bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genotype-Dependent and -Independent Calcium Signaling Dysregulation in Human Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Helms Adam S. , Alvarado Francisco J. , Yob Jaime , Tang Vi T. , Pagani Francis , Russell Mark W. , Valdivia Héctor H. , Day Sharlene M. 
Published: September 2016

Background:
Aberrant calcium signaling may contribute to arrhythmias and adverse remodeling in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Mutations in sarcomere genes may distinctly alter calcium handling pathways.

Methods:
We analyzed gene expression, protein levels, and functional assays for calcium regulatory pathways in human HCM surgical samples with (n=25) and without (n=10) sarcomere mutations compared with control hearts (n=8).

Results:

Gene expression and protein levels for calsequestrin, L-type calcium channel, sodium-calcium exchanger, phospholamban, calcineurin, and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II (CaMKII) were similar in HCM samples compared with controls. CaMKII protein abundance was increased only in sarcomere-mutation HCM (
P
<0.001). The CaMKII target pT17-phospholamban was 5.5-fold increased only in sarcomere-mutation HCM (
P
=0.01), as was autophosphorylated CaMKII (
P
<0.01), suggestive of constitutive activation. Calcineurin (
PPP3CB
) mRNA was not increased, nor was
RCAN1
mRNA level, indicating a lack of calcineurin activation. Furthermore, myocyte enhancer factor 2 and nuclear factor of activated T cell transcription factor activity was not increased in HCM, suggesting that calcineurin pathway activation is not an upstream cause of increased CAMKII protein abundance or activation.
SERCA2A
mRNA transcript levels were reduced in HCM regardless of genotype, as was sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticular calcium ATPase 2/phospholamban protein ratio (45% reduced;
P
=0.03).
45
Ca sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticular calcium ATPaseuptake assay showed reduced uptake velocity in HCM regardless of genotype (
P
=0.01). The cardiac ryanodine receptor was not altered in transcript, protein, or phosphorylated (pS2808, pS2814) protein abundance, and [
3
H]ryanodine binding was not different in HCM, consistent with no major modification of the ryanodine receptor.

Conclusions:
Human HCM demonstrates calcium mishandling through both genotype-specific and common pathways. Posttranslational activation of the CaMKII pathway is specific to sarcomere mutation–positive HCM, whereas sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticular calcium ATPase 2 abundance and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca uptake are depressed in both sarcomere mutation–positive and –negative HCM.
Assessment of a semi-quantitative screening method for diagnosis of ethylene glycol poisoning
Authors: Sankaralingam Arun , Thomas Annette , James David R , Wierzbicki Anthony S 
Published: September 2016

Background Ethylene glycol poisoning remains a rare but important presentation to acute toxicology units. Guidelines recommended that ethylene glycol should be available as an ‘urgent’ test within 4 h, but these are difficult to deliver in practice. This study assessed a semi-quantitative enzymatic spectrophotometric assay for ethylene glycol compatible with automated platforms. Methods The ethylene glycol method was assessed in 21 samples from patients with an increased anion gap and metabolic acidosis not due to ethylene glycol ingestion, and seven samples known to contain ethylene glycol. All samples were analysed in random order in a blinded manner to their origin on a laboratory spectrophotometer. Results In this study, seven samples were known to contain ethylene glycol at concentrations >100 mg/L. The method correctly identified all seven samples as containing ethylene glycol. No false-positives were observed. Thirteen samples gave clear negative results. Ethylene glycol was present at <20 mg/L in one sample, but this sample remained within the limits of the negative control. Passing-Bablock correlation of estimates of ethylene glycol concentration against results obtained when the samples had been analysed using the quantitative method on an automated analyser showed a good correlation (R = 0.84) but with an apparent under-recovery. Conclusions A semi-quantitative assay for ethylene glycol was able to discriminate well between samples containing ethylene glycol and those with other causes of acidosis. It is a practical small-scale assay for rapid identification of cases of ethylene glycol poisoning.
Assessing innovation: Dynamics of high-rise development in an Israeli city
Authors: Almagor Jonatan , Benenson Itzhak , Alfasi Nurit 
Published: September 2016

Urban models serve as laboratories, providing researchers with the opportunity to assess the impact of a wide range of social and economic processes on the development of a built environment. Novelty and unexpected changes play an essential role in this development, but these are difficult to formalize and imitate. Typically, urban models simulate innovation by introducing stochastic fluctuations of the pre-established development rules. This research offers a methodology for assessing innovation in a developing city and examining its impact on urban development. The methodology is implemented in the Israeli city of Netanya, where urban development is analyzed at a resolution of single buildings over a period of three decades. We recognize two types of innovation: spatial innovation, manifested by leapfrogging residential clusters that establish new development areas; and contextual innovation, manifested by residential clusters that include buildings that are substantially higher than their surroundings. We demonstrate the impact of few innovative residential clusters on urban development in the following decades and highlight the diffusion of innovation in the city.
Angiomatosis of soft tissue as an important differential diagnosis for intramuscular venous malformations
Authors: Aronniemi Johanna , Lohi Jouko , Salminen Päivi , Vuola Pia , Lappalainen Kimmo , Pitkäranta Anne , Pekkola Johanna 
Published: September 2016

Background We aimed to improve management of extremity low-flow vascular malformations by analyzing the histology and imaging of venous malformations (VMs) not responsive to sclerotherapy. Method We reviewed patient records of 102 consecutive patients treated with sclerotherapy for extremity VM in our institution to identify patients who had undergone surgery due to insufficient response. We semi-quantitatively analysed the tissue specimens and compared histological findings to those in preoperative imaging. Result The number of patients operated on was 19 (18.6%); 15 of them had lower-extremity intramuscular lesions. The histological pattern of 13 of these 15 lesions corresponded to angiomatosis of soft tissue (AST). All other lesions treated surgically were VMs. The histology of AST was distinctive but magnetic resonance imaging findings often overlapped with those of VM. Conclusion AST is easily mixed with intramuscular VM. The differentiation of these two entities has therapeutic importance. We emphasize the role of histology in the differential diagnostics of intramuscular slow-flow vascular malformations.
Effects of whole-body vibration on neuromuscular performance in individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic review
Authors: Ji Qiaodan , He Hongchen , Zhang Chi , Lu Chunlan , Zheng Yu , Luo Xiao tian , He Chengqi 
Published: September 2016

Objective: To examine the effects of whole-body vibration on neuromuscular performance in people with spinal cord injury and evaluate the safe and effective vibration protocols. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and PEDro were mainly searched for English literatures. Other data sources were ClinicalTrials.gov , Current Controlled Trials and reference lists of all relevant articles. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality, and the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine level of evidence was used to assess the level of evidence. Basic information and whole-body vibration protocols were extracted by two independent researchers. Any disagreements were resolved by the third researcher. Results: Of the eight included studies involving 94 individuals with spinal cord injury and 24 able-bodied participants, six of them reported beneficial effects of whole-body vibration on muscle activation and the other two on muscle spasticity. Based on the reviewed studies, an intermittent mode of whole-body vibration (frequency: 10–50 Hz; amplitude: 0.6–4 mm) is less likely to cause adverse events when applying to spinal cord injury subjects standing on platform (knees flexed at 10°–40°). Conclusions: The strength of evidence is insufficient in supporting the benefits of whole-body vibration on neuromuscular performance in individuals with spinal cord injury. The intermittent vibration (frequency: 10–50 Hz; amplitude: 0.6–4 mm; knee flexion: 10°–40°) may be the possible effective range and have good compliance.
The effect and mechanism of action of metformin on in vitro FaDu cell proliferation
Authors: Sun Ruijie , Ma Xiaojie , Cai Xiaolan , Pan Xinliang , Liu Dayu 
Published: September 2016

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of action of metformin on proliferation of a human hypopharyngeal carcinoma cell line (FaDu). Methods FaDu cells were treated with metformin (25–125 mmol/l). Cell proliferation was evaluated via CCK-8 assay. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate microRNA (miR)-21-5p and PDCD4 (programmed cell death 4) expression. PDCD4 protein was quantified by Western blot. Results Metformin significantly inhibited FaDu cell proliferation in a dose- (25–100 mmol/l) and time-dependent manner (12 h–36 h), significantly downregulated miR-21-5p, and upregulated PDCD4 mRNA and protein expression. Conclusions Metformin significantly inhibited FaDu cell proliferation , possibly via downregulation of miR-21-5p and upregulation of PDCD4.
Comparison of saddle, lumbar epidural and caudal blocks on anal sphincter tone: A prospective, randomized study
Authors: Shon Yoon-Jung , Huh Jin , Kang Sung-Sik , Bae Seung-Kil , Kang Ryeong-Ah , Kim Duk-Kyung 
Published: September 2016

Objective To compare the effects of saddle, lumbar epidural and caudal blocks on anal sphincter tone using anorectal manometry. Methods Patients undergoing elective anorectal surgery with regional anaesthesia were divided randomly into three groups and received a saddle (SD), lumbar epidural (LE), or caudal (CD) block. Anorectal manometry was performed before and 30 min after each regional block. The degree of motor blockade of the anal sphincter was compared using the maximal resting pressure (MRP) and the maximal squeezing pressure (MSP). Results The study analysis population consisted of 49 patients (SD group, n = 18; LE group, n = 16; CD group, n = 15). No significant differences were observed in the percentage inhibition of the MRP among the three regional anaesthetic groups. However, percentage inhibition of the MSP was significantly greater in the SD group (83.6 ± 13.7%) compared with the LE group (58.4 ± 19.8%) and the CD group (47.8 ± 16.9%). In all groups, MSP was reduced significantly more than MRP after each regional block. Conclusions Saddle block was more effective than lumbar epidural or caudal block for depressing anal sphincter tone. No differences were detected between lumbar epidural and caudal blocks.
Incidence and characteristics of hepatitis E virus infection in children in Assiut, Upper Egypt
Authors: Hasan Gamal , Assiri Asaad , Marzuuk Naglaa , Daef Enas , Abdelwahab Sayed , Ahmed Ahmed , Mohamad Ismail , Al-Eyadhy Ayman , Alhaboob Ali , Temsah Mohamad-Hani 
Published: September 2016

Objective To describe the characteristics of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in a cohort of children from Upper Egypt using data from a large multicentre prospective study of acute viral hepatitis (AVH). Methods Data from subjects aged 2–18 years with AVH or close contacts of those with AVH found to have asymptomatic AVH were included in the analysis. Information concerning medical history, clinical examination, liver function tests and screening for hepatotropic viruses was recorded and analysed. Results A total of 123 patients (73 boys, 50 girls) were included in the analysis. Of these, 33 (26.8%) had HEV infection, 17 (13.8%) had hepatitis A virus infection, 10 (8.1%) had hepatitis B virus infection, 14 (11.4%) had cytomegalovirus hepatitis, five (4.1%) had autoimmune hepatitis, 11 (8.9%) had hepatitis due to mixed viral infections and 33 (26.8%) had non A–E hepatitis. Overall, 38 (30.9%) had infection with HEV. HEV infection was significantly higher among those using underground wells as a water source compared with tap water. Liver enzymes were significantly raised in patients with non-HEV infection compared with those with HEV infection. Conclusions HEV is a significant cause of AVH among children in Upper Egypt. Contamination of drinking water appears to be a major source of infection. Screening for HEV should be considered in all Egyptian children with AVH.
Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery varicocelectomy versus conventional laparoscopic varicocele ligation: A meta-analysis
Authors: Li Mingchao , Wang Zhengyun , Li Hao 
Published: September 2016

Objective To perform a meta-analysis of data from available published studies comparing laparoendoscopic single-site surgery varicocelectomy (LESSV) with conventional transperitoneal laparoscopic varicocele ligation. Methods A comprehensive data search was performed in PubMed and Embase to identify randomized controlled trials and comparative studies that compared the two surgical approaches for the treatment of varicoceles. Results Six studies were included in the meta-analysis. LESSV required a significantly longer operative time than conventional laparoscopic varicocelectomy but was associated with significantly less postoperative pain at 6 h and 24 h, a shorter recovery time and greater patient satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome. There was no difference between the two surgical approaches in terms of postoperative semen quality or the incidence of complications. Conclusion These data suggest that LESSV offers a well tolerated and efficient alternative to conventional laparoscopic varicocelectomy, with less pain, a shorter recovery time and better cosmetic satisfaction. Further well-designed studies are required to confirm these findings and update the results of this meta-analysis.
Fatigue and cognitive function in systemic lupus erythematosus: associations with white matter microstructural damage. A diffusion tensor MRI study and meta-analysis
Authors: Wiseman S J , Bastin M E , Hamilton I F , Hunt D , Ritchie S J , Amft E N , Thomson S , Belch J F F , Ralston S H , Wardlaw J M 
Published: September 2016

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate fatigue and cognitive impairments in systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) in relation to diffuse white matter microstructural brain damage. Methods Diffusion tensor MRI, used to generate biomarkers of brain white matter microstructural integrity, was obtained in patients with SLE and age-matched controls. Fatigue and cognitive function were assessed and related to SLE activity, clinical data and plasma biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Results Fifty-one patients with SLE (mean age 48.8 ± 14.3 years) were included. Mean diffusivity (MD) was significantly higher in all white matter fibre tracts in SLE patients versus age-matched healthy controls ( p < 0.0001). Fatigue in SLE was higher than a normal reference range ( p < 0.0001) and associated with lower MD ( ß = −0.61, p = 0.02), depression ( ß = 0.17, p = 0.001), anxiety ( ß = 0.13, p = 0.006) and higher body mass index ( ß = 0.10, p = 0.004) in adjusted analyses. Poorer cognitive function was associated with longer SLE disease duration ( p = 0.003) and higher MD ( p = 0.03) and, in adjusted analysis, higher levels of IL-6 ( ß = −0.15, p = 0.02) but not with MD. Meta-analysis (10 studies, n = 261, including the present study) confirmed that patients with SLE have higher MD than controls. Conclusion Patients with SLE have more microstructural brain white matter damage for age than the general population, but this does not explain increased fatigue or lower cognition in SLE. The association between raised IL-6 and worse current cognitive function in SLE should be explored in larger datasets.
Urinary sediment suggests lupus nephritis histology
Authors: Martínez-Martínez M U , Llamazares-Azuara L M de G , Martínez-Galla D , Mandeville P B , Valadez-Castillo F , Román-Acosta S , Borjas-García J A , Abud-Mendoza C 
Published: September 2016

Objectives The objective of this paper was to evaluate correlations between kidney biopsy indexes (activity and chronicity) and urinary sediment findings; the secondary objective was to find which components of urinary sediment can discriminate proliferative from other classes of lupus nephritis. Methods Lupus nephritis patients scheduled for a kidney biopsy were included in our study. The morning before the kidney biopsy, we took urine samples from each patient. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to determine the area under the curve (AUC) of each test for detecting proliferative lupus nephritis; a classification tree was calculated to select a set of values that best-predicted lupus nephritis classes. Results We included 51 patients, 36 of whom were women (70.6%). Correlations of lupus nephritis activity index with the counts in the urinary sediment of erythrocytes (isomorphic and dysmorphic), acanthocytes, and leukocytes were 0.65 ( p < 0.0001) 0.62 ( p < 0.0001) and 0.22 ( p = 0.1228), respectively. Correlations of lupus nephritis chronicity index with the counts of erythrocytes, acanthocytes, and leukocytes were 0.60 ( p ≤ 0.0001), 0.52 ( p = 0.0001) and 0.17 ( p = 0.2300), respectively. Our classification tree had an accuracy of 84.3%. Conclusions Evaluation of urine sediment reflects lupus nephritis histology.
Diagnosing of pelvic vein incompetence using minimally invasive ultrasound techniques
Authors: Hansrani Vivak , Dhorat Zainab , McCollum Charles N 
Published: September 2016

Background Pelvic vein incompetence is a cause for pelvic pain and recurrent varicose veins in women. The gold standard diagnostic method is reflux venography involving radiation, nephrotoxic contrast and jugular puncture. Trans-vaginal ultrasound (TVU) is increasingly being used as a diagnostic tool for pelvic vein incompetence. Methods Fifty women with clinical suspicion of pelvic vein incompetence and aged between 18 and 55 years were recruited prospectively over two years at a large UK University Teaching Hospital. Trans-vaginal ultrasound was performed using a standardised protocol which included assessment of the ovarian and internal iliac veins bilaterally in the supine and semi-standing position with provocative manoeuvres. Diagnostic readability and inter-observer variability was determined. Results Mean (range) age of 43 (23–51). Visibility of all four pelvic veins was better in the supine position compared with semi-standing position (76% vs 64%). Pelvic vein incompetence was identified in 34 of 50 (68%) women in the supine position compared with 38 of 50 (76%) women in the semi-standing position. Pelvic vein incompetence was demonstrated in 35 of 50 (70%) women with Valsalva manoeuvre. Inter-observer variability was 0.84 (kappa, very good agreement, p = 0.001). Conclusion Trans-vaginal ultrasound is effective at demonstrating pelvic vein incompetence. All trans-vaginal ultrasound protocols should include assessment of pelvic veins in the supine and semi-standing position with Valsalva manoeuvre.
Long-term results of intra-arterial onyx injection for type II endoleaks following endovascular aneurysm repair
Authors: Ribé L , Bicknell CD , Gibbs RG , Burfitt N , Jenkins MP , Cheshire N , Hamady M 
Published: September 2016

Purpose The aim of this paper is to report our experience of type II endoleak treatment after endovascular aneurysm repair with intra-arterial injection of the embolizing liquid material, Onyx liquid embolic system. Methods From 2005 to 2012, we performed a retrospective review of 600 patients, who underwent endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. During this period, 18 patients were treated with Onyx for type II endoleaks. Principal findings The source of the endoleak was the internal iliac artery in seven cases, inferior mesenteric artery in seven cases and lumbar arteries in four cases. Immediate technical success was achieved in all patients and no endoleak from the treated vessel recurred. During a mean follow-up of 19 months, no major morbidity or mortality occurred, and one-year survival was 100%. Conclusions Treatment of type II endoleaks with Onyx is safe and effective over a significant time period.
Improving short-term demand forecasting for short-lifecycle consumer products with data mining techniques
Authors: Maaß Dennis , Spruit Marco , de Waal Peter 
Published: September 2016

AbstractToday’s economy is characterized by increased competition, faster product development and increased product differentiation. As a consequence product lifecycles become shorter and demand patterns become more volatile which especially affects the retail industry. This new situation imposes stronger requirements on demand forecasting methods. Due to shorter product lifecycles historical sales information, which is the most important source of information used for demand forecasts, becomes available only for short periods in time or is even unavailable when new or modified products are introduced. Furthermore the general trend of individualization leads to higher product differentiation and specialization, which in itself leads to increased unpredictability and variance in demand. At the same time companies want to increase accuracy and reliability of demand forecasting systems in order to utilize the full demand potential and avoid oversupply. This new situation calls for forecasting methods that can handle large variance and complex relationships of demand factors.This research investigates the potential of data mining techniques as well as alternative approaches to improve the short-term forecasting method for short-lifecycle products with high uncertainty in demand. We found that data mining techniques cannot unveil their full potential to improve short-term forecasting in this case due to the high demand uncertainty and the high variance of demand patterns. In fact we found that the higher the variance in demand patterns the less complex a demand forecasting method can be.Forecasting can often be improved by data preparation. The right preparation method can unveil important information hidden in the available data and decrease the perceived variance and uncertainty. In this case data preparation did not lead to a decrease in the perceived uncertainty to such an extent that a complex forecasting method could be used. Rather than using a data mining approach we found that using an alternative combined forecasting approach, incorporating judgmental adjustments of statistical forecasts, led to significantly improved short-term forecasting accuracy. The findings are validated on real world data in an extensive case study at a large retail company in Western Europe.
The split common fixed point problem for asymptotically nonexpansive semigroups in Banach spaces
Authors: Wang Lin , Ma Zhaoli 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we propose an iteration method for finding a split common fixed point of asymptotically nonexpansive semigroups in the setting of two Banach spaces, and we obtain some weak and strong convergence theorems of the iteration scheme proposed. The results presented in the paper are new and improve and extend some recent corresponding results.