bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ApoB/ApoA‐I Ratio is Associated With Faster Hemodynamic Progression of Aortic Stenosis: Results From the PROGRESSA (Metabolic Determinants of the Progression of Aortic Stenosis) Study
Authors: Tastet Lionel , Capoulade Romain , Shen Mylène , Clavel Marie‐Annick , Côté Nancy , Mathieu Patrick , Arsenault Marie , Bédard Élisabeth , Tremblay Alexe , Samson Marilie , Bossé Yohan , Dumesnil Jean G. , Arsenault Benoit J. , Beaudoin Jonathan , Bernier Mathieu , Després Jean‐Pierre , Pibarot Philippe 
Published: February 2018

Background

Previous studies reported that middle‐aged patients with atherogenic lipoprotein‐lipid profile exhibit faster progression of aortic valve stenosis (
AS
). The ratio of apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A‐I (apoB/apoA‐I) reflects the balance between atherogenic and anti‐atherogenic lipoproteins. The aim of this study was to examine the association between apoB/apoA‐I ratio and
AS
hemodynamic progression and to determine whether this association varies according to age.

Methods and Results

A total of 159 patients (66±13 years, 73% men) with
AS
were prospectively recruited in the
PROGRESSA
(Metabolic Determinants of the Progression of Aortic Stenosis) study. Hemodynamic progression of
AS
was determined by the change in peak aortic jet velocity (V
peak
) measured by Doppler‐echocardiography between baseline and 2‐year follow‐up. Patients in the top tertile of apoB/apoA‐I ratio (≥0.62) had a faster progression rate of
AS
compared with those in the bottom/mid tertiles (V
peak
progression: 0.30 [0.09˗0.49] versus 0.16 [0.01˗0.36] m/s,
P
=0.02). There was a significant interaction (
P
=0.007) between apoB/apoA‐I ratio and age. Among younger patients (ie, aged <70 years; median value of the cohort), those in the top tertile of apoB/apoA‐I ratio had a 3.4‐fold faster
AS
progression compared with those in the bottom/mid tertiles (V
peak
progression: 0.34 [0.13˗0.69] versus 0.10 [−0.03˗0.31] m/s,
P
=0.002), whereas there was no significant difference between tertiles in the subgroup of older patients (
P
=0.83). After comprehensive adjustment, higher apoB/apoA‐I ratio was significantly associated with faster
AS
progression in the subset of younger patients (all, standardized β≥0.36;
P
≤0.01).

Conclusions

Higher apoB/apoA‐I ratio is significantly associated with faster hemodynamic progression of
AS
in the younger patients. These findings suggest that atherogenic lipid factors may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of
AS
in younger patients, but may be are less important in older patients.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01679431.
Genetic and Pharmacologic Inhibition of the Neutrophil Elastase Inhibits Experimental Atherosclerosis
Authors: Wen Guanmei , An Weiwei , Chen Jiangyong , Maguire Eithne M. , Chen Qishan , Yang Feng , Pearce Stuart W. A. , Kyriakides Maria , Zhang Li , Ye Shu , Nourshargh Sussan , Xiao Qingzhong 
Published: February 2018

Background

To investigate whether neutrophil elastase (
NE
) plays a causal role in atherosclerosis, and the molecular mechanisms involved.

Methods and Results

NE
genetic–deficient mice (Apolipoprotein E
−/−
/
NE
−/−
mice), bone marrow transplantation, and a specific
NE
inhibitor (
GW
311616A) were employed in this study to establish the causal role of
NE
in atherosclerosis. Aortic expression of
NE mRNA
and plasma
NE
activity was significantly increased in high‐fat diet (
HFD
)–fed wild‐type (
WT
) (Apolipoprotein E
−/−
) mice but, as expected, not in
NE
‐deficient mice. Selective
NE
knockout markedly reduced
HFD
‐induced atherosclerosis and significantly increased indicators of atherosclerotic plaque stability. While plasma lipid profiles were not affected by
NE
deficiency, decreased levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory monocytes (Ly6C
hi
/
CD
11b
+
) were observed in
NE
‐deficient mice fed with an
HFD
for 12 weeks as compared with
WT
. Bone marrow reconstitution of
WT
mice with
NE
−/−
bone marrow cells significantly reduced
HFD
‐induced atherosclerosis, while bone marrow reconstitution of
NE
−/−
mice with
WT
bone marrow cells restored the pathological features of atherosclerotic plaques induced by
HFD
in
NE
‐deficient mice. In line with these findings, pharmacological inhibition of
NE
in
WT
mice through oral administration of
NE
inhibitor
GW
311616A also significantly reduced atherosclerosis. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that
NE
promotes foam cell formation by increasing
ATP
‐binding cassette transporter
ABCA
1 protein degradation and inhibiting macrophage cholesterol efflux.

Conclusions

We outlined a pathogenic role for
NE
in foam cell formation and atherosclerosis development. Consequently, inhibition of
NE
may represent a potential therapeutic approach to treating cardiovascular disease.
WIVERN: A New Satellite Concept to Provide Global In-Cloud Winds, Precipitation, and Cloud Properties
Authors: Illingworth A. J. , Battaglia A. , Bradford J. , Forsythe M. , Joe P. , Kollias P. , Lean K. , Lori M. , Mahfouf J.-F. , Melo S. , Midthassel R , Munro Y. , Nicol J. , Potthast R. , Rennie M. , Stein T. H. M. , Tanelli S. , Tridon F. , Walden C. J. , Wolde M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper presents a conically scanning spaceborne Dopplerized 94-GHz radar Earth science mission concept: Wind Velocity Radar Nephoscope (WIVERN). WIVERN aims to provide global measurements of in-cloud winds using the Doppler-shifted radar returns from hydrometeors. The conically scanning radar could provide wind data with daily revisits poleward of 50°, 50-km horizontal resolution, and approximately 1-km vertical resolution. The measured winds, when assimilated into weather forecasts and provided they are representative of the larger-scale mean flow, should lead to further improvements in the accuracy and effectiveness of forecasts of severe weather and better focusing of activities to limit damage and loss of life. It should also be possible to characterize the more variable winds associated with local convection. Polarization diversity would be used to enable high wind speeds to be unambiguously observed; analysis indicates that artifacts associated with polarization diversity are rare and can be identified. Winds should be measurable down to 1 km above the ocean surface and 2 km over land. The potential impact of the WIVERN winds on reducing forecast errors is estimated by comparison with the known positive impact of cloud motion and aircraft winds. The main thrust of WIVERN is observing in-cloud winds, but WIVERN should also provide global estimates of ice water content, cloud cover, and vertical distribution, continuing the data series started by CloudSat with the conical scan giving increased coverage. As with CloudSat, estimates of rainfall and snowfall rates should be possible. These nonwind products may also have a positive impact when assimilated into weather forecasts.
Numerical Simulations of Two-Layer Flow past Topography. Part I: The Leeside Hydraulic Jump
Authors: Rotunno Richard , Bryan George H. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Laboratory observations of the leeside hydraulic jump indicate it consists of a statistically stationary turbulent motion in an overturning wave. From the point of view of the shallow-water equations (SWE), the hydraulic jump is a discontinuity in fluid-layer depth and velocity at which kinetic energy is dissipated. To provide a deeper understanding of the leeside hydraulic jump, three-dimensional numerical solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations (NSE) are carried out alongside SWE solutions for nearly identical physical initial-value problems. Starting from a constant-height layer flowing over a two-dimensional obstacle at constant speed, it is demonstrated that the SWE solutions form a leeside discontinuity owing to the collision of upstream-moving characteristic curves launched from the obstacle. Consistent with the SWE solution, the NSE solution indicates the leeside hydraulic jump begins as a steepening of the initially horizontal density interface. Subsequently, the NSE solution indicates overturning of the density interface and a transition to turbulence. Analysis of the initial-value problem in these solutions shows that the tendency to form either the leeside height–velocity discontinuity in the SWE or the overturning density interface in the exact NSE is a feature of the inviscid, nonturbulent fluid dynamics. Dissipative turbulent processes associated with the leeside hydraulic jump are a consequence of the inviscid fluid dynamics that initiate and maintain the locally unstable conditions.
Updating Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Risk Based on the Effectiveness of Failure Prevention and Correction
Authors: Brito Mario P. , Griffiths Gwyn 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAutonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have proven to be feasible platforms for marine observations. Risk and reliability studies on the performance of these vehicles by different groups show a significant difference in reliability, with the observation that the outcomes depend on whether the vehicles are operated by developers or nondevelopers. This paper shows that this difference in reliability is due to the failure prevention and correction procedures—risk mitigation—put in place by developers. However, no formalization has been developed for updating the risk profile based on the expected effectiveness of the failure prevention and correction process. A generic Bayesian approach for updating the risk profile is presented, based on the probability of failure prevention and correction and the number of subsequent deployments on which the failure does not occur. The approach, which applies whether the risk profile is captured in a parametric or nonparametric survival model, is applied to a real case study of the International Submarine Engineering Ltd. (ISE) Explorer AUV.
Collection of Gas-Tight Water Samples from the Bottom of the Challenger Deep
Authors: Wu Shi-Jun , Wang Shuo , Yang Can-Jun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA new gas-tight pair sampler was designed for the collection of gas-tight fluid samples from the hadal zone. The sampler uses two titanium bottles and one sampling valve to collect two samples at once. The sampler can be deployed in the deepest trenches in the ocean as a result of its ability to resist ultrahigh pressure and its good bidirectional sealing performance. It can be used on manned submersibles, remotely operated vehicles, and deep-sea landers. Three sets of this new sampler were constructed and field tested in the Mariana Trench during the cruise TS-03 from 15 January to 23 March 2017, during which 3 L of water samples were successfully obtained from the bottom of the Challenger Deep.
The sustainability of institutions: an unstable condition
Authors: Santoro Patrizia 
Published: February 2018

This article uses the concept of institutional sustainability to examine how institutions survive in a context, such as the current one, in which a problematic economy (a decrease of resources), politics (e.g. a crisis of parties and decline in voter participation) and social environment (corruption, wastefulness and administrative malpractice) weaken their legitimacy. Specifically, the purpose of this article is to suggest a conceptual model of institutional sustainability different from the one generally used in the literature on sustainable development to analyse the capacity of institutions to strengthen their roles, tasks and functions with the limited (quantitative and qualitative) resources (e.g. human, economic and instrumental) that they may already have or are given. To this end, the article attempts to ‘operationalize’ the concept of institutional sustainability, starting with the technical-managerial and political nature of administrative action, and to suggest analytical factors that fall within the sphere of functional autonomy and legitimacy. Points for practitioners This article aims to make the concept of institutional sustainability smoother and more precise by focusing on the intrinsic value of a sustainable way of life for institutions. The specific focus is public administration, now increasingly burdened by the need to combine the political reorganization of public debt with development planning and the provision of services. I suggest some necessary requirements (functional autonomy and legitimacy) to guarantee and/or increase sustainability.
[11C](R)-Rolipram positron emission tomography detects DISC1 inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 4 in live Disc1 locus-impaired mice
Authors: Ooms Maarten , Tsujikawa Tetsuya , Lohith Talakad G , Mabins Sanché N , Zoghbi Sami S , Sumitomo Akiko , Jaaro-Peled Hanna , Kimura Yasuyuki , Telu Sanjay , Pike Victor W , Tomoda Toshifumi , Innis Robert B , Sawa Akira , Fujita Masahiro 
Published: February 2018

Although still a matter of controversy, disrupted in schizophrenia protein 1 (DISC1) was suggested as a potential inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). We used Disc1 locus impairment (LI) mice to investigate the interaction between PDE4 and DISC 1 in vivo and in vitro. [11C]( R)-Rolipram binding was measured by PET in LI ( n = 11) and C57BL/6 wild-type (WT, n = 9) mice. [11C]( R)-Rolipram total distribution volumes ( VT) were calculated and corrected for plasma-free fraction ( fP) measured in a separate group of LI ( n = 6) and WT ( n = 7) mice. PDE4 enzyme activity was measured using in vitro samples of cerebral cortices from groups of LI ( n = 4), heterozygote ( n = 4), and WT ( n = 4) mice. Disc1 LI mice showed a 41% increase in VT (18 ± 6 vs. 13±4 mL/cm3, P = 0.04) compared to WT mice. VT/ fP showed a 73% significant increase (90 ± 31 vs. 52 ± 15 mL/cm3, P = 0.004) in Disc1 LI compared to WT mice. PDE4 enzymatic activity assay confirmed in vivo findings showing significant group differences ( p < 0.0001). In conclusion, PDE4 activity was increased in the absence of critical DISC1 protein isoforms both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, [11C]( R)-Rolipram PET was sensitive enough to assess altered PDE4 activity caused by PDE4–DISC1 interaction.
Everybody needs a group: A qualitative study looking at therapists’ views of the role of psychotherapy groups in working with older people with dementia and complex needs
Authors: Perren Sara , Richardson Tracy 
Published: February 2018

Our objective was to evaluate clinicians’ views of the impact of conducting inpatient psychotherapy groups for older adults with enduring mental health issues and/or cognitive impairment. We conducted a literature review. A focus group was held with four group facilitators using a semi-structured format and open questioning. The transcript was analysed by the interviewer using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Using guidelines provided by Smith and Osborn, themes were identified, clustered and a final set of themes developed. On completion, the researcher reported the findings back to one participant to increase the validity and trustworthiness of the analysis. Facilitators described impacts that were intra-personal, inter-personal and extra-personal. The capacity and desire to communicate and belong demonstrated by group members challenged their own views (and ageism) and that of staff members. The facilitators’ experience was of the beneficial and normalising effects of these groups in enabling and enhancing communication, emphasising common humanity, facilitating the expression of emotion and combating isolation by promoting a sense of belonging. Research is needed into the views of the group members. Thought is given to the challenges inherent in this.
Characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus in a sample of the Egyptian population: a retrospective cohort of 1109 patients from a single center
Authors: El Hadidi K T , Medhat B M , Abdel Baki N M , Abdel Kafy H , Abdelrahaman W , Yousri A Y , Attia D H , Eissa M , El Dessouki D , Elgazzar I , Elgengehy F T , El Ghobashy N , El Hadary H , El Mardenly G , El Naggar H , El Nahas A M , El Refai R M , El Rwiny H Allah , Elsman R M , Galal M , Ghoniem S , Maged L A , Sally S M , Naji H , Saad S , Shaaban M , Sharaf M , Sobhy N , Soliman R M , El Hadidi T S 
Published: February 2018

Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease that can vary among different ethnic and racial groups. Objective The objective of this paper is to study the prevalence of various manifestations of SLE in a sample of the Egyptian population. Patients and methods Information in this study was derived from the medical records of SLE patients who sought medical advice at a private clinic in Cairo from January 1980 to June 2016. Results This study included 1109 SLE patients, of whom 114 (10.3%) were males and 995 were females (89.7%). Mean age of onset was 25.89 ± 10.81 years, while the median of disease duration from the onset of the disease till the last recorded visit was 26 months. The most common cumulative manifestations were arthritis (76.7%), malar rash (48.5%), leukopenia (45.7%), and photosensitivity (45.6%). A total of 33.1% of the patients had nephritis, and neuropsychiatric lupus was present in 6.4% of the patients. Secondary antiphospholipid syndrome was present in 11.5% of the patients. Antinuclear antibody and anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid were present in 1060/1094 (96.9%) and 842/1062 (79.3%) of the patients, respectively. Antiphospholipid antibodies were present in 266/636 (41.8%) of the patients, anti-Smith in 54/240 (22.5%), anti-SSA/Ro in 61/229 (20.4%), and anti-SSB/La in 32/277 (11.6%) of the patients. Male patients had a statistically higher prevalence of nephritis ( p = 0.01), whereas arthritis and alopecia were statistically higher in females ( p = 0.012 and p = 0.006, respectively). Patients with juvenile onset had a statistically higher prevalence of nephritis and seizures ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). Conclusions Arthritis and malar rash represented the most common clinical manifestations. Male and juvenile-onset patients had a predilection toward a more severe disease. These results are in agreement with many studies conducted in the Middle East and worldwide. On the other hand, major organ involvement was exceptionally low, which is contradictory to several reports from the Middle East and across the globe.
The association between abnormal vital sign groups and undesirable patient outcomes
Authors: Lee Marina , Taylor David McD , Ugoni Antony 
Published: February 2018

Introduction:To determine the association between both abnormal individual vital signs and abnormal vital sign groups in the emergency department, and undesirable patient outcomes: hospital admission, medical emergency team calls and death.Method:We undertook a prospective cohort study in a tertiary referral emergency department (February–May 2015). Vital signs were collected prospectively in the emergency department and undesirable outcomes from the medical records. The primary outcomes were undesirable outcomes for individual vital signs (multivariate logistic regression) and vital sign groups (univariate analyses).Results:Data from 1438 patients were analysed. Admission was associated with tachycardia, tachypnoea, fever, ≥1 abnormal vital sign on admission to the emergency department, ≥1 abnormal vital sign at any time in the emergency department, a persistently abnormal vital sign, and vital signs consistent with both sepsis (tachycardia/hypotension/abnormal temperature) and pneumonia (tachypnoea/fever) (p < 0.05). Medical emergency team calls were associated with tachycardia, tachypnoea, ≥1 abnormal vital sign on admission (odds ratio: 2.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.4–3.8), ≥2 abnormal vital signs at any time (odds ratio: 2.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.2–4.7), and a persistently abnormal vital sign (odds ratio: 2.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.6–4.6). Death was associated with Glasgow Coma Score ≤13 (odds ratio: 6.3, 95% confidence interval: 2.5–16.0), ≥1 abnormal vital sign on admission (odds ratio: 2.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.2–5.6), ≥2 abnormal vital signs at any time (odds ratio: 6.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.4–29.5), a persistently abnormal vital sign (odds ratio: 4.3, 95% confidence interval: 2.0–9.0), and vital signs consistent with pneumonia (odds ratio: 5.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.9–14.8).Conclusion:Abnormal vital sign groups are generally superior to individual vital signs in predicting undesirable outcomes. They could inform best practice management, emergency department disposition, and communication with the patient and family.
Clinicopathological features and comorbidities of cats with mild, moderate or severe hyperthyroidism: a radioiodine referral population
Authors: Watson Natalie , Murray Jane K , Fonfara Sonja , Hibbert Angie 
Published: February 2018

Objectives This study sought to explore the clinicopathological features and comorbidities of cats with mild, moderate and severe hyperthyroidism in a radioiodine referral population. Methods Medical records were reviewed, along with results of serum biochemistry, urinalysis, systolic blood pressure and diagnostic imaging performed at the time of radioiodine referral. Cats were grouped by total thyroxine (TT4) levels as mildly (TT4 60.1–124.9 nmol/l), moderately (TT4 125–250 nmol/l) or severely (TT4 >250 nmol/l) hyperthyroid at the time of diagnosis and referral. Results Thirty percent (42/140) of the cats were <10 years old at diagnosis. In 24.3% (34/140), hyperthyroidism was diagnosed incidentally. The time between diagnosis and referral for radioiodine was significantly longer in cats with severe hyperthyroidism at the time of referral ( P = 0.004). An increase in severity group between the time of diagnosis and referral occurred in 38.6% (54/140) of cats. At referral, 54.3% (25/46) of cats with mild, 66.7% (42/63) with moderate and 80.6% (25/31) with severe hyperthyroidism were unstable despite ongoing medical or dietary management. The prevalence of cardiac abnormalities was significantly increased in cats with severe hyperthyroidism ( P = 0.014) compared with those with mild or moderate hyperthyroidism. There was no significant difference in the likelihood of renal disease ( P = 0.708) or hypertension ( P = 0.328) between the groups. Conclusions and relevance Incidental diagnosis of hyperthyroidism occurs commonly, potentially owing to increased disease screening. Cats with severe hyperthyroidism at referral were more likely to be chronically hyperthyroid with a history of poor stabilisation. This subset of patients was significantly more likely to have cardiac abnormalities. Thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy may ultimately affect patient suitability for curative treatments (radioiodine or thyroidectomy) owing to higher anaesthetic risks and potential for decompensation into congestive heart failure with the stress of travel and hospitalisation. Curative therapy should be considered before the development of severe hyperthyroidism.