bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Gut Microbiota and Diet on the Development of Atherosclerosis in
Apoe
−/−
Mice
Authors: Lindskog Jonsson Annika , Caesar Robert , Akrami Rozita , Reinhardt Christoph , Fåk Hållenius Frida , Borén Jan , Bäckhed Fredrik 
Published: June 2018

Objective—
To investigate the effect of gut microbiota and diet on atherogenesis.

Approach and Results—

Here, we investigated the interaction between the gut microbiota and diet on atherosclerosis by feeding germ-free or conventionally raised
Apoe
−/−
mice chow or Western diet alone or supplemented with choline (which is metabolized by the gut microbiota and host enzymes to trimethylamine N-oxide) for 12 weeks. We observed smaller aortic lesions and lower plasma cholesterol levels in conventionally raised mice compared with germ-free mice on a chow diet; these differences were not observed in mice on a Western diet. Choline supplementation increased plasma trimethylamine N-oxide levels in conventionally raised mice but not in germ-free mice. However, this treatment did not affect the size of aortic lesions or plasma cholesterol levels. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. As expected, the global community structure and relative abundance of many taxa differed between mice fed chow or a Western diet. Choline supplementation had minor effects on the community structure although the relative abundance of some taxa belonging to
Clostridiales
was altered.

Conclusions—
In conclusion, the impact of the gut microbiota on atherosclerosis is dietary dependent and is associated with plasma cholesterol levels. Furthermore, the microbiota was required for trimethylamine N-oxide production from dietary choline, but this process could not be linked to increased atherosclerosis in this model.
Unmasking Myocardial Bridge–Related Ischemia by Intracoronary Functional Evaluation
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Barioli Alberto , Nai Fovino Luca , Fraccaro Chiara , Masiero Giulia , Iliceto Sabino , Napodano Massimo 
Published: June 2018

Background—
Invasive physiological assessment of myocardial bridges (MBs) is largely unsettled. Unlike fractional flow reserve (FFR), instantaneous wave–free ratio (iFR) is a diastole-specific index. As such, its value might not be hampered by systolic pressure overshooting and negative systolic pressure gradient caused by the compression of the tunneled coronary artery.

Methods and Results—

We prospectively enrolled 20 patients with angina and/or positive noninvasive stress test, absence of significant coronary artery stenosis, and angiographic suspicion/evidence of MB in the left anterior descending artery. According to a prespecified protocol, all patients underwent functional intracoronary evaluation with FFR at rest and after dobutamine (up to 20 μg kg
−1
min
−1
) and atropine (1 mg) intravenous infusion. iFR at baseline and dobutamine-induced hyperemic wave–free period pressure ratio were also recorded. FFR values ≤0.80 and iFR values ≤0.89 were considered indicative of hemodynamic significance of MB. At baseline, no MB was hemodynamically significant according to FFR, whereas iFR was below the cutoff value in all but 7 patients. During inotropic challenge, median FFR did not change significantly (0.87–0.86,
P
=0.59).

Conclusions—
Physiological evaluation of MBs with iFR seems to be more consistent with patients’ symptoms and noninvasive test results compared with FFR.
Hurricane Strikes and Migration: Evidence from Storms in Central America and the Caribbean
Authors: Spencer Nekeisha , Urquhart Mikhail-Ann 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
This study estimates the impact of hurricanes on migration from 30 Central American and Caribbean countries to the United States from 1989 to 2005. In contrast to previous studies, hurricane destruction indices are employed to study the relationship of hurricanes and migration. These indices measure geographical destruction, which gives a more comprehensive and accurate view of the damage and impact that hurricanes have on the movement of people to international destinations. Controlling for the host country’s migrant stock and the home country’s income, country fixed-effects estimation shows that hurricanes have a positive impact on the ratio of the number of migrants to the home country’s population. On average, hurricanes increase migration by roughly 6%, but the impact is greater for more damaging storms. Estimating the geographical effects reveals that the size of this impact varies across countries. The most damaging storms are related to an increase up to 540% in the ratio of migrants to the home country’s population.
Micro-endoscopic discectomy versus percutaneous endoscopic surgery for lumbar disk herniation
Authors: Abudurexiti Tuerhongjiang , Qi Ling , Muheremu Aikeremujiang , Amudong Aierken 
Published: June 2018

Objective This study was performed to compare the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) versus micro-endoscopic discectomy (MED) in the treatment of patients with lumbar disk herniation. Methods In total, 216 patients treated for lumbar disk herniation in our center from January 2016 to July 2017 were prospectively divided into two groups according to the treatment received. One group was treated with PELD and the other group was treated with MED. The surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, total hospital stay, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score before and after the surgery were compared between the groups. Results The surgical duration was significantly longer in the PELD than MED group. The intraoperative blood loss volume was significantly larger in the MED than PELD group. The total hospital stay was significantly longer in the MED than PELD group. The decline in the VAS pain score and increase in the ODI score after surgery were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions Although PELD is associated with a longer surgical duration than MED, it should still be considered superior to MED because of less intraoperative hemorrhage and a significantly shorter hospitalization time.
A Scoping Review of the Literature on Public Solicitations for Living Organ and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donations
Authors: Shanker Ruby Rajendra , Anthony Samantha J. , Wright Linda 
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Evolving methods of communication have increased public appeals for living organ and hematopoietic stem cell donations from strangers, giving public solicitations more visibility. Within the academic literature, perspectives have been divisive, reflecting ethical justifications for and against appeals for living unrelated donors. Transplant programs and clinicians face a variety of ethical dilemmas when patients and their solicited donors present to the hospital. Objective: A scoping review methodology was designed to (1) explore the academic literature and (2) summarize and disseminate key research findings. Methods: We used the Arksey & O’Malley framework for conducting and reporting scoping reviews and to review the prominent ethical arguments, counterarguments, and policy implications in the literature. From 4616 articles identified through MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, and CINAHL, we screened titles and abstracts to assess eligibility for full-text review. Results: We retrieved 280 full texts, extracted data from 61, and coded and analyzed 41 papers. Of these, 36 were from or based in the US context. Two articles originated from Canada. Three articles addressed public solicitations of hematopoietic stem cell donation. We mapped themes under 3 major headings related to public solicitations of living unrelated donors for organs and hematopoietic stem cells: (1) interpretations and modes, (2) ethical arguments for and against, and (3) policy implications and suggestions to address challenges for clinical practice. Discussion: The academic literature contains divisive perspectives of public solicitations for organ and hematopoietic stem cell donation, each of which deserves further reflection for implications for policy and practice.
Cross-sectional correlates of myeloperoxidase and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein with adiposity, atherogenic and hematological indices in metabolic syndrome patients with or without diabetes
Authors: Alquoqa Reem Sami , Kasabri Violet , Naffa Randa , Akour Amal , Bustanji Yasser 
Published: June 2018

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with obesity, which triggers the release of inflammatory substances. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a peroxidase enzyme, and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), an acute-phase protein, are known to be released in patients with inflammatory conditions and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: In this study, we investigated the correlation between MPO and AGP levels in pre/diabetic and MetS patients by conducting a cross-sectional study at The University of Jordan Hospital (UoJH) at the diabetes and endocrinology outpatient clinics. A total of 237 patients were recruited and assessed for eligibility. Of these, 149 patients were excluded, and 88 patients were assigned as: 29 patients in a healthy lean normoglycemic control group; 29 patients in a nondiabetic MetS group; and 30 patients in a prediabetic/newly diagnosed T2DM MetS group. Results: MPO levels were only significantly higher in the nondiabetic MetS group compared with the control group ( p = 0.026). AGP levels were significantly higher in both nondiabetic MetS and MetS-prediabetic/T2DM groups versus control ( p = 0.007 and p = 0.015, respectively). Both biomarkers lacked inter-MetS-group discrepancy. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate an association between MPO and AGP with obesity and hyperglycemia, alongside their correlation with several adiposity, hematology and atherogenicity indices. Our findings reinforce the use of MPO and AGP as potentially putative and surrogate predictive/prognostic tools for MetS and its related disorders.
Impact of donor chest radiography on clinical outcome after lung transplantation
Authors: Bozovic Gracijela , Adlercreutz Catharina , Björkman-Burtscher Isabella M , Reinstrup Peter , Ingemansson Richard , Skansebo Elin , Geijer Mats 
Published: June 2018

Background Organ donation guidelines recommend a “clear” conventional bedside chest radiograph before lung transplantation despite only moderate accuracy for cardiopulmonary abnormalities. Purpose To evaluate the influence of donor image interpretation on lung transplantation outcome in recipients by following early and late complications, one-year survival, and to correlate imaging findings and blood gas analysis with lung transplantation outcome in recipients. Material and Methods In 35 lung donors from a single institution clinical reports and study reviews of imaging findings of the mandatory bedside chest radiographs and blood gas analyses were compared with clinical outcome in 38 recipients. Hospitalization time, peri- and postoperative complications, early complications (primary graft dysfunction, infection), 30-day and one-year survival, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s percentage of predicted normal value (FEV1%) at one-year follow-up were analyzed. Results Findings in clinical reports and study reviews differed substantially, e.g. regarding reported decompensation, edema, infection, and atelectasis. No correlation was shown between imaging findings in clinical report or study review and blood gas analyses in the lung donors compared to postoperative outcome in recipients. Conclusion The interpretation of the mandatory chest radiograph in its present form does not influence one-year outcome in lung transplantation. Larger imaging studies or a change in clinical routine including computed tomography may provide evidence for future guidelines.
Impact of Obesity on Surgical Outcomes Following Laminectomy for Spinal Metastases
Authors: Cheung Zoe B. , Vig Khushdeep S. , White Samuel J. W. , Lima Mauricio C. , Hussain Awais K. , Phan Kevin , Kim Jun S. , Caridi John M. , Cho Samuel K. 
Published: June 2018

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: To determine the effect of obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m2) on perioperative morbidity and mortality after surgical decompression of spinal metastases. Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database is a large multicenter clinical registry that collects preoperative risk factors, intraoperative variables, and 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality outcomes from hospitals nationwide. Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to query the database for adults who underwent decompression with laminectomy for treatment of metastatic spinal lesions between 2010 and 2014. Patients were separated into 2 cohorts based on the presence of absence of obesity. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the effect of obesity on perioperative morbidity and mortality. Results: There was a significantly higher rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE; obese 6.6% vs nonobese 4.2%; P = .01) and pulmonary complications (obese 2.6% vs nonobese 2.2%; P = .046) in the obese group compared with the nonobese group. The nonobese group had prolonged hospitalization (obese 62.0% vs nonobese 69.0%; P = .001) and a higher incidence of blood transfusions (obese 26.8% vs nonobese 34.2%; P < .001). On multivariate analysis, obesity was found to be an independent risk factor for VTE (odds ratio = 1.75, confidence interval = 1.17-2.63, P = .007). Conclusions: Obese patients were predisposed to an elevated risk of VTE following laminectomy for spinal metastases. Early postoperative mobilization and a low threshold to evaluate for perioperative VTE are important in these patients in order to appropriately diagnose and treat these complications and minimize morbidity.
MicroRNA-644a promotes apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by downregulating the expression of heat shock factor 1
Authors: Liang Wenjin , Liao Yong , Li Zeming , Wang Yan , Zheng Siqi , Xu Xiaochen , Ran Fulin , Tang Bo , Wang Zhenran 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the role of microRNA-644a (miR-644a) in the growth and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. MiR-644a levels were lower in HCC tissues than in adjacent peri-cancerous tissues (n = 135). MiR-644a expression was inversely correlated with heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) expression, tumour diameter and TNM stage. Moreover, HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cell lines showed lower miR-644a expression than normal L-O2 hepatocytes. MiR-644a overexpression in HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells increased apoptosis by downregulating HSF1. Dual luciferase reporter assays confirmed the presence of a miR-644a binding site in the 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) of HSF1. Xenograft tumours derived from SMMC-7721 cells transfected with a miR-664a mimic showed less growth than tumours derived from untransfected controls. Protein chip analysis revealed that miR-644a-overexpressing SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells strongly expressed pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins, such as BID, BAD, BIM, SMAC, Apaf-1 and cleaved caspases-3 and -9. These findings suggest miR-644a promotes apoptosis in HCC cells by inhibiting HSF1.
Sociology of the professions: what it means for podiatry
Authors: King Olivia , Borthwick Alan , Nancarrow Susan , Grace Sandra 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe health professions have progressed and evolved considerably over the last few decades in response to demographic, technological, societal and political changes. They continue to do so as the volume and complexity of population health needs steadily increase. Role boundary expansion is among the key changes to the health professions, including podiatry to meet demand. Nonetheless podiatry's role boundary expansion has not been achieved swiftly or without resistance from neighbouring and dominant professions. This paper seeks to explain the nature of this resistance with respect to the sociology of the professions literature and to shed light on some of the factors and processes at play when role boundary changes arise in health care.DiscussionSix of the most contemporaneously relevant sociology of the professions theories are summarised:Taxonomic, Marxian, Bourdieusian, Foucauldian, Boundary Work and Neo‐Weberianparadigms.ConclusionThis review highlights that some paradigms are more relevant than others in the current socio‐political landscape. It also illustrates that there is a common theme underlying each approach to defining the professions and their boundaries: competition. This may help health professionals, including podiatrists, to understand and manage the challenges and resistance experienced when professions attempt to expand role boundaries to meet increasing and changing population health needs.
Numerical shape-from-shading revisited
Authors: Santo Hiroaki , Samejima Masaki , Matsushita Yasuyuki 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper revisits the numerical shape-from-shading method proposed in early 1980s. The original problem is non-convex due to the unit norm constraint for surface normal, and the existing approaches including the original Ikeuchi and Horn’s work uses approximate solution strategies for the original problem. This paper instead studies relaxation strategies for the original non-convex constraint and describes corresponding solution techniques that are built upon advanced convex optimization. We analyze the effect of the relaxations in terms of resulting accuracy and computational complexity.
Biological Validation of RNA Sequencing Data From Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Primary Melanomas
Authors: Kwong Lawrence N. , De Macedo Mariana Petaccia , Haydu Lauren , Joon Aron Y. , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Calderone Tiffany L. , Wu Chiang-Jun , Kwong Man Kam , Roszik Jason , Hess Kenneth R. , Davies Michael A. , Lazar Alexander J. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. 
Published: June 2018

Purpose Initiatives such as The Cancer Genome Atlas and International Cancer Genome Consortium have generated high-quality, multiplatform molecular data from thousands of frozen tumor samples. Although these initiatives have provided invaluable insight into cancer biology, a tremendous potential resource remains largely untapped in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples that are more readily available but which can present technical challenges because of crosslinking of fragile molecules such as RNA. Materials and Methods We extracted RNA from FFPE primary melanomas and assessed two gene expression platforms—genome-wide RNA sequencing and targeted NanoString—for their ability to generate coherent biologic signals. To do so, we generated an improved approach to quantifying gene expression pathways. We refined pathway scores through correlation-guided gene subsetting. We also make comparisons to The Cancer Genome Atlas and other publicly available melanoma datasets. Results The comparison of the gene expression patterns to each other, to established biologic modules, and to clinical and immunohistochemical data confirmed the fidelity of biologic signals from both platforms using FFPE samples to known biology. Moreover, correlations with patient outcome data were consistent with previous frozen-tissue–based studies. Conclusion FFPE samples from previously difficult-to-access cancer types, such as small primary melanomas, represent a valuable and previously unexploited source of analyte for RNA sequencing and NanoString platforms. This work provides an important step toward the use of such platforms to unlock novel molecular underpinnings and inform future biologically driven clinical decisions.
Recommendations for the packaging and containerizing of bioinformatics software
Authors: Gruening Bjorn , Sallou Olivier , Moreno Pablo , da Veiga Leprevost Felipe , Ménager Hervé , Søndergaard Dan , Röst Hannes , Sachsenberg Timo , O'Connor Brian , Madeira Fábio , Dominguez Del Angel Victoria , Crusoe Michael R. , Varma Susheel , Blankenberg Daniel , Jimenez Rafael C. ,   BioContainers Community, Perez-Riverol Yasset 
Published: June 2018

Software Containers are changing the way scientists and researchers develop, deploy and exchange scientific software. They allow labs of all sizes to easily install bioinformatics software, maintain multiple versions of the same software and combine tools into powerful analysis pipelines. However, containers and software packages should be produced under certain rules and standards in order to be reusable, compatible and easy to integrate into pipelines and analysis workflows. Here, we presented a set of recommendations developed by the BioContainers Community to produce standardized bioinformatics packages and containers. These recommendations provide practical guidelines to make bioinformatics software more discoverable, reusable and transparent. They are aimed to guide developers, organisations, journals and funders to increase the quality and sustainability of research software.
Commutability Assessment of Candidate Reference Materials for Pancreatic α-Amylase
Authors: Deprez Liesbet , Toussaint Brigitte , Zegers Ingrid , Schimmel Heinz , Grote-Koska Denis , Klauke Rainer , Gella F Javier , Orth Matthias , Lessinger Jean-Marc , Trenti Tommaso , Nilsson Göran , Ceriotti Ferruccio 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Measurement standardization of the catalytic concentration of α-amylase in serum is based on 3 pillars: the primary reference measurement procedure (PRMP), reference laboratories, and suitable certified reference materials (CRMs). Commutability is a prerequisite when using a CRM for calibration and trueness control of routine methods or for value transfer from the PRMP to end-user calibrators of routine methods through a calibration hierarchy.

METHODS
We performed a commutability study with 30 serum pools and 5 candidate reference materials (RMs) for pancreatic α-amylase using an automated version of the PRMP and 5 different routine methods. Four candidate RMs had an artificial matrix, each with a different composition, and 1 candidate RM was based on human serum. Data were analyzed according to a linear regression analysis with prediction interval as described in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guideline EP30-A and a difference in bias analysis as described in the recommendations of the IFCC Working Group on Commutability.

RESULTS
The commutability profile of the 4 candidate RMs with an artificial matrix was variable. Only 1 candidate RM, with human serum albumin in the matrix, showed a good profile like that of the candidate RM based on serum. The comparison of both commutability assessment approaches indicated some differences because of inconclusive results for the difference in bias approach, suggesting a large uncertainty on the commutability assessment.

CONCLUSIONS
A CRM for pancreatic amylase in an artificial matrix can be commutable for routine methods using the same substrate as the PRMP, but the matrix composition is crucial.
Reviews
Authors: Nevin Barry , Cheney Nigel , Cofaigh Éamon Ó 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Engagement in 21st Century French and Francophone Culture Countering Crises, Helena Chadderton and Angela Kimyongür (eds) (2017) Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 272 pp., ISBN: 9781786831187, h/bk, £95.00
Cult Media, Fandom and Textiles. Handicrafting as Fan Art, Brigid Cherry (2016) New York: Bloomsbury, 202 pp., ISBN: 978 1 4742 1515 2, h/bk, £84.99
Death and Desire in Car Crash Culture: A century of Romantic Futurisms, Ricarda Vidal (2013) Oxford: Peter Lang, 235 pp., ISBN: 978-1906165420, h/bk, £25.00