bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between serum concentrations of nitric oxide and transition to menopause
Authors: Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh , Behboudi‐Gandevani Samira , Ghasemi Asghar , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveMenopausal status may increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Nitric oxide plays a role in the protection against CVD onset and progression but has not been studied around the time of menopause. We investigated associations between serum nitric‐oxide metabolite (NOx) concentrations and menopausal status.DesignComparative case‐control cross‐sectional study.SettingTehran Lipid and Glucose Study, university center.SampleSub‐groups from a cohort of 2137 women, of whom 213 met enrollment criteria.MethodsWe studied four sub‐groups in a 1.2 ratio: (1) post‐menopausal women (n = 29) with natural amenorrhea for 13–24 months, (2) age‐ and BMI‐matched controls (n = 58) with regular menstrual cycles; (3) peri‐menopausal women (n = 42) with natural amenorrhea for 1–12 months, and (4) age‐ and BMI‐matched women as controls for the last group of women (n = 84).Main outcome measureSerum nitric oxide concentrations.ResultsMedians (inter‐quartile ranges) of NOx in post‐menopausal women and their controls were 31 (21.7–40.2) and 23.5 (17.2–31) μmol/L, respectively (p = 0.012). In peri‐menopausal women and their controls the medians (inter‐quartile ranges) were 28 μmol/L (18.5–50.5) and 25 (20–31.25) μmol/L, respectively (p = 0.035), but were not significantly different between peri‐ and postmenopausal women and were unchanged after adjustment for lipids. In a conditional fixed‐effect logistic regression model, the risk of “transition to menopause” and “menopause” rose respectively 2.44‐ and 2.27‐fold for a one‐score increase in the NOx standard deviation.ConclusionMenopausal status, by itself and not as a consequence of aging, is associated with increased serum nitric oxide concentrations. Identification of variables associated with menopausal cardiovascular consequences may be used to improve women's health after menopause.
Severe Secondary Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Historical Cohort
Authors: Dossou Mathieu , Debost‐Legrand Anne , Déchelotte Pierre , Lémery Didier , Vendittelli Françoise 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe principal objective of our study was to describe the frequency of severe secondary postpartum hemorrhages (PPH). Our secondary objectives were to describe the different causes of PPH and to assess if the PPH etiologies varied by parity.MethodsThis is a historical cohort study covering the period from January 1, 2004, through February 13, 2013, in a level III maternity ward. Women were eligible if they were treated for severe secondary PPH during their postpartum hospitalization or were admitted for it after discharge but before the 42nd day postpartum, regardless of the type of delivery. Women were excluded if they gave birth before 22 weeks of gestation or if they had experienced only an immediate PPH (≤ 24 hours after delivery). Eligible patients were identified by the hospital's administrative software. Primiparas and multiparas were compared with Student's t test and a chi‐squared or Fisher's exact test.ResultsThe incidence of severe secondary PPH was 0.23 percent (n = 60/26,023). The mean time between delivery and PPH onset was 13.4 ± 10.8 days. The women's mean age was 30.4 ± 5.7 years and their mean body mass index was 23.4 ± 5.7 kg/m². Placental retention was the cause to which these hemorrhages were most frequently attributed (30.0%). Subinvolution of the placental bed was noted in 13.3 percent of the patients, endometritis in 10.0 percent, pseudoaneurysm of the uterine artery in 3.3 percent, and excessively strong resumption of menses in 3.3 percent; no cause could be determined for 16.7 percent of the cases. Neither clinical signs nor causes differed by parity.ConclusionSecondary PPH is rare. Accurate diagnosis is based most often on histopathologic findings.
High levels of DJ‐1 protein and isoelectric point 6.3 isoform in sera of breast cancer patients
Authors: Kawate Takahiko , Iwaya Keiichi , Koshikawa Kayoko , Moriya Tomoyuki , Yamasaki Tamio , Hasegawa Sho , Kaise Hiroshi , Fujita Tomoyuki , Matsuo Hirotaka , Nakamura Takahiro , Ishikawa Takashi , Hiroi Sadayuki , Iguchi‐Ariga Sanae M.M. , Ariga Hiroyoshi , Murota Keiichi , Fujimori Minoru , Yamamoto Junji , Matsubara Osamu , Kohno Norio 
Published: April 2015

In patients with cancer and Parkinson's disease, the DJ‐1 protein may be secreted into the serum during the impaired response of the underlying cell‐protective mechanisms. In order to determine the clinical significance of DJ‐1 protein in the sera of breast cancer patients, we examined blood samples from a breast cancer group (n = 180) and a non‐cancerous control group (n = 300). Higher levels of DJ‐1 were detected in the breast cancer group (mean level, 42.7 ng/mL) than the control group (28.3 ng/mL) by ELISA (P = 0.019). Higher DJ‐1 levels were significantly associated with advanced clinical grade, according to the TNM classification, negative hormone receptor status, and high Ki‐67 labeling index, of biopsied materials; samples showed low DJ‐1 protein expression despite upregulated DJ‐1 mRNA. DJ‐1 isoforms could be detected clearly in 17 blood samples (from 11 breast cancer patients, and 6 non‐cancerous controls) by 2‐D gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analysis. The isoform at the pI of 6.3 showed the highest intensity in all 11 cancer cases. Conversely, in the 6 non‐cancerous cases, isoforms other than the pI 6.3 isoform were highly expressed, and there was a significant difference in the isoform pattern between breast cancer cases and controls (P = 0.00025). These data indicate that high levels of DJ‐1, probably of isoform at pI 6.3, is a candidate serum marker of breast cancer.
Lazaroids U83836E and U74389G are Potent, Time‐Dependent Inhibitors of Caspase‐1
Authors: Kawarski Margaret , Hagerman Thomas K. , Karver Caitlin E. 
Published: April 2015

Caspase‐1 is involved in inflammatory processes and is overactive in autoimmunity and autoinflammation. Antioxidant small molecules also play a role in the immune response by decreasing inflammation. An 84‐membered library of pro‐ and antioxidant small molecules was screened for potential inhibitors of caspase‐1. Thirteen compounds were discovered to reduce the activity of caspase‐1 below 30%. The most potent inhibitors were lazaroid antioxidant molecules, U83836E (B8) and U74389G (B9), displaying apparent Ki values of 48.0 and 50.0 nm, respectively. Both demonstrated a time‐dependent and reversible inhibition.
Coronary artery calcification is associated with high serum concentration of undercarboxylated osteocalcin in asymptomatic Korean men
Authors: Choi Beom‐hee , Joo Nam‐Seok , Kim Moon Jong , Kim Kwang‐Min , Park Kyung‐Chae , Kim Young‐Sang 
Published: April 2015

SummaryContextOsteocalcin is associated with energy metabolism and atherosclerosis, besides bone metabolism. However, the association between osteocalcin or its undercarboxylated form (ucOC) and coronary artery calcification is controversial.ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and the concentration of serum osteocalcin and ucOC.DesignCross‐sectional.PatientsA total of 162 subjects (114 men and 48 women) with no angina symptom.MeasurementsSerum analyses included glucose, insulin and lipid profiles as well as osteocalcin and ucOC. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual X‐ray absorptiometry. CACS was measured using multidetector computed tomography and categorized into CACS = 0 and CACS > 0.ResultsThe mean osteocalcin concentration in men was 15·6 ± 4·2 for CACS = 0 group and 14·1 ± 4·0 for CACS > 0 group, respectively (P = 0·050). In women, the osteocalcin concentration, ucOC concentration and ucOC to osteocalcin ratio (OCR) were not different between the CACS groups. However, the concentrations of osteocalcin and ucOC were significantly lower in women with hypertension or diabetes than those without, respectively. In the multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for medical history, body mass index, lipid profiles, insulin resistance and BMD in men, the higher concentration of ucOC and higher OCR showed significant association with coronary calcification (CACS > 0).ConclusionHigher ucOC concentration was associated with coronary artery calcification independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors and BMD in men.
Role of mechanical compression on bone regeneration around a particulate bone graft material: an experimental study in rabbit calvaria
Authors: Romanos Georgios E. , Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael A. , Gómez‐Moreno Gerardo , López‐López Patricia J. , Mate Sanchez de Val Jose E. , Calvo‐Guirado Jose Luis 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPurposeThis experimental study was designed to analyze the effect of different compressive forces on the bone regeneration around a particulate bone graft material.Material and methodsEighty 6‐mm‐diameter defects were created in the calvaria of 20 New Zealand rabbits (4 defects per rabbit calvaria). All the defects were filled with particles of synthetic bone. Two standardized compressive forces were then applied, 4.1 g to half the defects (Test A) and 8.2 g to the other half (Test B), all for 1 min. The graft sites were allowed to heal for 6 weeks, after which the rabbits were euthanized. The calvarium vault of each animal was extracted, radiographed, and prepared for histomorphometric analysis. The percentage of defect fill, bone density, new bone formation, and residual bone graft material were recorded, and the results were subjected to statistical analysis.ResultsHistological evaluation found that defect closure among the Test A (lower compression) group ranged from 38.34 (95% lower CI) to 55.8 (95% upper CI) (mean 47 ± 8.5%), while among the Test B group (higher compression), it ranged from 81.26 (95% lower CI) to 95.32 (mean 88 ± 7.3%). Significantly more closure was achieved for the Test B group (P < 0.05). Histomorphometric comparison of the two groups found significantly more new bone formation, higher bone density, and a higher percentage of defect fill in the defects subjected to the higher compression level (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIncreasing the compressive force applied to bone graft particulate used to fill small defects created in rabbit calvaria appears to be beneficial.
Biochemical and Neuroimaging Studies in Subjective Cognitive Decline: Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Sun Yu , Yang Fu‐Chi , Lin Ching‐Po , Han Ying 
Published: April 2015

SummaryNeurodegeneration due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) can progress over decades before dementia becomes apparent. Indeed, patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) already demonstrate significant lesion loads. In most cases, MCI is preceded by subjective cognitive decline (SCD), which is applied to individuals who have self‐reported memory‐related complaints and has been associated with a higher risk of future cognitive decline and conversion to dementia. Based on the schema of a well‐received model of biomarker dynamics in AD pathogenesis, it has been postulated that SCD symptoms may result from compensatory changes in response to β‐amyloid accumulation and neurodegeneration. Although SCD is considered a prodromal stage of MCI, it is also a common manifestation in old age, independent of AD, and the predictive value of SCD for AD pathology remains controversial. Here, we provide a review focused on the contributions of cross‐sectional and longitudinal analogical studies of biomarkers and neuroimaging evidence in disentangling under what conditions SCD may be attributable to AD pathology. In conclusion, there is promising evidence indicating that clinicians should be able to differentiate pre‐AD SCD based on the presence of pathophysiological biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neuroimaging. However, this neuroimaging approach is still at an immature stage without an established rubric of standards. A substantial amount of work remains in terms of replicating recent findings and validating the clinical utility of identifying SCD.
Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Schröder S. , Lehmann M. , Ebmeyer J. , Upile T. , Sudhoff H. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundEustachian tube dysfunction is regarded as a ‘black box’ term, reflecting a spectrum of dysfunction. The key to its diagnosis and management is in identifying the aetiology and exact pathophysiology of the dysfunction.DesignWe present our retrospective 5‐year results for the technique of transnasal endoscopic balloon dilatation of the cartilaginous part of the Eustachian tube, balloon Eustachian tuboplasty (BET). The indication for treatment is chronic obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction.Main outcome measuresPreoperatively, the Eustachian tube score (ETS) was obtained by a clinico‐objective assessment involving tubomanometry (TMM) and reported patient symptom. The measurements were repeated 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years postoperatively.SettingTertiary referral centre.ParticipantsA total of 622 patients (1076 ears) were treated with BET.ResultsOne year after treatment, the Eustachian tube score improved from 3.13 (± 2.47 SD) to 5.75 (± 2.76 SD). The Eustachian tube score improved significantly in 73% of ears. The average Eustachian tube score 2 years after treatment improved from 2.65 (± 2.89 SD) to 6.26 (± 3.07 SD). In 82% of patients, the Eustachian tube score improved significantly at 5 years. The subjective satisfaction of the patients was approximately 80%.ConclusionsOur long‐term results suggest that BET is a safe and feasible treatment for chronic obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction with a success rate of more than 70%. This study has important implications for other Eustachian tube‐related clinical entities, such as glue ear management (adults and children), continued grommet insertion and tympanomastoid surgery outcomes.
Incentive Compensation in Energy Firms: Does Regulation Matter?
Authors: Cambini Carlo , Rondi Laura , De Masi Sara 
Published: April 2015

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueWhile regulation reduces the discretion of CEOs, it is also expected to prompt effort and efficiency. This paper develops a link between regulation and the two main competing theories of executive compensation (efficiency vs. entrenchment) and investigates whether CEO pay‐performance sensitivity differs across alternative regulatory regimes in the European energy industry.Research Findings/InsightsUsing a panel of energy utilities from 12 EU countries tracked from 2000 to 2011, we find that managerial compensation is sensitive to performance only if the firm is subject to incentive regulation, not in the case of cost‐based contracts. We also find that incentive regulation makes managerial entrenchment less likely, while CEOs subject to cost‐based regulation appear to be more entrenched with the board, obtaining compensation that may even increase when (accounting) performance deteriorates.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWe derive a conceptual framework that enables us to investigate the interplay between the strength of corporate governance (incentives vs. board monitoring) and the type of regulatory contracts.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsOur findings suggest that in industries where competition looms – mimicked by the regulatory framework – CEO compensations are more responsive to stock‐based and accounting performance measures and managerial entrenchment is less likely. Hence, corporate governance (monitoring and/or compensation) and regulation complement each other. In contrast, where regulation is not efficiency oriented, the adoption of performance‐related contracts seems to bring no advantage to firms and only additional costs to shareholders, also due to CEO entrenchment.
Negative affect variability and adolescent self‐medication: The role of the peer context
Authors: Shadur Julia M. , Hussong Andrea M. , Haroon Maleeha 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntroductionFindings in the literature show mixed support for adolescent self‐medication. Following recent reformulations of the self‐medication hypothesis, we tested within‐person effects of daily fluctuations in sadness and worry on daily substance use, and explored the moderating role of the peer context on self‐medication. We hypothesized that greater daily fluctuations in mood would predict greater daily substance use, and lower levels of peer social support and higher levels of peer drug use would further increase this risk.Design and MethodsExperience sampling methods captured within‐person daily variations in mood and substance use over 21 days among 73 adolescents. An observational coding system was employed to characterize enacted peer social support. Multilevel modeling was used to parse between‐ versus within‐person differences in risk for daily substance use.ResultsGreater within‐person daily fluctuations in feelings of worry (but not sadness) significantly predicted increased daily substance use, consistent with self‐medication. Moreover, greater daily fluctuations in negative affect were a stronger predictor of daily use than total level of daily negative affect. Peer social support moderated this relationship such that those with more supportive friendships were less likely to engage in self‐medication.DiscussionThis is the first reported study to examine within‐person processes of adolescent self‐medication related to daily variability in mood and the peer context. Adolescent self‐medication processes appear to differ depending on the type of negative affect and whether daily affective experiences are chronic or fluctuating, suggesting that the affective processes that cue adolescents to engage in substance use are quite nuanced. [Shadur JM, Hussong AM, Haroon M. Negative affect variability and adolescent self‐medication: The role of the peer context. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:571–580]
Systematic review of interventions to reduce problematic alcohol use in men who have sex with men
Authors: Wray Tyler B. , Grin Benjamin , Dorfman Leah , Glynn Tiffany R. , Kahler Christopher W. , Marshall Brandon D. L. , van den Berg Jacob J. , Zaller Nickolas D. , Bryant Kendall J. , Operario Don 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIssuesRates of heavy drinking, alcohol problems and alcohol‐related disorders are high among men who have sex with men (MSM) and are an important public health issue. Associations between heavy drinking and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition among MSM also suggest that drinking may have more severe and chronic consequences for this population relative to others. Consequently, effective interventions to reduce heavy drinking and alcohol‐related risk factors among MSM are needed.ApproachWe conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials of interventions to reduce heavy drinking and/or alcohol‐related problems among MSM. We searched five electronic databases, screened 3722 records and identified 5 studies involving 1022 participants that satisfied inclusion criteria, which included having: (i) incorporated a comparison condition; (ii) randomised participants to groups; and (iii) reported quantitative outcomes.Key FindingsThe methodological quality of studies varied, and meta‐analysis was not conducted because of heterogeneity in intervention approaches and outcomes. Studies provided preliminary support for the use of motivational interviewing/motivational enhancement‐based interventions (MI) and hybrid MI and cognitive behavioural therapy treatments for heavy drinking among MSM over no treatment. Perhaps the most important conclusion of this review, however, is that well‐designed, theoretically informed research focused on establishing the efficacy of interventions for hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders among MSM is alarmingly scarce.ConclusionsEffective interventions to reduce hazardous drinking among MSM and prevent key alcohol‐related outcomes, including risk for HIV transmission and health problems among HIV‐positive MSM, are needed to mitigate health disparities in this population. [Wray TB, Grin B, Dorfman L, Glynn TR, Kahler CW, Marshall BDL, van den Berg JJ, Zaller ND, Bryant KJ, Operario D. Systematic review of interventions to reduce problematic alcohol use in men who have sex with men. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:148–57]
Predicted impacts of climatic change on ant functional diversity and distributions in eastern North American forests
Authors: Del Toro Israel , Silva Rogério R. , Ellison Aaron M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimsClimatic change is expected to rearrange species assemblages and ultimately affect organism‐mediated ecosystem processes. We focus on identifying patterns and relationships between common ant species (representing 99% of total ant records) richness and functional diversity; modelling how these patterns may change at local and regional scales in future climatic conditions; and interpreting how these changes might influence ant‐mediated ecosystem processes.LocationForested ecosystems of eastern North America.MethodsWe used a previously published dataset to evaluate functional diversity at 67 sites in the eastern U.S. and quantified 14 taxonomic, morphometric and natural history traits for 70 common ant species in the region. We used functional diversity metrics, functional groups and species distribution modelling methods to address our aims. We used stacked species distribution models and stacked functional group models to predict species assemblages and functional richness at the 67 sites and at a regional scale for current and future climatic conditions.ResultsSpecies richness and functional diversity are positively correlated throughout the region. Under future climate scenarios, species richness and functional group richness were predicted to decrease in southern ecoregions and increase in northern ecoregions. This may be due to increased thermal stress for species in the southern extent of their ranges and increased habitat suitability in the northern ecoregions. Decomposers, arthropod community regulators and seed dispersers are forecast to be the most threatened ant functional groups.Main ConclusionsClimate change will likely lead to major changes in ant species richness and functional group richness in the forests of the north‐eastern United States, and this may substantially alter ant‐mediated ecosystem processes and services.