bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Official lay basic life support courses in Germany: is delivered content up to date with the guidelines? An observational study
Authors: Wagner Patrick , Lingemann Christian , Arntz Hans-Richard , Breckwoldt Jan 
Published: August 2014

Background and objectivesEducating the lay public in basic life support (BLS) is a cornerstone to improving bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) rates. In Germany, the official rescue organisations deliver accredited courses based on International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) guidelines to up to 1 million participants every year. However, it is unknown how these courses are delivered in reality. We hypothesised that delivered content might not follow the proposed curriculum, and miss recent guideline updates.MethodsWe analysed 20 official lay BLS courses of 240 min (which in Germany are always embedded into either a 1-day or a 2-day first aid course). One expert rated all courses as a participating observer, remaining incognito throughout the course. Teaching times for specific BLS elements were recorded on a standardised checklist. Quality of content was rated by 5-point Likert scales, ranging from −2 (not mentioned) to +2 (well explained).ResultsMedian total course time was 101 min (range 48–138) for BLS courses if part of a 1-day first aid course, and 123 min (53–244) if part of a 2-day course. Median teaching time for CPR was 51 min (range 20–70) and 60 min (16–138), respectively. Teaching times for recovery position were 44 min (range 24–66) and 55 min (24–114). Quality of content was rated worst for ‘agonal gasping’ (−1.35) and ‘minimising chest compression interruptions’ (−1.70).ConclusionsObserved lay BLS courses lasted only half of the assigned curricular time. Substantial teaching time was spent on non-evidence-based interventions (eg, recovery position), and several important elements of BLS were not included. The findings call for curriculum revision, improved instructor training and systematic quality management.
Phosphodiesterase 4D Inhibitors Limit Prostate Cancer Growth Potential
Authors: Powers Ginny L. , Hammer Kimberly D.P. , Domenech Maribella , Frantskevich Katsiaryna , Malinowski Rita L. , Bushman Wade , Beebe David J. , Marker Paul C. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPhosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) has recently been implicated as a proliferation-promoting factor in prostate cancer and is overexpressed in human prostate carcinoma. However, the effects of PDE4D inhibition using pharmacologic inhibitors have not been examined in prostate cancer. These studies examined the effects of selective PDE4D inhibitors, NVP-ABE171 and cilomilast, as anti–prostate cancer therapies in both in vitro and in vivo models. The effects of PDE4D inhibitors on pathways that are critical in prostate cancer and/or downstream of cyclic AMP (cAMP) were examined. Both NVP-ABE171 and cilomilast decreased cell growth. In vitro, PDE4D inhibitors lead to decreased signaling of the sonic hedgehog (SHH), androgen receptor (AR), and MAPK pathways, but growth inhibition was best correlated to the SHH pathway. PDE4D inhibition also reduced proliferation of epithelial cells induced by paracrine signaling from cocultured stromal cells that had activated hedgehog signaling. In addition, PDE4D inhibitors decreased the weight of the prostate in wild-type mice. Prostate cancer xenografts grown in nude mice that were treated with cilomilast or NVP-ABE171 had decreased wet weight and increased apoptosis compared with vehicle-treated controls. These studies suggest the pharmacologic inhibition of PDE4D using small-molecule inhibitors is an effective option for prostate cancer therapy.Implications: PDE4D inhibitors decrease the growth of prostate cancer cells in vivo and in vitro, and PDE4D inhibition has therapeutic potential in prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 13(1); 149–60. ©2014 AACR.
Effects of Adiponectin on Calcium-Handling Proteins in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Tanaka Komei , Wilson Richard M. , Essick Eric E. , Duffen Jennifer L. , Scherer Philipp E. , Ouchi Noriyuki , Sam Flora 
Published: August 2014

Background—
Despite the increasing prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in humans, there remains no therapeutic options for HFpEF. Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived cytokine, exerts cardioprotective actions, and its deficiency is implicated in the development of hypertension and HF with reduced ejection fraction. Similarly, adiponectin deficiency in HFpEF exacerbates left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, and HF. However, the therapeutic effects of adiponectin in HFpEF remain unknown. We sought to test the hypothesis that chronic adiponectin overexpression protects against the progression of HF in a murine model of HFpEF.

Methods and Results—

Adiponectin transgenic and wild-type mice underwent uninephrectomy, a continuous saline or
d
-aldosterone infusion and given 1.0% sodium chloride drinking water for 4 weeks. Aldosterone-infused wild-type mice developed HFpEF with hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and diastolic dysfunction. Aldosterone infusion increased myocardial oxidative stress and decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
-ATPase protein expression in HFpEF. Although total phospholamban protein expression was unchanged, there was a decreased expression of protein kinase A–dependent phospholamban phosphorylation at Ser16 and CaMKII (Ca
2+
/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II)-dependent phospholamban phosphorylation at Thr17. Adiponectin overexpression in aldosterone-infused mice ameliorated left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, lung congestion, and myocardial oxidative stress without affecting blood pressure and left ventricular EF. This improvement in diastolic dysfunction parameters in aldosterone-infused adiponectin transgenic mice was accompanied by the preserved protein expression of protein kinase A–dependent phosphorylation of phospholamban at Ser16. Adiponectin replacement prevented the progression of aldosterone-induced HFpEF, independent of blood pressure, by improving diastolic dysfunction and by modulating cardiac hypertrophy.

Conclusions—
These findings suggest that adiponectin may have therapeutic effects in patients with HFpEF.
Diabetes Mellitus, Prediabetes, and Incidence of Subclinical Myocardial Damage
Authors: Selvin Elizabeth , Lazo Mariana , Chen Yuan , Shen Lu , Rubin Jonathan , McEvoy John W. , Hoogeveen Ron C. , Sharrett A. Richey , Ballantyne Christie M. , Coresh Josef 
Published: August 2014

Background—
Persons with prediabetes and diabetes mellitus are at high risk for cardiovascular events. However, the relationships of prediabetes and diabetes mellitus to the development of subclinical myocardial damage are unclear.

Methods and Results—
We measured cardiac troponin T with a highly sensitive assay (hs-cTnT) at 2 time points, 6 years apart, among 9051 participants of the community-based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study with no diabetes mellitus, or prediabetes, and without cardiovascular disease including silent myocardial infarction by ECG. First, we examined the incidence of elevated hs-cTnT (≥14 ng/L) at 6 years of follow-up. Second, we examined clinical outcomes during the subsequent ≈14 years of follow-up among persons with and without incident elevations in hs-cTnT. Cumulative probabilities of elevated hs-cTnT at 6 years among persons with no diabetes mellitus, prediabetes, and diabetes mellitus were 3.7%, 6.4%, and 10.8%, respectively. Compared with normoglycemic persons, the adjusted relative risks for incident elevated hs-cTnT were 1.40 (95% CI, 1.08–1.80) for prediabetes and 2.47 (95% CI, 1.78–3.43) for diabetes mellitus. Persons with diabetes mellitus and incident elevations in hs-cTnT were at a substantially higher risk of heart failure (hazard ratio, 6.37 [95% CI, 4.27–9.51]), death (hazard ratio, 4.36 [95% CI, 3.14–6.07]), and coronary heart disease (hazard ratio, 3.84 [95% CI, 2.52–5.84]) compared with persons without diabetes mellitus and no incident elevation in hs-cTnT.

Conclusions—
Prediabetes and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with the development of subclinical myocardial damage, as assessed by hs-cTnT, and those persons with evidence of subclinical damage were at highest risk for clinical events. These results support a possible deleterious effect of hyperglycemia on the myocardium, possibly reflecting a microvascular cause.
CD82 Restrains Pathological Angiogenesis by Altering Lipid Raft Clustering and CD44 Trafficking in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Wei Quan , Zhang Feng , Richardson Mekel M. , Roy Nathan H. , Rodgers William , Liu Yuechueng , Zhao Wenyuan , Fu Chenying , Ding Yingjun , Huang Chao , Chen Yuanjian , Sun Yao , Ding Lexi , Hu Yang , Ma Jian-Xing , Boulton Michael E. , Pasula Satish , Wren Jonathan D. , Tanaka Satoshi , Huang Xiaolin , Thali Markus , Hämmerling Günter J. , Zhang Xin A. 
Published: August 2014

Background—
Angiogenesis is crucial for many pathological processes and becomes a therapeutic strategy against diseases ranging from inflammation to cancer. The regulatory mechanism of angiogenesis remains unclear. Although tetraspanin CD82 is widely expressed in various endothelial cells (ECs), its vascular function is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Angiogenesis was examined in
Cd82
-null mice with in vivo and ex vivo morphogenesis assays. Cellular functions, molecular interactions, and signaling were analyzed in
Cd82
-null ECs. Angiogenic responses to various stimuli became markedly increased upon
Cd82
ablation. Major changes in
Cd82
-null ECs were enhanced migration and invasion, likely resulting from the upregulated expression of cell adhesion molecules such as CD44 and integrins at the cell surface and subsequently elevated outside-in signaling. Gangliosides, lipid raft clustering, and CD44-membrane microdomain interactions were increased in the plasma membrane of
Cd82
-null ECs, leading to less clathrin-independent endocytosis and then more surface presence of CD44.

Conclusions—
Our study reveals that CD82 restrains pathological angiogenesis by inhibiting EC movement, that lipid raft clustering and cell adhesion molecule trafficking modulate angiogenic potential, that transmembrane protein modulates lipid rafts, and that the perturbation of CD82-ganglioside-CD44 signaling attenuates pathological angiogenesis.
Coenzyme Q10 Benefits Symptoms in Gulf War Veterans: Results of a Randomized Double-Blind Study
Authors: Golomb Beatrice A. , Allison Matthew , Koperski Sabrina , Koslik Hayley J. , Devaraj Sridevi , Ritchie Janis B. 
Published: August 2014

We sought to assess whether coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) benefits the chronic multisymptom problems that affect one-quarter to one-third of 1990–1 Gulf War veterans, using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Participants were 46 veterans meeting Kansas and Centers for Disease Control criteria for Gulf War illness. Intervention was PharmaNord (Denmark) CoQ10 100 mg per day (Q100), 300 mg per day (Q300), or an identical-appearing placebo for 3.5 [Formula: see text] 0.5 months. General self-rated health (GSRH), the primary outcome, differed across randomization arms at baseline, and sex significantly predicted GSRH change, compelling adjustment for baseline GSRH and prompting sex-stratified analysis. GSRH showed no significant benefit in the combined-sex sample. Among males (85% of participants), Q100 significantly benefited GSRH versus placebo and versus Q300, providing emphasis on Q100. Physical function (summary performance score, SPS) improved on Q100 versus placebo. A rise in CoQ10 approached significance as a predictor of improvement in GSRH and significantly predicted SPS improvement. Among 20 symptoms each present in half or more of the enrolled veterans, direction-of-difference on Q100 versus placebo was favorable for all except sleep problems; sign test 19:1, [Formula: see text]) with several symptoms individually significant. Significance for these symptoms despite the small sample underscores large effect sizes, and an apparent relation of key outcomes to CoQ10 change increases prospects for causality. In conclusion, Q100 conferred benefit to physical function and symptoms in veterans with Gulf War illness. Examination in a larger sample is warranted, and findings from this study can inform the conduct of a larger trial.
High-Dimensional Cluster Analysis with the Masked EM
Algorithm
Authors: Kadir Shabnam N. , Goodman Dan F. M. , Harris Kenneth D. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Cluster analysis faces two problems in high dimensions: the “curse of dimensionality” that can lead to overfitting and poor generalization performance and the sheer time taken for conventional algorithms to process large amounts of high-dimensional data. We describe a solution to these problems, designed for the application of spike sorting for next-generation, high-channel-count neural probes. In this problem, only a small subset of features provides information about the cluster membership of any one data vector, but this informative feature subset is not the same for all data points, rendering classical feature selection ineffective. We introduce a “masked EM” algorithm that allows accurate and time-efficient clustering of up to millions of points in thousands of dimensions. We demonstrate its applicability to synthetic data and to real-world high-channel-count spike sorting data.
A Neural Framework for Organization and Flexible Utilization of Episodic
Memory in Cumulatively Learning Baby Humanoids
Authors: Mohan Vishwanathan , Sandini Giulio , Morasso Pietro 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Cumulatively developing robots offer a unique opportunity to reenact the constant interplay between neural mechanisms related to learning, memory, prospection, and abstraction from the perspective of an integrated system that acts, learns, remembers, reasons, and makes mistakes. Situated within such interplay lie some of the computationally elusive and fundamental aspects of cognitive behavior: the ability to recall and flexibly exploit diverse experiences of one’s past in the context of the present to realize goals, simulate the future, and keep learning further. This article is an adventurous exploration in this direction using a simple engaging scenario of how the humanoid iCub learns to construct the tallest possible stack given an arbitrary set of objects to play with. The learning takes place cumulatively, with the robot interacting with different objects (some previously experienced, some novel) in an open-ended fashion. Since the solution itself depends on what objects are available in the “now,” multiple episodes of past experiences have to be remembered and creatively integrated in the context of the present to be successful. Starting from zero, where the robot knows nothing, we explore the computational basis of organization episodic memory in a cumulatively learning humanoid and address (1) how relevant past experiences can be reconstructed based on the present context, (2) how multiple stored episodic memories compete to survive in the neural space and not be forgotten, (3) how remembered past experiences can be combined with explorative actions to learn something new, and (4) how multiple remembered experiences can be recombined to generate novel behaviors (without exploration). Through the resulting behaviors of the robot as it builds, breaks, learns, and remembers, we emphasize that mechanisms of episodic memory are fundamental design features necessary to enable the survival of autonomous robots in a real world where neither everything can be known nor can everything be experienced.
Efficacy of a support group intervention on psychopathological characteristics among caregivers of psychotic patients
Authors: Mentis Manolis , Messinis Lambros , Kotrotsiou Evagelia , Angelopoulos Nikiforos V , Marneras Christos , Papathanasopoulos Panagiotis , Dardiotis Euthymios 
Published: August 2014

Background: Families of individuals with psychotic disorders are playing a major role in the care of their relatives, but report poorer physical competence, elevated symptoms of psychological distress and more psychopathological characteristics. Aim: To compare psychopathological characteristics demonstrated by caregivers of psychotic patients in Greece who participated in support groups organized by non-governmental mental health organizations (NGOMH) compared to caregivers who did not. Methods: Participants were caregivers of a psychotic patient assigned to either the intervention group ( n = 165) or the non-intervention group ( n = 345) according to specific criteria. Participants were assessed for psychopathological characteristics through clinical interviews and with the Symptom Checklist 90–Revised (SCL-90-R). Results: Participants who did not take part in the support groups had higher levels of psychopathological characteristics on the dimensions of interpersonal sensitivity ( t = −2.065, p = .003), depression ( t = 1.043, p = .007), anxiety ( t = 1.001, p = .010), hostility ( t = −4.345, p < .001), phobic anxiety ( t = −2.845, p < .001) and paranoid ideation ( t = −1.091, p < .001). Psychotic relatives of participating caregivers show higher compliance rates in taking their medications, and female caregivers tend to be more involved in the support groups. Conclusion: Participation in support groups and sharing of emotional expression, thoughts and ideas help the caregivers deal with their physical and psychological demands related to the caregiver load. As such, intervention strategies offered to caregivers in the support groups appear to positively contribute to the family with a psychotic patient and improve the quality of life of both patients and their main caregivers.
Dynamic analysis of a pressure prestressed in vacuo torus with follower load stiffness
Authors: Rajan Akash , Kochupillai Jayaraj 
Published: August 2014

A finite element analysis based on Reissner–Mindlin theory using four-noded degenerate curved shell elements is employed to investigate the dynamic behavior of a pressure prestressed in vacuo toroidal structure. The present investigation incorporates the follower load stiffness and stress stiffening effects by validating the model against experimental and analytical data from literature. Inclusion of follower load stiffness yielded all the rigid body modes correctly. The natural frequencies, mode shapes, and mode order of the torus were found to be closer to the experimental results than the published numerical results.
Binding of anti–platelet factor 4/heparin antibodies depends on the thermodynamics of conformational changes in platelet factor 4
Authors: Kreimann Martin , Brandt Sven , Krauel Krystin , Block Stephan , Helm Christiane A. , Weitschies Werner , Greinacher Andreas , Delcea Mihaela 
Published: August 2014

Key Points
Besides clustering, platelet factor 4/polyanion complexes require input of energy to become immunogenic. Minute differences in chain length determine the induction of antigenicity of PF4.
Recurrent RAS and PIK3CA mutations in Erdheim-Chester disease
Authors: Emile Jean-François , Diamond Eli L. , Hélias-Rodzewicz Zofia , Cohen-Aubart Fleur , Charlotte Frédéric , Hyman David M. , Kim Eunhee , Rampal Raajit , Patel Minal , Ganzel Chezi , Aumann Shlomzion , Faucher Gladwys , Le Gall Catherine , Leroy Karen , Colombat Magali , Kahn Jean-Emmanuel , Trad Salim , Nizard Philippe , Donadieu Jean , Taly Valérie , Amoura Zahir , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Haroche Julien 
Published: August 2014

Key Points
PIK3CA and NRAS mutations are recurrent in BRAFV600E wild-type ECD patients. 57.5% (46/80) of ECD patients have a BRAFV600E mutation, and an additional 10.9% and 3.7% have PIK3CA and NRAS mutations, respectively.
P2X1 expressed on polymorphonuclear neutrophils and platelets is required for thrombosis in mice
Authors: Darbousset Roxane , Delierneux Céline , Mezouar Soraya , Hego Alexandre , Lecut Christelle , Guillaumat Isabelle , Riederer Markus A. , Evans Richard J. , Dignat-George Françoise , Panicot-Dubois Laurence , Oury Cécile , Dubois Christophe 
Published: August 2014

Key Points
Activation of PMNs at the site of injury is required for thrombin generation. P2X1 receptor expressed on both PMNs and platelets is crucial to initiate thrombosis.
CLEC-2 expression is maintained on activated platelets and on platelet microparticles
Authors: Gitz Eelo , Pollitt Alice Y. , Gitz-Francois Jerney J. , Alshehri Osama , Mori Jun , Montague Samantha , Nash Gerard B. , Douglas Michael R. , Gardiner Elizabeth E. , Andrews Robert K. , Buckley Christopher D. , Harrison Paul , Watson Steve P. 
Published: August 2014

Key PointsCLEC-2 activation induces proteolytic cleavage of GPVI and FcγRIIa but not itself. CLEC-2 but not GPVI is detected on platelet-derived microparticles.
Rapid NK cell differentiation in a population with near-universal human cytomegalovirus infection is attenuated by NKG2C deletions
Authors: Goodier Martin R. , White Matthew J. , Darboe Alansana , Nielsen Carolyn M. , Goncalves Adriana , Bottomley Christian , Moore Sophie E. , Riley Eleanor M. 
Published: August 2014

Key Points
HCMV infection in early life is associated with rapid phenotypic and functional differentiation of NK cells. Emergence of CD57+ NK cells is attenuated in children lacking NKG2C.
The impact of bleeding complications in patients receiving target-specific oral anticoagulants: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chai-Adisaksopha Chatree , Crowther Mark , Isayama Tetsuya , Lim Wendy 
Published: August 2014

Key Points
TSOACs are associated with less major bleeding, fatal bleeding, clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding, and total bleeding. The meta-analysis does not show increased risk of major gastrointestinal bleeding in patients who received TSOACs compared with warfarin.
Characterization of Newcastle Disease Virus and poultry-handling practices in live poultry markets, Ethiopia
Authors: Mulisa Delesa Damena , W/Kiros Menbere Kidane , Alemu Redeat Belaineh , Keno Melaku Sombo , Furaso Alice , Heidari Alireza , Chibsa Tesfaye Rufael , Chunde Hassen Chaka 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Newcastle disease represents the most severe poultry disease responsible for marked economic losses in Ethiopia. To provide a molecular characterization of Newcastle disease viruses circulating in this country, a cross sectional survey was conducted at five selected live poultry market sites in Addis Ababa. In addition, baseline data on the live poultry market system were acquired through a detailed questionnaire submitted to poultry traders. We identified 44/146 positive samples, 29 of which were virulent strains belonging to sub-genotype VIf. The very poor biosecurity practices, which have resulted from responses of the participants, suggest that they might have had a heavy impact in the spread of the disease. This study provides important information on epidemiology and control of NDV in Ethiopia and highlights the importance of implementing surveillances and biosecurity practices in live poultry markets.