bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of Body Mass Index With Laboratory and Biomarkers in Patients With Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Streng Koen W. , ter Maaten Jozine M. , Cleland John G. , O’Connor Christopher M. , Davison Beth A. , Metra Marco , Givertz Michael M. , Teerlink John R. , Ponikowski Piotr , Bloomfield Daniel M. , Dittrich Howard C. , Hillege Hans L. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Voors Adriaan A. , van der Meer Peter 
Published: January 2017

Background—
Plasma concentrations of natriuretic peptides decline with obesity in patients with heart failure. Whether this is true for other biomarkers is unknown. We investigated a wide range of biomarker profiles in acute heart failure across the body mass index (BMI) spectrum.

Methods and Results—

A total of 48 biomarkers, assessing multiple pathophysiological pathways, were measured in 2033 patients included in PROTECT (Placebo-Controlled Randomized Study of the Selective A1 Adenosine Receptor Antagonist Rolofylline for Patients Hospitalized With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure and Volume Overload to Assess Treatment Effect on Congestion and Renal Function), a trial comparing the effects of rolofylline to placebo in patients with acute heart failure. Patients were classified into 4 groups according to BMI (<25, 25–30, 30–35, and >35 kg/m
2
). Of 2003 patients with known weight and height, mean age was 70±12 years and 67% were men. Patients with a higher BMI (>35 kg/m
2
) had higher blood pressures, were younger, and were more often women. Median levels of brain natriuretic peptide were 550 pg/mL in patients with a BMI <25 kg/m
2
and 319 pg/mL in patients with a BMI >35 kg/m
2
(
P
<0.001). Multivariable regression revealed that brain natriuretic peptide (β=−0.250;
P
<0.001) and receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (β=−0.095;
P
<0.007) were inversely correlated to BMI, whereas higher levels of uric acid (β=0.164;
P
<0.001), proadrenomedullin (β=0.171;
P
<0.001), creatinine (β=0.118;
P
=0.003), sodium (β=0.101;
P
=0.006), and bicarbonate (β=0.094;
P
=0.009) were associated with higher BMI. No significant interaction was seen between these 7 biomarkers and BMI on 180-day mortality.

Conclusions—
The plasma concentrations of several biomarkers are either positively or negatively influenced by BMI. These findings suggest that these markers should be interpreted with caution in patients with obesity. Although concentrations differ, their prognostic value for mortality up to 180 days did not differ.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00354458.
Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Is Associated With Increased Infarct Size and Decreased Myocardial Salvage in Patients With ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Nepper‐Christensen Lars , Lønborg Jacob , Ahtarovski Kiril Aleksov , Høfsten Dan Eik , Kyhl Kasper , Ghotbi Adam Ali , Schoos Mikkel Malby , Göransson Christoffer , Bertelsen Litten , Køber Lars , Helqvist Steffen , Pedersen Frants , Saünamaki Kari , Jørgensen Erik , Kelbæk Henning , Holmvang Lene , Vejlstrup Niels , Engstrøm Thomas 
Published: January 2017

Background
Approximately one third of patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which is associated with impaired outcome. However, the causal association between LVH and outcome in STEMI is unknown. We evaluated the association between LVH and: myocardial infarct size, area at risk, myocardial salvage, microvascular obstruction, left ventricular (LV) function (all determined by cardiac magnetic resonance [CMR]), and all‐cause mortality and readmission for heart failure in STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and Results

In this substudy of the DANAMI‐3 trial, 764 patients underwent CMR. LVH was defined by CMR and considered present if LV mass exceeded 77 (men) and 67 g/m
2
(women). One hundred seventy‐eight patients (24%) had LVH. LVH was associated with a larger final infarct size (15% [interquartile range {IQR}, 10–21] vs 9% [IQR, 3–17];
P
<0.001) and smaller final myocardial salvage index (0.6 [IQR, 0.5–0.7] vs 0.7 [IQR, 0.5–0.9];
P
<0.001). The LVH group had a higher incidence of microvascular obstruction (66% vs 45%;
P
<0.001) and lower final LV ejection fraction (LVEF; 53% [IQR, 47–60] vs 61% [IQR, 55–65];
P
<0.001). In a Cox regression analysis, LVH was associated with a higher risk of all‐cause mortality and readmission for heart failure (hazard ratio 2.59 [95% CI, 1.38–4.90],
P
=0.003). The results remained statistically significant in multivariable models.

Conclusions
LVH is independently associated with larger infarct size, less myocardial salvage, higher incidence of microvascular obstruction, lower LVEF, and a higher risk of all‐cause mortality and incidence of heart failure in STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01435408.
Neuroimaging Biomarkers Predict Brain Structural Connectivity Change in a Mouse Model of Vascular Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Boehm-Sturm Philipp , Füchtemeier Martina , Foddis Marco , Mueller Susanne , Trueman Rebecca C. , Zille Marietta , Rinnenthal Jan Leo , Kypraios Theodore , Shaw Laurence , Dirnagl Ulrich , Farr Tracy D. 
Published: January 2017

Background and Purpose—
Chronic hypoperfusion in the mouse brain has been suggested to mimic aspects of vascular cognitive impairment, such as white matter damage. Although this model has attracted attention, our group has struggled to generate a reliable cognitive and pathological phenotype. This study aimed to identify neuroimaging biomarkers of brain pathology in aged, more severely hypoperfused mice.

Methods—
We used magnetic resonance imaging to characterize brain degeneration in mice hypoperfused by refining the surgical procedure to use the smallest reported diameter microcoils (160 μm).

Results—
Acute cerebral blood flow decreases were observed in the hypoperfused group that recovered over 1 month and coincided with arterial remodeling. Increasing hypoperfusion resulted in a reduction in spatial learning abilities in the water maze that has not been previously reported. We were unable to observe severe white matter damage with histology, but a novel approach to analyze diffusion tensor imaging data, graph theory, revealed substantial reorganization of the hypoperfused brain network. A logistic regression model from the data revealed that 3 network parameters were particularly efficient at predicting group membership (global and local efficiency and degrees), and clustering coefficient was correlated with performance in the water maze.

Conclusions—
Overall, these findings suggest that, despite the autoregulatory abilities of the mouse brain to compensate for a sudden decrease in blood flow, there is evidence of change in the brain networks that can be used as neuroimaging biomarkers to predict outcome.
Ditylenchus laurae sp. n. (Tylenchida: Anguinidae) from Poland – a new species of the D. dipsaci complex associated with a water plant, Potamogeton perfoliatus L.
Authors: Skwiercz Andrzej Tomasz , Kornobis Franciszek Wojciech , Winiszewska Grażyna , Przybylska Arnika , Obrępalska-Stęplowska Aleksandra , Gawlak Magdalena , Subbotin Sergei A. 
Published: January 2017

The genus Ditylenchus consists of more than 60 species, some of which are plant parasites. In this paper we report on Ditylenchus laurae sp. n. from Poland, a new species associated with the aquatic plant, Potamogeton perfoliatus L. Ditylenchus laurae sp. n. is characterised by a long and slender body with L = 1881 (1523-2095) μm and 1875 (1690-2089) μm, a = 88.8 (72.5-102.5) and 89.7 (71.9-97.9), stylet length = 10.8 (9.6-12.1) μm and 8.3 (7.7-9.0) μm, tail length = 117.2 (103.5-126.7) μm and 102.4 (98.3-113.6) μm in females and males, respectively; four incisures, rounded stylet knobs, long basal bulb (about ten times as long as wide), post-vulval uterine sac from 4.3-5.6 vulval body diam. long, and mucronate tail. Characterisation using the ITS rRNA, COI and hsp90 gene sequences was conducted and a phylogenetic analyses revealed that D. laurae sp. n. belongs to the D. dipsaci complex.
Subcritical Destabilization of African Easterly Waves by Saharan Mineral Dust
Authors: Nathan Terrence R. , Grogan Dustin F. P. , Chen Shu-Hua 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
A theoretical framework is presented that exposes the radiative–dynamical relationships that govern the subcritical destabilization of African easterly waves (AEWs) by Saharan mineral dust (SMD) aerosols. The framework is built on coupled equations for quasigeostrophic potential vorticity (PV), temperature, and SMD mixing ratio. A perturbation analysis yields, for a subcritical, but otherwise arbitrary, zonal-mean background state, analytical expressions for the growth rate and frequency of the AEWs. The expressions are functions of the domain-averaged wave activity, which is generated by the direct radiative effects of the SMD. The wave activity is primarily modulated by the Doppler-shifted phase speed and the background gradients in PV and SMD.
Using an idealized version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model coupled to an interactive dust model, a linear analysis shows that, for a subcritical African easterly jet (AEJ) and a background SMD distribution that are consistent with observations, the SMD destabilizes the AEWs and slows their westward propagation, in agreement with the theoretical prediction. The SMD-induced growth rates are commensurate with, and can sometimes exceed, those obtained in previous dust-free studies in which the AEWs grow on AEJs that are supercritical with respect to the threshold for barotropic–baroclinic instability. The clarity of the theoretical framework can serve as a tool for understanding and predicting the effects of SMD aerosols on the linear instability of AEWs in subcritical, zonal-mean AEJs.
Visual Hull Method for Realistic 3D Particle Shape Reconstruction Based on High-Resolution Photographs of Snowflakes in Free Fall from Multiple Views
Authors: Kleinkort C. , Huang G.-J. , Bringi V. N. , Notaroš B. M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA visual hull method for reconstruction of realistic 3D shapes of snowflakes and other hydrometeors based on high-resolution photographs of particles in free fall from multiple views captured by a multiangle snowflake camera (MASC), or another similar instrument, is proposed and presented. The visual hull of an object is the maximal domain that gives the same silhouettes as the object from a certain set of viewpoints. From the measured fall speed and the particle shape reconstruction, the particle density and dielectric constant are estimated. This is the first time 3D shape reconstructions based on multiple high-resolution photographs of real (measured) snowflakes are performed. The results are clearly much better than any similar data in the literature. They demonstrate—in experiments involved in real snowstorm observations and those with simulated and fake 3D-printed snowflakes—sufficient silhouette information from the five cameras of the expanded MASC system and excellent performance of the implemented mechanical calibration and software self-calibration of the system. In addition to enabling realistic “particle by particle” computations of polarimetric radar measurables for winter precipitation, the visual hull 3D shape reconstructions of hydrometeors can be used for microphysical characteristics analyses, hydrometeor classification, and improvement of radar-based estimations of liquid-equivalent snow rates.
Convectively Induced Stabilizations and Subsequent Recovery with Supercell Thunderstorms during the Mesoscale Predictability Experiment (MPEX)
Authors: Trapp Robert J. , Woznicki Joseph M. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The adiabatic and diabatic processes inherent to midlatitude deep convective storms are well known to modify the atmospheric temperature, moisture, and winds especially within horizontal scales equivalent to a Rossby radius of deformation. Such modifications, or “feedbacks,” induced by supercell thunderstorms were a particular focus of the Mesoscale Predictability Experiment (MPEX), owing to the unique supercell dynamics and associated supercell intensity and longevity. During the MPEX field phase, which was conducted 15 May–15 June 2013 within the Great Plains region of the United States, radiosonde observations collected in immediate supercell wakes exhibited temperature lapse rates that were qualitatively and quantitatively similar to preconvective lapse rates above the boundary layer.
Complementary idealized model simulations were used to confirm that there was little residual effect of the supercell in the wake of the moving storm except within the area occupied by the surface cold pool, and where stabilizations were induced adiabatically by transient gravity wave disturbances. The persistency of the (i) cold pool, and its inhibition to surface-based convection, depended on the evolving cold pool strength and environmental winds; and (ii) gravity wave effects depended on the Doppler-shifted phase speed relative to the moving storm. Otherwise, recovery of the wake environment to its preconvective state occurred approximately over a time scale defined by the updraft length scale and horizontal advective velocity scale.
Distribution of Single-Banded Snowfall in Central U.S. Cyclones
Authors: Baxter Martin A. , Schumacher Philip N. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
A climatology of single-banded snowfall in the central United States and the variability of processes at work in its formation are presented. Ninety-eight snowbands are identified in association with 66 cyclones over 5 yr spanning the winters from 2006/07 through 2010/11. An additional 38 cyclones featured nonbanded snowfall exceeding 4 in. (10.2 cm). Nearly twice as many bands were observed to the northeast of the surface low than to the northwest. Over each snowband’s life cycle, the median (mean) snowband lasted 4.0 (5.2) h, was 42 (45) km wide, 388 (428) km long, and had an aspect ratio of 10.2 (10.8). A common appearance exists for snowbands in different large-scale flow regimes and locations relative to the surface cyclone. The median snowband elongates during the first half of its life span, with its width remaining constant. During the second half of the median snowband’s life span, the length and width contract. Composite analysis of the synoptic and broad mesoscale environments that snowbands form in illustrates that the juxtaposition of the ingredients necessary for snowbands are similar no matter which quadrant of the surface low the band is located in, indicating that the synoptic-scale flow determines where these ingredients are organized with respect to the cyclone. The frequency of banded snowfall within each northern quadrant of the surface low, the typical snowband characteristics and their evolution, and the patterns that give rise to snowbands documented by this work can all prove useful to forecasters tasked with maintaining situational awareness in the presence of many solutions provided by ensemble numerical weather prediction.
Impact of light exposure on thyroid-stimulating hormone results using the Siemens Advia Centaur TSH-3Ultra assay
Authors: Armer Jane , Giles Diane , Lancaster Ian , Brownbill Kathryn 
Published: January 2017

Background Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is used as the first-line test of thyroid function. Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics recommend that Siemens Centaur reagents must be protected from light in the assay information and on reagent packaging. We have compared the effect of light exposure on results using Siemens TSH-3Ultra and follicle-stimulating hormone reagents. The thyroid-stimulating hormone reagent includes fluoroscein thiocyanate whereas the follicle-stimulating hormone reagent does not. Methods Three levels of quality controls were analysed using SiemensTSH-3Ultra and follicle-stimulating hormone reagent packs that had been kept protected from light or exposed to light at 6-h intervals for 48 h and then at 96 h. Results Thyroid-stimulating hormone results were significantly lower after exposure of TSH-3Ultra reagent packs to light. Results were >15% lower at all three levels of quality control following 18 h of light exposure and continued to decrease until 96 h. There was no significant difference in follicle-stimulating hormone results whether reagents had been exposed to or protected from light. Conclusions Thyroid-stimulating hormone results but not follicle-stimulating hormone results are lowered after exposure of reagent packs to light. Laboratories must ensure that TSH-3Ultra reagents are not exposed to light and analyse quality control samples on every reagent pack to check that there has not been light exposure prior to delivery. The labelling on TSH-3Ultra reagent packs should reflect the significant effect of light exposure compared with the follicle-stimulating hormone reagent. We propose that the effect of light exposure on binding of fluoroscein thiocyanate to the solid phase antibody causes the falsely low results.
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum for the symptoms of depression
Authors: Romijn Amy R , Rucklidge Julia J , Kuijer Roeline G , Frampton Chris 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: This trial investigated whether probiotics improved mood, stress and anxiety in a sample selected for low mood. We also tested whether the presence or severity of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, and levels of proinflammatory cytokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and other blood markers, would predict or impact treatment response. Method: Seventy-nine participants (10 dropouts) not currently taking psychotropic medications with at least moderate scores on self-report mood measures were randomly allocated to receive either a probiotic preparation (containing Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum) or a matched placebo, in a double-blind trial for 8 weeks. Data were analysed as intent-to-treat. Results: No significant difference was found between the probiotic and placebo groups on any psychological outcome measure (Cohen’s d range = 0.07–0.16) or any blood-based biomarker. At end-point, 9 (23%) of those in the probiotic group showed a ⩾60% change on the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (responders), compared to 10 (26%) of those in the placebo group ([Formula: see text], p = ns). Baseline vitamin D level was found to moderate treatment effect on several outcome measures. Dry mouth and sleep disruption were reported more frequently in the placebo group. Conclusions: This study found no evidence that the probiotic formulation is effective in treating low mood, or in moderating the levels of inflammatory and other biomarkers. The lack of observed effect on mood symptoms may be due to the severity, chronicity or treatment resistance of the sample; recruiting an antidepressant-naive sample experiencing mild, acute symptoms of low mood, may well yield a different result. Future studies taking a preventative approach or using probiotics as an adjuvant treatment may also be more effective. Vitamin D levels should be monitored in future studies in the area. The results of this trial are preliminary; future studies in the area should not be discouraged.
The Soviet Union and Nordic Security
Authors: Holst Johan Jörgen 
Published: January 2017

The author distinguishes between Soviet objectives of system preservation and system extension. Soviet policies vis-à-vis the Nordic area have been conceived primarily in the context of system preservation. Thus the Soviet Union has pursued a policy of no experiments and accepts the status quo as tolerable. The preferred Soviet model is that of a neutralist and fragmented Nordic system. The Soviet naval expansion has resulted in the forward deployment of the Northern and Baltic fleets to the Greenland — Iceland — Faeroe Islands gap. There are several structural instabilities associated with a Soviet naval strategy of forward deployment. It also affects the efficacy and credibility of US reinforcements to Norway. The North European security zone is likely to remain of considerable significance to the management of the Central Balance while oil drilling on the Norwegian continental shelf introduces a new element of uncertainty. In their negotiations with the EC the Nordic states appear to be preserving the regional equilibrium and the Soviet Union has made no serious objections.
The Nordic and the Continental European Dimensions in Scandinavian Integration: NORDEK as a Case Study
Authors: Nielsson Gunnar P. 
Published: January 2017

This paper was delivered at the University of Aberdeen's conference on ‘Scandinavia and European Integration’ in March, 1971. There are four sections, the first of which is a chronological review of the Nordek case. Secondly, an analysis of the Nordek Draft Treaty provisions shows that the treaty represents the most far-reaching step in regard to the integration of social and economic policy spheres yet considered in Scandinavia. Thirdly, the key factor in explaining the collapse of the Nordek plan is the increasing penetration of European ‘high politics' into Nordic cooperative arrangements. Political stalemate concerning expanded membership of the European Economic Community favored Nordek. That stalemate was broken after de Gaulle's political demise. The changed conditions brought into sharp relief the incompatibility of Finland's neutrality policy with participation in a Nordek which would include such potential EEC members as Denmark and Norway. Finally, future prospects are examined through the construction of four basic choices presented as models. The Greater European model and the Divided Scandinavia model contain the international dimensions of the dilemma presently facing the Scandinavians.
The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings — Form and Procedure
Authors: Hanevold Truls 
Published: January 2017

The Antarctic Treaty of 1959 established a consultative system for the purpose of passing recommendations to the signatory governments in pursuit of the objects and principles of the treaty. This article is a study in international negotiations. After an introduction detailing the background for the negotiations, attention is drawn to the possible long-term aims and strategies of the parties in view of their attitudes on the question of rights and claims in Antarctica and their capabilities for conducting scientific research there. In part two the preparations for the consultative meetings and their influence on the decision-making process are described. Part three deals with the consultative meetings themselves, how the delegations are composed, and their instructions and behaviour during the negotiations. Different types of sessions and their particular characteristics are discussed. The dynamics of the negotiations are treated in part four, which includes a discussion of strategies, types of arguments, self-commitments, concessions and strategies.