry-specific employment history (1964–2007), combined with time-dependent farming and wood industry-specific exposure matrices defined cumulative exposure. We used logistic regression analysis with discrete survival function adjusting for age, sex and calendar year. Adjustment for smoking status was explored in a subgroup of 4023 with smoking information available.

Results

Cumulative organic dust exposure was inversely associated with COPD (adjusted rate ratios (RRadj (95% CIs) of 0.90 (0.82 to 0.99), 0.76 (0.69 to 0.84) and 0.52 (0.47 to 0.58) for intermediate-low, intermediate-high and high exposure quartiles, respectively, compared with the lowest exposure quartile). Lagging exposure 10 years was not consistently suggestive of an association between cumulative exposure and COPD; RRadj (95% CI): 1.05 (0.94 to 1.16), 0.92 (0.83 to 1.02) and 0.63 (0.56 to 0.70). Additional stratification by duration of employment showed no clear association between organic dust exposure and COPD except for the longer exposed (15–40 years) where an inverse association was indicated. Subgroup analyses showed that smoking had no impact on exposure-response estimates.

Conclusions

Our findings show no increased risk of COPD with increasing occupational exposure to organic dust in the farming or wood industry. Potential residual confounding by smoking can, however, not be ruled out.
Detection of Treponemapedis associated with digital dermatitis in Mediterranean buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Guccione Jacopo , Della Valle Giovanni , Carcasole Christian , Kuhnert Peter , Alsaaod Maher
Published: December 2018

Clinical outcomes compatible with digital dermatitis (DD) were observed in a second lactation, milking Mediterranean buffalo (MB). The animal was sharing the free stall with other 99 milking MBs separated by a fence from a pen harbouring 40 milking crossbreed dairy cows. The macroscopic lesion observed on the right rear limb was categorised as M4.1 stage and associated with a severe lameness (locomotion score 5). In the same farm, DD was also observed in 14/40 cows. Nested PCR analysis of genomic DNA isolated from the centre lesion’s biopsy showed the presence of Treponema pedis. Sequence analysis of 494 bp of the PCR fragment revealed 100 per cent sequence identity to the T pedis‐type strain, confirming the PCR result’s specificity and for the first time the presence of the bacterium in MB. In order to establish the spread of the DD, a farm inspection was performed to identify risk factors and preventive strategies.
Assessment of Postvaccine Immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae in Patients with Asplenia, including an Analysis of Its Impact on Bacterial Flora of the Upper Respiratory Tract and Incidence of Infections
Authors: Olender Alina , Małkińska Katarzyna , Roliński Jacek , Grywalska Ewelina , Pels Elżbieta , Tabarkiewicz Jacek
Published: December 2018

S. pneumoniae is a microorganism that may cause a serious threat in postsplenectomy patients due to a potentially invasive course of infection. In order to assess a protective activity after vaccination with the 23-valent vaccine, we made an analysis of the level of antibodies in patients with asplenia compared to a control group of healthy donors. Additionally, colonization by potentially pathogenic microorganisms of the upper respiratory tract was analyzed to determine the carrier state by strains with vaccine serotype. No such strains were found in the research, yet three non-vaccine-serotype strains were found. Colonization of the upper respiratory tract by potentially pathogenic microorganisms may be connected with increased susceptibility observed and incidence of infections in patients with asplenia. However, colonization by S. pneumoniae may not have an effect on the level of specific antibodies with the 23-valent vaccine against S. pneumoniae (PPV23) in postsplenectomy patients and healthy people. The response to vaccination against S. pneumoniae showed a lower level of specific antibodies in patients with splenectomy performed more than 2 years before the test than in patients with a recently removed spleen, i.e., from 1 month to 2 years before the test. Vaccination against pneumococci also has positive effects on incidence of other etiology infections, which is of high significance in the prophylaxis of infectious diseases in this group of patients.
Fixed-Location Pulse Linear Prediction Coding Vocoder Model for Low Bit Rate Speech Coding
Authors: Ma Zhen
Published: December 2018

An arbitrary-location pulse determination algorithm based on multipulse linear prediction coding (MP-LPC) is presented. This algorithm can determine all the amplitudes of the pulses at a time according to given pulse locations without the use of analysis-by-synthesis. This ensures that the pulses are optimal in a least-square sense, providing the theoretical foundation to improve the quality of synthesized speech. A fixed-location pulse linear prediction coding (FLP-LPC) method is proposed based on the arbitrary-location pulse determination algorithm. Simulation of the algorithm in MATLAB showed the superior quality of the speech synthesized using pulses in different locations and processed using the arbitrary-location pulse determination algorithm. The algorithm improved speech quality without affecting coding time, which was approximately 1.5% of the coding time for MP-LPC. Pulse locations in FLP-LPC are fixed and do not need to be transmitted, with only LSF, gain, and 16 pulse amplitudes requiring coding and transmission. FLP-LPC allows the generation of synthesized speech similar to G.729 coded speech at a rate of 2.5 kbps.
Nasopharyngeal Pleomorphic Adenoma: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Celik Serdal , Kilic Osman , Zenginkinet Tulay , Kalcioglu M. Tayyar
Published: December 2018

Salivary gland tumors are rare among all head and neck tumors. Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most commonly seen subtype, and 85% of the cases are located in the parotid gland. PA may very rarely be seen in minor salivary glands. Minor salivary gland PAs are mostly located in the hard and soft palates. Nasopharyngeal PA is very rare, and a total of 8 cases have been published to date. In this case report, a 51-year-old female patient who had nasopharyngeal PA with chondroid metaplasia is presented, and we review the relevant literature.
Simplified Surface Treatments for Ceramic Cementation: Use of Universal Adhesive and Self-Etching Ceramic Primer
Authors: Guimarães Heloísa A. B. , Cardoso Paula C. , Decurcio Rafael A. , Monteiro Lúcio J. E. , de Almeida Letícia N. , Martins Wellington F. , Magalhães Ana Paula R.
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of resin cement and lithium disilicate ceramic after various surface treatments of the ceramic. Sixty blocks of ceramic (IPS e.max Press, Ivoclar Vivadent) were obtained. After cleaning, they were placed in polyvinyl chloride tubes with acrylic resin. The blocks were divided into six groups (n=10) depending on surface treatment: H/S/A - 10% Hydrofluoric Acid + Silane + Adhesive, H/S -10% Hydrofluoric Acid + Silane, H/S/UA - 10% Hydrofluoric Acid + Silane + Universal Adhesive, H/UA- 10% Hydrofluoric Acid + Universal Adhesive, MBEP/A - Monobond Etch & Prime + Adhesive, and MBEP - Monobond Etch & Prime. The light-cured resin cement (Variolink Esthetic LC, Ivoclar Vivadent) was inserted in a mold placed over the treated area of the ceramics and photocured with an LED for 20 s to produce cylinders (3 mm x 3 mm). The samples were subjected to a shear bond strength test in a universal test machine (Instron 5965) by 0.5 mm/min. ANOVA and Tukey tests showed a statistically significant difference between groups (p<0.05). The results of the shear strength test were H/S/A (9.61±2.50)A, H/S (10.22±3.28)A, H/S/UA (7.39±2.02)ABC, H/UA (4.28±1.32)C, MBEP/A (9.01±1.97)AB, and MBEP (6.18±2.75)BC. The H/S group showed cohesive failures, and the H/UA group was the only one that presented adhesive failures. The conventional treatment with hydrofluoric acid and silane showed the best bond strength. The use of a new ceramic primer associated with adhesive bonding obtained similar results to conventional surface treatment, being a satisfactory alternative to replace the use of hydrofluoric acid.
Initial Alignment Error On-Line Identification Based on Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Guo Weilin , Xian Yong , Li Bing , Ren Leliang
Published: December 2018

To solve the problem of high accuracy initial alignment of strap-down inertial navigation system (SINS) for ballistic missile, an on-line identification method of initial alignment error based on adaptive particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed. Firstly, a complete navigation model of SINS is established to provide the accurate model basis for subsequent numerical optimization calculation. Then setting the initial alignment error as the optimization parameter and regarding the minimum deviation between SINS and GPS output as the objective function, the error parameter optimization model is designed. At the same time, the mutation idea of genetic algorithm (GA) is introduced into the PSO; thus the adaptive PSO is adopted to identify the initial alignment error on-line. The simulation results show that it is feasible to solve the initial alignment error identification problem of SINS by intelligent optimization algorithm. Compared with the standard PSO algorithm and the GA, the adaptive PSO algorithm has the fastest convergence speed and the highest convergence precision, and the initial pitch error and the initial yaw error precision are within 10′′ and the initial azimuth error precision is within 25′′. The navigation accuracy of SINS is improved effectively. Finally, the feasibility of the adaptive PSO algorithm to identify the initial alignment error is further validated based on the test data.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Related Pancreatitis in Children: Severe and Lethal Form
Authors: El Qadiry R. , Bourrahouat A. , Aitsab I. , Sbihi M. , Mouaffak Y. , Moussair F. Z. , Younous S.
Published: December 2018

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of unknown cause, characterized by multisystemic involvement. Its occurrence in children is rare, and acute pancreatitis is exceptional in this matter. Its diagnosis is clinical, biological, and radiological. Its treatment is based on corticosteroid therapy, and its progress is generally lethal. We report two cases of acute pancreatitis in the course of SLE, highlighting its life-threatening severity despite well-conducted treatment. Case 1: 14-year-old patient, admitted to the pediatric ICU for altered state of consciousness. This child, an outpatient since 2009 for chronic arthralgia, was hospitalized five days previously in the pediatric ward for suspicion of severe SLE, before presenting abdominal pain and vomiting. Hyperlipasemia was found, and an abdominal CT scan confirmed the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The patient was put under immunosuppressive therapy composed of high-dosage of corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide cures. She died 20 days after her hospitalization by severe lupus flare with multiorgan failure. Case 2: 14-year-old child, admitted to the Pediatric ward for prolonged fever associated with polyarthralgia (nondeforming, immovable, and additive) that had been progressing since 6 months with altered general state; his symptoms got worst 15 days before his hospitalization by having behavioral disorders and epigastralgia with vomiting. Pancreatitis was strongly suspected in the absence of improvement on symptomatic treatment and confirmed by hyperlipasemia 6 times the normal value and a swollen pancreas on the abdominal CT scan. The child was treated with Solumedrol and cyclophosphamide without improvement and then died after one month of hospitalization by a septic shock.
Joint DOA and Polarization Estimation with Two Parallel Sparse Dipole Arrays
Authors: Xie Jian , Wang Ling , Zhang Zhaolin
Published: December 2018

Electromagnetic vector sensors (EMVS) have attracted growing attention in recent years. However, the mutual coupling effects in practical EMVS arrays may seriously degrade the parameter estimation performance. In order to solve this problem, a novel array configuration consisting of two parallel sparse dipole arrays is proposed. Based on the spatially rotational invariance property between the two parallel arrays and the interdipole spacing inside each array, highly accurate but ambiguous direction-cosine estimates, coarse direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimates, and polarization parameter estimation can be obtained jointly. The coarse DOA estimates are then employed to disambiguate the phase ambiguities in the fine estimates. Compared with collocated EMVS, the proposed array overcomes the mutual coupling problem. Moreover, the DOA estimation accuracy is promoted due to the sparse array aperture extension. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
A Stress Approach Model of Moderately Thick, Homogeneous Shells
Authors: Domínguez Alvarado Axel Fernando , Díaz Díaz Alberto
Published: December 2018

This paper presents the theoretical development of a new model of shells called SAM-H (Stress Approach Model of Homogeneous shells) and adapted for linear elastic shells, from thin to moderately thick ones. The model starts from an original stress polynomial approximation which involves the generalized forces and verifies the 3D equilibrium equations and the stress boundary conditions at the faces of the shell. Hellinger-Reissner functional and Reissner’s variational method are applied to determine the generalized fields and equations. The generalized forces and displacements are the same as those obtained in a classical, moderately thick shell model (CS model). The equilibrium and constitutive equations have some differences from those of a CS model, mainly in consideration of applied stress vectors at the upper and lower faces of the shell and the stiffness matrices. Another feature of the SAM-H model is the inclusion of the Poisson’s effect of out-of-plane normal stresses on in-plane strains. As a first application example to test the accuracy of the model, the case of a pressurized hollow sphere is considered. The analytical results of stresses and displacements of the SAM-H and CS models are compared to those of an exact 3D resolution. In this example, SAM-H model proves to be much more accurate than the CS model and its approximation of the normal out-of-plane stress is very precise. Finally, an implementation of the SAM-H model equations in a finite element software is performed and a case study is analyzed to show the advantages of using the SAM-H model.
Novel Approaches to the Control of Oral Microbial Biofilms
Authors: Kuang Xinyi , Chen Vivian , Xu Xin
Published: December 2018

Effective management of biofilm-related oral infectious diseases is a global challenge. Oral biofilm presents increased resistance to antimicrobial agents and elevated virulence compared with planktonic bacteria. Antimicrobial agents, such as chlorhexidine, have proven effective in the disruption/inhibition of oral biofilm. However, the challenge of precisely and continuously eliminating the specific pathogens without disturbing the microbial ecology still exists, which is a major factor in determining the virulence of a multispecies microbial consortium and the consequent development of oral infectious diseases. Therefore, several novel approaches are being developed to inhibit biofilm virulence without necessarily inducing microbial dysbiosis of the oral cavity. Nanoparticles, such as pH-responsive enzyme-mimic nanoparticles, have been developed to specifically target the acidic niches within the oral biofilm where tooth demineralization readily occurs, in effect controlling dental caries. Quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) such as dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM), when incorporated into dental adhesives or resin composite, have also shown excellent and durable antimicrobial activity and thus could effectively inhibit the occurrence of secondary caries. In addition, custom-designed small molecules, natural products and their derivatives, as well as basic amino acids such as arginine, have demonstrated ecological effects by modulating the virulence of the oral biofilm without universally killing the commensal bacteria, indicating a promising approach to the management of oral infectious diseases such as dental caries and periodontal diseases. This article aims to introduce these novel approaches that have shown potential in the control of oral biofilm. These methods may be utilized in the near future to effectively promote the clinical management of oral infectious diseases and thus benefit oral health.
EO Sensor Planning for UAV Engineering Reconnaissance Based on NIIRS and GIQE
Authors: Bai Jingbo , Sun Yangyang , Chen Liang , Feng Yufang , Liu Jianyong
Published: December 2018

When unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) support the Corps of Engineers in reconnaissance operations, in order to gather visible image information that should meet the mission’s need, we grouped the engineering reconnaissance information interpretation tasks into 10 levels by using the National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scale (NIIRS). The quantitative relationship between the engineering targets, sensor performance, and flight altitude was established through the general image quality equation (GIQE) and the geometrical property of the ground sampled distance (GSD). Through some simulations, the influence of variable factors of the EO sensor imaging quality was analyzed, and the imaging height of the sensor for an engineering reconnaissance scenario was calculated. The results showed that this study could solve the problem of poor image quality caused by the flight altitude not meeting the mission requirements.
Access to Reproductive Health Services and Maternal Perceptions on Family Planning in an Indigenous Guatemalan Valley
Authors: Lambert Lauren Ashley , Hatcher Jeremy Brittingham , Wang Xinyu
Published: December 2018

Objective. To identify reproductive health barriers and perceptions regarding family planning among mothers in ten rural communities of Guatemala. Methods. Data were collected from 85 women in a Nutrition Recuperation Project (NRP) conducted by a freestanding nonprofit clinic in Palajunoj Valley, Guatemala. All nonpregnant women participating in the NRP were eligible for enrollment in this study, and NRP staff members aided in their enrollment. Participants were interviewed and data were entered into a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using R version 1.1.456. Results. After asking participants if they believed fertility is higher on certain days, only 5 women (5.9%) correctly identified these days as occurring in the middle of the menstrual cycle. 35 women (41.2%) practiced some form of family planning, and 27 (31.8%) reported that they do not know of a place where they could obtain a contraceptive method. Conclusion. There is a lack of education regarding family planning methods in this valley, and the levels of contraception use are below average for rural Guatemala. These findings may implicate substantial health risks for women and children in the valley, and they support the pertinence of education-based interventions in the area of reproductive health behaviors.
Ovarian Ectopic Pregnancy as IVF Complication: First Report in a Gestational Carrier
Authors: Hasegawa Lindsay , Nascu Patricia , McNaught John
Published: December 2018

Ovarian pregnancy is a rare subtype of ectopic pregnancy with an increased incidence after assisted conception. We present a 31-year-old gestational carrier who presented with suprapubic and pelvic pain at 6 weeks and 2 days' gestation. An ultrasound scan demonstrated an empty uterus and a complex mass in the left adnexa. Operative laparoscopy was performed and an ovarian pregnancy was found and treated. We believe this to be the first report of ovarian pregnancy after IVF in a gestational carrier. Appropriate counselling of surrogate mothers is of utmost importance as the risk of ectopic pregnancy is increased by using assisted reproduction technology. Although ovarian pregnancy still remains a rare event, the possibility of this condition should always be considered.
Combination of Diet Quality Score, Plasma Carotenoids, and Lipid Peroxidation to Monitor Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kim Yunsoo , Kim You Jin , Lim Yeni , Oh Bumjo , Kim Ji Yeon , Bouwman Jildau , Kwon Oran
Published: December 2018

It is important to understand the association between oxidative stress‐related parameters and to evaluate their status in advance of chronic disease development. Further development towards disease can then be prevented by dietary antioxidants. The present study was aimed at assessing the relationship between diet quality, blood antioxidants, and oxidative damage to determine whether the association between these markers differs by oxidative stress status. For a cross‐sectional analysis, we used data and samples of baseline information from a prospective cohort study. A total of 1229 eligible adults were classified into apparently healthy subjects (66.5%) and those with oxidative stress conditions (35.5%). Diet quality was assessed using the recommended food score (RFS). Plasma carotenoids (blood antioxidants) and blood/urinary malondialdehyde (MDA; oxidative damage) were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. We found that the healthy group was younger, and they had a lower RFS and plasma MDA level and higher plasma carotenoids compared to the oxidative stress condition group. This result is probably due to the quenching of the oxidative response in the tissues of those people. A positive association of RFS with plasma carotenoids (total and β‐carotene) was found in both groups, suggesting that carotenoids are a robust reflection of diet quality. Negative associations were observed between plasma MDA and RFS in the oxidative stress condition group and between urinary MDA and plasma zeaxanthin in the healthy group. Erythrocyte MDA was positively associated with plasma carotenoids (total, lutein, zeaxanthin, β‐cryptoxanthin, and α‐ and β‐carotene), regardless of health condition, probably also as a result of the use of carotenoids as antioxidants. In conclusion, these results indicate that the above three factors may be associated with the oxidative stress response and depend on the oxidative status. Furthermore, it was also suggested that erythrocytes are important in the oxidative stress response and the quenching of this response is represented in plasma carotenoids.
Regulation of Atrial Fibrosis by the Bone
Authors: Yi Yi , Du Lili , Qin Mu , Chen Xiao-Qing , Sun Xue-Nan , Li Chao , Du Lin-Juan , Liu Yuan , Liu Yan , Sun Jian-Yong , Tang Zisheng , Xu Min , Fang Bing , Liu Xu , Duan Sheng-Zhong
Published: December 2018

MR (mineralocorticoid receptor) antagonists have been demonstrated to provide beneficial effects on preventing atrial fibrosis. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We aim to determine the role of osteoblast MR in atrial fibrosis and to explore the underlying mechanism. Using osteoblast MR knockout mouse in combination with mutant TGF (transforming growth factor)-β1 transgenic mouse, we demonstrated that MR deficiency in osteoblasts significantly attenuated atrial fibrosis. Mechanistically, MR directly regulated expression of OCN (osteocalcin) in osteoblasts. Both carboxylated and undercarboxylated OCNs (ucOC) were less secreted in osteoblast MR knockout mice. Mutant TGF-β1 transgenic mice supplemented with recombinant ucOC showed aggravated atrial fibrosis. In cultured atrial fibroblasts, ucOC treatment promoted proliferation and migration of atrial fibroblasts, whereas cotreatment with an antagonist for a GPRC6A (G-protein–coupled receptor, family C, group 6, member A) abolished these effects. Western blotting analysis revealed upregulation of PKA (protein kinase A) and CREB (cAMP-response element–binding protein) phosphorylation after ucOC treatment. Inhibition of PKA with its antagonist reduced ucOC-induced proliferation and migration of atrial fibroblasts. Finally, the impact of osteoblast MR deficiency on atrial fibrosis was abolished by ucOC administration in mutant TGF-β1 transgenic mice. Taken together, MR deficiency in osteoblasts attenuated atrial fibrosis by downregulation of OCN to promote proliferation and migration of atrial fibroblasts.
Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Adults Aged ≥60 Years According to Recommendations by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and American College of Physicians/American Academy of Family Physicians
Authors: Jaeger Byron C. , Anstey D. Edmund , Bress Adam P. , Booth John N. , Butler Mark , Clark Donald , Howard George , Kalinowski Jolaade , Long D. Leann , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Plante Timothy B. , Shimbo Daichi , Sims Mario , Supiano Mark A. , Whelton Paul K. , Muntner Paul
Published: December 2018

In 2017, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) and the American College of Physicians/American Academy of Family Physicians (ACP/AAFP) published blood pressure guidelines. Adults recommended antihypertensive medication initiation or intensification by the ACP/AAFP guideline receive the same recommendation from the ACC/AHA guideline. However, many adults ≥60 years old are recommended to initiate or intensify antihypertensive medication by the ACC/AHA but not the ACP/AAFP guideline. We compared atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event rates according to antihypertensive treatment recommendations in the ACC/AHA and ACP/AAFP guidelines among adults ≥60 years old with systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mm Hg in the REGARDS study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) and the JHS (Jackson Heart Study). Among 4311 participants not taking antihypertensive medication at baseline, 11.4%, 61.2%, and 27.4% were recommended antihypertensive medication initiation by neither guideline, the ACC/AHA but not the ACP/AAFP guideline, and both guidelines, respectively. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event rates (95% CI) for these groups were 3.4 (1.6–5.2), 18.0 (16.1–19.8), and 25.3 (21.9–28.6) per 1000 person-years, respectively. Among 7281 participants taking antihypertensive medication at baseline, 57.9% and 42.1% were recommended antihypertensive medication intensification by the ACC/AHA but not the ACP/AAFP guideline and both guidelines, respectively. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event rates (95% CI) for these groups were 18.2 (16.7–19.7) and 33.0 (30.5–35.4) per 1000 person-years, respectively. In conclusion, adults recommended initiation or intensification of antihypertensive medication by the ACC/AHA but not the ACP/AAFP guideline have high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk that may be reduced through treatment initiation or intensification.
Metabolomic Profiles of Placenta in Preeclampsia
Authors: Kawasaki Kaoru , Kondoh Eiji , Chigusa Yoshitsugu , Kawamura Yosuke , Mogami Haruta , Takeda Satoru , Horie Akihito , Baba Tsukasa , Matsumura Noriomi , Mandai Masaki , Konishi Ikuo
Published: December 2018

Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. We have previously reported that magnesium sulfate therapy is effective for early-onset (EO) preeclampsia. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying this favorable effect, metabolomics analysis of magnesium sulfate–treated preeclamptic placentas was performed using capillary electrophoresis time of flight mass spectrometry. There were significant metabolic differences between EO-preeclamptic placentas (n=7) and other placentas (late-onset preeclampsia [n=3], normal pregnancies [n=10]). In EO-preeclamptic placentas, the glutathione metabolism pathway was markedly upregulated, whereas single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis using a publicly available microarray dataset (GSE75010) showed that the glutathione metabolism pathway was significantly downregulated in EO-preeclamptic placentas compared with nonpreeclamptic controls. Metabolomic profiles showed that magnesium sulfate significantly promoted glutathione production in an immortalized trophoblast cell line under oxidative stress conditions but not under normal conditions. Magnesium sulfate suppressed hydrogen peroxide–induced production of reactive oxygen species. Exploratory analysis revealed that urinary 8-isoprostane was decreased in all 5 women treated with magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia with severe features. These findings suggest that magnesium sulfate is effective for treating EO-preeclampsia partly because of its antioxidant effects on trophoblasts.
Association of Serum Calcium and Insulin Resistance With Hypertension Risk: A Prospective Population‐Based Study
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Han Tianshu , Gao Jian , Zhang Yunlong , Zhao Shengnan , Sun Rongbo , Sun Changhao , Niu Yucun , Li Ying
Published: December 2018

Background

The temporal sequence between serum calcium and insulin resistance (IR) and their effects on hypertension are unclear. We studied the association between serum calcium and IR, with risk of hypertension events in a longitudinal cohort conducted in China.

Methods and Results

Data from 8653 subjects aged 20 to 74 years with an average follow‐up of 5.3 years were analyzed. Serum calcium, and fasting and 2‐hour serum glucose and insulin were measured at baseline and follow‐up. Cross‐lagged panel and mediation analysis were used to examine the temporal relationship between serum calcium and IR and its impact on hypertension incidence. The conjoint effects of serum calcium and IR at baseline on hypertension at follow‐up were observed (
P
=0.029 for HOMA_IR [hepatic IR] and
P
=0.009 for Gutt index [peripheral IR]). The cross‐lagged path coefficient (β
2
) from baseline serum calcium to follow‐up peripheral IR were significantly greater than path coefficient (β
1
) from baseline peripheral insulin resistance to follow‐up serum calcium (β
2
=−0.354 versus β
1
=−0.005;
P
=0.027). However, no directional relationships were observed in the serum calcium↔hepatic IR analysis. The mediation effect of peripheral IR on the association of serum calcium at baseline with hypertension at follow‐up was estimated at 16.4% (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that higher serum calcium levels probably precede peripheral IR, and this 1‐directional relation plays a role in the development of hypertension.
Association Between Plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase‐Associated Lipocalin and Cardiac Disease Hospitalizations and Deaths in Older Women
Authors: Chong James J. H. , Prince Richard L. , Thompson Peter L. , Thavapalachandran Sujitha , Ooi Esther , Devine Amanda , Lim E. E. M. , Byrnes Elizabeth , Wong Germaine , Lim Wai H. , Lewis Joshua R.
Published: December 2018

Background

Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (
NGAL
) or lipocalin 2 may promote atherosclerosis and plaque instability leading to increased risk of cardiac events. We investigated the relationships between plasma
NGAL
, cardiovascular disease biomarkers, and long‐term cardiac events.

Methods and Results

The study population consisted of 1131 ambulant older white women (mean age 75 years) without clinical coronary heart disease (
CHD
) and measures of plasma
NGAL
in the Perth Longitudinal Study of Ageing Women with 14.5‐year
CHD
and heart failure hospitalizations or death (events) captured using linked records. Over 14.5 years, 256 women had
CHD
events, while 118 had heart failure events. Per SD increase in log‐transformed
NGAL
there was a 35% to 37% increase in relative hazards for
CHD
and heart failure events in unadjusted analyses, which remained significant after adjustment for conventional risk factors for
CHD
events (hazard ratio 1.29, 95%
CI
1.13–1.48,
P
<0.001) but not heart failure (
P
>0.05). Women in the highest 2 quartiles of
NGAL
had higher relative hazards for
CHD
events compared with women in the lowest quartile hazard ratio 1.61, 95%
CI
1.08–2.39,
P
=0.019 and hazard ratio 1.97, 95%
CI
1.33–3.93,
P
=0.001, respectively. These associations were independent of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin I, homocysteine, and estimated renal function.
NGAL
correctly reclassified 1 in 4 women who sustained a
CHD
event up in risk and 1 in 10 women without
CHD
events down in risk.

Conclusions

NGAL
was associated with increased risk of long‐term
CHD
events, independent of conventional risk factors and biomarkers. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the role of
NGAL
with cardiac events.
Една можна класификација на експонентите на неопределеноста во македонскиот јазик
Authors: Карапејовски [Karapejovski] Бобан [Boban]
Published: December 2018

A possible classification of indefiniteness exponents in Macedonian The concept or category of determinateness finds its grammaticalization in the category of definiteness. Beginning from the dialectical configuration of reality, which finds its linguistic expression in such features that, in componential analysis, are marked as “plus” (+) or “minus” (-), the formal indicator of definiteness will be juxtaposed with equivalents for the corresponding point/segment at the opposite end of the axis.In the established system of the Macedonian language, indefiniteness may be expressed simply by the absence of a marker; by indefinite pronouns, and, in particular, by one and someone (eden and nekoj), which in terms of definiteness/indefiniteness are counterparts of sorts to the article (the definite article as an exponent of positive marking of definiteness in Macedonian); finally, in certain cases, absence of definiteness may be related to the non-referentiality of noun syntagmas or to ontological meanings. The above-mentioned cases can be classified according to: a) their syntactic function; b) the addressor’s/addressee’s knowledge of the referent (obligatory use of one [eden]/someone [nekoj]]; c) their non-referentiality (either in reality or in the text)/denotation/genericity. Propozycja klasyfikacji wykładników nieokreśloności w języku macedońskim Pojęcie wyznaczoności gramatykalizuje się jako tzw. kategoria określoności. Poczynając od stanu rzeczy w dialektach oraz stosując analizę komponencjalną, w której poszczególnym cechom przypisujemy znaki plus (+) i minus (-),formalnym wykładnikom kategorii określoności przeciwstawiamy ekwiwalenty odpowiedniego punktu/odcinka na przeciwnej stronie osi.W systemie języka macedońskiego nieokreśloność może być wyrażona po prostu poprzez brak wykładnika; zaimkami nieokreślonymi, w szczególności еден i некој – stanowiącymi odpowiedniki rodzajnika (który w języku macedońskim jest wykładnikiem pozytywnego nacechowania ze względu na określoność w języku macedońskim); wreszcie, w pewnych wypadkach, do nieobecności określoności może się przyczynić brak referencji frazy nominalnej lub wiedza ontologiczna. Wymienione sytuacje możemy klasyfikować według: funkcji składniowej, wiedzy adresata/adresatów na temat referenta (obligatoryjne użycie еден/некој), niereferencyjności (w rzeczywistości i w tekście)/denotacji/generyczności.
Słowiańskie ‘da’ i jego bałkańska specyfika
Authors: Mielnik Maciej
Published: December 2018

The Slavic ‘da’ and its Balkan peculiarities The aim of this article is the analysis of the Slavic ‘da’, its derivates and distribution, from Proto-Slavic to modern Slavic languages, with particular emphasis on the Serbo-Croatian diasystem. The main assumption made by the author is the optativity of the South Slavic ‘da’, which constitutes a so-called syntactic Balkanism. The present study offers a concise presentation of the Slavic ‘da’, including both the dictionary data and the author’s own interpretation of the role of this grammatical particle in the South Slavic languages. Słowiańskie ‘da’ i jego bałkańska specyfika Niniejszy artykuł stanowi próbę uporządkowania wiedzy na temat słowiańskiego da, jego derywatów oraz dystrybucji językowej ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem diasystemu serbsko-chorwackiego. Analizę przeprowadzono na materiale słownikowym począwszy od języka prasłowiańskiego. Głównym założeniem pracy jest optatywność południowosłowiańskiej partykuły da, która składa się na tzw. syntaktyczny bałkanizm. W problematyce zagadnienia została zawarta interpretacja własna autora.
O tłumaczeniach greckich σκήνωμα, σκηνή i innych odzwierciedlonych w cerkiewnosłowiańskich redakcjach Księgi Psalmów
Authors: Szulc Arleta
Published: December 2018

On translations of the Greek σκήνωμα, σκηνή etc. Reflected in CS redactions of the Book of Psalms The paper discusses the Slavonic equivalents of the Greek words skēnōma, skēnē and also katoikētērion, katoikia and paroikia in selected (O)CS versions of the Psalter. A comparative semantic (contextual) and quantitative analysis of the use of the considered vocabulary is carried out. Resemblances and differences in the choice of words among the confronted texts are pointed out. Explanation of the observed differences is given. The analysis is illustrated with appropriate exemplification. O tłumaczeniach greckich σκήνωμα, σκηνή i innych odzwierciedlonych w cerkiewnosłowiańskich redakcjach Księgi PsalmówW artykule rozważa się słowiańskie odpowiedniki greckich leksemów skēnōma, skēnē, a także katoikētērion, katoikia i paroikia w wybranych (staro-)cerkiewnosłowiańskich wersjach Psałterza. Dokonuje się porównawczej analizy semantycznej (kontekstualnej) i ilościowej użyć rozważanego słownictwa. Wskazuje się na podobieństwa i różnice w jego doborze w porównywanych tekstach. Podaje się objaśnienia zaobserwowanych różnic. Analizę ilustruje się odpowiednim materiałem egzemplifikacyjnym.
Cинтактични конструкции с логически субект ‘глагол + ми се’ в българския език
Authors: Савова [Savova] Димка [Dimka]
Published: December 2018

Syntactic structures with logical subject (of the type ‘verb + ми се’) in the Bulgarian language The paper analyses the most frequent group of syntactic structures of the type ‘verb + ми се’, namely impersonal structures that express a need or desire. The author offers a formal and semantic classification and semantic analysis, and identifies the lexical and grammatical constraints regarding the verbs which can be used in these structures. The analyzed material might be of use in the search for relations between the semantic specificity of the studied structures and the linguistic consciousness of modern Bulgarians. Konstrukcje składniowe z podmiotem logicznym (typu ‘czasownik + ми се’) w języku bułgarskim W artykule przebadano grupę konstrukcji składniowych typu ‘czasownik + ми се’ odznaczającą się najwyższą frekwencją, a mianowicie: konstrukcje bezosobowe, które wskazują na jakąś potrzebę albo chęć. Autorka proponuje ich formalną i semantyczną klasyfikację i analizę semantyczną, identyfikuje leksykalne i gramatyczne ograniczenia w łączliwości czasowników, jakie występują w omawianych konstrukcjach. Analizowany materiał może być przydatny w poszukiwaniu związku między specyfiką semantyczną analizowanych struktur a świadomością językową współczesnych Bułgarów.
Някои типове съществителни имена в българския език с оглед на формалното им описание
Authors: Кунева [Kuneva] Илияна [Iliiana]
Published: December 2018

Some types of nouns in Bulgarian in view of their formal description This article presents a part of the formal description of nouns in Bulgarian made for the purposes of the Normative grammar of modern Bulgarian. It reviews the descriptive approach that has been adopted and some issues that can be solved through its implementation. In particular, cases of variation of forms within the paradigm of the nouns as well as types of nouns with “defective” paradigm are discussed. Niektóre typy rzeczowników w języku bułgarskim ze względu na ich opis formalny W artykule przedstawiono część formalnego opisu rzeczowników w języku bułgarskim. Opis został sporządzony na potrzeby Gramatyki normatywnej współczesnego języka bułgarskiego. Zaprezentowano przyjęte kryteria opisu oraz ich zastosowanie na wybranych przykładach. W szczególności omówiono przypadki wariancji form wewnątrz paradygmatu rzeczownikowego i przeanalizowano typy rzeczowników o „wadliwym” paradygmacie.