bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Nature of Gentrification
Authors: Bryson Jeremy 
Published: August 2013

AbstractGentrification research provides many important insights into the transformation of contemporary urban landscapes, yet more careful attention to nature's role in this process is necessary. This essay begins by highlighting how gentrification research has traditionally overlooked the environmental factors of gentrification and continues by showing how researchers are beginning to account for the urban natural environment in gentrification processes. Such an environmentally sensitive approach to gentrification—one that accounts for nature being used by powerful groups as a tool of social power but also leaves room for it to be a dynamic material actor—can aid scholars' understanding of this important urban process.
Bone density in haemophilia: a single institutional cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kempton C. L. , Antun A. , Antoniucci D. M. , Carpenter W. , Ribeiro M. , Stein S. , Slovensky L. , Elon L. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryHaemophilia has been associated with low bone mineral density (BMD). However, prior clinical studies of this population have neither clearly elucidated risk factors for development of low BMD nor identified who may warrant screening for osteoporosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between BMD and haemophilic arthropathy and other demographic and clinical variables. We undertook a cross‐sectional study of BMD in adult men with haemophilia. Measures of predictor variables were collected by radiographic studies, physical examination, patient questionnaires and review of medical records. Among 88 enrolled subjects, the median age was 41 years (IQR: 20); median femoral neck BMD (n = 87) was 0.90 g cm−2 (IQR: 0.24); and median radiographic joint score was 7.5 (IQR: 18). Among subjects <50 years (n = 62), after controlling for BMI, alcohol, HIV and White race, BMD decreased as radiographic joint score increased (est. β = −0.006 mg cm−2; 95% CI −0.009, −0.003; partial R2 = 0.23). Among subjects ≥50 years (n = 26), 38% had osteoporosis (T score less than or equal to −2.5) and there was no association between BMD and arthropathy. Risk factors for low BMD in men with haemophilia <50 years include haemophilic arthropathy, low or normal BMI and HIV. Men with haemophilia over age 50 years should have routine screening for detection of osteoporosis.
Association of tyrosine with insulin resistance in hepatitis C virus‐related chronic liver disease
Authors: Oono Takashi , Yamasaki Takahiro , Zaitsu Junichi , Saeki Issei , Iwamoto Takuya , Harima Yumiko , Marumoto Yoshio , Hidaka Isao , Urata Yohei , Ishikawa Tsuyoshi , Takami Taro , Segawa Makoto , Uchida Koichi , Terai Shuji , Kunitugu Ichiro , Tanabe Tsuyoshi , Sakaida Isao 
Published: August 2013

AimInsulin resistance (IR) increases during the early stages of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related chronic liver disease and is a sign of poor prognosis as well as a risk factor for hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to determine the factors affecting IR in HCV‐related chronic liver disease.MethodsWe retrospectively examined 71 patients with HCV‐related chronic liver disease and analyzed various parameters, including amino acids, as possible predictors of IR. IR was assessed using the Homeostasis Model of Assessment – Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR). Amino acids were assayed by examining branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA), tyrosine level, and the ratio of BCAA to tyrosine level (BTR).ResultsHOMA‐IR was significantly correlated with body mass index, platelet count, prothrombin time, hemoglobin, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, fasting glucose, BTR (r = −0.46, P = 0.0001) and tyrosine (r = 0.55, P < 0.0001). However, BCAA were not significantly correlated with HOMA‐IR (r = −0.21, P = 0.082). In multivariate analysis, only two factors were identified as independent parameters contributing to a HOMA‐IR of 2.5 or more: total cholesterol (odds ratio [OR], 6.511; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.554–27.284; P = 0.010) and tyrosine (OR, 4.839; 95% CI, 1.087–21.549; P = 0.039).ConclusionSerum tyrosine levels may be associated with IR in patients with HCV‐related chronic liver disease.
Patients' perspective on self‐management in the recovery from depression
Authors: van Grieken Roos A. , Kirkenier Anneloes C.E. , Koeter Maarten W.J. , Nabitz Udo W. , Schene Aart H. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐management appears to be a promising approach in the case of depression, which helps to stimulate patients' autonomy. However, a good and systematic description of the concept self‐management from the patients' perspective, to our knowledge, has not yet been performed.ObjectiveTo determine: (i) what strategies patients think they can use themselves to recover from depression, (ii) which main themes of self‐management strategies can be detected, and (iii) which of these strategies patients perceive as being most helpful.MethodsWe used concept mapping to explore the experiences of patients who recently recovered from a depressive episode. Patients generated self‐management strategies in focus group discussions. The strategies were clustered on a two‐dimensional concept map by a hierarchical cluster analysis.ResultsPatients generated 50 strategies that formed eight clusters: (i) proactive attitude towards depression and treatment, (ii) daily life strategies and rules, (iii) explanation of disease to others, (iv) remaining socially engaged, (v) engaging in activities, (vi) structured attention to oneself, (vii) contact with fellow sufferers, and (viii) other. Behavioural and cognitive strategies and a proactive attitude towards treatment were considered as the most helpful.Discussion and conclusionFrom the patients' perspective, there is a wide range of self‐management strategies that they can use – and perceive as helpful‐ to contribute to their own recovery. Professionals could encourage patients to take an active role in achieving recovery. Further research could open new roads to improve patients' active contributions to current treatments for depression.
Presenting life with cystic fibrosis: a Q‐methodological approach to developing balanced, experience‐based prenatal screening information
Authors: Wright Katherine F. , Bryant Louise D. , Morley Stephen , Hewison Jenny , Duff Alistair J.A. , Peckham Daniel 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundCystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common life‐threatening genetically inherited conditions and prenatal screening for CF is available in many countries. Genetic counsellors and other health professionals are expected to provide information about the condition in a way that facilitates personal decision making. Knowing what information to deliver about complex genetic conditions to support informed screening decisions can be challenging for health professionals.ObjectiveTo solicit views from those with personal experience with CF on which aspects of the condition they consider most important to include in prenatal screening materials.MethodsQ‐methodology; an approach to systematically explore variations in viewpoint that combines factor analytic techniques with qualitative approaches to pattern interpretation. Setting and Participants: Twelve adults with CF and 18 parents of affected children were recruited from a regional centre in the UK.ResultsFive distinct viewpoints on the items most and least important to include in screening information were identified: Factor 1 the normality of life with CF and increasing life expectancy; Factor 2 the hardships and reduced lifespan. Factor 3 medical interventions and the importance of societal support. Factor 4 longer‐term consequences of CF. Factor 5 the ability to adjust to the condition.DiscussionThe identification of five different views on what represented the most and least important information to include about CF highlights the challenge of portraying a complex genetic condition in a balanced and accurate manner. Novel ways in which Q‐methodology findings can be used to meet this challenge are presented.
Hepatic involvement in paediatric patients with paracoccidioidomycosis: a histological study
Authors: de Melo Braga Giselle , Hessel Gabriel , Pereira Ricardo Mendes , Escanhoela Cecília Amélia Fazzio 
Published: August 2013

AimParacoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis that is endemic to certain countries in Latin America. This study aimed to describe the histological features of liver involvement in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis aged <16 years of age who were treated between 1980 and 2010, with a diagnosis that was confirmed by detection of the fungus by pathological examination.Methods and resultsLiver tissue was obtained from one necropsy and 12 biopsies. Throughout 2007, biopsies were taken from patients with persistent jaundice or portal hypertension, after which biopsies became indicated due to elevated aminotransferase and low albumin levels. Using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome and immunohistochemical (CK7 and CK19) staining, we noted degenerative alterations in bile duct cells and inflammatory injury to the bile ducts in 10 biopsies. Using immunohistochemistry for CK7 and CK19, we observed ductal proliferation in all 12 samples.ConclusionsBile duct injuries by inflammatory cells might explain the predominant increase in canalicular enzymes; immunohistochemistry is more sensitive in demonstrating ductular reactions and might show changes that are not apparent on H&E staining.
Phylogenetic analyses of vector mosquito basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factors
Authors: Zhang D. B. , Wang Y. , Liu A. K. , Wang X. H. , Dang C. W. , Yao Q. , Chen K. P. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBasic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factors play critical roles in the regulation of a wide range of developmental processes in higher organisms and have been identified in more than 20 organisms. Mosquitoes are important vectors of certain human diseases. In this study, Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae str. PEST and Culex quinquefasciatus genomes were found to encode 55, 55 and 57 bHLH genes, respectively. Further phylogenetic analyses and OrthoDB and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes orthology database searches led us to define orthology for all the identified mosquito bHLHs successfully. This provides useful information with which to update annotations to 40 Ae. aegypti, 55 An. gambiae and 38 C. quinquefasciatus bHLH genes in VectorBase. The mosquito lineage has more bHLH genes in the Atonal, neurogenin (Ngn) and Hes‐related with YRPW motif (Hey) families than do other insect species, suggesting that mosquitoes have evolved to be more sensitive to vibration, light and chemicals. Mosquito bHLH genes generally have higher evolutionary rates than other insect species. However, no pervasive positive selection occurred in the evolution of insect bHLH genes. Only episodic positive selection was found to affect evolution of bHLH genes in 11 families. Besides, coding regions of several Ae. aegypti bHLH motifs have unusually long introns in which multiple copies of transposable elements have been identified. These data provide a solid basis for further studies on structures and functions of bHLH proteins in the regulation of mosquito development and for prevention and control of mosquito‐mediated human diseases.
Genetic systems of red cell blood groups in goats
Authors: NGUYEN T. C. 
Published: August 2013

Summary Evidence is presented for six genetic systems of goat red cell blood groups. The A system presently consists of one specificity, two alleles, two phenotypes (A1 and no‐A1) and appears to be homologous to the A system of sheep. The B system, like its homologue in sheep, is very complex. Fourteen of 21 specificities detected in the present study, i.e. B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B9, B10, B11, B14, B15, B16, B17 and B20, belong to the B system which involves a large number of phenogroups (31 different B phenogroups identified in 26 sires).Because of their homology with sheep C and R systems, two other genetic systems of goat blood groups are named C and R respectively. Each of the two goat systems is presently a one blood group specificity, two phenotype (C12 and no‐C12; R and no‐R detectable on the red cells) two allele system.Two specificities, namely E6 and E18, belong to a genetic system called E in which four phenotypes are under the control of two alleles codominant and one recessive at a single locus.The F system involves but a single pair of alleles and two phenotypes (F19 and no‐F19).Because of its low frequency in the goats tested, the X13 specificity remains unassigned.
Coping strategies and first year performance in postsecondary education
Authors: Alarcon Gene M. , Edwards Jean M. , Clark Patrick C. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractCoping was hypothesized to explain additional variance in first year grade point averages (GPAs) controlling for cognitive ability and conscientiousness. First year GPAs were assessed as criterion for performance in the first year. Results indicate active coping, denial, behavioral disengagement, and alcohol disengagement are related to first year GPA. Denial and alcohol disengagement coping strategies were significant predictors and negatively related to first year GPA in the final regression equation controlling for cognitive ability and conscientiousness. Latent growth modeling analysis demonstrated cognitive ability predicted both the intercept and slope of first year GPA. Conscientiousness was a predictor of initial GPA but not change. Lastly, coping was a significant predictor of change in GPA. Implications for research and theory are discussed.
Outflow Tract Ventricular Tachycardia Mapped to the Coronary Arteries: Anatomical Correlates and Management Strategies
Authors: VAIDYA VAIBHAV , SYED FAISAL , DESIMONE CHRISTOPHER , BDEIR SAMI , MUNOZ FREDDY DEL CARPIO , PACKER DOUGLAS L. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. 
Published: August 2013

Coronary Artery Ventricular Tachycardia. BackgroundThe coronary cusps have been well described as a successful site for ablation in patients with symptomatic outflow tract ventricular tachycardia. The earliest site of activation is rarely found at the ostia or into the main coronary arteries. The exact anatomic substrate, diagnostic characteristics, and therapeutic approaches for such instances are poorly understood.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia (OTVA) ablations done at Mayo Clinic Rochester from 2003 to 2011 (total VT: 414; outflow tract VT: 106). Three cases were identified where the earliest site of activation was not within the cusp but rather at or within the coronary ostia (3/414 for all VT: 0.7%; 3/106 for all OTVT: 2.8%).ResultsIn 1 patient, the left main coronary artery (LMCA) was found to have electrograms (EGMs) recorded with bipolar mapping that preceded activation in the cusps or the left ventricular outflow tract. In 2 cases, the right coronary ostium and proximal right coronary artery recorded the earliest signals. Intracardiac echocardiographic guidance was used to successfully ablate these arrhythmias targeting the aortic route (1 patient) or the right coronary cusp (2 patients), and essentially isolated the focus of origin from the ventricular outflow tracts. Detailed mapping of surrounding structures, including the atrial appendages, the contralateral outflow tract, and the coronary venous system excluded far‐field mapping in the artery as a cause for early activation at the ostial location. Local EGM characteristics suggested an unusually lengthy supravalvar myocardial extension as the likely arrhythmogenic substrate. Ablation was successful without coronary arterial or valvular injury and without valvular or root stenosis.ConclusionsEndocardial ablation isolating foci of origin in the vicinity of the coronary ostia is a challenging procedure but can be performed safely with appropriate visualization and is effective in the treatment of OTVA.
Efficacy of Catheter Ablation in Nonparoxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Severe Enlarged Left Atrium and Its Impact on Left Atrial Structural Remodeling
Authors: PUMP AGNES , DI BIASE LUIGI , PRICE JUSTIN , MOHANTY PRASANT , BAI RONG , SANTANGELI PASQUALE , MOHANTY SANGHAMITRA , TRIVEDI CHINTAN , YAN RACHEL (XUE) , HORTON RODNEY , SANCHEZ JAVIER E. , ZAGRODZKY JASON , BAILEY SHANE , GALLINGHOUSE G. JOSEPH , BURKHARDT J. DAVID , NATALE ANDREA 
Published: August 2013

AF Ablation in Patients with Large LAIntroductionThe effect of catheter ablation on severe left atrial enlargement especially in nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (NPAF) patients is not well understood. Whether reverse remodelling may occur after ablation has not been evaluated in this setting.Methods and resultsFifty consecutive patients with left atrial diameter (LAD) ≥50 mm, and LA volume >200 cc undergoing catheter ablation for drug‐refractory NPAF were included in this study. Transthoracic echocardiographic measurements were performed at baseline and at 12‐months postprocedure. Left ventricular end‐diastolic and end‐systolic dimensions were indexed by body surface area (LVEDDI, LVESDI). Electroanatomic mapping system (Carto or NavX system) and computed tomography (CT) were used for 3‐dimensional reconstruction of the LA. All patients underwent posterior wall isolation and pulmonary vein (PV) antrum and extra PV trigger ablations. Long‐term follow‐up was monitored by event recordings, 7‐day Holter monitors and office visits.The mean age was 65 ± 10 years, 78% male, persistent AF 22 (44%), longstanding AF 28 (56%), LAD diameter 56.9 ± 7.8 mm, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 53 ± 14 and median AF duration 72 (49–96) months. At 12‐month follow‐up, 27 patients (54%) remained arrhythmia‐free off antiarrhythmic drugs. Significant reduction in LAD at follow‐up (≥10% reduction) was observed in 52% (26/50) of the total population and among the 63% (17/27) of recurrence‐free patients. Magnitude of LA reduction was identically distributed among the persistent and longstanding persistent AF cohorts (16 ± 12% vs 14 ± 16%, respectively, P = 0.15). A significant 20% improvement in LVEF (from 53 ± 14 to 58 ± 9, P = 0.03) was found in the overall population. Improvement was noted in recurrence‐free patients. No significant change in LVEDDI and LVESDI was noted. After adjusting for baseline risk factors in a multivariable model, a reduction in LAD was identified as a strong predictor of long‐term success (beta = –11.1, P = 0.013). Preexisting LA scarring was associated with increased LAD (beta = 2.7, P = 0.023). No periprocedural or long‐term complications were reported.ConclusionOur results show that atrial fibrillation ablation is effective in NPAF patients with severe LA enlargement and is associated with LA reverse remodeling and improvement in LVEF.
Effects of Cystamine on antioxidant activities and regulatory T cells in lupus‐prone mice
Authors: Hsu Tsai‐Ching , Chiu Chun‐Ching , Wang Yi‐Wen , Tzang Bor‐Show 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAttenuated antioxidant activities, irregular cytokines expressions and reduced regulatory T cells, are strongly associated with the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Despite the well‐established beneficial effects of cystamine on lupus‐prone mice, the extent to which cystamine contributes to antioxidant activity and the reduction of regulatory T cells has seldom been investigated. Therefore, this study elucidates how cystamine affects anti‐oxidant activities in NZB/W F1 mice by performing assays of Glutathione (GSH), 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐ picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) and malondialdehyde thiobarbituric acid (MDA). In addition, investigations of the effects of cystamine on CD4+/CD25+ regulatory T cells and interleukin‐6 (IL6)/STAT‐3 signalling were performed with flow cytometry and immunoblots. Experimental results reveal more significantly reduced MDA and increased GSH and DPPH in NZB/W F1 mice receiving cystamine than in those mice receiving PBS. Meanwhile, CD4+/CD25+ regulatory T cells more significantly increase in NZB/W F1 mice receiving cystamine than in those mice receiving PBS, accompanied by significantly reduced IL‐6/phosphorylated STAT‐3 expression. The above findings suggest the beneficial effects of cystamine in terms of increasing antioxidant activities and CD4+/CD25+ regulatory T cells in lupus‐prone mice by suppressing IL‐6/STAT3 signalling.
Circulating plasma serine208‐phosphorylated troponin T levels are indicator of cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Dubois‐Deruy Emilie , Belliard Aude , Mulder Paul , Chwastyniak Maggy , Beseme Olivia , Henry Jean‐Paul , Thuillez Christian , Amouyel Philippe , Richard Vincent , Pinet Florence 
Published: August 2013

AbstractHeart failure (HF) following myocardial infarction (MI) is characterized by progressive alterations of left ventricular (LV) structure and function, named LV remodelling. Although several risk factors such as infarct size have been identified, HF remains difficult to predict in clinical practice. Recently, using phosphoproteomic technology, we found that serine208‐phosphorylated troponin T (P‐Ser208‐TnT) decreases in LV of HF rats. Our aim was to determine the performance of P‐Ser208‐TnT as plasma biomarker of HF compared to conventional cardiac biomarkers such as B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), C‐reactive protein (CRP) or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase I (TIMP‐1) measured by x‐MAP technology, as well as its capacity to reflect a pharmacological improvement of HF. We observed a significant increase of BNP, TnT and cTnI levels and a significant decrease of P‐Ser208‐TnT and TIMP‐1 in the plasma of 2‐month‐MI rats compared with control rats with no modulation of CRP level. Circulating levels of P‐Ser208‐TnT were shown to be associated with most of the echocardiographic and haemodynamic parameters of cardiac function. We verified that the decrease of P‐Ser208‐TnT was not because of an excess of phosphatase activity in plasma of HF rats. Two‐month‐MI rats treated with the heart rate reducing agent ivabradine had improved LV function and increased plasma levels of P‐Ser208‐TnT. Thus, circulating phosphorylated troponin T is a highly sensitive biological indicator of cardiac dysfunction and has the potentiality of a new biomarker of HF post‐MI, and of a surrogate marker for the efficacy of a successful treatment of HF.