bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut Microbiota Metabolites and Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Disease Events and Death: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Heianza Yoriko , Ma Wenjie , Manson JoAnn E. , Rexrode Kathryn M. , Qi Lu 
Published: June 2017

Background

Gut microbial metabolites have been implicated as novel risk factors for cardiovascular events and premature death. The strength and consistency of associations between blood concentrations of the gut microbial metabolites, trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (
TMAO
) and its precursors, with major adverse cardiovascular events (
MACE
) or death have not been comprehensively assessed. We quantified associations of blood concentrations of
TMAO
and its precursors with risks of
MACE
and mortality.

Methods and Results

PubMed and Embase databases were searched up, and a total of 19 prospective studies from 16 publications (n=19 256, including 3315 incident cases) with quantitative estimates of the associations of
TMAO
with the development of
MACE
or death were included in our main analysis. Multivariate‐adjusted relative risks (
RR
s) were used when these were available. Elevated concentrations of
TMAO
were associated with a pooled
RR
of 1.62 (95%
CI,
1.45, 1.80;
P
heterogeneity
=0.2; I
2
=23.5%) for
MACE
compared with low
TMAO
levels, and 1 study of black participants influenced the heterogeneity of the association. After excluding the data of blacks, the
RR
s were not different according to body mass index, prevalence of diabetes mellitus, history of cardiovascular diseases, and kidney dysfunction. Furthermore, elevated
TMAO
concentrations were associated with a pooled
RR
of 1.63 (1.36, 1.95) for all‐cause mortality. Individuals with elevated concentrations of
TMAO
precursors (
l
‐carnitine, choline, or betaine) had an approximately 1.3 to 1.4 times higher risk for
MACE
compared to those with low concentrations.

Conclusions

Elevated concentrations of
TMAO
and its precursors were associated with increased risks of
MACE
and all‐cause mortality independently of traditional risk factors.
Physical Exercise Improves Cognitive Outcomes in 2 Models of Transient Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Stradecki-Cohan Holly M. , Youbi Mehdi , Cohan Charles H. , Saul Isa , Garvin Alexandra A. , Perez Edwin , Dave Kunjan R. , Wright Clinton B. , Sacco Ralph L. , Perez-Pinzon Miguel A. 
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose—
Preclinical studies suggest that exercise can enhance cognition after cerebral ischemia but often use long training regiments and test cognition during or acutely after training. The cognitive changes may result from enhanced physical fitness and may only provide acute benefit. We sought to determine whether a short period of exercise after cerebral ischemia could improve cognitive outcomes when measured days after completion of exercise training in 2 cerebral ischemia models.

Methods—
Focal or global cerebral ischemia was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats recovered (3–4 days) then were subject to no exercise (0 m/min), mild (6 m/min), moderate (10 m/min), or heavy (15–18 m/min) treadmill exercise (5–6 days). Cognition was tested 8 to 10 days after the last exercise session with hippocampal-dependent contextual fear conditioning.

Results—
A short training period of moderate exercise enhanced cognitive function for a week after exercise completion in both models of cerebral ischemia.

Conclusions—
Utilization of this exercise paradigm can further the elucidation of exercise-mediated factors involved in cognitive recovery independent of changes in physical fitness.
Extracellular Mitochondria in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Neurological Recovery After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Chou Sherry H.-Y. , Lan Jing , Esposito Elga , Ning MingMing , Balaj Leonora , Ji Xunming , Lo Eng H. , Hayakawa Kazuhide 
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose—
Recent studies suggest that extracellular mitochondria may be involved in the pathophysiology of stroke. In this study, we assessed the functional relevance of endogenous extracellular mitochondria in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in rats and humans after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods—
A standard rat model of SAH was used, where an intraluminal suture was used to perforate a cerebral artery, thus leading to blood extravasation into subarachnoid space. At 24 and 72 hours after SAH, neurological outcomes were measured, and the standard JC1 (5,5’,6,6’-tetrachloro-1,1’,3,3’-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanineiodide) assay was used to quantify mitochondrial membrane potentials in the CSF. To further support the rat model experiments, CSF samples were obtained from 41 patients with SAH and 27 control subjects. Mitochondrial membrane potentials were measured with the JC1 assay, and correlations with clinical outcomes were assessed at 3 months.

Results—
In the standard rat model of SAH, extracellular mitochondria was detected in CSF at 24 and 72 hours after injury. JC1 assays demonstrated that mitochondrial membrane potentials in CSF were decreased after SAH compared with sham-operated controls. In human CSF samples, extracellular mitochondria were also detected, and JC1 levels were also reduced after SAH. Furthermore, higher mitochondrial membrane potentials in the CSF were correlated with good clinical recovery at 3 months after SAH onset.

Conclusions—
This proof-of-concept study suggests that extracellular mitochondria may provide a biomarker-like glimpse into brain integrity and recovery after injury.
Thematization and Intonation in the Organization of Sentences
Authors: Goodenough-Trepagnier Cheryl , Smith Frank 
Published: June 2017

Sixteen subjects were presented with pairs of sentences to choose from embedded in discourse. One member of the pair maintained the topic of the discourse while the other failed to do so. Subjects preferred the topic-maintaining sentence. The intonation patterns with which sentences of both types were read aloud by subjects did not differ as a function of whether or not the sentences were topic-maintaining. These results are evaluated in respect to two facets of Halliday's theory of theme: the psychological meaning of theme, and the independence of thematization and information structure.
The Effects of Punishment Schedule on Disfluency Rate
Authors: Martin Richard R. , Hasbrouck Jon M. 
Published: June 2017

In Experiment I, 40 normal speaking subjects spoke spontaneously. One group of 20 subjects received 100% punishment (time-out) for disfluencies in the first session and 25% punishment for disfluencies in the second session. A second group of 20 subjects received the treatments in the reverse order. In both groups, the 100% punishment produced a marked reduction in disfluencies, whereas the 25% punishment had little effect either on conditioning or extinction of disfluencies. In Experiment II, 20 subjects received the same 100% punishment procedure in all four eight-minute "conditioning" periods. A different 20 subjects received 100% punishment for the first two eight-minute conditioning periods, but only 25% punishment for the last two eight-minute conditioning periods. Subjects in both groups experienced a marked reduction in disfluencies in the first two eight-minute punishment periods. From that point on, the subjects who continued to receive 100% punishment continued to decrease their disfluencies, but the subjects who were switched to 25% punishment remained at almost the same disfluency rate. Neither group demonstrated any marked increase in disfluency during extinction.
International Financial Capital and the Brazilian Land Market
Authors: Mendonça Maria Luisa , Pitta Fábio Teixeira 
Published: June 2017

International financial capital stimulated the production of industrial agricultural supplies in Brazil during the foreign debt crisis of the 1980s. In the mid-1990s new financial sources became available for debt rollovers, and this fueled a new cycle of industrialization in agriculture. This trend intensified in the years that followed, when commodity prices were high on the international markets. It led to an increase in the concentration of capital in agricultural assets such as machinery and land, which in turn generated a new cycle of indebtedness for agribusiness. This process of crisis accumulation was marked by the overexploitation of labor and predatory control over natural resources. Capitais financeiros internacionais de empréstimo fomentaram a internalização da produção de insumos industriais agrícolas no Brasil, em um período que coincide com a crise da dívida externa brasileira na década de 1980. A partir da metade da década de 1990, a retomada dos financiamentos para a rolagem de dívidas promoveu um novo ciclo de industrialização da agricultura. Esta tendência se acentuou nos anos posteriores durante o período de alta dos preços das commodities no mercado internacional e fomentou o aumento da concentração de ativos financeiros na forma de maquinário e terras, gerando um novo ciclo de endividamento para o agronegócio. Este processo de crise-acumulação é marcado pela superexploração do trabalho e pelo controle predatório de recursos naturais.
Sectoral Patterns of Inward FDIs and Domestic Productivity in Europe*
Authors: Castellani Davide , Zanfei Antonello 
Published: June 2017

This paper describes the sectoral patterns of foreign direct investment in France, Italy and Spain, using a novel data set on manufacturing firms for the 1993–97 period. Significant heterogeneities emerge across countries in terms of weight and distribution of foreign presence, and in terms of productivity levels of multinational firms. It is shown that such structural diversities can help explain the different impact of foreign owned activities on labour productivity of domestic firms in these countries. Based on this evidence some critical considerations are made on both the “catching up” hypothesis, which identifies a positive relation between the size of technological gaps and growth opportunities induced by foreign investments; and the “technological accumulation” hypothesis, which stresses the role of domestic absorptive capacity and of coherence between foreign and domestic technology as determinants of virtuous effects of inward investments. Policy implications are drawn, concerning the selection and promotion of inward investments in advanced countries. JEL: F23, L23
Public Wealth and Private Riches: Past and Present
Authors: Foy George E. 
Published: June 2017

The classical economists defined national wealth as the sum of goods with exchange value. Lauderdale, a contemporary of Adam Smith, drew a distinction between private riches, the classical definition, and public wealth, the sum of all goods with use value. Public wealth included abundant environmental goods such as clean air and water. Lauderdale maintained that private riches could expand due to the scarcity of formerly free, but unmeasured public wealth. Hence the classical measure of wealth would give a misleading indication of the total goods available to society under conditions of environmental scarcity. The classical economists denied the relevance of Lauderdale’s thesis for their time. The modern national economic accounts follow the classical concept in omitting the services of free environmental resources. However, environmental conditions have now changed to the point where Lauderdale’s concept of public wealth is more relevant than the classical concept of private riches. Hence current measures of national economic performance should be revised so they will indicate whether we have more or less total goods and services available to us over time in a world of environmental scarcity.
Book Review: The European Challenge: Industry’s Response to the 1992 Programme
Authors: Meyer F.V. 
Published: June 2017

The European Challenge: Industry’s Response to the 1992 Programme: Edited by G. Mayes, Hemel Hempstead: Harvester Wheatsheaf, 1991, 433pp., Index, £45.00, ISBN 0-7450-1034-2. The New Europe: Changing Economic Relations between East and West: Susan Senior Nello, Hemel Hempstead: Harvester Wheatsheaf, 1991, 282pp., Index, £40.00, ISBN 0-7450-1050-4.
Simplified Elastic-Plastic Analysis of Stiffened Plates and Space Frames
Authors: Sosnowski Wlodzimierz 
Published: June 2017

In this paper two algorithms are presented for approximate nonlinear analysis of stiffened plates subjected to lateral and/or in-plane loads. The stiffened plate is treated either as an equivalent orthotropic plate or as a space frame. The last case corresponds to a discrete beam idealization in which the plate is represented by effective flanges acting together with the stiffeners according to simple beam theory. For plane cases local buckling phenomena are incorporated into the frame model. Three points are believed to be new in this paper: — comparisons between the two models in nonlinear range are made and as a conclusion the necessity of application of both models of real structure is confirmed because of very different results obtained in elastic and elastic-plastic range. — the additivity of elastic and plastic parts of the total generalized displacement is discussed and some error estimates in terms of known Timoshenko beam hypothesis are given, — formulas for modification of effective breadth values treated as linearized functions of loading in elastic-plastic range are proposed.
Two Lozenges Containing Benzocaine Assessed in the Relief of Sore Throat
Authors: Kagan G , Huddlestone L , Wolstencroft P 
Published: June 2017

A study has been conducted in general practice comparing two brands of lozenges, Merocaine® (Merrell) and Tyrozets®, (M.S.D.), in the management of acute sore throat and pharyngitis. Eighty-eight patients entered the between-patient study and each completed a diary card covering symptoms experienced and dosage used for each of the two drugs. The doctor reported upon the appearance of the throat and added antibiotics in cases of necessity, which was approximately for one-third of patients. Merocaine proved to be significantly superior to Tyrozets in producing rapid pain relief (within 15 minutes) and reduction of faucial and pharyngeal injection.
The Pathogenesis of Ocular Lesions of Infectious Canine Hepatitis: 1. Pathology and Virological Observations
Authors: Carmichael L. E. 
Published: June 2017

Disease-free dogs, known to be susceptible to infectious canine hepatitis, were inoculated with this virus subcutaneously or intravenously. Antibody and virus titers were measured in the aqueous humor and blood serum. Ocular tissue was examined for the presence of virus by fluorescence microscopy. During the acute febrile stage of illness there was mild iridocyclitis without corneal involvement. The latter supervened during convalescence. Two fundamentally different modes of pathogenesis are postulated for the ocular lesions of infectious canine hepatitis. During the acute phase of illness, prior to the onset of circulating antibody, uveitis occurs that is related directly to effects of viral growth in vascular endothelium, and in reticuloendothelial elements of the anterior uvea. The severe iridocyclitis with corneal opacification that occurs in clinically recovered dogs possess characteristics of the Arthus-type of ocular hypersensitivity.
Renal Calcification in the Domestic Cat
Authors: Lucke Vanda M. , Hunt A. C. 
Published: June 2017

Morphologically similar deposits of calcium salts have been demonstrated in the renal medullary tubules of cats with both normal kidneys and cats with scarred ones. The deposits were dystrophic and occurred in the tubular basement membranes, and in the lumens as casts and as calcospherites. In the basement membranes calcification was preceded by hyalinisation and accumulation of cholesterol esters. It is proposed that calcospherites are formed from lipid from the proximal tubular epithelium. X-ray diffraction studies indicated 5 different crystalline substances. Only 2 have been identified: one resembles Whitlockite (Ca3(PO4)2), the other gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O).
Endoscopic Forehead Rejuvenation: Using Bone Channels for Soft-Tissue Suspension
Authors: Jugan Milan J. , Sellers Vernon A. , Waite Peter D. 
Published: June 2017

Introduction: The use of endoscopic procedures to facilitate the rejuvenation of the upper face offers today's cosmetic surgery patient a less invasive and less morbid procedure, with comparable results to the various open techniques. Multiple methods of soft-tissue suspension have been utilized with varying results while performing endoscopic browlift procedures. All methods of suspension attempt to maintain the elevated brow, however they differ in length of time for fixation, use of hardware, and the need for secondary procedures. Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review various techniques of soft-tissue suspension for endoscopic forehead rejuvenation and describe the bone channel technique. Methods: The authors present a brief review of the history of soft-tissue suspension in endoscopic forehead rejuvenation ranging from the use of scalp excision to resorbable suspension screws. A procedure for the use of bone channels to maintain suture suspension of the soft-tissue flap, which is currently in use at their institutions, is presented. Results: The bone channel procedure is a simple, predictable technique that provides long term suspension of the soft-tissue flap, eliminates the use of hardware, and allows for immediate closure of the instrumentation ports. Conclusions: This simple technique of suture suspension using bone channels in the outer cortex of the cranial bone provides an inexpensive and predictable alternative for endoscopic forehead rejuvenation. Proper use can successfully effect a pleasing and natural look for the facial cosmetic surgery patient.
Epiluminescent Microscopy Predicts the Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light Treatments in Asian Skin
Authors: Neel Victor A. , Nyugen Natalie , Iwasaki Julie , Moy Ronald L. 
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Facial dyschromias, particularly in Asian skin, represent a challenge to cosmetic surgeons. Intense pulsed light (IPL) has been reported to clear a number of pigmentary alterations, but we have found the results variable and the efficacy of treatment difficult to predict. Objective: To use epiluminescent microscopy (ELM) to predict the clearing of clinically pigmented lesions in Asian patients undergoing “fotofacials” with IPL. Methods: Clinically similar pigmented lesions on the face were photographed with standard techniques and with ELM before, during, and after multiple IPL treatments in 5 patients. Patients and physicians were asked to grade cosmetic improvement after 5 sequential treatments. ELM photographs were then evaluated after treatment to correlate clinical success with the type of lesion. Results: ELM was able to discriminate among several clinically similar lesions. Lentigines responded to IPL treatments, whereas macular seborrheic keratoses, melasma, and junctional nevi responded poorly. Conclusion: Careful evaluation of pigmented lesions in Asian skin before IPL treatment can predict the efficacy of treatment.
Megaliposuction: A Staged Event
Authors: Schmerler Elliott 
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Concerns about the safety of patients undergoing liposuction have led to recent guidelines from the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery to not remove more than 5 L of total supranatant fat during one procedure. Case Report: Patients A and B had 10.3 and 6.2 L of fat removed, respectively, without postoperative complications. Conclusions: The staging method described here is for large patients presenting for liposuction in whom more than 5 L of total supranatant fat is expected. Staging is one way to perform megaliposuction while possibly reducing risk to the patient and to the surgeon.
In Vitro Stability of Polyether and Polycarbonate Urethanes
Authors: Tanzi M. Cristina , Farè Silvia , Petrini Paola 
Published: June 2017

The in vitro structural stability of poly-ether-urethanes (PEUs) and poly-carbonate-urethanes (PCUs) was examined under strong acidic (HNO3) or alkaline (NaClO) oxidative conditions and in presence of a constant strain state. Polyurethane (PU) samples were represented by sheets solvent-cast from commercial pellets or by tubular specimens cut from commercial catheters. The specimens were strained at 100% uniaxial elongation over appropriate extension devices and completely immersed into the oxidative solutions at 50'C for 7-14 days. The changes induced by the oxidative treatments were then evaluated by molecular weight analysis, tensile mechanical tests, and scanning electron microscopy. In the experiments with solvent-cast samples, the PEU Pellethane was degraded more in the alkaline oxidative conditions and mainly in the absence of an applied uniaxial stress. All the tested PCUs were, on the contrary, more affected by the acidic oxidative agent. All the PCUs proved to have overall better stability than the PEU. The susceptibility to oxidation was also dependent on the shape and bulk/surface organisation acquired by the same polymer during its processing. When the oxidative test was applied to catheters made of a PEU and a PCU, the results confirmed the better stability of poly-carbonate-urethanes.
Tartrazine Revisited
Authors: Cohon Monte S. 
Published: June 2017

A compilation of tartrazine (FD and C No. 5) containing drugs from major pharmaceutical manufacturers in the United States of America appears. Characteristics of tartrazine, spectrum of its use, incidence of allergic reactions and relationship with other food and drug dyes are discussed, as are the clinical manifestations of such reactions. The importance of coercive tartrazine disclosure, as well as the disclosure of other excipients and additives by the Food and Drug Administration is emphasized.
The Patient-Pharmacist Interaction in Two Ambulatory Settings — It's Relationship to Patient Satisfaction and Drug Misuse
Authors: Ludy Judith Ann , Gagnon Jean Paul , Caiola Stephen M. 
Published: June 2017

Seventy-five clinic outpatients were randomly assigned to a Satellite Pharmacy with a private consultation room or a centralized Traditional Pharmacy with an open-window setting. A comparison of the patient-pharmacist interaction and its relationship to the patient's satisfaction with pharmacy services and his drug-taking behavior was measured by the use of two questionnaires. A significant difference was found in the quantity of consultation activities performed by the pharmacists in the two settings. Patients were significantly more satisfied with the Satellite Pharmacy and seemed to favor the private setting over the open-window. Patient satisfaction was significantly correlated with the waiting time, the amount of time spent with the pharmacist, the total activities received during the interaction, and satisfaction with hospital services in general. Medication errors were not significantly different for the two patient groups when measured by verbal reports but compliance scores were significantly different for those patients taking drugs for which a tablet count could be done. Although analysis of the data showed a significant difference for only one measure of drug-taking behavior, improvement of drug use as a result of the interaction with the pharmacist in the Satellite Pharmacy was suggested. Compliance scores for regularly scheduled drugs correlated with the financial status of the patient, total interaction activities, and interaction time. Financial status, satisfaction with the drug, and the day of the second interview were significantly correlated with the PRN compliance scores.