bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison Between Modified Latarjet Performed as a Primary or Revision Procedure in Competitive Athletes: A Comparative Study of 100 Patients With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Rossi Luciano A. , Bertona Agustin , Tanoira Ignacio , Maignon Gastón D. , Bongiovanni Santiago L. , Ranalletta Maximiliano 
Published: December 2018

Background: The literature lacks evidence comparing outcomes between the Latarjet procedure performed as a primary procedure versus a revision procedure in competitive athletes. Purpose: To compare return to sport, functional outcomes, and complications of the modified Latarjet performed as a primary or revision procedure in competitive athletes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Between June 2008 and June 2015, a total of 100 competitive athletes with recurrent anterior shoulder instability underwent surgery with the congruent arc Latarjet procedure without capsulolabral repair. There were 46 patients with primary repairs and 54 with revisions. Return to sport, range of motion (ROM), the Rowe score, a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain in sport activity, and the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System (ASOSS) were used to assess functional outcomes. Recurrences were also evaluated. The postoperative bone block position and consolidation were assessed by computed tomography. Results: The mean follow-up period was 58 months (range, 24-108 months). A total of 96 patients (96%) returned to competitive sports; 91% returned to their preinjury level of play. No significant difference in shoulder ROM was found between preoperative and postoperative results. The Rowe, VAS, and ASOSS scores showed statistically significant improvements after surgery ( P < .001). The Rowe score increased from a preoperative mean of 43.8 to a postoperative mean of 96.1 ( P < .01). Subjective pain during sports improved from a preoperative VAS score of 3.3 to a postoperative score of 1.2 ( P < .01). The ASOSS score improved significantly from a preoperative mean of 46.3 to a postoperative mean of 88.1 ( P < .001). No significant differences in shoulder ROM and functional scores were found between patients who underwent a primary versus a revision procedure. No recurrence of shoulder dislocation or subluxation was noted. The bone block healed in 91 patients (91%). Conclusion: In competitive athletes with recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability, the modified Latarjet procedure produced excellent functional outcomes, with most athletes returning to sport at the same level they had before surgery and without recurrence, regardless of whether the surgery was performed as a primary or a revision procedure.
ERS statement on exercise training and rehabilitation in patients with severe chronic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Grünig Ekkehard , Eichstaedt Christina , Barberà Joan-Albert , Benjamin Nicola , Blanco Isabel , Bossone Eduardo , Cittadini Antonio , Coghlan Gerry , Corris Paul , D'Alto Michele , D'Andrea Antonello , Delcroix Marion , de Man Frances , Gaine Sean , Ghio Stefano , Gibbs Simon , Gumbiene Lina , Howard Luke S. , Johnson Martin , Jurevičienė Elena , Kiely David G. , Kovacs Gabor , MacKenzie Alison , Marra Alberto M. , McCaffrey Noel , McCaughey Paul , Naeije Robert , Olschewski Horst , Pepke-Zaba Joanna , Reis Abílio , Santos Mário , Saxer Stéphanie , Tulloh Robert M. , Ulrich Silvia , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton , Peacock Andrew J. 
Published: December 2018

Objectives of this European Respiratory Society task force were to summarise current studies, to develop strategies for future research and to increase availability and awareness of exercise training for pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients.An evidence-based approach with clinical expertise of the task force members, based on both literature search and face-to-face meetings was conducted. The statement summarises current knowledge and open questions regarding clinical effects of exercise training in PH, training modalities, implementation strategies and pathophysiological mechanisms.In studies (784 PH patients in total, including six randomised controlled trials, three controlled trials, 10 prospective cohort studies and four meta-analyses), exercise training has been shown to improve exercise capacity, muscular function, quality of life and possibly right ventricular function and pulmonary haemodynamics. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to confirm these data, to investigate the impact on risk profiles and to identify the most advantageous training methodology and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.As exercise training appears to be effective, cost-efficient and safe, but is scarcely reimbursed, support from healthcare institutions, commissioners of healthcare and research funding institutions is greatly needed. There is a strong need to establish specialised rehabilitation programmes for PH patients to enhance patient access to this treatment intervention.
Fibrillin-2 is a key mediator of smooth muscle extracellular matrix homeostasis during mouse tracheal tubulogenesis
Authors: Yin Wenguang , Kim Hyun-Taek , Wang ShengPeng , Gunawan Felix , Li Rui , Buettner Carmen , Grohmann Beate , Sengle Gerhard , Sinner Debora , Offermanns Stefan , Stainier Didier Y.R. 
Published: December 2018

Epithelial tubes, comprised of polarised epithelial cells around a lumen, are crucial for organ function. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying tube formation remain largely unknown. Here, we report on the function of fibrillin (FBN)2, an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein, as a critical regulator of tracheal tube formation.We performed a large-scale forward genetic screen in mouse to identify regulators of respiratory organ development and disease. We identifiedFbn2mutants which exhibit shorter and narrowed tracheas as well as defects in tracheal smooth muscle cell alignment and polarity.We found that FBN2 is essential for elastic fibre formation and Fibronectin accumulation around tracheal smooth muscle cells. These processes appear to be regulated at least in part through inhibition of p38-mediated upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), as pharmacological decrease of p38 phosphorylation or MMP activity partially attenuated theFbn2mutant tracheal phenotypes. Analysis of human tracheal tissues indicates that a decrease in ECM proteins, including FBN2 and Fibronectin, is associated with tracheomalacia.Our findings provide novel insights into the role of ECM homeostasis in mesenchymal cell polarisation during tracheal tubulogenesis.
The added value of comorbidities in predicting survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a multicentre observational study
Authors: Torrisi Sebastiano Emanuele , Ley Brett , Kreuter Michael , Wijsenbeek Marlies , Vittinghoff Eric , Collard Harold R. , Vancheri Carlo 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundThe gender–age–physiology (GAP) model was developed to predict the risk of death. Comorbidities are common in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and may impact on survival. We evaluated the ability of comorbidities to improve prediction of survival in IPF patients beyond the variables included in the GAP model.MethodsWe developed a prediction model named TORVAN using data from two independent cohorts. Continuous and point-score prediction models were developed with estimation of full and sparse versions of both. Model discrimination was assessed using the C-index and calibrated by comparing predicted and observed cumulative mortality at 1–5 years.ResultsDiscrimination was similar for the sparse continuous model in the derivation and validation cohorts (C-index 71.0versus70.0, respectively), and significantly improved the performance of the GAP model in the validation cohort (increase in C-index of 3.8, p=0.001). In contrast, the sparse point-score model did not perform as well in the validation cohort (C-index 72.5 in the derivation cohortversus68.1 in the validation cohort), but still significantly improved upon the performance of the GAP model (C-index increased by 2.5, p=0.037).ConclusionsThe inclusion of comorbidities in TORVAN models significantly improved the discriminative performance in prediction of risk of death compared to GAP.
GermlineBMP9mutation causes idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Wang Xiao-Jian , Lian Tian-Yu , Jiang Xin , Liu Shao-Fei , Li Su-Qi , Jiang Rong , Wu Wen-Hui , Ye Jue , Cheng Chun-Yan , Du Yao , Xu Xi-Qi , Wu Yan , Peng Fu-Hua , Sun Kai , Mao Yi-Min , Yu Huan , Liang Chen , Shyy John Y-J. , Zhang Shu-Yang , Zhang Xue , Jing Zhi-Cheng 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a rare disease with high heritability. Although several predisposing genes have been linked to IPAH, the genetic aetiology remains unknown for a large number of IPAH cases.MethodsWe conducted an exome-wide gene-based burden analysis on two independent case–control studies, including a total of 331 IPAH cases and 10 508 controls. Functional assessments were conducted to analyse the effects of genetic mutations on protein biosynthesis and function.ResultsThe gene encoding human bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) was identified as a novel genetic locus displaying exome-wide association with IPAH in the discovery cohort (OR 18.8; p=1.9×10−11). This association was authenticated in the independent replication cohort (p=1.0×10−5). Collectively, the rare coding mutations inBMP9occurred in 6.7% of cases, ranking this gene second toBMPR2, comprising a combined significance of 2.7×10−19(OR 21.2). Intriguingly, the patients withBMP9mutations had lower plasma levels of BMP9 than those without. Functional studies showed that theBMP9mutations led to reduced BMP9 secretion and impaired anti-apoptosis ability in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells.ConclusionWe identifyBMP9as an IPAH culprit gene.
Bacterial load and defective monocyte-derived macrophage bacterial phagocytosis in biomass smoke-related COPD
Authors: Ghosh Baishakhi , Gaike Akshay H. , Pyasi Kanchan , Brashier Bill , Das Vandana V. , Londhe Jyoti D. , Juvekar Sanjay , Shouche Yogesh S. , Donnelly Louise E. , Salvi Sundeep S. , Barnes Peter J. 
Published: December 2018

Lower airway colonisation with species of potentially pathogenic bacteria (PPB) is associated with defective bacterial phagocytosis, in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) and alveolar macrophages, from tobacco smoke-associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (S-COPD) subjects. In the developing world, COPD among nonsmokers is largely due to biomass smoke (BMS) exposure; however, little is known about PPB colonisation and its association with impaired innate immunity in these subjects.We investigated the PPB load (Streptococcus pneumoniae,Haemophilus influenzae,Moraxella catarrhalisandPseudomonas aeruginosa) in BMS-exposed COPD (BMS-COPD) subjects compared with S-COPD and spirometrically normal subjects. We also examined the association between PPB load and phagocytic activity of MDMs and lung function. Induced sputum and peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 18 healthy nonsmokers, 15 smokers without COPD, 16 BMS-exposed healthy subjects, 19 S-COPD subjects and 23 BMS-COPD subjects. PPB load in induced sputum and MDM phagocytic activity were determined using quantitative PCR and fluorimetry, respectively.Higher bacterial loads ofS. pneumoniae,H. influenzaeandP. aeruginosawere observed in BMS-COPD subjects. Increased PPB load in BMS-exposed subjects was significantly negatively associated with defective phagocytosis in MDMs and spirometric lung function indices (p<0.05).Increased PPB load in airways of BMS-COPD subjects is inversely associated with defective bacterial phagocytosis and lung function.
Viscosity, Electrical Conductivity, Density and Surface Tension of Methyltriphenylphosphonium Carboxylate Ionic Liquids
Authors: Geng Tao , Duan Shengfu , Jiang Yajie , Ju Hongbin , Wang Yakui 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
In this paper, three new kinds of phosphonium-based room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) [Ph3PCH3][CH3(CH2)8COO] (MTPP-D), [Ph3PCH3][CH3(CH2)10COO] (MTPP-L), and [Ph3PCH3][CH3(CH2)12COO] (MTPP-M) were synthesized using triphenylphosphine, dimethyl carbonate and carboxylic acids as raw materials. The viscosity, electrical conductivity, density and surface tension of the synthesized ILs were measured in the temperature range from 298.15 K to 333.15 K under ambient pressure. Meanwhile, the effects of temperature and alkyl chain length on their viscosity, electrical conductivity, density and surface tension were also investigated. The molecular volume, standard entropy, lattice energy and isobaric expansivity of the three ILs were calculated at 298.15 K. Experimental results indicate that the viscosity, density and surface tension of the three ILs decrease significantly with the increase of temperature, while the electrical conductivity shows an opposite trend. The longer the alkyl chain, the higher the viscosity, the lower the electrical conductivity, density and surface tension of the ILs. The experimental dynamic viscosity can be well correlated by the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann (VFT) equation and simple linear equation. The temperature dependence of electrical conductivity can be well fitted by Arrhenius equation and VFT equation. The molecular volume, standard entropy and isobaric expansivity increase with increasing alkyl chain length, while the lattice energy decreases.
Retrospective Data Analysis of the Influence of Age and Sex on TPMT Activity and Its Phenotype–Genotype Correlation
Authors: Wu Fang , Melis Roberta , McMillin Gwendolyn A , Johnson-Davis Kamisha L 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of thiopurine drugs (used as anticancer and immunosuppressant agents) are affected by thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) enzyme activity. TPMT genotype and/or phenotype is used to predict the risk for adverse effects before drug administration. Inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPA) is another enzyme involved in thiopurine metabolism. In this study, we aimed to evaluate (a) frequency of various TPMT phenotypes and genotypes, (b) correlations between them, (c) influence of age and sex on TPMT activity, and (d) distribution of ITPA variants among various TPMT subgroups.

Methods
TPMT enzyme activity was determined by LC-MS/MS. TPMT (*2,*3A–C) and ITPA (rs1127354, rs7270101) genotypes were determined using a customized TaqMan® OpenArray®.

Results
TPMT enzyme activity varied largely (6.3–90 U/mL). The frequency of low, intermediate, normal, and high activity was 0.5% (n = 230), 13.1% (n = 5998), 86.1% (n = 39448), and 0.28% (n = 126), respectively. No significant difference in TPMT activity in relation to age and sex was found. Genotype analysis revealed the frequency of variant TPMT alleles was 6.73% (*3A, n = 344), 0.05% (*3B, n = 2), 2.22% (*3C, n = 95), and 0.42% (*2, n = 19). Analysis of paired phenotype and genotype showed that TPMT activity in samples with variant allele(s) was significantly lower than those without variant alleles. Lastly, an equal distribution of ITPA variants was found among normal and abnormal TPMT activity.

Conclusions
This retrospective data analysis demonstrated a clustering of variant TPMT genotypes with phenotypes, no significant influence of age and sex on TPMT activity, and an equal distribution of ITPA variants among various TPMT subgroups.
Differential Expression of Apoptotic and Low-Grade Inflammatory Markers in Alzheimer Disease Compared to Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and 2
Authors: Alexandraki Krystallenia I , Apostolopoulos Nikolaos V , Adamopoulos Christos , Stamouli Evangelia , Dalagiorgou Georgia , Papaioannou Theodoros G , Analitis Antonios , Karamanou Marianna , Makrilakis Konstantinos , Politis Antonios , Piperi Christina 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Neuroinflammation, impaired brain insulin signaling, and neuronal apoptosis may be interrelated in the pathophysiology of people with Alzheimer disease (AD) and diabetes, either type 1 or 2 diabetes (T1D or T2D, respectively).

Methods
We studied 116 patients: 41 with AD, 20 with T1D, 21 with T2D, and 34 healthy controls. The number (n) of cytokine-secreting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) before and after mitogenic stimulation was determined for interleukin 1β (IL1β), interleukin 6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) by the enzyme-linked-immuno-spot assay. Serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and Fas ligand (FASLG) were determined by ELISA.

Results
The studied subgroups did not differ in sex but differed in age. Higher CRP concentrations were detected in the AD group than in the T1D group (P = 0.02) and lower in controls (P &lt; 0.001). The nPBMCs was higher in AD patients after stimulation than in basal conditions: after stimulation in nTNF (P &lt; 0.001 vs T2D; P &lt; 0.001 vs T1D; P = 0.001 vs control), nIL6 (P = 0.039 vs T2D; P &lt; 0.001 vs T1D; P = 0.007 vs control), and nIL1β (P = 0.03 vs control). The nPBMCs increased after stimulation with ΡΜA in all the subgroups (P &lt; 0.001). FASLG in the AD group displayed statistically higher concentrations than in all other subgroups (P &lt; 0.001 vs T2D; P &lt; 0.001 vs T1D; P = 0.012 vs control). The nPBMCs was positively correlated with plasma concentrations of FASLG in the AD subgroup.

Conclusions
Patients with AD display a low-grade systemic inflammation compared to people with diabetes. The FAS–FASLG pathway has a potential role because FASLG concentrations are positively correlated with the inflammatory response in AD. However, this positive correlation cannot be seen in people with diabetes, at least not with the apoptotic markers used in the present study.
Rapid Diagnostics for Blood Cultures: Supporting Decisions for Antimicrobial Therapy and Value-Based Care
Authors: Wolk Donna M , Johnson J Kristie 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Bacteremia and sepsis are critically important syndromes with high mortality, morbidity, and associated costs. Bloodstream infections and sepsis are among the top causes of mortality in the US, with &gt;600 deaths each day. Most septic patients can be found in emergency medicine departments or critical care units, settings in which rapid administration of targeted antibiotic therapy can reduce mortality. Unfortunately, routine blood cultures are not rapid enough to aid in the decision of therapeutic intervention at the onset of bacteremia. As a result, empiric, broad-spectrum treatment is common—a costly approach that may fail to target the correct microbe effectively, may inadvertently harm patients via antimicrobial toxicity, and may contribute to the evolution of drug-resistant microbes. To overcome these challenges, laboratorians must understand the complexity of diagnosing and treating septic patients, focus on creating algorithms that rapidly support decisions for targeted antibiotic therapy, and synergize with existing emergency department and critical care clinical practices put forth in the Surviving Sepsis Guidelines.
Taking institutions seriously: Applying the new institutional economics to Iraq
Authors: El-Joumayle Omar A. M. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Why has a developing country like Iraq shown a fragile economic development, despite the rosy picture that had been drawn about the potential of the Iraqi economy? To answer this question, an attempt has been made to look at the Iraqi development from the new institutional economic (NIE) perspective. This article contains a brief summary of a Ph.D. dissertation on the economic development of contemporary Iraq. In essence it traces the role of institutions, institutional policies and how the rapid and frequent institutional changes have driven the Iraqi economy for decades. Although applying the NIE to Iraq expands the range of choices of institutions that could be examined, the choices have been narrowed down by focusing on three central issues: agriculture, oil and wars. The picture emerging from the dissertation is one of abrupt and instantaneous institutional changes, through which institutions were repeatedly subject to reshuffle and facing changing circumstances. Consequently these changes have markedly affected the path of economic development in Iraq.
3D technology as an effective tool for reflection simulation: The Beagle 2 lander on Mars
Authors: Kuzmanova Teodora , Higgett Nick , Sims Mark , Tatham Eric , Clemmet Jim 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Beagle 2, developed for the European Space Agency’s Mars Express Mission by the Beagle 2 Consortium, was due to land on Mars on 25 December 2003. After being successfully ejected from the ESA’s orbiter Mars Express, followed by an attempted landing, the spacecraft failed to communicate with Earth, and the mission was presumed lost. However, in January 2015, it was announced that satellite images from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) indicated the possibility of a successful landing by Beagle 2. In the light of these findings and the considerable uncertainty still surrounding the outcome of the mission, a team of researchers from De Montfort University and the University of Leicester have joined in a collaborative project aimed at identifying whether the object captured by NASA’s HiRISE camera is Beagle 2, and detecting its possible landing configuration. The practical scientific experiment employed the innovative concept of ‘reflection analysis’, propounded by Dr Mark Sims – former Beagle 2 Mission Manager and professor of astrobiology and Space Instrumentation at the Space Research Centre, University of Leicester. The technique stemmed from the idea of simulating possible configurations of the Beagle 2 lander, testing how they reflect light and comparing the 3D renders to unprocessed images, available from the MRO’s HiRISE camera at a number of different sun angles. De Montfort University’s team used commercial 3D modelling technology to create a 3D model of the spacecraft and replicate virtually the sun angles at the times the satellite images were taken. This allowed a comparison of the simulated 3D renders to the satellite images to estimate the configuration of Beagle 2 on Mars. The results revealed that Beagle 2 probably deployed at least three, and possibly all four of its solar panels after landing on the planet’s surface.
DA PUREZA METODOLÓGICA À DIFERENCIAÇÃO FUNCIONAL DOS SISTEMAS SOCIAIS. É POSSÍVEL UM FUNDAMENTO MORAL DA ORDEM JURÍDICA?
Authors: Alves Paulo Roberto Ramos , Zibetti Fabíola Wüst 
Published: December 2018

Os sistemas sociais operam em condições de clausura operativa, negando a possibilidade de validade direta da moral no interior do sistema jurídico. Da especificação do sistema como unidade, o Direito apenas é válido enquanto Direito, bem como a moral apenas é válida enquanto moral. Em outras palavras, o fechamento operativo do sistema jurídico não permite que a moral delimite diretamente o conteúdo do Direito, muito embora sejam possíveis formas específicas de interrelações entre esses dois âmbitos comunicativos, bem como a assimilação jurídica da comunicação moral. Nessa ótica, a importância da moral ou sua utilização pelo Direito não é relegada a um plano de menor importância, mas questiona simplesmente a busca de um fundamento moral para o sistema jurídico, salientando que a tese do fechamento operativo dos sistemas autopoiéticos assume justamente uma posição contrária à possibilidade de validade imediata da moral autônoma no campo do Direito.
Existence of Multiple Periodic Solutions for a Semilinear Wave Equation in an n-Dimensional Ball
Authors: Wei Hui , Ji Shuguan 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
This paper is devoted to the study of periodic solutions for a radially symmetric semilinear wave equation in an n-dimensional ball. By combining the variational methods and saddle point reduction technique, we obtain the existence of at least three periodic solutions for arbitrary space dimension n. The structure of the spectrum of the linearized problem plays an essential role in the proof, and the construction of a suitable working space is devised to overcome the restriction of space dimension.