bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Potential of Alkaline Phosphatase as a Treatment for Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Peters Esther , Masereeuw Rosalinde , Pickkers Peter
Published: September 2014

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with a high attributable mortality and an increased risk of developing chronic kidney failure in survivors. As a successful therapy is, as yet, unavailable, a pharmacological treatment option is clearly warranted. Recently, two small phase II clinical trials demonstrated beneficial renal effects of bovine-derived alkaline phosphatase administration in critically ill patients with sepsis-associated AKI. The rationale behind the renal protective effects remains to be fully elucidated, but is likely to be related to dephosphorylation and thereby detoxification of detrimental molecules involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis-associated AKI. A potent candidate target molecule might be endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) from the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria, which is associated with the development of sepsis and becomes nontoxic after being dephosphorylated by alkaline phosphatase. Another target of alkaline phosphatase could be adenosine triphosphate, a proinflammatory mediator released during cellular stress, which can be converted by alkaline phosphatase into the tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory molecule adenosine. Human recombinant alkaline phosphatase, a recently developed replacement for bovine-derived alkaline phosphatase, has shown promising results in the preclinical phase. As its safety and tolerability were recently confirmed in a phase I clinical trial, the renal protective effect of human recombinant alkaline phosphatase in sepsis-associated AKI shall be investigated in a multicenter phase II clinical trial starting at the end of this year.
Renal Cortical Pyruvate as a Potentially Critical Mediator of Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Johnson Ali C.M. , Zager Richard A.
Published: September 2014

Pyruvate is a key intermediary in both aerobic and anaerobic energy metabolisms. In addition, a burgeoning body of experimental literature indicates that it can also dramatically impact oxidant, proinflammatory, and cytoprotective pathways. In sum, these actions can confer protection against diverse forms of tissue damage. However, the fate of pyruvate during the evolution of acute kidney injury (AKI) has remained ill defined. Recent experimental studies have indicated that following either ischemic or nephrotoxic renal injury, marked and sustained pyruvate depletion results. While multiple potential mechanisms for this pyruvate loss may be involved, experimental data suggest that a loss of lactate (a dominant pyruvate precursor) and enhanced gluconeogenesis (i.e. pyruvate utilization) are involved. The importance of pyruvate depletion for AKI pathogenesis is underscored by observations that pyruvate therapy can attenuate diverse forms of experimental AKI. This protection may stem from reductions in tissue inflammation, improved anti-inflammatory defenses, and an enhanced cellular energy metabolism. The pieces of information that give rise to these conclusions are discussed in this brief report.
Resting-State Functional MRI in Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery
Authors: Vadivelu Sudhakar , Wolf Varina L. , Bollo Robert J. , Wilfong Angus , Curry Daniel J.
Published: September 2014

Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) identifies resting-state networks (RSN) in the human brain by analyzing the connectivity of anatomically remote neuronal populations with synchronous low-frequency fluctuation in blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal. Network analysis has informed the understanding of functional brain organization and is beginning to reveal the impact that neurological disorders such as epilepsy may have on the developing cerebral cortex. Among children undergoing epilepsy surgery, mapping the brain networks supporting language, sensorimotor and visual function is a critical part of the preoperative evaluation. However, task-based functional mapping techniques are particularly difficult in immature patients and those with severe impairment. Functional mapping of RSN is a promising tool that may help circumvent the challenges of adequate cooperation and limited abilities of developmentally disabled children to perform age-appropriate functions. We discuss the current methodology of rs-fMRI in the pediatric population, review the literature of rs-fMRI in pediatric epilepsy and present our experience of using rs-fMRI for functional network mapping in children undergoing epilepsy surgery.
Autophagy in Acute Kidney Injury and Repair
Authors: He Liyu , Livingston Man J. , Dong Zheng
Published: September 2014

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major kidney disease associated with a poor clinical outcome both in the short and long term. Autophagy is a cellular stress response that plays important roles in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Autophagy is induced in proximal tubules during AKI. A renoprotective role of autophagy in AKI has been demonstrated by pharmacological and genetic inhibition studies. The role of autophagy in kidney recovery and repair from AKI, however, remains largely unknown. A dynamic change in autophagy during the recovery phase of AKI seems to be important for tubular proliferation and repair. In renal fibrosis, autophagy may either promote this via the induction of tubular atrophy and decomposition, or prevent it via effects on the intracellular degradation of excessive collagen. Further research is expected to improve the understanding of the regulation of autophagy in kidney injury and repair, elucidate the pathological roles of autophagy in renal fibrosis, and discover therapeutic targets for treating AKI and preventing its progression to chronic kidney disease.
Recovery from Acute Kidney Injury: The Role of Biomarkers
Authors: Endre Zoltán H.
Published: September 2014

Establishing the prognosis for recovery has enormous clinical implications. The appropriate definition of renal recovery depends on the stage of acute kidney injury (AKI). As definitions of AKI have broadened to encompass small increases in serum creatinine, definitions of recovery have broadened from becoming dialysis independent to full recovery of baseline glomerular function. Damage and functional biomarkers can assist in the prediction of recovery. Both decreases in damage biomarker concentration and increases in kidney function predict recovery. Structural biomarkers that directly predict recovery are awaited.
Rationale of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Kidney Injury
Authors: Fleig Susanne V. , Humphreys Benjamin D.
Published: September 2014

Hundreds of clinical trials are currently investigating the potential for mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to treat human disease, including kidney disease. There is tremendous excitement over the therapeutic potential of this form of stem cell therapy and an improving understanding of how MSC act. This review will summarize our current knowledge concerning the mechanisms by which MSC accelerate kidney repair after acute injury. It will also survey the current MSC clinical trial landscape in nephrology. Finally, future challenges to a widespread application of MSC therapies for patients with kidney injury will be outlined.
Therapeutic Strategies for Clinical Trials Targeting Renal Recovery
Authors: Liu Kathleen D.
Published: September 2014

Although at present we have developed consensus definitions for acute kidney injury (AKI) and there is a major focus on the treatment and prevention of AKI in high-risk populations, little is known about renal recovery per se and the impact of therapies on renal recovery. Here, we will focus on the specifics of clinical trial design relevant to studies of AKI recovery. While certain design considerations will be common to all trials, others elements will be more specific for studies focused on best practice or novel therapeutics. We will first discuss clinical trial considerations for all studies followed by specific proposals for best practice trials and therapy trials. Other presentations during this round table have focused on other aspects that are highly important for clinical trial design, including definitions for recovery, the potential use of biomarkers, as well as clinical trial endpoints, so we will not address these issues here.
Targeting Recovery from Acute Kidney Injury: Incidence and Prevalence of Recovery
Authors: Macedo Etienne , Mehta Ravindra L.
Published: September 2014

Since the creation of Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of Kidney Function, and End-Stage Renal Disease (RIFLE) criteria in the last 10 years, the use of a standardized definition of acute kidney injury (AKI) has made it possible for epidemiologic studies to document the increasing incidence of AKI, especially in the critical care setting [1]. In addition, several studies applying the criteria of RIFLE, Acute Kidney Injury Network, and, more recently, the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome, were able to establish the association of severity of AKI with adverse clinical outcomes, including the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) [2,3,4]. Although, until recently, it was thought that survivors from an AKI episode frequently recover kidney function, cumulative observational data over the past decade have confirmed the association of AKI with the increased risk for permanent kidney damage, with subsequent development of CKD [5]. The epidemiological studies that we will present and discuss in this review confirm and clarify the association of AKI with the development of CKD and ESRD [6,7,8].
Cardiac and Renal Fibrosis in Chronic Cardiorenal Syndromes
Authors: Hundae Aneley , McCullough Peter A.
Published: September 2014

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in cellular and tissue responses to injury that result in the deposition of extracellular matrix, collagen, elastic fibers, and the histopathological development of fibrosis. In the myocardium, fibrosis results in many recognizable clinical features, including PR interval prolongation, heart block, bundle branch block, left ventricular dyssynergy, anisotropy, atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, heart failure, and cardiac death. In the kidneys, fibrosis in the glomerulus leads to glomerular sclerosis, and in the inner cortex and medulla, tubulointerstitial fibrosis leads to a reduction in renal filtration function and rapidly progressive chronic kidney disease. There are a great number of potential early mediators of cellular damage in response to events such as ischemia, neurohormonal activation, biomechanical stretch, and abnormal cell signaling. However, many studies suggest that interstitial cells in both organs, including macrophages, T lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts, have common communication systems that utilize galectin-3 and transforming growth factor-β that result in the upregulation and proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, which produce and secrete procollagen I. Procollagen I cross-links in the extracellular space to form mature collagen, which is a fundamental unit of organ fibrosis. Future research will be concentrating on the pathogenic mechanisms that turn on fibrosis and on therapeutic targets that can either prevent the activation of fibroblasts or limit their repair response to injury.
Mitochondrial Biogenesis in the Acutely Injured Kidney
Authors: Tran Mei , Parikh Samir M.
Published: September 2014

Mitochondrial dysfunction within the tubular epithelium has been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury. Inflammatory, ischemic, or toxic insults dysregulate mitochondrial dynamics, resulting in mitochondrial swelling, fission, and apoptosis. The coordinated processes of generating healthy mitochondria and clearing damaged organelles may contribute to the preservation and restoration of mitochondrial homeostasis. Emerging literature suggests that a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ-coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), is highly expressed in the tubular epithelium of the healthy kidney, and its induction during the post-injury period may contribute to functional recovery from acute kidney injury.
T Lymphocytes and Acute Kidney Injury: Update
Authors: Martina M.N. , Noel S. , Bandapalle S. , Hamad A.R.A. , Rabb H.
Published: September 2014

The immune system is among the key pathogenic factors in acute kidney injury (AKI). Various immune cells, including dendritic cells, natural killer T cells, T and B lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages are involved. Conventional CD4+ lymphocytes are well established to participate in early injury, and CD4+CD25+FoxP3 regulatory T cells are protective and can accelerate repair. A newly identified kidney T cell receptor + CD4-CD8- (double-negative) T cell has complex functions, including potentially anti-inflammatory roles in AKI. In this mini review, we summarize the data on the role of lymphocytes in AKI and set the stage for further mechanistic studies as well as interventions to improve outcomes.
Src Family Kinases and Syk Are Required for Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation in Response to β-Glucan Particles
Authors: Nanì Sara , Fumagalli Laura , Sinha Uma , Kamen Lynn , Scapini Patrizia , Berton Giorgio
Published: September 2014

We report that particles of β-glucan, one of the surface components of yeasts, are powerful inducers of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in human neutrophils. β-Glucan triggered a prolonged phosphorylation of Src family kinases and Syk that were suppressed by the Src family inhibitor 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3, 4-d] pyrimidine (PP2) and a novel Syk inhibitor, PRT-060318, respectively. PP2 and PRT-060318 also inhibited β-glucan-induced NET formation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, suggesting that both responses are triggered by a Src/Syk-regulated signaling pathway. Given that the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) markedly inhibited NET formation, our findings suggest that ROS are required for the full-blown formation of NETs in response to β-glucan particles. Contrary to β-glucan, ROS generation triggered by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was unaffected by PP2 and PRT-060318, but these compounds, as well as DPI, suppressed Src/Syk phosphorylation triggered by PMA. Whereas PP2 had no effect on PMA-induced NET formation, PRT-060318 had a significant, albeit partial, inhibitory effect, thus suggesting that ROS induce NET formation in part via activation of Syk. These findings were substantiated by the evidence that neutrophils from mice with the conditional deletion of Syk were defective in formation of NETs in response to β-glucan.
Mendelian Randomization Provides No Evidence for a Causal Role of Serum Urate in Increasing Serum Triglyceride Levels
Authors: Rasheed Humaira , Hughes Kim , Flynn Tanya J. , Merriman Tony R.
Published: September 2014

Background—

Triglycerides and their lipoprotein transport molecules are risk factors for heart disease. Observational studies have associated elevated levels of serum urate (SU) with triglycerides and risk of heart disease. However, owing to unmeasured confounding, observational studies do not provide insight into the causal relationship between SU and triglyceride. The aim of this study was to test for a causal role of SU in increasing triglyceride using Mendelian randomization that accounts for unmeasured confounding.

Methods and Results—

Subjects were of European ancestry from the atherosclerosis risk in communities (n=5237) and Framingham heart (n=2971) studies. Mendelian randomization by the 2-stage least squares regression method was done with SU as the exposure, a uric acid transporter genetic risk score as instrumental variable, and triglyceride as the outcome. In ordinary linear regression, SU was significantly associated with triglyceride levels (
β
=2.69 mmol/L change in triglyceride per mmol/L increase in SU). However, Mendelian randomization–based estimation showed no evidence for a direct causal association of SU with triglyceride concentration—there was a nonsignificant 1.01 mmol/L decrease in triglyceride per mmol/L increase in SU attributable to the genetic risk score (
P
=0.21). The reverse analysis using a triglyceride genetic risk score provided evidence of a causal role for triglyceride in raising urate in men (
P
Corrected
=0.018).

Conclusions—

These data provide no evidence for a causal role for SU in raising triglyceride levels, consistent with a previous Mendelian randomization report of no association between SU and ischemic heart disease.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Bleeding Complications After Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ovbiagele Bruce , Smith Eric E. , Schwamm Lee H. , Grau-Sepulveda Maria V. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Peterson Eric D. , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: September 2014

Background—

The safety of intravenous thrombolysis in ischemic stroke (IS) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is uncertain. We assessed whether CKD is associated with bleeding complications after intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator administration to patients with IS.

Methods and Results—

Data were analyzed from 44 410 patients with IS treated with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator in the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Program. Glomerular filtration rate based on admission serum creatinine was categorized as dichotomous (presence of CKD as <60) or as distinct categories: normal (≥90), mild (≥60–<90), moderate (≥30–< 60), severe (≥15–<30), and kidney failure (<15 or dialysis). Primary outcomes evaluated were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and serious systemic hemorrhage; secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, independent functional status. There were 15 191 of 44 410 (34%) intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator-treated IS patients with CKD. Presence of CKD (versus no CKD) was not associated with risk-adjusted symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.0; 95% confidence interval: 0.91–1.10) or serious systemic hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval: 0.80–1.18) and did not significantly vary by kidney dysfunction stage for either of these primary end points in multivariable analyses. Compared with patients with normal kidney function, those with CKD were more likely to die in the hospital (adjusted odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval: 1.14–1.32) and have an unfavorable discharge functional status (adjusted odds ratio, 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07–1.19).

Conclusions—

Presence of CKD among patients with IS treated with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator is associated with higher unadjusted odds of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage or serious systemic hemorrhage, but this is explained by non-CKD related factors.
Hyperphosphorylation of RyRs Underlies Triggered Activity in Transgenic Rabbit Model of LQT2 Syndrome
Authors: Terentyev Dmitry , Rees Colin M. , Li Weiyan , Cooper Leroy L. , Jindal Hitesh K. , Peng Xuwen , Lu Yichun , Terentyeva Radmila , Odening Katja E. , Daley Jean , Bist Kamana , Choi Bum-Rak , Karma Alain , Koren Gideon
Published: September 2014

Rationale:

Loss-of-function mutations in human ether go-go (HERG) potassium channels underlie long QT syndrome type 2 (LQT2) and are associated with fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Previously, most studies focused on plasma membrane–related pathways involved in arrhythmogenesis in long QT syndrome, whereas proarrhythmic changes in intracellular Ca
2+
handling remained unexplored.

Objective:

We investigated the remodeling of Ca
2+
homeostasis in ventricular cardiomyocytes derived from transgenic rabbit model of LQT2 to determine whether these changes contribute to triggered activity in the form of early after depolarizations (EADs).

Methods and Results:

Confocal Ca
2+
imaging revealed decrease in amplitude of Ca
2+
transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
content in LQT2 myocytes. Experiments using sarcoplasmic reticulum–entrapped Ca
2+
indicator demonstrated enhanced ryanodine receptor (RyR)–mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
leak in LQT2 cells. Western blot analyses showed increased phosphorylation of RyR in LQT2 myocytes versus controls. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated loss of protein phosphatases type 1 and type 2 from the RyR complex. Stimulation of LQT2 cells with β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol resulted in prolongation of the plateau of action potentials accompanied by aberrant Ca
2+
releases and EADs, which were abolished by inhibition of Ca
2+
/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type 2. Computer simulations showed that late aberrant Ca
2+
releases caused by RyR hyperactivity promote EADs and underlie the enhanced triggered activity through increased forward mode of Na
+
/Ca
2+
exchanger type 1.

Conclusions:

Hyperactive, hyperphosphorylated RyRs because of reduced local phosphatase activity enhance triggered activity in LQT2 syndrome. EADs are promoted by aberrant RyR-mediated Ca
2+
releases that are present despite a reduction of sarcoplasmic reticulum content. Those releases increase forward mode Na
+
/Ca
2+
exchanger type 1, thereby slowing repolarization and enabling L-type Ca
2+
current reactivation.
Circulating microRNAs Serve as Novel Biological Markers for Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Li Pengxiang , Zhang Qunye , Wu Xiao , Yang Xinjian , Zhang Yun , Li Youxiang , Jiang Fan
Published: September 2014

Background

Biological markers that can be used to predict the risk of intracranial aneurysms (
IA
s) are not available.

Methods and Results

To clarify whether circulating micro
RNA
s could be used as biomarkers for
IA
, we carried out microarray assays in a screening cohort of 40
IA
patients (20 unruptured and 20 ruptured) and 20 healthy volunteers. We identified 20 micro
RNA
s that were unanimously changed in both ruptured and unruptured patients. We confirmed 60% of these changed micro
RNA
s by a separate microarray test with an independent validation cohort (n=143 including 93
IA
patients). To identify potential biomarkers, we combined the 2 cohorts and performed quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reactions for selected target micro
RNA
s. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that miR‐16 and miR‐25 were independent factors for
IA
occurrence (
P
<0.001). After controlling for age, sex, smoking, and history of hypertension, the contributions of miR‐16 and miR‐25 were still highly significant (
P
<0.001). The adjusted odds ratio values for miR‐16 and miR‐25 were 1.52 (95% CI 1.31 to 1.77) and 1.53 (1.30 to 1.79). Combining both miR‐16 and miR‐25 in a single model did not improve the performance of risk association.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that circulating mi
RNA
s may be novel biological markers that are useful in assessing the likelihood of
IA
occurrence.
National Trends in Recurrent AMI Hospitalizations 1 Year After Acute Myocardial Infarction in Medicare Beneficiaries: 1999–2010
Authors: Chaudhry Sarwat I. , Khan Rabeea F. , Chen Jersey , Dharmarajan Kumar , Dodson John A. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Wang Yun , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: September 2014

Background

There are few data characterizing temporal changes in hospitalization for recurrent acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
) after
AMI
.

Methods and Results

Using a national sample of 2 305 441 Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for
AMI
from 1999 to 2010, we evaluated changes in the incidence of 1‐year recurrent
AMI
hospitalization and mortality using Cox proportional hazards models. The observed recurrent
AMI
hospitalization rate declined from 12.1% (95%
CI
11.9 to 12.2) in 1999 to 8.9% (95%
CI
8.8 to 9.1) in 2010, a relative decline of 26.4%. The observed recurrent
AMI
hospitalization rate declined by a relative 27.7% in whites, from 11.9% (95%
CI
11.8 to 12.1) to 8.6% (95%
CI
8.5 to 8.8) versus a relative decline in blacks of 13.6% from 13.2% (95%
CI
12.6 to 13.8) to 11.4% (95%
CI
10.9 to 12.0). The risk‐adjusted rate of annual decline in recurrent
AMI
hospitalizations was 4.1% (
HR
0.959; 95%
CI
0.958 to 0.961), and whites experienced a higher rate of decline (
HR
0.957, 95%
CI
0.956 to 0.959) than blacks (
HR
0.974, 95%
CI
0.970 to 0.979).The overall, observed 1‐year mortality rate after hospitalization for recurrent
AMI
declined from 32.4% in 1999 to 29.7% in 2010, a relative decline of 8.3% (
P
<0.05). In adjusted analyses, 1‐year mortality after recurrent
AMI
hospitalization declined 1.8% per year (
HR
, 0.982; 95%
CI
0.980 to 0.985).

Conclusions

In a national sample of Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for
AMI
from 1999 to 2010, hospitalization for recurrent
AMI
decreased, as did subsequent mortality, albeit to a lesser extent. The risk of recurrent
AMI
hospitalization declined less in black patients than in whites, increasing observed racial disparities by the end of the study period.
A Novel Protein Glycan Biomarker and Future Cardiovascular Disease Events
Authors: Akinkuolie Akintunde O. , Buring Julie E. , Ridker Paul M , Mora Samia
Published: September 2014

Background

Glycosylated proteins partake in multiple cellular processes including inflammation. We hypothesized that GlycA, a novel biomarker of protein glycan
N
‐acetyl groups, is related to incident cardiovascular disease (
CVD
), and we compared it with high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs
CRP
).

Methods and Results

In 27 491 initially healthy women, baseline GlycA was quantified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and hs
CRP
by an immunoturbidimetric assay. During median follow‐up of 17.2 years, 1648 incident
CVD
events occurred (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, coronary revascularization, and
CVD
death). GlycA and hs
CRP
were moderately correlated (Spearman
r
=0.61,
P
<0.0001). In Cox regression models that included age, ethnicity, smoking, blood pressure, medications, menopausal status, body mass index, and diabetes, hazard ratios for
CVD
across quartiles 1 to 4 of GlycA were 1.00, 1.10 (95%
CI
, 0.92 to 1.30), 1.34 (95%
CI
, 1.13 to 1.58), and 1.64 (95%
CI
, 1.39 to 1.93), similar to hs
CRP, for which hazard ratios were
1.00, 1.18 (95%
CI
, 0.99 to 1.41), 1.35 (95%
CI
, 1.14 to 1.61), and 1.75 (95%
CI
, 1.47 to 2.09) (both
P
trend
<0.0001). Associations were attenuated after additionally adjusting for lipids: the hazard ratio of quartile 4 versus 1 for GlycA was 1.23 (95%
CI
, 1.04 to 1.46;
P
trend
=0.002) and for hs
CRP
was 1.44 (95%
CI
, 1.20 to 1.72;
P
trend
<0.0001). Further adjustment for the other biomarker resulted in a hazard ratio of quartile 4 versus 1 for GlycA of 1.03 (95%
CI
, 0.85 to 1.24;
P
trend
=0.41) and for hs
CRP
of 1.29 (95%
CI
, 1.06 to 1.56;
P
trend
=0.001).

Conclusions

In this prospective study of initially healthy women, baseline GlycA was associated with incident
CVD
, consistent with a possible role for protein glycans in inflammation and
CVD
.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
: http//clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier
NCT
00000479.
The Annunciation to Mary: A Christian Echo in the Qurʾān
Authors: Reck Jonathan M.
Published: September 2014

The Annunciation to Mary as presented in the Protevangelium of James is an early account of Mary’s childhood and the Virgin Birth that flourished in both Western and Eastern Churches. This Annunciation account, distinct from versions found in the canonical gospels of the New Testament, successfully migrated beyond its Christian milieu, where it had traversed primarily by textual means in late-antiquity. The account’s widespread influence is attested to by its entry into the oral milieu of Arabia, the account being the basis by which the Qurʾān vindicates Mary and corrects Christological error amid a seemingly polemical environment. This article will evaluate qualities of the selected passage Q. 3:42-7 that elucidate the Annunciation’s gain of a new identity as it became adopted into the Qurʾānic corpus while considering how the Annunciation as presented in the passage provides further clarity as to the polemical and political circumstances surrounding the proto-Muslim community.
Martyrdom, Literary Experiment and Church Politics in Jerome’s Epistula Prima, to Innocentius, on the septies percussa
Authors: Coppieters Steff , Praet Danny , Bossu Annelies , Taveirne Maarten
Published: September 2014

Jerome’s Epistula prima is a remarkably hybrid text. It contains a miraculous account of the trial and failed execution of a woman from Vercelli, who is falsely accused of adultery and eventually saved from further persecution by Jerome’s patron, Evagrius of Antioch. In our article we discuss the martyrological and novelistic elements of Jerome’s text and analyze how he related a cruel, but trivial trial with anonymous protagonists to contemporary Church politics and gave it an ascetical undertone. Furthermore, we link these elements to the interests of Jerome’s intended readership. Overall, we argue that Jerome wrote the Epistula prima not only as a hyper-rhetorical showcase to advertise himself as a Christian writer or to eulogize Evagrius, but that he included subtle yet meaningful literary and ideological references in his text.
Sin Seizing an Opportunity through the Commandments: The Law in 1 Tim 1:8-11 and Rom 6-8
Authors: Thornton Dillon T.
Published: September 2014

For some, 1 Timothy contains essentially non-Pauline comments concerning the Mosaic law. My general contention is that the concentrated assertions regarding the law that we find in 1 Timothy are compatible with the scattered claims about the law that we find in the undisputed Pauline letters. In this paper, I aim to demonstrate that the author of 1 Tim 1:8-11 and the author of Rom 6-8 are harmonious on at least three points: 1) the goodness of the law, 2) the group for whom the law was instituted, and 3) the function of the law within this intended group. From the outset, the author of 1 Tim 1:8-11 will project his voice. Romans 6-8 will be a crescendo passage, gradually increasing in volume. By the end of the paper, we will discover that “Paul” and Paul are playing the same torah tune.
The Holy One of God in Markan Narrative
Authors: Ermakov Arseny
Published: September 2014

This article explores interpretive possibilities for the Christological title “the Holy One of God” in the context of the Markan narrative and through the prism of Second Temple Judaism. The article traces narrative connections of this title with other major Christological titles, their holiness connotations and the Markan portrayal of Jesus’ mission. This study suggests that the title is programmatic for the Second Gospel and finds its development throughout the whole of the Markan story. Jesus, the Holy One of God, is the one who restores the holiness and purity of the nation and (re)creates the new holy people of God. His contagious and transformative holiness enlarges the realm of purity and reduces the dominion of uncleanness through healings, exorcisms and forgiveness of sins. The article calls for reconsidering the place of this often neglected title in Markan Christology and adds some arguments for a higher view of Markan Christology.
Moving Toward the Brink? Migration in the Kyrgyz Republic
Authors: Fryer Paul , Nasritdinov Emil , Satybaldieva Elmira
Published: September 2014

While labor migration from Central Asia to the Russian Federation has been well documented and researched internationally, the equally important issue of internal migration has been largely ignored. Localized migratory processes should be recognized as vital factors in the region’s long-term social, economic, and security development. This article looks at migration from a domestic Kyrgyz perspective. It discusses the general effects of rural out-migration, the remittance “myth,” the effects on broken migrant families, hyper-urbanization in so-called novostroikas, and the less-discussed issue of creeping migration.
Competition and Benefit Sharing in the Ferghana Valley
Authors: Pak Mariya , Wegerich Kai
Published: September 2014

While there has been a regional and international focus on large reservoirs in Central Asia, smaller transboundary reservoirs within the Ferghana Valley have been overlooked. The valley is shared by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, three riparian countries of the upstream Syr Darya. Located within the valley are many small transboundary tributaries and reservoirs. An analysis of the initial proposals and documented negotiations for four of these reservoirs reveals a changing pattern of benefit sharing. These past approaches call into question the argument that the boundaries set by the Soviets did not matter, as well as the assumption that Moscow as a hegemon planned infrastructure in order to divide and rule Central Asia.
New records of Pauropoda (Myriapoda) with descriptions of new taxa
Authors: SCHELLER ULF
Published: September 2014

Nine species new to science are described, five species in Pauropodidae: Allopauropus circulus n. sp. from France, Decapauropus extremus n. sp. from Mexico, D. pyriformis n. sp. from Italy, Stylopauropus laminatus n. sp. from Thailand, S. longus n. sp. from Siberia; one in Brachypauropodidae: Mojingapauropus biappendiculatus n. gen., n. sp. from Panama; one species in Eurypauropodidae Trachypauropus lusitanicus n. sp. from Portugal; and two species in Sphaeropauropodidae: Sphaeropauropus exilis n. sp. from Papua New Guinea and S. rotatilis n. sp. from China. Pauropoda are reported for the first time from New Guinea. New collecting sites are given for 69 species.
New taxa and data for Neotropical Phalangopsidae (Orthoptera, Grylloidea)
Authors: DESUTTER-GRANDCOLAS Laure
Published: September 2014

New data are presented for Neotropical Phalangopsidae (Orthoptera, Grylloidea). Four new species are described, Luzara brevipennis Desutter-Grandcolas, n. sp., Miogryllodes hebardi Desutter-Grandcolas, n. sp., Aclella brevipennis Desutter-Grandcolas, n. sp. and Aclella nova Desutter-Grandcolas, n. sp. Nine new recombinations are proposed: Lerneca digrediens (Otte, 2006) n. comb. (Amphiacusta), Lernecella erinys (Otte & Perez-Gelabert, 2009) n. comb. (Uvaroviella), Lernecella minor (Otte, 2006) n. comb. (Paraclodes), Lernecella mirabilis (Otte & Perez-Gelabert, 2009) n. comb. (Uvaroviella), Lernecella simlense (Otte & Perez-Gelabert, 2009) n. comb. (Uvaroviella), Miogryllodes diaphoros (Otte, 2006) n. comb. (Amphiacusta), Niquirana phyxelis (Otte, 2006) n. comb. (Luzara), Aclella troxalis (Otte, 2006) n. comb. (Selvacla), and Neoacla clandestina (Nischk and Otte, 2000) n. comb. (Hattersleya). The synonymy of Acla Hebard, 1928 with Aclodes Hebard, 1928 is confirmed and discussed, and Hattersleya Nischk & Otte, 2000 is newly synonymized with Neoacla Desutter, 1988. The diagnosis and/or description of several genera and species are completed.
Two new species of Pleciobates (Hemiptera: Gerromorpha: Gerridae) from India, with a key to the species of Pleciobates
Authors: JEHAMALAR E. EYARIN , CHANDRA KAILASH , ZETTEL HERBERT , BASU SRIMOYEE , BARMAN BIJITA , GUPTA SUSMITA , SUBRAMANIAN K.A.
Published: September 2014

Two new species of water striders in the genus Pleciobates are described from India and compared with allied species. Pleciobates bengalensis Jehamalar, Basu & Zettel sp. nov. is described from the Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal and Pleciobates expositus Jehamalar, Chandra & Zettel sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Gerridae) is described from the Dhubri District, Assam. A key to the species of Pleciobates and a distribution map of the species of Pleciobates from India are provided. For the first time the genitalia of Pleciobates females are described in detail.
An Assessment of SAPHIR Calibration Using Quality Tropical Soundings
Authors: Clain G. , Brogniez H. , Payne V. H. , John V. O. , Luo M.
Published: September 2014

The Sondeur Atmosphérique du Profil d’Humidité Intertropicale par Radiométrie (SAPHIR) instrument on board the Megha-Tropiques (MT) platform is a cross-track, multichannel microwave humidity sounder with six channels near the 183.31-GHz water vapor absorption line, a maximum scan angle of 42.96° (resulting in a maximum incidence angle of 50.7°), a 1700-km-wide swath, and a footprint resolution of 10 km at nadir. SAPHIR L1A2 brightness temperature (BT) observations have been compared to BTs simulated by the radiative transfer model (RTM) Radiative Transfer for the Television and Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS) Operational Vertical Sounder (RTTOV-10), using in situ measurements from radiosondes as input. Selected radiosonde humidity observations from the Cooperative Indian Ocean Experiment on Intraseasonal Variability in the Year (CINDY)–Dynamics of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (DYNAMO) campaign (September 2011–March 2012) were spatiotemporally collocated with MT overpasses. Although several sonde systems were used during the campaign, all of the sites selected for this study used the Vaisala RS92-SGPD system and were chosen in order to avoid discrepancies in data quality and biases.

To interpret the results of the comparison between the sensor data and the RTM simulations, uncertainties associated with the data processing must be propagated throughout the evaluation. The magnitude of the bias was found to be dependent on the observing channel, increasing from 0.18 K for the 183.31 ± 0.2-GHz channel to 2.3 K for the 183.31 ± 11-GHz channel. Uncertainties and errors that could impact the BT biases were investigated. These can be linked to the RTM input and design, the radiosonde observations, the chosen methodology of comparison, and the SAPHIR instrument itself.
The Effect of the Equivalent-Weights Particle Filter on Dynamical Balance in a Primitive Equation Model
Authors: Ades Melanie , Jan van Leeuwen Peter
Published: September 2014

The disadvantage of the majority of data assimilation schemes is the assumption that the conditional probability density function of the state of the system given the observations [posterior probability density function (PDF)] is distributed either locally or globally as a Gaussian. The advantage, however, is that through various different mechanisms they ensure initial conditions that are predominantly in linear balance and therefore spurious gravity wave generation is suppressed.

The equivalent-weights particle filter is a data assimilation scheme that allows for a representation of a potentially multimodal posterior PDF. It does this via proposal densities that lead to extra terms being added to the model equations and means the advantage of the traditional data assimilation schemes, in generating predominantly balanced initial conditions, is no longer guaranteed.

This paper looks in detail at the impact the equivalent-weights particle filter has on dynamical balance and gravity wave generation in a primitive equation model. The primary conclusions are that (i) provided the model error covariance matrix imposes geostrophic balance, then each additional term required by the equivalent-weights particle filter is also geostrophically balanced; (ii) the relaxation term required to ensure the particles are in the locality of the observations has little effect on gravity waves and actually induces a reduction in gravity wave energy if sufficiently large; and (iii) the equivalent-weights term, which leads to the particles having equivalent significance in the posterior PDF, produces a change in gravity wave energy comparable to the stochastic model error. Thus, the scheme does not produce significant spurious gravity wave energy and so has potential for application in real high-dimensional geophysical applications.
“Doing Race”
Authors: Flores-González Nilda , Aranda Elizabeth , Vaquera Elizabeth
Published: September 2014

For most Latino youth, Latinos constitute a separate, while diverse, racial group. Our study demonstrates that, when asked about their identities, Latino youth do not follow conventional U.S. racial categories. Although they prefer to identify by national origin or panethnicity, they consider themselves to be part of a racial group rather than an ethnic group, as the U.S. Census designates them. Using findings from in-depth semistructured interviews with two samples of young adults in Chicago and Central Florida, this research joins the long-standing debate on the conceptual division between race and ethnicity arguing that there is a mismatch between existing sociological understandings of race and ethnicity and the current racial ideas and racial practices among Latino youth. There is also a mismatch between institutional measures of “race,” such as those found in the U.S. Census, and Latinos’ self-understandings of where they belong in the U.S. racial hierarchy. We suggest that not being officially designated as a racial group leads to the erosion of perceptions of belonging among Latinos to a nation in which being a member of a racial group allows for visibility and claims-making in a multiracial society.
Community Disaster Resilience and the Rural Resilience Index
Authors: Cox Robin S. , Hamlen Marti
Published: September 2014

This article describes the development and field testing of the Rural Resilience Index (RRI), an applied disaster resilience assessment index for use in rural and remote communities. The index was generated as part of the Rural Disaster Resilience Project. This community-centered action research project was designed to respond to the global emphasis on increasing the capacity of all communities, large and small, to meet the growing challenge of disasters, climate change, and other threats. The goals of the project were to produce resilience assessment and planning tools that could be used by communities to generate locally relevant data on their current resilience and be able to monitor and enhance their resilience over time. This article describes the development and field testing of the RRI, which is designed as a user-friendly, process-based, qualitative resilience assessment tool. The RRI emphasizes the value of citizen engagement in resilience planning and a whole-of-community approach to resilience addressing issues such as the quality and availability of local resources, expertise, skills, and services; governance issues; economic and employment issues; culture; disaster preparedness; and emergency management planning.
Positive Psychology, Francis de Sales and Character Formation
Authors: Pocetto Alexander T.
Published: September 2014

This study intends to show the convergences and divergences of the spirituality of Francis de Sales as compared to the recent and flourishing work of positive psychologists in furthering the dialogue between psychology and spirituality, especially in the important field of character formation or virtue education. However, the scope of this study will be limited to the character strength or virtue of humility and those virtues closely allied with it as an initial attempt to explore and encourage further research along this line.
Youth sports clubs’ potential as health-promoting setting: Profiles, motives and barriers
Authors: Meganck Jeroen , Scheerder Jeroen , Thibaut Erik , Seghers Jan
Published: September 2014

Setting and Objective:

For decades, the World Health Organisation has promoted settings-based health promotion, but its application to leisure settings is minimal. Focusing on organised sports as an important leisure activity, the present study had three goals: exploring the health promotion profile of youth sports clubs, identifying objective club characteristics (e.g. size, type of sport), predicting the presence/absence of health promotion in youth sports clubs and identifying perceived motives and barriers to health promotion in youth sports clubs, thereby improving the basis for policy guidelines.

Method:

Respondents were representatives from the board of 154 youth sports clubs. Data were collected through an online survey, including the health-promoting sports club index (HPSC-I). Linear regression and analysis of variance were used to identify predictors and differences.

Results:

Even though the motives were strongly supported, a majority of youth sports clubs were rated as low health promoting on the HPSC-I (59%). Overall, linear regression indicated that clubs founded more recently, offering multiple types of sports and offering both recreation and competition scored higher on the health promotion indices. Health promotion not being a priority of the board and lack of expertise were identified as the most important barriers.

Conclusion:

Progress is needed before youth sports clubs can truly be considered health-promoting settings. Policy suggestions are made to address the barriers, for example, financial incentives to maximise efforts and establishing collaborations between sports clubs and health promotion experts.
Monitoring of Sound and Carious Surfaces under Sealants over 44 Months
Authors: Fontana M. , Platt J.A. , Eckert G.J. , González-Cabezas C. , Yoder K. , Zero D.T. , Ando M. , Soto-Rojas A.E. , Peters M.C.
Published: September 2014

Although there is strong evidence for the effectiveness of sealants, one major barrier in sealant utilization is the concern of sealing over active caries lesions. This study evaluated detection and monitoring of caries lesions through a clear sealant over 44 mo. Sixty-four 7- to 10-year-old children with at least 2 permanent molars with International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) scores 0-4 (and caries less than halfway through the dentin, radiographically) were examined with ICDAS, DIAGNOdent, and quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) before sealant placement and 1, 12, 24, and 44 mo (except QLF) after. Bitewing radiographs were taken yearly. DIAGNOdent and QLF were able to distinguish between baseline ICDAS before and after sealant placement. There was no significant evidence of ICDAS progression at 12 mo, but there was small evidence of minor increases at 24 and 44 mo (14% and 14%, respectively) with only 2% ICDAS ≥ 5. Additionally, there was little evidence of radiographic progression (at 12 mo = 1%, 24 mo = 3%, and 44 mo = 9%). Sealant retention rates were excellent at 12 mo = 89%, 24 mo = 78%, and 44 mo = 70%. The small risk of sealant repair increased significantly as baseline ICDAS, DIAGNOdent, and QLF values increased. However, regardless of lesion severity, sealants were 100% effective at 12 mo and 98% effective over 44 mo in managing occlusal surfaces at ICDAS 0-4 ( i.e., only 4 of 228 teeth progressed to ICDAS ≥ 5 associated with sealants in need of repair and none to halfway or more through the dentin, radiographically). This study suggests that occlusal surfaces without frank cavitation (ICDAS 0-4) that are sealed with a clear sealant can be monitored with ICDAS, QLF, or DIAGNOdent, which may aid in predicting the need for sealant repair.