bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal functional hemodynamics in uncomplicated twin pregnancies: A longitudinal study using impedance cardiography
Authors: Orabona Rossana , Prefumo Federico , Zanardini Cristina , Magri Roberta , Loardi Chiara , Cappa Veronica , Calza Stefano , Frusca Tiziana , Acharya Ganesh 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionLongitudinal studies of maternal hemodynamics in twin pregnancy are scarce and preload reserve in twin pregnancies has not been studied. Thus, we aimed to investigate serial changes in maternal systemic hemodynamics from the first to third trimester, and cardiovascular response to passive leg raising to evaluate preload reserve using impedance cardiography in a cohort of uncomplicated twin pregnancies.Material and methodsThis was a prospective longitudinal study of 50 twin pregnancies. Maternal hemodynamics was assessed at baseline and 120 seconds after passive leg raising using impedance cardiography, at five time points during gestation. Women were excluded from the analysis if there were pregnancy complications or fewer than three of five planned assessments were available.ResultsData from 37 uncomplicated twin pregnancies were available for analysis. Mean arterial pressure slightly decreased until 17 weeks’ gestation, then increased. Systemic vascular resistance was constant in the first half of pregnancy before rising steadily thereafter, whereas the cardiac output increased from the first trimester, peaked by the end of the second trimester and then decreased in the third trimester. The change in stroke volume and cardiac output following passive leg raising during pregnancy ranged from −2.2% to 1.6% and from −3.7% to 3.2%, respectively. Although passive leg raising caused no significant changes in systemic vascular resistance, cardiac output or heart rate, mean arterial pressure decreased in the first and second trimesters.ConclusionsIn uncomplicated twin pregnancies, maternal cardiovascular adaptation is evident from the first trimester. Twin pregnancies show a reduced preload reserve in the second half of gestation.
In Vitro Hydrodynamic Evaluation of a Scaffold for Heart Valve Tissue Engineering
Authors: Bazan Ovandir , Simbara Márcia M. O. , Ortiz Jayme P. , Malmonge Sonia M. , Andrade Aron , Yanagihara Jurandir I. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAlthough prosthetic heart valves have saved many lives, the search for a living substitute continues with the aid of tissue engineering. Much progress has been made so far, but the translation of this technology to clinical reality remains a challenge, especially due to the structural complexity of heart valves and the harsh environment they are in. In a joint effort, researchers from Federal University of ABC and Institute Dante Pazzanese of Cardiology have conceived a new bioresorbable scaffold for heart valve tissue engineering (HVTE), whose hydrodynamic performance was first assessed and described in this work. The scaffold was studied at the mitral position of a left heart simulator from Escola Politécnica of the University of São Paulo, under 60 bpm and with no cell seeding. In this condition, two‐dimensional particle image velocimetry was performed to investigate the flow during diastolic and systolic phases. The results indicate that the scaffold can withstand the required intraventricular pressures for a simulated normal physiologic condition in a bioreactor. Furthermore, the averaged (N = 150) velocity vector maps showed a smooth and well‐distributed flow during diastole and qualitatively demonstrated no‐significant regurgitation at systole.
Zero‐Balance Ultrafiltration of Priming Blood Attenuates Procalcitonin and Improves the Respiratory Function in Infants After Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gholampour Dehaki Maziar , Niknam Sana , Azarfarin Rasoul , Bakhshandeh Hooman , Mahdavi Mohammad 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBlood priming is needed for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in neonates and infants to avoid exceeding hemodilution; however, transfusion‐related inflammation affects post‐CPB outcomes in infant open‐heart surgery. Procalcitonin, a newly detected inflammatory moderator and a sensitive parameter for predicting pulmonary dysfunction secondary to CPB, rises after CPB. We hypothesized that the hemofiltration of priming blood before CPB might decrease inflammatory mediators in the blood and post‐CPB inflammatory replications, thereby improving the respiratory function after CPB in infants. Sixty infants with a weight below 10 kg were divided randomly into two equal groups of CPB with the zero‐balance ultrafiltration (Z‐BUF) of priming blood and CPB without it. The procalcitonin level was measured before anesthesia, after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and 24 h afterward. The respiratory index and pulmonary compliance were measured after anesthesia, at the end of CPB, and 2 h after admission to the ICU. Additionally, time to extubation was recorded. The Z‐BUF of priming blood maintained electrolytes within a physiologic level, and procalcitonin had a slighter rise in the Z‐BUF Group at 24 h after admission to the ICU (P = 0.05). The respiratory index was decreased in the Z‐BUF Group, but the difference with the control group did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). The change in pulmonary compliance was significantly increased in the cyanotic patients in the intervention group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. The time to extubation and the ICU stay were shorter in the Z‐BUF Group (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between the peak procalcitonin concentration and the time to extubation directly and pulmonary compliance reversely. These results suggest that the Z‐BUF of priming blood may have some beneficial clinical effects such as improved respiratory function and attenuated procalcitonin.
Plasma markers of chronic low‐grade inflammation in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Subhi Yousif , Krogh Nielsen Marie , Molbech Christopher Rue , Oishi Akio , Singh Amardeep , Nissen Mogens Holst , Sørensen Torben Lykke 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeAgeing is the strongest predictor of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), where neuroinflammation is known to play a major role. Less is known about polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), which is an important differential diagnosis to neovascularAMD. Here, we report plasma markers of inflammation with age (inflammaging) in patients withPCV, patients with neovascularAMDand a healthy age‐matched control group.MethodsWe isolated plasma from fresh venous blood obtained from participants (n = 90) with eitherPCV, neovascularAMD, or healthy maculae. Interleukin(IL)‐1β,IL‐6,IL‐8,IL‐10 and tumour necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNF‐R2) were measured using U‐PLEXHuman Assays. Routine plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP) was measured using Dimension Vista 1500.ResultsPatients withPCVhad plasma levels ofIL‐1β,IL‐6,IL‐8,IL‐10 andTNF‐R2 similar to that in healthy controls. Patients with neovascularAMDhad significantly higher plasmaIL‐1β,IL‐6 andIL‐10 than healthy controls, whereas no significant differences were observed for plasmaIL‐8 andTNF‐R2. Differences between plasmaIL‐1β,IL‐6 andIL‐10 possessed a positive but weak ability in discriminating neovascularAMDfromPCV. Both patients withPCVand patients with neovascularAMDhad significantly higher levels of routine plasmaCRP.ConclusionPatients withPCVdiffer from patients with neovascularAMDin terms of plasma inflammaging profile. Apart from increasedCRP, no signs of inflammaging were observed in patients withPCV. In patients with neovascularAMD, we find a specific angiogenesis‐twisted inflammaging profile.
Imbalances in tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases differentiate choroidal neovascularization from geographic atrophy
Authors: Krogh Nielsen Marie , Subhi Yousif , Rue Molbech Christopher , Nilsson Line Lynge , Nissen Mogens Holst , Sørensen Torben Lykke 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeTissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) is known to play a role in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). We wished to investigate alterations in different late stages of AMD: neovascular AMD and geographic atrophy (GA).MethodsThis was a prospective case–control study. A total of 125 participants were included consecutively during a period of 18 months. We included 46 patients with neovascular AMD, 46 patients with GA without any sign of choroidal neovascularization in either eye, and 33 healthy aged controls. Patients with immune‐affecting disorders were not included. Commercial immunoassay kits were used to quantify levels of TIMP‐1, TIMP‐3, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in blood plasma.ResultsWe found that patients with neovascular AMD had lower plasma concentration of TIMP‐3 (p = 0.028) than healthy controls. Patients with GA had higher plasma levels of TIMP‐1 (p < 0.001) and MMP‐9 (p = 0.022) compared to healthy controls. Also, we found that TIMP‐1 levels in patients with GA increased with age (Spearman's rho = 0.04, p = 0.006).ConclusionMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and TIMPs, which are known to be involved in age‐related changes in Bruch's membrane, are significantly altered systemically, suggesting the presence of an imbalance in the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix. These imbalances may explain differences in the clinical manifestation of late AMD.
Influence of seasons upon personal light exposure and longitudinal axial length changes in young adults
Authors: Ulaganathan Sekar , Read Scott A. , Collins Michael J. , Vincent Stephen J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the association between objectively measured ambient light exposure and longitudinal axial length changes (and their seasonal variations) over a period of 12 months in young adults.MethodsThis prospective longitudinal observational study included 43 healthy young adult university students (21 emmetropes and 22 myopes) aged between 18 and 30 years. Three axial length measurements were collected at 6‐month intervals (i.e. at baseline, 6 and 12 months), in summer and winter to determine the axial eye growth. Personal ambient light exposure data were measured in winter and summer months with wearable sensors, from which the mean daily time exposed to bright (outdoor) light levels (>1000 lux) was derived.ResultsGreater daily bright light exposure was associated with less axial eye growth (β = −0.002, p = 0.006) over 12 months. In summer, myopes exhibited significantly greater changes in axial length (mean change 0.04 ± 0.05 mm) compared to emmetropes (−0.01 ± 0.05 mm) (p = 0.001), but there was no significant difference between refractive groups in winter. Emmetropes also spent significantly greater time in outdoor light levels in summer compared to winter (p < 0.0001), while myopes spent similar time outdoors during both seasons (p = 0.12). Differences in light exposure between summer and winter were also associated with seasonal differences in axial eye growth (p = 0.026).ConclusionIn young adults, greater time spent in bright light was associated with slower longitudinal axial eye growth. Seasonal light exposure and axial length changes were dependent on refractive error in this population and also exhibited an inverse relationship.
Gender‐Specific Body Areas Satisfaction and Body Weight Status in Adolescents: Mediating Effects of Physical Activity, Fruit and Vegetable Intake, and Energy‐Dense Food Intake
Authors: Zarychta Karolina , Chan Carina K.Y. , Kruk Magdalena , Luszczynska Aleksandra 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundBody satisfaction is one of the key modifiable cognitive determinants of eating behaviours, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI). As the sociocultural models suggest, low body satisfaction may explain unhealthy eating and exercise behaviours. Importantly, body satisfaction levels and body areas that individuals focus on vary across genders. This study aims at investigating links between the global index of body areas satisfaction (BAS), gender‐specific BAS, fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake, energy‐dense foods intake, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and BMI.MethodsIn all, 1,254 adolescents completed questionnaires and had their weight and height objectively measured with 2‐ and 13‐month follow‐ups. Indirect effects of three indices of BAS were tested in three models (male‐specific BAS amongst boys; female‐specific BAS amongst girls; the global BAS index in the total sample).ResultsHigher levels of all three BAS indices indirectly predicted lower BMI, with higher MVPA mediating this effect. In addition, higher energy‐dense foods intake mediated higher global BAS–higher BMI relationship in the total sample. Thus, the global index of BAS acts as double‐edged sword, predicting both higher MVPA and energy‐dense foods intake.ConclusionBAS may operate in a complex manner, predicting behaviours which may have opposite effects on BMI.
Anxiety after coeliac disease diagnosis predicts mucosal healing: a population‐based study
Authors: Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Lebwohl Benjamin , Chen Qi , Bröms Gabriella , Wolf Randi L. , Green Peter H. R. , Emilsson Louise 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundCoeliac disease has been linked to anxiety and depression. However, their association with mucosal healing is unknown.AimTo examine the relationship between anxiety, depression and mucosal healing in coeliac disease.MethodsBetween 1969 and 2008, we collected data on all small intestinal biopsies with villous atrophy from Sweden's 28 pathology departments. We restricted our cohort to individuals with data on follow‐up biopsy (either persistent villous atrophy [n = 3317] or mucosal healing [n = 4331]). Through Cox regression, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for anxiety or depression.ResultsDuring follow‐up, 123 (2.8/1000 person‐years) individuals with mucosal healing had developed anxiety, compared to 94 (2.1/1000 person‐years) with persistent villous atrophy. Mucosal healing was hence associated with a higher risk of future anxiety (HR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.12‐1.96). Similarly, 167 (3.8/1000 person‐years) individuals with mucosal healing developed depression, compared to 148 (3.3/1000 person‐years) with persistent villous atrophy, corresponding to a HR of 1.25 (95% CI = 0.99‐1.59). Mucosal healing was more common in individuals with prior diagnoses of anxiety or depression before follow‐up biopsy. Anxiety diagnosed between diagnostic and follow‐up biopsy for coeliac disease was associated with an almost nine‐fold increased chance of mucosal healing (odds ratio = 8.94; 95%CI = 2.03‐39.27).ConclusionAnxiety and depression are more common in coeliac disease patients with mucosal healing, both before and after follow‐up biopsy, an association potentially mediated through more vigilant compliance with a gluten‐free diet. This finding raises concern that achieving the goal of mucosal healing may come at a cost of an increased risk of mood disorders.
Extended follow‐up for prostate cancer incidence and mortality among participants in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian randomized cancer screening trial
Authors: Pinsky Paul F. , Miller Eric , Prorok Philip , Grubb Robert , Crawford E. David , Andriole Gerald 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveTo examine prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and mortality by arm in the randomized Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial.Patients and MethodsPatients aged 55–74 years at 10 screening centres were randomized between 1993 and 2001 to an intervention or usual care arm. Patients in the intervention arm received six annual prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) tests and four annual digital rectal examinations. The patients were followed for PCa incidence and for mortality via active follow‐up processes and by linkage to state cancer registries and the National Death Index. For cancers identified through active follow‐up, trial abstractors recorded the mode of diagnosis (screen‐detected, symptomatic, other).ResultsA total of 38 340 patients were randomized to the intervention arm and 38 343 to a usual care arm. The median follow‐up for mortality was 16.9 (intervention) and 16.7 years (usual care). There were 333 (intervention) and 352 (usual care) PCa cancer deaths, giving rates (per 10 000 person‐years) of 5.5 and 5.9, respectively, and a rate ratio (RR) of 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–1.08; P = 0.38). The RR for overall PCa incidence was 1.05 (95% CI 1.01–1.09). The RRs by Gleason category were 1.17 (95% CI 1.11–1.23) for Gleason 2–6, 1.00 (95% CI 0.93–1.07) for Gleason 7 and 0.89 (95% CI 0.80–0.99) for Gleason 8–10 disease. By mode of detection, during the trial's screening phase, 13% of intervention arm vs 27% of usual care arm cases were symptomatic; post‐screening, these percentages were 18% in each arm.ConclusionAfter almost 17 years of median follow‐up, there was no significant reduction in PCa mortality in the intervention compared with the usual care arm. There was a significant increase in Gleason 2–6 disease and a significant reduction in Gleason 8–10 disease in the intervention compared with the usual care arm.
Inhaled nitric oxide
Authors: Yu Binglan , Ichinose Fumito , Bloch Donald B , Zapol Warren M 
Published: October 2018

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas that induces relaxation of smooth muscle cells in the vasculature. Because NO reacts with oxyhaemoglobin with high affinity, the gas is rapidly scavenged by oxyhaemoglobin in red blood cells and the vasodilating effects of inhaled NO are limited to ventilated regions in the lung. NO therefore has the unique ability to induce pulmonary vasodilatation specifically in the portions of the lung with adequate ventilation, thereby improving oxygenation of blood and decreasing intrapulmonary right to left shunting. Inhaled NO is used to treat a spectrum of cardiopulmonary conditions, including pulmonary hypertension in children and adults. However, the widespread use of inhaled NO is limited by logistical and financial barriers. We have designed, developed and tested a simple and economic NO generation device, which uses pulsed electrical discharges in air to produce therapeutic levels of NO that can be used for inhalation therapy.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Nitric Oxide 20 Years from the 1998 Nobel Prize. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.2/issuetoc
Effects of sulfide and polysulfides transmitted by direct or signal transduction‐mediated activation of TRPA1 channels
Authors: Pozsgai Gábor , Bátai István Zoárd , Pintér Erika 
Published: October 2018

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous mediator in various physiological and pathological processes, including neuroimmune modulation, metabolic pathways, cardiovascular system, tumour growth, inflammation and pain. Now the hydrogen polysulfides (H2Sn) have been recognised as signalling molecules modulating ion channels, transcription factors and protein kinases. Transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels can be activated by mechanical, thermal or chemical triggers. Here, we review the current literature regarding the biological actions of sulfide and polysulfide compounds mediated by TRP channels with special emphasis on the role of TRPA1, best known as ion channels in nociceptors. However, the non‐neuronal TRPA1 channels should also be considered to play regulatory roles. Although sulfide and polysulfide effects in different pathological circumstances and TRPA1‐mediated processes have been investigated intensively, our review attempts to present the first comprehensive overview of the potential crosstalk between TRPA1 channels and sulfide‐activated signalling pathways.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Chemical Biology of Reactive Sulfur Species. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.4/issuetoc
New insights on measured and calculated vitrinite reflectance
Authors: Matava Tim , Matt Veit , Flannery Jack 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMeasurement of dispersed vitrinite reflectance in organic sediments is one of the few regional data sets used for placing bounds on the thermal history of a sedimentary basin. Reflectance data are important when access to complementary information such as high‐quality seismic data is unavailable to place bounds on subsidence history and in locations where uplift is an important part of the basin history. Attributes which make vitrinite reflectance measurements a useful data set are the relative ease of making the measurement, and the availability of archived well cores and cuttings in state, provincial, and federal facilities. In order to fully utilize vitrinite data for estimating the temperature history in a basin, physically based methods are required to calibrate an equivalent reflectance from a modelled temperature history with measured data. The most common method for calculating a numerical vitrinite reflectance from temperature history is the EASY%Ro method which we show systematically underestimates measured data. We present a new calculated reflectance model and an adjustment to EASY%Ro which makes the correlation between measured vitrinite values and calculated vitrinite values a physical relationship and more useful for constraining thermal models. We then show that calibrating the thermal history to vitrinite on a constant age date surface (e.g., top Cretaceous) instead of calibrating the thermal history in depth removes the heating rate component from the reflectance calculation and makes thermal history calibration easier to understand and more directly related to heat flow. Finally, we use bounds on the vitrinite–temperature relationships on a constant age date surface to show that significant uncertainty exists in the vitrinite data reported in most data sets.
Greenfield versus merger and acquisition FDI: Same wine, different bottles?
Authors: Davies Ronald B. , Desbordes Rodolphe , Ray Anna 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRelying on a large foreign direct investment (FDI) transaction level dataset, unique both in terms of disaggregation and time and country coverage, this paper examines patterns in greenfield (GF) versus merger and acquisition (M&A) investment. Although both are found to seek out large markets with low international barriers, important differences emerge. M&A is more affected by geographic and cultural barriers and exhibits opportunistic behaviours as it is more sensitive to temporary shocks such as a currency crisis. Further, M&A is more affected by destination factors such as financial development and institutional quality. GF, on the other hand, is relatively more driven by factors such as origin comparative advantage and destination taxes. These empirical facts are consistent with the conceptual distinction made between these two modes, i.e., M&A involves transfer of ownership for integration or arbitrage reasons while GF relies on firms’ own capacities, which are linked to origin country attributes. They also suggest that GF and M&A are likely to respond differently to policies intended to attract FDI.