bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left ventricular endocardial longitudinal dysfunction persists after acute myocarditis with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Di Bella Gianluca , Carerj Scipione , Recupero Antonino , Donato Rocco , Pugliatti Pietro , Falanga Gabriella , Pedri Stefano , Vizzari Giampiero , Campisi Mariapaola , Zito Concetta , de Gregorio Cesare 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundThe aim of present study was to assess left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation and changes over time in patients with acute myocarditis (AM) with preserved ejection fraction detected by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging.MethodsThirty‐five male patients with AM diagnoses and preserved systolic function based on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were prospectively enrolled. On admission, echocardiography with measurements of global and segmental longitudinal (LS) strains was performed both at the endocardial (ENDO) and epicardial (EPI) levels. Findings were compared to 25 control subjects. Twenty‐six patients were also monitored over a 22‐month follow‐up (FU group).ResultsOn admission, global ENDO‐LS was poorer in magnitude in AM (−19.2 ± 3.1) than in controls (−24.0 ± 1.05) (P < 0.0001), whereas EPI‐LS was not different (−20.6 ± 3.4 vs −19.7 ± 6 P = NS). A functional increase in magnitude in both ENDO‐LS (−20.8 ± 5.4, P = NS) and EPI‐LS (−22.6 ± 4.6, P = 0.02) was found in FU vs AM patients.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates a steady ENDO‐LS impairment in infarct‐like AM during a 2‐year follow‐up period, despite a preserved LV ejection fraction.
The effect of pegylated granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor on collateral function and myocardial ischaemia in chronic coronary artery disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Traupe Tobias , Stoller Michael , Gloekler Steffen , Meier Pascal , Seiler Christian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo test the effect of long‐term pegfilgrastim on collateral function and myocardial ischaemia in patients with chronic stable coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodsThis was a prospective clinical trial with randomized 2:1 allocation to pegfilgrastim or placebo for 6 months. The primary study endpoint was collateral flow index (CFI) as obtained during a 1‐minute ostial coronary artery balloon occlusion. CFI is the ratio of mean coronary occlusive divided by mean aortic pressure both subtracted by central venous pressure (mm Hg/mm Hg). Secondary endpoints were signs of myocardial ischaemia determined during the same coronary occlusion, that is quantitative intracoronary (i.c.) ECG ST‐segment shift (mV) and the occurrence of angina pectoris. Endpoints were obtained at baseline before and at follow‐up after three subcutaneous study drug injections.ResultsCollateral flow index in the pegfilgrastim group changed from 0.096 ± 0.076 at baseline to 0.126 ± 0.070 at follow‐up (P = 0.0039), while in the placebo group CFI changed from 0.157 ± 0.146 to 0.122 ± 0.043, respectively (P = 0.29); the CFI increment at follow‐up was +0.030 ± 0.075 in the pegfilgrastim group and −0.034 ± 0.148 in the placebo group (P = 0.0172). In the pegfilgrastim group, i.c. ECG ST‐segment shift changed from +1.23 ± 1.01 mV at baseline to +0.93 ± 0.97 mV at follow‐up (P = 0.0049), and in the placebo group, it changed from +0.98 ± 1.02 mV to +1.43 ± 1.09 mV, respectively (P = 0.05). At follow‐up, the fraction of patients free from angina pectoris during coronary occlusion had increased in the pegfilgrastim but not in the placebo group.ConclusionPegfilgrastim given over the course of 6 months improves collateral function in chronic stable CAD, which is reflected by reduced myocardial ischaemia during a controlled coronary occlusion.
Analysis of fungal endophytes in Scottish Sitka spruce plantations shows extensive infections, novel host partners and gives insights into origins
Authors: Anderson Stewart Carly R. , Doilom Mingkwan , Taylor Joanne E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis preliminary study identified the fungal endophytes of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)in four Scottish plantations, analysed their recruitment possibilities and community structure across the sites, and identified the possible origins of the endophytes in this non‐native host. Although Sitka spruce is native to north‐western North America, it comprises a huge portion of Scottish forestry and is an economically vital timber tree. Needles from two age classes were collected and cultured for emerging endophyte isolates. Using a combination of morphological features and genetic sequencing of the nuclear ribosomalITSregions of representative morphological types, 57 morphotypes were recorded which represented at least 15 different species, including a hypothesized sister species to the pathogen ofPseudotsuga menziesiiin North America and Europe,Nothophaeocryptopus gaeumannii(previouslyP. gaeumannii) that was present at all sites tested. Diversity, recruitment, site, needle age and needle part effects are discussed. The phylogeny ofNothophaeocryptopusbased on analysis of combinedITSand Tub2 sequence data is given in order to assess the relationship of the unknown endophyte to the Douglas fir pathogenN. gaeumannii.
Obinutuzumab, a new anti‐CD20 antibody, and chlorambucil are active and effective in anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein antibody polyneuropathy
Authors: Briani C. , Visentin A. , Salvalaggio A. , Cacciavillani M. , Trentin L. 
Published: October 2018

Background and purposeRituximab, a chimeric anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody, has been used in polyneuropathy associated with anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein (anti‐MAG) antibody polyneuropathy with controversial results. Herein, two patients with anti‐MAG antibody neuropathy and concurrent chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are reported, who dramatically responded to obinutuzumab, a novel glycoengineered humanized anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody.MethodsPatient 1 was an 82‐year‐old man with severe demyelinating sensory‐motor neuropathy. He was wheelchair‐bound, with loss of sensation up to the knees. He had a CLL, immunoglobulin M (IgM) lambda monoclonal gammopathy, with anti‐MAG antibodies >70 000 Bühlmann titer units (BTU). Patient 2 was an 84‐year‐old woman with demyelinating neuropathy, paresthesias and gait instability. She had CLL and IgM kappa paraprotein with anti‐MAG antibodies >70 000 BTU. Both patients were treated with obinutuzumab intravenously at 100 mg on day +1, 900 mg +2, then at 1000 mg on days 8 and 15 of cycle 1 and day 1 of cycles 2–6; chlorambucil was given orally at 0.5 mg/kg on days 1 and 15 of cycles 1–6.ResultsPatient 1 at cycle 6 was able to stand, gait was possible with monolateral support, hypoesthesia and strength improved. M‐protein and IgM level decreased. In patient 2, already after three cycles, the monoclonal component disappeared and there was dramatic improvement of symptoms and gait normalization. At the end of therapy anti‐MAG antibody titer decreased to 5462 BTU. Neurophysiology also improved.ConclusionsIn our patients, obinutuzumab was effective as a first‐line treatment of anti‐MAG antibody polyneuropathy. CLL might have had a role in the response to therapy, but the associations might be considered in future trials.
Antitumor activity of sulforaphane in mice model of skin cancer via blocking sulfatase‐2
Authors: Alyoussef Abdullah , Taha Medhat 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAlthough there are many treatment options for skin cancer, the chemotherapeutic agents for skin cancer are linked with many adverse effects as well as the development of multidrug resistance. Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate, which is found in cruciferous vegetables. Consumption of sulforaphane‐rich diet has been linked to inhibition of UV‐exposed skin carcinogenesis. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine the ability of sulforaphane to reduce skin cancer in mice through inhibition of sulfatase‐2 enzyme. Epicutaneous application of 7,12‐dimethylbenz (a) anthracene was performed on the shaved dorsal skin of mice followed by croton oil. Sulforaphane (9 μmol/mouse/day) was administered to mice orally. Skin was removed from the dorsal area for assessment of sulfatase‐2, glypican‐3, heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPGs), nuclear factor (NF)κB, nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, IL‐1β and caspase‐3. In addition, skin sections were stained with haematoxylin/eosin, Mallory and cytokeratin immunostaining. We found that, sulforaphane blocked sulfatase‐2 activity, leading to significant elevation in HSPGs as well as significant reduction in glypican‐3. In addition, sulforaphane significantly activated Nrf2 and reduced both the gene and protein expression of NFκB, TNF‐α, IL‐1β and caspase‐3. In parallel, stained sections obtained from skin cancer mice treated with sulforaphane showed significant reduction in hyperkeratosis, acanthosis and epithelial dysplasia. The collective results indicate that sulforaphane suppresses skin cancer via blocking sulfatase‐2 with subsequent elevation in HSPGs and reduction in glypican‐3. Moreover, sulforaphane attenuated skin cancer‐induced activation of inflammatory and apoptotic pathways.
The preparation and characterization of porous alumina ceramics using an eco‐friendly pore‐forming agent
Authors: Alzukaimi Julian , Jabrah Rafi 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis work presents the preparation of porous alumina ceramics through the sacrificial phase method, using an eco‐friendly material, namely waste coffee grounds, as a pore‐forming agent. The effects of coffee grounds content in the green ceramic bodies on the linear and volumetric shrinkage, as well as the total and open porosity of the sintered product, were evaluated. The influence of the resulting porosity on mechanical properties of the prepared porous alumina was determined using Brazilian disk compression test for the determination of the indirect tensile strength of the prepared samples. Microstructure and pores morphology were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Porosities in the range 35‐54 vol% were achieved, by varying the coffee grounds content from 0 to 50 wt% in the green bodies. The indirect tensile strength of the final obtained porous alumina ceramic decreased accordingly from 57.4 MPa to 17.7 MPa.
Photoluminescent and antimicrobial properties of silver‐doped indium hydroxide synthesized by one‐step microwave‐assisted hydrothermal method
Authors: Andrade Neto Nivaldo Freire , Tavares Mara T. S. , Ferreira Erik A. C. , Sales Ana I. L. , Lima Lucymara F. A. , Longo Elson , Bomio Mauricio R. D. , Motta Fabiana V. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSilver‐doped indium hydroxide In(1‐x)(OH)3:xAg (with x = 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 mol%) of Ag nanoparticles were synthesized by the microwave‐assisted hydrothermal (MAH) method at 140°C for 30 minutes. These nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transformed infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, and optical diffuse reflectance. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra were acquired with a 350 nm beam of a krypton ion laser as an excitation source. The antibacterial activities of the samples were evaluated against gram negative Escherichia coli bacteria and gram positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria using the disc diffusion method. The results showed that all diffraction peaks present in XRD patterns could be indexed to the cubic lattice related to the In(OH)3 phase. Broadband photoluminescence behavior in visible range spectra was observed for all samples with a maximum peak centered in the blue and green regions. The antibacterial activities showed that In(1‐x)(OH)3: xAg nanoparticles have a promising bactericide that can be used for deactivating microbes.
The 100 top‐cited publications in psoriatic arthritis: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Berlinberg Adam , Bilal Jawad , Riaz Irbaz B. , Kurtzman Drew J. B. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundCitation analysis is a quantitative, bibliometric method that analyzes the frequency and pattern of citations in any given scientific discipline. Over the last two decades, the study of psoriatic arthritis has undergone substantial progress, which has enhanced our ability to assess and treat the disease, and yet an updated citation analysis that reflects these advances is lacking.ObjectiveTo highlight the scientific progress in psoriatic arthritis by identifying and analyzing the 100 top‐cited psoriatic arthritis articles from the last 40 years.MethodsPublications on psoriatic arthritis were identified using the Scopus citation database and Web of Science. No date range limits were applied. Data on the 100 top‐cited publications were extracted and analyzed.ResultsOf the 100 top‐cited publications, the median number of citations per publication was 265.9. Articles originated from 29 different countries. Publication dates ranged from 1973 to 2014. The majority (n = 88) were published after 1994, and the greatest number of highly cited psoriatic arthritis publications were reported between 2001 and 2007 (n = 36). Journals with the highest number of top‐cited articles included Arthritis and Rheumatology (formerly Arthritis and Rheumatism) (n = 26), followed by Annals of Rheumatic Diseases (n = 21) and Journal of Rheumatology (n = 11). The top six journals with the most highly cited psoriatic arthritis articles were rheumatology journals, with the exception of the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, a dermatology‐based periodical. General medical journals published only nine of the 100 top citations. Impact factors ranged from 2.133 to 44.002, with a mean impact factor of 9.103. There were five authors with 10 or more highly cited psoriatic arthritis publications and 30 authors with five or more of the top publications. Subgroup analysis of the top 25 articles included nine randomized clinical trials, nine observational studies, five reviews, and two guideline statements. Additional subgroup analysis identified the top five hallmark trials in the field. Key publications provided data on classification criteria, disease prevalence, patterns of clinical and radiographic presentation, disease outcomes, associated cardiovascular disease risk, immunologic features and HLA associations, and efficacy and therapeutic benefit of TNFα inihbitors, interleukin‐12/23 antagonists, and sulfasalazine.ConclusionsThe study of psoriatic arthritis is rapidly evolving. This bibliometric analysis delineates the landmark publications in psoriatic arthritis that have defined innovative therapeutic modalities and provided critical reviews, guidelines, and other key studies, which highlight the important progress made in the field.
The CD9+CD11b−HLA‐DR− immunophenotype can be used to diagnose acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Ren Fanggang , Zhang Na , Xu Zhifang , Xu Jing , Zhang Yaofang , Chen Xiuhua , Tan Yanhong , Chang Jianmei , Wang Hongwei 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the immunophenotypic characteristics of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and explore the sensitivity and specificity of various antibody combinations for the timely and accurate diagnosis APL.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed using morphological, immunological, genetic, and molecular biological data from 92 patients diagnosed with APL and 190 controls diagnosed with non‐APL acute myeloid leukemia.ResultsFor APL diagnosis, the CD9/CD11b/human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR antibody combination had 85% sensitivity and 95% specificity, AUC = 0.85. However, the sensitivity and specificity were 39% and 92%, AUC = 0.65, respectively, for the HLA‐DR/CD34/CD117 combination, and 80% and 80%, AUC = 0.80, respectively for the CD11b/HLA‐DR combination. Significant differences were observed between the different antibody combinations.ConclusionsThe CD9/CD11b/HLA‐DR antibody combination displays high sensitivity and specificity and can be used to diagnose APL.
Sol‐gel processed highly (100)‐textured (K, Na)NbO3‐based lead‐free thin films: Effect of pyrolysis temperature
Authors: Zhang Su‐Wei , Luo Jin , Zhou Zhen , Li Jing‐Feng 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRecently, lead‐free piezoelectric thin films have received increasing attention due to the growing demands for mircoelectromechanical systems and the significant progress in lead‐free piezoelectric research. Here, potassium sodium niobate [(K, Na)NbO3 (KNN)]‐based thin films were fabricated via a sol‐gel method. The effects of pyrolysis temperature on the resulting microstructure and electrical properties of KNN‐based films were investigated. The KNN‐based film pyrolyzed at 550°C and annealed at 700°C shows a dominant (100) orientation with a high texturing degree of 91.7%. The microstructures, morphologies, piezo‐ and ferroelectric properties of the KNN‐based films were discussed in association with different pyrolysis temperatures. The crystallization mechanism of the (100) textured KNN‐based thin films was elaborated in detail.
Lithium aluminum‐layered double hydroxide chlorides (LDH): Formation enthalpies and energetics for lithium ion capture
Authors: Wu Lili , Li Ling , Evans Samuel F. , Eskander Tessa A. , Moyer Bruce A. , Hu Zhichao , Antonick Paul J. , Harrison Stephen , Paranthaman M. Parans , Riman Richard , Navrotsky Alexandra 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLayered aluminum double hydroxide chloride sorbents, LiCl∙Al2(OH)6.nH2O, Li‐LDH, have shown promising application in selective Li extraction from geothermal brines. Maintaining LiCl uptake capacity and retaining a long cycle life are critical to widespread application of sorbent materials. To elucidate the energetics of Li capture, enthalpies of LDH with different Li content have been measured by acid solution calorimetry. The formation enthalpies generally become less exothermic as the Li content increases, which indicates that Li intercalation destabilizes the structure, and the enthalpies seem to approach a limit after the Li content x = 2Li/Al exceeds 1. To improve stability, metal doping of the aluminum LDH structure with iron was performed. Introduction of a metal with greater electron density but a similar ionic radius was postulated to improve the stability of the LDH crystal structure. The calorimetric results from Fe‐doped LDH samples corroborate this as they are more exothermic than LDH‐lacking Fe. This suggests that Fe doping is an effective way to stabilize the LDH phase.
The anomalous increase in tunability in Ba0.55Sr0.45TiO3‐MgO‐Mg2SiO4 composite ceramics
Authors: He Yanyan , Peng Yakai , Xu Yebin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe Ba0.55Sr0.45TiO3–Mg2SiO4–MgO composite ceramics were prepared via solid‐stated method and the dielectric tunable properties of composite ceramics were investigated. With the increase in dielectrics content, the tunability of composites ceramics increased abnormally first and then decreased, while the anharmonic coefficient increased monotonously. A simple 3D Finite Element model was developed to simulate the dielectric response and an anomalous increase in tunability when increasing the dielectrics content in composites was obtained. The simulation indicated that adding dielectrics into ferroelectrics causes the redistribution of the electric field. Increasing dielectrics content, the average electric field strength in the enhanced area of ferroelectrics increases, which lead to the increase in the tunability. The abnormal increase in tunability originates from the enhancement of the electric field on a fraction of the ferroelectrics around dielectrics.
May Churches Discriminate?
Authors: Shorten Andrew 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCécile Laborde's Liberalism's Religion contains an original theory of collective religious exemptions, which emphasises two morally significant interests that religious and other groups have in free association. Here I argue that Laborde's theory of collective exemptions is less frugal in its allocation of rights than its author claims. In particular, I suggest that the theory lacks the grounds to restrict special treatment to voluntary and identificatory associations, and that by its lights loose, diffuse communities and even ascriptive groups are also entitled to special treatment.
Association between abdominal obesity and increased risk for the development of hypertension regardless of physical activity: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Rhee Eun‐Jung , Cho Jung‐Hwan , Kwon Hyemi , Park Se‐Eun , Jung Jin‐Hyung , Han Kyung‐Do , Park Yong‐Gyu , Park Hye Soon , Kim Yang‐Hyun , Yoo Soon‐Jib , Lee Won‐Young ,   Taskforce Team of the Obesity Fact Sheet of the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity
Published: October 2018

The presence of abdominal obesity and lack of physical activity are both risk factors for the development of hypertension. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk of developing hypertension according to baseline waist circumference (WC). In total, 16 312 476 non‐hypertensive participants who were covered by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) from 2009 to 2012 in Korea were included in the study. The participants were divided into six groups according to the level of baseline WC with a 5‐cm interval starting from 80 cm in men and 75 cm in women. The risk for the future development of hypertension was assessed in 2015 using the claims data on the diagnosis of hypertension and prescription of anti‐hypertensive medications. Approximately 7.8% of the participants developed hypertension over a median follow‐up of 5.48 years. The proportion of participants who developed hypertension significantly increased from 4.2% in the WC level 1% to 17.5% in the WC level 6. After adjusting for confounding factors, level 6 of the baseline WC had a higher hazard ratio (HR) for the development of hypertension among the 6 levels of baseline with level 3 as the reference (1736; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.72‐1.753). The participants with abdominal obesity had a significantly higher HR than those without abdominal obesity regardless of whether they engage in high‐ or moderate‐intensity physical intensity (1.741; 95% CI: 1.718‐1.764). WC had a linear association with the development of hypertension based on this large nationwide population‐based cohort study, which was not influenced by physical activity.
HDL cholesterol levels and endothelial glycocalyx integrity in treated hypertensive patients
Authors: Triantafyllidi Helen , Benas Dimitris , Vlachos Stefanos , Vlastos Dimitris , Pavlidis George , Schoinas Antonios , Varoudi Mary , Birmpa Dionysia , Moutsatsou Paraskevi , Lekakis John , Ikonomidis Ignatios 
Published: October 2018

Endothelial dysfunction indicates target organ damage in hypertensive patients. The integrity of endothelial glycocalyx (EG) plays a vital role in vascular permeability, inflammation and elasticity, and finally to cardiovascular disease. The authors aimed to investigate the role of increased HDL cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels, which usually are considered protective against cardiovascular disease, in EG integrity in older hypertensive patients. The authors studied 120 treated hypertensive patients older than 50 years were divided regarding HDL‐C tertiles in group HDLH (HDL‐C ≥ 71 mg/dL, upper HDL‐C tertile) and group HDLL (HDL‐C < 71 mg/dL, two lower HDL‐C tertiles). Increased perfusion boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual arterial microvessels (ranging from 5 to 9 µm) using Sideview Darkfield imaging (Microscan, Glycocheck) was measured as a non‐invasive accurate index of reduced EG thickness. PBR 5‐9 was significantly decreased in group HDLH (P = 0.04). In the whole population, HDL‐C was inversely but moderately related to PBR 5‐9 (r = −0.22, P = 0.01). In a multiple linear regression analysis model, using age, BMI, smoking habit, HDL‐C, LDL‐C, and office SBP, as independent variables, the authors found that BMI (β = 0.25, P = 0.006) independently predicted PBR 5‐9 in the whole population. In older hypertensive patients, HDL‐C ranging between 71 and 101 mg/dL might moderately protect EG and subsequently endothelial function. Future studies in several groups of low‐ or high‐risk hypertensives are needed in order to evaluate the beneficial role of extremely elevated HDL‐C regarding cardiovascular risk evaluation as well as endothelial glycocalyx as a novel index of target organ damage in essential hypertension.