bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low Nasal NO in Congenital Heart Disease With Systemic Right Ventricle and Postcardiac Transplantation
Authors: Adams Phillip S. , Zahid Maliha , Khalifa Omar , Feingold Brian , Lo Cecilia W. 
Published: December 2017

Background

NO bioavailability has not been systematically examined in congenital heart disease (CHD). To assess
NO
in patients with CHD, we measured nasal
NO
(
nNO
) generated by the nasal epithelia, given blood
NO
is difficult to measure (half‐life, <2 ms). Given NO's role in hemodynamic regulation and the association of
NO
bioavailability with heart failure risk, we hypothesized
NO
levels may differ with varying severity of
CHD
physiologic characteristics.

Methods and Results

Six‐hundred eighteen subjects, 483 with
CHD
and 135 controls, had
nNO
measured noninvasively via the nares using American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines. Subjects were dichotomized as having low or normal
nNO
based on age‐specific cutoff values. Prevalence of low
nNO
was examined by various
CHD
physiologic feature types. Low
nNO
was more prevalent with
CHD
than controls (odds ratio
,
2.28;
P
=0.001). A logistic regression model showed overall significance (
P
=0.035) for single ventricle, systemic right ventricle, ventricular dysfunction, oxygen desaturation, and heterotaxy predicting low
nNO
, with systemic right ventricle independently having twice the odds of low
nNO
(odds ratio, 2.04;
P
=0.014). Patients with low
nNO
had a higher risk of experiencing heart transplant or death (hazard ratio, 2.75;
P
=0.048), and heart transplant recipients (N=16) exhibited 5 times the odds of low
nNO
(69% versus 30%; odds ratio, 5.1;
P
=0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with CHD have increased prevalence of low
nNO
, with highest odds seen with systemic right ventricle and heart transplant. Further studies are needed to investigate heart failure risks in patients with CHD with left versus right systemic ventricle physiologic characteristics and utility of low
nNO
for predicting heart failure risk.
The Protection of United Nations Whistleblowers against Retaliation
Authors: Martel Baptiste 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
At a time when better protection of whistleblowers is increasingly demanded, how does the United Nations deal with its own whistleblowers? As un agents have immunity they rely on an internal un justice system. However, in 2005, the un Secretary-General issued a Bulletin that created a mechanism based in an Ethics Office to protect whistleblowers. In practice, the new system has not met expectations and has raised many legal issues, in particular with regard to the competence of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal to review the decisions of the Ethics Office.
As a result, un agents have started to avoid the Ethics Office mechanism and have gone directly before un judges. Moreover, in early 2017, the new Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, reformed the un’s Ethics Office mechanism.
Identity Politics in a Mediatized Religious Environment on Facebook: Yes to Wearing the Cross Whenever and Wherever I Choose
Authors: Abdel-Fadil Mona 
Published: December 2017

The Norwegian Facebook page Yes to Wearing the Cross Whenever and Wherever I Choose was initially created to protest the prohibition of the cross for nrk news anchors. Yet, many of the discussions and audience interactions transpired into heated religio-political debates with strong elements of anti-Muslim, xenophobic, anti-secular, and anti-atheist sentiments. This study aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between media and religion by providing new insights on the variety of ways in which media audiences may ‘add a series of dynamics to conflicts, namely, amplification, framing and performative agency, and co-structuring’ and ‘perform conflict’, as formulated by Hjarvard et al. It is argued that mediatized conflicts with inherent trigger themes, which tug at core religio-political identity issues, also tend to evoke emotional responses, which, in turn, inspire social media users to perform the conflict in ways that multiply the conflict(s).
Manga, Wuxia and (New) Religious Syncretisms: The Orientalization of the Western Imaginary, from Osamu Tezuka to Contemporary Oriental Disciplines
Authors: Porrovecchio Alessandro 
Published: December 2017

A new interest in various forms of spirituality and religiosity is emerging in some subcultures of contemporary society. This tendency can be seen as an indicator of an Orientalization process that affects everyday life and lifestyles, and it can be read as a symptom of a crisis in the paradigm of Western Modernity, which is changing the relationship between culture and nature, the central role played by the rational positivist paradigm, and ideas of body, space and time.Oriental disciplines and martial arts are a significant case study for the purpose of analyzing the ongoing Orientalization process. These highly ritualized practices have become part of many people’s daily life and have affected their way of dressing, as well as the way they arrange furniture at home and the way they make decisions that involve their diet and body care. These practices may also affect people’s identities by changing their values, ethics and morality.To explore the Orientalization process, I first introduce some features of the diffusion of the “mythical Orients” in the Western imaginary since the sixties. In particular, I focus on some media products (for example, mangas and wuxia movies) that played an important role in arousing interest in Other cultures. In this stage I will refer to some media theories, in particular to Gerbner's cultivation theory and to the medial socialization effect.In a second step I focus on the imaginary embodied in some Oriental disciplines and martial arts. I refer to some results of a research that I am conducting in some martial arts gyms, starting from my experience as an instructor. In that context I performed an ethnographic study, gathering several in-depth interviews with masters, beginners, fighters, experts and therapists, and analysing the interactions within some online communities (virtual ethnography). This last method allowed me to come back to the first step, and to focus on how some features of the media imaginary are mediated through the interactions within the virtual communities.
Building the Narrow Gate: Digital Decisions for Christ and the Draw of Rhetorical Space
Authors: Stamper Amber M. 
Published: December 2017

For evangelicals, the allure of mass media evangelism has always been the potential to reach ever-more-distant “unsaved” populations across the globe. However, as the print and broadcast revolutions quickly revealed, targeting individuals’ needs and developing a sense of personal intimacy between evangelists and audience via these media proved a perpetual challenge. The digital revolution transformed this relationship: the interactive capabilities of the Internet and the ability to inexpensively target niche audiences re-shaped mass media evangelism. However, a close examination of evangelistic practices online reveals that, in fact, this latest “revolution”—rather than representing entirely novel ground—actually more closely approximates the type of evangelism that has taken place in brick and mortar churches and non-virtual environments since Christianity’s origins.
The concept of “rhetorical space”—drawn from rhetorician Roxanne Mountford’s work on how the design of pulpits and church buildings directly impacts the types of pastoral and congregational behaviors promoted—helps us to see why. Using Global Media Outreach’s Jesus2020.com and The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s PeacewithGod.net websites as exemplars, I explore how, by conceptualizing evangelistic websites as rhetorical spaces with architectural features functioning persuasively in a manner similar to physical spaces, scholars of digital religion gain a theoretical framework for effectively describing the unique draw of these sites. Three elements of design in particular reveal how web design works imperceptibly to create a personalized, intimate, and interactive experience, while quickly moving users to make the decision to convert: the rhetorics of interface, navigation, and virtual relationship design. Understanding evangelistic websites as rhetorical spaces thus allows scholars of digital religion to see ways in which Internet evangelism has many similarities with evangelism in non-virtual spaces, pushing us to view it as a more familiar and historical strategy than is commonly recognized.
Aerobic training performed at ventilatory threshold improves liver enzymes and lipid profile related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescents with obesity
Authors: de Lira Camila TC , dos Santos Marcos AM , Gomes Priscyla P , Fidelix Yara L , dos Santos Ana CO , Tenório Thiago RS , Lofrano-Prado Mara C , do Prado Wagner L 
Published: December 2017

Background: Despite the positive effects of high-intensity training on weight management and health-related outcomes, it is postulated that high-intensity training may also induce oxidative stress, increasing hepatic damage. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of low versus high-intensity training on biomarkers related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adolescents with obesity. Methods: For this study 107 adolescents (15 ± 1 years) with obesity (BMI = 34.7 ± 4.1 kg/m2) were randomized into High-Intensity Training (HIT, n = 31), Low-Intensity Training (LIT, n = 31) or Control Group (CG, n = 45). Adolescents from HIT and LIT received nutritional, psychological and clinical counseling. Blood lipids, Castelli risk index, glucose, insulin and hepatic enzymes were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: Castelli risk index 1 was reduced in all groups ( p < 0.001) with moderate effect size ( d) for HIT ( d = 0.62) and LIT ( d = 0.66). Castelli risk index 2 also decreased ( p < 0.001 for all groups; HIT d = 0.65; LIT d = 0.79). High-density lipoprotein increased in all groups ( d = 0.25 and d = 0.18 in HIT and LIT), while alanine aminotransferase tended to reduce ( p = 0.062) in HIT ( d = 0.34) and LIT ( d = 0.73) and aspartate aminotransferase decreased ( p = 0.024) in both HIT ( d = 0.24) and LIT ( d = 0.45). There were no changes in glucose, insulin and insulin resistance. Conclusion: Both high and low-intensity training improved biomarkers related to NAFLD. Thus, high-intensity training can be a safe and effective alternative to prevent and treat NAFLD in adolescents with obesity.
Caffeine effects on VO2max test outcomes investigated by a placebo perceived-as-caffeine design
Authors: Brietzke Cayque , Asano Ricardo Yukio , De Russi de Lima Felipe , Pinheiro Fabiano Aparecido , Franco-Alvarenga  , Ugrinowitsch Carlos , Pires Flávio Oliveira 
Published: December 2017

Background: Ergogenic effects of caffeine (CAF) ingestion have been observed in different cycling exercise modes, and have been associated with alterations in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). However, there has been little investigation of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2MAX) test outcomes. Aim: This study aimed to verify whether CAF may reduce RPE, thereby improving maximal incremental test (MIT) outcomes such as VO2MAX, time to exhaustion and peak power output (WPEAK). Methods: Nine healthy individuals performed three MITs (25 W/min until exhaustion) in a random, counterbalanced fashion after ingestion of CAF, placebo perceived as caffeine (PLA), and no supplementation (baseline control). VO2 was measured throughout the test, while RPE was rated according to overall and leg effort sensations. The power output corresponding to submaximal (RPE = 14 according to the 6–20 Borg scale) and maximal RPE was recorded for both overall (O-RPE14 and O-RPEMAX) and leg RPE (L-RPE14 and L-RPEMAX). Results: VO2MAX did not change significantly between MITs; however, CAF and PLA increased time to exhaustion (↑ ∼18.7% and ∼17.1%, respectively; p < .05) and WPEAK (↑ ∼13.0% and ∼11.8%, respectively; p < .05) when compared with control. When compared with control, CAF ingestion reduced submaximal and maximal overall and leg RPEs, the effect being greater in maximal (likely beneficial in O-RPEMAX and L-RPEMAX) than submaximal RPE (possibly beneficial in O-RPE14 and L-RPE14). Similar results were found when participants ingested PLA. Conclusions: Compared with control, CAF and PLA improved MIT performance outcomes such as time to exhaustion and WPEAK, without altering VO2MAX values. CAF effects were attributed to placebo.
Different protein and derivatives supplementation strategies combined with resistance training in pre-frail and frail elderly: Rationale and protocol for the “Pro-Elderly” Study
Authors: Fernandes Alan Lins , Hayashi Ana Paula , Jambassi-Filho José Claudio , de Capitani Mariana Dutilh , de Santana Davi Alves , Gualano Bruno , Roschel Hamilton 
Published: December 2017

Background: Frailty is a multifactorial geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive decline in health and associated with decreased muscle mass, strength, and functional capacity. Resistance training (RT) combined with protein or amino acids supplementation has been shown to be promising for mitigating age-related impairments. Aim: To investigate the chronic effects of different strategies of protein and derivatives supplementation in association with RT on selected health-related parameters in pre-frail and frail elderly. Methods: This is a series of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trials. Volunteers will be divided into nine groups, comprising four different sub-studies evaluating the effects of: isolated leucine supplementation (study 1); protein source (whey vs. soy – study 2); combination of whey protein and creatine (study 3); and sexual dimorphism on the response to protein intake and RT (males vs. females – study 4). Muscle cross-sectional area, fiber cross-sectional area, body composition, lower-limb maximal dynamic and isometric strength, functionality, lipid profile, biochemical parameters, renal function, quality of life, and nutritional status will be assessed before and after a 16-week intervention period. Data will be tested for normality and a mixed-model for repeated measures will be conducted to assess within- and between-group effects of the intervention on the dependent variables. Confidence intervals (95%), effect sizes, and relative changes will also be determined, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Examining the potential preventative effects of minocycline prescribed for acne on the incidence of severe mental illnesses: A historical cohort study
Authors: Herrero-Zazo Maria , Brauer Ruth , Gaughran Fiona , Howard Louise M , Taylor David , Barlow David J 
Published: December 2017

Background: Animal studies suggest that the antibiotic and microglial activation inhibitor, minocycline, is likely to have a protective effect against the emergence of psychosis but evidence from human studies is lacking. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of exposure to minocycline during adolescence on the later incidence of severe mental illness (SMI). Methods: A historical cohort study using electronic primary care data was conducted to assess the association between exposure to minocycline during adolescence and incidence of SMI. The Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) was measured using Poisson regression adjusted for age, gender, time of exposure, socioeconomic deprivation status, calendar year and co-medications. Results: Early minocycline prescription ( n=13,248) did not affect the incidence of SMI compared with non-prescription of minocycline ( n=14,393), regardless of gender or whether or not the data were filtered according to a minimum exposure period (minimum period: IRR 0.96; 95% CI 0.68–1.36; p=0.821; no minimum period: IRR 1.08; 95% CI 0.83–1.42; p=0.566). Conclusions: Exposure to minocycline for acne treatment during adolescence appears to have no effect on the incidence of SMI.
Psychological interventions for coronary heart disease: Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Richards Suzanne H , Anderson Lindsey , Jenkinson Caroline E , Whalley Ben , Rees Karen , Davies Philippa , Bennett Paul , Liu Zulian , West Robert , Thompson David R , Taylor Rod S 
Published: December 2017

Background Although psychological interventions are recommended for the management of coronary heart disease (CHD), there remains considerable uncertainty regarding their effectiveness. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of psychological interventions for CHD. Methods The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched to April 2016. Retrieved papers, systematic reviews and trial registries were hand-searched. We included RCTs with at least 6 months of follow-up, comparing the direct effects of psychological interventions to usual care for patients following myocardial infarction or revascularisation or with a diagnosis of angina pectoris or CHD defined by angiography. Two authors screened titles for inclusion, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Studies were pooled using random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression was used to explore study-level predictors. Results Thirty-five studies with 10,703 participants (median follow-up 12 months) were included. Psychological interventions led to a reduction in cardiovascular mortality (rfcelative risk 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63 to 0.98), although no effects were observed for total mortality, myocardial infarction or revascularisation. Psychological interventions improved depressive symptoms (standardised mean difference [SMD] –0.27, 95% CI –0.39 to –0.15), anxiety (SMD –0.24, 95% CI –0.38 to –0.09) and stress (SMD –0.56, 95% CI –0.88 to –0.24) compared with controls. Conclusions We found that psychological intervention improved psychological symptoms and reduced cardiac mortality for people with CHD. However, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding the magnitude of these effects and the specific techniques most likely to benefit people with different presentations of CHD.
Patients with Dementia Are Easily Distracted
Authors: Hamdy R. C. , Kinser A. , Depelteau A. , Kendall-Wilson T. , Lewis J. V. , Whalen K. 
Published: December 2017

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the middle ground between normal, age-appropriate memory impairment, and dementia. Whereas patients with MCI are able to cope with the memory deficit, those with dementia are not: Their memory impairment and other cognitive deficits are of sufficient magnitude to interfere with the patients’ ability to cope independently with daily activities. In both MCI and dementia, there is evidence of declining cognitive functions from a previously higher level of functioning. In both the conditions, there is also an evidence of dysfunction in one or more cognitive domains. There are two subtypes of MCI depending on whether memory is predominantly affected: amnestic type and nonamnestic/behavioral type. Not all patients with MCI transition to dementia, some recover. In this case scenario, we present a 68-year-old man with MCI who lives with his wife. They are getting ready to host dinner. His wife asks him to vacuum the dining room while she runs an urgent errand. We describe how this simple task vacuuming a room ended in a catastrophe with the patient spending the night in jail and his wife hospitalized. We discuss what went wrong in the patient/wife interaction and how the catastrophic ending could have been avoided. Objectives At the end of this case discussion readers will know the following: The differences between mild cognitive impairment (MCI), normal aging, and dementia. MCI is often a precursor of dementia and has an amnestic or nonamnestic/behavioral presentation. However, not all patients with MCI develop dementia, some even recover. MCI is an opportunity to discuss with the patient various issues that may arise, should it progress to dementia such as preparing a will, transitioning from driver to passenger, and addressing various financial and legal issues including end-of-life issues and selecting someone to have power of attorney. Patients with MCI should be regularly followed up to determine whether and when they will transition to dementia as this changes the level of care needed. Patients with MCI are at an increased risk of triggering accidents because of their cognitive impairment and often impaired judgment. It may be hazardous to leave patients with MCI alone, without supervision. The importance of support groups, social media, and cameras when providing care to patients with MCI and dementias.
Plaque volume and plaque risk profile in diabetic vs. non-diabetic patients undergoing lipid-lowering therapy: a study based on 3D intravascular ultrasound and virtual histology
Authors: Kovarnik Tomas , Chen Zhi , Mintz Gary S. , Wahle Andreas , Bayerova Kristyna , Kral Ales , Chval Martin , Kopriva Karel , Lopez John , Sonka Milan , Linhart Ales 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Background
Coronary atherosclerosis progresses faster in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and causes higher morbidity and mortality in such patients compared to non-diabetics ones (non-DM). We quantify changes in plaque volume and plaque phenotype during lipid-lowering therapy in DM versus non-DM patients using advanced intracoronary imaging.

Methods
We analyzed data from 61 patients with stable angina pectoris included to the PREDICT trial searching for prediction of plaque changes during intensive lipid-lowering therapy (40 mg rosuvastatin daily). Geometrically correct, fully 3-D representation of the vascular wall surfaces and intravascular ultrasound virtual histology (IVUS-VH) defined tissue characterization was obtained via fusion of two-plane angiography and IVUS-VH. Frame-based indices of plaque morphology and virtual histology analyses were computed and averaged in 5 mm long baseline/follow-up registered vessel segments covering the entire length of the two sequential pullbacks (baseline, 1-year). We analyzed 698 5-mm-long segments and calculated the Liverpool active plaque score (LAPS).

Results
Despite reaching similar levels of LDL cholesterol (DM 2.12 ± 0.91 mmol/l, non-DM 1.8 ± 0.66 mmol/l, p = 0.21), DM patients experienced, compared to non-DM ones, higher progression of mean plaque area (0.47 ± 1.15 mm2 vs. 0.21 ± 0.97, p = 0.001), percent atheroma volume (0.7 ± 2.8% vs. − 1.4 ± 2.5%, p = 0.007), increase of LAPS (0.23 ± 1.66 vs. 0.13 ± 1.79, p = 0.018), and exhibited more locations with TCFA (Thin-Cap Fibro-Atheroma) plaque phenotype in 5 mm vessel segments (20.3% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.01). However, only non-DM patients reached significant decrease of LDL cholesterol. Plaque changes were more pronounced in PIT (pathologic intimal thickening) compared to TCFA with increased plaque area in both phenotypes in DM patients.

Conclusion
Based on detailed 3D analysis, we found advanced plaque phenotype and further atherosclerosis progression in DM patients despite the same reached levels of LDLc as in non-DM patients.
Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01773512