bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Storm Surge Ensemble Prediction for the City of Venice
Authors: Mel Riccardo , Lionello Piero 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Sea level (SL) forecast for the city of Venice, Italy, is of paramount importance for the management and maintenance of this historical city and for operating the movable barriers that are presently being built for its protection. In this paper, an ensemble prediction system (EPS; based on an ensemble of 50 simulations) for operational forecasting of storm surge in the northern Adriatic Sea is presented and applied to 10 relatively high storm surge events that occurred in the year 2010. It is shown that storm surge peaks correspond to the maxima of uncertainty (as described by the spread of the EPS members), which increases linearly with the forecast range. Further, the uncertainty in storm surge level is shown to be linked to the uncertainty of the forcing meteorological fields. The quasi-linear dynamics of the storm surges plays a minor role in the evolution of uncertainty, except it produces its oscillation with a period associated with that of the 11-h seiche of the basin. The error of the ensemble mean forecast (EMF) is correlated with the EPS spread. For these cases, the EMF accuracy is very close to that of the high-resolution deterministic forecast (DF) and is more robust than the DF (meaning that its error is consistently smaller than the error of the DF, as the lead time of the forecast varies).
Insulin resistance and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Marchelek-Myśliwiec Małgorzata , Cichocka Ewa , Dziedziejko Violetta , Dutkiewicz Gra  ż  yna , Stępniewska Joanna , Safranow Krzysztof , Budkowska Marta , Sałata Daria , Syrenicz Anhelli , Machaliński Bogusław , Ciechanowski Kazimierz 
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Insulin resistance is a frequent abnormality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) appearing in early stages. Factors known to promote insulin resistance in CKD patients include disorders of ion and acid–base equilibrium and circulating uremia toxins. Recent research has focused on the central nervous system as the source of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The aim of our work was to study plasma BDNF concentrations in stage 3 and 4 CKD patients in relationship with insulin resistance and distribution of adipose tissue. Method: Plasma BDNF concentrations were measured in a study group of 31 patients, including a subgroup of 20 non-diabetic subjects. Additionally dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and homeostatic model assessment of B-cell function (HOMA-beta) indices were calculated. Results: Two separate analyses were performed. In the first analysis performed in all 31 CKD patients, there were no correlations between BDNF and: body mass index (BMI), android, gynoid fat distribution, HOMA-IR and HOMA-beta. In the second analysis performed in 20 CKD patients without diabetes, BDNF was negatively related to gynoid fat (Rs = −0.47, P = 0.034) and women revealed significantly lower levels of BDNF than men ( P = 0.046). Normotensive patients disclosed significantly higher BDNF levels than hypertensive patients in the whole CKD group ( P = 0.039) and in the non-diabetic subgroup ( P = 0.028). No correlations between BDNF and eGFR were found. Conclusions: Female sex and arterial hypertension are associated with lower BDNF plasma concentration in CKD patients.
The discrepancy rate between preliminary and official reports of emergency radiology studies: a performance indicator and quality improvement method
Authors: Issa Ghada , Taslakian Bedros , Itani Malak , Hitti Eveline , Batley Nicholas , Saliba Miriam , El-Merhi Fadi 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundAt teaching hospitals, radiology residents give preliminary reports for imaging studies requested from the Emergency Department (ED). Discrepancy rates between preliminary and final reports represent an important performance indicator.PurposeTo present a system for feedback and follow-up of discrepancies, identify the variables associated with the rate and severity of such discrepancies, target the weaknesses, and suggest the need of a standard reference value for comparison among institutions.Material and MethodsA monitoring and communication system between the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Emergency Department was initiated to mark and follow all studies from the ED for which the official reading was different than the preliminary interpretation. Data analysis was performed on all studies from 1 June 2011 to 31 May 2012, based on the severity of the discrepancy, imaging modality, resident training level, and organ system. The distribution of the number of discrepancies among the different resident levels and imaging modalities was determined, as well as the distribution of three severity scores in correlation with other variables.ResultsThe overall discrepancy rate was 1.62%. The discrepancy rate was higher for first and second year residents (1.62% and 1.96%) than for third and fourth year residents (1.35% and 1.24%). It was higher for computed tomography (2.13%) than for radiographs (1.29%) and ultrasound (0.8%) ( P value < 0.01), and higher for musculoskeletal (1.61%) than non-musculoskeletal (0.99%) radiographs ( P value = 0.0003). Discrepancies with severity score one constituted 35.5% of the total discrepancies, those with severity scores two and three constituted 22.9% and 41.6%, respectively.ConclusionWe have demonstrated a system for follow-up of discrepancy in interpreting emergency radiology studies, and recorded the discrepancy rate, with further analysis based on different variables. In terms of quality assurance, a periodical analysis might help to reduce the number of discrepant reports by targeted intervention.
Outcome of adult onset systemic lupus erythematosus in Iran
Authors: Fatemi A , Matinfar M , Sayedbonakdar Z , Maracy M , Karimzadeh H , Saber M , Smiley A 
Published: May 2014

Aim The aim of this study was to determine systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) survival in adult patients and its predictors in Iran. Methods The adult patients diagnosed with SLE and admitted to our referral general hospital from 1992 to 2011 were studied. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data at the time of diagnosis were obtained retrospectively and analyzed. Survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Predictors of mortality were assessed by Cox regression analysis. Results In total, 417 were enrolled in the study; 23 were lost to follow-up. Mean (SD) age of SLE onset was 30 (9.7) years. During the study period 35 patients (8.9%) died. The most common causes of death were active SLE (43%), infections (28.6%) and circulatory diseases (20%). Overall survival rates after 5, 10, 15 and 20 years were 93%, 90%, 90% and 80%, respectively. Poor survival predictors in univariate analysis were pericarditis, seizure and hematuria. With multivariate Cox regression analysis, no pericarditis ( p = 0.007, HR = 0.22, 95%CI: 0.075–0.657) and no seizure ( p = 0.019, HR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.149–0.846) at the time of SLE diagnosis were found as protective factors in patients’ survival. Conclusion Our study revealed that the survival rate of SLE is comparable with the acceptable worldwide trend. Presenting with pericarditis and seizure at the time of SLE diagnosis prominently decreased the survival rate. Prospective and multicenter studies are needed to better identify the behavior of SLE in Iran.
The effects of rituximab on the lipid profile of patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus: results from a nationwide cohort in Spain (LESIMAB)
Authors: Fernández-Nebro A , Marenco JL , López-Longo F , Galindo M , Hernández-Cruz BE , Narváez J , Rúa-Figueroa Í I , Raya-Alvarez E , Zea A , Freire M , Sánchez-Atrio AI , García-Vicuña R , Pego-Reigosa JM , Manrique-Arija S , Nieves-Martín L , Carreño L ,   on behalf of LESIMAB GROUP
Published: May 2014

Introduction Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have increased cardiovascular risk related to lipid changes induced by inflammatory activity, proteinuria and treatments. Our objective was to analyse lipid changes in a cohort of patients with SLE resistant to standard treatments who were treated with rituximab. Methods The study population comprised a retrospective multicentre, national cohort of patients with SLE resistant to standard treatments who were treated with rituximab. The basic lipid profile, concomitant treatment and disease activity were analysed at the start of the treatment, 24 weeks later, and at the end of the follow-up period. The effects of the main lupus variables and therapy on the lipid changes were analysed. Results Seventy-nine patients with active lupus treated with rituximab were assessed during 149.3 patient-years. Prior to the treatment, 69% had dyslipidaemia. The most frequent abnormalities were a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level of ≥100 mg/dl (34%) and a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level of <50 mg/dl (27%). Baseline total cholesterol (TC) and LDL levels correlated with the degree of proteinuria, while the concentration of triglycerides (TGs) correlated with the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). TGs were reduced at short- and long-term follow-up after rituximab treatment. A multiple linear regression analysis identified that the reduction of the lupus inflammatory activity, particularly changes in proteinuria, was the only independent variable that was positively associated with the reduction in TGs after 24 weeks ( p = 0.001) and with TC ( p = 0.005) and TGs ( p < 0.001) at the end of the follow-up period. Conclusion Our results suggest that rituximab may improve the long-term lipid profile of patients with SLE refractory to standard treatment, mainly by reducing inflammatory activity.
Functional properties and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial effectiveness of pigskin gelatin films incorporated with hydrolysable chestnut tannin
Authors: Peña-Rodriguez Cristina , Martucci Josefa F , Neira Laura M , Arbelaiz Aitor , Eceiza Arantxa , Ruseckaite Roxana A 
Published: May 2014

The impact of the incorporation of 10% w/w of hydrolyzable chestnut tannin into pigskin gelatin (G) films plasticized with glycerol (Gly) on the physicochemical properties as well as the in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial effectiveness against food-borne pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Streptococcus aureus was investigated. A higher tendency to both redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) coloration characterized gelatin films incorporated with chestnut tannin. The reduced lightness (L) and transparency of gelatin–chestnut tannin films plasticized with 30% w/w Gly might be associated with certain degree of phase separation which provoked the migration of the plasticizer to the film surface. The incorporation of chestnut tannin and glycerol affected the chemical structure of the resultant films due to the establishment of hydrogen interactions between components as revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. These interactions reduced gelatin crystallinity and seemed to be involved in the substantial decrease of the water uptake of films with tannin, irrespective of the glycerol level. Such interactions had minor effect on tensile properties being similar to those of the control films (without chestnut tannin) at the same glycerol level. Films modified with 10% w/w chestnut tannin showed significant (P < 0.05) 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, ca. from 0 ± 0.033 to 87.1 ± 0.002% for chestnut tannin-free and chestnut tannin-containing gelatin films. The limited inhibitory activity of films incorporated with 10% w/w chestnut tannin against the selected bacteria evidenced by disk diffusion method probably resulted from the interactions within the film restricting the diffusion of the active agent into the agar medium. The more modest protective effect observed against a Gram-positive bacterium ( S. aureus) was also discussed.
Aliskiren in early postnatal life prevents hypertension and reduces asymmetric dimethylarginine in offspring exposed to maternal caloric restriction
Authors: Hsu Chien-Ning , Lee Chien-Te , Huang Li-Tung , Tain You-Lin 
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, is involved in hypertension. We tested whether aliskiren treatment in early postnatal life can reduce ADMA and regulate the renin-angiotensin system to prevent hypertension in rat offspring exposed to maternal caloric restriction (CR). Materials and methods: Four groups of 12-week-old male offspring were sacrificed: control, CR, CR+aliskiren, and CR+losartan group. The CR group included offspring from 50% food-restricted maternal rats. The CR+aliskiren and CR+losartan groups were produced by treating CR offspring with oral aliskiren 10 mg/kg/day or losartan 20 mg/kg/day between 2–4 weeks of age, respectively. Results: Blood pressure increased in CR rats, which was prevented by aliskiren or losartan. CR increased plasma ADMA levels, which aliskiren prevented. Renal renin and prorenin receptor (PRR) expression increased in CR rats treated with aliskiren, whereas both were reduced by losartan. Both aliskiren and losartan decreased renal mRNA expression of angiotensinogen, angiotensin II type 2 receptor, and Mas in CR rats. However, aliskiren increased angiotensin II type 2 receptor and Mas protein levels in CR kidneys. Conclusions: Early aliskiren therapy prevents CR-induced hypertension via ADMA reduction, decreases angiotensinogen expression, and increases renal angiotensin II type 2 receptor and Mas protein.
Sonas
Authors: Hutson Charlotte , Orrell Martin , Dugmore Ottilie , Spector Aimee 
Published: May 2014

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of Sonas, a group intervention involving multisensory stimulation, reminiscence, and light physical activity. Methods: A total of 39 participants with moderate to severe dementia were randomized to receive either 14 sessions of Sonas or treatment as usual. Measures such as quality of life (QoL), communication, depression, anxiety, and behavioral disturbance were administered at baseline and follow-up. Results: No statistically significant results were found. However, participant attendance to sessions was good (mean = 12.4 sessions of 14 offered). Conclusions: Sonas sessions did not lead to improvements in QoL and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Educación sexual: opiniones y propuestas del alumnado y profesorado de los institutos de secundaria de Asturias, España
Authors: García-Vázquez Jose , Ordóñez Adelina L. , Arias-Magadán Sandra 
Published: May 2014

Introducción: La educación sexual en las escuelas es clave para la formación de los jóvenes y hay evidencia de que los programas integrales tienen resultados en mejorar la salud. Sin embargo, a pesar de las numerosas propuestas puestas en marcha en nuestro país, no hay una incorporación efectiva. Este estudio plantea recoger la opinión del alumnado y profesorado de secundaria, así como sus propuestas para la acción. Métodos: Se recogió información con grupos focales de alumnado de Secundaria y Bachillerato, y de profesorado, en siete centros educativos, organizados en función de la zona educativa (rural o urbana). En el caso del alumnado, también se tuvo en cuenta el sexo, con grupos de chicos, chicas y mixtos. Se realizó un análisis del discurso y se clasificó la información en actividades realizadas, valoración de las mismas, temas de interés (para el alumnado), dificultades (para el profesorado) y propuestas. Resultados: El alumnado había participado en diferentes actividades de educación sexual, como sesiones del profesorado, talleres externos y charlas. La valoración de las mismas fue positiva. Propusieron que la educación sexual se abordase en los centros educativos, ya que en casa sigue siendo un tema tabú, y priorizaron diferentes temas relacionados con la afectividad y las relaciones sexuales. El profesorado destacó numerosas dificultades, entre ellas la falta de tiempo y de formación. Entre sus propuestas está la incorporación curricular desde la Educación Primaria. Conclusiones: Las propuestas del alumnado y profesorado recogen parte de los elementos clave para incorporar de forma efectiva educación sexual. Asimismo, apuntan en una dirección clara: el compromiso de las autoridades sanitarias y educativas, proporcionando recursos humanos, materiales y económicos.
Diagnosis of cardiogenic shock without the use of a pulmonary artery catheter
Authors: Cooper Howard A , Najafi Amir H , Ghafourian Kambiz , Paixao Andre RM , Aljaabari Mohamed , Iantorno Micaela , Caños Daniel , Asch Federico M , Panza Julio A 
Published: May 2014

Background: Current diagnostic criteria for cardiogenic shock (CS) require the use of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC), which is time-consuming and may cause complications. A set of simple yet accurate noninvasive diagnostic criteria would be of significant utility. Methods: Candidate components for the Noninvasive Parameters for Assessment of Cardiogenic Shock (N-PACS) criteria were required to be objective, readily available, and noninvasive. Variables encompassing hypotension, hypoperfusion, predisposing conditions, and elevated intracardiac filling pressures were optimized versus a PAC-based standard in a retrospective developmental cohort of 122 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The finalized criteria were validated in a prospective cohort of coronary care unit patients in whom a PAC was placed for clinical indications. Results: According to invasive criteria, CS was present in 32 of 217 consecutive patients undergoing PAC. Compared to the PAC-based standard, the N-PACS criteria had a sensitivity of 96.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 82.0–99.8), specificity of 90.8% (95% CI 85.5–94.4), positive predictive value of 64.6% (95% CI 49.4–77.4), negative predictive value of 99.4% (95% CI 96.2–100), positive likelihood ratio of 10.5 (95% CI 6.7–16.7), negative likelihood ratio of 0.03 (95% CI 0.00–0.24), and diagnostic odds ratio of 306.4. Results were similar among patients with and without AMI. Conclusion: A simple, echocardiography-based set of noninvasive diagnostic criteria can be used to accurately diagnose CS.
Regional illitization in bentonite beds from the East Slovak Basin based on isotopic characteristics (K-Ar, δ18O and δD) of illite-type nanoparticles
Authors: Clauer N. , Honty M. , Fallick A. E. , Šucha V. , Aubert A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractNanometre-sized illite-type crystals extracted from mixed-layer illite-smectite of cored bentonite beds from the East Slovak Basin were studied to investigate timing, duration and physical/chemical conditions of their nucleation and growth. The study includes application of the results to an evaluation of the regional extent of illitization. Close to salt-bearing formations, the nanometric particles underwent a more intense illitization, of identical duration, but with changing oxygen and hydrogen isotope characteristics of the parental brines.A comparison of the stratigraphic ages of the bentonite beds with the K-Ar ages of the authigenic crystals shows that illitization started during the Middle-Miocene Serravalian (Lower Sarmatian) subsidence that lasted from 17 to 11.5 Ma. Duration of illitization was bracketed between 14.5 and 9.0 Ma, with further episodes until recently at 0 Ma, depending on the geographic location of the host beds. The calculated subsidence rate varies from less than 300 m/Ma to more than 500 m/Ma and the thermal gradient ranges from ~60°C/km to less than 50°C/km. The K-Ar ages of the nanometric illite point to either short-duration illitization when the onset was soon after sedimentation, or long-duration when the onset was significantly later after sedimentation. The illite δ18O varies little with increasing crystal size, whereas the δD changes significantly. In most samples the crystallization temperature determined by different criteria did not change significantly during crystal growth, but the oxygen and hydrogen isotopic compositions of the interacting fluids varied depending on sample location, immediate environment, timing and duration of illitization.The stable isotope composition of illite in bentonite beds with reduced fluid-rock ratios gives insight into the fluid-temperature regime of sedimentary basins through identifying local processes rather than wide-scale ones. Illitization is episodic with variable duration along different crystallization pathways, and to various extents in low-porosity, low-permeability bentonite beds. Depending on local conditions, illitization may vary even within apparently homogeneous beds. This contrasts with the situation for porous aquifers having large-scale fluid connectivity.
Loss of SPARC protects hematopoietic stem cells from chemotherapy toxicity by accelerating their return to quiescence
Authors: Ehninger Armin , Boch Tobias , Medyouf Hind , Müdder Katja , Orend Gertraud , Trumpp Andreas 
Published: May 2014

Key PointsLoss of SPARC protects HSCs from the toxic effects of serial 5-FU treatment. HSCs in a SPARC-deficient niche return faster to quiescence after activation following 5-FU treatment.
Upper airway factors that protect against obstructive sleep apnoea in healthy older males
Authors: Carlisle Thomas , Carthy Elliott R. , Glasser Martin , Drivas Peter , McMillan Alison , Cowie Martin R. , Simonds Anita K. , Morrell Mary J. 
Published: May 2014

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) increases with age, yet the risk factors for OSA in older people remain poorly understood.This study aimed to define the age-related changes in upper airway morphology in carefully matched groups of healthy older (>60 years, n=11) and younger (<40 years, n=14) males, using direct (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) and indirect (acoustic reflection) imaging.The median (interquartile range) combined retropalatal and retroglossal pharyngeal length was greater in older than in younger males (older 8.8 (7.8–9.0) cm, younger 7.8 (7.0–8.3) cm; p=0.03), as was the soft palate cross-sectional area (older 43.1 (36.0–48.8) cm2, younger 35.3 (30.5–40.5) cm2; p=0.03), parapharyngeal fat pad diameter (older 1.7 (1.4–2.2) cm, younger 1.2 (1.0–1.8) cm; p=0.03) and cross-sectional area of the fat pads (older 13.8 (9.1–17.1) cm2; younger 7.4 (5.9–13.0) cm2; p=0.02) as measured by MRI. Using acoustic reflection, pharyngeal calibre (older 4.8 (3.8–6.6) cm2, younger 3.4 (2.8–4.6) cm2; p=0.03), pharyngeal volume (older 35.1 (30.9–55.4) cm3, younger 27.2 (22.7–44.2) cm3; p=0.04) and glottis area (older 2.7 (2.1–3.9) cm2, younger 1.3 (1.1–1.9) cm2; p=0.003) were also larger in older participants compared with younger participants. There was no difference in craniofacial measures between groups, including volumetric data and hyoid bone position.The larger pharyngeal calibre observed in older males may be compensating for an age-related enlargement in pharyngeal soft tissue that predisposes to OSA.