bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban versus VKAs in patients with venous thromboembolism
Authors: Sindet-Pedersen Caroline , Pallisgaard Jannik Langtved , Staerk Laila , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Fosbøl Emil Loldrup , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar , Olesen Jonas Bjerring 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe approval of rivaroxaban has changed the landscape of treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Little is known about the effect of rivaroxaban compared with vitamin K antagonists (VKA), when used in the everyday clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban compared with VKAs among patients with VTE, using the Danish nationwide registries. All patients diagnosed with VTE and treated with either rivaroxaban or VKAs between 2013 and 2015 were included. A total of 12,318 patients were diagnosed with VTE and treated with VKAs [n=6,907] or rivaroxaban [n=5,411.]. Combined Cox regression analyses showed that the standardised absolute six-month risk of recurrent VTE was 3.03 % [95 % CI: 2.57 % to 3.48 %] in the rivaroxaban group and 3.13 % [95 % CI: 2.70 % to 3.56 %] in the VKA group (absolute risk difference of –0.11 % [95 % CI: –0.76 % to 0.54 %]). The standardised absolute six-months risk of bleeding was 2.28 % [95 % CI: 1.87 % to 2.67 %] for patients in the rivaroxaban group and 2.10 % [95 % CI: 1.78 % to 2.43 %] in the VKA group (absolute risk difference of 0.18 % [95 % CI: –0.34 % to 0.67]). In conclusion, rivaroxaban was associated with similar risk of recurrent VTE and bleeding compared with VKA.Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Plasma and Cardiac Galectin-3 in Patients With Heart Failure Reflects Both Inflammation and Fibrosis
Authors: Besler Christian , Lang David , Urban Daniel , Rommel Karl-Philipp , von Roeder Maximilian , Fengler Karl , Blazek Stephan , Kandolf Reinhard , Klingel Karin , Thiele Holger , Linke Axel , Schuler Gerhard , Adams Volker , Lurz Philipp 
Published: March 2017

Background—
Galectin (Gal)-3 is a β-galactoside-binding lectin and currently intensely studied as a biomarker in heart failure. Gal-3 also exerts proinflammatory effects, at least in extracardiac tissues. Objective of this study was to characterize the relationship of plasma and myocardial Gal-3 levels with cardiac fibrosis and inflammation in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and inflammatory cardiomyopathy (iCMP).

Methods and Results—

Endomyocardial biopsies and blood samples were obtained from patients with newly diagnosed cardiomyopathy and clinical suspicion of myocarditis. According to histopathologic findings, patients were classified as having dilated cardiomyopathy (n=40) or iCMP (n=75). Cardiac fibrosis was assessed histologically on endomyocardial biopsy sections. In patients with iCMP, myocardial Gal-3 expression significantly correlated with inflammatory cell count on endomyocardial biopsy (
r
=0.56;
P
<0.05). In contrast, an inverse association was observed between myocardial Gal-3 expression and cardiac fibrosis in patients with iCMP (
r
=−0.59;
P
<0.05). In patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, myocardial Gal-3 expression correlated with cardiac fibrosis on left ventricular biopsy (
P
=0.63;
P
<0.01). Of note, in both groups, plasma Gal-3 levels did not correlate with myocardial Gal-3 levels or left ventricular fibrosis, whereas a positive correlation between plasma Gal-3 levels and inflammatory cell count on endomyocardial biopsy was observed in patients with iCMP.

Conclusions—
The present study suggests that myocardial Gal-3 can be considered as a possible marker for both cardiac inflammation and fibrosis, depending on the pathogenesis of heart failure. However, circulating concentrations of Gal-3 do not seem to reflect endomyocardial Gal-3 levels or cardiac fibrosis.
Activation of CD137 Signaling Promotes Angiogenesis in Atherosclerosis via Modulating Endothelial Smad1/5‐NFATc1 Pathway
Authors: Weng Jiayi , Wang Cuiping , Zhong Wei , Li Bo , Wang Zhongqun , Shao Chen , Chen Yao , Yan Jinchuan 
Published: March 2017

Background

Excessive angiogenesis is a key feature of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, and is considered an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk.
CD
137 signaling has previously been shown to be involved in atherosclerosis. However, the possible role of
CD
137 signaling in regulating angiogenesis has not been reported.

Methods and Results

Apolipoprotein E‐deficient (ApoE
−/−
) mice were used as the in vivo model of atherosclerosis. Masson and immunohistochemical analysis of atherosclerotic plaques and Matrigel plug assay were used to evaluate the angiogenesis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells and mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells were used as in vitro and ex vivo models to study how
CD
137 signaling affects angiogenesis. Matrigel tube formation assay, mouse aortic ring angiogenesis assay, and migration and proliferation assay were employed to assess angiogenesis. Western blot was used to detect protein expression. We found increased neovessel formation in atherosclerotic plaques of ApoE
−/−
mice treated with agonist anti‐
CD
137 antibody. Activation of
CD
137 signaling induced angiogenesis, endothelial proliferation, and endothelial cell migration.
CD
137 signaling activates the pro‐angiogenic Smad1/5 pathway, induces the phosphorylation of Smad1/5 and nuclear translocation of p‐Smad1/5, which in turn promotes the expression and translocation of
NFAT
c1. Blocking
CD
137 signaling with inhibitory anti‐
CD
137 antibody could inhibit this activation and attenuated agonist anti‐
CD
137 antibody‐induced angiogenesis.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that
CD
137 signaling is a new regulator of angiogenesis by modulating the Smad1/5‐
NFAT
c1 pathway.
Cambarus (C.) appalachiensis, a new species of crayfish (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from the New River Basin of Virginia and West Virginia, USA
Authors: LOUGHMAN ZACHARY J. , WELSH STUART A. , THOMA ROGER F. 
Published: March 2017

Cambarus (Cambarus) appalachiensis is a stream-dwelling crayfish endemic to the greater New River basins of Virginia and West Virginia. The new species is morphologically most similar to Cambarus sciotensis. Cambarus appalachiensis can be differentiated from C. sciotensis by its more elongated chelae which possess a single mesial row of tubercles, reduced to no tuberculation on the dorsal-longitudinal ridge of the dactyl, and reduced lateral impression. Cambarus sciotensis has a more subrectangular chelae with two rows of mesial margin tubercles on the chelae, as well as both a pronounced dorsal-longitudinal ridge and pronounced lateral impression. Several chelae meristic ratios also differentiate C. appalachiensis from C. sciotensis. Within the New, Gauley, and lower portions of the Greenbrier basins C. appalachiensis is the dominant tertiary burrowing Cambarus species, and as such, is considered stable across its range.
Classification of Australian Thunderstorms Using Multivariate Analyses of Large-Scale Atmospheric Variables
Authors: Bates Bryson C. , Dowdy Andrew J. , Chandler Richard E. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLightning accompanied by inconsequential rainfall (i.e., “dry” lightning) is the primary natural ignition source for wildfires globally. This paper presents a machine-learning and statistical-classification analysis of dry and “wet” thunderstorm days in relation to associated atmospheric conditions. The study is based on daily data for lightning-flash count and precipitation from ground-based sensors and gauges and a comprehensive set of atmospheric variables that are based on ERA-Interim for the period from 2004 to 2013 at six locations in Australia. These locations represent a wide range of climatic zones (temperate, subtropical, and tropical). Quadratic surface representations and low-dimensional summary statistics were used to characterize the main features of the atmospheric fields. Four prediction skill scores were considered, and 10-fold cross validation was used to evaluate the performance of each classifier. The results were compared with those obtained by adopting the approach used in an earlier study for the U.S. Pacific Northwest. It was found that both approaches have prediction skill when tested against independent data, that mean atmospheric field quantities proved to be the most influential variables in determining dry-lightning activity, and that no single classifier or set of atmospheric variables proved to be consistently superior to its counterpart for the six sites examined here.
Water Exchange across Isobaths over the Continental Shelf of the East China Sea
Authors: Zhang Jing , Guo Xinyu , Zhao Liang , Miyazawa Yasumasa , Sun Qun 
Published: March 2017

AbstractOnshore and offshore currents and the associated volume transport across three isobaths (50, 100, and 200 m) over the continental shelf of the East China Sea were examined using daily reanalysis data in 1993–2012. After being averaged along the isobaths, the velocities across 100 and 50 m are onshore in the bottom layer but offshore in the surface layer. In contrast, those across the 200-m isobath are onshore in the surface and bottom layers but without a clear direction in the midlayer, suggesting a three-layer structure. The surface offshore current across the 100-m isobath mainly arises from the Taiwan Strait Current, while the surface onshore current across the 200-m isobath mainly arises from the Kuroshio, both of which converge in the area between the 100- and 200-m isobaths and flow toward the Tsushima Strait. The control of bottom Ekman dynamics on the onshore bottom currents is important at the 100-m isobath, partly important at the 200-m isobath, and slightly important at the 50-m isobath. The seasonal variations of onshore and offshore currents in the surface layers across the three isobaths are likely caused by local winds, the Taiwan Strait Current, and the Changjiang discharge, while those in midlayer across the 200-m isobath demonstrate a strong geostrophic control and can be interpreted from a traditional viewpoint on the Kuroshio intrusion over the entire water column across the shelf slope. The close connection of bottom onshore currents across the three isobaths suggests that the bottom layer is an important pathway for water exchange of shelf water and the open sea.
Effectiveness of an overall progressive resistance strength program for improving the functional capacity of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lourenzi Felipe Martinelli , Jones Anamaria , Pereira Daniele Freitas , Santos João Henrique Costa Alves dos , Furtado Rita Nely Vilar , Natour Jamil 
Published: March 2017

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of overall progressive resistance training in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial with blinded assessor and intention-to-treat analysis. Setting: Outpatient clinics. Subjects: Sixty patients with rheumatoid arthritis according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria, aged between 18 and 65 years old, under stable medication and not performing regular physical activity were randomized into two groups: intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). Interventions: IG performed the progressive resistance strength training, twice a week, during 12 weeks. The training consists of exercising various muscle groups using a load of 50% and 70% of one repetition maximum. The load was reassessed and adjusted after six weeks of baseline. Both groups remained in conventional drug treatment during the study. Main measures: Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 6, 12, and 24 weeks, using HAQ and SF-36 questionnaires and strength. Results: Thirty-three patients in the CG and 27 in the IG were evaluated. The groups were homogeneous at baseline. Statistical and clinical improvement were found with better results for the IG in the HAQ questionnaire ( P=0.030), functional capacity (0=0.022) and pain ( P=0.027) domains of SF-36; and muscle strength for flexors of right and left knee ( P=0.005 and p=0.14), abductors of shoulder ( P=0.041) and extensors of right and left wrists ( P=0.003 and P= 0.005). Conclusions: This progressive resistance strength training improves physical function as well as grip and muscular strength of knee flexors, shoulder abductors and wrist extensors in patients with RA, without adverse effects.
Exercise interventions in multiple sclerosis rehabilitation need better reporting on comorbidities: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Bisson Etienne J , Fakolade Afolasade , Pétrin Julie , Lamarre Julie , Finlayson Marcia 
Published: March 2017

Objective: To identify the extent to which exercise intervention studies in multiple sclerosis rehabilitation are addressing comorbidities and if researchers consider comorbidities as possible moderators or mediators of exercise outcomes. Methods: Five databases were searched from inception to January 8, 2016, for exercise-related terms in combination with multiple sclerosis. Studies were screened and limited to randomized control trials, full text, and English language. We assessed whether comorbidities were excluded or included, how they were reported and described, and if they were examined as possible moderators or mediators of exercise outcomes. Results: We reviewed 99 articles that included various exercise interventions, where the most common were general multi-faceted exercise training ( n=34), cardiovascular training ( n=18), progressive-resistance training ( n=12), and balance and gait training ( n=12). In total, 77 of 99 studies reported one or more comorbidities as an exclusion criterion. The most commonly excluded comorbidities were cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairments or psychiatric disorders, and unspecified conditions or contraindications. Only nine studies reported details on excluded participants with comorbidities. Across studies that reported comorbidities of included participants ( n=8), none examined comorbidities as possible moderators or mediators of exercise outcomes. Conclusion: Although a variety of exercise interventions have positive outcomes, there is limited evidence that these interventions are generalizable to people with multiple sclerosis who have comorbid conditions.
Intraday Periodicity and Volatility Forecasting: Evidence from Indian Crude Oil Futures Market
Authors: Chakrabarti B.B. , Rajvanshi Vivek 
Published: March 2017

We estimate intraday periodicities in return volatility by implementing two time series procedures—flexible Fourier form and cubic spline. We use intraday data for more than five years for crude oil futures contracts traded at the Multi Commodity Exchange India Limited. Filtration of the intraday periodicities from the raw returns reveals long-run dependence in volatility. We observe the presence of recurring and consistent intraday patterns in return volatility. Further, we find that adjustment for the intraday periodicity in return volatility improves forecasting performance. Our results are robust after controlling for the scheduled macroeconomic announcements. JEL Classification: C14, C22, G10
Estimating Financial Conditions Index for India
Authors: Khundrakpam Jeevan Kumar , Kavediya Rajesh , Anthony Jessica M. 
Published: March 2017

This article constructs financial condition indices (FCIs) for India and explores their predictive ability of business cycle. The estimated FCIs indicate substantial tightening in financial conditions in India since the global financial crisis barring a brief phase during 2010–11. Unlike in the literature, it shows the importance of standardising the financial variables by removing the influence of unit of measurement and not purging the influence of past economic activity as that improves the forecasting ability of FCI about business cycle. In predicting GDP growth, principal component analysis-based FCI outperforms vector autoregression-based FCI but both are better than OECD composite leading indicator, and indicate an upturn in business cycle in India in 2015–16. JEL Classification: E5, E17, E44
High Variability of Observed Weight Bearing During Standing Foot and Ankle Radiographs
Authors: Miller Christopher P. , Ghorbanhoseini Mohammad , Ehrlichman Lauren K. , Walley Kempland C. , Ghaheri Azadeh , Kwon John Y. 
Published: March 2017

Background: Weight-bearing radiographs are a critical component of evaluating foot and ankle pathology. An underlying assumption is that patients are placing 50% of their body weight on the affected foot during image acquisition. The accuracy of weight bearing during radiographs is unknown and, presumably, variable, which may result in uncertain ability of the resultant radiographs to appropriately portray the pathology of interest. Methods: Fifty subjects were tested. The percentage body weight through the foot of interest was measured at the moment of radiographic image acquisition. The subject was then instructed to bear “half [their] weight” prior to the next radiograph. The percentage body weight was calculated and compared to ideal 50% weight bearing. Results: The mean percentage body weight in trial 1 and 2 was 45.7% ± 3.2% ( P = .012 compared to the 50% mark) and 49.2% ± 2.4%, respectively ( P = .428 compared to 50%). The mean absolute difference in percentage weight bearing compared to 50% in trials 1 and 2 was 9.3% ± 2.3% and 5.8% ± 1.8%, respectively ( P = .005). For trial 1, 18/50 subjects were within the “ideal” (45%-55%) range for weight bearing compared to 32/50 on trial 2 ( P = .005). In trial 1, 24/50 subjects had “appropriate” (>45%) weight bearing compared to 39/50 on trial 2 ( P = .002). Conclusions: There was substantial variability in the weight applied during radiograph acquisition. This study raises questions regarding the assumptions, reliability, and interpretation when evaluating weight-bearing radiographs. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative study.
Effect of Complete Syndesmotic Disruption and Deltoid Injuries and Different Reduction Methods on Ankle Joint Contact Mechanics
Authors: LaMothe Jeremy , Baxter Josh R. , Gilbert Susannah , Murphy Conor I. , Karnovsky Sydney C. , Drakos Mark C. 
Published: March 2017

Background: Syndesmotic injuries can be associated with poor patient outcomes and posttraumatic ankle arthritis, particularly in the case of malreduction. However, ankle joint contact mechanics following a syndesmotic injury and reduction remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects of a syndesmotic injury and reduction techniques on ankle joint contact mechanics in a biomechanical model. Methods: Ten cadaveric whole lower leg specimens with undisturbed proximal tibiofibular joints were prepared and tested in this study. Contact area, contact force, and peak contact pressure were measured in the ankle joint during simulated standing in the intact, injured, and 3 reduction conditions: screw fixation with a clamp, screw fixation without a clamp (thumb technique), and a suture-button construct. Differences in these ankle contact parameters were detected between conditions using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Syndesmotic disruption decreased tibial plafond contact area and force. Syndesmotic reduction did not restore ankle loading mechanics to values measured in the intact condition. Reduction with the thumb technique was able to restore significantly more joint contact area and force than the reduction clamp or suture-button construct. Conclusion: Syndesmotic disruption decreased joint contact area and force. Although the thumb technique performed significantly better than the reduction clamp and suture-button construct, syndesmotic reduction did not restore contact mechanics to intact levels. Clinical Relevance: Decreased contact area and force with disruption imply that other structures are likely receiving more loads (eg, medial and lateral gutters), which may have clinical implications such as the development of posttraumatic arthritis.
Penumbra and re-canalization acute computed tomography in ischemic stroke evaluation: PRACTISE study protocol
Authors: El-Tawil Salwa , Wardlaw Joanna , Ford Ian , Mair Grant , Robinson Tom , Kalra Lalit , Muir Keith W 
Published: March 2017

Rationale Multimodal imaging, including computed tomography angiography and computed tomography perfusion imaging, yields additional information on intracranial vessels and brain perfusion and can differentiate between ischemic core and penumbra which may affect patient selection for intravenous thrombolysis. Hypothesis The use of multimodal imaging will increase the number of patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis and lead to better treatment outcomes. Sample size 400 patients. Methods and design PRACTISE is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial in which patients presenting within 4.5 h of symptom onset are randomized to either the current evidence-based imaging (NCCT alone) or additional multimodal computed tomography imaging (NCCT + computed tomography angiography + computed tomography perfusion). Clinical decisions on intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator are documented. Total imaging time in both arms and time to initiation of treatment delivery in those treated with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, is recorded. Follow-up will include brain imaging at 24 h to document infarct size, the presence of edema and the presence of intra-cerebral hemorrhage. Clinical evaluations include NIHSS score at baseline, 24 h and day 7 ± 2, and mRS at day 90 to define functional outcomes. Study outcomes The primary outcome is the proportion of patients receiving intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Secondary end-points evaluate times to decision-making, comparison of different image processing software and clinical outcomes at three months. Discussion Multimodal computed tomography is a widely available tool for patient selection for revascularization therapy, but it is currently unknown whether the use of additional imaging in all stroke patients is beneficial. The study opened for recruitment in March 2015 and will provide data on the value of multimodal imaging in treatment decisions for acute stroke.
Punishing Denialism beyond Holocaust Denial: EU Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA and other Expansive Trends
Authors: Lobba Paolo 
Published: March 2017

The EU Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA was introduced to harmonise criminal legislation combating racism and xenophobia. Among other measures, it promotes the punishment of conduct identified by scholars as ‘denialism’ or ‘négationnisme’. In line with a current, multi-faceted tendency curbing freedom of expression, the Framework Decision requests Member States to criminalise not only the denial, justification and gross trivialisation of the Holocaust, but also that of most international crimes. This paper seeks, firstly, to outline the Framework Decision's provisions concerning denialism, taking into account the variety of positions emerging from domestic legal systems. In this regard, it is argued that, due to its own clauses, this European act produces minor legal effects and its influence is essentially of persuasive nature. Secondly, the present article purports to demonstrate the main risk implied by the prohibition of denialism, namely the slippery slope. After having illustrated some disconcerting consequences flowing from the broad version of such crime, it is submitted that its scope should remain limited to existent anti-hate speech legislation.