bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute stimulation of the soluble guanylate cyclase does not impact on left ventricular capacitance in normal and hypertrophied porcine hearts in vivo
Authors: Alogna Alessio , Schwarzl Michael , Manninger Martin , Hamdani Nazha , Zirngast Birgit , Kloth Benjamin , Steendijk Paul , Verderber Jochen , Zweiker David , Westermann Dirk , Blankenberg Stefan , Maechler Heinrich , Tschöpe Carsten , Linke Wolfgang A. , Marsche Gunther , Pieske Burkert M. , Post Heiner 
Published: May 2018

Experimental data indicate that stimulation of the nitric oxide-soluble guanylate cyclase(sGC)-cGMP-PKG pathway can increase left ventricular (LV) capacitance via phosphorylation of the myofilamental protein titin. We aimed to test whether acute pharmacological sGC stimulation with BAY 41-8543 would increase LV capacitance via titin phosphorylation in healthy and deoxycorticosteroneacetate (DOCA)-induced hypertensive pigs. Nine healthy Landrace pigs and 7 pigs with DOCA-induced hypertension and LV concentric hypertrophy were acutely instrumented to measure LV end-diastolic pressure-volume relationships (EDPVRs) at baseline and during intravenous infusion of BAY 41-8543 (1 and 3 μg·kg−1·min−1for 30 min, respectively). Separately, in seven healthy and six DOCA pigs, transmural LV biopsies were harvested from the beating heart to measure titin phosphorylation during BAY 41-8543 infusion. LV EDPVRs before and during BAY 41-8543 infusion were superimposable in both healthy and DOCA-treated pigs, whereas mean aortic pressure decreased by 20–30 mmHg in both groups. Myocardial titin phosphorylation was unchanged in healthy pigs, but total and site-specific (Pro-Glu-Val-Lys and N2-Bus domains) titin phosphorylation was increased in DOCA-treated pigs. Bicoronary nitroglycerin infusion in healthy pigs ( n = 5) induced a rightward shift of the LV EDPVR, demonstrating the responsiveness of the pathway in this model. Acute systemic sGC stimulation with the sGC stimulator BAY 41-8543 did not recruit an LV preload reserve in both healthy and hypertrophied LV porcine myocardium, although it increased titin phosphorylation in the latter group. Thus, increased titin phosphorylation is not indicative of increased in vivo LV capacitance.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate that acute pharmacological stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase does not increase left ventricular compliance in normal and hypertrophied porcine hearts. Effects of long-term soluble guanylate cyclase stimulation with oral compounds in disease conditions associated with lowered myocardial cGMP levels, i.e., heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, remain to be investigated.
Arteriolar vasodilation involves actin depolymerization
Authors: Clifford Philip S. , Ferguson Brian S. , Jasperse Jeffrey L. , Hill Michael A. 
Published: May 2018

It is generally assumed that relaxation of arteriolar vascular smooth muscle occurs through hyperpolarization of the cell membrane, reduction in intracellular Ca2+concentration, and activation of myosin light chain phosphatase/inactivation of myosin light chain kinase. We hypothesized that vasodilation is related to depolymerization of F-actin. Cremaster muscles were dissected in rats under pentobarbital sodium anesthesia (50 mg/kg). First-order arterioles were dissected, cannulated on glass micropipettes, pressurized, and warmed to 34°C. Internal diameter was monitored with an electronic video caliper. The concentration of G-actin was determined in flash-frozen intact segments of arterioles by ultracentrifugation and Western blot analyses. Arterioles dilated by ~40% of initial diameter in response to pinacidil (1 × 10−6mM) and sodium nitroprusside (5 × 10−5mM). The G-actin-to-smooth muscle 22α ratio was 0.67 ± 0.09 in arterioles with myogenic tone and increased significantly to 1.32 ± 0.34 ( P < 0.01) when arterioles were dilated with pinacidil and 1.14 ± 0.18 ( P < 0.01) with sodium nitroprusside, indicating actin depolymerization. Compared with control vessels (49 ± 5%), the percentage of phosphorylated myosin light chain was significantly reduced by pinacidil (24 ± 2%, P < 0.01) but not sodium nitroprusside (42 ± 4%). These findings suggest that actin depolymerization is an important mechanism for vasodilation of resistance arterioles to external agonists. Furthermore, pinacidil produces smooth muscle relaxation via both decreases in myosin light chain phosphorylation and actin depolymerization, whereas sodium nitroprusside produces smooth muscle relaxation primarily via actin depolymerization.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This article adds to the accumulating evidence on the contribution of the actin cytoskeleton to the regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone in resistance arterioles. Actin depolymerization appears to be an important mechanism for vasodilation of resistance arterioles to pharmacological agonists. Dilation to the K+channel opener pinacidil is produced by decreases in myosin light chain phosphorylation and actin depolymerization, whereas dilation to the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside occurs primarily via actin depolymerization.Listen to this article’s corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/vascular-smooth-muscle-actin-depolymerization/ .
Adolescent Undernutrition: Global Burden, Physiology, and Nutritional Risks
Authors: Christian Parul , Smith Emily R. 
Published: May 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Adolescents, comprised of 10–19 year olds, form the largest generation of young people in our history. There are an estimated 1.8 billion adolescents in the world, with 90% residing in low- and middle-income countries. The burden of disease among adolescents has its origins in infectious and injury-related causes, but nutritional deficiencies, suboptimal linear growth, and undernutrition are major public health problems, even as overweight may be on the rise in many contexts. <b><i>Summary and Key Messages:</i></b> Girls are most vulnerable to the influences of cultural and gender norms, which often discriminate against them. Dietary patterns and physical activity, in addition to schooling and countervailing social norms for early marriage, influence health and nutritional well-being of adolescents. Nutrient requirements – ­including those for energy, protein, iron, calcium, and ­others – increase in adolescence to support adequate growth and development. In settings where dietary intakes are suboptimal, anemia and micronutrient deficiencies are high. Endocrine factors are essential for promoting normal adolescent growth and are sensitive to undernutrition. Growth velocity increases during puberty when peak height velocity occurs and catch-up is possible; in girls, about 15–25% of adult height is attained. A premature pregnancy can halt linear growth and increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes. Research is needed to fill the huge data gaps related to nutrition and growth during adolescence, in addition to testing interventions during this second window of opportunity to enhance growth and development, improve human capital, and to end the intergenerational cycle of growth failure.
De mediações em mediações: a questão da <i>tecnicidade</i> em Martín-Barbero
Authors: Girardi Júnior Liráucio 
Published: May 2018

In this article, we will analyze the epistemological turn proposed by Martín-Barbero when he shifted his attention from the cultural mediations of the communication to the communicative mediations of the culture. The main focus of the analysis will be on the importance that the notion of technicality – alongside institutionality, sociality, and rituality – had in this epistemological turn. His notion of technicality will be put in the discussion here by some studies on new media and materiality of communication.
Serum Corin Level Is Associated With Subsequent Decline in Renal Function in Patients With Suspected Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Yang Shang‐Feng , Chou Ruey‐Hsing , Li Szu‐Yuan , Huang Shao‐Sung , Huang Po‐Hsun 
Published: May 2018

Background
Higher circulatory corin in patients with cardiac diseases is associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes, and chronic cardiac dysfunction is a well‐known cause of progressive renal dysfunction. This study aimed to determine the role of serum corin in predicting short‐term and long‐term renal outcomes after contrast exposure in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results
Four hundred one patients who had received coronary angiography were enrolled. Serum corin levels were determined before administration of contrast media. Contrast‐induced nephropathy was defined as a rise in serum creatinine of 0.5 mg/dL or a 25% increase from baseline within 48 hours after the procedure. Progressive renal dysfunction was defined as >50% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate after discharge. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year or until the occurrence of death after coronary angiography. Overall, contrast‐induced nephropathy occurred in 23 (5.7%) patients. During a median follow‐up of 529 days, 44 (11.0%) cases had subsequent decline in renal function. After adjustment for demographic characteristics, kidney function, traditional risk factors, and medications, lower corin level was found to be independently associated with higher risk for progressive renal dysfunction (hazard ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.12–0.44) but not for contrast‐induced nephropathy. This inverse correlation remained evident in patients with underlying chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, or heart failure.

Conclusions
Lower baseline serum corin was associated with higher risk of renal function decline in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Further studies are needed to verify these results.
Frailty as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Versus Noncardiovascular Mortality in Older Men: Results From the MrOS Sleep (Outcomes of Sleep Disorders in Older Men) Study
Authors: Adabag Selcuk , Vo Tien N. , Langsetmo Lisa , Schousboe John T. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Stone Katie L. , Shikany James M. , Taylor Brent C. , Ensrud Kristine E. 
Published: May 2018

Background

Frailty is associated with greater mortality; however, whether frail patients primarily die of cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) or non‐
CVD
causes is unknown.

Methods and Results

We assessed the cause of death in relation to frailty status, measured at baseline, among 3135 community‐dwelling older men in the Mr
OS
Sleep (Outcomes of Sleep Disorders in Older Men) study. Absolute probability and risk of
CVD
mortality associated with frailty status were estimated with traditional methods that used censoring and newer methods that considered non‐
CVD
mortality as a competing risk. Of the 3135 men (mean age: 76.4±5.6 years), 475 (15.2%) were frail. During an average follow‐up of 9.2 years, 1275 (40.7%) men died, including 445 (34.9%) from
CVD
and 828 (64.9%) from non‐
CVD
causes (2 deaths unadjudicated). Both
CVD
and non‐
CVD
mortality risk increased with frailty. Cumulative absolute probability of
CVD
death at 10 years among frail men was 23.8% (20.2–27.6%) using the competing risk method versus 32.5% (27.3–37.8%) using the traditional Kaplan–Meier method (41.5% [95% confidence interval, 36.9–45.9%] and 48.6% [95% confidence interval, 43.6–53.4%], respectively, for non‐
CVD
mortality). The multivariable‐adjusted risk of
CVD
death among frail versus robust men was 1.38 (95% confidence interval, 0.99–1.92) using the competing risk method versus 1.84 (95% confidence interval, 1.35–2.51) using the traditional Cox proportional hazards method.

Conclusions

Among community‐dwelling older men, ≈35% of the deaths were due to
CVD
. Frail men were at increased risk of
CVD
death, but ignoring the competing risk of non‐
CVD
mortality overestimated their long‐term probability and relative risk of
CVD
death.
Marists, Marian Devotion, and the Quest for Sovereignty in Bougainville
Authors: Hermkens Anna-Karina 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Christianity and politics seem to be intrinsically linked. In Central Bougainville, which is part of the autonomous region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Catholic faith introduced by Marist missionaries has been instrumental in building a national Bougainville identity and sustaining the political struggle for sovereignty. Although the first missionaries were often cautious not to disrupt socio-political organisations, Marists have been advocating both local and Marist political interests and views in the continuously shifting religious, and socio-economical political context of colonial and “post”-colonial Bougainville. This article follows the early Catholic missionaries to Bougainville, elucidating dialectics, tensions and politics of conversion. Moreover, it shows how devotion to Mary became entangled with a particular representation of Bougainville land as Holy, and the engendering of an ethnic-religious nationalism in the context of a ten-year-long devastating conflict and struggle for sovereignty.
Wind Gust Characterization at Wind Turbine Relevant Heights in Moderately Complex Terrain
Authors: Hu W. , Letson F. , Barthelmie R. J. , Pryor S. C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractImproved understanding of wind gusts in complex terrain is critically important to wind engineering and specifically the wind energy industry. Observational data from 3D sonic anemometers deployed at 3 and 65 m at a site in moderately complex terrain within the northeastern United States are used to calculate 10 descriptors of wind gusts and to determine the parent distributions that best describe these parameters. It is shown that the parent distributions exhibit consistency across different descriptors of the gust climate. Specifically, the parameters that describe the gust intensity (gust amplitude, rise magnitude, and lapse magnitude; i.e., properties that have units of length per time) fit the two-parameter Weibull distribution, those that are unitless ratios (gust factor and peak factor) are described by log-logistic distributions, and all other properties (peak gust, rise and lapse times, gust asymmetric factor, and gust length scale) are lognormally distributed. It is also shown that gust factors scale with turbulence intensity, but gusts are distinguishable in power spectra of the longitudinal wind component (i.e., they have demonstrably different length scales than the average eddy length scale). Gust periods at the lower measurement height (3 m) are consistent with shear production, whereas at 65 m they are not. At this site, there is only a weak directional dependence of gust properties on site terrain and land cover variability along sectorial transects, but large gust length scales and gust factors are more likely to be observed in unstable atmospheric conditions.
The haemodynamic causes of skin changes in limbs with primary varicose veins
Authors: Shiraishi Yasushi 
Published: May 2018

Objectives To investigate the haemodynamic causes of skin changes in limbs with primary varicose veins, which were assessed with air plethysmography. Methods Five hundred seventeen consecutive patients with axial reflux in the great saphenous vein (varicose vein group) and 248 normal subjects (normal group) were investigated. Varicose vein group patients were divided into two groups according to whether they did (C4–6) or did not (C2–3) have skin changes. Several parameters obtained using air plethysmography were compared among the normal group, C2–3 and C4–6 patients. Results Although there was no significant difference in the regurgitation index to quantify venous reflux in C2–3 and C4–6 patients, the maximum arterial inflow rate increased (normal group < C2–3 < C4–6), even in limbs with a small amount of venous reflux. Conclusions This study suggests that it is not essential to increase the venous reflux rate in skin change development; rather, it is based on various pathophysiological conditions that increase the arterial inflow rate.
Management of acute tandem occlusions: Stent-retriever thrombectomy with emergency stenting or angioplasty
Authors: Li Wei , Chen Zhonglun , Dai Zheng , Liu Rui , Yin Qin , Wang Huaiming , Hao Yonggang , Han Yunfei , Qiu Zhongming , Xiong Yunyun , Sun Wen , Zi Wenjie , Xu Gelin , Liu Xinfeng 
Published: May 2018

Objective To compare outcomes following intracranial stent retriever-based intracranial thrombectomy (SRT) with emergency extracranial internal carotid artery (EICA) stenting or angioplasty alone in patients presenting with acute stroke due to tandem occlusions of the ICA. Methods Consecutive patients with acute anterior tandem occlusion who received an endovascular intervention within 6h of symptom onset between January 2013 and June 2016 were included in this prospective study. Demographic, radiological, procedural and clinical outcome data were compared between the stenting and the angioplasty alone groups. Results Of the 37 patients eligible for the study, 18 had angioplasty alone and 19 underwent stent placement. Successful recanalization rate was statistically significantly higher in the stenting group than in angioplasty alone group (74% vs. 39%) and although not statistically significant, more patients in the stenting group than in the angioplasty alone group had favourable outcomes (63% vs. 50%). There was no significant difference between groups in rates of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (SICH), cerebral herniation or mortality. Conclusion This study in a small sample size suggests that among patients with acute anterior tandem occlusion, SRT with EICA stenting tended to achieve higher recanalization and improved clinical outcomes at three months compared with SRT and angioplasty alone with a similar rate of SICH and mortality.
Association of melatonin receptor 1 B gene (rs10830963 and rs9192552) polymorphısm with adolescent obesity and related comorbidities in Turkey
Authors: Çöl Nilgün , Nacak Muradiye , Araz Mustafa 
Published: May 2018

Objective To examine the role of rs10830963 and rs8192552 polymorphisms in melatonin receptor 1 B (MTNR1B) gene on the development of obesity and related comorbidities among adolescents in South-Eastern Turkey. Methods The present study included 200 unrelated adolescents (100 obese, 100 normal weight). The rs8192552 and rs10830963 polymorphisms in the MTNR1B gene were genotyped using a PCR SNaPshot assay. Results No statistically significant association was observed between MTNR1B gene rs8192552/rs10830963 polymorphisms and adolescent obesity. In adolescents with an rs8192552 E allele, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (IR) level was lower and IR was less common. In morbidly obese adolescents with an rs8192552 E allele, total cholesterol level was lower. In obese adolescents with metabolic syndrome, plasma fasting glucose level was higher in rs10830963G allele carriers. In obese girls, body weight was lower in those with a rs10830963 C allele, whereas in obese boys, body weight and waist circumference were higher in those with a rs10830963 C allele. Conclusions The MTNR1B gene was not confirmed as an obesity susceptibility gene in adolescents. However, an association between the MTNR1B gene and IR/hypercholesterolemia/metabolic syndrome was observed in obese adolescents. A sex-specific effect on obesity was also identified.
Chemotherapy Acute Infusion Reactions: A Qualitative Report of the Perspectives of Patients With Cancer
Authors: Bartlett David J. , Childs Daniel S. , Breitkopf Carmen Radecki , Grudem Megan E. , Mitchell Jessica L. , Looker Sherry A. , Ridgeway Jennifer L. , Lee Jennifer L. , Butterfield Joseph H. , Weroha S. John , Jatoi Aminah 
Published: May 2018

Objective: A growing number of cancer antineoplastic agents can cause life-threatening acute infusion reactions. Because previous studies have not studied these reactions from the perspective of patients, this study was undertaken with that objective in mind. Methods: Patients who had an acute infusion reaction were interviewed based on the Leventhal model. Once saturation of content was achieved, interviews were transcribed and analyzed with qualitative methodology. Results: Twenty-one patients were enrolled. Most were women (n = 15); the median age was 58 years, and paclitaxel was the most common inciting agent. Three themes emerged. First, these reactions are frightening; patients made remarks such as “I was just thinking oh my God, I am dying.” Second, prior education about these reactions seemed to mitigate this fear, “Basically everything the nurses told me potentially could happen, like happened. So, I was prepared.” Third, when health-care providers were prompt and attentive during the reaction, patients described less fear with future chemotherapy, “So no, I’m really not fearful about going in tomorrow because I know they’ll be there and they’ll be watching me.” Conclusion: These reactions evoke fear which can be mitigated with education prior to and with prompt responsiveness during the acute infusion reaction.
Proportion of Orofacial Clefts Attributable to Recognized Risk Factors
Authors: Raut Janhavi R. , Simeone Regina M. , Tinker Sarah C. , Canfield Mark A. , Day R. Sue , Agopian A. J. 
Published: May 2018

Objective: Estimate the population attributable fraction (PAF) for a set of recognized risk factors for orofacial clefts. Design: We used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. For recognized risk factors for which data were available, we estimated crude population attributable fractions (cPAFs) to account for potential confounding, average-adjusted population attributable fractions (aaPAFs). We assessed 11 modifiable and 3 nonmodifiable parental/maternal risk factors. The aaPAF for individual risk factors and the total aaPAF for the set of risk factors were calculated using a method described by Eide and Geffler. Setting: Population-based case–control study in 10 US states. Participants: Two thousand seven hundred seventy-nine cases with isolated cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL±P), 1310 cases with isolated cleft palate (CP), and 11 692 controls with estimated dates of delivery between October 1, 1997, and December 31, 2011. Main Outcome Measures: Crude population attributable fraction and aaPAF. Results: The proportion of CL±P and CP cases attributable to the full set of examined risk factors was 50% and 43%, respectively. The modifiable factor with the largest aaPAF was smoking during the month before pregnancy or the first month of pregnancy (4.0% for CL±P and 3.4% for CP). Among nonmodifiable factors, the factor with the largest aaPAF for CL±P was male sex (27%) and for CP it was female sex (16%). Conclusions: Our results may inform research and prevention efforts. A large proportion of orofacial cleft risk is attributable to nonmodifiable factors; it is important to better understand the mechanisms involved for these factors.