bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Placental growth factor levels in quadriceps muscle are reduced by a Western diet in association with advanced glycation end products
Authors: Silva Asitha T. , Rouf Farzana , Semola Oluwayemisi A. , Payton Mark E. , Lovern Pamela C. 
Published: August 2019

In peripheral artery disease (PAD), atherosclerotic occlusion chronically impairs limb blood flow. Arteriogenesis (collateral artery remodeling) is a vital adaptive response to PAD that protects tissue from ischemia. People with type II diabetes have a high risk of developing PAD and would benefit from arteriogenesis. However, arteriogenesis is suppressed in people with diabetes by a multifaceted mechanism which remains incompletely defined. Upregulation of placental growth factor (PLGF) is a key early step in arteriogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that metabolic dysfunction would impair PLGF expression in skeletal muscle. We tested this hypothesis in C57BL/6J and ApoE−/−mice of both sexes fed a Western diet (WD) for 24 wk. We first assessed baseline levels of PLGF, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), and VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1) protein in hindlimb skeletal muscle. Only PLGF was consistently decreased by the WD. We next investigated the effect of 24 wk of the WD on the response of PLGF, VEGF-A, VEGFR1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) to the physiological stimulus of vascular occlusion. Hindlimb ischemia was induced in mice by gradual femoral artery occlusion using an ameroid constrictor. Growth factor levels were measured 3–28 days postsurgery. In C57BL/6J mice, the WD decreased and delayed upregulation of PLGF and abolished upregulation of VEGF-A and VEGFR1 but had no effect on MCP-1. In ApoE−/−mice fed either diet, all factors tested failed to respond to occlusion. Metabolic phenotyping of mice and in vitro studies suggest that an advanced glycation end product/TNFα-mediated mechanism could contribute to the effects observed in vivo.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we tested the effect of a Western diet on expression of the arteriogenic growth factor placental growth factor (PLGF) in mouse skeletal muscle. We provide the first demonstration that a Western diet interferes with both baseline expression and hindlimb ischemia-induced upregulation of PLGF. We further identify a potential role for advanced glycation end product/TNFα signaling as a negative regulator of PLGF. These studies provide insight into one possible mechanism by which type II diabetes may limit collateral growth.
“Darius Son of Ahasuerus, King of the Persians”: Textuality and Chronology in Jacob of Edessa’s Book of Daniel
Authors: Marsh Bradley J. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This article explores the textual witness of Jacob of Edessa’s revision of Daniel. Jacob’s is an aggregate and mixed text, one that combined both Syriac and Greek biblical traditions. Yet perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Jacob’s Daniel is his conscious effort to include not only “Theodotion” but also Old Greek traditions. This article focuses on his witness to the latter, which is demonstrated at both the micro- and macrotextual levels. Special attention is also paid to the chronological presentation of the Daniel cycle Jacob’s version transmits, particularly the unique location of ch. 9. It is argued that Jacob adopted this chapter order from a lost OG manuscript whose text had previously been altered, perhaps under the influence of Porphyry.
Improving Surface Current Resolution Using Direction Finding Algorithms for Multiantenna High-Frequency Radars
Authors: Kirincich Anthony , Emery Brian , Washburn Libe , Flament Pierre 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWhile land-based high-frequency (HF) radars are the only instruments capable of resolving both the temporal and spatial variability of surface currents in the coastal ocean, recent high-resolution views suggest that the coastal ocean is more complex than presently deployed radar systems are able to reveal. This work uses a hybrid system, having elements of both phased arrays and direction finding radars, to improve the azimuthal resolution of HF radars. Data from two radars deployed along the U.S. East Coast and configured as 8-antenna grid arrays were used to evaluate potential direction finding and signal, or emitter, detection methods. Direction finding methods such as maximum likelihood estimation generally performed better than the well-known multiple signal classification (MUSIC) method given identical emitter detection methods. However, accurately estimating the number of emitters present in HF radar observations is a challenge. As MUSIC’s direction-of-arrival (DOA) function permits simple empirical tests that dramatically aid the detection process, MUSIC was found to be the superior method in this study. The 8-antenna arrays were able to provide more accurate estimates of MUSIC’s noise subspace than typical 3-antenna systems, eliminating the need for a series of empirical parameters to control MUSIC’s performance. Code developed for this research has been made available in an online repository.
Economic Effects of Tariff Liberalization of Prospective India-GCC FTA: A Computable General Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: Ismail Saba , Ahmed Shahid 
Published: August 2019

The trade relations between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been intensified during the last two decades. The GCC has emerged as one of the largest trading partner of India. This article attempts to investigate the result of tariff liberalization on welfare, output, employment and the potential trade flows between India and the GCC region using the GTAP-model. The study reveals that tariff liberalization has positive effects on India and GCC countries, with no or nominal negative effect on the rest of the world. Overall results show that India’s trade relation with GCC countries is increasing continuously, but still there is a lot of untapped potential to bring the welfare gains for both trading partners. Finally, the study concludes that the proposed economic integration in terms of FTA between India and GCC will be mutually beneficial and welfare enhancing, and a case of a win–win situation. JEL Codes: F1, F13, F14, F17
Psychometric properties of the Community Integration Questionnaire: a systematic review of five populations
Authors: Turcotte Samuel , Beaudoin Maude , Vallée Catherine , Vincent Claude , Routhier François 
Published: August 2019

Objectives: This systematic review documents the content and the quality of the psychometric evidence concerning the utilization of the Community Integration Questionnaire for individuals living with a disability other than a traumatic brain injury. Data sources: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, OTseeker and PsycINFO (searched from inception to June 2019). Review methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for conducting and reporting this review. Studies that investigated at least one psychometric property of the Community Integration Questionnaire for individuals living with a disability other than traumatic brain injury were included. Data extraction and critical methodological appraisal of the articles (MacDermid checklist, COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist) were independently performed and validated by the first two authors. Results: Ten studies representing 3000 individuals met the inclusion criteria. Five populations were documented. There are positive and trustable data regarding internal consistency for adults living with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury or burns and in mixed samples ( α = 0.71–0.84). Construct validity is fairly documented for adults living with multiple sclerosis or aphasia and in mixed samples. Test–retest reliably is acceptable for adults living with multiple sclerosis (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.91–0.97) as well as responsiveness (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.81). Other psychometric properties could not be demonstrated sufficiently solid. Conclusion: Many psychometric properties of the Community Integration Questionnaire are still poorly evaluated for adults living with a disability other than a traumatic brain injury. However, promising data have been documented in each population included in this review.
Clinical characteristics and biomarkers of coronary microvascular dysfunction and obstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Mayala Henry Anselmo , Yan Wang , Jing Hu , Shuang-ye Liu , Gui-wen Yi , Chun-xia Qin , Ya Wang , Xiao-li Lan , Zhao-hui Wang 
Published: August 2019

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics and biomarkers in patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMVD) and to compare them with patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (OCAD). Methods We conducted a single-center, hospital-based, observational, descriptive, comparative, clinical study of 40 patients, including 20 patients with CMVD and 20 with OCAD. We assessed laboratory biomarkers (low-density lipoprotein [LDL], high-density lipoprotein [HDL], red blood cell distribution width [RDW], brain natriuretic protein [BNP], troponin I), and PET/CT coronary flow reserve was performed. Results The mean coronary flow reserve (CFR) in patients with CMVD was 1.96±0.55. Mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly higher in the CMVD subgroup (2.53±0.63 mmol/L) compared with the OCAD subgroup (1.76±0.97 mmol/L). Logistic regression analysis identified LDL-C as a predictor for the development of CMVD (odds ratio, 5.24). Conclusion It is difficult to differentiate between OCAD and CMVD based on the patient’s medical history, clinical characteristics, and coronary angiography results. Further investigations may be needed to allow an accurate diagnosis. CFR measurements based on non-invasive positron emission tomography/computed tomography may aid the diagnosis of CMVD. We also identified LDL-C as a predictor for the development of CMVD.
Phase I studies: a test bench for Italian clinical research
Authors: Cagnazzo Celeste , Nanni Oriana , Arizio Francesca , Franchina Veronica , Cenna Rosita , Tabaro Gianna , Vannini Francesca , Procopio Giuseppe , Gori Stefania , Di Costanzo Alessandro 
Published: August 2019

Background: The Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (AIFA) Determination 809/2015 sets all the requirements that clinical units and laboratories must meet in order to conduct phase I studies. Requirements include buildings, equipment, personnel, emergency management, as well as quality requirements defined in a set of standard operating procedures. Methods: In September 2018, the Italian Association of Medical Oncology working group, Clinical Research Coordinator, created an anonymous survey addressed to 51 medical directors of oncologic/hematologic clinical phase I units and all medical directors of generic and transversal units located in Italy and listed at the AIFA website. Results: Questionnaires from 24 institutions were collected, 9 previously inspected by competent authorities. All surveyed structures are certified to conduct profit studies and 1 is authorized to include healthy volunteers; 15 units implemented a Clinical Trial Quality Team in order to conduct nonprofit studies. At the time of data collection, a total of 398 proposals for phase I trials have been received, more than 50% coming from 3 institutes. A total of 144 phase I studies were active, with a median of 2.5 (Q1–Q3=0–6) studies for each center and asymmetric distribution of proposals. Conclusion: The considerable number of proposals received from the interviewed centers indicates that Italy plays an important role in the international pharmaceutical scene, despite bureaucratic procedures that threaten exclusion from decision-making. The AIFA Determination will be an important opportunity to acquire a competitive working approach.
Vestibular migraine: An update on current understanding and future directions
Authors: Huang Tzu-Chou , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Kheradmand Amir 
Published: August 2019

Background Vestibular migraine is among the most common causes of recurrent vertigo in the general population. Despite its prevalence and high impact on healthcare cost and utilization, it has remained an under-recognized condition with largely unknown pathophysiology. In the present article, we aim to provide an overview of the current understanding of vestibular migraine. Methods We undertook a narrative literature review on the epidemiology, presentations, clinical and laboratory findings, pathophysiology, and treatments of vestibular migraine. Results Currently, the diagnosis of vestibular migraine relies solely on clinical symptoms since clinical tests of vestibular function are typically normal, or difficult to interpret based on inconsistent results reported in earlier studies. The challenges related to diagnosis of vestibular migraine lie in its relatively broad spectrum of manifestations, the absence of typical migraine headaches with vestibular symptoms, and its very recent definition as a distinct entity. Here, we highlight these challenges, discuss common vestibular symptoms and clinical presentations in vestibular migraine, and review the current aspects of its clinical diagnosis and evaluation. The concepts related to the pathophysiology and treatment of vestibular migraine are also discussed. Conclusion Vestibular migraine is still underdiagnosed clinically. Future studies are needed to address the pathophysiological mechanisms and investigate effective treatment regimens.
Evidence of Modeling Impact in Development of Policies for Controlling the Opioid Epidemic and Improving Public Health: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sharareh Nasser , Sabounchi Shabnam S , McFarland Mary , Hess Rachel 
Published: August 2019

Background: Opioid addiction and overdose rates are reaching unprecedented levels in the U.S., with around 47,736 overdose deaths in 2017. Many stakeholders affect the opioid epidemic, including government entities, healthcare providers and policymakers, and opioid users. Simulation and conceptual modeling can help us understand the dynamics of the opioid epidemic by simplifying the real world and informing policymakers about different health interventions that could reduce the deaths caused by opioid overdose in the United States every year. Objectives: To conduct a scoping review of simulation and conceptual models that propose policies capable of controlling the opioid epidemic. We demonstrate the strengths and limitations of these models and provide a framework for further improvement of future decision support tools. Methods: Using the methodology of a scoping review, we identified articles published after 2000 from eight electronic databases to map the literature that uses simulation and conceptual modeling in developing public health policies to address the opioid epidemic. Results: We reviewed 472 papers of which 14 were appropriate for inclusion. Each used either system dynamics simulation modeling, mathematical modeling, conceptual modeling, or agent-based modeling. All included studies tested and proposed strategies to improve health outcomes related to the opioid epidemic. Factors considered in the models included physicians prescribing opioids, trafficking, users recruiting new users, and doctor shopping; no model investigated the impact of age and spatial factors on the dynamics of the epidemic. Key findings from these studies were (1) prevention of opioid initiation is better than treatment of opioid addiction, (2) the analysis of an intervention’s impact should include both benefits and harms, and (3) interventions with short-term benefits might have a counterproductive impact on the epidemic in long run. Conclusions: While most studies examined the role of prescription opioids and trafficking on this epidemic, the transition of patients from prescription opioid use to nonprescription use including heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl impacts the system significantly and results in an epidemic with quite different characteristics than what it had a decade ago. We recommend including the impact of age and geographic location on the opioid epidemic using modeling methods.
Patterns of Mutation Enrichment in Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Saravia César H , Flores Claudio , Schwarz Luis J , Bravo Leny , Zavaleta Jenny , Araujo Jhajaira , Neciosup Silvia , Pinto Joseph A 
Published: August 2019

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease with aggressive biology and complex tumor evolution. Our purpose was to identify enrichment patterns of genomic alterations in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC). Methods: Genomic data were retrieved (mutations and copy number variations) from 550 primary TNBC tumors from the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data sets and 58 mTNBC tumors from “Mutational Profile of Metastatic Breast Cancers” and “The Metastatic Breast Cancer Project.” Statistical analysis of microarray data between primary and metastatic tumors was performed using a chi-square test, and the percentage of mutation enrichment in mTNBC cases was estimated. P-values were adjusted for multiple testing with Benjamini-Hochberg method with a false-discovery rate (FDR) <.05. In addition, we identified dominant hallmarks of cancer in mTNBC. Results: Seven genes with mutations were enriched in mTNBC after correcting for multiple testing. These included TTN, HMCN1, RELN, PKHD1L1, DMD, FRAS1, and RYR3. Only RPS6KB2 amplification was statistically significant in mTNBC; on the contrary, deletion of the genes TET1, RHOA, EPHA5, SET, KCNJ5, ABCG4, NKX3-1, SDHB, IGF2, and BRCA1 were the most frequent. The molecular alterations related to the hallmark of “genetic instability and mutation” were predominant in mTNBC. Interestingly, the hallmark of “activating immune destruction” was the least represented in mTNBC. Conclusion: Despite the study limitations, we identified recurrent patterns of genomic alterations with potential contribution to tumor evolution. Deletions were the aberrations more commonly found in mTNBC. Several molecular alterations are potentially targetable.
Risk of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: A longitudinal study
Authors: Fambiatos Adam , Jokubaitis Vilija , Horakova Dana , Kubala Havrdova Eva , Trojano Maria , Prat Alexandre , Girard Marc , Duquette Pierre , Lugaresi Alessandra , Izquierdo Guillermo , Grand’Maison Francois , Grammond Pierre , Sola Patrizia , Ferraro Diana , Alroughani Raed , Terzi Murat , Hupperts Raymond , Boz Cavit , Lechner-Scott Jeannette , Pucci Eugenio , Bergamaschi Roberto , Van Pesch Vincent , Ozakbas Serkan , Granella Franco , Turkoglu Recai , Iuliano Gerardo , Spitaleri Daniele , McCombe Pamela , Solaro Claudio , Slee Mark , Ampapa Radek , Soysal Aysun , Petersen Thor , Sanchez-Menoyo Jose Luis , Verheul Freek , Prevost Julie , Sidhom Youssef , Van Wijmeersch Bart , Vucic Steve , Cristiano Edgardo , Saladino Maria Laura , Deri Norma , Barnett Michael , Olascoaga Javier , Moore Fraser , Skibina Olga , Gray Orla , Fragoso Yara , Yamout Bassem , Shaw Cameron , Singhal Bhim , Shuey Neil , Hodgkinson Suzanne , Altintas Ayse , Al-Harbi Talal , Csepany Tunde , Taylor Bruce , Hughes Jordana , Jun Jae-Kwan , van der Walt Anneke , Spelman Tim , Butzkueven Helmut , Kalincik Tomas 
Published: August 2019

Background: The risk factors for conversion from relapsing-remitting to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis remain highly contested. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the demographic, clinical and paraclinical features that influence the risk of conversion to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Methods: Patients with adult-onset relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis and at least four recorded disability scores were selected from MSBase, a global observational cohort. The risk of conversion to objectively defined secondary progressive multiple sclerosis was evaluated at multiple time points per patient using multivariable marginal Cox regression models. Sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: A total of 15,717 patients were included in the primary analysis. Older age (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.02, p < 0.001), longer disease duration (HR = 1.01, p = 0.038), a higher Expanded Disability Status Scale score (HR = 1.30, p < 0.001), more rapid disability trajectory (HR = 2.82, p < 0.001) and greater number of relapses in the previous year (HR = 1.07, p = 0.010) were independently associated with an increased risk of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Improving disability (HR = 0.62, p = 0.039) and disease-modifying therapy exposure (HR = 0.71, p = 0.007) were associated with a lower risk. Recent cerebral magnetic resonance imaging activity, evidence of spinal cord lesions and oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid were not associated with the risk of conversion. Conclusion: Risk of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis increases with age, duration of illness and worsening disability and decreases with improving disability. Therapy may delay the onset of secondary progression.
Understanding social work-force satisfaction
Authors: Pithouse Andrew , Rees Alyson , Brookfield Charlotte , Djupvik Alf 
Published: August 2019

Summary A Guardian Newspaper survey of social workers in the UK published in 2015 suggested that ‘The happiest social workers are in Wales’. In exploring why this may be so, the authors undertook an in-depth national online survey in 2017 of all social workers in Wales registered ( n = 5564) as employed at that point and from which some 997 responded. The survey sought a wide field of information about the occupational experience, and this article reports on selected aspects of knowledge, evidence-base, aims, competence and quality as perceived by respondents. Findings The workforce, durable, mostly white, aging and female, consider their services of good quality despite insufficiencies in staff capacities and material resources. While most acknowledged the influence on their practice of psycho-social, cognitive and systems paradigms, they also cited as major sources of knowledge, their clients, work experience, colleagues, case-procedures and in-house training. There seemed much less affirmation of evidence-based techniques and relatively little use of social work journals, books and professional magazines once qualified and in practice. Applications The emphasis by many upon the bureau or department as both ‘habitus’ and heuristic for much everyday practice raises important questions for how we understand and enhance practitioner knowledge and ensure equivalent social worker competence across the workforce.