bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired renal function affects clinical outcomes and management of patients with heart failure
Authors: Jenkins Rebeka , Mandarano Lilly , Gugathas Saraniga , Kaski Juan Carlos , Anderson Lisa , Banerjee Debasish 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimsInpatients with heart failure and renal impairment have poor outcomes and variable quality of care. We investigate treatment practice and outcomes in an unselected real‐world cohort using historical creatinine measurements.Methods and resultsAdmissions between 1/4/2013 and 30/4/2015 diagnosed at discharge with heart failure were retrospectively analysed. Stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) were calculated from creatinine at discharge and 3–12 months before admission. We identified 1056 admissions of 851 patients (mean age 76 years, 56% Caucasian, 36% with diabetes mellitus, 54% with ischaemic heart disease, and 57% with valvular heart disease). CKD was common; 36%—Stage 3a/b, 11%—Stage 4/5; patients were older, more often diabetic, with higher potassium, lower haemoglobin, and more oedema but similar prevalence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) compared patients with Stages 0–2. AKI was present in 17.0% (10.4%—Stage 1, 3.7%—Stage 2, and 2.9%—Stage 3); these had higher potassium and lower haemoglobin than patients with no AKI. Length of stay was longer in Stage 4/5 CKD [11 days; P = 0.008] and AKI [13 days; P = 0.006]. Mortality was higher with Stage 4/5 CKD (13.8% compared with 7.7% for Stages 0–2 CKD (P = 0.036)] and increased with AKI (5%—no AKI, 20.9%—Stage 1, 35.9%—Stage 2, and 48.4%—Stage 3; P < 0.001). Adjusted for age, diabetes, and LVSD, both AKI and Stage 4/5 CKD were independent predictors of in‐hospital mortality. In survivors with LVSD, the discharge prescription of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers decreased with progressive CKD, [84%—no‐mild, 59%—moderate, and 36%—severe CKD; P < 0.001]; this was not purely explained by hyperkalaemia.ConclusionsInpatients with heart failure and renal impairment, acute and chronic, failed to receive recommended therapy and had poor outcomes.
Systolic blood pressure reduction during the first 24 h in acute heart failure admission: friend or foe?
Authors: Cotter Gad , Metra Marco , Davison Beth A. , Jondeau Guillaume , Cleland John G.F. , Bourge Robert C. , Milo Olga , O'Connor Christopher M. , Parker John D. , Torre‐Amione Guillermo , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Kobrin Isaac , Rainisio Maurizio , Senger Stefanie , Edwards Christopher , McMurray John J.V. , Teerlink John R. ,   for the VERITAS Investigators
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimsChanges in systolic blood pressure (SBP) during an admission for acute heart failure (AHF), especially those leading to hypotension, have been suggested to increase the risk for adverse outcomes.Methods and resultsWe analysed associations of SBP decrease during the first 24 h from randomization with serum creatinine changes at the last time‐point available (72 h), using linear regression, and with 30‐ and 180‐day outcomes, using Cox regression, in 1257 patients in the VERITAS study. After multivariable adjustment for baseline SBP, greater SBP decrease at 24 h from randomization was associated with greater creatinine increase at 72 h and greater risk for 30‐day all‐cause death, worsening heart failure (HF) or HF readmission. The hazard ratio (HR) for each 1 mmHg decrease in SBP at 24 h for 30‐day death, worsening HF or HF rehospitalization was 1.01 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.02; P = 0.021]. Similarly, the HR for each 1 mmHg decrease in SBP at 24 h for 180‐day all‐cause mortality was 1.01 (95% CI 1.00–1.03; P = 0.038). The associations between SBP decrease and outcomes did not differ by tezosentan treatment group, although tezosentan treatment was associated with a greater SBP decrease at 24 h.ConclusionsIn the current post hoc analysis, SBP decrease during the first 24 h was associated with increased renal impairment and adverse outcomes at 30 and 180 days. Caution, with special attention to blood pressure monitoring, should be exercised when vasodilating agents are given to AHF patients.
Prevalence and prognostic importance of precipitating factors leading to heart failure hospitalization: recurrent hospitalizations and mortality
Authors: Platz Elke , Jhund Pardeep S. , Claggett Brian L. , Pfeffer Marc A. , Swedberg Karl , Granger Christopher B. , Yusuf Salim , Solomon Scott D. , McMurray John J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimsHospitalizations for heart failure (HF) are common and are associated with significant morbidity, mortality and cost. However, precipitating factors leading to HF hospitalization and their importance with respect to subsequent outcomes are not well understood.Methods and resultsThe symptoms and signs present at admission and investigator‐identified factors thought to have contributed to the first adjudicated HF hospitalization in the Candesartan in Heart Failure: Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and Morbidity (CHARM) programme were prospectively collected and stratified by ejection fraction (EF). Potential precipitants were collected using a specifically designed case report form and categorized according to the presence of cardiovascular (CV), non‐CV and unknown factors. Associations between these factors and subsequent rehospitalization and mortality rates were examined. Of 1668 patients who experienced HF hospitalization, 1152 had reduced EF (≤40%, HFrEF) and 516 had preserved EF (HFpEF). Overall, 54% had CV, 32% had non‐CV and 14% had unknown factors thought to have precipitated HF, with similar proportions in the HFrEF and HFpEF groups. The most common precipitants were arrhythmia (15%), other non‐CV factors (11%) and respiratory infection (10%). Subsequent CV readmission rates were highest in those whose initial HF hospitalization was precipitated by CV factors. However, mortality rates were similar among patients with any of the three categories of precipitating factors. Results were similar in HFrEF and HFpEF.ConclusionsAmong chronic HF patients hospitalized for decompensation, the investigator‐reported precipitating factor was not associated with the subsequent mortality rate, but was associated with type of readmission: readmissions for CV reasons were more likely when the index precipitant was CV.
TCR‐pMHC encounter differentially regulates transcriptomes of tissue‐resident CD8 T cells
Authors: Yoshizawa Akihiro , Bi Kevin , Keskin Derin B. , Zhang Guanglan , Reinhold Bruce , Reinherz Ellis L. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractTo investigate the role of TCR‐pMHC interaction in regulating lung CD8 tissue‐resident T cell (TR) differentiation, polyclonal responses were compared against NP366‐374/Db and PA224‐233/Db, two immunodominant epitopes that arise during influenza A infection in mice. Memory niches distinct from iBALTs develop within the lamina propria, supporting CD103+ and CD103− CD8 TR generation and intraepithelial translocation. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) identify dominant TCR, adherens junction, RIG‐I‐like and NOD‐like pattern recognition receptor as well as TGF‐β signaling pathways and memory signatures among PA224‐233/Db T cells consistent with T resident memory (TRM) status. In contrast, NP366‐374/Db T cells exhibit enrichment of effector signatures, upregulating pro‐inflammatory mediators even among TRM. While NP366‐374/Db T cells manifest transcripts linked to canonical exhaustion pathways, PA224‐233/Db T cells exploit P2rx7 purinoreceptor attenuation. The NP366‐374/Db CD103+ subset expresses the antimicrobial lactotransferrin whereas PA224‐233/Db CD103+ utilizes pore‐forming mpeg‐1, with <22% of genes correspondingly upregulated in CD103+ (or CD103−) subsets of both specificities. Thus, TCR‐pMHC interactions among TR and antigen presenting cells in a tissue milieu strongly impact CD8 T cell biology.
Coomassie staining provides routine (sub)femtomole in‐gel detection of intact proteoforms: Expanding opportunities for genuine Top‐down Proteomics
Authors: Noaman Nour , Abbineni Prabhodh S. , Withers Michael , Coorssen Jens R. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractModified colloidal Coomassie Brilliant Blue (cCBB) staining utilising a novel destain protocol and near‐infrared fluorescence detection (nIRFD) rivals the in‐gel protein detection sensitivity (DS) of SYPRO Ruby. However, established DS estimates are likely inaccurate in terms of 2DE‐resolved proteoform ‘spots’ since DS is routinely measured from comparatively diffuse protein ‘bands’ following wide‐well 1DE. Here, cCBB DS for 2DE‐based proteomics was more accurately determined using narrow‐well 1DE. As precise estimates of protein standard monomer concentrations are essential for accurate quantitation, coupling UV absorbance with gel‐based purity assessments is described. Further, as cCBB is compatible with both nIRFD and densitometry, the impacts of imaging method (and image resolution) on DS were assessed. Narrow‐well 1DE enabled more accurate quantitation of cCBB DS for 2DE, achieving (sub)femtomole DS with either nIRFD or densitometry. While densitometry offers comparative simplicity and affordability, nIRFD has the unique potential for enhanced DS with Deep Imaging. Higher‐resolution nIRFD also improved analysis of a 2DE‐resolved proteome, surpassing the DS of standard nIRFD and densitometry, with nIRFD Deep Imaging further maximising proteome coverage. cCBB DS for intact proteins rivals that of mass spectrometry (MS) for peptides in complex mixtures, reaffirming that 2DE‐MS currently provides the most routine, broadly applicable, robust, and information‐rich Top‐down approach to Discovery Proteomics.
Effect of pore size on performance of monolithic tube chromatography of large biomolecules
Authors: Podgornik Ales , Hamachi Masataka , Isakari Yu , Yoshimoto Noriko , Yamamoto Shuichi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractEffect of pore size on the performance of ion‐exchange monolith tube chromatography of large biomolecules was investigated. Radial flow 1 mL polymer based monolith tubes of different pore sizes (1.5, 2, and 6 μm) were tested with model samples such as 20 mer poly T‐DNA, basic proteins, and acidic proteins (molecular weight 14 000–670 000). Pressure drop, pH transient, the number of binding site, dynamic binding capacity, and peak width were examined. Pressure drop–flow rate curves and dynamic binding capacity values were well correlated with the nominal pore size. While duration of the pH transient curves depends on the pore size, it was found that pH duration normalized on estimated surface area was constant, indicating that the ligand density is the same. This was also confirmed by the constant number of binding site values being independent of pore size. The peak width values were similar to those for axial flow monolith chromatography. These results showed that it is easy to scale up axial flow monolith chromatography to radial flow monolith tube chromatography by choosing the right pore size in terms of the pressure drop and capacity.
Quality of life after thyroidectomy in patients with nontoxic nodular goiter: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Sorensen Jesper Roed , Watt Torquil , Cramon Per , Døssing Helle , Hegedüs Laszlo , Bonnema Steen Joop , Godballe Christian 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundUsing the thoroughly validated Thyroid‐Related Quality‐of‐Life Patient‐Reported Outcome (ThyPRO) questionnaire, the purpose of this study was to investigate changes in disease‐specific quality of life (QOL) after surgical treatment in patients with benign nontoxic multinodular goiters.MethodPatients with goiters scheduled for thyroid surgery (n = 106) and individuals from the general population (n = 739) were studied. The ThyPRO data before, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery were compared with normative scores from the general population using a linear mixed model and t tests.ResultsBefore surgery, patients with goiters experienced poorer scores on all scales compared to the general population. After surgery, moderate to large improvements were seen in goiter symptoms, tiredness, anxiety, and overall QOL. After surgery, all scales returned to values equal to the general population. The degree of anxiety was, in fact, lower than in the general population.ConclusionThyroid surgery leads to significant benefit among patients with benign nontoxic goiters by restoring QOL equal to that in the general population.
Validation of an automated immune turbidimetric assay for serum gelsolin and its possible clinical utility in sepsis
Authors: Horváth‐Szalai Zoltán , Kustán Péter , Szirmay Balázs , Lakatos Ágnes , Christensen Per H. , Huber Tamás , Bugyi Beáta , Mühl Diána , Ludány Andrea , Miseta Attila , Kovács Gábor L. , Kőszegi Tamás 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundStudies showing the potential predictive value of the actin‐binding protein gelsolin, in critically ill patients are scarce. Moreover, even up to now a rapid automated measurement of gelsolin has still remained a challenge. Therefore, we developed and validated an automated serum gelsolin immune turbidimetric assay for possible clinical use.MethodsValidation of serum gelsolin assay was performed on a Cobas 8000/c502 analyzer (Roche) according to the second edition of Eurachem guidelines. Furthermore, we also studied the diagnostic value of serum gelsolin in sepsis when investigating sera of septic (n = 25), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS; n = 8) and control patients (n = 14). We compared our previously published Western blot data with those of the new turbidimetric assay.ResultsThe sample volume was 7 μL and the assay time was 10 minutes. The detection limit was 0.72 mg/L, intra‐ and inter‐assay imprecision remained in most cases less than 5% expressed as CV. Recovery was found to be 84.56%‐93.52% and linearity study gave an appropriate correlation coefficient by linear regression analysis (r2 = .998). Septic patients exhibited lower (P = .015) first‐day serum gelsolin levels than SIRS patients, which confirmed our previous Western blot results. The determined cut‐off point for serum gelsolin was 14.05 mg/L (sensitivity: 75%; specificity: 60%) when investigating its diagnostic value in sepsis.ConclusionBased on the results, our immune turbidimetric measurement offers a rapid and accurate quantitation of gelsolin in human serum samples. Serum gelsolin seems a promising additional diagnostic marker of sepsis which has to be further investigated.
Rationing of Formal Sector Jobs and Informality: The Colombian Case
Authors: García Gustavo A. , Badillo Erika Raquel 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe analyse the factors that affect the decision to find employment in the formal or informal sectors taking into account the fact that there is a rationing of formal sector jobs and hence a job queue to enter that sector. Using data from Colombia, we confirm that formal job rationing does exist and that it affects around 62 per cent of the workers that find themselves in the informal labour market. Further factors determining actively seeking formal employment include personal traits, the characteristics of human capital and of the household and the wage premiums associated with working in the formal sector. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prebiopsy multiparametric MRI‐based risk score for predicting prostate cancer in biopsy‐naive men with prostate‐specific antigen between 4–10 ng/mL
Authors: Dwivedi Durgesh Kumar , Kumar Rajeev , Dwivedi Alok Kumar , Bora Girdhar S. , Thulkar Sanjay , Sharma Sanjay , Gupta Siddhartha Datta , Jagannathan Naranamangalam R. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundRisk calculators have traditionally utilized serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) values in addition to clinical variables to predict the likelihood of prostate cancer (PCa).PurposeTo develop a prebiopsy multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)‐based risk score (RS) and a statistical equation for predicting the risk of PCa in biopsy‐naive men with serum PSA between 4–10 ng/mL that may help reduce unnecessary biopsies.Study TypeProspective cross‐sectional study.SubjectsIn all, 137 consecutive men with PSA between 4–10 ng/mL underwent prebiopsy mpMRI (diffusion‐weighted [DW]‐MRI and MR spectroscopic imaging [MRSI]) during 2009–2015 were recruited for this study.Field Strength/Sequence1.5T (Avanto, Siemens Health Care, Erlangen, Germany); T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, DW‐MRI, and MRSI sequences were used.AssessmentAll eligible patients underwent mpMRI‐directed, cognitive‐fusion transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)‐guided biopsies.Statistical TestsAn equation model and an RS were developed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and a multivariable logistic regression approach. A 10‐fold crossvalidation and simulation analyses were performed to assess diagnostic performance of various combinations of mpMRI parameters.ResultsOf 137 patients, 32 were diagnosed with PCa on biopsy. Multivariable analysis, adjusted with positive pathology, showed apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), metabolite ratio, and PSA as significant predictors of PCa (P < 0.05). A statistical equation was derived using these predictors. A simple 6‐point mpMRI‐based RS was derived for calculating the risk of PCa and it showed that it is highly predictive for PCa (odds ratio = 3.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.24–6.27, area under the curve [AUC] = 0.87). Both models (equation and RS) yielded high predictive performance (AUC ≥0.85) on validation analysis.Data ConclusionA statistical equation and a simple 6‐point mpMRI‐based RS can be used as a point‐of‐care tool to potentially help limit the number of negative biopsies in men with PSA between 4 and 10 ng/mL.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1227–1236.
Synoptic classification in 21st century CMIP5 predictions over the Eastern Mediterranean with focus on cyclones
Authors: Hochman Assaf , Harpaz Tzvika , Saaroni Hadas , Alpert Pinhas 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTThe Mediterranean has been recognized as a ‘hot spot’, currently influenced by climate change, and predicted to be strongly affected in the future by significant warming and drying. This trend is expected to be expressed in changes in the occurrence and intensity of Mediterranean cyclones, in general, and of East Mediterranean (EM), i.e. Cyprus Lows (CL), in particular, as well as in the occurrence of all other synoptic systems dominating the region.Here we have modified the semi‐objective synoptic classification (Alpert et al., 2004) to investigate future changes in the occurrence of EM synoptic types, with an emphasis on CLs. The modified classification was applied to eight CMIP5 models for the present (1986–2005), mid‐21st century (2046–2065) and end of the century (2081–2100) periods, for both RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios.The modified classification captured the synoptic‐type frequencies for the present period well, and particularly excelled in capturing that of the CLs. For the future period, approximately a 35% reduction in CL occurrence is found towards the end of the 21st century (RCP8.5). Analysing this reduction for each of the seven specific types of CLs showed that lows located to the west of Cyprus are the main contributors to this decrease. The reductions in the frequencies of CLs are accompanied by an increase in the frequencies of Red Sea Troughs in winter. The predicted changes in the occurrence of various synoptic types in general and of CLs, in particular, will lead to a more accurate forecast of local potential climatic hazards.
Potential use of multispectral imaging technology to identify moisture content and water‐holding capacity in cooked pork sausages
Authors: Ma Fei , Zhang Bin , Wang Wu , Li Peijun , Niu Xiangli , Chen Conggui , Zheng Lei 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe traditional detection methods for moisture content (MC) and water‐holding capacity (WHC) in cooked pork sausages (CPS) are destructive, time consuming, require skilled personnel and are not suitable for online industry applications. The goal of this work was to explore the potential of multispectral imaging (MSI) in combination with multivariate analysis for the identification of MC and WHC in CPS.RESULTSSpectra and textures of 156 CPS treated by six salt concentrations (0–2.5%) were analyzed using different calibration models to find the most optimal results of predicting MC and WHC in CPS. By using the fused data of spectra and textures, partial least squares regression models performed well for determining the MC and WHC, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.949 and 0.832, respectively. Additionally, their spatial distribution in CPS could be visualized via applying prediction equations to transfer each pixel in the image.CONCLUSIONResults of satisfactory detection and visualization of the MC and WHC showed that MSI has the potential to serve as a rapid and non‐destructive method for use in sausage industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The influence of the age of biodiesel and heating oil with 10 % biodiesel on the resistance of sealing materials at different temperatures
Authors: Weltschev M. , Heming F. , Haufe M. , Heyer M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe objective of this research was to determine the resistance of frequently used sealing materials such as fluorocarbon rubber (FKM), fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ), silicone rubber (VMQ), ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber (EPDM), chloroprene rubber (CR), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), butyl rubber (IIR), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), polyester urethane rubber (PUR) and polyamide (PA) in non‐aged/aged biodiesel and heating oil with 10 % biodiesel at 20 °C, 40 °C and 70 °C. Mass, tensile properties and shore hardness A/D (for polyamide) of the test specimens were determined before and after the exposure for 84/42 days in the aged and non‐aged fuels of different age. Biodiesel fuels are easily oxidized and contain acids and water. The sealing materials: acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene and ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber and were generally not resistant to biodiesel and heating oil with 10 % biodiesel. Fluorocarbon rubber, fluorosilicone rubber and polyamide were the most resistant materials in all tested fuels up to 70 °C. The degree of damage to the sealing materials increased with higher test temperatures and the age of the fuels.
Case investigation in safety and reliability of a family heat supply system
Authors: Guo Z. J. , Chen Z. L. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCorrosion investigation and reliability analysis of a family heat supply system has been carried out. Results indicate that the smoke emission steel pipe mainly suffers the corrosion at high temperature, and the corrosion components in the heat supply system undergo the atmospheric corrosion attack in indoor environment. Besides, safety and reliability related corrosion factors include water temperature, water oxygen concentration, pH value, carbon dioxide content, and chloride and sulfate ion in water have been discussed. It is concluded that the make‐up water quality is crucial to the safety and reliability of the heat supply system.