bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NLRP3 Inflammasome Mediates Aldosterone-Induced Vascular Damage
Authors: Bruder-Nascimento Thiago , Ferreira Nathanne S. , Zanotto Camila Z. , Ramalho Fernanda , Pequeno Isabela O. , Olivon Vania C. , Neves Karla B. , Alves-Lopes Rheure , Campos Eduardo , Silva Carlos Alberto A. , Fazan Rubens , Carlos Daniela , Mestriner Fabiola L. , Prado Douglas , Pereira Felipe V. , Braga Tarcio , Luiz Joao Paulo M. , Cau Stefany B. , Elias Paula C. , Moreira Ayrton C. , Câmara Niels O. , Zamboni Dario S. , Alves-Filho Jose Carlos , Tostes Rita C. 
Published: November 2016

Background:
Inflammation is a key feature of aldosterone-induced vascular damage and dysfunction, but molecular mechanisms by which aldosterone triggers inflammation remain unclear. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a pivotal immune sensor that recognizes endogenous danger signals triggering sterile inflammation.

Methods:

We analyzed vascular function and inflammatory profile of wild-type (WT), NLRP3 knockout (
NLRP3
−/−
), caspase-1 knockout (
Casp-1
−/−
), and interleukin-1 receptor knockout (
IL-1R
−/−
) mice treated with vehicle or aldosterone (600 µg·kg
−1
·d
−1
for 14 days through osmotic mini-pump) while receiving 1% saline to drink.

Results:
Here, we show that NLRP3 inflammasome plays a central role in aldosterone-induced vascular dysfunction. Long-term infusion of aldosterone in mice resulted in elevation of plasma interleukin-1β levels and vascular abnormalities. Mice lacking the IL-1R or the inflammasome components NLRP3 and caspase-1 were protected from aldosterone-induced vascular damage. In vitro, aldosterone stimulated NLRP3-dependent interleukin-1β secretion by bone marrow–derived macrophages by activating nuclear factor-κB signaling and reactive oxygen species generation. Moreover, chimeric mice reconstituted with NLRP3-deficient hematopoietic cells showed that NLRP3 in immune cells mediates aldosterone-induced vascular damage. In addition, aldosterone increased the expression of NLRP3, active caspase-1, and mature interleukin-1β in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Hypertensive patients with hyperaldosteronism or normal levels of aldosterone exhibited increased activity of NLRP3 inflammasome, suggesting that the effect of hyperaldosteronism on the inflammasome may be mediated through high blood pressure.

Conclusions:
Together, these data demonstrate that NLRP3 inflammasome, through activation of IL-1R, is critically involved in the deleterious vascular effects of aldosterone, placing NLRP3 as a potential target for therapeutic interventions in conditions with high aldosterone levels.
Coronary Artery Calcium Score Improves the Prediction of Occult Coronary Artery Stenosis in Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Beigneux Ysoline , Sablayrolles Jean‐Louis , Varenne Olivier , Mas Jean‐Louis , Calvet David 
Published: November 2016

Background

Coronary heart disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in stroke patients. The coronary artery calcium score (
CACS
) has emerged as a robust and noninvasive predictor of coronary events. We assessed the predictive ability of
CACS
to identify stroke patients with severe (≥50%) occult coronary artery stenosis in a stroke/transient ischemic attack population, in addition to the
PRECORIS
score, based on Framingham Risk Score and presence of cervicocephalic artery stenosis, which was derived and validated for that purpose.

Methods and Results

We enrolled consecutive patients aged 45 to 75 years referred to our stroke unit with noncardioembolic ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, and no prior history of coronary disease. The presence of coronary stenosis was assessed with 64‐section computed tomography coronary angiography, and all patients had a detailed etiological work‐up.
CACS
was determined from computed tomography measurement using the Agatson score. The predictive value of
CACS
was assessed by logistic regression and reclassification method. Among 300 patients included in the study, 274 had computed tomography coronary angiography. Fifty patients (18%) had at least 1 coronary artery stenosis ≥50%. In multivariable analysis, after adjustment for the
PRECORIS
score,
CACS
was strongly associated with the presence of occult coronary artery stenosis (odds ratio=14.8 [1.8–120.3] for
CACS
[1–100] and 70.9 [8.9–562.0] for
CACS
>100). When
CACS
was added to the standard model, model fit was improved (
P
<0.001), Net Reclassification Improvement was 28.2% (
P
<0.001), and Integrated Discrimination Index was 18.2% (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

In stroke/transient ischemic attack patients,
CACS
improves the prediction of occult coronary stenosis beyond classical risk factors.
Bicycling to Work and Primordial Prevention of Cardiovascular Risk: A Cohort Study Among Swedish Men and Women
Authors: Grøntved Anders , Koivula Robert W. , Johansson Ingegerd , Wennberg Patrik , Østergaard Lars , Hallmans Göran , Renström Frida , Franks Paul W. 
Published: November 2016

Background
Bicycling to work may be a viable approach for achieving physical activity that provides cardiovascular health benefits. In this study we investigated the relationship of bicycling to work with incidence of obesity, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and impaired glucose tolerance across a decade of follow‐up in middle‐aged men and women.

Methods and Results

We followed 23 732 Swedish men and women with a mean age of 43.5 years at baseline who attended a health examination twice during a 10‐year period (1990–2011). In multivariable adjusted models we calculated the odds of incident obesity, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and impaired glucose tolerance, comparing individuals who commuted to work by bicycle with those who used passive modes of transportation. We also examined the relationship of change in commuting mode with incidence of these clinical risk factors. Cycling to work at baseline was associated with lower odds of incident obesity (odds ratio [
OR
]=0.85, 95%
CI
0.73–0.99), hypertension (
OR
=0.87, 95%
CI
0.79–0.95), hypertriglyceridemia (
OR
=0.85, 95%
CI
0.76–0.94), and impaired glucose tolerance (
OR
=0.88, 95%
CI
0.80–0.96) compared with passive travel after adjusting for putative confounding factors. Participants who maintained or began bicycling to work during follow‐up had lower odds of obesity (
OR
=0.61, 95%
CI
0.50–0.73), hypertension (
OR
=0.89, 95%
CI
0.80–0.98), hypertriglyceridemia (
OR
=0.80, 95%
CI
0.70–0.90), and impaired glucose tolerance (
OR
=0.82, 95%
CI
0.74–0.91) compared with participants not cycling to work at both times points or who switched from cycling to other modes of transport during follow‐up.

Conclusions
These data suggest that commuting by bicycle to work is an important strategy for primordial prevention of clinical cardiovascular risk factors among middle‐aged men and women.
Combined Effects of Inflammatory Status and Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Mayer Florian J. , Binder Christoph J. , Wagner Oswald F. , Schillinger Martin , Minar Erich , Mlekusch Wolfgang , Tsiantoulas Dimitris , Goliasch Georg , Hoke Matthias 
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose—
Inflammatory responses play a key role in atherogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and to evaluate whether degree of carotid stenosis and serum levels of hsCRP jointly predict long-term mortality in asymptomatic patients with carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods—
One thousand sixty-five patients with neurological asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis as evaluated by duplex sonography were prospectively followed for cause-specific mortality.

Results—

During a median of 11.81 years, a total of 549 deaths, including 362 cardiovascular deaths, were recorded. The risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality significantly increased in patients with elevated serum levels of hsCRP (the adjusted hazard ratio for cardiovascular mortality per increase of 1 mg/dL of hsCRP levels was 1.47;
P
<0.001). Patients with a high degree of carotid stenosis and increased hsCRP levels were particularly at risk of adverse outcome. Patients with carotid narrowing over 50% and hsCRP levels >0.29 mg/dL (=median) had nearly twice as high a risk of cardiovascular mortality compared with patients with carotid stenosis of <50% and hsCRP levels <0.29 mg/dL (adjusted hazard ratio 1.89;
P
<0.001). Improvement in risk stratification with combined assessment of carotid stenosis and hsCRP was confirmed by an improvement of the continuous net reclassification improvement with 18% for all-cause mortality and 15% for cardiovascular mortality compared with the degree of carotid stenosis alone (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—
Measurement of hsCRP in combination with ultrasound investigations of the carotid arteries at a single time point provides additional prognostic information for patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis.
Australia’s economic transition, unemployment, suicide and mental health needs
Authors: Myles Nicholas , Large Matthew , Myles Hannah , Adams Robert , Liu Dennis , Galletly Cherrie 
Published: November 2016

Objective: There have been substantial changes in workforce and employment patterns in Australia over the past 50 years as a result of economic globalisation. This has resulted in substantial reduction in employment in the manufacturing industry often with large-scale job losses in concentrated sectors and communities. Large-scale job loss events receive significant community attention. To what extent these mass unemployment events contribute to increased psychological distress, mental illness and suicide in affected individuals warrants further consideration. Methods: Here we undertake a narrative review of published job loss literature. We discuss the impact that large-scale job loss events in the manufacturing sector may have on population mental health, with particular reference to contemporary trends in the Australian economy. We also provide a commentary on the expected outcomes of future job loss events in this context and the implications for Australian public mental health care services. Results and conclusion: Job loss due to plant closure results in a doubling of psychological distress that peaks 9 months following the unemployment event. The link between job loss and increased rates of mental illness and suicide is less clear. The threat of impending job loss and the social context in which job loss occurs has a significant bearing on psychological outcomes. The implications for Australian public mental health services are discussed.
Susceptibility-diffusion mismatch in middle cerebral artery territory acute ischemic stroke: clinical and imaging implications
Authors: Payabvash Seyedmehid , Taleb Shayandokht , Benson John C , Hoffman Benjamin , Oswood Mark C , McKinney Alexander M , Rykken Jeffrey B 
Published: November 2016

Background Recent studies have suggested a correlation between susceptibility–diffusion mismatch and perfusion–diffusion mismatch in acute ischemic stroke patients. Purpose To determine the clinical and imaging associations of susceptibility-diffusion mismatch in patients with acute ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. Material and Methods Consecutive patients with MCA territory acute ischemic stroke, who had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed with susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) within 24 h of symptom onset or time last-seen-well, were included. Two neuroradiologists reviewed SWI scans for SWI–DWI mismatch defined by regionally increased vessel number or diameter on SWI extending beyond the DWI hyperintensity territory in the affected hemisphere. The stroke severity at admission was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Poor clinical outcome was defined by a 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score >2. Results The SWI–DWI mismatch was identified in 44 (29.3%) of 150 patients included in this study. Patients with SWI–DWI mismatch had smaller admission infarct volumes (31.2 ± 44.7 versus 55.9 ± 117.7 mL, P = 0.045) and were younger (60.4 ± 18.9 versus 67.1 ± 15.5, P = 0.026). After correction for age, admission NIHSS score, and infarct volume, the SWI–DWI mismatch was associated with a 22.6% lower rate of poor clinical outcome using propensity score matching ( P = 0.032). In our cohort, thrombolytic therapy showed no significant effect on outcome. Conclusion The presence of SWI–DWI mismatch in acute MCA territory ischemic infarct is associated with smaller infarct volume. Moreover, SWI–DWI mismatch was associated with better outcome after correction for infarct size, severity of admission symptoms, and age.
IRMA study: Prevalence of subdiaphragmatic visceral infarction in ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Weisenburger-Lile David , Lopez Delphine , Russel Stephanie , Kahn Jean-Emmanuel , Veiga Hellmann Ana , Scherrer Antoine , Ramdane Nassima , Wang Adrien , Evrard Serge , Decroix Jean-Pierre , Mellot Francois , Bourdain Frederic , Lapergue Bertrand 
Published: November 2016

Background Occult atrial fibrillation (AF) may, in part, explain cryptogenic stroke. A 22% prevalence of subdiaphragmatic visceral infarction (SDVI) among patients with ischemic stroke (IS) due to AF has been reported, using abdominal MRI. We sought to assess the reproducibility of this method and to confirm that SDVI is more prevalent in cases of AF-caused IS than in IS of other etiologies. Methods In consecutive patients admitted to our hospital, we compared SDVI prevalence in three groups: patients with IS due to AF (IS+/AF+ group), patients with stroke of another determined cause (IS+/AF− group) and patients with AF without stroke (IS−/AF+ group). Results A total of 111 patients were included. The median time between inclusion and abdominal MRI was six days. SDVI was more frequent in the IS+/AF+ group ( n = 10; 21.3%), than in IS+/AF− ( n = 1; 3.3%) and IS−/AF+ ( n = 0) groups, p = 0.002. The most frequent localization was the kidney. Conclusions The prevalence of SDVI was higher among patients with AF-caused IS. In cases of cryptogenic stroke, a positive abdominal MRI may suggest occult AF as the cause and identify a high risk of AF in this subgroup of patients.
Nerve grafts bridging the thenar branch of the median nerve to the ulnar nerve to enhance nerve recovery: a report of three cases
Authors: Gesslbauer B. , Furtmüller G. J. , Schuhfried O. , Roche A. D. , Sporer M. , Aszmann O. C. 
Published: November 2016

We report a nerve graft procedure bridging the thenar branch of the median nerve to the ulnar nerve in three patients with ulnar nerve transection and defect at the mid-forearm. Ulnar nerve function was evaluated with electroneurography and quantitative sensory-motor testing before and after surgery, and at a 6-year follow-up. After surgery all patients showed electroneurographic evidence of median nerve innervation of the intrinsic muscles normally innervated by the ulnar nerve. The average strength was Grade 4 in the intrinsic muscles originally supplied by the ulnar nerve at the final follow-up. Our results indicate that the thenar branch of the median nerve may support ulnar nerve regeneration and so help prevent intrinsic muscles from irreversible atrophy, but our report is preliminary. This procedure should be validated by future clinical data, especially those with complete ulnar nerve transection at or above the elbow. Level of evidence: IV
Obstetric patients in intensive care unit: Perspective from a teaching hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Qureshi Rahat , Irfan Ahmed Sheikh , Raza Amir , Khurshid Ayesha , Chishti Uzma 
Published: November 2016

Objective Review of obstetric cases admitted to the intensive care unit. Design Ten year retrospective review of individual patients' medical records. Participants Records of obstetric patients admitted from 2005–2014. Setting Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi Main Outcome measures Diagnosis at the time of admission, associated risk factors, and intervention required aspects of management and rate of mortality. Findings A total of 194 obstetric patients were admitted out of which 86.2% of patients had ventilator support. Mortality was not seen to be significantly associated with parity and antenatal/postnatal status. The median age of patients was 34 years, minimum length of stay was 24 hours and maximum stay was 53 days. Sixty one percent of patients were admitted to with organ system failure. The overall mortality rate was 21.64% (42/194). The mortality rate was five times more likely in patients who had gastro-intestinal complication {Odds Ratio=4.87; 95%CI: 1.65-14.36}. The largest group of patients {28.4%} presented with hematological diagnosis. Conclusion When the intensive care unit admission became essential, primary diagnosis included: postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, sepsis and infectious diseases. An increased vigilance of high-risk pregnant women and a stabilization of their condition before intervention is administered, improves the outcome of these women.
Ibrutinib efficacy and tolerability in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia following allogeneic HCT
Authors: Ryan Christine E. , Sahaf Bita , Logan Aaron C. , O’Brien Susan , Byrd John C. , Hillmen Peter , Brown Jennifer R. , Dyer Martin J. S. , Mato Anthony R. , Keating Michael J. , Jaglowski Samantha , Clow Fong , Rezvani Andrew R. , Styles Lori , Coutre Steven E. , Miklos David B. 
Published: November 2016

Key Points
Ibrutinib provided effective salvage therapy in CLL relapse post–alloHCT, resulting in sustained MRD negativity without GVHD development. Ibrutinib selectively depleted pre–germinal B cells and Th2 helper cells and may enhance donor Th1 T-cell–mediated GVL effects.
Calreticulin exposure by malignant blasts correlates with robust anticancer immunity and improved clinical outcome in AML patients
Authors: Fucikova Jitka , Truxova Iva , Hensler Michal , Becht Etienne , Kasikova Lenka , Moserova Irena , Vosahlikova Sarka , Klouckova Jana , Church Sarah E. , Cremer Isabelle , Kepp Oliver , Kroemer Guido , Galluzzi Lorenzo , Salek Cyril , Spisek Radek 
Published: November 2016

Key Points
Malignant cells from patients with AML expose danger signals on the plasma membrane regardless of chemotherapy. Such danger signals correlate with markers of a clinically relevant tumor-specific immune response and with improved disease outcome.
InDel marker detection by integration of multiple softwares using machine learning techniques
Authors: Yang Jianqiu , Shi Xinyi , Hu Lun , Luo Daipeng , Peng Jing , Xiong Shengwu , Kong Fanjing , Liu Baohui , Yuan Xiaohui 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Background
In the biological experiments of soybean species, molecular markers are widely used to verify the soybean genome or construct its genetic map. Among a variety of molecular markers, insertions and deletions (InDels) are preferred with the advantages of wide distribution and high density at the whole-genome level. Hence, the problem of detecting InDels based on next-generation sequencing data is of great importance for the design of InDel markers. To tackle it, this paper integrated machine learning techniques with existing software and developed two algorithms for InDel detection, one is the best F-score method (BF-M) and the other is the Support Vector Machine (SVM) method (SVM-M), which is based on the classical SVM model.

Results
The experimental results show that the performance of BF-M was promising as indicated by the high precision and recall scores, whereas SVM-M yielded the best performance in terms of recall and F-score. Moreover, based on the InDel markers detected by SVM-M from soybeans that were collected from 56 different regions, highly polymorphic loci were selected to construct an InDel marker database for soybean.

Conclusions
Compared to existing software tools, the two algorithms proposed in this work produced substantially higher precision and recall scores, and remained stable in various types of genomic regions. Moreover, based on SVM-M, we have constructed a database for soybean InDel markers and published it for academic research.
Death by PowerPoint: alternatives for life
Authors: Duffy Richard M. , Henry Marian 
Published: November 2016

SummaryThe use of PowerPoint has become nearly ubiquitous in medical education and continuing professional development; however, many alternatives are emerging that can be used in its place. These may confer some advantages, but they also have potential drawbacks. It is helpful that educators are aware of these new presentation options and their pros and cons, including any financial implications and issues of data protection. This article considers the role of technology in teaching and learning, identifying underlying assumptions that are often made. It identifies and appraises technology that can be used with or instead of PowerPoint to best facilitate deep learning. The potential pedagogical benefits and practical limitations of these technologies are considered, and strategies are highlighted to maximise the impact of PowerPoint where it is the software of choice.
Assessing and managing hallucinations in children and adolescents
Authors: Dominguez Maria-De-Gracia , Garralda M. Elena 
Published: November 2016

SummaryHallucinations (erroneous percepts in the absence of identifiable stimuli) are a key feature of psychotic states, but they have long been known to present in children with non-psychotic psychiatric disorders. Recent epidemiological studies of child populations found surprisingly high rates (about 10%) of hallucinatory experiences. These hallucinatory phenomena are most likely to occur in the absence of psychiatric disorder and are usually simpler, less elaborate and less distressing than those observed in children with psychiatric disorders. This article details the clinical assessment of hallucinations in children and adolescents, taking into account developmental considerations and paediatric organic associations. It describes hallucinations in young people with psychoses (schizophrenia spectrum and mood disorders) and non-psychotic psychiatric disorders (emotional and behavioural disorders), and it addresses therapeutic aspects.
Alcohol policy and public health
Authors: Luty Jason 
Published: November 2016

SummaryAlcohol is the most commonly used recreational drug in the world and the third leading cause of preventable death. Alcohol consumption and alcohol problems have increased steadily over the past six decades. Methods likely to reduce alcohol problems (e.g. minimum pricing, restricting licensing hours and increasing the availability of alcohol treatment) tend not to be supported by the drinks industry. Methods favoured by the industry (e.g. public education, industry self-regulation and product warning labelling) are less effective or do not work. The recent history of alcohol policy clearly demonstrates how the financial power of industry can influence governments and undermine effective public health measures, for instance by lobbying, political donations, confusion marketing and creating fnancial vested interests by grants from industry-sponsored 'social aspect organisations'.
Drug screening using model systems: some basics
Authors: Cagan Ross 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACT
An increasing number of laboratories that focus on model systems are considering drug screening. Executing a drug screen is complicated enough. But the path for moving initial hits towards the clinic requires a different knowledge base and even a different mindset. In this Editorial I discuss the importance of doing some homework before you start screening. 'Lead hits', 'patentable chemical space' and 'druggability' are all concepts worth exploring when deciding which screening path to take. I discuss some of the lessons I learned that may be useful as you navigate the screening matrix.