bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tenascin-C as Predictor of Left Ventricular Remodeling and Mortality in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sarli Bahadir , Topsakal Ramazan , Kaya Esma G. , Akpek Mahmut , Lam Yat Yin , Kaya Mehmet G. 
Published: May 2016

Background Several cardiac biomarkers, especially brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal (NT)-proBNP, have been used as predictors of prognosis and negative remodeling in DCM. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of tenascin-C in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and whether it can be used to determine reverse remodeling in patients with DCM. Methods Sixty-six patients with DCM were followed up for 12 months after initiation of medical treatment including carvedilol, ramipril (candesartan if ramipril was not tolerated), spironolactone, and furosemide. Tenascin-C and NT-proBNP measurements and transthoracic echocardiography were performed at baseline and at 12 months. Results At 12 months, a significant improvement in New York Heart Association class (2.57 ± 0.6 vs. 1.87 ± 0.5; P < 0.0001), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (217 ± 47 vs 203 ± 48; P < 0.0001), left ventricular ejection fraction (29.1 ± 5.5 vs 30.9 ± 3.8; P < 0.0001), NT-proBNP (2019 ± 558 vs 1462 ± 805; P < 0.0001), and tenascin-C (76 ± 19 vs 48 ± 28; P < 0.0001) values were observed, compared with baseline. Importantly, decrease in tenascin-C values were correlated with increase in left ventricular ejection fraction. Tenascin-C (odds ratio [OR], 1.896; <95% confidence interval [CI], 1.543–2.670; P = 0.02), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.456; G95% CI, 1.987–3.234; P = 0.01) and hypertension (OR: 2.106, <95% CI, 1.876–2.897; P = 0.03) were independent predictors of mortality in patients with DCM. Conclusion Reverse ventricular remodeling obtained with carvedilol, ramipril/candesartan, and spironolacton is associated with decreases in left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume, tenascin-C levels, and NT-proBNP levels. Consequently, tenascin-C may be used to evaluate reverse remodeling in patients with DCM.
Effect of Marital Status on Clinical Outcome of Heart Failure
Authors: Watkins Taylor , Mansi Mark , Thompson Jennifer , Mansi Ishak , Parish Roy 
Published: May 2016

Background Despite significant advances in pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment of heart failure (HF), there are more than 1 million HF visits annually to the emergency department. Studies indicate that HF clinical outcome is affected not only by medical interventions but also by social factors such as marital status. Objectives This study aimed to determine the effect of marital status of HF patients on clinical outcome of HF in a high-risk population. Methods We reviewed data collected for The Joint Commission in patients admitted with HF at a university hospital serving a high-risk population in Louisiana during the period from June 2003 to September 2004 and followed up until December 2008. Patients were divided into 2 groups, namely, married patients and unmarried patients (including single, divorced, and widowed) based on self-reporting. Primary outcome measures were in-hospital survival and time to readmission. Secondary outcome measures were HF admission rate, average B-type natriuretic peptide, and average troponin-I levels throughout the follow-up period. Results Of 646 reviewed records, 542, representing 357 patients, were included in the analysis. Of these, 105 patients were married and 245 were unmarried; marital status was missing for 7 patients. Mean (SD) of follow-up period was 2.39 (1.6) years. Marital status was not a significant variable for in-hospital death (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.35–1.49), or for time to readmission for HF (hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.86-1.56); multiple linear regression analysis identified married status as an independent variable for average B-type natriuretic peptide (parameter estimate = −0.26, P = 0.02) but not for HF admission rate or average troponin-I levels. Conclusions Married status was not associated with better clinical outcome in HF patients in a high-risk population.
The Effect of Nesfatin-1 Levels on Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Celik Ahmet , Gurger Mehtap , Can Çagdas , Balin Mehmet , Gul Evrim , Kobat Mehmet Ali , Gumusay Umut , Sahan Mustafa , Bursalı Kazım Burak , Celiker İlyas , Aydin Suna , Aydin Suleyman 
Published: May 2016

Background Nesfatin-1 was originally identified as a neuropeptide of the hypothalamus, which is a key integration area of the brain, where numerous neuropeptides and transmitters are released to participate in the control of essential body functions. In the literature, there are no studies showing the relationship between the nesfatin-1 level and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. We hypothesize that the circulating levels of nesfatin-1 may increase during supraventricular tachycardia, to engage the vagal stimulation to terminate by the inhibition of neuropeptide-Y, and may activate oxytocin and the corticotropin-releasing hormone. Materials and Methods This study includes 120 cases (80 patients and 40 controls). Patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia were compared with the control group with regard to sex, nesfatin-1 level, comorbid diseases, serum renal function values, and patients’ vital findings. Results The nesfatin-1 levels were significantly higher in the paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia group than in the control group and positively correlated highly with heart rate ( r = 0.634; P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.644 for the nesfatin-1 levels ( P = 0.0051). The sensitivity and specificity values of the nesfatin-1 levels were 41.2% and 95%, respectively (cutoff value >1743.7 pg/mL). Conclusion At the end of this study, a statistically significant correlation was found between the serum nesfatin-1 level and supraventricular tachycardia. Although multifactorial causes may explain the relationship, we based our hypothesis on the relationship of the antagonistic effects of nesfatin-1 on the neuropeptide-Y and activated oxytocin.
Elevated Serum Level of IL-33 and sST2 in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis: Associated with Disease Activity and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Li Xiao-lin , Lin Tian-tian , Qi Chen-yue , Yuan Lin , Xia Li-ping , Shen Hui , Lu Jing 
Published: May 2016

Objective Interleukin (IL)-33 is a cytokine belonging to the IL-1 family and was recently identified as a ligand for ST2, which belongs to the IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) family. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible pathophysiological role of IL-33/sST2 in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods The levels of IL-33/sST2 and vascular endothelial growth factor in serum samples of 140 patients with AS and 90 controls were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, and human leukocyte antigen B27 were measured by standard laboratory techniques. Disease activity in AS was measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index. Hip involvement, peripheral arthritis, and eye involvement were also recorded. Results The serum levels of IL-33/sST2 were remarkably higher in the patients with AS than the healthy groups and significantly correlated with vascular endothelial growth factor and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index. The sST2 levels correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, platelet, and human leukocyte antigen B27. Elevated levels of IL-33/sST2 were detected in the patients with peripheral arthritis, and sST2 were detected to be increased in the patients with hip involvement. By contrast, levels of IL-33 but not sST2 increased in the patients with eye involvement. Conclusion IL-33/sST2 may regulate the immunological or inflammatory process of AS.
Sodium Bicarbonate versus Isotonic Saline for the Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Coronary Angiography and/or Intervention
Authors: Koc Fatih , Ozdemir Kurtulus , Altunkas Fatih , Celik Atac , Dogdu Orhan , Karayakali Metin , Gul Enes Elvin , Erkorkmaz Unal , Kadi Hasan , Akpek Mahmut , Kaya Mehmet Gungor 
Published: May 2016

Introduction Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a leading cause of acute renal failure and affects mortality and morbidity. Although the incidence of CIN is quite low in the general population, CIN incidence is significantly increased in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Objectives We compared the efficacy of prophylactic use consisting of a saline infusion or a sodium bicarbonate infusion for the prevention of CIN in patients with DM. Materials and Methods A total of 195 DM patients who had unselected renal function were randomized into 2 groups: 101 patients were assigned to saline infusion, and 94 patients were assigned to bicarbonate infusion. The primary end point was the maximum increase in the serum creatinine (SCr) level, whereas the secondary end point was the development of CIN after the procedure. Results The maximum increase in SCr levels was significantly lower in the saline group than in the bicarbonate group: −0.03 mg/dL (IQR, −0.09 to 0.10 mg/dL) versus 0.02 mg/dL (IQR, −0.09 to 0.13 mg/dL) ( P = 0.014). The rate of CIN was significantly lower in the saline group than in the bicarbonate group (5.9% vs 16%, P = 0.024). In the subset of study participants with a baseline creatinine clearance of less than 60 mL/min, the maximum increase in SCr levels was significantly lower, −0.08 mg/dL (IQR, −0.13 to −0.04 mg/dL), in the saline group than in the bicarbonate group, 0.03 mg/dL (IQR, −0.13 to 0.12 mg/dL) ( P = 0.004). Conclusions The use of prophylactic hydration with isotonic saline before coronary procedures may decrease SCr levels and reduce the incidence of CIN in patients with DM with unselected renal functions to a greater extent than sodium bicarbonate can.
The Negative Correlation between Thyrotropin Receptor–Stimulating Antibodies and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Patients with Graves’ Disease
Authors: Amashukeli Medea , Korinteli Maka , Zerekidze Tamar , Jikurauli Nino , Shanava Shorena , Tsagareli Marina , Giorgadze Elen 
Published: May 2016

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder with various clinical manifestations. Thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAbs), the circulating autoantibodies specific to Graves’ disease, are the cause for hyperthyroidism, the most prevalent abnormality. Hyperthyroidism leads to increased bone turnover and a negative bone balance. The aims of the present study were to determine the relationship between TRAbs and bone mineral density (BMD), to assess the extent of BMD change in patients with Graves’ disease, and to determine the impact of conservative and surgical therapy on BMD. Fifty female postmenopausal patients with Graves’ disease were chosen for this study. Twenty women had a recent diagnosis of Graves’ disease, 30 women presented with a compensated disease state after either conservative or surgical treatment, and 30 healthy postmenopausal women served as controls. Thyroid parameters were measured, and BMD values were obtained by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan. Femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD and T-scores were significantly lower in newly diagnosed patients compared with the control group, but a difference was not observed between the treated and control groups. Statistical analysis revealed a strong and significant negative correlation between femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD and TRAb values. Both surgical and conservative therapies are effective for restoring BMD in postmenopausal patients with Graves’ disease, and the increased level of TRAb can be a useful marker of bone density impairment.
Mind-Body Practices for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Kim Sang Hwan , Schneider Suzanne M. , Kravitz Len , Mermier Christine , Burge Mark R. 
Published: May 2016

Background Mind-body practices are increasingly used to provide stress reduction for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mind-body practice encompasses activities with the intent to use the mind to impact physical functioning and improve health. Methods This is a literature review using PubMed, PsycINFO, and Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress to identify the effects of mind-body intervention modalities, such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, and deep breathing, as interventions for PTSD. Results The literature search identified 92 articles, only 16 of which were suitable for inclusion in this review. We reviewed only original, full text articles that met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies have small sample size, but findings from the 16 publications reviewed here suggest that mind-body practices are associated with positive impacts on PTSD symptoms. Mind-body practices incorporate numerous therapeutic effects on stress responses, including reductions in anxiety, depression, and anger, and increases in pain tolerance, self-esteem, energy levels, ability to relax, and ability to cope with stressful situations. In general, mind-body practices were found to be a viable intervention to improve the constellation of PTSD symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance, and increased emotional arousal. Conclusions Mind-body practices are increasingly used in the treatment of PTSD and are associated with positive impacts on stress-induced illnesses such as depression and PTSD in most existing studies. Knowledge about the diverse modalities of mind-body practices may provide clinicians and patients with the opportunity to explore an individualized and effective treatment plan enhanced by mind-body interventions as part of ongoing self-care.
Serum S100A12 Levels Are Correlated with the Presence and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhao Peng , Wu Mingchun , Yu Houyou , Huang Yang , Wang Yutong , Wang Wei , Yin Wen 
Published: May 2016

Objective Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at high risk for development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Serum S100A12 levels have been reported to be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and T2DM. We sought to assess whether serum S100A12 levels are correlated with the presence and severity of CAD. Methods Type 2 diabetes mellitus levels in 188 consecutive patients with T2DM undergoing coronary angiography for the evaluation of CAD. The severity of CAD was assessed by the Coronary Atherosclerosis Index (CAI) scores. Results Serum S100A12 levels were significantly higher in patients with T2DM with CAD than in those without CAD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that serum S100A12 levels were independently associated with the presence of CAD. Serum S100A12 levels were positively correlated with the Coronary Atherosclerosis Index scores after adjusting for other clinical characteristics. Conclusion High S100A12 levels are associated with the presence and severity of CAD in patients with T2DM.
Gelatinases and Their Tissue Inhibitors in a Group of Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Hopps Eugenia , Lo Presti Rosalia , Montana Maria , Noto Davide , Averna Maurizio R. , Caimi Gregorio 
Published: May 2016

Aim To evaluate matrix metalloproteases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in a group of subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS) subdivided according to the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus. Methods We examined in 90 subjects (51 men and 39 women) with MS, defined following the International Diabetes Federation criteria, and subsequently subdivided into diabetic subjects (22 men and 11 women) and nondiabetic subjects s (29 men and 28 women), the plasma concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results We found a significant increase in plasma concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in the whole group of MS subjects ( P < 0.001) and in both subgroups of MS subjects with diabetes mellitus ( P < 0.001) and without diabetes mellitus ( P < 0.001) in comparison with healthy controls. We also noted higher concentrations of all the examined parameters in the MS subjects with diabetes mellitus in comparison with the MS subjects without diabetes mellitus. Matrix metalloproteases and TIMPs showed some significant correlations with body mass index and waist circumference and with metabolic parameters in the whole group of MS subjects. Conclusion An altered pattern of MMPs and their inhibitors is demonstrated in MS; the presence of diabetes mellitus strongly influences the concentration of MMP and TIMP, contributing probably to the increased cardiovascular risk of MS subjects.
Inadequate Postgraduate Training of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in an Era of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kessler Chad S. , Kane Khadidjatou , Dev Sharmistha , Smiley Jeremy L. 
Published: May 2016

Background Since 2002, the incidence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) has been steadily increasing and CA-MRSA may now account for most community-based SSTIs. Although consensus remains vague, using antibiotics with MRSA coverage has shown improved rates of clinical resolution. The goal of this pilot study was to assess resident physicians’ awareness and management of CA-MRSA SSTIs in the acute/ambulatory care setting. Methods This is a prospective cross-sectional survey-design study based on clinical case scenarios approved by the university's institutional review board. The survey was distributed to residents in internal medicine, general surgery, and emergency medicine. The survey was designed to assess (1) their knowledge of MRSA prevalence in community SSTIs and (2) their choice of empiric antibiotic for community-based SSTIs. Results Across all residency programs, only 15.7% of residents correctly estimated prevalence of CA-MRSA in SSTIs in the acute care/ambulatory setting to be 50% or higher. In practice, 28.6% of general surgery residents, 50.0% of internal medicine residents, and 69.7% of emergency medicine residents would use an antibiotic with appropriate MRSA coverage. Conclusion This pilot study reveals that a substantial number of resident physicians are unaware of the increasing prevalence of CA-MRSA SSTIs and continue to use β-lactam antibiotics for empiric pharmacotherapy of community-based SSTIs. More education is desperately needed on this crucial topic across various residency training programs.
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level is Associated with Arterial Stiffness, Left Ventricle Hypertrophy, and Inflammation in Newly Diagnosed Hypertension
Authors: Kuloğlu Osman , Gür Mustafa , Şeker Taner , Kalkan Gülhan Yüksel , Şahin Durmuş Yıldıray , Tanboğa &Idot;brahim Halil , Koyunsever Nermin Yıldız , Harbalıoğlu Hazar , Türkoğlu Caner , Akyol Selahattin , Elbasan Zafer , Acele Armağan , Çaylı Murat 
Published: May 2016

Objectives Vitamin D may modulate vascular inflammation, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, the renin-angiotensin system, and cardiomyocyte proliferation, myocardial fibrosis, and proliferation. These mechanisms may play a role on arterial stiffness and left ventricle hypertrophy (LVH) in hypertensive patients. We aimed to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D with arterial stiffness and LVH in patients with hypertension. Methods We studied 133 patients with newly diagnosed hypertension [mean (SD) age, 62.9 (10.6) years]. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), which reflects arterial stiffness, was calculated using the single-point method via the Mobil-O-Graph ARCsolver algorithm. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was determined according to Deverux formula. The patients were divided into the following 2 groups according to serum vitamin D level: vitamin Dlow group with less than 20 ng/mL and vitamin Dhigh group with greater than or equal to 20 ng/mL. Results The highest PWV, high-sensitivity C reactive protein, and LVMI values were observed in vitamin Dlow group compared with vitamin Dhigh group. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that vitamin D level was independently associated with LVMI (β = −0.235, P = 0.002) and PWV (β = −0.432, P < 0.001). Adjustment for age, sex, parathyroid hormone level, body surface area, and mean blood pressure did not modify these associations. Vitamin D level was also independently associated with high-sensitivity C reactive protein (β = −0.143, P = 0.047). However, adjustment for parathyroid hormone level or body surface area and mean blood pressure attenuate this association. Conclusions Serum 25-hyroxyvitamin D is independently related with arterial stiffness, LVH, and inflammation. Vitamin D may play a role on pathogenesis of arterial stiffness and LVH in patient with newly diagnosed hypertension.
Peripheral Monocytes Derived from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis and Healthy Donors Secrete NGAL in Response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection
Authors: Zughaier Susu M. , Tangpricha Vin , Leong Traci , Stecenko Arlene A. , McCarty Nael A. 
Published: May 2016

Background Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) develop chronic bacterial infections in the respiratory tract, reflecting dysfunctional innate immunity. Neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (NGAL) has 2 functions: one as an antibacterial host defense protein and the other as a physiological iron carrier. Neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been validated as a biomarker for early kidney disease. The aim of this study was to determine whether NGAL could serve as a marker of acute pulmonary exacerbations in CF by measuring NGAL levels in serum samples from subjects with CF during stable clinic visits and during hospitalization for pulmonary exacerbations and comparing these levels to healthy controls and to patients without CF with significant infection. In addition, we aimed to determine if innate immunity cells other than neutrophils act as a source of NGAL. Methods Circulating NGAL levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum samples from 30 subjects with CF when hospitalized for an acute pulmonary exacerbation, 33 subjects with CF during stable clinic visits, 33 patients with sepsis, and 21 healthy controls. Secreted NGAL from CF and healthy control peripheral monocytes infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Serum NGAL levels were elevated in the patients with CF compared to the healthy controls ( P < 0.001). However, no difference in serum NGAL levels was found between subjects with CF with stable disease compared to subjects with CF undergoing pulmonary exacerbation. Furthermore, peripheral monocytes from CF and subjects without CF secreted NGAL upon infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and thereby may be contributing to the circulating NGAL levels observed. Conclusions Our data show that peripheral monocytes secrete NGAL, and serum NGAL levels are widely distributed among subjects with CF, being elevated both when clinically stable and during a pulmonary exacerbation and thus NGAL is not a sensitive biomarker for pulmonary exacerbations.