bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging based correlation analysis between calcarine sulcus development and isolated fetal ventriculomegaly
Authors: Li Hehong , Liang Huiying , Wu Huiying 
Published: October 2016

AbstractFetal ventriculomegaly development leads to neurological, motor, and/or cognitive impairment, and is presently diagnosed based on the width of the atrium in the lateral ventricle. But in this study, we have tried to assess the relationship between the development of calcarine sulcus and width of fetal lateral ventricles, to assess if calcarine sulcus can also be used for fetal ventriculomegaly diagnosis. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 45 subjects with isolated mild fetal ventriculomegaly (IMVM). The calcarine sulcus development was divided into three categories based on the depth; Grade 1 (undeveloped), Grade 2 (underdeveloped), and Grade 3 (fully developed), and its correlation with fetal ventriculomegaly was analyzed based on Spearman's partial rank correlation test. Based on this analysis, the width of left and right lateral ventricles showed significant downward trend with the calcarine sulcus maturation [undeveloped (Left 13.88 ± 2.70 mm, Right 14.27 ± 3.13 mm) → underdeveloped (Left 12.95 ± 1.93 mm, Right 11.93 ± 2.24 mm) → fully developed (Left 11.06 ± 2.10 mm, Right 10.42 ± 2.10 mm)] (FLeft = 5.12,P = 0.01;FRight = 10.72,P = 1.73 × 10−4). In addition, significant correlations were also observed between the width of the lateral ventricles and the maturity of the calcarine sulcus (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient; −0.47 for the left lateral ventricles and −0.56 for the right, bothP < 0.001). Overall, our data indicated a negative correlation between the fetal morphological development of calcarine sulcus and the width of lateral ventricles in subjects having isolated fetal ventriculomegaly.
An interdisciplinary review of current and future approaches to improving human–predator relations
Authors: Pooley S. , Barua M. , Beinart W. , Dickman A. , Holmes G. , Lorimer J. , Loveridge A.J. , Macdonald D.W. , Marvin G. , Redpath S. , Sillero‐Zubiri C. , Zimmermann A. , Milner‐Gulland E.J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn a world of shrinking habitats and increasing competition for natural resources, potentially dangerous predators bring the challenges of coexisting with wildlife sharply into focus. Through interdisciplinary collaboration among authors trained in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, we reviewed current approaches to mitigating adverse human–predator encounters and devised a vision for future approaches to understanding and mitigating such encounters. Limitations to current approaches to mitigation include too much focus on negative impacts; oversimplified equating of levels of damage with levels of conflict; and unsuccessful technical fixes resulting from failure to engage locals, address hidden costs, or understand cultural (nonscientific) explanations of the causality of attacks. An emerging interdisciplinary literature suggests that to better frame and successfully mitigate negative human–predator relations conservation professionals need to consider dispensing with conflict as the dominant framework for thinking about human–predator encounters; work out what conflicts are really about (they may be human–human conflicts); unravel the historical contexts of particular conflicts; and explore different cultural ways of thinking about animals. The idea of cosmopolitan natures may help conservation professionals think more clearly about human–predator relations in both local and global context. These new perspectives for future research practice include a recommendation for focused interdisciplinary research and the use of new approaches, including human‐animal geography, multispecies ethnography, and approaches from the environmental humanities notably environmental history. Managers should think carefully about how they engage with local cultural beliefs about wildlife, work with all parties to agree on what constitutes good evidence, develop processes and methods to mitigate conflicts, and decide how to monitor and evaluate these. Demand for immediate solutions that benefit both conservation and development favors dispute resolution and technical fixes, which obscures important underlying drivers of conflicts. If these drivers are not considered, well‐intentioned efforts focused on human–wildlife conflicts will fail.
Systemic inflammation as a function of the individual and combined associations of sedentary behaviour, physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness
Authors: Edwards Meghan K. , Loprinzi Paul D. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryBackgroundPrevious research demonstrates individual associations of sedentary behaviour, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cardiorespiratory fitness on systemic inflammation, often assessed via C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels. Their potential additive association on CRP, however, has not been fully evaluated, which was the purpose of this study.MethodsData from the 2003–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used (N = 627 adults 20–49 years). Sedentary behaviour and MVPA were objectively assessed (accelerometry) with cardiorespiratory fitness determined from a submaximal treadmill‐based test. Participants were classified as above or below the median values for each of these three parameters, with a PACS (Physical Activity Cardiorespiratory Sedentary) score ranging from 0 to 3, indicating the participant number of these three positive characteristics. A blood sample was obtained from each participant to assess CRP via latex‐enhanced nephelometry.ResultsAbove median sedentary behaviour (OR = 1·04; 95% CI: 0·65–1·66) was not associated with elevated (>0·3 mg dl−1) CRP, but above median MVPA (OR = 0·62; 95% CI: 0·40–0·97) and above median VO2max (OR = 0·61; 95% CI: 0·40–0·93) were associated with a reduced odds of having an elevated CRP. With regard to the additive model, and after adjustment, the odds ratios (95% CI) for the PACS score of 1 (versus 0), 2 (versus 0) and 3 (versus 0), respectively, were 0·59 (0·34–1·05; P = 0·07), 0·60 (0·31–1·15; P = 0·11) and 0·34 (0·12–0·97; P = 0·04).ConclusionCardiorespiratory fitness and MVPA, but not sedentary behaviour, were independently associated with reduced odds of elevated CRP. Adults with all three characteristics, however, had the lowest odds of elevated CRP.
Acute cardiorespiratory responses in participants with heart disease during cycling at different immersion levels
Authors: Dionne Andrée , Pérusse Louis , Comtois Alain‐Steve , Leone Mario 
Published: October 2016

SummaryPhysical activity is often avoided or practised at a low‐intensity level because of the limited ability of patients with heart disease (HD) to provide sustained effort. Immersible training has been suggested as a possible alternative as hydrostatic pressure can modify some hemodynamic parameters in healthy patients and potentially increase the exercise capacity in patients with HD. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute cardiorespiratory adaptations at different levels of immersion using an immersible ergometer (IE) in patients with HD. Twenty‐one patients and 13 healthy controls (HC) participated in this study. Several cardiorespiratory parameters were assessed at two levels of immersion (hips and xiphoid) for five different pedalling rates (40, 50, 60, 70 and peak rpm). At submaximal intensity, HD and HC participants did not differ significantly for most variables. However, for nearly and/or maximal workload, HD participants showed significantly lower values for VO2 and higher values for VE/VO2 and VE/VCO2 for both immersion levels. The increase in immersion level from hips to xiphoid resulted in a significant decrease in VO2 in both HC and HD groups at the same exercise intensity. In addition, the increase in the effects of size values based on the exercise workload indicates that group differences are accentuated with the highest pedalling rates. Our data suggest that participants with HD may benefit from the hydrostatic effect during IE cycling by allowing them to alleviate their submaximal efforts and increasing their maximal cardiorespiratory capacity during hip immersion.
Effects of enhanced external counterpulsation on skeletal muscle gene expression in patients with severe heart failure
Authors: Melin Michael , Montelius Andreas , Rydén Lars , Gonon Adrian , Hagerman Inger , Rullman Eric 
Published: October 2016

SummaryEnhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a non‐invasive treatment in which leg cuff compressions increase diastolic aortic pressure and coronary perfusion. EECP is offered to patients with refractory angina pectoris and increases physical capacity. Benefits in heart failure patients have been noted, but EECP is still considered to be experimental and its effects must be confirmed. The mechanism of action is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of EECP on skeletal muscle gene expression and physical performance in patients with severe heart failure. Patients (n = 9) in NYHA III‐IV despite pharmacological therapy were subjected to 35 h of EECP during 7 weeks. Before and after, lateral vastus muscle biopsies were obtained, and functional capacity was evaluated with a 6‐min walk test. Skeletal muscle gene expression was evaluated using Affymetrix Hugene 1.0 arrays. Maximum walking distance increased by 15%, which is in parity to that achieved after aerobic exercise training in similar patients. Skeletal muscle gene expression analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed an increased expression of two networks of genes with FGF‐2 and IGF‐1 as central regulators. The increase in gene expression was quantitatively small and no overlap with gene expression profiles after exercise training could be detected despite adequate statistical power. EECP treatment leads to a robust improvement in walking distance in patients with severe heart failure and does induce a skeletal muscle transcriptional response, but this response is small and with no significant overlap with the transcriptional signature seen after exercise training.
Insights from echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and microcomputed tomography relative to the mid‐myocardial left ventricular echogenic zone
Authors: Agger Peter , Stephenson Robert S. , Dobrzynski Halina , Atkinson Andrew , Iaizzo Paul A. , Anderson Robert H. , Jarvis Jonathan C. , Allan Sarah L. , Partridge John B. , Zhao Jichao , Zhang Henggui , MacIver David H. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundThe anatomical substrate for the mid‐mural ventricular hyperechogenic zone remains uncertain, but it may represent no more than ultrasound reflected from cardiomyocytes orientated orthogonally to the ultrasonic beam. We sought to ascertain the relationship between the echogenic zone and the orientation of the cardiomyocytes.MethodsWe used 3D echocardiography, diffusion tensor imaging, and microcomputed tomography to analyze the location and orientation of cardiomyocytes within the echogenic zone.ResultsWe demonstrated that visualization of the echogenic zone is dependent on the position of the transducer and is most clearly seen from the apical window. Diffusion tensor imaging and microcomputed tomography show that the echogenic zone seen from the apical window corresponds to the position of the circumferentially orientated cardiomyocytes. An oblique band seen in the parasternal view relates to cardiomyocytes orientated orthogonally to the ultrasonic beam.ConclusionsThe mid‐mural ventricular hyperechogenic zone represents reflected ultrasound from cardiomyocytes aligned orthogonal to the ultrasonic beam. The echogenic zone does not represent a space, a connective tissue sheet, a boundary between ascending and descending limbs of a hypothetical helical ventricular myocardial band, nor an abrupt change in cardiomyocyte orientation.
Asynchronous demographic responses to Pleistocene climate change in Eastern Nearctic vertebrates
Authors: Burbrink Frank T. , Chan Yvonne L. , Myers Edward A. , Ruane Sara , Smith Brian Tilston , Hickerson Michael J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPleistocene climatic cycles altered species distributions in the Eastern Nearctic of North America, yet the degree of congruent demographic response to the Pleistocene among codistributed taxa remains unknown. We use a hierarchical approximate Bayesian computational approach to test if population sizes across lineages of snakes, lizards, turtles, mammals, birds, salamanders and frogs in this region expanded synchronously to Late Pleistocene climate changes. Expansion occurred in 75% of 74 lineages, and of these, population size trajectories across the community were partially synchronous, with coexpansion found in at least 50% of lineages in each taxonomic group. For those taxa expanding outside of these synchronous pulses, factors related to when they entered the community, ecological thresholds or biotic interactions likely condition their timing of response to Pleistocene climate change. Unified timing of population size change across communities in response to Pleistocene climate cycles is likely rare in North America.
Traumatization, Marital Adjustment, and Parenting among Veterans and Their Spouses: A Longitudinal Study of Reciprocal Relations
Authors: Levin Yafit , Bachem Rahel , Solomon Zahava 
Published: October 2016

Despite considerable research on secondary traumatization, the ramifications of veterans’ and their wives’ posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) for the family system remain largely uninvestigated. Beginning to fill this gap, the current study aims to investigate the reciprocal relations between both spouses’ PTSS and marital adjustment, and the implications these bear for their parental functioning. Two hundred and twenty‐five Israeli veterans (mean age = 58.62, SD = 7.6) from the 1973 Yom Kippur War and their wives (mean age = 58.28, SD = 5.79) were examined at two points in time: 30 (T1) and 35–37 years after the war (T2). Analysis included longitudinal actor–partner interdependence modeling and sequential mediation analyses. The results show that higher PTSS among the wives at T1 predicted higher PTSS among husbands at T2, and vice versa, and predicted their husbands’ marital adjustment at T2. Moreover, wives’ PTSS at T1 had a significant effect on parental overinvolvement of both parents at T2, but neither their PTSS nor their husbands’ PTSS had an impact on positive parenting. In the intrapersonal domain, better marital adjustment at T1 predicted positive parenting among both spouses in subsequent measurement. Interpersonally, wives’ lower marital adjustment at T1 predicted husbands’ higher parental functioning, but not vice versa. Furthermore, marital adjustment mediated the association between PTSS and positive parenting for both spouses. The results emphasize the detrimental ramifications of war trauma on the interpersonal domains in veterans’ families. Hence, both marital and parental consequences of trauma should be considered in clinical family interventions.
The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) in Turkey
Authors: Ecder Tevfik , Utas Cengiz , Ates Kenan , Bieber Brian , Robinson Bruce M. , Pisoni Ronald L. , Süleymanlar Gültekin 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIntroduction: Turkey has one of the largest treated end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patient populations in Europe (N = 66,711). In 2013, the international Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS), a prospective study of hemodialysis (HD) practices and outcomes, initiated data collection in Turkey. Here we provide comparisons of HD patients in DOPPS‐Turkey with other international regions and with patients in the Registry of Turkish Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation.Methods: DOPPS‐Turkey study sites were randomly selected from all Turkish HD units treating ≥25 in‐center chronic HD patients. Detailed patient‐ and facility‐level data were collected for 20–30 randomly selected prevalent HD patients per facility.Findings: Demographic and comorbidity profiles for DOPPS‐Turkey patients were similar to HD patients overall in the 2013 Turkish Registry Report. In Turkey: diabetes was the most common ESRD cause (37%); arteriovenous fistula use was 83%; mean single pool Kt/V was 1.61. Compared with other international regions, Turkey had the highest mean hemoglobin (11.5 g/dL), ferritin (771 ng/mL), and interdialytic weight gain (3.28%), while Turkey had the lowest mean systolic blood pressure (127 mmHg) and erythropoiesis stimulating agent prescription (57%). Turkish patients also reported the highest depression scores.Discussion: In this first DOPPS‐Turkey report, the DOPPS sample agrees well with national Turkish Registry data. Treatment and laboratory data, and patient‐reported outcomes, demonstrate similarities and previously unrecognized contrasts to DOPPS findings in Europe, Japan, and North America. Long‐term follow‐up of these patients will describe how these differences relate to clinical outcomes within Turkey.
Home hemodialysis associated infection—The “Achilles' Heel” of intensive hemodialysis
Authors: Poon Clara K. , Chan Christopher T. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractHome hemodialysis (HHD) is emerging as an important alternate renal replacement therapy. Although there are multiple clinical advantages with HHD, concerns surrounding increased risks of infection in this group of patients remain a major barrier to its implementation. In contrast to conventional hemodialysis, infection related complication represents the major morbidity in this mode of renal replacement therapy. Vascular access related infection is an important cause of infection in this population. Use of central vein catheters and buttonhole cannulation in HHD are important modifiable risk factors for HHD associated infection. Several preventive measures are suggested in the literature, which will require further prospective validation.
Enzymatic preparation of immunomodulatory hydrolysates from defatted wheat germ (Triticum Vulgare) globulin
Authors: Wu Wenjia , Zhang Mengmeng , Sun Chongzhen , Brennan Margaret , Li Huixian , Wang Guang , Lai Furao , Wu Hui 
Published: October 2016

SummaryDefatted wheat germ globulin (DWGG) was hydrolysed using the enzymes alcalase, neutrase, papain, pepsin or trypsin to improve the immunomodulatory effects of the protein. The degree of hydrolysis (DH), molecular weight distribution, hydrophobicity, secondary structures and immunomodulatory activities were determined. The DH of hydrolysate using alcalase or neutrase was higher (P < 0.05) than that of hydrolysate prepared by other proteases. Alcalase hydrolysate (AH) had the strongest (P < 0.05) immunomodulatory activity with respect to lymphocyte proliferation, phagocytosis of neutral red and secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The molecular weight of AH ranged between 300 and 1450 Da and was composed of α‐helix and β‐turns. AH also showed the highest hydrophobic value (P < 0.05). The DH and hydrophobicity appear to be related to immunomodulatory activities. The hydrolysate prepared by the alcalase treatment on DWGG may be used as an immune supplement by the food industry.
Innate immune mediators in cancer: between defense and resistance
Authors: Berraondo Pedro , Minute Luna , Ajona Daniel , Corrales Leticia , Melero Ignacio , Pio Ruben 
Published: October 2016

SummaryChronic inflammation in the tumor microenvironment and evasion of the antitumor effector immune response are two of the emerging hallmarks required for oncogenesis and cancer progression. The innate immune system not only plays a critical role in perpetuating these tumor‐promoting hallmarks but also in developing antitumor adaptive immune responses. Thus, understanding the dual role of the innate system in cancer immunology is required for the design of combined immunotherapy strategies able to tackle established tumors. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of the role of cell populations and soluble components of the innate immune system in cancer, with a focus on complement, the adapter molecule Stimulator of Interferon Genes, natural killer cells, myeloid cells, and B cells.
Properdin: a tightly regulated critical inflammatory modulator
Authors: Blatt Adam Z. , Pathan Sabina , Ferreira Viviana P. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryThe complement alternative pathway is a powerful arm of the innate immune system that enhances diverse inflammatory responses in the human host. Key to the effects of the alternative pathway is properdin, a serum glycoprotein that can both initiate and positively regulate alternative pathway activity. Properdin is produced by many different leukocyte subsets and circulates as cyclic oligomers of monomeric subunits. While the formation of non‐physiological aggregates in purified properdin preparations and the presence of potential properdin inhibitors in serum have complicated studies of its function, properdin has, regardless, emerged as a key player in various inflammatory disease models. Here, we review basic properdin biology, emphasizing the major hurdles that have complicated the interpretation of results from properdin‐centered studies. In addition, we elaborate on an emerging role for properdin in thromboinflammation and discuss the potential utility of properdin inhibitors as long‐term therapeutic options to treat diseases marked by increased formation of platelet/granulocyte aggregates. Finally, we describe the interplay between properdin and the alternative pathway negative regulator, Factor H, and how aiming to understand these interactions can provide scientists with the most effective ways to manipulate alternative pathway activation in complex systems.
More than complementing Tolls: complement–Toll‐like receptor synergy and crosstalk in innate immunity and inflammation
Authors: Hajishengallis George , Lambris John D. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryComplement and Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play key roles in the host immune response and are swiftly activated by infection or other types of immunological stress. This review focuses on the capacity of complement and TLRs to engage in signaling crosstalk, ostensibly to coordinate immune and inflammatory responses through synergistic or antagonistic (regulatory) interactions. However, overactivation or dysregulation of either system may lead—often synergistically—to exaggerated inflammation and host tissue injury. Intriguingly, moreover, certain pathogens can manipulate complement–TLR crosstalk pathways in ways that undermine host immunity and favor their persistence. In the setting of polymicrobial inflammatory disease, subversion of complement–TLR crosstalk by keystone pathogens can promote dysbiosis. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying complement–TLR crosstalk pathways can, therefore, be used productively for tailored therapeutic approaches, such as, to enhance host immunity, mitigate destructive inflammation, or counteract microbial subversion of the host response.