bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myeloperoxidase and Risk of Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Catheter Ablation
Authors: Li Shuai-bing , Yang Fan , Jing Li , Ma Juan , Jia Ya-dan , Dong Shao-ying , Zheng Wei-feng , Zhao Luo-sha
Published: May 2016

Background

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) has been associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF), but its impact on the recurrence of AF after catheter ablation has not been explored. This study investigated the effect of plasma MPO on recurrence after catheter ablation of paroxysmal AF.

Methods and Results

Two hundred eighty-eight consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF and who underwent circumferential pulmonary vein isolation were prospectively enrolled. After a mean ± SD follow-up of 516 ± 204 (91–910) days, the recurrence rates were 16.9%, 25.7%, 29.7%, and 38.0% from the lowest MPO quartile to the highest MPO quartile, respectively ( P = 0.023). After adjustment for age, sex, left atrial diameter, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and pulmonary vein isolation, there was an increased risk of recurrence in the subjects with the highest MPO quartile compared with those with the lowest quartile (hazard ratio, 3.18; 95% confidence interval, 2.12–5.23; P = 0.024). As a continuous variable, MPO was also an independent predictor of recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.71–3.27; P = 0.032).

Conclusions

Patients with high MPO levels were at an increased risk of AF recurrence after catheter ablation.
Sex, Weight Status, and Chronic Kidney Disease among African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Bruce Marino A. , Beech Bettina M. , Crook Errol D. , Sims Mario , Griffith Derek M. , Simpson Sean L. , Ard Jamy , Norris Keith C.
Published: May 2016

Background

Obesity has been shown to have implications for chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, it has received minimal attention from scientists studying CKD among African Americans.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the manner in which weight status has implications for CKD among this group through analysis of data drawn from the Jackson Heart Study (JHS).

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of a single-site longitudinal population-based cohort.

Participants

The data for this study were drawn from the baseline examination of the Jackson Heart Study (JHS). The analytic cohort consisted of 3430 African American men and women (21–84 years of age) living in the tricounty area of the Jackson, Mississippi metropolitan areas with complete data to determine CKD status.

Main Measurements

The primary dependent variable was CKD (defined as the presence of albuminuria or reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2). Weight status, the primary predictor, was a 4-category measure based on body mass index.

Results

Associations were explored through bivariable analyses and multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusting for CKD, weight status, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease risk factors as well as demographic factors. The prevalence of CKD in the JHS was 20%. The proportion of overweight, class I, and class II obese individuals was 32.5%, 26.9%, and 26.2% respectively. In the pooled model, weight status was not found to be associated with CKD; however, subgroup analysis revealed that class II obesity was associated with CKD among men (odds ratio, 2.37; confidence interval, 1.34–4.19) but not among women (odds ratio, 1.32; confidence interval, 0.88–1.98). The relationship between CKD prevalence and diabetes and CKD prevalence and hypertension varied by sex and differed across weight categories.

Conclusions

Weight status has implications for CKD among the JHS participants, and this study underscores the need for additional research investigating the relationship between weight status, sex, and CKD among African Americans.
Tenascin-C as Predictor of Left Ventricular Remodeling and Mortality in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sarli Bahadir , Topsakal Ramazan , Kaya Esma G. , Akpek Mahmut , Lam Yat Yin , Kaya Mehmet G.
Published: May 2016

Background

Several cardiac biomarkers, especially brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal (NT)-proBNP, have been used as predictors of prognosis and negative remodeling in DCM. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of tenascin-C in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and whether it can be used to determine reverse remodeling in patients with DCM.

Methods

Sixty-six patients with DCM were followed up for 12 months after initiation of medical treatment including carvedilol, ramipril (candesartan if ramipril was not tolerated), spironolactone, and furosemide. Tenascin-C and NT-proBNP measurements and transthoracic echocardiography were performed at baseline and at 12 months.

Results

At 12 months, a significant improvement in New York Heart Association class (2.57 ± 0.6 vs. 1.87 ± 0.5; P < 0.0001), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (217 ± 47 vs 203 ± 48; P < 0.0001), left ventricular ejection fraction (29.1 ± 5.5 vs 30.9 ± 3.8; P < 0.0001), NT-proBNP (2019 ± 558 vs 1462 ± 805; P < 0.0001), and tenascin-C (76 ± 19 vs 48 ± 28; P < 0.0001) values were observed, compared with baseline. Importantly, decrease in tenascin-C values were correlated with increase in left ventricular ejection fraction. Tenascin-C (odds ratio [OR], 1.896; <95% confidence interval [CI], 1.543–2.670; P = 0.02), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.456; G95% CI, 1.987–3.234; P = 0.01) and hypertension (OR: 2.106, <95% CI, 1.876–2.897; P = 0.03) were independent predictors of mortality in patients with DCM.

Conclusion

Reverse ventricular remodeling obtained with carvedilol, ramipril/candesartan, and spironolacton is associated with decreases in left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume, tenascin-C levels, and NT-proBNP levels. Consequently, tenascin-C may be used to evaluate reverse remodeling in patients with DCM.
Effect of Marital Status on Clinical Outcome of Heart Failure
Authors: Watkins Taylor , Mansi Mark , Thompson Jennifer , Mansi Ishak , Parish Roy
Published: May 2016

Background

Despite significant advances in pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment of heart failure (HF), there are more than 1 million HF visits annually to the emergency department. Studies indicate that HF clinical outcome is affected not only by medical interventions but also by social factors such as marital status.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the effect of marital status of HF patients on clinical outcome of HF in a high-risk population.

Methods

We reviewed data collected for The Joint Commission in patients admitted with HF at a university hospital serving a high-risk population in Louisiana during the period from June 2003 to September 2004 and followed up until December 2008. Patients were divided into 2 groups, namely, married patients and unmarried patients (including single, divorced, and widowed) based on self-reporting. Primary outcome measures were in-hospital survival and time to readmission. Secondary outcome measures were HF admission rate, average B-type natriuretic peptide, and average troponin-I levels throughout the follow-up period.

Results

Of 646 reviewed records, 542, representing 357 patients, were included in the analysis. Of these, 105 patients were married and 245 were unmarried; marital status was missing for 7 patients. Mean (SD) of follow-up period was 2.39 (1.6) years. Marital status was not a significant variable for in-hospital death (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.35–1.49), or for time to readmission for HF (hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.86-1.56); multiple linear regression analysis identified married status as an independent variable for average B-type natriuretic peptide (parameter estimate = −0.26, P = 0.02) but not for HF admission rate or average troponin-I levels.

Conclusions

Married status was not associated with better clinical outcome in HF patients in a high-risk population.
The Effect of Nesfatin-1 Levels on Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Celik Ahmet , Gurger Mehtap , Can Çagdas , Balin Mehmet , Gul Evrim , Kobat Mehmet Ali , Gumusay Umut , Sahan Mustafa , Bursalı Kazım Burak , Celiker İlyas , Aydin Suna , Aydin Suleyman
Published: May 2016

Background

Nesfatin-1 was originally identified as a neuropeptide of the hypothalamus, which is a key integration area of the brain, where numerous neuropeptides and transmitters are released to participate in the control of essential body functions. In the literature, there are no studies showing the relationship between the nesfatin-1 level and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. We hypothesize that the circulating levels of nesfatin-1 may increase during supraventricular tachycardia, to engage the vagal stimulation to terminate by the inhibition of neuropeptide-Y, and may activate oxytocin and the corticotropin-releasing hormone.

Materials and Methods

This study includes 120 cases (80 patients and 40 controls). Patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia were compared with the control group with regard to sex, nesfatin-1 level, comorbid diseases, serum renal function values, and patients’ vital findings.

Results

The nesfatin-1 levels were significantly higher in the paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia group than in the control group and positively correlated highly with heart rate ( r = 0.634; P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.644 for the nesfatin-1 levels ( P = 0.0051). The sensitivity and specificity values of the nesfatin-1 levels were 41.2% and 95%, respectively (cutoff value >1743.7 pg/mL).

Conclusion

At the end of this study, a statistically significant correlation was found between the serum nesfatin-1 level and supraventricular tachycardia. Although multifactorial causes may explain the relationship, we based our hypothesis on the relationship of the antagonistic effects of nesfatin-1 on the neuropeptide-Y and activated oxytocin.
Elevated Serum Level of IL-33 and sST2 in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis: Associated with Disease Activity and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Li Xiao-lin , Lin Tian-tian , Qi Chen-yue , Yuan Lin , Xia Li-ping , Shen Hui , Lu Jing
Published: May 2016

Objective

Interleukin (IL)-33 is a cytokine belonging to the IL-1 family and was recently identified as a ligand for ST2, which belongs to the IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) family. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible pathophysiological role of IL-33/sST2 in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

The levels of IL-33/sST2 and vascular endothelial growth factor in serum samples of 140 patients with AS and 90 controls were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, and human leukocyte antigen B27 were measured by standard laboratory techniques. Disease activity in AS was measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index. Hip involvement, peripheral arthritis, and eye involvement were also recorded.

Results

The serum levels of IL-33/sST2 were remarkably higher in the patients with AS than the healthy groups and significantly correlated with vascular endothelial growth factor and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index. The sST2 levels correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, platelet, and human leukocyte antigen B27. Elevated levels of IL-33/sST2 were detected in the patients with peripheral arthritis, and sST2 were detected to be increased in the patients with hip involvement. By contrast, levels of IL-33 but not sST2 increased in the patients with eye involvement.

Conclusion

IL-33/sST2 may regulate the immunological or inflammatory process of AS.
Sodium Bicarbonate versus Isotonic Saline for the Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Coronary Angiography and/or Intervention
Authors: Koc Fatih , Ozdemir Kurtulus , Altunkas Fatih , Celik Atac , Dogdu Orhan , Karayakali Metin , Gul Enes Elvin , Erkorkmaz Unal , Kadi Hasan , Akpek Mahmut , Kaya Mehmet Gungor
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a leading cause of acute renal failure and affects mortality and morbidity. Although the incidence of CIN is quite low in the general population, CIN incidence is significantly increased in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Objectives

We compared the efficacy of prophylactic use consisting of a saline infusion or a sodium bicarbonate infusion for the prevention of CIN in patients with DM.

Materials and Methods

A total of 195 DM patients who had unselected renal function were randomized into 2 groups: 101 patients were assigned to saline infusion, and 94 patients were assigned to bicarbonate infusion. The primary end point was the maximum increase in the serum creatinine (SCr) level, whereas the secondary end point was the development of CIN after the procedure.

Results

The maximum increase in SCr levels was significantly lower in the saline group than in the bicarbonate group: −0.03 mg/dL (IQR, −0.09 to 0.10 mg/dL) versus 0.02 mg/dL (IQR, −0.09 to 0.13 mg/dL) ( P = 0.014). The rate of CIN was significantly lower in the saline group than in the bicarbonate group (5.9% vs 16%, P = 0.024). In the subset of study participants with a baseline creatinine clearance of less than 60 mL/min, the maximum increase in SCr levels was significantly lower, −0.08 mg/dL (IQR, −0.13 to −0.04 mg/dL), in the saline group than in the bicarbonate group, 0.03 mg/dL (IQR, −0.13 to 0.12 mg/dL) ( P = 0.004).

Conclusions

The use of prophylactic hydration with isotonic saline before coronary procedures may decrease SCr levels and reduce the incidence of CIN in patients with DM with unselected renal functions to a greater extent than sodium bicarbonate can.
The Negative Correlation between Thyrotropin Receptor–Stimulating Antibodies and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Patients with Graves’ Disease
Authors: Amashukeli Medea , Korinteli Maka , Zerekidze Tamar , Jikurauli Nino , Shanava Shorena , Tsagareli Marina , Giorgadze Elen
Published: May 2016

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder with various clinical manifestations. Thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAbs), the circulating autoantibodies specific to Graves’ disease, are the cause for hyperthyroidism, the most prevalent abnormality. Hyperthyroidism leads to increased bone turnover and a negative bone balance. The aims of the present study were to determine the relationship between TRAbs and bone mineral density (BMD), to assess the extent of BMD change in patients with Graves’ disease, and to determine the impact of conservative and surgical therapy on BMD.

Fifty female postmenopausal patients with Graves’ disease were chosen for this study. Twenty women had a recent diagnosis of Graves’ disease, 30 women presented with a compensated disease state after either conservative or surgical treatment, and 30 healthy postmenopausal women served as controls. Thyroid parameters were measured, and BMD values were obtained by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan.

Femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD and T-scores were significantly lower in newly diagnosed patients compared with the control group, but a difference was not observed between the treated and control groups. Statistical analysis revealed a strong and significant negative correlation between femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD and TRAb values.

Both surgical and conservative therapies are effective for restoring BMD in postmenopausal patients with Graves’ disease, and the increased level of TRAb can be a useful marker of bone density impairment.
Mind-Body Practices for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Kim Sang Hwan , Schneider Suzanne M. , Kravitz Len , Mermier Christine , Burge Mark R.
Published: May 2016

Background

Mind-body practices are increasingly used to provide stress reduction for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mind-body practice encompasses activities with the intent to use the mind to impact physical functioning and improve health.

Methods

This is a literature review using PubMed, PsycINFO, and Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress to identify the effects of mind-body intervention modalities, such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, and deep breathing, as interventions for PTSD.

Results

The literature search identified 92 articles, only 16 of which were suitable for inclusion in this review. We reviewed only original, full text articles that met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies have small sample size, but findings from the 16 publications reviewed here suggest that mind-body practices are associated with positive impacts on PTSD symptoms. Mind-body practices incorporate numerous therapeutic effects on stress responses, including reductions in anxiety, depression, and anger, and increases in pain tolerance, self-esteem, energy levels, ability to relax, and ability to cope with stressful situations. In general, mind-body practices were found to be a viable intervention to improve the constellation of PTSD symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance, and increased emotional arousal.

Conclusions

Mind-body practices are increasingly used in the treatment of PTSD and are associated with positive impacts on stress-induced illnesses such as depression and PTSD in most existing studies. Knowledge about the diverse modalities of mind-body practices may provide clinicians and patients with the opportunity to explore an individualized and effective treatment plan enhanced by mind-body interventions as part of ongoing self-care.
Natriuretic Peptides’ Metabolic Targets for Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Vesely David L.
Published: May 2016

Four cardiac hormones are synthesized by the atrial natriuretic peptide prohormone gene. These hormones, namely, long-acting natriuretic peptide, vessel dilator, kaliuretic peptide, and atrial natriuretic peptide, help regulate blood pressure and blood volume by causing vasodilation, diuresis, and sodium excretion. These cardiac hormones reduce up to 97% of all cancer cells in vitro. These cardiac hormones eliminate up to 86% of human small-cell lung carcinomas, two thirds of human breast cancers, and up to 80% of human pancreatic adenocarcinomas growing in athymic mice. Their anticancer mechanisms of action, after binding to specific receptors on cancer cells, include targeting the Rat sarcoma-bound guanosine diphosphate conversion to RAS guanosine triphosphate (95% inhibition)–mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (98% inhibition)–extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 (96% inhibition) cascade in cancer cells. They also reduce c-Jun- N-terminal kinase 2 up to 89%. These multiple kinase inhibitors are also inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its VEGFR2 receptor (up to 89% inhibition). They reduce β-catenin up to 88%. They inhibit the WNT pathway up to 68%, and secreted Frizzled-related protein 3 is decreased up to 84%. AKT, a serine/threonine-protein kinase, is reduced up to 64% by the cardiac hormones. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, a final “switch” that activates gene expression that leads to malignancy, is decreased by up to 88% by the cardiac hormones. Of importance, the cross talk between the multiple kinases, VEGF, B-catenin, WNT, and STAT pathways is inhibited by the 4 cardiac hormones.
Serum S100A12 Levels Are Correlated with the Presence and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhao Peng , Wu Mingchun , Yu Houyou , Huang Yang , Wang Yutong , Wang Wei , Yin Wen
Published: May 2016

Objective

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at high risk for development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Serum S100A12 levels have been reported to be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and T2DM. We sought to assess whether serum S100A12 levels are correlated with the presence and severity of CAD.

Methods

Type 2 diabetes mellitus levels in 188 consecutive patients with T2DM undergoing coronary angiography for the evaluation of CAD. The severity of CAD was assessed by the Coronary Atherosclerosis Index (CAI) scores.

Results

Serum S100A12 levels were significantly higher in patients with T2DM with CAD than in those without CAD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that serum S100A12 levels were independently associated with the presence of CAD. Serum S100A12 levels were positively correlated with the Coronary Atherosclerosis Index scores after adjusting for other clinical characteristics.

Conclusion

High S100A12 levels are associated with the presence and severity of CAD in patients with T2DM.
Natriuretic Peptides as Biomarkers in Heart Failure
Authors: Januzzi James L.
Published: May 2016

Following the initial discovery of a natriuretic and diuretic peptide factor present in atrial myocardial tissue homogenates, subsequent elucidation of the natriuretic peptide (NP) family has led to substantial advances in the understanding of the autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine regulation of the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, with the development of assays for the measurement of the NPs, these important biomarkers have gone from being regarded as biological mediators of the cardiovascular system to now represent important clinical tools for the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of patients with heart failure and may have potential as a therapeutic target in this setting as well. An historical perspective on the NPs from bench to bedside translation will be discussed.
Gelatinases and Their Tissue Inhibitors in a Group of Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Hopps Eugenia , Lo Presti Rosalia , Montana Maria , Noto Davide , Averna Maurizio R. , Caimi Gregorio
Published: May 2016

Aim

To evaluate matrix metalloproteases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in a group of subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS) subdivided according to the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus.

Methods

We examined in 90 subjects (51 men and 39 women) with MS, defined following the International Diabetes Federation criteria, and subsequently subdivided into diabetic subjects (22 men and 11 women) and nondiabetic subjects s (29 men and 28 women), the plasma concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.

Results

We found a significant increase in plasma concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in the whole group of MS subjects ( P < 0.001) and in both subgroups of MS subjects with diabetes mellitus ( P < 0.001) and without diabetes mellitus ( P < 0.001) in comparison with healthy controls. We also noted higher concentrations of all the examined parameters in the MS subjects with diabetes mellitus in comparison with the MS subjects without diabetes mellitus. Matrix metalloproteases and TIMPs showed some significant correlations with body mass index and waist circumference and with metabolic parameters in the whole group of MS subjects.

Conclusion

An altered pattern of MMPs and their inhibitors is demonstrated in MS; the presence of diabetes mellitus strongly influences the concentration of MMP and TIMP, contributing probably to the increased cardiovascular risk of MS subjects.
Inadequate Postgraduate Training of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in an Era of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kessler Chad S. , Kane Khadidjatou , Dev Sharmistha , Smiley Jeremy L.
Published: May 2016

Background

Since 2002, the incidence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) has been steadily increasing and CA-MRSA may now account for most community-based SSTIs. Although consensus remains vague, using antibiotics with MRSA coverage has shown improved rates of clinical resolution. The goal of this pilot study was to assess resident physicians’ awareness and management of CA-MRSA SSTIs in the acute/ambulatory care setting.

Methods

This is a prospective cross-sectional survey-design study based on clinical case scenarios approved by the university's institutional review board. The survey was distributed to residents in internal medicine, general surgery, and emergency medicine. The survey was designed to assess (1) their knowledge of MRSA prevalence in community SSTIs and (2) their choice of empiric antibiotic for community-based SSTIs.

Results

Across all residency programs, only 15.7% of residents correctly estimated prevalence of CA-MRSA in SSTIs in the acute care/ambulatory setting to be 50% or higher. In practice, 28.6% of general surgery residents, 50.0% of internal medicine residents, and 69.7% of emergency medicine residents would use an antibiotic with appropriate MRSA coverage.

Conclusion

This pilot study reveals that a substantial number of resident physicians are unaware of the increasing prevalence of CA-MRSA SSTIs and continue to use β-lactam antibiotics for empiric pharmacotherapy of community-based SSTIs. More education is desperately needed on this crucial topic across various residency training programs.
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level is Associated with Arterial Stiffness, Left Ventricle Hypertrophy, and Inflammation in Newly Diagnosed Hypertension
Authors: Kuloğlu Osman , Gür Mustafa , Şeker Taner , Kalkan Gülhan Yüksel , Şahin Durmuş Yıldıray , Tanboğa İbrahim Halil , Koyunsever Nermin Yıldız , Harbalıoğlu Hazar , Türkoğlu Caner , Akyol Selahattin , Elbasan Zafer , Acele Armağan , Çaylı Murat
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Vitamin D may modulate vascular inflammation, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, the renin-angiotensin system, and cardiomyocyte proliferation, myocardial fibrosis, and proliferation. These mechanisms may play a role on arterial stiffness and left ventricle hypertrophy (LVH) in hypertensive patients. We aimed to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D with arterial stiffness and LVH in patients with hypertension.

Methods

We studied 133 patients with newly diagnosed hypertension [mean (SD) age, 62.9 (10.6) years]. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), which reflects arterial stiffness, was calculated using the single-point method via the Mobil-O-Graph ARCsolver algorithm. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was determined according to Deverux formula. The patients were divided into the following 2 groups according to serum vitamin D level: vitamin Dlow group with less than 20 ng/mL and vitamin Dhigh group with greater than or equal to 20 ng/mL.

Results

The highest PWV, high-sensitivity C reactive protein, and LVMI values were observed in vitamin Dlow group compared with vitamin Dhigh group. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that vitamin D level was independently associated with LVMI (β = −0.235, P = 0.002) and PWV (β = −0.432, P < 0.001). Adjustment for age, sex, parathyroid hormone level, body surface area, and mean blood pressure did not modify these associations. Vitamin D level was also independently associated with high-sensitivity C reactive protein (β = −0.143, P = 0.047). However, adjustment for parathyroid hormone level or body surface area and mean blood pressure attenuate this association.

Conclusions

Serum 25-hyroxyvitamin D is independently related with arterial stiffness, LVH, and inflammation. Vitamin D may play a role on pathogenesis of arterial stiffness and LVH in patient with newly diagnosed hypertension.
Peripheral Monocytes Derived from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis and Healthy Donors Secrete NGAL in Response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection
Authors: Zughaier Susu M. , Tangpricha Vin , Leong Traci , Stecenko Arlene A. , McCarty Nael A.
Published: May 2016

Background

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) develop chronic bacterial infections in the respiratory tract, reflecting dysfunctional innate immunity. Neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (NGAL) has 2 functions: one as an antibacterial host defense protein and the other as a physiological iron carrier. Neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been validated as a biomarker for early kidney disease. The aim of this study was to determine whether NGAL could serve as a marker of acute pulmonary exacerbations in CF by measuring NGAL levels in serum samples from subjects with CF during stable clinic visits and during hospitalization for pulmonary exacerbations and comparing these levels to healthy controls and to patients without CF with significant infection. In addition, we aimed to determine if innate immunity cells other than neutrophils act as a source of NGAL.

Methods

Circulating NGAL levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum samples from 30 subjects with CF when hospitalized for an acute pulmonary exacerbation, 33 subjects with CF during stable clinic visits, 33 patients with sepsis, and 21 healthy controls. Secreted NGAL from CF and healthy control peripheral monocytes infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Serum NGAL levels were elevated in the patients with CF compared to the healthy controls ( P < 0.001). However, no difference in serum NGAL levels was found between subjects with CF with stable disease compared to subjects with CF undergoing pulmonary exacerbation. Furthermore, peripheral monocytes from CF and subjects without CF secreted NGAL upon infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and thereby may be contributing to the circulating NGAL levels observed.

Conclusions

Our data show that peripheral monocytes secrete NGAL, and serum NGAL levels are widely distributed among subjects with CF, being elevated both when clinically stable and during a pulmonary exacerbation and thus NGAL is not a sensitive biomarker for pulmonary exacerbations.
The Polymorphism of CLOCK Gene 3111T/C C>T is Associated with Susceptibility of Alzheimer Disease in Chinese Population
Authors: Yang Yun-Kang , Peng Xiao-Dong , Li Yong-Hong , Wang Zheng-Rong , Chang-quan Huang , Hui Wang , Liu Qing-Xiu
Published: May 2016

Objectives

In the present study, it was examined whether polymorphism of circadian locomotor output cycle kaput (CLOCK) gene 3111T/C was associated with susceptibility of Alzheimer disease (AD).

Methods

This study was conducted using a case-control method. Genotypes of apolipoprotein E (APOE e4) and CLOCK gene 3111T/C were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism method and TaqMan assay method, respectively.

Results

In this study, we gathered 296 unrelated AD patients and 423 control subjects. Both in the whole sample and APOE e4 noncarriers, prevalence of C carriers in CLOCK gene 3111T/C in AD patients was significantly higher than that in control subjects (in the whole sample: χ2 = 37.615, P < 0.0001; in APOE e4 noncarriers: χ2 = 46.809, P < 0.0001). However, among APOE e4 carriers, prevalence of C carriers in CLOCK gene 3111T/C between patients and control subjects presents nonsignificant difference (χ2 = 0.812, P = 0.451).

Conclusions

Among APOE e4 noncarriers, C carriers in CLOCK gene 3111T/C were associated with a high susceptibility of AD, but among APOE e4 carriers, the functional polymorphism of CLOCK gene 3111T/C was not associated with the susceptibility of AD.
Isoflurane Provides Neuroprotection in Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Burchell Sherrefa R. , Dixon Brandon J. , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H.
Published: May 2016

Isoflurane is a volatile anesthetic that is widely used clinically as an inhalational anesthetic. In recent years, several studies have indicated that isoflurane has neuroprotective properties. This has led to the beneficial effects of isoflurane being analyzed in both cell culture and animal models, including various models of brain injury. Neonatal hypoxia ischemia may be characterized as injury that occurs in the immature brain, resulting in delayed cell death via excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. These adverse events in the developing brain often lead to detrimental neurological defects in the future. Currently, there are no well-established effective therapies for neonatal hypoxia ischemia. In line with this, isoflurane, which displays neuroprotective properties in several paradigms and has been shown to improve neurological deficits caused by brain injuries, has the capability to be an extremely relevant clinical therapy for the resolution of deficits concomitant with neonatal hypoxic ischemic brain injuries. This review therefore seeks to explore and analyze the current information on isoflurane, looking at general isoflurane anesthetic properties, and the protection it confers in different animal models, focusing particularly on neuroprotection as shown in studies with neonatal hypoxic ischemic brain injury.
Association of Genetic Polymorphisms with Histological Grading of Necroinflammation, Staging of Fibrosis, and Liver Function in Mexicans with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Sánchez-Parada María Guadalupe , Alvarez-Rodríguez Bertha Adriana , Gómez-Meda Belinda Claudia , Troyo-Sanromán Rogelio , Sánchez-Orozco Laura Verónica , Zamora-Perez Ana Lourdes , Landeros Martha Silvia Lucano , Armendáriz-Borunda Juan
Published: May 2016

Background/Aim

The aim of this work was to establish an association between the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TGFB1 (rs1800471), AT (rs3789679), MMP-1 (rs17886084), MMP-3 (rs35068180), and PAI-1 (rs1799889) and the histological grading of necroinflammation, staging of hepatic fibrosis, and liver function in Mexican patients with advanced liver fibrosis due to chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

Methods

AT, MMP-1, MMP-3, and PAI-1 gene polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction in real time, whereas TGFB1 polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction–based restriction fragment length polymorphism in 38 patients with established advanced liver fibrosis and 50 subjects from the general population. Grading of necroinflammation and staging of liver fibrosis were assessed by liver biopsy and graded according to modified histological activity index Ishak score.

Results

Regarding TGFB1 SNP, significant differences were found between G/G and G/C genotypes of patients with hepatic necroinflammation ( P = 0.05) and hepatic fibrosis ( P = 0.002). There were also significant differences among genotypes of patients with the AT SNP in hepatic necroinflammation ( P = 0.01). The albumin-globulin ratio between genotypes of patients with the MMP-3 SNP gene showed significant differences ( P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that a specific combination of genotypes associated with biochemical values and a histological high score determine more severe liver disease. The presence of the G/G genotype of TGFB1 SNP in patients was significantly associated with severity of liver necroinflammation and fibrosis. Patients with the G/G genotype of AT SNP were associated with severe necroinflammation. The albumin-globulin ratio was increased in patients with the 6A allele of MMP-3 SNP. These results might contribute to diagnosis and further establishment of liver disease treatment.
Association of a Novel Polymorphism of the β2-Chimaerin Gene (CHN2) with Smoking
Authors: Barrio-Real Laura , Barrueco Miguel , González-Sarmiento Rogelio , Caloca María J.
Published: May 2016

Objective

The CHN2 gene encodes the β2-chimaerin, a Rac-specific guanosine-5′-triphosphatase activating protein with an important role in the establishment of functional brain circuitry by controlling axon pruning. Genetic studies suggest that the CHN2 gene harbors variants that contribute to addiction vulnerability and smoking behavior. To further evaluate the role of β2-chimaerin in nicotine addiction, we investigated the association of 3 individual polymorphisms of the CHN2 gene with smoking dependence.

Methods

Three hundred sixty-one healthy volunteers, 173 smokers (mean ± SD age, 60.4 ± 1.4 years) and 188 control subjects (mean ± SD age, 45.9 ± 1.4 years) were genotyped for 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the CHN2 gene (rs3750103, rs12112301, and rs186911567). The association of these polymorphisms with smoking habits was analyzed.

Results

There was no significant association of polymorphisms rs12112301 and rs3750103 with smoking. However, there was a significant difference in the frequency of the rs186911567 polymorphism between the smokers and the controls ( P = 0.003).

Conclusions

We report for the first time a significant association of the novel rs186911567 polymorphism of the CHN2 gene with smoking.
Use of Blood Tests to Predict Upper Gastrointestinal Lesions in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Song Youn Mi , Yoon Hye Eun , Choi Yoo A. , Kim Eun Oh , Lee Sang Ju , Chang Yoon Kyung , Kim Suk Young , Yang Chul Woo , Hwang Hyeon Seok
Published: May 2016

Objective

Anemia and iron deficiency are common complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, information about the diagnostic indicators of bleeding-related upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract lesions is sparse and few studies have investigated anemic upper GI tract lesions.

Methods

We included 165 anemic patients with non–dialysis-dependent CKD stages 3 to 5 (44 patients at stage 3, 52 patients at stage 4, and 69 patients at stage 5). Transferrin saturation (TSAT), serum ferritin, mean corpuscular volume, and corrected reticulocyte count data were collected to evaluate their diagnostic use for bleeding-related upper GI tract lesions, which were identified by esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Results

Bleeding-related GI tract lesions were found in 57 patients (34.5%). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve used to predict bleeding-related lesions was 0.63 for TSAT ( P = 0.007), and the best cutoff value was 19.7% (sensitivity, 0.53; specificity, 0.76). The combination of cutoffs TSAT less than 20% or serum ferritin less than 100 ng/mL produced a 17% increment in sensitivity compared with that of TSAT less than 20% alone. The corrected reticulocyte levels and mean corpuscular volume had no significant diagnostic use. In patients with CKD stage 5, the sensitivity of TSAT or its combination with serum ferritin less than 100 ng/mL was significantly lower than in patients with CKD stage 3 (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Transferrin saturation is a significant predictor of anemic lesions in the upper GI tract, and serum ferritin can increase the sensitivity of TSAT. However, these indicators should be used with caution in patients with CKD stage 5 because their sensitivity is poor in this context.
Central Regulation of Glucose Production May Be Impaired in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Esterson Yonah B. , Carey Michelle , Boucai Laura , Goyal Akankasha , Raghavan Pooja , Zhang Kehao , Mehta Deeksha , Feng Daorong , Wu Licheng , Kehlenbrink Sylvia , Koppaka Sudha , Kishore Preeti , Hawkins Meredith
Published: May 2016

The challenges of achieving optimal glycemic control in type 2 diabetes highlight the need for new therapies. Inappropriately elevated endogenous glucose production (EGP) is the main source of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. Because activation of central ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels suppresses EGP in nondiabetic rodents and humans, this study examined whether type 2 diabetic humans and rodents retain central regulation of EGP. The KATP channel activator diazoxide was administered in a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design to eight type 2 diabetic subjects and seven age- and BMI-matched healthy control subjects. Comprehensive measures of glucose turnover and insulin sensitivity were performed during euglycemic pancreatic clamp studies following diazoxide and placebo administration. Complementary rodent clamp studies were performed in Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats. In type 2 diabetic subjects, extrapancreatic KATP channel activation with diazoxide under fixed hormonal conditions failed to suppress EGP, whereas matched control subjects demonstrated a 27% reduction in EGP (P = 0.002) with diazoxide. Diazoxide also failed to suppress EGP in diabetic rats. These results suggest that suppression of EGP by central KATP channel activation may be lost in type 2 diabetes. Restoration of central regulation of glucose metabolism could be a promising therapeutic target to reduce hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes.
Longitudinal Findings From the Early College High School Initiative Impact Study
Authors: Haxton Clarisse , Song Mengli , Zeiser Kristina , Berger Andrea , Turk-Bicakci Lori , Garet Michael S. , Knudson Joel , Hoshen Gur
Published: May 2016

This study is a randomized controlled trial that assessed the impact of Early College High Schools on students’ high school graduation, college enrollment, and college degree attainment, as well as students’ high school experiences using extant data and survey data. The study included 10 Early Colleges that enrolled students in Grades 9 to 12 in 2005 through 2011 and used a lottery for admissions, and 2,458 students who participated in those admission lotteries. The study time frame covered Grade 9 through 2 years post high school for all students and 4 years post high school for the oldest student cohort. It found that Early Colleges had positive impacts on college enrollment and college completion as well as students’ high school experiences.
Making a Success of “Algebra for All”
Authors: Nomi Takako , Raudenbush Stephen W.
Published: May 2016

In 2003, Chicago launched “Double-Dose Algebra,” requiring students with pretest scores below the national median to take two periods of math–algebra and supplemental coursework. In many schools, assignment to Double Dose changed the peer composition of the algebra classroom. Using school-specific instrumental variables within a regression-discontinuity design (RDD), we find that attending a lower skill classroom reduced math achievement for median-skill students. As a result, the Double-Dose policy had little or no effect for median-skill students in schools that exposed them to low-skill classrooms. However, the effects of Double Dose were substantially positive in schools that did not do so. We consider policy implications and interpretations of the results from RDDs.
Boride coating on the surface of WC–Co-based cemented carbide
Authors: Márquez-Herrera Alfredo , Bermúdez-Rodríguez Gabriel , Hernández-Rodríguez Eric Noé , Melendez-Lira Miguel , Zapata-Torres Martin
Published: May 2016

In this study, the structural properties and enhancement in the hardness of commercial WC–Co-based cemented carbide inserts are reported after the formation of a boronised layer on the surface. A boronising thermochemical treatment was given at 900 °C for 4 h. X-ray diffraction analysis verified the treatment in the presence of peaks associated with the Co2B and W2CoB2 phases. The hardness of the samples used in the boronising process increased from 1492 HV up to 2000 HV. The typical values of the thickness of the boronised layer were measured to be around 28 μm. The results of a tool-life test suggest that boride coating effectively enhances the cutting performance of the samples.
Reverse Phase HPLC Profiling of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Sarcochlamys pulcherrima (Roxb.) Gaud.
Authors: Doley Pradip , Devi Naorem Manglembi , Singh Ch. B. , Singh A. V.
Published: May 2016

The total phenolics content, total flavonoids content, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity of methanol extract and its derived fractions from Sarcochlamys pulcherrima (Roxb.) Gaud. were evaluated. The plant material was initially extracted with methanol. The fractionation was carried out using liquid-liquid extraction with hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water. The Folin-Ciocalteu assay was used to quantify total phenolics content, Aluminum Chloride assay to quantify total flavonoids content, DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine) and reducing power assay are to determine antioxidant activity. The ethyl acetate fraction was observed to contain high phenolic content (201.37 mg/g) followed by n-butanol fraction (197.76 mg/g), methanol extract (136.93mg), water fraction (55.05mg/g) and hexane fraction (36.94mg/g) respectively. The flavonoids content ranges from 109.48 mg/g to 8.63 mg/g dry extract. The highest antioxidant activity was found in n-butanol fraction (EC50 =14.69 µg/mL in DPPH and 162.65 µg/mL in reducing power). The antimicrobial activity of the samples was evaluated based on inhibition zone using agar-well diffusion assay and minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) values. Hexane fraction had no antimicrobial effect against test microorganisms. The zone of inhibitions ranged from 11 mm to 6 mm. The n-butanol fraction possessed the highest antimicrobial activity against E. coli among the four fractions with MIC value of 0.781mg/mL. In addition rutin, gallic acid, quercetin and kaempferol were quantified by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. In ethyl acetate and n-butanol fraction, observed large amount rutin (77.53 ± 7.57 mg/g; 77.45 ± 1.71 mg/g) and gallic acid (61.01 ± 2.34 mg/g; 22.75 ± 1.54 mg/g) as compared to the quercetin and kaempferol.Doley et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, May 2016, 5(6): 49-54
LED (Light-Emitting Diode) Road Lighting in Practice: An Evaluation of Compliance with Regulations and Improvements for Further Energy Savings
Authors: Jägerbrand Annika
Published: May 2016

Light-emitting diode (LED) road lighting has been widely implemented in recent years, but few studies have evaluated its performance after installation. This study investigated whether LED road lighting complies with minimum regulations in terms of traffic safety and whether improvements for energy efficiency are possible. Average road surface luminance (L), overall luminance uniformity (Uo), longitudinal luminance uniformity (UI), power density (PD) and normalised power density (PN) were evaluated for 14 roads (seven designed for vehicular traffic and seven for pedestrians and bicycles). Energy savings were calculated as the percentage reduction to the minimum level of the existing lighting class or a lower lighting class and by applying a dimming schedule. The results showed that LED road lighting for vehicular traffic roads generally fulfilled the requirements, whereas that for pedestrian and bicycle roads generally corresponded to the lowest lighting class for L, and often did not meet the statutory requirements for Uo and UI. By adapting lighting levels to the minimum requirement of the existing lighting class or by dropping to a lower lighting class, vehicular traffic roads could save 6%–35% on L to lighting class M5 and 23%–61% on L to lighting class M6. A dimming schedule could lead to energy savings of 49%. There is little potential for savings on pedestrian and bicycle roads, except by implementing a dimming schedule. Thus, in general, for vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle roads, a dimming schedule can save more energy than can be achieved in general by reducing lighting class. Furthermore, since a dimming schedule can be adjusted to traffic intensity, any potential risk of compromising traffic safety is minimised.