bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrocardiographic Predictors of Heart Failure With Reduced Versus Preserved Ejection Fraction: The Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: O'Neal Wesley T. , Mazur Matylda , Bertoni Alain G. , Bluemke David A. , Al‐Mallah Mouaz H. , Lima Joao A. C. , Kitzman Dalane , Soliman Elsayed Z. 
Published: May 2017

Background

Several markers detected on the routine 12‐lead ECG are associated with future heart failure events. We examined whether these markers are able to separate the risk of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (
HF
r
EF
) from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (
HF
p
EF
).

Methods and Results

We analyzed data of 6664 participants (53% female; mean age 62±10 years) from MESA (Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) who were free of cardiovascular disease at baseline (2000–2002). A competing risks analysis was used to compare the association of several baseline
ECG
predictors with
HF
r
EF
and
HF
p
EF
detected during a median follow‐up of 12.1 years. A total of 127
HF
r
EF
and 117
HF
p
EF
events were detected during follow‐up. In a multivariable adjusted model, prolonged
QRS
duration, delayed intrinsicoid deflection, left‐axis deviation, right‐axis deviation, prolonged
QT
interval, abnormal
QRS
‐T axis, left ventricular hypertrophy,
ST
/T‐wave abnormalities, and left bundle‐branch block were associated with
HF
r
EF
. In contrast, higher resting heart rate, abnormal P‐wave axis, and abnormal
QRS
‐T axis were associated with
HF
p
EF
. The risk of
HF
r
EF
versus
HF
p
EF
was significantly differently for delayed intrinsicoid deflection (hazard ratio: 4.90 [95% confidence interval (
CI
), 2.77–8.68] versus 0.94 [95%
CI
, 0.29–2.97]; comparison
P
=0.013), prolonged
QT
interval (hazard ratio: 2.39 [95%
CI
, 1.55–3.68] versus 0.52 [95%
CI
, 0.23–1.19]; comparison
P
<0.001), and
ST
/T‐wave abnormalities (hazard ratio: 2.47 [95%
CI
, 1.69–3.62] versus 1.13 [95%
CI
, 0.72–1.77]; comparison
P
=0.0093).

Conclusions

Markers of ventricular repolarization and delayed ventricular activation are able to distinguish between the future risk of
HF
r
EF
and
HF
p
EF
. These findings suggest a role for
ECG
markers in the personalized risk assessment of heart failure subtypes.
MicroRNA-15a/16-1 Antagomir Ameliorates Ischemic Brain Injury in Experimental Stroke
Authors: Yang Xinxin , Tang Xuelian , Sun Ping , Shi Yejie , Liu Kai , Hassan Sulaiman H. , Stetler R. Anne , Chen Jun , Yin Ke-Jie 
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—
Dysregulation of the miR-15a/16-1 cluster in plasma has been reported in patients with stroke as a potential biomarker for diagnostic and prognostic use. However, the essential role and therapeutic potential of the miR-15a/16-1 cluster in ischemic stroke are poorly understood. This study is aimed at investigating the regulatory role of the miR-15a/16-1 cluster in ischemic brain injury and insight mechanisms.

Methods—
Adult male miR-15a/16-1 knockout and wild-type mice, or adult male C57 BL/6J mice injected via tail vein with the miR-15a/16-1–specific inhibitor (antagomir, 30 pmol/g), were subjected to 1 hour of middle cerebral artery occlusion and 72 hours of reperfusion. The neurological scores, brain infarct volume, brain water content, and neurobehavioral tests were then evaluated and analyzed. To explore underlying signaling pathways associated with alteration of miR-15a/16-1 activity, major proinflammatory cytokines were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction or ELISA and antiapoptotic proteins were examined by Western blotting.

Results—
Genetic deletion of the miR-15a/16-1 cluster or intravenous delivery of miR-15a/16-1 antagomir significantly reduced cerebral infarct size, decreased brain water content, and improved neurological outcomes in stroke mice. Inhibition of miR-15a/16-1 significantly decreased the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and increased Bcl-2 and Bcl-w levels in the ischemic brain regions.

Conclusions—
Our data indicate that pharmacological inhibition of the miR-15a/16-1 cluster reduces ischemic brain injury via both upregulation of antiapoptotic proteins and suppression of proinflammatory molecules. These results suggest that the miR-15a/16-1 cluster is a novel therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.
Beyond demarcation: Care ethics as an interdisciplinary field of inquiry
Authors: Leget Carlo , van Nistelrooij Inge , Visse Merel 
Published: May 2017

Background: For many years the body of literature known as ‘care ethics’ or ‘ethics of care’ has been discussed as regards its status and nature. There is much confusion and little structured discussion. The paper of Klaver et al. (2014) was written as a discussion article to which we respond. Objectives: We aim to contribute to the ongoing discussion about the status and nature of care ethics. Research design: Responding to ‘Demarcation of the ethics of care as a discipline’ by Klaver et al. (2014) and ‘Three versions of an ethics of care’ by Edwards (2009), we identified shared concerns and formulated criticisms of both texts in order to develop an alternative view. Participants and research context: This paper has been written from the academic context of a master in care ethics an policy. Ethical considerations: We have tried to be fair and respectful to the authors discussed. Findings: Both Klaver et al. (2014) and Edwards (2009) raise important concerns about the question if care ethics can be considered an academic discipline, and to what extend it can be seen as a moral theory. Despite shared concerns, their arguments fail to convince us in all respects. Discussion and conclusion: We propose to conceive care ethics as an interdisciplinary field of inquiry, incorporating a dialectical relation between empirical research and theoretical reflection. Departing from the notion of caring as a practice of contributing to a life-sustaining web, we argue that care ethics can only profit from a loosely organized academic profile that allows for flexibility and critical attitude that brings us close to the good emerging in specific practices. This asks for ways of searching for a common focus and interest that is inherently democratic and dialogical and thus beyond demarcation.
Management of Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Complications via Retrograde Catheterization Through the Distal Stent-Graft Landing Zone
Authors: Zhang Xicheng , Sun Yuan , Chen Zhaolei , Jing Yuanhu , Xu Miao 
Published: May 2017

Objective: A retrograde technique through the gap between the distal stent landing zone and the iliac artery wall has been applied to treat type II endoleak after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). In this study, we tried to investigate its efficacy in the management of type III endoleak and intraoperative accidental events. Methods: We reported 2 complications of EVAR that were difficult to treat with conventional methods. One patient had a sustained type III endoleak after EVAR, and the right renal artery was accidentally sealed by a graft stent in the other patient during the operation. Results: Both complications were managed by the retrograde technique from the distal stent landing zone. In the first case, the endoleak was easily embolized by the retrograde catheterization technique, and in the second case, a stent was implanted in the right renal artery using the retrograde technique to restore blood flow. Conclusion: In some EVAR cases, the technique of retrograde catheterization through the distal stent-graft landing zone is feasible, safe, and easy to perform.
MMX® technology and its applications in gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Nardelli Silvia , Pisani Laura Francesca , Tontini Gian Eugenio , Vecchi Maurizio , Pastorelli Luca 
Published: May 2017

The Multimatrix® (MMX®) preparation MMX® is a recently obtained drug formulation developed to facilitate release of high concentrations of active drugs into the colon, with a homogeneous distribution along all colonic segments, particularly the most distal ones; the distal colonic tracts, indeed, are the most difficult to reach in significant amounts when a drug is given orally. The MMX® formulation is characterized by a lipophilic matrix dispersed in a hydrophilic structure. Indeed, in the last few years, MMX® technology has been widely used in the development of various drugs for the treatment of inflammatory and infectious gastrointestinal diseases localized in the colon. In particular, MMX® mesalamine, budesonide and parnaparin formulations have been investigated in patients with ulcerative colitis, and the first two have reached worldwide registration for the treatment of this disease. Moreover, MMX®-rifamycin is being positively tested in the treatment of colonic bacterial infections, including traveler’s diarrhea. MMX® technology is, thus, proving to be a very effective formulation for the treatment of various colonic diseases. This effectiveness has been related not only to specific colonic delivery, but also to its ability to act in a once-daily dosage, thus favouring patients’ adherence to prescribed schedules of treatment. The effective delivery of the active molecule to the site of need in the colon is also associated with very low systemic absorption and very low rates of adverse events (AEs). In this paper, we have reviewed all clinical trials performed with an MMX®-bound drug and all possible real-life reports, in order to give an overall evaluation of MMX®.
Ferri-obertiite from the Rothenberg quarry, Eifel volcanic complex, Germany: mineral data and crystal chemistry of a new amphibole end-member
Authors: Oberti Roberta , Boiocchi Massimo , Hawthorne Frank C. , Ball Neil A. , Blass Günter 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPink-orange crystals of a composition within the ferri-obertiite compositional space were found in vesicles in a pale beige silicate vein found from a basalt quarry at Mount Rothenberg, Eifel district, Germany. Associated minerals are potassic feldspar, alpha quartz paramorphic afterbeta quartz, eifelite (the second occurrence after the Caspar quarry at Bellerberg volcano, Eifel region), tridymite, rutile, roedderite and other amphiboles. The ideal formula of ferri-obertiite is ANaBNa2C(Mg3Fe3+Ti)TSi8O22WO2; the empirical formula derived for the holotype specimen from Mount Rothenberg from the results of electron-microprobe analysis and single-crystal structure refinement is A(Na0.76K0.22)∑0.98B(Na1.61Ca0.35Mn0.042+)∑2.00C(Mg3.58Mn0.112+Fe0.623+Ti0.664+Cr0.013+Zn0.01Ni0.01)∑5.00T(Si7.82Ti0.124+Al0.06)∑8.00O22W[O1.26F0.55(OH)0.19]∑2.00. The unit-cell dimensions are a = 9.7901(7), b = 17.9354(13), c = 5.2892(4)Å, β= 104.142(2)°, V = 900.58 (11) Å3. The space group is C2/m, Z = 2. Ferri-obertiite is biaxial (+), with α = 1.664, β = 1.680, γ = 1.722, all ±0.002 and 2V (meas.) = 66.4(3)o, 2V (calc.) = 64.7o.The strongest eight reflections in the powder X-ray pattern [d values (in Å), I, (hkl)] are: 2.704, 100, (151); 3.116, 76, (310); 3.388, 72, (131); 8.931, 72, (110); 2.529, 67, (202); 2.583, 39, (061); 2.160, 38, (261); 3.260, 37, (240). Both the mineral and thename have been approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA 2015-079); the rock specimen has been deposited at the Museo di Mineralogia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e dell'Ambiente, Universitàdegli Studi di Pavia, under the code 2015-02.
Human and murine splenic neutrophils are potent phagocytes of IgG-opsonized red blood cells
Authors: Meinderts Sanne M. , Oldenborg Per-Arne , Beuger Boukje M. , Klei Thomas R. L. , Johansson Johanna , Kuijpers Taco W. , Matozaki Takashi , Huisman Elise J. , de Haas Masja , van den Berg Timo K. , van Bruggen Robin 
Published: May 2017

Key Points
In steady state, where no IgGs against RBCs are present, macrophages are the primary phagocytes of RBCs. In conditions where RBCs are IgG-opsonized, neutrophils can have a major effect on RBC clearance.
Home-based maintenance tele-rehabilitation reduces the risk for acute exacerbations of COPD, hospitalisations and emergency department visits
Authors: Vasilopoulou Maroula , Papaioannou Andriana I. , Kaltsakas Georgios , Louvaris Zafeiris , Chynkiamis Nikolaos , Spetsioti Stavroula , Kortianou Eleni , Genimata Sofia Antiopi , Palamidas Anastasios , Kostikas Konstantinos , Koulouris Nikolaos G. , Vogiatzis Ioannis 
Published: May 2017

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) remains grossly underutilised by suitable patients worldwide. We investigated whether home-based maintenance tele-rehabilitation will be as effective as hospital-based maintenance rehabilitation and superior to usual care in reducing the risk for acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations, hospitalisations and emergency department (ED) visits.Following completion of an initial 2-month PR programme this prospective, randomised controlled trial (between December 2013 and July 2015) compared 12 months of home-based maintenance tele-rehabilitation (n=47) with 12 months of hospital-based, outpatient, maintenance rehabilitation (n=50) and also to 12 months of usual care treatment (n=50) without initial PR.In a multivariate analysis during the 12-month follow-up, both home-based tele-rehabilitation and hospital-based PR remained independent predictors of a lower risk for 1) acute COPD exacerbation (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.517, 95% CI 0.389–0.687, and IRR 0.635, 95% CI 0.473–0.853), respectively, and 2) hospitalisations for acute COPD exacerbation (IRR 0.189, 95% CI 0.100–0.358, and IRR 0.375, 95% CI 0.207–0.681), respectively. However, only home-based maintenance tele-rehabilitation and not hospital-based, outpatient, maintenance PR was an independent predictor of ED visits (IRR 0.116, 95% CI 0.072–0.185).Home-based maintenance tele-rehabilitation is equally effective as hospital-based, outpatient, maintenance PR in reducing the risk for acute COPD exacerbation and hospitalisations. In addition, it encounters a lower risk for ED visits, thereby constituting a potentially effective alternative strategy to hospital-based, outpatient, maintenance PR.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells—a new therapeutic target to overcome resistance to cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Chesney Jason A , Mitchell Robert A , Yaddanapudi Kavitha 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells that accumulate during pathologic conditions, such as cancer. Patients diagnosed with advanced metastatic cancers have an average survival of 12–24 mo, a survival time that hasn't changed significantly in the past 30 yr. Despite some encouraging improvements in response rates and overall survival in patients receiving immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, most patients will ultimately progress. MDSCs contribute to immunotherapeutic resistance by actively inhibiting antitumor T cell proliferation and cytotoxic activity as well as by promoting expansion of protumorigenic T regulatory cells, thereby, dampening the host immune responses against the tumor. In addition, MDSCs promote angiogenesis, tumor invasion, and metastasis. Thus, MDSCs are potential therapeutic targets in cases of multiple cancers. This review focuses on the phenotypic and functional characteristics of MDSCs and provides an overview of the mono- and combinatorial–therapeutic strategies that target MDSCs with an objective of enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies.
Depth migration as a valuable tool for prospect derisking in the Colombian Foothills
Authors: Poveda Sergio Ibanez , Patino Mario , Mathewson John 
Published: May 2017

Interpreting land seismic data in the Colombian Foothills poses many challenges. Very often, the data have a low signal-to-noise ratio and the subsurface prospective structures are significantly complex. The level of uncertainty can be so high that even experienced interpreters struggle to reconcile the seismic image with their geologic models. Based on previous knowledge and “fast-track” interpretation of old 2D prestack time migration data (no 3D seismic in the area), we identified two interesting plays for further analysis: a triangular zone (play 1) and subthrust anticlines beneath the frontal fault (play 2). Derisking the different prospects associated with plays 1 and 2 required the application of prestack depth migration (PSDM), which reduce uncertainty regarding the position of the structures, their depth, and even their existence. The seismic image in play 1 structures was improved significantly with better definition of the flanks of the anticlines and the frontal closure of the structures, more coherent events, and sharper definition in fault cut-offs. Some apparent play 2 prospects, that were actually “velocity pull-up” anticlines, were corrected by the depth-migration workflow, whereas other structures experience important modifications in their geometry. In both types of plays, depth migration dramatically changed the initial assessment of prospectivity. Based on the better agreement between seismic and borehole data, significant reduction in residual moveout on final PSDM gathers and more coherent seismic images, we believe that the use of depth migration has allowed us to obtain a more accurate representation of the subsurface, and consequently a more rigorous reserves estimation. The use of PSDM was essential to understand the complexities in the prospects evaluated and the risk associated with their exploration. We consider the lessons learned in this study applicable to similar geologic environments worldwide.
One of My Favorite Judges: Constitutional Interpretation, Democracy and Antonin Scalia
Authors: Allan James 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
In this article the author explains why Antonin Scalia was one of his favourite judges. It starts by excerpting some of Justice Scalia’s most biting and funny comments, both from judicial and extra-judicial sources. Then it explains the attractions of an originalist approach to constitutional interpretation, though arguing that the intentionalist strain is preferable to Scalia’s ‘original public meaning’ or ‘new originalism’ approach. Finally, it argues that within the confines of a constitutional structure with an entrenched bill of rights, Scalia was a strong proponent of democratic decision-making to resolve key social policy decisions, unlike many other top judges.
Analytical performance specifications for external quality assessment – definitions and descriptions
Authors: Jones Graham R.D. , Albarede Stephanie , Kesseler Dagmar , MacKenzie Finlay , Mammen Joy , Pedersen Morten , Stavelin Anne , Thelen Marc , Thomas Annette , Twomey Patrick J. , Ventura Emma , Panteghini Mauro 
Published: May 2017

AbstractExternal Quality Assurance (EQA) is vital to ensure acceptable analytical quality in medical laboratories. A key component of an EQA scheme is an analytical performance specification (APS) for each measurand that a laboratory can use to assess the extent of deviation of the obtained results from the target value. A consensus conference held in Milan in 2014 has proposed three models to set APS and these can be applied to setting APS for EQA. A goal arising from this conference is the harmonisation of EQA APS between different schemes to deliver consistent quality messages to laboratories irrespective of location and the choice of EQA provider. At this time there are wide differences in the APS used in different EQA schemes for the same measurands. Contributing factors to this variation are that the APS in different schemes are established using different criteria, applied to different types of data (e.g. single data points, multiple data points), used for different goals (e.g. improvement of analytical quality; licensing), and with the aim of eliciting different responses from participants. This paper provides recommendations from the European Federation of Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Task and Finish Group on Performance Specifications for External Quality Assurance Schemes (TFG-APSEQA) and on clear terminology for EQA APS. The recommended terminology covers six elements required to understand APS: 1) a statement on the EQA material matrix and its commutability; 2) the method used to assign the target value; 3) the data set to which APS are applied; 4) the applicable analytical property being assessed (i.e. total error, bias, imprecision, uncertainty); 5) the rationale for the selection of the APS; and 6) the type of the Milan model(s) used to set the APS. The terminology is required for EQA participants and other interested parties to understand the meaning of meeting or not meeting APS.
The effect of preliminary processing and different methods of cooking on the iodine content and selected antioxidative properties of carrot (Daucus carota L.) biofortified with (potassium) iodine
Authors: Kapusta-Duch Joanna , Bieżanowska-Kopeć Renata , Smoleń Sylwester , Pysz Mirosław , Kopeć Aneta , Piątkowska Ewa , Rakoczy Roksana , Koronowicz Aneta , Skoczylas Łukasz , Leszczyńska Teresa 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Carrot is a vegetable that contains many nutrients and has strong antioxidant activity as well as pro-health potential. The level of bioactive compounds is strongly connected with the production chain. The thermal treatment of food products induces several biological, physical and chemical changes. In this study, changes in the levels of iodine, total carotenoids, total polyphenols as well as the antioxidant activity of unpeeled and peeled controls and carrots biofortified with (potassium) iodine (KJ) during cultivation due to the cooking and steaming process were investigated. The use of thermal processes resulted in a lower concentration of iodine in the roots of the control as well as in carrots biofortified with (potassium) iodine. In addition, peeling carrots caused higher losses of this trace element in the control and the biofortified carrots cooked or steamed for various times. In this study, a significant growth of the total carotenoids in peeled carrots biofortified with (potassium) iodine and of the total polyphenols in unpeeled carrots biofortified with (potassium) iodine under the influence of the cooking and steaming processes was observed compared with raw peeled and unpeeled biofortified carrots, respectively. Antioxidant activity significantly increased in the unpeeled and peeled carrots biofortified with (potassium) iodine under all thermal treatments in comparison with the raw unpeeled and peeled biofortified carrots.
Radial distribution of monomeric, dimeric and trimeric norlignans and their polymerization in Cryptomeria japonica heartwood
Authors: Shimizu Yuri , Iki Taiichi , Imai Takanori 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The norlignan (NorL) content in extractives of sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) shows a decreasing tendency from the outer to the inner part of the heartwood (hW). The hypothesis, that this effect may be due to polymerization, which aggravates NorL extraction, has been explored in the present study. To this purpose, samples were collected and extracted from the outer, middle and inner parts of the hW. Fractionation procedures of NorL-oligomers by LH-20 column chromatography were established, and the fractions were characterized by advanced analytical methods such as HPLC-SEC and HPLC combined with electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-ion-trap-MS). Agatharesinol and sequirin C were the most abundant compounds. Several individual NorL-dimers and -trimers were detected for the first time, and four kinds of NorL-dimers and seven kinds of NorL-trimers were semi-quantitatively analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS combined with selected ion monitoring (SIM). The oligomer contents show an increasing tendency from the outer part toward the middle and inner part of the hW, which accounts mainly for the monomeric NorL decrement in the same direction.