bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-intensity muscle metaboreflex activation attenuates cardiopulmonary baroreflex-mediated inhibition of muscle sympathetic nerve activity
Authors: Katayama Keisho , Kaur Jasdeep , Young Benjamin E. , Barbosa Thales C. , Ogoh Shigehiko , Fadel Paul J. 
Published: April 2018

Previous studies have shown that muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) is reduced during low- and mild-intensity dynamic leg exercise. It has been suggested that such inhibition is mediated by loading of the cardiopulmonary baroreceptors and that this effect is overridden by muscle metaboreflex activation with higher-intensity exercise. However, limited data are available regarding the interaction between the cardiopulmonary baroreflex and the muscle metaboreflex. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that cardiopulmonary baroreflex-mediated inhibition of MSNA is attenuated during high-intensity muscle metaboreflex activation. In nine young men, MSNA (right peroneal nerve), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and thoracic impedance were recorded. Graded isolation of muscle metaboreflex activation was achieved via postexercise ischemia (PEI) following low (PEI-L)-, moderate (PEI-M)-, and high (PEI-H)-intensity isometric handgrip performed at 20, 30, and 40% maximum voluntary contraction, respectively. Lower-body positive pressure (LBPP, +10 Torr) was applied at rest and during PEI, to load the cardiopulmonary baroreceptors. Handgrip exercise elicited intensity-dependent increases in MSNA and MAP that were maintained during PEI, indicating a graded muscle metaboreflex activation. LBPP at rest significantly decreased MSNA burst frequency (BF: −36.7 ± 4.7%, mean ± SE, P < 0.05), whereas MAP was unchanged. When LBPP was applied during PEI, MSNA BF decreased significantly at PEI-L (−40.0 ± 9.2%, P < 0.05) and PEI-M (−27.0 ± 6.3%, P < 0.05), but not at PEI-H (+1.9 ± 7.1%, P > 0.05). These results suggest that low- and moderate-intensity muscle metaboreflex activation does not modulate the inhibition of MSNA by cardiopulmonary baroreceptor loading, whereas high-intensity metaboreflex activation can override cardiopulmonary baroreflex-mediated inhibition of sympathetic vasomotor outflow. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The interaction between the sympathoinhibitory influence of cardiopulmonary baroreflex and sympathoexcitatory effect of skeletal muscle metaboreflex is not completely understood. In the current study, light- to moderate-intensity muscle metaboreflex activation did not modulate the suppression of muscle sympathetic nerve activity by cardiopulmonary baroreceptor loading, whereas high-intensity muscle metaboreflex activation attenuated the cardiopulmonary baroreflex-mediated inhibition of muscle sympathetic nerve activity. These results provide important information concerning the neural reflex mechanisms regulating sympathetic vasomotor outflow during exercise.
From Isonatric to Isotonic Hemodialysis
Authors: Gaillard François , Petitclerc Thierry 
Published: April 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Isonatric hemodialysis aims at maintaining stable cellular hydration through a close control of natremia, considered a surrogate of tonicity. However, 2 methods are available to perform isonatric hemodialysis: one based on natremia derived from plasma conductivity (Na<sub>Cond</sub>) and the other based on natremia measured at laboratory (Na<sub>Lab</sub>). We compared the control of tonicity obtained by isonatric hemodialysis based on Na<sub>Lab</sub> or Na<sub>Cond</sub>. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Changes in tonicity Na<sub>Lab</sub> and Na<sub>Cond</sub> were recorded during 55 hemodialysis sessions. Sessions were divided according to the variation of tonicity: hypotonic sessions (tonicity decrease ≥2 mOsm/kg); isotonic sessions (tonicity variation &#x3c;2 mOsm/kg); hypertonic sessions (tonicity increase ≥2 mOsm/kg). <b><i>Results:</i></b> During isotonic hemodialysis, Na<sub>Cond</sub> decreases significantly by 1 mmol/L, whereas Na<sub>Lab</sub> remained stable. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Isonatric hemodialysis based on Na<sub>Lab</sub> and isonatric hemodialysis based on Na<sub>Cond</sub> is to be distinguished. Isotonic hemodialysis could be performed by decreasing Na<sub>Cond</sub> by 1 mmol/L or maintaining Na<sub>Lab</sub> stability.
Effect of SFRP5 (Secreted Frizzled–Related Protein 5) on the WNT5A (Wingless-Type Family Member 5A)-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction and Its Relevance With Arterial Stiffness in Human Subjects
Authors: Cho Yun Kyung , Kang Yu Mi , Lee Seung Eun , Lee Yoo La , Seol So Mi , Lee Woo Je , Park Joong-Yeol , Jung Chang Hee 
Published: April 2018

Objective—
SFRP5 (secreted frizzled–related protein 5) is an endogenous inhibitor of WNT5A (wingless-type family member 5a), which has been implicated in atherosclerosis. However, contradictory results have been reported about the role of SFRP5 in atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate whether SFRP5 could restore WNT5A-induced endothelial dysfunction in vitro and ex vivo. In addition, we sought to determine whether the serum concentration of SFRP5 is associated with atherosclerosis in humans.

Approach and Results—

We measured endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in the isolated thoracic aorta of Sprague–Dawley rats. In addition, we measured intracellular nitric oxide (NO) in human endothelial cells. The protein abundance of total and phosphorylated JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase), AKT (protein kinase B), and endothelial NO synthase was analyzed in human endothelial cells. Circulating SFRP5 and WNT5A levels and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity were measured in 282 human subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. SFRP5 dose dependently restored Wnt5-induced impaired vasorelaxation in rat thoracic aorta by an endothelial NO synthase–dependent mechanism. SFRP5 treatment restored the WNT5A-induced reduction of NO production via endothelial NO synthase in human endothelial cells. WNT5A-induced changes in the phosphorylation of JNK, AKT, and endothelial NO synthase were ameliorated with SFRP5 administration. In humans with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the serum SFRP5 concentration positively correlated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (
r
=0.146;
P
=0.024). Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that the serum SFRP5 concentration was independently associated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity after adjustment for potential confounders [
B
(SE)=7.40 (3.35);
P
=0.028].

Conclusions—
Our data suggest the possible compensatory action of SFRP5 against atherosclerosis under conditions of metabolic dysfunction.
Genetic Deletion of IL-19 (Interleukin-19) Exacerbates Atherogenesis in
Il19
−/−
×
Ldlr
−/−
Double Knockout Mice by Dysregulation of mRNA Stability Protein HuR (Human Antigen R)
Authors: Ray Mitali , Gabunia Khatuna , Vrakas Christine N. , Herman Allison B. , Kako Farah , Kelemen Sheri E. , Grisanti Laurel A. , Autieri Michael V. 
Published: April 2018

Objective—
To test the hypothesis that loss of IL-19 (interleukin-19) exacerbates atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results—

Il19
−/−
mice were crossed into
Ldlr
−/−
(low-density lipoprotein receptor knock out) mice. Double knockout (dKO) mice had increased plaque burden in aortic arch and root compared with
Ldlr
−/−
controls after 14 weeks of high-fat diet (HFD). dKO mice injected with 10 ng/g per day rmIL-19 had significantly less plaque compared with controls. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis revealed dKO mice had increased systemic and intraplaque polarization of T cells and macrophages to proinflammatory T
h
1 and M1 phenotypes, and also significantly increased TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α expression in spleen and aortic arch compared with
Ldlr
−/−
controls. Bone marrow transplantation suggests that immune cells participate in IL-19 protection. Bone marrow-derived macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from dKO mice had a significantly greater expression of inflammatory cytokine mRNA and protein compared with controls. Spleen and aortic arch from dKO mice had significantly increased expression of the mRNA stability protein HuR (human antigen R). Bone marrow-derived macrophage and vascular smooth muscle cell isolated from dKO mice also had greater HuR abundance. HuR stabilizes proinflammatory transcripts by binding AU-rich elements in the 3′ untranslated region. Cytokine and HuR mRNA stability were increased in dKO bone marrow-derived macrophage and vascular smooth muscle cell, which was rescued by addition of IL-19 to these cells. IL-19–induced expression of miR133a, which targets and reduced HuR abundance; miR133a levels were lower in dKO mice compared with controls.

Conclusions—
These data indicate that IL-19 is an atheroprotective cytokine which decreases the abundance of HuR, leading to reduced inflammatory mRNA stability.
Sex Differences in the Impact of Body Mass Index on the Risk of Future Atrial Fibrillation: Insights From the Longitudinal Population‐Based Tromsø Study
Authors: Ball Jocasta , Løchen Maja‐Lisa , Wilsgaard Tom , Schirmer Henrik , Hopstock Laila A. , Morseth Bente , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Njølstad Inger , Tiwari Sweta , Sharashova Ekaterina 
Published: April 2018

Background

Atrial fibrillation (
AF
) prevalence is increasing, and body mass index (
BMI
) is a risk factor for
AF
. However, sex differences in the impact of
BMI
on
AF
risk have not been fully elucidated.

Methods and Results

Data from the fourth survey (1994–1995) of the Tromsø Study (Norway) were used to investigate the association of single‐measurement
BMI
on future
AF
risk. To analyze the influence of
BMI
changes on
AF
risk, data from individuals who attended the third and fourth study surveys were used.
AF
diagnosis was derived from record linkage and end point adjudication. Cox regression analysis was conducted using fractional polynomials of
BMI
and
BMI
change with models adjusted for age, baseline
BMI
(change analyses), risk factors, comorbidities, and antihypertensive medications.

Data were available for 24 799 individuals from the fourth survey (mean age, 45.5±14.2 years; 52.9% women). Over 15.7±5.5 years, 811 women (6.2%) and 918 men (7.9%) developed
AF
. In men, lower
BMI
decreased
AF
risk and higher
BMI
increased risk (hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals] for
BMI
18 or 40 kg/m
2
compared with 23 kg/m
2
were 0.75 [0.70–0.81] and 4.42 [3.00–6.53], respectively). The same pattern was identified in women. Two surveys were attended by 14 652 individuals. In men and women, a decrease in
BMI
over time was associated with decreased
AF
risk and an increase in
BMI
was associated with increased
AF
risk.

Conclusions

Within a population cohort,
BMI
was positively associated with
AF
risk. Change in
BMI
over time influenced
AF
risk in both men and women.
Analysis of Right Ventricular Myocardial Stiffness and Relaxation Components in Children and Adolescents With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Hayabuchi Yasunobu , Ono Akemi , Homma Yukako , Kagami Shoji 
Published: April 2018

Background

The rate of left ventricular pressure decrease during isovolumic relaxation is traditionally assessed algebraically via 2 empirical indices: the monoexponential and logistic time constants (τ
E
and τ
L
). Since the pattern of right ventricular (
RV
) pressure decrease is quite different from that of the left ventricular, we hypothesized that novel kinematic model parameters are more appropriate and useful to evaluate
RV
diastolic dysfunction.

Methods and Results

Eight patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (age 12.5±4.8 years) and 20 normal subjects (control group; age 12.3±4.4 years) were enrolled. The kinematic model was parametrized by stiffness/restoring Ek and damping/relaxation μ. The model predicts isovolumic relaxation pressure as a function of time as the solution of d
2
P/dt
2
+(1/μ)dP/dt+EkP=0, based on the theory that the pressure decay is determined by the interplay of inertial, stiffness/restoring, and damping/relaxation forces. In the assessment of
RV
diastolic function, τ
E
and τ
L
did not show significant differences between the pulmonary arterial hypertension and control groups (46.8±15.5 ms versus 32.5±14.6 ms, and 19.6±5.9 ms versus 14.5±7.2 ms, respectively). The pulmonary arterial hypertension group had a significantly higher Ek than the control group (915.9±84.2 s
−2
versus 487.0±99.6 s
−2
,
P
<0.0001) and a significantly lower μ than the control group (16.5±4.3 ms versus 41.1±10.4 ms,
P
<0.0001). These results show that the
RV
has higher stiffness/elastic recoil and lower cross‐bridge relaxation in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate the feasibility and utility of kinematic model parameters for assessing
RV
diastolic function.
The Meaning of the Firstborn Son in Joseph and Aseneth
Authors: Kim Kyu Seop 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDespite its potential significance, scholars gloss over the concept of the firstborn son in Joseph and Aseneth with little regard to its meaning. The title of the firstborn son (πρωτότοκος) reminds us of the rivalry and the conflict between Israel and Egypt in Exodus. In particular, the death of the firstborn son of Pharaoh evokes the destruction of the firstborn Egyptians in Exodus. One of the main motifs in Joseph and Aseneth is the rivalry between Joseph and the firstborn son of Pharaoh; Joseph the firstborn son is described as the victor of the competition. The death of the firstborn son of Pharaoh alludes to the destruction of the firstborn sons of the Egyptians in Exodus 11. Therefore, the motif of the firstborn son in Joseph and Aseneth refers to Israel’s self-perception with regard to the superiority of the Jews over the gentiles (or Egyptians) as seen in Exodus.
The System for Integrating Multiplatform Data to Build the Atmospheric Column (SIMBA) Precipitation Observation Fusion Framework
Authors: Wingo Stephanie M. , Petersen Walter A. , Gatlin Patrick N. , Pabla Charanjit S. , Marks David A. , Wolff David B. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractResearchers now have the benefit of an unprecedented suite of space- and ground-based sensors that provide multidimensional and multiparameter precipitation information. Motivated by NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission and ground validation objectives, the System for Integrating Multiplatform Data to Build the Atmospheric Column (SIMBA) has been developed as a unique multisensor precipitation data fusion tool to unify field observations recorded in a variety of formats and coordinate systems into a common reference frame. Through platform-specific modules, SIMBA processes data from native coordinates and resolutions only to the extent required to set them into a user-defined three-dimensional grid. At present, the system supports several ground-based scanning research radars, NWS NEXRAD radars, profiling Micro Rain Radars (MRRs), multiple disdrometers and rain gauges, soundings, the GPM Microwave Imager and Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar on board the Core Observatory satellite, and Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor system quantitative precipitation estimates. SIMBA generates a new atmospheric column data product that contains a concomitant set of all available data from the supported platforms within the user-specified grid defining the column area in the versatile netCDF format. Key parameters for each data source are preserved as attributes. SIMBA provides a streamlined framework for initial research tasks, facilitating more efficient precipitation science. We demonstrate the utility of SIMBA for investigations, such as assessing spatial precipitation variability at subpixel scales and appraising satellite sensor algorithm representation of vertical precipitation structure for GPM Core Observatory overpass cases collected in the NASA Wallops Precipitation Science Research Facility and the GPM Olympic Mountain Experiment (OLYMPEX) ground validation field campaign in Washington State.
The brain health index: Towards a combined measure of neurovascular and neurodegenerative structural brain injury
Authors: Dickie David Alexander , Valdés Hernández Maria del C , Makin Stephen D , Staals Julie , Wiseman Stewart J , Bastin Mark E , Wardlaw Joanna M 
Published: April 2018

Background A structural magnetic resonance imaging measure of combined neurovascular and neurodegenerative burden may be useful as these features often coexist in older people, stroke and dementia. Aim We aimed to develop a new automated approach for quantifying visible brain injury from small vessel disease and brain atrophy in a single measure, the brain health index. Materials and methods We computed brain health index in N = 288 participants using voxel-based Gaussian mixture model cluster analysis of T1, T2, T2*, and FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging. We tested brain health index against a validated total small vessel disease visual score and white matter hyperintensity volumes in two patient groups (minor stroke, N = 157; lupus, N = 51) and against measures of brain atrophy in healthy participants (N = 80) using multiple regression. We evaluated associations with Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Exam Revised in patients and with reaction time in healthy participants. Results The brain health index (standard beta = 0.20–0.59, P < 0.05) was significantly and more strongly associated with Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Exam Revised, including at one year follow-up, than white matter hyperintensity volume (standard beta = 0.04–0.08, P > 0.05) and small vessel disease score (standard beta = 0.02–0.27, P > 0.05) alone in both patient groups. Further, the brain health index (standard beta = 0.57–0.59, P < 0.05) was more strongly associated with reaction time than measures of brain atrophy alone (standard beta = 0.04–0.13, P > 0.05) in healthy participants. Conclusions The brain health index is a new image analysis approach that may usefully capture combined visible brain damage in large-scale studies of ageing, neurovascular and neurodegenerative disease.
Pulmonary hypertension in chronic lung diseases: comparison to other pulmonary hypertension groups
Authors: Chebib Nader , Mornex Jean‐François , Traclet Julie , Philit François , Khouatra Chahera , Zeghmar Sabrina , Turquier Ségolène , Cottin Vincent 
Published: April 2018

Group 3 pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of advanced chronic lung disease. Our hypothesis was that group 3 PH is associated with a more severe baseline presentation and a more severe prognosis compared to group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), chronic thromboembolic PH (group 4), and group 5 PH. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive incident PH patients in a single center between January 2006 and November 2014. Data were acquired from a prospective database. Clinical, functional, and hemodynamic characteristics, as well as survival, were compared between the four groups of precapillary PH. A total of 363 patients were analyzed; 164 patients (45.2%) belonged to group 1 PAH, 109 (30%) to group 3 PH, 65 (17.9%) to group 4 PH, and 25 (6.9%) to group 5 PH. Group 3 patients were predominantly male and were more frequently in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV. Patients with group 3 and 4 PH were older, had significantly lower 6‐min walking distance (6MWD), higher mean pulmonary arterial pressure, higher pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and lower cardiac index (CI) than PAH patients. Group 3 and 5 patients had significantly lower total lung capacity (TLC), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1; group 3 patients had the lowest carbon monoxide transfer coefficient values. PH therapy was used in 90.9% of group 3 patients. Univariate analysis of prognostic factors in the overall population showed that age, male gender, NYHA class, groups 3 and 4 PH (vs. PAH), 6MWD, FVC, TLC, carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (KCO), PVR, CI, and venous oxygen saturation were significantly associated with greater mortality. Multivariate analysis showed that age, PH group 4, 6MWD, and KCO but no longer PH group 3 were significantly associated with mortality. Patients with group 3 PH are older, have more severe baseline presentation and lower survival rates than PAH patients in univariate analysis, that seemed to be related to older age.
The XL probe: A luxury or a necessity? Risk stratification in an obese community cohort using transient elastography
Authors: Harris Rebecca , Card Timothy R , Delahooke Toby , Aithal Guruprasad P , Guha I Neil 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundTransient elastography is a non‐invasive tool which can stratify patients at risk of chronic liver disease. However, a raised body mass index has been independently associated with a failed or unreliable examination.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to analyse the performance of two probes (M/XL) on a portable transient elastography device within an obese community population.MethodThe method involved a prospective study with recruitment from a primary care practice. Patients identified with a risk factor for chronic liver disease were invited to a community‐based risk stratification pathway for transient elastography readings with both probes. A threshold of ≥8.0 kPa defined elevated liver stiffness.ResultsA total of 477 patients attended the pathway. Of the patients, 21% had no valid measurements with the M probe. There was a significant difference between the probes in the proportion achieving ≥10 valid readings (M versus XL probe: 66.2% versus 90.2%; p ≤ 0.001) and in their reliability (M versus XL probe: 77.4% versus 98.5%; p = 0.028). Unreliable readings with the M probe increased as the body mass index increased. The XL probe re‐stratified 5.2% of patients to have a normal reading.ConclusionThe XL probe on a portable device significantly improves the applicability of transient elastography within a community‐based risk stratification pathway.
Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography in a cohort of alpha-1 antitrypsin-deficient individuals and healthy volunteers
Authors: Diaz Sandra , Mostafavi Behrouz , Tanash Hanan A , Piitulainen Eeva 
Published: April 2018

Background Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography has been used to assess liver stiffness non-invasively. However, its usefulness in alpha-1 antitripsin-deficient (AATD) individuals is unknown. Purpose To assess if liver fibrosis is present in a cohort of AATD individuals using ARFI elastography. Material and Methods Eighty-three participants aged 38–39 years, except for two who were aged 40 years, underwent ultrasound elastography of the liver with ARFI technique. Twenty-nine were homozygote ZZ genotype, PiZZ (14 men, 15 women); 12 were SZ genotype, Pi SZ (8 men, 4 women), and 42 were healthy volunteers, PiMM (16 men, 26 women). Three specific liver anatomical regions were examined: segments 2/3 (left lobe) in the subcostal plane, and 5/6 and 7/8 (right lobe) in the intercostal space. In each region, three measurements were registered. Results There was no statistically significant difference between ARFI-median in the AATD group and the control group ( P value = 0.877) and neither between AATD groups (PiZZ and PiSZ) with a P value = 0.259. The ARFI-median was lower in the right liver lobe than in the left lobe in all groups and the difference between both lobes was statistically significant ( P = 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in ARFI-median of the right liver lobe between the AATD group and the control group ( P = 0.759), nor between the AATD group ( P = 0.384). No gender difference was found in ARFI-median. Conclusions ARFI values in AATD individuals aged 38–39 years showed no difference compare to healthy participants.