bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myocardial Bridging: A Review with Emphasis on Electrocardiographic Findings
Authors: Rovai Daniele , Di Bella Gianluca , Pingitore Alessandro , Coceani Michele 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundMyocardial bridging (MB) occurs when a segment of an epicardial coronary artery takes an intra– myocardial course, thus leading to systolic compression. Most myocardial bridges involve the left anterior descending artery and are observed in 14–35% of patients. Different pathophysiological mechanisms can induce symptoms secondary to myocardial ischemia: systolic coronary compression, diastolic dysfunction associated with aging and coronary atherosclerosis, LV hypertrophy, vasospasm, microvascular and endothelial dysfunction, plaque development proximal to the bridge.MethodsWe performed a literature review of MB, with a particular emphasis on electrocardiographic manifestations.ResultsStable angina–like chest pain is the usual presentation and MB should be suspected in patients at low risk for coronary atherosclerosis which refer this symptom or which present myocardial ischemia at instrumental examinations. ECG changes are not specific for MB and resting ECG is often normal or presents ST segment anomalies. Exercise stress test often shows non specific signs of ischemia, conduction disturbances or arrhythmias which do not allow the distinction between myocardial bridging and other causes of myocardial ischemia; angina often appears during exercise, even in the absence of ECG changes. Myocardial perfusion deficits at scintigraphy are neither obligatory nor specific. Although the clinical significance of MB is still debated, MB has been associated with acute coronary syndrome, coronary vasospasm, and even sudden cardiac death.ConclusionAlthough MB may lead to myocardial ischemia during stress, its clinical presentation and electrocardiographic findings are not specific.
Early Repolarization Pattern Is Associated with Increased Risk of Early Ventricular Arrhythmias during Acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ali Diab Osama , Abdel‐hafez Allam Ragab Mohammed , Mohamed Haitham Galal , Mohamed Tarek Rashid , Abel‐Hafeez Khalid Said 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundEarly repolarization (ER) and acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are sharing the pathophysiology of J wave syndromes. It is speculated that early ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) during STEMI may be predisposed by ER. Our aim was to study the association between ER pattern and risk of VAs during acute STEMI.MethodsThe study included 102 male patients with acute STEMI who were divided into two groups: cases and controls. Cases included 52 patients with sustained VAs during the first 48 hours from the onset of STEMI, while controls included 50 patients with no VAs. On 12‐lead surface electrocardiogram, ER was defined as ≥ 1 mm elevation of J point in at least two inferior or lateral leads with or without ST segment elevation.ResultsMean age was 48.44 ± 10.08 years and mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 42.25 ± 11.1%. ER pattern was more frequent in cases than controls (29 vs 14 patients, P = 0.008). Notched J wave (P = 0.0007) and horizontal ST segment (P = 0.033) were more frequent in cases than controls. On adjusted regression model, LVEF (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.99, P = 0.015) and ER (OR: 3.39, 95% CI: 1.41–8.12, P = 0.006) could predict VAs, while QTc interval (P = 0.24) and QTd (P = 0.86) did not have predictive effect. Inferior/inferolateral and global ER pattern (P = 0.044 and 0.031 respectively), notched J wave (P = 0.001), increasing J wave amplitude (P = 0.042), and ST segment elevation (P = 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of VAs.ConclusionsER is associated with increased risk of VAs in the setting of acute STEMI.
Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical, Radiologic and Pathologic Insights
Authors: DeLuca Gabriele C. , Yates Richard L. , Beale Harry , Morrow Sarah A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCognitive impairment is a common and debilitating feature of multiple sclerosis (MS) that has only recent gained considerable attention. Clinical neuropsychological studies have made apparent the multifaceted nature of cognitive troubles often encountered in MS and continue to broaden our understanding of its complexity. Radiographic studies have started to decipher the neuroanatomic substrate of MS‐related cognitive impairment and have shed light onto its pathogenesis. Where radiographic studies have been limited by inadequate resolution or non‐specificity, pathological studies have come to the fore. This review aims to provide an overview of the nature of cognitive impairment typically seen in MS and to explore the literature on imaging and pathological studies relevant to its evolution. In particular, the relative contributions of gray (ie, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus and basal ganglia) and white matter to MS‐related cognitive impairment will be discussed and the importance of interconnectivity between structures highlighted. The pressing need for longitudinal studies combining standardized neuropsychometric, paraclinical and radiographic outcomes obtained during life with post‐mortem tissue analysis after death is presented.
Distinct roles of microglia and monocytes in central nervous system inflammation and degeneration
Authors: Yamasaki Ryo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractMonocytes and microglia both originate from myeloid precursor cells and share common characteristics even after differentiation. Recent studies have shown functional differences between these cell types, indicating their unique roles in lesion formation in neurodegenerative diseases. The present review summarizes the functional characteristics of these “similar but different” macrophages in both health and disease.
Geographic inequity results in disparate mortality: a multivariate intent‐to‐treat analysis of liver transplant data
Authors: Rana Abbas , Riaz Irbaz Bin , Gruessner Angelika C. , Gruessner Rainer W. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractContextThe distribution of livers to listed transplant candidates shows substantial geographic inequity.ObjectiveTo compare mortality between the 11 UNOS (United Network of Organ Sharing) regions from the time of listing and to show that the geographic region impacts survival.Design, Setting, and PatientsWe studied the data of 1930 adults listed with a Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score of 18 for a liver transplant from March 1, 2002 through December 31, 2007. We calculated one‐ and three‐yr survival rates and performed multivariate Cox regression analysis to determine significant risk factors for mortality.Main Outcome MeasuresPatient survival from the time of listing for transplantation.ResultsActual one‐yr mortality rate from the time of listing ranged from 30.5% (Region 2) to 12.9% (Region 4). The three‐yr mortality rate ranged from 42.0% (Region 2) to 21.6% (Region 4). Multivariate analysis showed a significant increase in mortality in Region 2 (odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21 to 1.83) and a significant decrease in mortality in Region 3 (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.93).ConclusionsWe found significant differences in one‐ and three‐yr mortality rates among UNOS regions. Regional disparities significantly affect patient survival and result in national inequality.
Birthweight, body composition, and motor performance in 7‐ to 10‐year‐old children
Authors: Moura‐Dos‐Santos Marcos André , De Almeida Marcelus Brito , Manhães‐De‐Castro Raul , Katzmarzyk Peter T , Maia José António Ribeiro , Leandro Carol Góis 
Published: December 2014

AimThe aim of this study was to analyse the influence of birthweight on motor performance and body composition in children. Further, we investigated whether associations between birthweight and motor performance changed after adjustment for current height, body mass index (BMI), fat‐free mass (FFM), and % body fat.MethodA total of 483 children (251 males and 232 females) aged 7 to 10 years (mean 8.78, SD 1.0y) born in Vitória Santo Antão (northeast Brazil) were sampled. Motor performance was operationalized using different physical fitness components and gross motor coordination. Physical fitness was measured by handgrip strength, muscle endurance, explosive power, flexibility, agility, running speed, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Gross motor coordination was evaluated by means of the Körper Koordination Test für Kinder (KTK).ResultsPositive correlations between birthweight and height, BMI, and FFM were found. Birthweight was positively correlated with handgrip strength and negatively correlated with 20‐meter sprint time, even after controlling for age, height, BMI, FFM, and % body fat. Birthweight was negatively associated with relative VO2max (mL/kg/min); however, the association was no longer significant after inclusion of BMI or FFM in the model.InterpretationBirthweight significantly predicted height, BMI, FFM, and performance in strength and velocity tests, but did not influence gross motor coordination.
Metabolic evaluations of cancer metabolism by NMR‐based stable isotope tracer methodologies
Authors: Tavares Ludgero C. , Jarak Ivana , Nogueira Fernando N. , Oliveira Paulo J. , Carvalho Rui A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundCancer cells are widely recognized for being able to adapt their metabolism towards converting available nutrients into biomass to increase proliferation rates.Materials and methodsWe will review a series of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based stable isotope tracer methodologies for probing cancer metabolism.ResultsThe monitoring of such adaptations is of the utmost importance to unravel cancer metabolism and tumour growth. Several major metabolic targets have been recognized as promising foci and have been addressed by multiple studies in recent years. In this work are presented strategies to quantify glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, Krebs cycle turnover and de novo lipogenesis by NMR isotopomer analysis.ConclusionsBeing able to adequately define the interplay between metabolic pathways allows the monitoring of their prevalence in tissues and such information is critical for an accurate knowledge of the metabolic distinctive nature of tumours towards devising more efficient antitumorigenic strategies. Discussed methodologies are currently available in the literature, but to date, no single review has compiled all their possible uses, particularly in an interdependent perspective.
Wage inequality in Turkey, 2002–10
Authors: Bakis Ozan , Polat Sezgin 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis paper studies the evolution of wage inequality in Turkey using household labour force survey data from 2002 to 2010. Between 2002 and 2004, the relative supply of more‐educated workers to less‐educated workers remained constant while their relative wages decreased in favour of less‐educated workers. However, between 2004 and 2010, the relative supply of more‐educated workers to less‐educated workers rose, while their relative wages remained constant or kept increasing in favour of more‐educated workers. This suggests factors other than those implied by a simple supply‐demand model are involved, such as skill‐biased technical change or minimum wage variations. The decomposition of wage inequality reveals that the price (wage) effect dominates the composition effect particularly in the first period. Our results show that the real minimum wage hike in 2004 corresponds to a major institutional change, which proved to be welfare‐increasing in terms of wage inequality. The upper‐tail (90/50) wage inequality decreased between 2002 and 2004 and stayed constant thereafter, whereas the lower‐tail (50/10) wage inequality decreased throughout the period. Our findings thus provide evidence supporting the institutional argument for explaining wage inequality.
Efficacy of ranitidine in olanzapine‐induced weight gain: a dose–response study
Authors: Mehta Varun S. , Ram Daya 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimWeight gain has long been recognized as a side‐effect of atypical antipsychotic drugs. Numerous new approaches have been tried for prevention of weight gain, the H2 blockers being one of them. The study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the efficacy of ranitidine in olanzapine‐induced weight gain at two fixed doses of 150 and 300 mg day−1.MethodsSeventy‐five inpatients with an ICD‐10‐DCR diagnosis of schizophrenia as their first episode were randomized into three groups of 25 patients each, receiving 150 mg day−1 ranitidine, 300 mg day−1 ranitidine and third group receiving only olanzapine. Their weight and body mass index (BMI) were measured at baseline and at intervals of 4 and 8 weeks.ResultsAll patients were comparable with respect to their weight and BMI at baseline. When a change in the weight and BMI was assessed at 4 and 8 weeks from baseline, no significant difference was observed between the three groups.ConclusionRanitidine at doses of 150 and 300 mg day−1 when combined with olanzapine was ineffective in attenuating olanzapine‐induced weight gain. The likely reasons could be the use of low doses for a shorter period of time, or mechanisms other than H2 receptors might play an important role in weight gain.
Factor analysis of the Scale of Prodromal Symptoms: data from the Early Detection and Intervention for the Prevention of Psychosis Program
Authors: Tso Ivy F. , Taylor Stephan F. , Grove Tyler B. , Niendam Tara , Adelsheim Steven , Auther Andrea , Cornblatt Barbara , Carter Cameron S. , Calkins Roderick , Ragland J. Daniel , Sale Tamara , McFarlane William R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimThe Scale of Prodromal Symptoms (SOPS) was developed to identify individuals experiencing early signs of psychosis, a critical first step towards early intervention. Preliminary dimension reduction analyses suggested that psychosis‐risk symptoms may deviate from the traditional symptom structure of schizophrenia, but findings have been inconsistent. This study investigated the phenomenology of psychosis risk symptoms in a large sample from a multi‐site, national study using rigorous factor analysis procedure.MethodsParticipants were 334 help‐seeking youth (age: 17.0 ± 3.3) from the Early Detection and Intervention for the Prevention of Psychosis Program, consisting of 203 participants at clinically higher risk (sum of P scores ≥ 7), 87 with clinically lower risk (sum of P scores < 7) and 44 in very early first‐episode psychosis (<30 days of positive symptoms). Baseline SOPS data were subjected to principal axis factoring (PAF), estimating factors based on shared variance, with Oblimin rotation.ResultsPAF yielded four latent factors explaining 36.1% of total variance: positive symptoms; distress; negative symptoms; and deteriorated thought process. They showed reasonable internal consistency and good convergence validity, and were not orthogonal.ConclusionsThe empirical factors of the SOPS showed similarities and notable differences compared with the existing SOPS structure. Regrouping the symptoms based on the empirical symptom dimensions may improve the diagnostic validity of the SOPS. Relative prominence of the factors and symptom frequency support early identification strategies focusing on positive symptoms and distress. Future investigation of long‐term functional implications of these symptom factors may further inform intervention strategies.
Triple bottom line study of a lignocellulosic biofuel industry
Authors: Malik Arunima , Lenzen Manfred , Geschke Arne 
Published: December 2014

AbstractGrowing concerns about energy security and climate change have prompted interest in Australia and worldwide to look for alternatives of fossil fuels. Among the renewable fuel sources, biofuels are one such alternative that have received unprecedented attention in the past decade. Cellulosic biofuels, derived from agricultural and wood biomass, could potentially increase Australia's oil self‐sufficiency. In this study, we carry out a hybrid life‐cycle assessment (LCA) of a future cellulose‐refining industry located in the Green Triangle region of South Australia. We assess both the upstream and downstream refining stages, and consider as well the life‐cycle effects occurring in conventional industries displaced by the proposed biofuel supply chains. We improve on conventional LCA method by utilising multi‐region input–output (IO) analysis that allows a comprehensive appraisal of the industry's supply chains. Using IO‐based hybrid LCA, we evaluate the social, economic and environmental impacts of lignocellulosic biofuel production. In particular, we evaluate the employment, economic stimulus, energy consumption and greenhouse gas impacts of the biofuel supply chain and also quantify the loss in economic activity and employment in the paper, pulp and paperboard industry resulting from the diversion of forestry biomass to biofuel production. Our results reveal that the loss in economic activity and employment will only account for 10% of the new jobs and additional stimulus generated in the economy. Lignocellulosic biofuel production will create significant new jobs and enhance productivity and economic growth by initiating the growth of new industries in the economy. The energy return on investment for cellulosic biofuel production lies between 2.7 and 5.2, depending on the type of forestry feedstock and the travel distance between the feedstock industry and the cellulose refinery. Furthermore, the biofuel industry will be a net carbon sequester.
Field‐based grassland management for cirl buntings (Emberiza cirlus L.) and its effect on plant‐ and leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha)
Authors: Helden Alvin J. , Mckenzie Rodi , Cobbold Gail , Grice Philip V. , Anderson Guy Q.A. , MacDonald Michael A. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

The cirl bunting (Emberiza cirlus L.) has been the subject of targeted and successful conservation efforts based on agri‐environment schemes (AES) in the UK since 1993. Recent work has suggested that although focused on a single species, there have been wider biodiversity benefits for plants and some invertebrates.

In this study we investigated whether a similar pattern could be found for the Auchenorrhyncha (plant‐ and leafhoppers) within agricultural grasslands, where they form an important component of the herbivore community.

Sweep netting was used to sample Auchenorrhyncha from AES pastures, on which no pesticide or fertiliser inputs are allowed, and from conventionally grazed and cut (silage) fields at 25 locations in south Devon UK, during 2008.

Generalised linear mixed models and non‐metric multidimensional scaling were used to model abundance, species density, and community structure.

AES fields had the highest abundance, followed by conventionally grazed and then cut fields. The same pattern occurred for species density, although there was no significant difference between conventionally grazed and cut fields. There was no difference in community structure between field types.

Number of plant species, sward age, and nitrogen input were important covariates of field type, suggesting that the limitations on inputs resulting from AES are the likely drivers of the observed differences.

The results add to the evidence base that suggests that increased agricultural intensity is inversely related to invertebrate biodiversity. They also provide evidence that AES designed for the cirl bunting have provided wider biodiversity benefits.
Induction and treatment of anergy in murine leprosy
Authors: Juarez‐Ortega Mario , Hernandez Víctor G. , Arce‐Paredes Patricia , Villanueva Enrique B. , Aguilar‐Santelises Miguel , Rojas‐Espinosa Oscar 
Published: December 2014

SummaryLeprosy is a disease consisting of a spectrum of clinical, bacteriological, histopathological and immunological manifestations. Tuberculoid leprosy is frequently recognized as the benign polar form of the disease, while lepromatous leprosy is regarded as the malignant form. The different forms of leprosy depend on the genetic and immunological characteristics of the patient and on the characteristics of the leprosy bacillus. The malignant manifestations of lepromatous leprosy result from the mycobacterial‐specific anergy that develops in this form of the disease. Using murine leprosy as a model of anergy in this study, we first induced the development of anergy toMycobacterium lepraemurium(MLM) in mice and then attempted to reverse it by the administration of dialysable leucocyte extracts (DLE) prepared from healthy (HLT),BCG‐inoculated andMLM‐inoculated mice. Mice inoculated with eitherMLMorBCGdeveloped a robust cell‐mediated immune response (CMI) that was temporary in theMLM‐inoculated group and long‐lasting in theBCG‐inoculated group.DLEwere prepared from the spleens ofMLM‐ andBCG‐inoculated mice at the peak ofCMI. IndependentMLMintradermally‐inoculated groups were treated every other day withHLT‐DLE,BCG‐DLEorMLM‐DLE, and the effect was documented for 98 days.DLEadministered at a dose of 1.0 U (1 × 106splenocytes) did not affect the evolution of leprosy, whileDLEgiven at a dose of 0.1 U showed beneficial effects regardless of theDLEsource. The dose but not the specificity ofDLEwas the determining factor for reversing anergy.
Spleen tyrosine kinase contributes to acute renal allograft rejection in the rat
Authors: Ramessur Chandran Sharmila , Tesch Greg H. , Han Yingjie , Woodman Naomi , Mulley William R. , Kanellis John , Blease Kate , Ma Frank Y. , Nikolic‐Paterson David J. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryKidney allografts induce strong T‐cell and antibody responses which mediate acute rejection. Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is expressed by most leucocytes, except mature T cells, and is involved in intracellular signalling following activation of the Fcγ‐receptor, B‐cell receptor and some integrins. A role for Syk signalling has been established in antibody‐dependent native kidney disease, but little is known of Syk in acute renal allograft rejection. Sprague–Dawley rats underwent bilateral nephrectomy and received an orthotopic Wistar renal allograft. Recipient rats were treated with a Syk inhibitor (CC0482417, 30 mg/kg/bid), or vehicle, from 1 h before surgery until being killed 5 days later. Vehicle‐treated recipients developed severe allograft failure with marked histologic damage in association with dense leucocyte infiltration (T cells, macrophages, neutrophils and NK cells) and deposition of IgM, IgG and C3. Immunostaining identified Syk expression by many infiltrating leucocytes. CC0482417 treatment significantly improved allograft function and reduced histologic damage, although allograft injury was still clearly evident. CC0482417 failed to prevent T‐cell infiltration and activation within the allograft. However, CC0482417 significantly attenuated acute tubular necrosis, infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils and thrombosis of peritubular capillaries. In conclusion, this study identifies a role for Syk in acute renal allograft rejection. Syk inhibition may be a useful addition to T‐cell‐based immunotherapy in renal transplantation.