bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carboxyl-Terminal Cleavage of Apolipoprotein A-I by Human Mast Cell Chymase Impairs Its Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Authors: Nguyen Su Duy , Maaninka Katariina , Lappalainen Jani , Nurmi Katariina , Metso Jari , Öörni Katariina , Navab Mohamad , Fogelman Alan M. , Jauhiainen Matti , Lee-Rueckert Miriam , Kovanen Petri T. 
Published: December 2015

Objective—
Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) has been shown to possess several atheroprotective functions, including inhibition of inflammation. Protease-secreting activated mast cells reside in human atherosclerotic lesions. Here we investigated the effects of the neutral proteases released by activated mast cells on the anti-inflammatory properties of apoA-I.

Approach and Results—
Activation of human mast cells triggered the release of granule-associated proteases chymase, tryptase, cathepsin G, carboxypeptidase A, and granzyme B. Among them, chymase cleaved apoA-I with the greatest efficiency and generated C-terminally truncated apoA-I, which failed to bind with high affinity to human coronary artery endothelial cells. In tumor necrosis factor-α–activated human coronary artery endothelial cells, the chymase-cleaved apoA-I was unable to suppress nuclear factor-κB–dependent upregulation of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and to block THP-1 cells from adhering to and transmigrating across the human coronary artery endothelial cells. Chymase-cleaved apoA-I also had an impaired ability to downregulate the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8 in lipopolysaccharide-activated GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor)– and M-CSF (macrophage colony-stimulating factor)–differentiated human macrophage foam cells and to inhibit reactive oxygen species formation in PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate)–activated human neutrophils. Importantly, chymase-cleaved apoA-I showed reduced ability to inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in vivo in mice. Treatment with chymase blocked the ability of the apoA-I mimetic peptide L-4F, but not of the protease-resistant D-4F, to inhibit proinflammatory gene expression in activated human coronary artery endothelial cells and macrophage foam cells and to prevent reactive oxygen species formation in activated neutrophils.

Conclusions—
The findings identify C-terminal cleavage of apoA-I by human mast cell chymase as a novel mechanism leading to loss of its anti-inflammatory functions. When targeting inflamed protease-rich atherosclerotic lesions with apoA-I, infusions of protease-resistant apoA-I might be the appropriate approach.
Extended-Release Niacin/Laropiprant Improves Overall Efficacy of Postprandial Reverse Cholesterol Transport
Authors: El Khoury Petra , Waldmann Elisa , Huby Thierry , Gall Julie , Couvert Philippe , Lacorte Jean-Marc , Chapman John , Frisdal Eric , Lesnik Philippe , Parhofer Klaus G. , Le Goff Wilfried , Guerin Maryse 
Published: December 2015

Objectives—
Postprandial atherogenic lipoproteins, characterizing high-risk patients, correlate positively with cardiovascular events. Although the effect of niacin on fasting lipids is well established, its impact on atheroprotective reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) pathway and on functional features of circulating lipoproteins during the postprandial state remains indeterminate.

Approach and Results—

We evaluated RCT pathway during postprandial phase in dyslipidemic patients displaying a low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol phenotype. Ten subjects on stable statin therapy received 1 g/20 mg extended-release niacin/laropiprant (ERN/LRPT) for 4 weeks followed by 2 g/40 mg ERN/LRPT for additional 8 weeks. At each experimental period, postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and major steps of RCT, including cholesterol efflux from human macrophages, cholesteryl ester transfer protein–mediated cholesteryl ester transfer, and hepatic HDL-cholesteryl ester selective uptake were evaluated. Equally, the capacity of postprandial HDL particles isolated from patients before and after ERN/LRPT treatment to mediate RCT to feces was evaluated in vivo in human apolipoprotein B/cholesteryl ester transfer protein double transgenic mouse model. Compared with baseline, ERN/LRPT significantly reduced postprandial hypertriglyceridemia (incremental area under the curve-triglyceride: −53%;
P
=0.02). Postprandial increase in endogenous plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity was completely abolished after ERN/LRPT treatment. Despite a slight reduction in plasma cholesterol efflux capacity from human THP-1 macrophages, evaluation of global RCT efficacy by combining both ex vivo and in vivo approaches indicate that postprandial HDL particles formed under ERN/LRPT therapy displayed a greater capacity for HDL-mediated RCT to feces.

Conclusions—
ERN/LRPT treatment efficiently attenuates atherogenic postprandial lipemia and stimulates HDL-mediated cholesterol return to the liver and elimination into feces during postprandial phase, thus maintaining an efficient removal of cholesterol from the body.
Effects of Epicardial and Endocardial Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy on Coronary Flow: Insights From Wave Intensity Analysis
Authors: Claridge Simon , Chen Zhong , Jackson Tom , De Silva Kalpa , Behar Jonathan , Sohal Manav , Webb Jessica , Hyde Eoin , Lumley Matthew , Asrress Kal , Williams Rupert , Bostock Julian , Ali Motin , Gill Jaswinder , O'Neill Mark , Razavi Reza , Niederer Steve , Perera Divaka , Rinaldi Christopher Aldo 
Published: December 2015

Background

The increase in global coronary flow seen with conventional biventricular pacing is mediated by an increase in the dominant backward expansion wave (
BEW
). Little is known about the determinants of flow in the left‐sided epicardial coronary arteries beyond this or the effect of endocardial pacing stimulation on coronary physiology.

Methods and Results

Eleven patients with a chronically implanted biventricular pacemaker underwent an acute hemodynamic and electrophysiological study. Five of 11 patients also took part in a left ventricular endocardial pacing protocol at the same time. Conventional biventricular pacing, delivered epicardially from the coronary sinus, resulted in a 9% increase in flow (average peak velocity) in the left anterior descending artery (LAD), mediated by a 13% increase in the area under the
BEW
(
P
=0.004). Endocardial pacing resulted in a 27% increase in LAD flow, mediated by a 112% increase in the area under the forward compression wave (FCW) and a 43% increase in the area under the
BEW
(
P
=0.048 and
P
=0.036, respectively). There were no significant changes in circumflex parameters. Conventional biventricular pacing resulted in homogenization of timing of coronary flow compared with baseline (mean difference in time to peak in the LAD versus circumflex artery: FCW 39 ms [baseline] versus 3 ms [conventional biventricular pacing],
P
=0.008;
BEW
47 ms [baseline] versus 8 ms [conventional biventricular pacing],
P
=0.004).

Conclusions

Epicardial and endocardial pacing result in increased coronary flow in the left anterior descending artery and homogenization of the timing of waves that determine flow in the LAD and the circumflex artery. The increase in both the FCW and the
BEW
with endocardial pacing may be the result of a more physiological activation pattern than that of epicardial pacing, which resulted in an increase of only the
BEW
.
Test Accuracy of Informant-Based Cognitive Screening Tests for Diagnosis of Dementia and Multidomain Cognitive Impairment in Stroke
Authors: McGovern Aine , Pendlebury Sarah T. , Mishra Nishant K. , Fan Yuhua , Quinn Terence J. 
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose—
Poststroke cognitive assessment can be performed using standardized questionnaires designed for family or care givers. We sought to describe the test accuracy of such informant-based assessments for diagnosis of dementia/multidomain cognitive impairment in stroke.

Methods—
We performed a systematic review using a sensitive search strategy across multidisciplinary electronic databases. We created summary test accuracy metrics and described reporting and quality using STARDdem and Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) tools, respectively.

Results—
From 1432 titles, we included 11 studies. Ten papers used the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). Four studies described IQCODE for diagnosis of poststroke dementia (n=1197); summary sensitivity: 0.81 (95% confidence interval, 0.60–0.93); summary specificty: 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.64–0.93). Five studies described IQCODE as tool for predicting future dementia (n=837); summary sensitivity: 0.60 (95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.83); summary specificity: 0.97 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–1.00). All papers had issues with at least 1 aspect of study reporting or quality.

Conclusions—
There is a limited literature on informant cognitive assessments in stroke. IQCODE as a diagnostic tool has test properties similar to other screening tools, IQCODE as a prognostic tool is specific but insensitive. We found no papers describing test accuracy of informant tests for diagnosis of prestroke cognitive decline, few papers on poststroke dementia and all included papers had issues with potential bias.
Emotional Perception of Music in Children With Bimodal Fitting and Unilateral Cochlear Implant
Authors: Shirvani Sareh , Jafari Zahra , Motasaddi Zarandi Masoud , Jalaie Shohre , Mohagheghi Hamed , Tale Mohammad Reza 
Published: December 2015

Objective: Biological, structural, and acoustical constraints faced by cochlear implant (CI) users can alter the perception of music. Bimodal fitting not only provides bilateral hearing but can also improve auditory skills. This study was conducted to assess the impact of this amplification style on the emotional perception of music among children with hearing loss (HL). Methods: Twenty-five children with congenital severe to profound HL and unilateral CIs, 20 children with bimodal fitting, and 30 children with normal hearing participated in this study. Their emotional perceptions of music were measured using a method where children indicated happy or sad feelings induced by music by pointing to pictures of faces showing these emotions. Results: Children with bimodal fitting obtained significantly higher mean scores than children with unilateral CIs for both happy and sad music items and in overall test scores ( P < .001). Both groups with HL obtained significantly lower scores than children with normal hearing ( P < .001). Conclusions: Bimodal fitting results in a better emotional perception of music compared to unilateral CI. Given the influence of music in neurological and linguistic development and social interactions, it is important to evaluate the possible benefits of bimodal fitting prescriptions for individuals with unilateral CIs.
Exploring the validity of the Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist in an inner city population of people presenting with suicidal behaviours
Authors: Wilhelm Kay , Handley Tonelle , Reddy Prasuna 
Published: December 2015

Purpose: Although patients demonstrate a range of problematic health-related lifestyle behaviours preceding suicidal behaviour, there is little research that routinely measure these behaviours. This paper seeks to establish the utility of health-related lifestyle measure (Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist) in people presenting to a major inner city Emergency Department with a range of suicidal behaviours. Methods: From 2007–2014, data from the 366 patients who had completed the Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist, after referral by the Emergency Department to a service for people with deliberate self-harm or suicidal ideation, were included in the analysis study. A Maximum Likelihood factor analysis was performed to assess the factor structure of the Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist and the resultant factors were explored in relation to measures of health; namely the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey. Results: A three-component factor structure emerged comprising Component 1 ‘ positive life investments’, Component 2 ‘poor emotional regulation’ and Component 3 ‘poor health behaviours’. There was a significant negative correlation between ‘positive life investments’ and each of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress scales subscales and significant positive associations with ‘poor emotional regulation’ and Short Form Health Survey-12 mental health scores. Only the Short Form Health Survey-12 physical health subscale was weakly correlated with ‘poor health behaviours’, in females. Conclusion: Our findings support the construct and concurrent validity of the Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist measure. The three factors obtained for the Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist were coherent and seem useful for research and clinical practice.
Constraints and possibilities: Scandinavian shipping companies and transmigration, 1898–1914
Authors: Sebak Per Kristian 
Published: December 2015

In the early twentieth century, transatlantic migration peaked. Transmigrants, i.e. migrants who travelled through third countries on the way to their destination, comprised more than half of all emigrants departing from German, Belgian, Dutch and British ports which together were the most important. The most important countries of origin were Russia and Austria-Hungary, in addition to Italy. Because of this, shipping companies had to deal with networks and manage a transport system extending far beyond their traditional sphere of economic interest. In the process, the companies became ever more dependent on influencing state actors in Europe as well as in North America to keep their long-established business structures going. In many ways, the transatlantic passenger business between the 1890s and 1914 should therefore be viewed more as a transmigrant business rather than an emigrant business, which is the most common understanding of this massive human movement. The article focuses on the transmigration phenomenon from the point of view of three very different shipping companies/initiatives in Norway, Sweden and Denmark respectively. Norway and Sweden had among the highest rates of transatlantic migration, and Norway had the third largest merchant fleet in the word by the turn of the twentieth century. Yet only Denmark provided a direct transatlantic service throughout the most important period for transatlantic migration. What possibilities were there for these three countries to engage in the transatlantic passenger business and what constrained their efforts? By concentrating on the transmigration phenomenon and three countries with differing points of departure, the article provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and dynamics involved in shaping the transatlantic passenger business, of how the business worked, and of how the companies could influence the flow and pattern of migratory movements between Europe and North America.
Development and Implementation of Clinical Pharmacist Services Within an Integrated Medical Group
Authors: Musselman Kerri T. , Moczygemba Leticia R. , Pierce Andrea L. , Plum Mary-Beth F. , Brokaw Deborah K. , Kelly David L. 
Published: December 2015

Background: In 2012, pharmacists were integrated into a medical group to provide direct patient care, drug information activities, and health care provider education. The medical group encompasses 40 primary care and 60 specialty offices in Virginia. Objective: To describe the development and implementation of clinical pharmacist services integrated within a medical group. Methods: Pharmacists’ roles and responsibilities, type and number of patient encounters, and identification of strategies to facilitate implementation are described. Results: From June 2012 to December 2014, pharmacists had 809 patient encounters, which included patient-centered education, medication consults, Medicare annual wellness visits, senior care visits, and comprehensive medication reviews. Pharmacists addressed 403 drug information requests from nurse navigators, providers, and administrators. Pharmacists also have roles in risk management, quality improvement initiatives, and operations that benefit the medical group. Strategies to facilitate implementation include working with organizational leadership, identifying a physician champion, and establishing credibility by being responsive to practice needs and responding to requests in a timely manner to build trust within the health care team. Conclusion: Integration of pharmacists within health care teams involves more than direct patient care activities. Pharmacists should be involved at the organizational level to have a broader impact on patient and practice levels.
Nicotine and Cotinine Levels With Electronic Cigarette
Authors: Marsot A. , Simon N. 
Published: December 2015

Background: Since their introduction in 2004, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have gained popularity worldwide. E-cigarettes are marketed as nicotine delivery devices. Commonly reported reasons for use include to quit smoking, to reduce urge to smoke, or the perceived lower risk alternative to smoking. But what are the actual amounts of nicotine delivered? Aim: This review summarizes all the published studies concerning nicotine or cotinine levels following e-cigarette use. Methods: A literature search was conducted from the PubMed database, from 1985 to January 2014, using the following terms: electronic cigarette(s), e-cigarette(s), electronic nicotine delivery system, cotinine, and nicotine. Articles were excluded if they were not pertinent according to our criteria. References of all relevant articles were also evaluated. Results: Eight studies were included in this review. The following information was extracted from the articles: population size, age of participants, recruitment, inclusion and exclusion criteria, concentration of nicotine in refills liquids, study sample design, and observed concentrations. Following design of studies, plasma nicotine Cmax was observed between 0 and 5 ng/mL (no significant changes) or between 13.9 and 16.3 ng/mL (similar to a tobacco cigarette) with a Tmax between 70 and 75 minutes. Cotinine levels after “vaping” an e-cigarette are similar to a tobacco cigarette. Conclusion: This review summarizes e-cigarette studies that contain information on nicotine or cotinine levels. The peak concentration of nicotine appears to be dependent on the use and dose level of e-cigarette cartridge. The value of this peak concentration is similar to the value found with a tobacco cigarette. However, the time corresponding to the peak concentration is delayed compared to a tobacco cigarette.
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Authors: Gattey Natasha , Bahrani Bahar , Hull Peter R. 
Published: December 2015

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is urticaria persisting for more than 6 weeks with no identifiable provoking cause and associated with significant disability. Objectives: The aim of this study was to survey patients with CSU with a view to establishing prognosis, efficacy of treatments, suspected causality, and effects on lifestyle. Methods: One hundred seventy-four patients with CSU were seen between 2003 and 2013. A questionnaire was sent to all, and 101 participated. Results: The ratio of female to male participants was 4:1. The mean age of onset was 36 years. The average duration of symptoms was 8.8 years, with a range of 0.33 to 55 years. Seven percent of participants had autoimmune thyroiditis, and another 17% had various other autoimmune diseases. Common symptoms were pruritus, disturbed sleep, and anxiety. Slightly more than 70% had missed work or school. Most were frustrated at the lack of efficacy of treatments. Conclusions CSU is frequently associated with a history of autoimmune diseases. It may persist for decades and causes significant disruption to lifestyle.
The impact of community-based eHealth self-management intervention among elderly living alone with hypertension
Authors: Jung Hyesun , Lee Jong-Eun 
Published: December 2015

Introduction This study intended to examine the effect of an eHealth self-management (eHSM) intervention on elderly Korean persons who live alone in a community. Methods A quasi-experimental study was designed, and a total of 64 elderly persons (intervention n = 31, control n = 33) with hypertension (a systolic blood pressure measurement of ≥140 and/or a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg) or taking anti-hypertensive medication participated. The eHSM intervention consisted of a four-week, in-class educational phase, community-based eHealth monitoring, and monthly telephone counselling for 24 weeks. Results The primary outcome measurement of the study was BP, and secondary outcomes included psycho-behavioural variables. Specifically, the systolic BP among intervention group participants was 133.9 mm Hg at baseline and 122.5 mm Hg after 24 weeks of follow-up. Participants in the intervention group showed greater improvement in self-efficacy, self-care behaviour, and social support than did participants in the control group 24 weeks post-intervention. Discussion The results highlight the clinical efficacy of an eHSM intervention composed of a four-week education program, self-monitoring, and follow-up counselling. The eHSM intervention should be expanded to include community-dwelling elderly persons with hypertension to improve the self-management of hypertension and control of blood pressure.
Comparative safety and efficacy of vasopressors for mortality in septic shock: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Nagendran Myura , Maruthappu Mahiben , Gordon Anthony C , Gurusamy Kurinchi S 
Published: December 2015

Introduction Septic shock is a life-threatening condition requiring vasopressor agents to support the circulatory system. Several agents exist with choice typically guided by the specific clinical scenario. We used a network meta-analysis approach to rate the comparative efficacy and safety of vasopressors for mortality and arrhythmia incidence in septic shock patients. Methods We performed a comprehensive electronic database search including Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and the Cochrane database. Randomised trials investigating vasopressor agents in septic shock patients and specifically assessing 28-day mortality or arrhythmia incidence were included. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Results Thirteen trials of low to moderate risk of bias in which 3146 patients were randomised were included. There was no pairwise evidence to suggest one agent was superior over another for mortality. In the network meta-analysis, vasopressin was significantly superior to dopamine (OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.5 to 0.94)) for mortality. For arrhythmia incidence, standard pairwise meta-analyses confirmed that dopamine led to a higher incidence of arrhythmias than norepinephrine (OR 2.69 (95% CI 2.08 to 3.47)). In the network meta-analysis, there was no evidence of superiority of one agent over another. Conclusions In this network meta-analysis, vasopressin was superior to dopamine for 28-day mortality in septic shock. Existing pairwise information supports the use of norepinephrine over dopamine. Our findings suggest that dopamine should be avoided in patients with septic shock and that other vasopressor agents should continue to be based on existing guidelines and clinical judgement of the specific presentation of the patient.