bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age-Associated Differences in Central Artery Responsiveness to Sympathoexcitatory Stimuli
Authors: Bock Joshua M , Hughes William E , Casey Darren P 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Age-associated arterial stiffening may be the result of greater tonic sympathetic nerve activity. However, age-associated changes in central artery responsiveness to sympathoexcitatory stimuli are understudied. Therefore, we examined changes in central artery stiffness and wave reflection in response to sympathoexcitatory stimuli in young and older adults.

METHODS
Fourteen young (25 ± 4 years) and 15 older (68 ± 4 years) subjects completed 3 minutes of the cold pressor test (CPT) and lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) separated by 15 minutes. Carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), central augmentation pressure (cAP), and augmentation index (AIx) were measured in duplicate during rest and the final minute of each perturbation.

RESULTS
Young subjects had lower baseline cfPWV, cAP, and AIx than older subjects (P &lt; 0.05 for all). During the CPT mean arterial pressure (MAP), cfPWV, cAP, and AIx increased in both groups (P &lt; 0.05 for all); however, changes (Δ) in MAP (18 ± 7 vs. 9 ± 5 mm Hg), cfPWV (1.3 ± 0.7 vs. 0.6 ± 0.9 m/s), cAP (4 ± 2 vs. 6 ± 3 mm Hg), and AIx (18 ± 9% vs. 7 ± 4%) were greater in young vs. older subjects, respectively (P &lt; 0.05 for all). With MAP as a covariate, cfPWV, cAP, and AIx responses to the CPT were no longer significantly different between groups. During LBNP, changes in MAP (–1 ± 3 vs. –3 ± 5 mm Hg), cfPWV (0.5 ± 0.3 vs. 0.5 ± 0.7 m/s), cAP (–2 ± 2 vs. –2 ± 3 mm Hg), and AIx (–7 ± 7% vs. –3 ± 6%) were similar between young and older groups, respectively (P &gt; 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS
Collectively, our data suggest the sympathetic nervous system may directly modulate central hemodynamics and that age-associated differences in central artery responsiveness to sympathoexcitatory stimuli are largely attributable to differential blood pressure responses.
The Limits of Critique and the Affordances of Form: Literary Studies after the Hermeneutics of Suspicion
Authors: Fluck Winfried 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHow are we going to read literature in the future? What is the direction literary studies should take? The question has gained urgency in view of a growing dissatisfaction with the mode of reading that has dominated the field over the last decades, a method of critical unmasking that is based, in one way or another, on a hermeneutics of suspicion and its key premise of the all-determining power of an absent cause. Concepts like reparative reading, surface reading, distant reading, new formalism and postcritique signal a search for alternatives. This essay focuses on two books that have been especially influential in this search, Rita Felski’s The Limits of Critique (2015), seen by many as a wake-up call to move beyond a stifling routine of suspicious readings, and Caroline Levine’s Forms: Whole, Rhythm, Hierarchy, Network (2015), an original reconsideration of the matter of form and its possible political functions. Both of these books want to escape narratives of determination in which singularity and difference are lost, but both approach the challenge in strikingly different ways. Both tell stories of a liberation from determinations that are based on very different founding assumptions. This suggests to discuss them in the larger context of other narratives of liberation in literary studies, as this essay does in its conclusion.
Comparison of haplotype-based tests for detecting gene–environment interactions with rare variants
Authors: Papachristou Charalampos , Biswas Swati 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDissecting the genetic mechanism underlying a complex disease hinges on discovering gene–environment interactions (GXE). However, detecting GXE is a challenging problem especially when the genetic variants under study are rare. Haplotype-based tests have several advantages over the so-called collapsing tests for detecting rare variants as highlighted in recent literature. Thus, it is of practical interest to compare haplotype-based tests for detecting GXE including the recent ones developed specifically for rare haplotypes. We compare the following methods: haplo.glm, hapassoc, HapReg, Bayesian hierarchical generalized linear model (BhGLM) and logistic Bayesian LASSO (LBL). We simulate data under different types of association scenarios and levels of gene–environment dependence. We find that when the type I error rates are controlled to be the same for all methods, LBL is the most powerful method for detecting GXE. We applied the methods to a lung cancer data set, in particular, in region 15q25.1 as it has been suggested in the literature that it interacts with smoking to affect the lung cancer susceptibility and that it is associated with smoking behavior. LBL and BhGLM were able to detect a rare haplotype–smoking interaction in this region. We also analyzed the sequence data from the Dallas Heart Study, a population-based multi-ethnic study. Specifically, we considered haplotype blocks in the gene ANGPTL4 for association with trait serum triglyceride and used ethnicity as a covariate. Only LBL found interactions of haplotypes with race (Hispanic). Thus, in general, LBL seems to be the best method for detecting GXE among the ones we studied here. Nonetheless, it requires the most computation time.
Despite Predominance of Uropathogenic/Extraintestinal Pathotypes Among Travel-acquired Extended-spectrum β-Lactamase–producing Escherichia coli, the Most Commonly Associated Clinical Manifestation Is Travelers’ Diarrhea
Authors: Kantele Anu , Lääveri Tinja , Mero Sointu , Häkkinen Inka M K , Kirveskari Juha , Johnston Brian D , Johnson James R 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundOne-third of the 100 million travelers to the tropics annually acquire extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE), with undefined clinical consequences.MethodsSymptoms suggesting Enterobacteriaceae infections were recorded prospectively among 430 Finnish travelers, 90 (21%) of whom acquired ESBL-PE abroad. ESBL-PE isolates underwent polymerase chain reaction–based detection of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) pathotypes (enteroaggregative E. coli [EAEC], enteropathogenic E. coli [EPEC], enterotoxigenic E. coli [ETEC], enteroinvasive E. coli, and Shiga toxin–producing E. coli), and extraintestinal pathogenic/uropathogenic E. coli (ExPEC/UPEC). Laboratory-confirmed ESBL-PE infections were surveyed 5 years before and after travel.ResultsAmong the 90 ESBL-PE carriers, manifestations of Enterobacteriaceae infection included travelers’ diarrhea (TD) (75/90 subjects) and urinary tract infection (UTI) (3/90). The carriers had 96 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates, 51% exhibiting a molecular pathotype: 13 (14%) were DEC (10 EAEC, 2 EPEC, 1 ETEC) (12 associated with TD) and 39 (41%) ExPEC/UPEC (none associated with UTI). Of ESBL-PE, 3 (3%) were ExPEC/UPEC-EAEC hybrids (2 associated with diarrhea, none with UTI). Potential ESBL-PE infections were detected in 15 of 90 subjects (17%). The 10-year medical record survey identified 4 laboratory-confirmed ESBL-PE infections among the 430 travelers, all in subjects who screened ESBL-PE negative after returning home from their index journeys but had traveled abroad before their infection episodes.ConclusionsHalf of all travel-acquired ESBL-producing E. coli strains qualified molecularly as pathogens. Extraintestinal and uropathogenic pathotypes outnumbered enteric pathotypes (41% vs 14%), yet the latter correlated more closely with symptomatic infection (0% vs 92%). Despite more ESBL-PE strains qualifying as ExPEC/UPEC than DEC, travel-acquired ESBL-PE are more often associated with TD than UTI.
Clinical features and outcomes in a cohort of patients with immunoglobulin G4-related disease at a university hospital in Spain
Authors: Quero Maria , Draibe Juliana , Solanich Xavier , Rama Inés , Gomà Montserrat , Martínez-Valenzuela Laura , Fulladosa Xavier , Cruzado Josep M , Torras Joan 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibro-inflammatory, immune-mediated disorder, which characteristically affects the glandular tissue but has the potential to affect any organ.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed clinical, laboratory, histological characteristics and treatment response during 12 months of follow-up of a cohort of patients with IgG4-RD diagnosed at a tertiary public hospital. Disease activity was assessed by means of the IgG4-RD responder index (IgG4-RD RI).

Results
In all, 15 patients have been diagnosed at our Institution and herein studied (80% men), with a median age of 60.7 years and a mean affectation of 2.8 organs per patient. We identified six patients with definitive diagnosis and nine with possible IgG4-RD, according to the Japanese diagnostic algorithm. IgG4-RD RI decreased from a median of 11.3 at baseline to 4.0 after 6 months and 6.2 after 12 months. Relapse occurred in five patients and was associated with lower cumulative steroid doses. Five patients (33.3%) required additional immunosuppressive (IS) drugs. Five adverse events were seen during follow-up: three infections, one deep vein thrombosis and one gastrointestinal bleeding. One patient died of pneumonia.

Conclusions
IgG4-RD is an inflammatory disease that can affect any organ. Glucocorticoids were an effective first line of treatment; however, this treatment is associated with important adverse events and relapses occurred in patients with low cumulative doses. As an alternative, IS treatment with rituximab could be an interesting option in those patients.
The Oxysterol Synthesising Enzyme CH25H Contributes to the Development of Intestinal Fibrosis
Authors: Raselli T , Wyss A , Gonzalez Alvarado M N , Weder B , Mamie C , Spalinger M R , Van Haaften W T , Dijkstra G , Sailer A W , Imenez Silva P H , Wagner C A , Tosevski V , Leibl Sebastian , Scharl M , Rogler G , Hausmann M , Misselwitz B 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis and stenosis are common complications of Crohn’s disease [CD], frequently requiring surgery. Anti-inflammatory strategies can only partially prevent fibrosis; hence, anti-fibrotic therapies remain an unmet clinical need. Oxysterols are oxidised cholesterol derivatives with important roles in various biological processes. The enzyme cholesterol 25-hydroxylase [CH25H] converts cholesterol to 25-hydroxycholesterol [25-HC], which modulates immune responses and oxidative stress. In human intestinal samples from CD patients, we found a strong correlation of CH25H mRNA expression with the expression of fibrosis markers. We demonstrate reduced intestinal fibrosis in mice deficient for the CH25H enzyme, using the sodium dextran sulphate [DSS]-induced chronic colitis model. Additionally, using a heterotopic transplantation model of intestinal fibrosis, we demonstrate reduced collagen deposition and lower concentrations of hydroxyproline in CH25H knockouts. In the heterotopic transplant model, CH25H was expressed in fibroblasts. Taken together, our findings indicate an involvement of oxysterol synthesis in the pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis.
The association between the public reporting of individual operator outcomes with patient profiles, procedural management, and mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention: an observational study from the Pan-London PCI (BCIS) Registry using an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Jones Daniel A , Rathod Krishnaraj S , Koganti Sudheer , Lim Pitt , Firoozi Sam , Bogle Richard , Jain Ajay K , MacCarthy Philip A , Dalby Miles C , Malik Iqbal S , Mathur Anthony , DeSilva Ranil , Rakhit Roby , Kalra Sundeep Singh , Redwood Simon , Ludman Peter , Wragg Andrew 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Aims
The public reporting of healthcare outcomes has a number of potential benefits; however, unintended consequences may limit its effectiveness as a quality improvement process. We aimed to assess whether the introduction of individual operator specific outcome reporting after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the UK was associated with a change in patient risk factor profiles, procedural management, or 30-day mortality outcomes in a large cohort of consecutive patients.

Methods and results
This was an observational cohort study of 123 780 consecutive PCI procedures from the Pan-London (UK) PCI registry, from January 2005 to December 2015. Outcomes were compared pre- (2005–11) and post- (2011–15) public reporting including the use of an interrupted time series analysis. Patients treated after public reporting was introduced were older and had more complex medical problems. Despite this, reported in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events rates were significantly lower after the introduction of public reporting (2.3 vs. 2.7%, P &lt; 0.0001). Interrupted time series analysis demonstrated evidence of a reduction in 30-day mortality rates after the introduction of public reporting, which was over and above the existing trend in mortality before the introduction of public outcome reporting (35% decrease relative risk 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.55–0.77; P &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusion
The introduction of public reporting has been associated with an improvement in outcomes after PCI in this data set, without evidence of risk-averse behaviour. However, the lower reported complication rates might suggest a change in operator behaviour and decision-making confirming the need for continued surveillance of the impact of public reporting on outcomes and operator behaviour.
Air Pollution Alters Caenorhabditis elegans Development and Lifespan: Responses to Traffic-Related Nanoparticulate Matter
Authors: Haghani Amin , Dalton Hans M , Safi Nikoo , Shirmohammadi Farimah , Sioutas Constantinos , Morgan Todd E , Finch Caleb E , Curran Sean P 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Air pollution is a heterogeneous environmental toxicant that impacts humans throughout their life. We introduce Caenorhabditis elegans as a valuable air pollution model with its short lifespan, medium-throughput capabilities, and highly conserved biological pathways that impact healthspan. We exposed developmental and adult life stages of C. elegans to airborne nano-sized particulate matter (nPM) produced by traffic emissions and measured biological and molecular endpoints that changed in response. Acute nPM did not cause lethality in C. elegans, but short-term exposure during larval stage 1 caused delayed development. Gene expression responses to nPM exposure overlapped with responses of mouse and cell culture models of nPM exposure in previous studies. We showed further that the skn-1/Nrf2 antioxidant response has a role in the development and hormetic effects of nPM. This study introduces the worm as a new resource and complementary model for mouse and cultured cell systems to study air pollution toxicity across the lifespan.
Alternatives to Aging Alone?: “Kinlessness” and the Importance of Friends Across European Contexts
Authors: Mair Christine A 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Increasing numbers of older adults cross-nationally are without children or partners in later life and therefore likely have greater reliance on nonkin (e.g., friends). This pattern may be particularly pronounced in country contexts that emphasize friendship. This article hypothesizes that those who lack kin (e.g., children, partners) and/or who live in countries with a stronger emphasis on friendship have more friends in their networks. Although these hypothesized patterns are consistent with interdisciplinary literatures, they have not been tested empirically and therefore remain overlooked in current “aging alone” narratives.

Method
This study combines individual-level data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (Wave 6) with nation-level data from the European Values Survey to estimate multilevel negative binomial models exploring number of friends among those aged more than 50 years who lack kin across 17 countries.

Results
Older adults who lack kin or whose kin are unavailable report more friends in their networks, particularly in countries with a higher percentage of people who believe that friends are “very important” in life.

Discussion
This article challenges dominating assumptions about “aging alone” that rely heavily on lack of family as an indicator of “alone.” Future studies of “kinlessness” should consider the extent to which friendship is correlated with lack of kin, particularly in more socioeconomically developed countries. Previous research on “aging alone” may have overestimated risk in more privileged countries that already emphasize friendship, but underestimated risk in family-centered countries where “kinlessness” and alternative sources of support are less common.
Clinical Factors Associated with Mortality in Cirrhotic Patients Presenting with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Bishay Kirles , Tandon Parul , Fisher Stacey , Yelle Dominique , Carrigan Ian , Wooller Krista , Kelly Erin 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
Whether certain clinical or laboratory characteristics are able to differentiate cirrhotic patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeds (UGIB) at high-risk inpatient mortality is unknown. The objective of this study is to elucidate patient factors at presentation that are associated with in-hospital mortality.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of cirrhotic patients presenting with UGIB was performed. Baseline characteristics at admission including demographics, clinical and laboratory characteristics were collected. Factors associated with in-hospital mortality were evaluated with logistic regression analyses. The discriminative power of MELD score was evaluated with the use of area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results
One hundred and sixteen patients were included in this study. MELD score at presentation was higher in the death cohort (24.0 versus 14.8, P &lt; 0.001) and remained significantly associated with mortality after multivariable adjustment (P &lt; 0.001). ROC analysis of MELD score for death yielded an area under the curve of 0.88. At admission, the death group had lower systolic blood pressure (103 mmHg versus 123 mmHg, P=0.008 and more frequently presented with bright red blood per rectum (46.7% versus 11.9%, P = 0.003). Bilirubin and international normalized ratio were also higher, and albumin was lower in patients who died.

Conclusions
Among cirrhotic patients presenting with UGIB, the severity of symptoms and impairment in hepatic synthetic function is associated with in-hospital mortality. Admission MELD score may be useful in predicting in-hospital mortality.
Dysregulated miR-142, -33b and -423 in granulosa cells target TGFBR1 and SMAD7: a possible role in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Li Yan , Xiang Yungai , Song Yuxia , Wan Lijing , Yu Guo , Tan Li 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
It is well established that microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles are altered in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In addition, abnormal transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) signaling in granulosa cells is related to the pathological conditions of PCOS. However, the function of dysregulated miRNAs in PCOS is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the roles of specific miRNAs in PCOS. We collected follicular fluid from 46 patients with PCOS and 32 healthy controls. Granulosa cells (GCs) were separated and the levels of six candidate miRNAs were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. The direct targets of three dysregulated miRNAs were predicted using bioinformatic tools and confirmed using a dual luciferase assay and immunoblotting. The biological function of three dysregulated miRNAs in primary GCs was determined using a cell proliferation assay and flow cytometry. We found that miR-423 expression was downregulated (P = 0.038), and the levels of miR-33b (P = 0.032) and miR-142 (P = 0.021) were upregulated in GCs from patients with PCOS, compared to controls. miR-423 directly repressed SMAD family member 7 (SMAD7) expression, while transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1) was a direct target of both miR-33b and miR-142. An RNA oligonucleotide mixture containing miR-423 inhibitor, miR-33b mimic, and miR-142 mimic repressed TGFB signaling, promoted cell proliferation (P = 0.0098), repressed apoptosis (P = 0.027), and increased S phase cell numbers (P = 0.0036) in primary cultures of GCs, compared to the cells treated with a sequence scrambled control RNA oligonucleotide. This study unveiled the possible roles of three miRNAs in PCOS and might provide candidate biomarkers for PCOS diagnosis while in vivo functional studies, using transgenic or knockout mouse models, are expected to confirm the roles of dysregulated miRNAs in the pathogenesis of PCOS.
Excessive salt intake increases peritoneal solute transport rate via local tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein in subtotal nephrectomized mice
Authors: Sun Ting , Sakata Fumiko , Ishii Takako , Tawada Mitsuhiro , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Kinashi Hiroshi , Katsuno Takayuki , Takei Yoshifumi , Maruyama Shoichi , Mizuno Masashi , Ito Yasuhiko 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundHigh peritoneal transport is associated with high mortality and technical failure in peritoneal dialysis (PD). Baseline peritoneal solute transport rate (PSTR) as measured by the peritoneal equilibration test (PET) within 6 months after PD initiation varies between patients. Sodium is reported to be stored in the skin or muscle of dialysis patients. This study investigated whether excessive salt intake in uremic mice caused peritoneal alterations without exposure to PD fluid.MethodsSham-operated (Sham) and subtotal nephrectomized (Nx) mice were randomly given tap water or 1% sodium chloride (NaCl)-containing water for 8 weeks. PET was then performed to evaluate peritoneal function. Human mesothelial cell line Met-5A was used for in vitro studies.ResultsWe observed higher PSTR in Nx mice with 1% NaCl-containing drinking water (Nx + salt) compared with those with tap water (Nx + water), along with enhanced angiogenesis and inflammation in the peritoneum. Blockade of interleukin (IL)-6 signaling rescued peritoneal transport function in Nx + salt mice. In cultured Met-5A, additional NaCl in the medium upregulated IL-6 as well as vascular endothelial growth factor-A, associated with increased expression and nuclear translocation of tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP). Knockdown of TonEBP lowered the induction caused by high tonicity. Peritoneal TonEBP expression was higher in Nx + salt mice, while removal of high-salt diet lowered TonEBP level and improved peritoneal transport function.ConclusionsExcessive dietary salt intake caused peritoneal membrane functional and structural changes under uremic status. TonEBP regulated hypertonicity-related inflammatory changes and might play a crucial role in high baseline peritoneal transport.
The revival of thermal utilization from the Sun: interfacial solar vapor generation
Authors: Zhou Lin , Li Xiuqiang , Ni George W , Zhu Shining , Zhu Jia 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Since solar energy is the ultimate energy resource and a significant amount of global energy utilization goes through heat, there have been persistent efforts for centuries to develop devices and systems for solar–thermal conversion. Most recently, interfacial solar vapor generation, as an emerging concept of solar–thermal conversion, has gained significant attention for its great potentials in various fields such as desalination, sterilization, catalysis, etc. With the advances of rationally designed materials and structures and photon and thermal management at the nanoscale, interfacial solar vapor generation has demonstrated both thermodynamic and kinetical advantages over conventional strategies. In this review, we aim to illustrate the definition, mechanism and figures of merit of interfacial solar vapor generation, and to summarize the development progress of relevant materials and applications, as well as to provide a prospective view of the future.