bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of
Biglycan
Enhances Thrombin Generation in
Apolipoprotein E
-Deficient Mice
Authors: Grandoch Maria , Kohlmorgen Christina , Melchior-Becker Ariane , Feldmann Kathrin , Homann Susanne , Müller Julia , Kiene Lena-Sophia , Zeng-Brouwers Jinyang , Schmitz Friederike , Nagy Nadine , Polzin Amin , Gowert Nina S. , Elvers Margitta , Skroblin Philipp , Yin Xiaoke , Mayr Manuel , Schaefer Liliana , Tannock Lisa R. , Fischer Jens W. 
Published: April 2016

Objective—
Thrombin signaling promotes atherosclerosis by initiating inflammatory events indirectly through platelet activation and directly via protease-activated receptors. Therefore, endogenous thrombin inhibitors may be relevant modulators of atheroprogression and cardiovascular risk. In addition, endogenous thrombin inhibitors may affect the response to non–vitamin K-dependent oral anticoagulants. Here, the question was addressed whether the small leucine-rich proteoglycan biglycan acts as an endogenous thrombin inhibitor in atherosclerosis through activation of heparin cofactor II.

Approach and Results—

Biglycan concentrations were elevated in the plasma of patients with acute coronary syndrome and in male
Apolipoprotein E
-deficient (
ApoE
−/−
) mice. Biglycan was detected in the glycocalyx of capillaries and the subendothelial matrix of arterioles of
ApoE
−/−
mice and in atherosclerotic plaques. Thereby a vascular compartment is provided that may mediate the endothelial and subendothelial activation of heparin cofactor II through biglycan.
ApoE
and
Bgn
double-deficient (
ApoE
−/−
/Bgn
−/0
) mice showed higher activity of circulating thrombin, increased platelet activation and platelet adhesion in vivo, supporting a role of biglycan in balancing thrombin activity. Furthermore, concentrations of circulating cytokines and aortic macrophage content were elevated in
ApoE
−/−
/Bgn
−/0
mice, suggesting a proinflammatory phenotype. Elevated platelet activation and macrophage accumulation were reversed by treating
ApoE
−/−
/Bgn
−/0
mice with the thrombin inhibitor argatroban. Ultimately,
ApoE
−/−
/Bgn
−/0
mice developed aggravated atherosclerosis.

Conclusions—
The present results indicate that biglycan plays a previously unappreciated protective role during the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting thrombin activity, platelet activation, and finally macrophage-mediated plaque inflammation.
Vitamin K–Dependent Protein Activity and Incident Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Danziger John , Young Rebekah L. , Shea M. Kyla , Tracy Russell P. , Ix Joachim H. , Jenny Nancy S. , Mukamal Kenneth J. 
Published: April 2016

Objective—
Vitamin K–dependent proteins (VKDPs), which require post-translational modification to achieve biological activity, seem to contribute to thrombus formation, vascular calcification, and vessel stiffness. Whether VKDP activity is prospectively associated with incident cardiovascular disease has not been studied.

Approach and Results—

VKDP activity was determined by measuring circulating des-γ-carboxy prothrombin concentrations in a random sample of 709 multiethnic adults free of cardiovascular disease drawn from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Lower des-γ-carboxy prothrombin concentrations reflect greater VKDP activity. Subjects were followed up for the risk of ischemic cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease, stroke, and fatal cardiovascular disease) for 11.0 years of follow-up. A total of 75 first ischemic CVD events occurred during follow-up. The incidence of ischemic cardiovascular disease increased progressively across des-γ-carboxy prothrombin quartiles, with event rates of 5.9 and 11.7 per 1000 person-years in the lowest and highest quartiles. In analyses adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and measures of vitamin K intake, a doubling of des-γ-carboxy prothrombin concentration was associated with a 1.53 (95% confidence interval, 1.09–2.13;
P
=0.008) higher risk of incident ischemic cardiovascular disease. The association was consistent across strata of participants with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, renal impairment, and low vitamin K nutritional intake.

Conclusions—
In this sample of middle-aged and older adults, VKDP activity was associated with incident ischemic cardiovascular events. Further studies to understand the role of this large class of proteins in cardiovascular disease are warranted.
Studies of Peruvian Ptiliidae (Coleoptera) 3: the genus Discheramocephalus Johnson including six new species, and validation of the unavailable generic name Phytotelmatrichis Darby and Chaboo
Authors: DARBY MICHAEL 
Published: April 2016

Six new species of Discheramocephalus Johnson are described and figured: D. angustus sp. n., D. capac sp. n., D. inretitus sp. n., D. interfusus sp. n., D. malalae sp. n. and D. parvus sp. n.. The insects were collected by Dr Caroline Chaboo and her students at the University of Kansas as part of a programme to compile an inventory of leaf beetles in Peru and are the first records of the genus from the country. A key is provided. The unavailable genus Phytotelmatrichis Darby & Chaboo is made available from this publication, with Phytotelmatrichis peruviensis Darby & Chaboo 2015 as its type species.
Extreme Low-Level Updrafts and Wind Speeds Measured by Dropsondes in Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Stern Daniel P. , Bryan George H. , Aberson Sim D. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Previous studies have found surprisingly strong vertical motions in low levels of some tropical cyclones. In this study, all available dropsondes (12 000) within tropical cyclones during 1997–2013 are examined, in order to create a dataset of the most extreme updrafts (10 m s−1; 169 sondes) and wind speeds (90 m s−1; 64 sondes). It is shown that extreme low-level (0–3 km) updrafts are ubiquitous within intense (category 4 and 5) tropical cyclones, and that few such updrafts have been observed within weaker storms. These extreme updrafts, which are almost exclusively found within the eyewall just inward of the radius of maximum winds, sometimes occur in close association with extreme horizontal wind speeds. Consistent with previous studies, it is suggested that both the extremes in vertical velocity and wind speed are associated with small-scale (1 km) vortices that exist along the eye–eyewall interface. As a substantial number of updrafts are found within a kilometer of the surface, it can be shown that it is implausible for buoyancy to be the primary mechanism for vertical acceleration. Additionally, the azimuthal distribution of both the extreme updrafts and wind speeds is strongly associated with the orientation of the environmental vertical wind shear.
Hispanic Acculturation and Gender Differences in Support and Self-Efficacy for Managing Diabetes
Authors: Mansyur Carol L. , Rustveld Luis O. , Nash Susan G. , Jibaja-Weiss Maria L. 
Published: April 2016

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether perceived support, social norms, and their association with self-efficacy varied by gender and language-based acculturation in Hispanic men and women with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods A cross-sectional, secondary analysis of baseline survey data from a randomized control trial. Participants were 248 Hispanic patients from 4 community health centers who participated in a culturally targeted intervention for diabetes management. Quantitative statistical methods were used, including chi-square analyses, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression. Results Gender and language both moderated the relationship between social factors and self-efficacy. Regardless of language, better perceived support was associated with improved self-efficacy in women but not men. Dietary norms were associated with self-efficacy in English-speaking men and women, while physical activity norms were associated with self-efficacy for Spanish-speaking women only. Conclusions This study builds on previous research by exploring the extent to which the social context of diabetes self-management may vary in its effects depending on gender and acculturation. The findings revealed potentially important differences based on both gender and language, suggesting that interventions must be designed with these differences in mind. Diabetes-specific support from family members, especially spouses, may be especially important for Hispanic women. For both men and women, it may be effective to find creative ways of involving the family in creating healthier social norms and expectations.
Polymorphism 2184A/G in the AGER gene is not associated with diabetic retinopathy in Han Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Li Jian , Cai Wei , Zhang Wei , Zhu Wei-Feng , Liu Ying , Yue Li-Xia , Zhu Ling-Yan , Xiao Jun-Ren , Liu Jian-Ying , Xu Ji-Xiong 
Published: April 2016

Objective To assess the association between the 2184A/G polymorphism in the advanced glycosylation end product-specific receptor ( AGER) gene and the susceptibility to diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Han Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods This cross-sectional genotyping study included patients with T2DM with and without DR. Genotype and allele frequencies of the 2184A/G polymorphism were detected using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis. Results This study included 943 patients with T2DM (285 with DR [DR group] and 658 without DR [NDR group]). There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure, glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, postprandial 2-hour blood glucose, and triglycerides between the two groups. The duration of T2DM and systolic blood pressure were significantly increased in the DR group compared with the NDR group. No significant differences were found in allele (A and G) and genotype (AA, AG and GG) frequencies of the 2184A/G polymorphism between the two groups. Conclusion The 2184A/G polymorphism in the AGER gene is not associated with DR in Han Chinese patients with T2DM.
NewAccess for depression and anxiety: adapting the UK Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Program across Australia
Authors: Cromarty Paul , Drummond Aaron , Francis Tamara , Watson Julianne , Battersby Malcolm 
Published: April 2016

Objective: NewAccess is a Low Intensity Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (LiCBT) early intervention pilot, for mild to moderate depression and anxiety. In November 2015 the Australian Government Review of Mental Health Programmes and Services specifically highlighted the program, stating, “Primary Health Networks will.…be encouraged and supported to work towards better utilisation of low intensity ‘coaching’ services for people with lesser needs, building on evaluations of programmes such as the NewAccess model of care, and the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies model of stepped care implemented in the United Kingdom.” NewAccess runs in three sites (Adelaide, Canberra and North Coast New South Wales) based on the successful UK Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) model. NewAccess involves training in evidence-based interventions, regular clinical supervision and recording outcome measures every session. Key performance indicators include functional recovery,loss of diagnosis, return to employment and early intervention. Conclusions: Adaptation to Australia accommodated contextual issues such as geographical isolation and infrastructure of the healthcare system. Initial recovery rates and projected economic viability for NewAccess are very promising, supporting wider adoption of an IAPT model across Australia. In addition it has resulted in the emergence of a new Australian workforce in community mental health with the LiCBT ‘Coach’.
Comparative Studies of Collaborative Team Depression Care Adoption in Safety Net Clinics
Authors: Ell Kathleen , Wu Shinyi , Guterman Jeffrey , Schulman Sandra-Gross , Sklaroff Laura , Lee Pey-Jiuan 
Published: April 2016

Purpose: To evaluate three approaches adopting collaborative depression care model in Los Angeles County safety net clinics with predominantly Latino type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: Pre–post differences in treatment rates and symptom reductions were compared between baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups for each approach: (a) Multifaceted Depression and Diabetes Program (MDDP) grant–hired social workers dedicated for depression care, (b) Diabetes–Depression Care-Management Adoption Trial (DCAT) supported care (SC) by clinic social workers in diabetes disease management teams, and (c) DCAT-automated care-management technology-facilitated care (TC) model. All social workers were guided by a depression care protocol. Results: All approaches significantly increased treatment rate, the largest improvement being MDDP (40%), followed by TC (30%) and then SC (20%). Similar patterns were found in symptom improvement (≥50% depression score reductions) and self-rated health. TC was the only approach to significantly improve patient diabetes self-care. Discussion: Activated social workers and technology facilitation provide promising effective adoption of collaborative depression team care in safety net.
Incidence of Delirium Among Patients Having Cancer Injected With Different Opioids for the First Time
Authors: Tanaka Rei , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Sato Tetsu , Shino Michihiro , Matsumoto Teruaki , Mori Keita , Omae Katsuhiro , Osaka Iwao 
Published: April 2016

Background: Despite the risk of drug-induced delirium, it is difficult to avoid the use of opioids in palliative care. However, no previous study has carefully investigated how the development of delirium varies among patients injected with different opioids for the first time. Objectives: To reveal the difference in the incidence of delirium between different opioids. Design: The incidence of delirium was compared among 114 patients who had started morphine, oxycodone, or fentanyl injection at Shizuoka Cancer Center between June 2012 and September 2014. Results: The incidence of delirium was 28.9% in the morphine group (n = 38), 19.5% in the oxycodone group (n = 41), and 8.6% in the fentanyl group (n = 35). There was a significant difference between the morphine and fentanyl groups (Fisher’s exact test, P = 0.04) but not between the morphine and oxycodone groups (P = 0.43) nor between the oxycodone and fentanyl groups (P = 0.21). Conclusions: The incidence of delirium after the commencement of fentanyl injection was significantly lower, suggesting that fentanyl is a useful opioid injection drug from the perspective of delirium risk.
The Impact of Lung Ventilation on Some Cytokines after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Toikkanen V. , Rinne T. , Nieminen R. , Moilanen E. , Laurikka J. , Porkkala H. , Tarkka M. , Mennander A. 
Published: April 2016

Background and Aims: Cardiopulmonary bypass induces a systematic inflammatory response, which is partly understood by investigation of peripheral blood cytokine levels alone; the lungs may interfere with the net cytokine concentration. We investigated whether lung ventilation influences lung passage of some cytokines after coronary artery bypass grafting. Material and Methods: In total, 47 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled, and 37 were randomized according to the ventilation technique: (1) No-ventilation group, with intubation tube detached from the ventilator; (2) low tidal volume group, with continuous low tidal volume ventilation; and (3) continuous 10 cm H2O positive airway pressure. Ten selected patients undergoing surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass served as a referral group. Representative pulmonary and radial artery blood samples were collected for the evaluation of calculated lung passage (pulmonary/radial artery) of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6 and interleukin 8) and the anti-inflammatory interleukin 10 immediately after induction of anesthesia (T1), 1 h after restoring ventilation/return of flow in all grafts (T2), and 20 h after restoring ventilation/return of flow in all grafts (T3). Results: Pulmonary/radial artery interleukin 6 and pulmonary/radial artery interleukin 8 ratios ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.05, respectively) decreased, while pulmonary/radial artery interleukin 10 ratio ( p = 0.001) increased in patients without cardiopulmonary bypass as compared with patients with cardiopulmonary bypass. Conclusions: The pulmonary/radial artery equation is an innovative means for the evaluation of cytokine lung passage after coronary artery bypass grafting. The mode of lung ventilation has no impact on some cytokines after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients treated with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Management of pretibial lacerations: How patients' well-being is affected by their management
Authors: Vasdeki Dionysia , Naji Shetha , Kelsey Clare , Khan Irfan Ullah 
Published: April 2016

Background Pretibial lacerations remain one of the commonest problems in plastic surgery. There is still no evidence of superiority of either a conservative or surgical approach for their management, nor any documentation regarding patients' performance following each approach. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of all patients treated for pretibial lacerations/haematomas in our unit, from May 2013 till April 2014 who were offered surgical or conservative management. Conservative management included washout of wound and application of non-adhesive dressings; the patients were discharged home on the same day and followed up in dressing clinic. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score was used to assess patients' well-being during healing time. Results There were 38 patients; 21 opted for conservative management and 17 for skin grafting, after consultation. Overall, 66% of conservatively managed wounds were completely healed and patients were discharged. Mean healing time was 66.28 (13–172) days and required 3.43 (1–8) visits to the unit. In the surgically managed group, 88% of the patients had their wounds completely healed with a mean healing time of 69.5 (14–147) days and 5.87 (2–11) visits to the unit required. Of the conservatively managed patients, 55.6% scored 0 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale, denoting fine health, while only 7.6% of the surgically managed patients scored zero. In total, 77.8% of the conservatively managed patients reported they would not have a chosen a skin graft if given the choice again. Conclusion This study shows that satisfactory healing of pretibial lacerations may be achieved without surgical intervention in a high-risk group of patients, who reported good overall performance during healing time.
Seasonal and time of day variation related to the daily incidence of major traumatic injury in a large US city
Authors: Kieltyka Jude , Nicolson Norman G , Crandall Marie 
Published: April 2016

Background Trauma is a major burden on the healthcare system of Chicago with greater than 9000 major injuries annually. If fluctuations in trauma could be predicted by ecologic variables, more effective allocation of hospital and pre-hospital resources could be achieved. Methods The Illinois Trauma Registry was retrospectively analyzed to investigate several group-level factors potentially related to the incidence of major traumatic injury from 1999 through 2009. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses evaluated the effects of weekday, maximum daily temperature, rain, snow, and major holidays on daily trauma incidence. Results A total of 107,546 trauma admissions occurred during the study period and were included in the analysis. Time of day (peak hours 22:00 to 02:00, odds ratio (OR) 2.66), weekday (OR 1.27 for Friday and Saturday), mean daily temperature, rain, snow, and four holidays were found to be associated with differential risks of trauma. Martin Luther King, Jr. day was protective, with OR 0.86; Independence Day, Halloween, and New Years Eve all experienced higher trauma burdens than monthly, weather-weighted averages. Conclusions Several ecologic variables were found to be associated with the incidence of traumatic injury in Chicago, accounting for 40.0% of the daily variance. These results will help inform staffing decisions.
Outcomes of eye injuries with retained intraocular foreign material at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town
Authors: Rice James Clarke , Steffen Jonel 
Published: April 2016

Background Retained intraocular foreign body (IOFB) is a specific subgroup of open globe injury which is often preventable with appropriate use of eye protection. We describe the spectrum of injuries resulting in IOFB, outcomes and complications following vitrectomy surgery and context specific risk factors which may influence outcomes at our hospital. Methods Retrospective cohort study of 43 consecutive cases of IOFB that underwent vitrectomy surgery. Results The median age was 34.6 years and 95.3% were male. The presenting visual acuities ranged from 6/6 (LogMAR 0.00) to Perception of Light (PL) with a median of Hand Motions (HM) (Interquartile Range (IQR) 6/24-HM). Hammering metal was the most common cause of injury (44.2%); 72% of injuries occurred while performing premeditated high-risk activities. The foreign body was metallic in 76.7% of cases and penetrated the cornea in 69.8% of cases. Lens injury occurred in 65.1%. The retina was impacted in 36 cases (83.7%), four of which impacted the macula. Macula impact was associated with poor visual outcome ( p = 0.049, Fisher’s exact). Four cases (9.3%) had endophthalmitis. The median final visual acuity was 6/24 (IQR 6/9–6/60). Visual acuity improved in 63.4.0%. Ten cases (23.8%) were worse than 3/60. Better presenting vision was associated with better visual outcomes ( p = 0.049, Fisher’s exact). The Ocular Trauma Score predicted outcomes well in better prognosis categories but underestimated final visual outcomes in the poor prognosis category. Central corneal scarring contributed to reduced visual outcomes. Conclusion The majority of IOFB injuries are preventable with appropriate use of eye protection. Visual outcomes are better than other causes of open globe injury. Resource constraints contribute to suboptimal final visual outcomes.