bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical role of TNF inhibition in combination therapy for elderly mice with atherosclerosis
Authors: Park Kyung‐Yeon , Heo Tae‐Hwe 
Published: June 2017

SummaryAimsWe have previously shown that the combination of pravastatin and sarpogrelate is synergistically beneficial for atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated whether the pravastatin‐sarpogrelate combination was sufficient for treatment in an old mouse model of atherosclerosis or if additional intervention would be needed to address the newly included aging factor and its complex pathophysiological impact on the atherosclerogenic state. We added an anti‐TNF biological to the combination treatment cocktail because of the known pathologic roles of TNF in the aging process.MethodsSixty‐week‐old low‐density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice were fed a high‐fat, high‐cholesterol diet and treated with the sarpogrelate and pravastatin combination, etanercept alone, or the triple combination.ResultsAlthough, etanercept alone did not significantly reduce aortic root and atherosclerotic plaque areas, the pravastatin‐sarpogrelate combination, and pravastatin‐sarpogrelate‐etanercept triple therapy significantly reduced the plaque areas. Surprisingly, TNF inhibition was critically required to reduce the plaque areas of aortic roots and the expression of ICAM‐1, MOMA‐2, and TNF. More importantly, a lipid‐lowering effect by pravastatin was observed only in the triple therapy group and not in the pravastatin and sarpogrelate combination group.ConclusionsThese results suggest that TNF‐inhibitory intervention should be added to the conventional therapy as a novel strategy for treating the elderly patients with atherosclerosis.
To take or not to take: the association between perceived addiction risk, expected analgesic response and likelihood of trying novel pain relievers in self‐identified chronic pain patients
Authors: Tompkins D. Andrew , Huhn Andrew S. , Johnson Patrick S. , Smith Michael T. , Strain Eric C. , Edwards Robert R. , Johnson Matthew W. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackground and aimsProbability discounting refers to the effect of outcome uncertainty on decision making. Using probability discounting, we examined the degree to which self‐identified chronic pain patients (CPP) were likely to try a novel analgesic medication given increasing addiction risk. We postulated that propensity for opioid misuse, trait impulsivity and previous opioid experience would be associated positively with likelihood of risky medication use.DesignThis cross‐sectional on‐line study determined state/trait associations with addiction‐related medication decisions in CPP.SettingUS‐based CPP participated via Amazon Mechanical Turk; data were collected and analyzed in Baltimore, Maryland.ParticipantsA total of 263 CPP (70.6% female) participated in the study from 12–13 December 2014.MeasurementsCPP responded to the Benefit versus Addiction Risk Questionnaire (BARQ) assessing likelihood of taking a hypothetical once‐daily oral analgesic medication as a function of two factors: risk of addiction (0–50%) and duration of expected complete pain relief (3, 30 or 365 days). The primary outcome was the BARQ, quantified as area under the curve (AUC). Grouping of CPP at high or low risk for opioid misuse was based on the Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain–Revised (SOAPP‐R). Predictors included previous experience with opioids, as well as various measures of chronic pain and mental health.FindingsAcross hypothetical addiction risk assessed in the BARQ, the likelihood of taking a novel analgesic medication was elevated significantly in patients with high (≥18; n = 137) versus low (<18; n = 126) SOAPP‐R scores [P < 0.001; 3‐day: Cohen's d = 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.63, 0.69; 30‐day: d = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.71, 0.78; 365‐day: d = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.72, 0.79].ConclusionsIn the United States, self‐identified chronic pain patients (CPP) at higher risk for opioid misuse were more likely to report willingness to try a novel analgesic despite increasing addiction risk than CPP with low risk of opioid misuse.
Role of art centres for Aboriginal Australians living with dementia in remote communities
Authors: Lindeman Melissa , Mackell Paulene , Lin Xiaoping , Farthing Annie , Jensen Heather , Meredith Maree , Haralambous Betty 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveTo explore the role art centres in remote communities play for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians living with dementia.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was undertaken, with no restrictions on articles regarding year of publication.ResultsArt programmes have been found to be of benefit to both people living with dementia and their carers, particularly when programmes are administered in environments that are culturally revered. Findings indicate remote art centres play a key role in maintaining traditions, culture and practices unique to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, but there is a gap in knowledge regarding how they cater for the needs of people with dementia.ConclusionAddressing this gap will be helpful in remote areas where prevalence of dementia is up to five times that of non‐Aboriginal people, and there are limited health and support services. Further research is required to explore strengths and gaps of current practices.
Red blood cells free α‐haemoglobin pool: a biomarker to monitor the β‐thalassemia intermedia variability. The ALPHAPOOL study
Authors: Vasseur Corinne , Domingues‐Hamdi Elisa , Ledudal Katia , Le Corvoisier Philippe , Barau Caroline , Ghaleh Bijan , Rialland Amandine , Pissard Serge , Galactéros Frédéric , Baudin‐Creuza Véronique 
Published: June 2017

SummaryThe severity of β‐thalassaemia (β‐thal) intermedia is mainly correlated to the degree of imbalanced α/non α‐globin chain synthesis. The phenotypic diversity of β‐thal depends on this imbalance and reflects all possible combinations of α‐ and β‐globin genotypes, levels of fetal haemoglobin (HbF) and co‐inheritance of other modulating factors. This study aimed to demonstrate the validity of a new surrogate of α/non α‐globin biosynthetic ratio by measuring the soluble α‐Hb pool in lysed red blood cells. Our results confirm that the α‐Hb pool measurement allows a good discrimination between β‐thal intermedia patients, controls and α‐thal patients (P < 0·003). Receiver operator characteristic analyses revealed an area under the curve of 0·978 for the α‐Hb pool measurement at a threshold of 120 ng free α‐Hb/mg of total Hb/ml of haemolysate (ppm) with a sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 100%, respectively, to discriminate between β‐thal and not β‐thal subjects. Significant correlations were observed between the α‐Hb pool and biological parameters of β‐thal, the most significant association being observed with red cell hexokinase activity. This study indicates that the α‐Hb pool could be a new marker for assistance in diagnostic orientation of β‐thal intermedia patients and may be clinically useful for monitoring the evolution of the disequilibrium of globin synthesis in response to treatments.
Periodic limb movement in sleep and sickle cell disease: a neglected association?
Authors: Cabañas‐Pedro Ana C. , Roizenblatt Suely , de Souza Altay A. L. , Tufik Sérgio , Figueiredo Maria S. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryHigh frequency of periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) has been described among children with sickle cell disease (SCD), but there is little information about PLMS among adults with SCD. We aim to determine the frequency of PLMS among adults with SCD and to identify possible associations with iron status and haemolytic parameters. We analysed polysomnography on 99 adults: 74 with sickle cell anaemia (HbSS), 19 with HbSC (double heterozygosis HbS and HbC) and 6 with HbS‐beta thalassaemia. Laboratory data were collected close to the time of the polysomnography examination. The prevalence of PLMS > 5/h was 70% and of PLMS > 15/h 36%, in the total group of patients. No differences were observed regarding gender, use of hydroxyurea and iron parameters. Logistic regression showed an association between PLMS > 15/h and hemolytic parameters: absolute reticulocyte count (p = 0.03) and unconjugated bilirubin (p = 0.01). Our data suggest that PLMS may be associated with manifestations of greater severity in SCD.
Bimagrumab improves body composition and insulin sensitivity in insulin‐resistant individuals
Authors: Garito Tania , Roubenoff Ronenn , Hompesch Marcus , Morrow Linda , Gomez Katherine , Rooks Daniel , Meyers Charles , Buchsbaum Monte S. , Neelakantham Srikanth , Swan Therese , Filosa Lee Anne , Laurent Didier , Petricoul Olivier , Zakaria Marjorie 
Published: June 2017

AimTo test the hypothesis that an improving body composition in insulin‐resistant individuals could enhance insulin sensitivity.MethodsA total of 16 people with a mean body mass index of 29.3 kg/m2 and insulin resistance, received a single dose of bimagrumab or placebo and were assessed at week 10 for insulin sensitivity, using a hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic clamp and an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT), and for body composition using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry and positron‐emission tomography.ResultsBimagrumab increased lean mass by 2.7% (P < .05) and reduced fat mass by 7.9% (P = .011) at week 10 compared with placebo, and had a neutral effect on body weight. Bimagrumab reduced glycated haemoglobin by 0.21% at week 18 (P < .001) and improved insulin sensitivity by ~20% (according to the clamp) to ~40% (according to the IVGTT).ConclusionTaking the observed changes together, and given that these occurred without accompanying dietary intervention and without any prescribed regular physical exercise, bimagrumab may offer a novel approach for the treatment of the metabolic complications of obesity.
Optimal right heart filling pressure in acute respiratory distress syndrome determined by strain echocardiography
Authors: Garcia‐Montilla Romel , Imam Faryal , Miao Mi , Stinson Kathryn , Khan Akram , Heitner Stephen 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionRight ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction is common in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). While preload optimization is crucial in its management, dynamic fluid responsiveness indices lack reliability, and there is no consensus on target central venous pressure (CVP). We analyzed the utility of RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWS) in the estimation of optimal RV filling pressure in ARDS.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of clinical data and echocardiograms of patients with ARDS was performed. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid peak systolic velocity (Sʹ), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), RVFWS, CVP, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured.ResultsFifty‐one patients with moderate‐severe ARDS were included. There were inverse correlations between CVP and TAPSE, Sʹ, RVFAC, RVFWS, and LVEF. The most significant was with RVFWS (r:.74, R2:.55, P:.00001). Direct correlations with creatinine and lactate were noted. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that RVFWS −21% (normal reference value) was associated with CVP: 13 mm Hg (AUC: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.83–1.00). Regression model analysis of CVP, and RVFWS interactions established an RVFWS range from −18% to −24%. RVFWS −24% corresponded to CVP: 11 mm Hg and RVFWS −18% to CVP: 15 mm Hg. Beyond a CVP of 15 mm Hg, biventricular systolic dysfunction rapidly ensues.ConclusionsOur data are the first to show that an RV filling pressure of 13±2 mm Hg—as by CVP—correlates with optimal RV mechanics as evaluated by strain echocardiography in patients with moderate‐severe ARDS.
Biology and fertility life table of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in different hosts
Authors: Gomes Elias S. , Santos Viviane , Ávila Crébio J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn 2013, the presence of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) was reported in cotton, soybean, corn and weeds in diverse regions of Brazil. We studied the biology and the fertility life table of this pest when reared on cotton (293 cv. CNPA RF), soybean (cv. Brasmax Power), corn (cv. BRS 1010), wheat (cv. BR 18) and on an artificial diet. Caterpillars were reared using the vegetative and reproductive structures of the hosts, under laboratory conditions (temperature 25 ± 1°C; relative humidity (RH) 70 ± 10%; photoperiod =14 h). The experimental design was completely randomized, with five treatments (four host plants and artificial diet) and 17 replications. Significant effects were verified for the different types of hosts tested on the growth of the insect as well as on fecundity and laying rate. The results showed that cotton and soybean had higher viability at the stages of growth, higher rate of survival of adult females in the reproductive period than the other host crops, and similar values for insects reared on an artificial diet, which reveals that cotton and soybean can be appropriate for rearing H. armigera on a natural diet. Corn and wheat showed high larval and pupal mortality and low biotic potential.
Polar zoobenthos blue carbon storage increases with sea ice losses, because across‐shelf growth gains from longer algal blooms outweigh ice scour mortality in the shallows
Authors: Barnes David K. A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractOne of the major climate‐forced global changes has been white to blue to green; losses of sea ice extent in time and space around Arctic and West Antarctic seas has increased open water and the duration (though not magnitude) of phytoplankton blooms. Blueing of the poles has increases potential for heat absorption for positive feedback but conversely the longer phytoplankton blooms have increased carbon export to storage and sequestration by shelf benthos. However, ice shelf collapses and glacier retreat can calve more icebergs, and the increased open water allows icebergs more opportunities to scour the seabed, reducing zoobenthic blue carbon capture and storage. Here the size and variability in benthic blue carbon in mega and macrobenthos was assessed in time and space at Ryder and Marguerite bays of the West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP). In particular the influence of the duration of primary productivity and ice scour are investigated from the shallows to typical shelf depths of 500 m. Ice scour frequency dominated influence on benthic blue carbon at 5 m, to comparable with phytoplankton duration by 25 m depth. At 500 m only phytoplankton duration was significant and influential. WAP zoobenthos was calculated to generate ~107, 4.5 × 106 and 1.6 × 106 tonnes per year (between 2002 and 2015) in terms of production, immobilization and sequestration of carbon respectively. Thus about 1% of annual primary productivity has sequestration potential at the end of the trophic cascade. Polar zoobenthic blue carbon capture and storage responses to sea ice losses, the largest negative feedback on climate change, has been underestimated despite some offsetting of gain by increased ice scouring with more open water. Equivalent survey of Arctic and sub‐Antarctic shelves, for which new projects have started, should reveal the true extent of this feedback and how much its variability contributes to uncertainty in climate models.
Positive and negative associations of individual social capital factors with health among community‐dwelling older people
Authors: Kabayama Mai , Watanabe Chie , Ryuno Hirochika , Kamide Kei 
Published: June 2017

AimPrevious literature has found positive correlations between social capital and health in older adults, fewer studies have investigated the subdimension's effects of social capital on health. We aimed to determine the individual social capital subfactors in community‐dwelling older adults in Japan, and to analyze the associations of these factors with physical and mental health.MethodWe sent a self‐administered questionnaire assessing their perception of social group activity as the individual social capital, and mental and physical health (measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form‐36) to 4320 randomly selected older people.ResultsThere were 1836 valid responses. We clarified that people who participated in any social activity group were in significantly better physical and mental health compared with the people who did not. By the factor analysis of the perception for the social group activity, we identified three components of the individual social capital aspect that we termed harmonious, hierarchic and diversity. Using multiple linear regression, we found the hierarchic aspect was significantly negatively associated with mental health, whereas the harmonious aspect was significantly positively associated with mental and physical health, and diversity was significantly positively associated with mental health.ConclusionAs the previous research literature on social capital has mainly emphasized its positive health consequences, the present findings provide a novel demonstration that some aspects of individual social capital can have negative associations with health outcomes in community‐dwelling older people. For the practical application of promoting a healthier society, it is important to consider both the positive and negative sides of social capital. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2427–2434.
Occurrence of late relapse of hepatitis C virus confirmed by molecular analysis after sustained virologic response to interferon–ribavirin‐based therapy
Authors: Hayashi Kazuhiko , Ishigami Masatoshi , Yasuda Satoshi , Ishizu Yoji , Kuzuya Teiji , Honda Takashi , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Hirooka Yoshiki , Goto Hidemi 
Published: June 2017

AimThe optimal duration of follow‐up for patients who achieve sustained virologic responses (SVR) has become an important issue. Reports on long‐term follow‐up of SVR have indicated that 99% of patients maintained SVR. However, the limitations of a majority of studies include small patient numbers, short study periods, and lack of molecular analysis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome. The present study sought to evaluate the late relapse rate in long‐term follow‐up of patients who achieved SVR, with molecular analysis of HCV.MethodsA total of 224 patients with chronic hepatitis C who were treated by interferon and ribavirin‐based therapy and achieved SVR were enrolled. All patients were recommended for follow‐up every 6 or 12 months.ResultsThe mean follow‐up period was 6.0 years (range, 1.0–13.6 years). Cumulative 5‐ and 10‐year follow‐up rates of the patients after SVR were 87.8% and 78.8%, respectively. Cumulative 5‐ and 10‐year follow‐up rates of serum HCV RNA after SVR were 85.5% and 52.6%, respectively. Two patients had detectable serum HCV RNA at 20 and 30 months, respectively, after SVR. Phylogenetic analyses of core, non‐structural protein 3, and 5A regions of HCV strains from late relapse patients confirmed the same strain was present at baseline and late relapse.ConclusionsTwo of 224 patients developed late relapse of HCV by the original strain, which was confirmed by direct sequencing analysis. Although few patients may develop late relapse, SVR achieved with interferon and ribavirin‐based therapy is durable for prolonged periods.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours of the oesophagus: a clinicopathological and molecular analysis of 27 cases
Authors: Kang Guhyun , Kang Yuna , Kim Kyung‐Hee , Ha Sang Yun , Kim Jung Yeon , Shim Young Mog , Heinrich Michael C , Kim Kyoung‐Mee , Corless Christopher L 
Published: June 2017

AimsGastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) may arise anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, but are rare in the oesophagus. We describe the clinical, pathological and molecular characteristics of 27 primary oesophageal GISTs, the largest series to date.Methods and resultsDNA was extracted and exons 9, 11, 13 and 17 of KIT, exons 12, 14 and 18 of PDGFRA and exon 15 of BRAF were amplified and sequenced. Oesophageal GISTs occurred in 14 men and 13 women aged between 22 and 80 years (mean: 56 years). All 27 cases were immunohistochemically positive for KIT, and 92 and 47% co‐expressed CD34 or smooth muscle actin, respectively. Fifteen (71% of analysed cases) harboured KIT exon 11 mutations and one case each had a mutation in KIT exon 13 (K642E) or BRAF exon 15 (V600E). Long‐term follow‐up data (median, 96.5 months) were obtained for 20 cases; two patients had metastases at presentation and seven had developed local recurrence and/or metastasis after surgery. A large tumour size (≥ 10 cm), high mitotic rate (> 5/5 mm2), presence of a deletion mutation in KIT exon 11 involving codons 557–558 and a positive microscopic margin were associated with recurrence and metastasis. The KIT mutations identified in oesophageal GISTs are similar to those observed in gastric GISTs.ConclusionsComplete surgical resection with clear margins is recommended, if technically feasible, and genotyping can help to improve diagnosis and further patient management in oesophageal GIST.
Chemostratigraphy of the Ediacaran basinal setting on the Yangtze platform, South China: Oceanographic and diagenetic aspects of the carbon isotopic depth gradient
Authors: Furuyama Seishiro , Kano Akihiro , Kunimitsu Yoko , Ishikawa Tsuyoshi , Wang Wei , Liu Xin‐chun 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Ediacaran Yangtze platform in South China, which represents depositional settings ranging from coastal to basinal, provides valuable information for understanding climate changes and animal evolution during the Ediacaran Period. Although the shallower settings have been investigated, research on the basinal sections has been limited. This has hampered efforts to establish stratigraphic correlations and understand the oceanographic setting of the Yangtze platform. In this paper, the chemostratigraphy of a basinal section at Fengtan, Hunan Province, is reported based on analyses of stable carbon isotope profiles in carbonates (δ13Ccarb), organic matter (δ13Corg), total organic carbon, 87Sr/86Sr ratios, and Mn, Rb, and Sr concentrations. The basinal section of the Doushantuo Formation, which is represented at Fengtan, provides data supporting regional correlations and oceanography. Three intervals in the Doushantuo Formation are correlated with the Three Gorges: (i) a negative δ13Ccarb anomaly with stable δ13Corg values and altered 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the lower section can be correlated to the boundary between Doushantuo Members 2 and 3 (Interval A); (ii) a relatively high δ13Ccarb anomaly with unaltered 87Sr/86Sr ratios (up to 0.7086) in the middle section corresponding to the lower part of Doushantuo Member 3 (Interval B); and (iii) a negative δ13Ccarb anomaly with lowered δ values in the upper section can be correlated to the long interval of negative δ13Ccarb (Interval C). The Gaskiers glaciation is likely represented in Interval A, and Interval C corresponds to the Shuram excursion reported for other Ediacaran localities. Our correlations confirm the depth gradient of δ13Ccarb in the Yangtze platform and imply that reductive conditions prevailed in the basinal section from the Early to Middle Ediacaran. Under such conditions, anaerobic degradation of organic carbon or methane perturbed the inorganic carbon isotopic compositions and was at least partly responsible for the depth gradient of δ13Ccarb.