bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers in Patients With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Kristensen Karl Emil , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar Hilmar , Egfjord Martin , Rasmussen Henrik Berg , Hansen Peter Riis 
Published: January 2015

Objective—
The renin–angiotensin system is thought to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). However, effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) on human AAAs remain unclear. We therefore examined whether treatment with ACEIs or ARBs influenced hard clinical end points in a nation-wide cohort of patients with AAA.

Approach and Results—

All patients diagnosed with AAA during the period 1995 to 2011 were identified from the Danish nation-wide registries. Subjects were divided according to ACEI and ARB treatment status and followed up for an average of 5 years. Study outcomes were evaluated by time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models. Of 9441 patients with AAA, 12.6% were treated with ACEIs and 5.0% received ARBs. Incidence rates of death from AAA per 100 patient-years were 3.7, 3.6, 4.0, and 4.7 for treatment with ACEIs or ARBs, ACEIs, ARBs, and no ACEI/ARB, respectively. Hazard ratios of death from AAA were 0.64 (95% confidence interval, 0.51–0.80;
P
<0.001) for patients receiving ACEIs and 0.65 (95% confidence interval, 0.48–0.88;
P
=0.006) for those receiving ARBs, respectively (
P
for difference=0.944). The risk of surgery for AAA was significantly reduced in patients receiving ACEIs (hazard ratio, 0.86 [95% confidence interval, 0.74–0.99];
P
=0.040) but not in patients receiving ARBs (hazard ratio, 1.02 [95% confidence interval, 0.84–1.23];
P
=0.867;
P
for difference=0.119).

Conclusions—
In this observational study, treatment with ACEIs or ARBs was associated with a comparable reduction in mortality but not in surgery for AAA among patients with AAA. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings.
SLUG Is Expressed in Endothelial Cells Lacking Primary Cilia to Promote Cellular Calcification
Authors: Sánchez-Duffhues Gonzalo , de Vinuesa Amaya García , Lindeman Jan H. , Mulder-Stapel Adri , DeRuiter Marco C. , Van Munsteren Conny , Goumans Marie-José , Hierck Beerend P. , ten Dijke Peter 
Published: January 2015

Objective—
Arterial calcification is considered a major cause of death and disabilities worldwide because the associated vascular remodeling leads to myocardial infarction, stroke, aneurysm, and pulmonary embolism. This process occurs via poorly understood mechanisms involving a variety of cell types, intracellular mediators, and extracellular cues within the vascular wall. An inverse correlation between endothelial primary cilia and vascular calcified areas has been described although the signaling mechanisms involved remain unknown. We aim to investigate the signaling pathways regulated by the primary cilium that modulate the contribution of endothelial cells to vascular calcification.

Approach and Results—

We found that human and murine endothelial cells lacking primary cilia are prone to undergo mineralization in response to bone morphogenetic proteins stimulation in vitro. Using the Tg737
orpk/orpk
cillium-defective mouse model, we show that nonciliated aortic endothelial cells acquire the ability to transdifferentiate into mineralizing osteogenic cells, in a bone morphogenetic protein–dependent manner. We identify β-CATENIN–induced SLUG as a key transcription factor controlling this process. Moreover, we show that the endothelial expression of SLUG is restricted to atheroprone areas in the aorta of LDLR
−/−
mice. Finally, we demonstrate that SLUG and phospho-homolog of the Drosophila protein, mothers against decapentaplegic (MAD) and the
Caenorhabditis elegans
protein SMA (from gene sma for small body size)-1/5/8 expression increases in endothelial cells constituting the vasa vasorum in the human aorta during the progression toward atherosclerosis.

Conclusions—
We demonstrated that the lack of primary cilia sensitizes the endothelium to undergo bone morphogenetic protein–dependent-osteogenic differentiation. These data emphasize the role of the endothelial cells on the vascular calcification and uncovers SLUG as a key target in atherosclerosis.
Future Projection of Ocean Wave Climate: Analysis of SST Impacts on Wave Climate Changes in the Western North Pacific
Authors: Shimura Tomoya , Mori Nobuhito , Mase Hajime 
Published: January 2015

AbstractChanges in ocean surface waves elicit a variety of impacts on coastal environments. To assess the future changes in the ocean surface wave climate, several future projections of global wave climate have been simulated in previous studies. However, previously there has been little discussion about the causes behind changes in the future wave climate and the differences between projections. The objective of this study is to estimate the future changes in mean wave climate and the sensitivity of the wave climate to sea surface temperature (SST) conditions in an effort to understand the mechanism behind the wave climate changes by specifically looking at spatial SST variation. A series of wave climate projections forced by surface winds from the MRI-AGCM3.2 were conducted based on SST ensemble experiments. The results yield future changes in annual mean wave height that are within about ±0.3 m. The future changes in summertime wave height in the western North Pacific (WNP), which are influenced by tropical cyclone changes, are highly sensitive to SST conditions. To generalize the result, the wave climate change and SST relation found by this study was compared with multimodel wave ensemble products from the Coordinated Ocean Wave Climate Project (COWCLIP). The spatial variation of SST in the tropical Pacific Ocean is a major factor in the wave climate changes for the WNP during summer.
Linear Filtering of Sample Covariances for Ensemble-Based Data Assimilation. Part I: Optimality Criteria and Application to Variance Filtering and Covariance Localization
Authors: Ménétrier Benjamin , Montmerle Thibaut , Michel Yann , Berre Loïk 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
In data assimilation (DA) schemes for numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems, the estimation of forecast error covariances is a key point to get some flow dependency. As shown in previous studies, ensemble data assimilation methods are the most accurate for this task. However, their huge computational cost raises a strong limitation to the ensemble size. Consequently, covariances estimated with small ensembles are affected by random sampling errors. The aim of this study is to develop a theory of covariance filtering in order to remove most of the sampling noise while keeping the signal of interest and then to use it in the DA scheme of a real NWP system. This first part of a two-part study presents the theoretical aspects of such criteria for optimal filtering based on the merging of the theories of optimal linear filtering and of sample centered moments estimation. Its strength relies on the use of sample estimated quantities and filter output only. These criteria pave the way for new algorithms and interesting applications for NWP. Two of them are detailed here: spatial filtering of variances and covariance localization. Results obtained in an idealized 1D analytical framework are shown for illustration. Applications on real forecast error covariances deduced from ensembles at convective scale are discussed in a companion paper.
Discriminating Developing versus Nondeveloping Tropical Disturbances in the Western North Pacific through Decision Tree Analysis
Authors: Zhang Wei , Fu Bing , Peng Melinda S. , Li Tim 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
This study investigates the classification of developing and nondeveloping tropical disturbances in the western North Pacific (WNP) through the C4.5 algorithm. A decision tree is built based on this algorithm and can be used as a tool to predict future tropical cyclone (TC) genesis events. The results show that the maximum 800-hPa relative vorticity, SST, precipitation rate, divergence averaged between 1000- and 500-hPa levels, and 300-hPa air temperature anomaly are the five most important variables for separating the developing and nondeveloping tropical disturbances. This algorithm also unravels the thresholds of the five variables (i.e., 4.2 × 10−5 s−1 for maximum 800-hPa relative vorticity, 28.2°C for SST, 0.1 mm h−1 for precipitation rate, −0.7 × 10−6 s−1 for vertically averaged convergence, and 0.5°C for 300-hPa air temperature anomaly). Six rules are derived from the decision tree. The classification accuracy of this decision tree is 81.7% for the 2004–10 cases. The hindcast accuracy for the 2011–13 dataset is 84.6%.
Transnasal Injection Laryngoplasty
Authors: Hamdan Abdul-Latif , Ziade Georges , Jaffal Hussein , Skaff Ghassan 
Published: January 2015

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of transnasal fiber-optic injection laryngoplasty in the treatment of glottic insufficiency. Methods: Video recordings of 16 patients who underwent fiber-optic injection laryngoplasty for the treatment of glottic insufficiency were reviewed. Outcome measures included perceptual evaluation using the GRBAS (grading, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, straining) classification, laryngeal videostroboscopy, and frame-by-frame analysis to assess the extent, shape, and duration of glottic closure. Results: Nine patients were ultimately included in this study. Their mean age was 66.2 years, with 7 men and 2 women. The most common symptoms were dysphonia and aspiration, and the most common diagnosis was vocal fold paralysis. Patients underwent transnasal fiber-optic injection laryngoplasty with hyaluronic acid as a filling material (0.2-0.8 mL). The procedure was well tolerated by all patients, with improvement in the phonatory symptoms and aspiration in 66.66% and 50% of patients, respectively. There were significant decreases in the mean scores of all perceptual parameters ( P < .05 for all). All subjects had glottal gap preoperatively that was closed completely in 66.66% and reduced to <2 mm in 33.33%. The mean closed quotient significantly increased from 0.10 to 0.51 ( P < .05). Conclusions: Transnasal fiber-optic injection laryngoplasty is a safe procedure well tolerated by patients with good results.
Illness Perceptions Among Adults at Risk for Diabetes
Authors: Strauss Shiela M. , Rosedale Mary T. , Kaur Navjot 
Published: January 2015

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine diabetes illness perceptions among a sample of at-risk adults according to specific characteristics that make them vulnerable to diabetes. Methods At-risk adults (N = 372) participated in a study investigating the potential to screen them for diabetes at a large urban dental college. Sociodemographic and individual-level diabetes risk-related characteristics, A1C measures, diabetes-related symptoms, diabetes knowledge, diabetes illness perceptions, and perceived causes of diabetes were collected and reported for the study sample; t tests were then used to determine whether there were statistically significant differences in each of 8 dimensions of diabetes illness perceptions according to the presence or absence of 6 diabetes risk factors. Results Average A1C values were 5.6% (38 mmol/mol), and 46% of the study sample had A1C values in the prediabetes or diabetes range. Participants had various diabetes knowledge gaps and misperceptions, and there were differences in dimensions of diabetes illness perceptions depending on specific diabetes-related risk factors. Conclusions In view of differences in the diabetes-related illness perceptions of persons at risk for diabetes, it is important for diabetes educators and other health care providers to personalize their diabetes-related education, management, and support to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of at-risk patients.
Creative Dance Improves Physical Fitness and Life Satisfaction in Older Women
Authors: Cruz-Ferreira Ana , Marmeleira José , Formigo Alexandra , Gomes Dulce , Fernandes Jorge 
Published: January 2015

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of creative dance on physical fitness and life satisfaction in older women. Methods: A total of 57 women (65–80 years old) were randomized to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group participated in a supervised creative dance program for 24 weeks. Physical fitness (strength, aerobic endurance, flexibility, motor ability/dynamic balance, and body composition) and life satisfaction were assessed pre- and posttreatment (at 12 and 24 weeks) by the Senior Fitness Test and the Life Satisfaction scale, respectively. Results: After the intervention, the experimental group had better physical fitness and life satisfaction when compared with the control group. Conclusion: Creative dance has a positive effect in different dimensions of functioning and has the potential to contribute to healthy aging. This could be related to the integrated mobilization of physical, cognitive, and social skills promoted by creative dance.
Outcomes of lung transplant candidates referred for co-management by palliative care: A retrospective case series
Authors: Colman Rebecca , Singer Lianne G , Barua Reeta , Downar James 
Published: January 2015

Background: Lung transplant candidates experience important symptoms, but they are rarely referred for palliative care consultation until they are deemed ineligible for transplant. Our lung transplant service has a high rate of palliative care referral for patients awaiting transplant. Aim: We reviewed the characteristics, interventions, and outcomes of lung transplant candidates referred for co-management by palliative care, to determine whether they safely received opioids and went on to transplantation. Design and participants: Retrospective review of lung transplant candidates referred to our palliative care consultation service between January 2010 and May 2012. Results: Of 308 lung transplant candidates, 64 (20.7%) were referred to palliative care. Most had interstitial lung disease and were referred for dyspnea and a rapidly deteriorating course. A total of 59 (92%) were prescribed opioids for dyspnea, 55/59 used the opioids more than once, and 38/59 were maintained on standing opioids. There were no episodes of clinically important opioid toxicity or respiratory depression, and there was a trend toward increased exertion during exercise sessions post-opioid versus pre-opioid (19.3 vs 17.0 kcal, respectively, p = 0.06). At last follow-up, 30 (47%) had been transplanted, 23 (36%) had died while on the wait-list, 9 (14%) had died after delisting, and 2 (3%) were still awaiting transplantation. Of the 30 patients who underwent lung transplantation, only 7 (23%) still required an opioid prescription 1 month post-discharge. Conclusion: In lung transplant candidates, palliative care and opioids in particular can be safely provided without compromising eligibility for transplantation. Palliative care should not be delayed until a patient is deemed ineligible for transplant.
Systematic re-evaluation of genes from candidate gene association studies in migraine using a large genome-wide association data set
Authors: de Vries Boukje , Anttila Verneri , Freilinger Tobias , Wessman Maija , Kaunisto Mari A , Kallela Mikko , Artto Ville , Vijfhuizen Lisanne S , Göbel Hartmut , Dichgans Martin , Kubisch Christian , Ferrari Michel D , Palotie Aarno , Terwindt Gisela M , van den Maagdenberg Arn MJM 
Published: January 2015

Background Before the genome-wide association (GWA) era, many hypothesis-driven candidate gene association studies were performed that tested whether DNA variants in genes that had been selected based on prior knowledge about migraine pathophysiology were associated with migraine. Most studies involved small sample sets without robust replication, thereby making the risk of false-positive findings high. Genome-wide marker data of thousands of migraine patients and controls from the International Headache Genetics Consortium provide a unique opportunity to re-evaluate key findings from candidate gene association studies (and other non-GWA genetic studies) in a much larger data set. Methods We selected 21 genes from published candidate gene association studies and six additional genes from other non-GWA genetic studies in migraine. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes, as well as in the regions 500 kb up- and downstream, were inspected in IHGC GWAS data from 5175 clinic-based migraine patients with and without aura and 13,972 controls. Results None of the SNPs in or near the 27 genes, including the SNPs that were previously found to be associated with migraine, reached the Bonferroni-corrected significance threshold; neither when analyzing all migraine patients together, nor when analyzing the migraine with and without aura patients or males and females separately. Conclusion The available migraine GWAS data provide no clear evidence for involvement of the previously reported most promising candidate genes in migraine.
The Influence of Joint Loading on Bone Marrow Lesions in the Knee
Authors: Beckwée David , Vaes Peter , Shahabpour Maryam , Muyldermans Ronald , Rommers Nikki , Bautmans Ivan 
Published: January 2015

Background: Bone marrow lesions (BMLs) are considered as predictors of pain, disability, and structural progression of knee osteoarthritis. The relationship between knee loading and BMLs is not yet completely understood. Purpose: To summarize the available evidence regarding the relationship between joint loading and the prevalence and progression of BMLs in the tibiofemoral joint. Study Design: Meta-analysis. Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library) were systematically screened for studies encompassing BMLs and changes in knee loading. A methodological quality assessment was conducted, and a meta-analysis computing overall odds ratios (ORs) was performed where possible. Results: A total of 29 studies involving 7641 participants were included. Mechanical loading was categorized as body weight and composition, compartmental load, structural lesion, and physical activity. High compartmental loads and structural lesions increased the risk for BMLs (overall ORs ranging from 1.56 [95% CI, 1.13-2.15] to 8.2 [95% CI, 4.4-15.1]; P = .006). Body weight increased the risk for BMLs to a lesser extent (overall OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05; P = .007). Contradictory results for the effect of physical activity on BMLs were found. Conclusion: Augmented compartmental loads and structural lesions increased the risk of the presence or progression of BMLs. Body weight increased the risk for BMLs to a lesser extent. Contradictory results for the effect of physical activity on BMLs may be explained by a dose-response relationship, knee alignment, and structural lesions. Clinical Relevance: It has been shown that unloading the knee temporarily may induce beneficial effects on osteoarthritis-related structural changes. Therefore, an early recognition of BMLs in the aging athlete’s knee may provide information to counter the onset and aggravation of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis by reducing the knee load.
Differences in the Microstructural Properties of the Anteromedial and Posterolateral Bundles of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Skelley Nathan W. , Castile Ryan M. , York Timothy E. , Gruev Viktor , Lake Spencer P. , Brophy Robert H. 
Published: January 2015

Background: Tissue properties of the anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral (PL) bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) have not been previously characterized with real-time dynamic testing. The current study used a novel polarized light technique to measure the material and microstructural properties of the ACL. Hypothesis: The AM and PL bundles of the ACL have similar material and microstructural properties. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: The AM and PL bundles were isolated from 16 human cadaveric ACLs (11 male, 5 female; average age, 41 years [range, 24-53 years]). Three samples from each bundle were loaded in uniaxial tension, and a custom-built polarized light imaging camera was used to quantify collagen fiber alignment in real time. A bilinear curve fit was applied to the stress-strain data of a quasistatic ramp-to-failure to quantify the moduli in the toe and linear regions. Fiber alignment was quantified at zero strain, the transition point of the bilinear fit, and in the linear portion of the stress-strain curve by computing the degree of linear polarization (DoLP) and angle of polarization (AoP), which are measures of the strength and direction of collagen alignment, respectively. Data were compared using t tests. Results: The AM bundle exhibited significantly larger toe-region (AM 7.2 MPa vs PL 4.2 MPa; P < .001) and linear-region moduli (AM 27.0 MPa vs PL 16.1 MPa; P = .017) compared with the PL bundle. Average DoLP values were similar at low strain but were significantly larger (ie, more uniform alignment) for the AM bundle in the linear region of the stress-strain curve (AM 0.22 vs PL 0.19; P = .036) compared with the PL bundle. The standard deviation AoP values was larger for the PL bundle at both transition ( P = .041) and linear-region strain ( P = .014), indicating more disperse orientation. Conclusion: Material and microstructural properties of the AM and PL bundles of the ACL differ during loading. The AM bundle possessed higher tissue modulus and failure stress, as well as more uniform fiber alignment under load. Clinical Relevance: These insights into native ligament microstructure can be used to assess graft options for ACL reconstruction and optimize surgical reconstruction techniques.
In vitro mechanistic study of endosulfan-induced spermatogenic cell apoptosis in the mouse
Authors: Xu Ying , Wang Na , Shi Zhi-Xiong , Li Yan-Bo , Zhou Xian-Qing , Sun Zhi-Wei 
Published: January 2015

To investigate the mechanisms of endosulfan-induced reproductive toxicity, the spermatogenic cell lines (GC-1 spg) of mice were treated with 0, 6, 12, and 24 μg/ml endosulfan for 24 h in vitro. The results showed that endosulfan induced apoptosis as well as oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Reactive oxygen species and damage of mitochondrial structure were considered as major factors to GC-1 spg cells apoptosis. We further examined the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in mitochondria pathway by Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis as well as activities. The results showed that endosulfan significantly improved the expressions of cytochrome c and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein and increased the activities of caspases 9 and 3 as well as the downregulation of the expression of Bcl-2 in GC-1 spg cells. The results suggested that exposure to endosulfan might induce the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells via mitochondria-dependent pathway mediated by oxidative stress resulting in the damage of mitochondrial structure and mitochondrial dysfunction.