bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrinsically Distinct Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis Compared to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: van Dam Laura S. , Kraaij Tineke , Kamerling Sylvia W. A. , Bakker Jaap A. , Scherer Uli H. , Rabelink Ton J. , van Kooten Cees , Teng Y. K. Onno 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveDifferent studies have demonstrated that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) may be involved in the pathophysiology of both antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis (AAV) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). AAV and SLE are clinically and pathologically divergent autoimmune diseases with different autoantibodies. However, the respective autoantigens recognized in AAV and SLE have been shown to be an intricate part of NETs. This study aimed to examine whether the mechanisms of NET formation and the composition of NETs are distinct between AAV and SLE.MethodsTo investigate this hypothesis, healthy neutrophils were stimulated with serum from patients with AAV (n = 80) and patients with SLE (n = 59), and the mechanisms of NET formation and NET composition were compared.ResultsBoth patients with AAV and patients with SLE had excessive NET formation, which correlated with the extent of disease activity (in AAV r = 0.5, P < 0.0001; in SLE r = 0.35, P < 0.01). Lytic NET formation over several hours was observed in patients with AAV, as compared to rapid (within minutes), non‐lytic NET formation coinciding with clustering of neutrophils in patients with SLE. AAV‐induced NET formation was triggered independent of IgG ANCAs, whereas SLE immune complexes (ICx) induced NET formation through Fcγ receptor signaling. AAV‐induced NET formation was dependent on reactive oxygen species and peptidyl arginine deaminases, and AAV‐induced NETs were enriched for citrullinated histones (mean ± SEM 23 ± 2%). In contrast, SLE‐induced NETs had immunogenic properties, including binding with high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (mean ± SEM 30 ± 3%) and enrichment for oxidized mitochondrial DNA, and were involved in ICx formation.ConclusionThe morphologic features, kinetics, induction pathways, and composition of excessive NET formation are all intrinsically distinct in AAV compared to SLE. Recognizing the diversity of NET formation between AAV and SLE provides a better understanding of the pathophysiologic role of NETs in these different autoimmune diseases.
Combinational effect of angiotensin receptor blocker and folic acid therapy on uric acid and creatinine level in hyperhomocysteinemia‐associated hypertension
Authors: Singh Yogendra , Samuel Vijaya Paul , Dahiya Sunita , Gupta Gaurav , Gillhotra Ritu , Mishra Anurag , Singh Mahaveer , SreeHarsha Nagaraja , Gubbiyappa Shiva Kumar , Tambuwala Murtaza M. , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Dua Kamal 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHomocysteine [HSCH2CH2CH(NH2)COOH] (Hcy) is a sulfur‐containing amino acid of 135.18 Da of molecular weight, generated during conversion of methionine to cysteine. If there is a higher accumulation of Hcy in the blood, that is usually above 15 µmol/L, it leads to a condition referred to as hyperhomocysteinemia. A meta‐analysis of observational study suggested an elevated concentration of Hcy in blood, which is termed as the risk factors leading to ischemic heart disease and stroke. Further experimental studies stated that Hcy can lead to an increase in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and functional impairment of endothelial cells. The analyses confirmed some of the predictors for Hcy presence, such as serum uric acid (UA), systolic blood pressure, and hematocrit. However, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) alone are inadequate for controlling UA and creatinine level, although the addition of folic acid may be beneficial in hypertensive patients who are known to have a high prevalence of elevated Hcy. We hypothesized that combination therapy with an ARB (olmesartan) and folic acid is a promising treatment for lowering the UA and creatinine level in hyperhomocysteinemia‐associated hypertension.
Metabolite profiling of guanfacine in plasma and urine of healthy Japanese subjects after oral administration of guanfacine extended‐release tablets
Authors: Inoue Yuji , Morita Hirotoshi , Nozawa Kohei , Kanazu Takushi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGuanfacine is used for the treatment of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), metabolite profiling of guanfacine was performed in plasma and urine collected from healthy Japanese adults following repeated oral administration of guanfacine extended‐release formulation. Unchanged guanfacine was the most abundant component in both plasma and urine (from the MS signal intensity). In plasma, the M3 metabolite (a sulfate of hydroxy‐guanfacine) was the prominent metabolite; the M2 metabolite (a glucuronide of a metabolite formed by monooxidation of guanfacine), 3‐hydroxyguanfacine and several types of glucuronide at different positions on guanfacine were also detected. In urine, the M2 metabolite and 3‐hydroxyguanfacine were the principal metabolites. From metabolite analysis, the proposed main metabolic pathway of guanfacine is monooxidation on the dichlorobenzyl moiety, followed by glucuronidation or sulfation. A minor pathway is glucuronidation at different positions on guanfacine. As the prominent metabolites in plasma were glucuronide and sulfate of hydroxyguanfacine, which have no associated toxicity concerns, further toxicity studies of the metabolites, for example in animals, were not deemed necessary.
Co‐occurring defect analysis: A platform for analyzing birth defect co‐occurrence in registries
Authors: Benjamin Renata H. , Yu Xiao , Navarro Sanchez Maria Luisa , Chen Han , Mitchell Laura E. , Langlois Peter H. , Canfield Mark A. , Swartz Michael D. , Scheuerle Angela E. , Scott Daryl A. , Northrup Hope , Schaaf Christian P. , Ray Joseph W. , McLean Scott D. , Lupo Philip J. , Agopian A. J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have systematically evaluated birth defect co‐occurrence patterns, perhaps, in part, due to the lack of software designed to implement large‐scale, complex analytic methods.MethodsWe created an R‐based platform, “co‐occurring defect analysis” (CODA), designed to implement analyses of birth defect co‐occurrence patterns in birth defect registries. CODA uses an established algorithm for calculating the observed‐to‐expected ratio of a given birth defect combination, accounting for the known tendency of birth defects to co‐occur nonspecifically. To demonstrate CODA's feasibility, we evaluated the computational time needed to assess 2‐ to 5‐way combinations of major birth defects in the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR) (1999–2014). We report on two examples of pairwise patterns, defects co‐occurring with trisomy 21 or with non‐syndromic spina bifida, to demonstrate proof‐of‐concept.ResultsWe evaluated combinations of 175 major birth defects among 206,784 infants in the TBDR. CODA performed efficiently in the data set, analyzing 1.5 million 5‐way combinations in 18 hr. As anticipated, we identified large observed‐to‐expected ratios for the birth defects that co‐occur with trisomy 21 or spina bifida.ConclusionsCODA is available for application to birth defect data sets and can be used to better understand co‐occurrence patterns. Co‐occurrence patterns elucidated by using CODA may be helpful for identifying new birth defect associations and may provide etiological insights regarding potentially shared pathogenic mechanisms. CODA may also have wider applications, such as assessing patterns of additional types of co‐occurrence patterns in other large data sets (e.g., medical records).
Fear renewal activates cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Shi Yan-Wei , Fan Bu-Fang , Xue Li , Wang Xiao-Guang , Ou Xue-Ling 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundFear renewal, the context‐specific relapse of a conditioned fear after extinction, is a widely pursued model of post‐traumatic stress disorder and phobias. However, its cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. The dentate gyrus (DG) has emerged as a critical locus of plasticity with relevance to memory, anxiety disorders, and depression, and it contributes to fear memory retrieval. Here, we have identified the role of the DG in fear renewal and its molecular mechanism.Materials and MethodsMuscimol (MUS), activator of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) forskolin (FSK), inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA), Rip‐cAMP, and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram were infused into DG of standard deviation rats before renewal testing. cAMP levels after fear renewal was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) isoforms were tested by western blot. At last, the roles of cAMP signaling were also tested in the acquisition of fear conditioning, fear retrieval, and extinction.ResultsIntra‐DG treatment of MUS and Rp‐cAMP impaired fear renewal. FSK and rolipram exhibited the opposite effect, which also occurred in the retrieval of original fear memory. This change in fear renewal was regulated by PDE4 isoforms PDE4A, PDE4A5, and PDE4D. In addition, FSK and rolipram facilitated the acquisition of fear conditioning in long‐term memory, but not short‐term memory, while Rp‐cAMP impaired long‐term memory. For extinction, FSK and rolipram inhibited extinction process, while Rp‐cAMP facilitated fear extinction.ConclusionThese findings demonstrated that fear renewal activated cAMP signaling in the DG through decreased PDE4 activity. Because of the role of cAMP signaling in the acquisition or retrieval of fear conditioning and encoding of extinction, it is speculated that initial learning and extinction may have similarities in molecular mechanism, especially fear retrieval and fear renewal may share cAMP signaling pathway in the DG.
Measuring organizational capabilities to horizontal strategy implementation for conglomerates
Authors: Verma Pratima , Sharma Renduchintala Raghavendra Kumar , Chen Ling Hsiu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe horizontal strategy is recommended for the conglomerates by Porter to achieve competitive advantage. There is no established or standard way to execute a horizontal strategy. However, for the execution of a horizontal strategy in an organization, it requires advanced organizational capabilities. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify how to implement horizontal strategies in conglomerate firms. In particular, we investigated the extent to which organizational capabilities or competencies were related to the implementation of a horizontal strategy in conglomerate firms. Apart from this, we considered two organizational capabilities as a management control system and leadership styles. In this study, four novel hypotheses addressing primary constructs, that is, the interactive control system, collective, participatory, and transformative, have been explored. The data for this study were drawn from a sample survey of 122 firms in India. In addition, the data were analyzed by correlation, and then multiple regression analysis followed by the results of this analysis helps to identify the influence of leadership styles and interactive control system on horizontal strategy implementation. We argue through a theoretical and statistical analysis that demonstrates that collective, participative, and transformational leadership will contribute to the success of the horizontal strategy and lent good support to our hypotheses. This study helps the company to investigate the perceived role of organizational arrangements in the implementation of a horizontal strategy in conglomerate firms. This was done in an effort to provide guidelines for the effective use of organizational capabilities as drivers of horizontal strategy implementation. The study provides two key contributions in the field of strategic management: The first explicitly identified horizontal strategies are present in conglomerate firms; the other organizational capabilities that play a significant role in the implementation of horizontal strategy.
Can environmentally oriented CEOs and environmentally friendly suppliers boost the growth of small firms?
Authors: Andersén Jim , Jansson Christian , Ljungkvist Torbjörn 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe core question addressed in the natural resource‐based view (NRBV) of the firm is how to develop and exploit resources beneficial for both the natural environment and firm performance. Due to the resource constraints and increased competition facing small manufacturing firms, achieving this is a challenge for such companies. Building on the NRBV and resource orchestration literatures, we examine the relationship between green purchasing capabilities (GPCs), CEO's environmental orientation (EO), and firm growth. Results from 304 Swedish small manufacturing firms indicate a significant relationship between GPC and growth, and this relationship is positively moderated by the EO of the CEO.
Assessment on clinical value of prostate health index in the diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Zhang Guangying , Li Yanyan , Li Chao , Li Na , Li Zhanzhan , Zhou Qin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this study, we performed a comprehensive estimation and assessment for the clinical value of prostate health index (PHI) in diagnosing prostate cancer. Using the bivariate mixed‐effect model, we calculated the following parameters and their 95% confidence internals (CIs), including sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio and symmetric receiver operator characteristic. Twenty eligible studies with a total number of 5543 subjects were included in the final analysis. The estimated sensitivity was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.70‐0.79) and the specificity was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.58‐0.83). The pooled area under the curve was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.74‐0.81). The combined positive likelihood ratio was 2.45 (95% CI: 2.19‐2.73) and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.36 (95% CI: 0.31‐0.43). The diagnostic odds ratio was 6.73 (95% CI: 5.38‐8.44). The posttest probability was 40% under the present positive likelihood ratio of 2.45. It seems there was no significant difference between Asian population and Caucasian population population in sensitivity and specificity. But the overlap of AUC 95% CI indicated that the diagnostic accuracy of PHI was slightly higher in the Asian population population setting than that in the Caucasian population population population (0.83 vs 0.76). Similarly, there was also overlap in AUC 95% CI, which suggested that sample size may be one of heterogeneity source. The PHI has a moderate diagnostic accuracy for detecting prostate cancer. The discrimination ability of PHI is slightly prior to free/total prostate‐specific antigen. It seems that ethnicity has an influence on the clinical value of PHI in the diagnostic of prostate cancer.
Social justice competencies for counselling and psychotherapy: Perceptions of experienced practitioners and implications for contemporary practice
Authors: Brown Jason , Wiendels Samantha , Eyre Vanessa 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to identify social justice competencies from the perspective of psychotherapists engaged in therapeutic practice. Twenty‐five therapists were asked, “What social justice competencies do psychotherapists need?” Responses were analysed using the concept mapping method. Nine participants grouped all unique interview responses into groups. Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis were applied. The six competency areas identified included community activism, political influence on clinical work, critical consciousness, social responsibility, self‐awareness and personal style. The results were compared and contrasted with the literature. Considerable overlap was noted. The main differences concerned the need for collaboration as an advocacy tactic, as well as local knowledge about the pressing social issues affecting members of the community within which one practices.
Addiction as an indicator of vulnerability: The case of indoor tanning
Authors: Benet Suzeanne B. , Kraft Frederic B. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractResearch concerning the marketing of potentially harmful products to vulnerable consumer segments reveals difficulties in identifying vulnerable consumers. Businesses must be able to identify such segments if they are to avoid regulation and consumer activism. Whether a measure of nonsubstance addiction is an appropriate indicator of vulnerability is examined here in the context of indoor tanning. Three studies of young adult tanners indicate that (a) a modified alcohol addiction scale, the CAGE index, can be used to measure other addictions; (b) addicted indoor tanners have high motivation to meet social appearance norms and to experience the feeling of tanning, which may make them susceptible to marketing cues for indoor tanning; and (3) addicted and nonaddicted indoor tanners are similar in their knowledge of the dangers of indoor tanning, thus supporting the assertion that addicted tanners' decisions to tan indoors are likely more influenced by addiction than by informed decision making.
Understanding the patient experience of pain and discomfort during cardiac catheterization
Authors: Mall Anna , Girton T. Andrew , Yardley Kevin , Rossman Paige , Ohman E. Magnus , Jones William Schuyler , Granger Bradi B. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesPatient centeredness is an essential component of high‐quality care, yet little is known regarding the patient experience during procedures performed in the cardiac catheterization lab.BackgroundAvailable literature focuses on the safe delivery of sedation, but does not address patient‐reported satisfaction or comfort. Further delineation of how procedural factors impact the patient experience is needed.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, exploratory analysis of adult cardiac catheterization outpatients (n = 375) receiving physician ordered, nurse administered procedural sedation (benzodiazepine and/or opioids) between April and June, 2017. Data were abstracted from the procedural database, Electronic Health Record, and Press Ganey© surveys.ResultsThe mean age was 63 (SD 12.2), a majority were male (n = 226; 60%), white (n = 271; 73%), and overweight (mean body mass index = 29, SD 6.8). Patient‐reported satisfaction with pain control and perceived staff concern for comfort were >75th percentile (Press Ganey© survey), with no difference in preprocedure and postprocedure pain scores (p = .596). Intraprocedural medication dose range and mean frequency were highly variable: midazolam (0.25–5.5 mg; 1.48); fentanyl (12.5–200 mcg; 1.63); and hydromorphone (0.5–2.5 mg; 1.33). Median time interval between administration of initial sedation and local anesthetic was 6 min. Patients with longer intervals had less frequent dosing (p < .001) and less total procedural sedation (p < .001). Sensitivity analysis revealed that trainee/fellow involvement (p = .001), younger age (p = .002), and shorter time intervals (p < .001) were associated with increased frequency and larger total dose.ConclusionsWaiting to gain vascular access following administration of procedural was associated with less frequent subsequent dosing, lower overall administration, and similar patient satisfaction. Optimizing processes for administering periprocedural sedation may allow for less medication without impacting patient experience.
Fixed‐Bed Heat Storage – Mathematical Modeling Approaches
Authors: Rönsch Stefan , Auer Bernhard 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWhile renewable heat makes up only 13 % of overall German heat consumption, the share of renewable electricity produced from wind, solar, water, and geothermal power already reached 36 % of overall electricity consumption in 2017. One measure to support the integration of renewable heat in the German energy system is the use of heat storage systems. Although water‐based heat storage systems for temperatures up to 100 °C are state of the art, systems for temperatures up to several hundred degrees Celsius are still under investigation or in the demonstration phase. Therefore, this work focuses on the development of a simulation model for analyzing and engineering fixed‐bed thermal storage systems that are filled with an inert bulk material such as stone fragments.
Enzyme Mimic Based on a Self‐Assembled Chitosan/DNA Hybrid Exhibits Superior Activity and Tolerance
Authors: Wang Zhen‐Gang , Li Yunzhe , Wang Hui , Wan Kaiwei , Liu Qing , Shi Xinghua , Ding Baoquan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNature has evolved enzymes with exquisite active sites that catalyze biotransformations with high efficiency. However, the exploitation of natural enzymes is often hampered by poor stability, and natural enzyme production and purification are costly. Supramolecular self‐assembly allows the construction of biomimetic active sites, although it is challenging to produce such artificial enzymes with catalytic activity and stability that rival those of natural enzymes. We report herein a strategy to produce a horseradish peroxidase (HRP) mimic based on the assembly of chitosan with a G‐quadruplex DNA (G‐DNA)/hemin complex. A network‐like morphology of the assembled nanomaterial was observed together with a remarkable enhancement of peroxidase activity induced by the chitosan and G‐DNA components. The turnover frequency and catalytic efficiency of the enzyme‐mimicking material reached or even surpassed those of HRP. Moreover, the catalytic complex exhibited higher tolerance than HRP to harsh environments, such as extremely low pH or high temperatures. In accord with the experimental and simulated results, it is concluded that the spatial distribution of the G‐DNA and chitosan components and the exposure of the catalytic center may facilitate the coordination of substrates by the hemin iron, leading to the superior activity of the material. Our work provides a simple and affordable avenue to produce highly active and robust enzyme‐mimicking catalytic nanomaterials.
EvaluatioN of ApiXaban in strOke and systemic embolism prevention in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation in clinical practice Setting in France, rationale and design of the NAXOS: SNIIRAM study
Authors: Picard Fabien , Van Ganse Eric , Ducrocq Gregory , Danchin Nicolas , Falissard Bruno , Hanon Olivier , Belhassen Manon , Ginoux Marine , Lefevre Cinira , Cotte François‐Emery , Mahé Isabelle , Steg Philippe G. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNon‐vitamin K antagonists oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have recently challenged vitamin‐K antagonists (VKAs) for stroke and systemic embolism prophylaxis in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Nevertheless, little information is available in routine clinical practice for France. The aim of this study is to describe the effectiveness and safety of apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran or VKAs in routine clinical practice in adult NVAF patients for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in France. The NAXOS study is a nationwide observational retrospective cohort generated from the French national healthcare insurance database (SNIIRAM—a comprehensive in‐ and outpatient healthcare consumption database), consisting of eight distinct sub‐cohorts of anticoagulant‐naive or anticoagulant‐experienced patients diagnosed with NVAF, newly initiated with either NOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban or apixaban) or VKAs. Patients will be included if initiating a new anticoagulant treatment for AF during the study period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016. Primary effectiveness outcome will be the incidence of stroke or systemic thromboembolic events; primary safety outcome will be the incidence of major bleeding during the exposure period. The NAXOS study will provide routine clinical practice data on the effectiveness and safety profiles of apixaban vs other NOACs and VKAs in the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with NVAF in clinical practice conditions in France.