bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social capital interventions targeting older people and their impact on health: a systematic review
Authors: Coll-Planas Laura , Nyqvist Fredrica , Puig Teresa , Urrútia Gerard , Solà Ivan , Monteserín Rosa 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundObservational studies show that social capital is a protective health factor. Therefore, we aim to assess the currently unclear health impact of social capital interventions targeting older adults.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review based on a logic model. Studies published between January 1980 and July 2015 were retrieved from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science. We included randomised controlled trials targeting participants over 60 years old and focused on social capital or its components (eg, social support and social participation). The comparison group should not promote social capital. We assessed risk of bias and impact on health outcomes and use of health-related resources applying a procedure from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) based on vote-counting and standardised decision rules. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (reference number CRD42014015362).ResultsWe examined 17 341 abstracts and included 73 papers reporting 36 trials. Trials were clinically and methodologically diverse and reported positive effects in different contexts, populations and interventions across multiple subjective and objective measures. According to sufficiently reported outcomes, social capital interventions showed mixed effects on quality of life, well-being and self-perceived health and were generally ineffective on loneliness, mood and mortality. Eight trials with high quality showed favourable impacts on overall, mental and physical health, mortality and use of health-related resources.ConclusionsOur review highlights the lack of evidence and the diversity among trials, while supporting the potential of social capital interventions to reach comprehensive health effects in older adults.
Single passive leg movement-induced hyperemia: a simple vascular function assessment without a chronotropic response
Authors: Venturelli Massimo , Layec Gwenael , Trinity Joel , Hart Corey R. , Broxterman Ryan M. , Richardson Russell S. 
Published: November 2016

Passive leg movement (PLM)-induced hyperemia is a novel approach to assess vascular function, with a potential clinical role. However, in some instances, the varying chronotropic response induced by PLM has been proposed to be a potentially confounding factor. Therefore, we simplified and modified the PLM model to require just a single PLM (sPLM), an approach that may evoke a peripheral hemodynamic response, allowing a vascular function assessment, but at the same time minimizing central responses. To both characterize and assess the utility of sPLM, in 12 healthy subjects, we measured heart rate (HR), stroke volume, cardiac output (CO), mean arterial pressure (MAP), leg blood flow (LBF), and calculated leg vascular conductance (LVC) during both standard PLM, consisting of passive knee flexion and extension performed at 1 Hz for 60 s, and sPLM, consisting of only a single passive knee flexion and extension over 1 s. During PLM, MAP transiently decreased (5 ± 1 mmHg), whereas both HR and CO increased from baseline (6.0 ± 1.1 beats/min, and 0.8 ± 0.01 l/min, respectively). Following sPLM, MAP fell similarly (5 ± 2 mmHg; P = 0.8), but neither HR nor CO responses were identifiable. The peak LBF and LVC response was similar for PLM (993 ± 189 ml/min; 11.9 ± 1.5 ml·min−1·mmHg−1, respectively) and sPLM (878 ± 119 ml/min; 10.9 ± 1.6 ml·min−1·mmHg−1, respectively). Thus sPLM represents a variant of the PLM approach to assess vascular function that is more easily performed and evokes a peripheral stimulus that induces a significant hyperemia, but does not generate a potentially confounding, chronotropic response, which may make sPLM more useful clinically. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using the single passive leg movement (PLM) technique, a variant of the vascular function assessment PLM, we have identified a novel peripheral vascular assessment method that is more easily performed than PLM, which, by not evoking potentially confounding central hemodynamic responses, may be more useful clinically.
Checkpoint Proteins in Pediatric Brain and Extracranial Solid Tumors: Opportunities for Immunotherapy
Authors: Ring Eric K. , Markert James M. , Gillespie G. Yancey , Friedman Gregory K. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPediatric brain and extracranial solid tumors are a diverse group of malignancies that represent almost half of all pediatric cancers. Standard therapy includes various combinations of surgery, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and radiation, which can be very harmful to a developing child, and survivors carry a substantial burden of long-term morbidities. Although these therapies have improved survival rates for children with solid tumors, outcomes still remain extremely poor for subsets of patients. Recently, immunosuppressive checkpoint molecules that negatively regulate immune cell function have been described. When found on malignant cells or in the tumor microenvironment, they contribute to immune evasion and tumor escape. Agents designed to inhibit these proteins have demonstrated significant efficacy in human adult solid tumor studies. However, there is limited research focusing on immune checkpoint molecules and inhibitors in pediatric solid tumors. In this review, we examine the current knowledge on immune checkpoint proteins with an emphasis on cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4); programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1); OX-2 membrane glycoprotein (CD200); and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). We review T-cell signaling, the mechanisms of action of these checkpoint molecules, pediatric preclinical studies on checkpoint proteins and checkpoint blockade, pediatric checkpoint inhibitor clinical trials conducted to date, and future immunotherapy opportunities for childhood cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 23(2); 342–50. ©2016 AACR.
Nicotine Accelerates Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice by Activating α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor on Mast Cells
Authors: Wang Chen , Chen Han , Zhu Wei , Xu Yinchuan , Liu Mingfei , Zhu Lianlian , Yang Fan , Zhang Ling , Liu Xianbao , Zhong Zhiwei , Zhao Jing , Jiang Jun , Xiang Meixiang , Yu Hong , Hu Xinyang , Lu Hong , Wang Jian’an 
Published: November 2016

Objective—
Cigarette smoking is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Nicotine, the addictive component of cigarettes, induces mast cell (MC) release and contributes to atherogenesis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether nicotine accelerates atherosclerosis through MC-mediated mechanisms and whether MC stabilizer prevents this pathological process.

Approach and Results—

Nicotine administration increased the size of atherosclerotic lesions in apolipoprotein E–deficient (
Apoe
−/−
) mice fed a fat-enriched diet. This was accompanied by enhanced intraplaque macrophage content and lipid deposition but reduced collagen and smooth muscle cell contents. MC deficiency in
Apoe
−/−
mice (

Apoe
−/−
Kit
W-sh/W-sh

) diminished nicotine-induced atherosclerosis. Nicotine activated bone marrow–derived MCs in vitro, which was inhibited by a MC stabilizer disodium cromoglycate or a nonselective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor blocker mecamylamine. Further investigation revealed that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor was a target for nicotine activation in MCs. Nicotine did not change atherosclerotic lesion size of

Apoe
−/−
Kit
W-sh/W-sh

mice reconstituted with MCs from

Apoe
−/−
α7nAChR

−/−
animals.

Conclusions—
Activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on MCs is a mechanism by which nicotine enhances atherosclerosis.
Zebrafish Model for Functional Screening of Flow-Responsive Genes
Authors: Serbanovic-Canic Jovana , de Luca Amalia , Warboys Christina , Ferreira Pedro F. , Luong Le A. , Hsiao Sarah , Gauci Ismael , Mahmoud Marwa , Feng Shuang , Souilhol Celine , Bowden Neil , Ashton John-Paul , Walczak Henning , Firmin David , Krams Rob , Mason Justin C. , Haskard Dorian O. , Sherwin Spencer , Ridger Victoria , Chico Timothy J.A. , Evans Paul C. 
Published: November 2016

Objective—
Atherosclerosis is initiated at branches and bends of arteries exposed to disturbed blood flow that generates low shear stress. This mechanical environment promotes lesions by inducing endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis and dysfunction via mechanisms that are incompletely understood. Although transcriptome-based studies have identified multiple shear-responsive genes, most of them have an unknown function. To address this, we investigated whether zebrafish embryos can be used for functional screening of mechanosensitive genes that regulate EC apoptosis in mammalian arteries.

Approach and Results—

First, we demonstrated that flow regulates EC apoptosis in developing zebrafish vasculature. Specifically, suppression of blood flow in zebrafish embryos (by targeting cardiac troponin) enhanced that rate of EC apoptosis (≈10%) compared with controls exposed to flow (≈1%). A panel of candidate regulators of apoptosis were identified by transcriptome profiling of ECs from high and low shear stress regions of the porcine aorta. Genes that displayed the greatest differential expression and possessed 1 to 2 zebrafish orthologues were screened for the regulation of apoptosis in zebrafish vasculature exposed to flow or no-flow conditions using a knockdown approach. A phenotypic change was observed in 4 genes; p53-related protein (
PERP
) and programmed cell death 2–like protein functioned as positive regulators of apoptosis, whereas angiopoietin-like 4 and cadherin 13 were negative regulators. The regulation of
perp
,
cdh13
,
angptl4
, and
pdcd2l
by shear stress and the effects of
perp
and
cdh13
on EC apoptosis were confirmed by studies of cultured EC exposed to flow.

Conclusions—
We conclude that a zebrafish model of flow manipulation coupled to gene knockdown can be used for functional screening of mechanosensitive genes in vascular ECs, thus providing potential therapeutic targets to prevent or treat endothelial injury at atheroprone sites.
Right Ventricular Dysfunction Impairs Effort Tolerance Independent of Left Ventricular Function Among Patients Undergoing Exercise Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Di Franco Antonino , Seoane Tania , Srinivasan Aparna , Kampaktsis Polydoros N. , Geevarghese Alexi , Goldburg Samantha R. , Khan Saadat A. , Szulc Massimiliano , Ratcliffe Mark B. , Levine Robert A. , Morgan Ashley E. , Maddula Pooja , Rozenstrauch Meenakshi , Shah Tara , Devereux Richard B. , Weinsaft Jonathan W. 
Published: November 2016

Background—
Right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) function are closely linked due to a variety of factors, including common coronary blood supply. Altered LV perfusion holds the potential to affect the RV, but links between LV ischemia and RV performance, and independent impact of RV dysfunction on effort tolerance, are unknown.

Methods and Results—

The population comprised 2051 patients who underwent exercise stress myocardial perfusion imaging and echo (5.5±7.9 days), among whom 6% had echo-evidenced RV dysfunction. Global summed stress scores were ≈3-fold higher among patients with RV dysfunction, attributable to increments in inducible and fixed LV perfusion defects (all
P
≤0.001). Regional inferior and lateral wall ischemia was greater among patients with RV dysfunction (both
P
<0.01), without difference in corresponding anterior defects (
P
=0.13). In multivariable analysis, inducible inferior and lateral wall perfusion defects increased the likelihood of RV dysfunction (both
P
<0.05) independent of LV function, fixed perfusion defects, and pulmonary artery pressure. Patients with RV dysfunction demonstrated lesser effort tolerance whether measured by exercise duration (6.7±2.8 versus 7.9±2.9 minutes;
P
<0.001) or peak treadmill stage (2.6±0.9 versus 3.1±1.0;
P
<0.001), paralleling results among patients with LV dysfunction (7.0±2.9 versus 8.0±2.9;
P
<0.001|2.7±1.0 versus 3.1±1.0;
P
<0.001 respectively). Exercise time decreased stepwise in relation to both RV and LV dysfunction (
P
<0.001) and was associated with each parameter independent of age or medication regimen.

Conclusions—
Among patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease, regional LV ischemia involving the inferior and lateral walls confers increased likelihood of RV dysfunction. RV dysfunction impairs exercise tolerance independent of LV dysfunction.
Lifelong Physical Activity Regardless of Dose Is Not Associated With Myocardial Fibrosis
Authors: Abdullah Shuaib M. , Barkley Kyler W. , Bhella Paul S. , Hastings Jeffrey L. , Matulevicius Susan , Fujimoto Naoki , Shibata Shigeki , Carrick-Ranson Graeme , Palmer M. Dean , Gandhi Nainesh , DeFina Laura F. , Levine Benjamin D. 
Published: November 2016

Background—
Recent reports have suggested that long-term, intensive physical training may be associated with adverse cardiovascular effects, including the development of myocardial fibrosis. However, the dose–response association of different levels of lifelong physical activity on myocardial fibrosis has not been evaluated.

Methods and Results—
Seniors free of major chronic illnesses were recruited from predefined populations based on the consistent documentation of stable physical activity over >25 years and were classified into 4 groups by the number of sessions/week of aerobic activities ≥30 minutes: sedentary (group 1), <2 sessions; casual (group 2), 2 to 3 sessions; committed (group 3), 4 to 5 sessions; and Masters athletes (group 4), 6 to 7 sessions plus regular competitions. All subjects underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, including late gadolinium enhancement assessment of fibrosis. Ninety-two subjects (mean age 69 years, 27% women) were enrolled. No significant differences in age or sex were seen between groups. Median peak oxygen uptake was 25, 26, 32, and 40 mL/kg/min for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated increasing left ventricular end-diastolic volumes, end-systolic volumes, stroke volumes, and masses with increasing doses of lifelong physical activity. One subject in group 2 had late gadolinium enhancement in a noncoronary distribution, and no subjects in groups 3 and 4 had evidence of late gadolinium enhancement.

Conclusions—
A lifelong history of consistent physical activity, regardless of dose ranging from sedentary to competitive marathon running, was not associated with the development of focal myocardial fibrosis.
Ticagrelor Compared With Clopidogrel in Patients With Prior Lower Extremity Revascularization for Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Jones W. Schuyler , Baumgartner Iris , Hiatt William R. , Heizer Gretchen , Conte Michael S. , White Christopher J. , Berger Jeffrey S. , Held Peter , Katona Brian G. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Norgren Lars , Blomster Juuso , Millegård Marcus , Reist Craig , Patel Manesh R. , Fowkes F. Gerry R. 
Published: November 2016

Background:
In patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease with a history of limb revascularization, the optimal antithrombotic regimen for long-term management is unknown.

Methods:
The EUCLID trial (Examining Use of Ticagrelor In PAD) randomized 13 885 patients with peripheral artery disease to treatment with ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily or clopidogrel 75 mg daily. Patients were enrolled based on an abnormal ankle-brachial index ≤0.80 or a previous lower extremity revascularization. This analysis focuses on the 7875 (57%) patients enrolled based on the previous lower extremity revascularization criterion. Patients could not be enrolled within 30 days of most recent revascularization, and patients with an indication for dual antiplatelet therapy were excluded. The primary efficacy end point was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke. The primary safety end point was major bleeding.

Results:

Patients with a previous revascularization had a mean age of 66 years, 73% were male, and the median baseline ankle-brachial index was 0.78. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, patients enrolled based on previous revascularization had similar rates of the primary composite end point (hazard ratio [HR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98–1.23,
P
=0.12) and statistically significantly higher rates of myocardial infarction (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.08–1.55,
P
=0.005) and acute limb ischemia (HR 4.23, 95% CI 2.86–6.25,
P
<0.001) when compared with patients enrolled based on ankle-brachial index criteria. No differences in ticagrelor- versus clopidogrel-treated patients were found for the primary efficacy end point (11.4% vs 11.3%; HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.88–1.15;
P
=0.90), all-cause mortality (9.2% vs 9.2%; HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.86–1.15;
P
=0.93), acute limb ischemia (2.5% vs 2.5%; HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.78–1.36;
P
=0.84), or major bleeding (1.9% vs 1.8%; HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.83–1.59;
P
=0.41). The median duration of follow-up was ≈30 months.

Conclusions:
After adjustment for baseline characteristics, patients enrolled based on previous revascularization for peripheral artery disease had higher rates of myocardial infarction and acute limb ischemia, with similar composite rates of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke when compared with patients enrolled based on the ankle-brachial index criterion. No significant differences were found between ticagrelor and clopidogrel for reduction of cardiovascular or acute limb events.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01732822.
Mechanisms Controlling the Downstream Poleward Deflection of Midlatitude Storm Tracks
Authors: Tamarin Talia , Kaspi Yohai 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The Atlantic and Pacific storm tracks in the Northern Hemisphere are characterized by a downstream poleward deflection, which has important consequences for the distribution of heat, wind, and precipitation in the midlatitudes. In this study, the spatial structure of the storm tracks is examined by tracking transient cyclones in an idealized GCM with a localized ocean heat flux. The localized atmospheric response is decomposed in terms of a time- and zonal-mean background flow, a stationary wave, and a transient eddy field. The Lagrangian tracks are used to construct cyclone composites and perform a spatially varying PV budget. Three distinct mechanisms that contribute to the poleward tilt emerge: transient nonlinear advection, latent heat release, and stationary advection. The downstream evolution of the PV composites shows the different role played by the stationary wave in each region. In the region where the tilt is maximized, all three mechanisms contribute to the poleward propagation of the low-level PV anomaly associated with the cyclone. Upstream of that region, the stationary wave is opposing the former two, and the poleward tendency is therefore reduced. Finally, through repeated experiments with enhanced strength of the heating source, it is shown that the poleward deflection of the storms enhances when the amplitude of the stationary wave increases.
Filologia e critica per Scotellaro narratore inedito e raro
Authors: Dell’Aquila Giulia 
Published: November 2016

Dai materiali narrativi inediti e rari di Rocco Scotellaro vengono qui recuperati e pubblicati in forma filologicamente corretta dieci testi; si tratta di racconti, novelle e prose, composti tra il 1942 e il 1951. Molti dei temi presenti nella produzione già nota, quella raccolta nel volume Uno si distrae al bivio e quella dispersa in riviste e quotidiani, tornano con modalità di scrittura che confermano la varietà di opzioni e una vocazione al racconto non meno convincente di quella poetica.
CoDuSe group exercise programme improves balance and reduces falls in people with multiple sclerosis: A multi-centre, randomized, controlled pilot study
Authors: Carling Anna , Forsberg Anette , Gunnarsson Martin , Nilsagård Ylva 
Published: November 2016

Background: Imbalance leading to falls is common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Objective: To evaluate the effects of a balance group exercise programme (CoDuSe) on balance and walking in PwMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale, 4.0–7.5). Methods: A multi-centre, randomized, controlled single-blinded pilot study with random allocation to early or late start of exercise, with the latter group serving as control group for the physical function measures. In total, 14 supervised 60-minute exercise sessions were delivered over 7 weeks. Pretest–posttest analyses were conducted for self-reported near falls and falls in the group starting late. Primary outcome was Berg Balance Scale (BBS). A total of 51 participants were initially enrolled; three were lost to follow-up. Results: Post-intervention, the exercise group showed statistically significant improvement ( p = 0.015) in BBS and borderline significant improvement in MS Walking Scale ( p = 0.051), both with large effect sizes (3.66; −2.89). No other significant differences were found between groups. In the group starting late, numbers of falls and near falls were statistically significantly reduced after exercise compared to before ( p < 0.001; p < 0.004). Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that the CoDuSe exercise improved balance and reduced perceived walking limitations, compared to no exercise. The intervention reduced falls and near falls frequency.
How can a competency framework for advanced practice support care?
Authors: Stanford Pamela Elizabeth 
Published: November 2016

Aim To explore whether perception of nurse practitioners in relation to whether a competency framework for advanced practice can support their work. Method A qualitative cross-sectional design was used, embedded in an interpretative paradigm of research. A non-probability sample of eight experienced nurse practitioners took part in focus groups and answered questionnaires. A mixture of phenomenological and grounded theory approaches were used to collect the data. Findings Four major themes were identified: competency frameworks can identify individual strengths and weaknesses, they can be used to set clear goals and targets, they can improve how practice is organised, and they have the potential to limit practice in terms of narrowing boundaries. The study also found competency frameworks could provide an structure to guide the development and evaluation of educational programmes. Conclusion Competency frameworks can be used so to target the development of new advanced nurse practitioners. They can address workforce development and governance by ensuring nurse practitioners have the competencies to provide safe, autonomous practice. Competency frameworks have been shown to ensure consistency in clinical practice skills underpinned with nurse practitioners' theoretical knowledge. They provide a clear development structure for career development and advanced practice. However, internationally, there is still a lack of definition of advanced practice and its core competencies.