bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and the association with diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Çiftel Murat , Ertuğ Halil , Parlak Mesut , Akçurin Gayaz , Kardelen Fırat 
Published: October 2013

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate endothelial dysfunction (ED) and arterial stiffness (AS) and determine the association with diastolic dysfunction in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: A total of 42 patients without diabetic complications (mean age: 13.21 years) and 40 healthy (mean age: 13.07 years) children were included in this study. AS was assessed with ascending aorta M-mode measurements, diastolic dysfunction with pulsed wave (PW) Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography measurements and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) with high-resolution ultrasonography. Results: Results of diabetic group and healthy children were compared. In diabetic group, aortic strain (8.40 ± 2.98, 20.12 ± 5.04; p < 0.001), aortic distensibility (7.36 ± 2.92, 16.59 ± 4.25; p < 0.001) and FMD% (7.70 ± 2.83, 11.33 ± 2.85; p < 0.001) were found decreased, and CIMT (0.52 ± 0.09 mm, 0.47 ± 0.08 mm; p < 0.05) was found increased. Additionally, left ventricular lateral segment and right ventricular free-wall isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and myocardial performance index (MPI) were found increased. Correlation analyses demonstrated a negative correlation between FMD and IVRT and MPI. Conclusions: ED and AS were found in type 1 DM patients without diabetic complications. Additionally, correlation was shown between increased AS and ED and right and left ventricular diastolic dysfunctions.
The Myc-miR-17-92 axis amplifies B-cell receptor signaling via inhibition of ITIM proteins: a novel lymphomagenic feed-forward loop
Authors: Psathas James N. , Doonan Patrick J. , Raman Pichai , Freedman Bruce D. , Minn Andy J. , Thomas-Tikhonenko Andrei 
Published: October 2013

Key Points
Myc amplifies BCR signaling and increases its own levels via upregulation of miR-17∼92 and subsequent targeting of ITIM proteins. Inhibition of miR-17∼92 in DLBCL cell lines dampens the BCR response; DLBCL tumors of the BCR subtype have elevated levels of miR-17∼92.
Common low-penetrance risk variants associated with breast cancer in Polish women
Authors: Ledwoń Joanna K , Hennig Ewa E , Maryan Natalia , Goryca Krzysztof , Nowakowska Dorota , Niwińska Anna , Ostrowski Jerzy 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-death among women in Poland. The known high-risk mutations account for 25% of familial aggregation cases and 5% of total breast cancer predisposition. Genome-wide association studies have identified a number of common low-penetrance genetic variants, but their contribution to disease risk differs between populations.

Methods
To verify selected associations with breast cancer susceptibility among Polish women, the replication study was performed, included 1424 women with breast cancer and 1788 healthy persons. Sixteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Allele frequency differences were tested using chi2-test implemented in PLINK v1.07 and Cochran-Armitage trend test was performed using R software.

Results
Significant differences (Bonferroni corrected p-valuecor ≤ 0.0197) in the frequency of alleles distribution between all cancer and control subjects were observed for four (rs2736098, rs13281615, rs1219648, rs2981582) out of 16 SNPs. The same result was obtained for group of patients without high-risk BRCA1/2 mutations. The rs1219648 (p-valuecor ≤ 6.73E-03) and rs2981582 (p-valuecor ≤ 6.48E-03) SNPs showed significant association with both familial and sporadic cancers. Additionally, rs2736098 (p-valuecor ≤ 0.0234) was associated with only sporadic cancers; also in group without carriers of high-risk mutation. All these associations revealed their significance also in Cochran-Armitage trend test. Opposite to other SNPs, rs2736098 was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer.

Conclusion
The association of four known susceptibility SNPs, representing three individual loci, with breast cancer risk in Polish women was confirmed. One of them (rs2736098) seems to be specific for the Polish population. Due to the population differences in allele frequencies, identification of general genetic risk factors requires sets of association studies conducted on different populations.
Epidemiology of malaria in an area of seasonal transmission in Niger and implications for the design of a seasonal malaria chemoprevention strategy
Authors: Guillebaud Julia , Mahamadou Aboubacar , Zamanka Halima , Katzelma Mariama , Arzika Ibrahim , Ibrahim Maman L , Eltahir Elfatih Ab , Labbo Rabiou , Druilhe Pierre , Duchemin Jean-Bernard , Fandeur Thierry 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Few data are available about malaria epidemiological situation in Niger. However, implementation of new strategies such as vaccination or seasonal treatment of a target population requires the knowledge of baseline epidemiological features of malaria. A population-based study was conducted to provide better characterization of malaria seasonal variations and population groups the most at risk in this particular area.

Methods
From July 2007 to December 2009, presumptive cases of malaria among a study population living in a typical Sahelian village of Niger were recorded, and confirmed by microscopic examination. In parallel, asymptomatic carriers were actively detected at the end of each dry season in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Results
Among the 965 presumptive malaria cases recorded, 29% were confirmed by microscopic examination. The incidence of malaria was found to decrease significantly with age (p < 0.01). The mean annual incidence was 0.254. The results show that the risk of malaria was higher in children under ten years (p < 0.0001). The number of malaria episodes generally followed the temporal pattern of changes in precipitation levels, with a peak of transmission in August and September. One-thousand and ninety subjects were submitted to an active detection of asymptomatic carriage of whom 16% tested positive; asymptomatic carriage decreased with increasing age. A higher prevalence of gametocyte carriage among asymptomatic population was recorded in children aged two to ten years, though it did not reach significance.

Conclusions
In Southern Niger, malaria transmission mostly occurs from July to October. Children aged two to ten years are the most at risk of malaria, and may also represent the main reservoir for gametocytes. Strategies such as intermittent preventive treatment in children (IPTc) could be of interest in this area, where malaria transmission is highly seasonal. Based on these preliminary data, a pilot study could be implemented in Zindarou using IPTc targeting children aged two to ten years, during the three months of malaria transmission, together with an accurate monitoring of drug resistance.
The CONSORT Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) extension: implications for clinical trials and practice
Authors: Calvert Melanie , Brundage Michael , Jacobsen Paul B , Schünemann Holger J , Efficace Fabio 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTo inform clinical guidelines and patient care we need high quality evidence on the relative benefits and harms of intervention. Patient reported outcome (PRO) data from clinical trials can “empower patients to make decisions based on their values” and “level the playing field between physician and patient”. While clinicians have a good understanding of the concept of health-related quality of life and other PROs, evidence suggests that many do not feel comfortable in using the data from trials to inform discussions with patients and clinical practice. This may in part reflect concerns over the integrity of the data and difficulties in interpreting the results arising from poor reporting.The new CONSORT PRO extension aims to improve the reporting of PROs in trials to facilitate the use of results to inform clinical practice and health policy. While the CONSORT PRO extension is an important first step in the process, we need broader engagement with the guidance to facilitate optimal reporting and maximize use of PRO data in a clinical setting. Endorsement by journal editors, authors and peer reviewers are crucial steps. Improved design, implementation and transparent reporting of PROs in clinical trials are necessary to provide high quality evidence to inform evidence synthesis and clinical practice guidelines.
Reduced cerebral blood flow and white matter hyperintensities predict poor sleep in heart failure
Authors: Alosco Michael L , Brickman Adam M , Spitznagel Mary Beth , Griffith Erica Y , Narkhede Atul , Cohen Ronald , Sweet Lawrence H , Hughes Joel , Rosneck Jim , Gunstad John 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Poor sleep is common in heart failure (HF), though mechanisms of sleep difficulties are not well understood. Adverse brain changes among regions important for sleep have been demonstrated in patients with HF. Cerebral hypoperfusion, a correlate of sleep quality, is also prevalent in HF and a likely contributor to white matter hyperintensities (WMH). However, no study to date has examined the effects of cerebral blood flow, WMH, and brain volume on sleep quality in HF.

Methods
Fifty-three HF patients completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging to quantify brain and WMH volume. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography assessed cerebral blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery (CBF-V of the MCA).

Results
75.5% of HF patients reported impaired sleep. Regression analyses adjusting for medical and demographic factors showed decreased CBF-V of the MCA and greater WMH volume were associated with poor sleep quality. No such pattern emerged on total brain or regional volume indices.

Conclusions
Decreased cerebral perfusion and greater WMH may contribute to sleep difficulties in HF. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and clarify the effects of cerebral blood flow and WMH on sleep in healthy and patient samples.
Evaluating the prophylaxis and long-term effectiveness of acupuncture for migraine without aura: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Jiao , Zhao Ling , Zheng Hui , Li Ying , Yang Mingxiao , Chang Xiaorong , Gong Biao , Huang Yinlan , Liu Yanqin , Liang Fanrong 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
The instant-treatment effect of acupuncture for patients with migraines has been corroborated in numerous studies. However, most diseases are chronic and tend to recur, so the long-term effect of acupuncture can verify the existence of sustained efficacy or the placebo effect. Evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture in the prophylaxis of migraine without aura (MWoA) in China is also important because such studies are lacking.

Methods
This trial is a multicenter, prospective, pragmatic randomized controlled clinical trial. We will randomly allocate 249 participants to three groups of 83. Patients in the individualized acupoint group will be treated with individualized acupuncture point prescriptions. The non-acupoint control group will undergo insertion of acupuncture needles at four bilateral non-points in locations not corresponding to acupuncture points. The waiting-list control group will not undergo treatment but instead will receive 20 acupuncture treatments for free after a waiting period of 24 weeks. Participants in the individualized acupoint group and non-acupoint control group will receive 20 sessions over four weeks and then all participants will receive 20 weeks of follow-up.

Discussion
The results of our trial will help to supply evidence for the long-term acupuncture effect for MWoA in a long follow-up period, and special attention will be paid to comparison with the placebo effect.

Trial registration
The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01687660) on 18 September 2012.
Quantitative structure-activation barrier relationship modeling for Diels-Alder ligations utilizing quantum chemical structural descriptors
Authors: Nandi Sisir , Monesi Alessandro , Drgan Viktor , Merzel Franci , Novič Marjana 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
In the present study, we show the correlation of quantum chemical structural descriptors with the activation barriers of the Diels-Alder ligations. A set of 72 non-catalysed Diels-Alder reactions were subjected to quantitative structure-activation barrier relationship (QSABR) under the framework of theoretical quantum chemical descriptors calculated solely from the structures of diene and dienophile reactants. Experimental activation barrier data were obtained from literature. Descriptors were computed using Hartree-Fock theory using 6-31G(d) basis set as implemented in Gaussian 09 software.

Results
Variable selection and model development were carried out by stepwise multiple linear regression methodology. Predictive performance of the quantitative structure-activation barrier relationship (QSABR) model was assessed by training and test set concept and by calculating leave-one-out cross-validated Q2 and predictive R2 values. The QSABR model can explain and predict 86.5% and 80% of the variances, respectively, in the activation energy barrier training data. Alternatively, a neural network model based on back propagation of errors was developed to assess the nonlinearity of the sought correlations between theoretical descriptors and experimental reaction barriers.

Conclusions
A reasonable predictability for the activation barrier of the test set reactions was obtained, which enabled an exploration and interpretation of the significant variables responsible for Diels-Alder interaction between dienes and dienophiles. Thus, studies in the direction of QSABR modelling that provide efficient and fast prediction of activation barriers of the Diels-Alder reactions turn out to be a meaningful alternative to transition state theory based computation.
New mutations in flagellar motors identified by whole genome sequencing in Chlamydomonas
Authors: Lin Huawen , Nauman Nicholas P , Albee Alison J , Hsu Silas , Dutcher Susan K 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
The building of a cilium or flagellum requires molecular motors and associated proteins that allow the relocation of proteins from the cell body to the distal end and the return of proteins to the cell body in a process termed intraflagellar transport (IFT). IFT trains are carried out by kinesin and back to the cell body by dynein.

Methods
We used whole genome sequencing to identify the causative mutations for two temperature-sensitive flagellar assembly mutants in Chlamydomonas and validated the changes using reversion analysis. We examined the effect of these mutations on the localization of IFT81, an IFT complex B protein, the cytoplasmic dynein heavy chain (DHC1b), and the dynein light intermediate chain (D1bLIC).

Results
The strains, fla18 and fla24, have mutations in kinesin-2 and cytoplasmic dynein, respectively. The fla18 mutation alters the same glutamic acid (E24G) mutated in the fla10-14 allele (E24K). The fla18 strain loses flagella at 32°C more rapidly than the E24K allele but less rapidly than the fla10-1 allele. The fla18 mutant loses its flagella by detachment rather than by shortening. The fla24 mutation falls in cytoplasmic dynein and changes a completely conserved amino acid (L3243P) in an alpha helix in the AAA5 domain. The fla24 mutant loses its flagella by shortening within 6 hours at 32°C. DHC1b protein is reduced by 18-fold and D1bLIC is reduced by 16-fold at 21°C compared to wild-type cells. We identified two pseudorevertants (L3243S and L3243R), which remain flagellated at 32°C. Although fla24 cells assemble full-length flagella at 21°C, IFT81 protein localization is dramatically altered. Instead of localizing at the basal body and along the flagella, IFT81 is concentrated at the proximal end of the flagella. The pseudorevertants show wild-type IFT81 localization at 21°C, but proximal end localization of IFT81 at 32°C.

Conclusions
The change in the AAA5 domain of the cytoplasmic dynein in fla24 may block the recycling of IFT trains after retrograde transport. It is clear that different alleles in the flagellar motors reveal different functions and roles. Multiple alleles will be important for understanding structure-function relationships.
Hypoxia: how does the monocyte-macrophage system respond to changes in oxygen availability?
Authors: Strehl Cindy , Fangradt Monique , Fearon Ursula , Gaber Timo , Buttgereit Frank , Veale Douglas J 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTHypoxia is an important feature of inflamed tissue, such as the RA joint. Activated monocytes/macrophages and endothelial cells play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of RA, implicated in the mechanism of inflammation and erosion. During development, myeloid progenitor cells sequentially give rise to monoblasts, promonocytes, and monocytes that are released from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. After extravasation, monocytes differentiate into long-lived, tissue-specific macrophages or DCs. The effect of different oxygen concentrations experienced by these cells during maturation represents a novel aspect of this developmental process. In inflamed joint tissue, the microvascular architecture is highly dysregulated; thus, efficiency of oxygen supply to the synovium is poor. Therefore, invading cells must adapt instantaneously to changes in the oxygen level of the microenvironment. Angiogenesis is an early event in the inflammatory joint, which is important in enabling activated monocytes to enter via endothelial cells by active recruitment to expand the synovium into a “pannus”, resulting in cartilage degradation and bone destruction. The increased metabolic turnover of the expanding synovial pannus outpaces the dysfunctional vascular supply, resulting in hypoxia. The abnormal bioenergetics of the microenvironment further promotes synovial cell invasiveness. In RA, joint hypoxia represents a potential threat to cell function and survival. Notably, oxygen availability is a crucial parameter in the cellular energy metabolism, itself an important factor in determining the function of immune cells.
The Emerging Genomic Landscape of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Le Gallo Matthieu , Bell Daphne W 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDEndometrial cancer is responsible for approximately 74 000 deaths annually among women worldwide. It is a heterogeneous disease comprising multiple histologic subtypes. In the US, the majority of deaths from endometrial carcinoma are attributed to the serous and endometrioid subtypes. An understanding of the fundamental genomic alterations that drive serous and endometrioid endometrial carcinomas lays the foundation for the identification of molecular markers that could improve the clinical management of patients presenting with these tumors.CONTENTWe review the current state of knowledge regarding somatic genomic alterations that occur in serous and endometrioid endometrial tumors. We present this knowledge in a historical context by reviewing the genomic alterations that studies of individual genes and proteins have identified over the past 2 decades or so. We then review very recent comprehensive and systematic surveys of genomic, exomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, and proteomic alterations in serous and endometrioid endometrial carcinomas.SUMMARYThe recent mapping of the genomic landscape of serous and endometrioid endometrial carcinomas has produced the first comprehensive molecular classification of these tumors, which has distinguished 4 molecular subgroups: a POLE [polymerase (DNA directed), ε, catalytic subunit] ultramutated subgroup, a hypermutated/microsatellite-unstable subgroup, a copy number–low/microsatellite-stable subgroup, and a copy number–high subgroup. This molecular classification may ultimately serve to refine the diagnosis and treatment of women with endometrioid and serous endometrial tumors.
Embodied musicality: Nietzsche, Grotowski and musicalized processes in theatre making
Authors: Frendo Mario 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Since the 1960s research in theatre laboratories on the nature of acting and structures of performance has dilated the possibilities of the theatrical event. One of the direct outcomes of these developments is the musicalization of theatrical performance. Although relatively recent, the focus on musicality in theatre echoes interests of visionaries and thinkers since at least the turn of the twentieth century. This article discusses Jerzy Grotowski’s musicalized processes in his theatre making. I will argue that Grotowski’s praxis resonates earlier claims made by Friedrich Nietzsche that tragedy, representing as it were a genesis of western theatre practice, was born out of the spirit of music. I will propose that rather than bridging the boundaries of music and theatre, Grotowski promotes music as an intrinsic element in theatre through the embodied musicality of the performer.
Citing musicality: Performance knowledge in the Gardzienice archive
Authors: Spatz Ben 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
This article draws on previously published multimedia documents to explore the notion of musicality in the work of Wodzimierz Staniewski and the Gardzienice Centre for Theatre Practices. In addition to offering a close analysis of several documented moments – including performances, work demonstrations, expeditions and gatherings – it tests the ability of multimedia documentation to capture performance knowledge, arguing that the work of Gardzienice is a paradigmatic example of ‘practice as research’. Taking the archive as a crucial dimension of the dissemination of knowledge, the article uses multimedia citation to examine the specific contributions of Gardzienice in the context of musicality as a relation between the theatrical and the musical. The article demonstrates that the stability of the archive allows for a detailed explication of performance knowledge in a way that is not possible from live performance alone.
The craft of making art: The creative processes of eight musical theatre songwriters
Authors: Horowitz Mark Eden 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
This article offers an examination of the creative process as revealed in the papers of eight musical theatre songwriters, seven of whose collections are in the Music Division of the Library of Congress: Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Oscar Hammerstein II, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Jonathan Larson.
Microstructure-Resistivity Correlations in Controlled Waspaloy Microstructures
Authors: G. Kelekanjeri V. Siva Kumar , Gerhardt Rosario A 
Published: October 2013

AbstractNickel-base superalloys are an important class of metallic ‘nanocomposite’ structural materials known for their good strength retention abilities at high homologous temperatures for long service times. Literature on electrical resistivity studies of age-hardening superalloys is limited. The current work is focused on developing microstructure-electrical resistivity correlations in controlled Waspaloy microstructures. The microstructures are ‘controlled’ as the size distribution of g¢ precipitates is varied systematically. The microstructures are produced upon aging the initial homogenized alloy at nominal temperatures of 700°C, 800°C and 875°C for times up to 100 hrs. Resistivity measurements did not reveal a g¢ nucleation regime for the sampled aging intervals. The primary microstructural evolution mechanism contributing to the observed changes in resistivity was g¢ coarsening. Interestingly, the microstructures resulting from progressive aging at 700°C showed a slow transformation of etch-pits from perfect polygonal shapes to more irregular shapes.