bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Role of Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products in Stroke
Authors: Tang Sung-Chun , Wang Yu-Chi , Li Yu-I , Lin Hsiao-Ching , Manzanero Silvia , Hsieh Yu-Hsuan , Phipps Simon , Hu Chaur-Jong , Chiou Hung-Yi , Huang Yi-Shuian , Yang Wei-Shiung , Mattson Mark P. , Arumugam Thiruma V. , Jeng Jiann-Shing 
Published: January 2013

Objective—
Little is known about the involvement of the soluble form of receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) in acute ischemic stroke (IS). Here, we aim to identify the role of plasma sRAGE and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in imaging-confirmed IS patients, as well as mice subjected to focal ischemic stroke.

Methods and Results—
IS patients were recruited and plasma samples were collected for the measurement of sRAGE and HMGB1 after stroke. The relation of sRAGE and HMGB1 with acute IS was also investigated in a C57BL/6J mouse model of focal ischemic stroke and primary cortical neurons subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation. Plasma levels of sRAGE and HMGB1 were both significantly increased within 48 hours after IS, and the sRAGE level was an independent predictor of functional outcome at 3 months poststroke. Immunoprecipitation assays revealed that the binding of plasma HMGB1 to sRAGE increased progressively after IS both in patients and mice. Administration of recombinant sRAGE significantly reduced infiltrating immune cells and improved the outcome of injury in mice, protected cultured neurons against oxygen and glucose deprivation–induced cell death, and ameliorated the detrimental effect of recombinant HMGB1.

Conclusion—
Early poststroke plasma sRAGE may play a protective role in IS by capturing HMGB1. Hence, recombinant sRAGE is a potential therapeutic agent in acute IS.
Electrochemical Failure of the Brain Cortex Is More Deleterious When it Is Accompanied by Low Perfusion
Authors: Dreier Jens P. , Victorov Ilya V. , Petzold Gabor C. , Major Sebastian , Windmüller Olaf , Fernández-Klett Francisco , Kandasamy Mahesh , Dirnagl Ulrich , Priller Josef 
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—
Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that spreading depolarization facilitates neuronal injury when its duration exceeds a certain time point, termed commitment point. We here investigated whether this commitment point is shifted to an earlier period, when spreading depolarization is accompanied by a perfusion deficit.

Methods—
Electrophysiological and cerebral blood flow changes were studied in a rat cranial window model followed by histological and immunohistochemical analyses of cortical damage.

Results—

In group 1, brain topical application of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) with high K
+
concentration ([K
+
]
ACSF
) for 1 hour allowed us to induce a depolarizing event of fixed duration with cerebral blood flow fluctuations around the baseline (short-lasting initial hypoperfusions followed by hyperemia). In group 2, coapplication of the NO-scavenger hemoglobin ([Hb]
ACSF
) with high [K
+
]
ACSF
caused a depolarizing event of similar duration, to which a severe perfusion deficit was coupled (=spreading ischemia). In group 3, intravenous coadministration of the L-type calcium channel antagonist nimodipine with brain topical application of high [K
+
]
ACSF
/[Hb]
ACSF
caused spreading ischemia to revert to spreading hyperemia. Whereas scattered neuronal injury occurred in the superficial cortical layers in the window areas of groups 1 and 3, necrosis of all layers with partial loss of the tissue texture and microglial activation were observed in group 2.

Conclusions—
The results suggest that electrochemical failure of the cortex is more deleterious when it is accompanied by low perfusion. Thus, the commitment point of the cortex is not a universal value but depends on additional factors, such as the level of perfusion.
An Observational Study of Thrombolysis Outcomes in Wake-Up Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Manawadu Dulka , Bodla Shankaranand , Keep Jeff , Jarosz Jozef , Kalra Lalit 
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—
Wake-up ischemic stroke (WUIS) patients are not eligible for thrombolysis; the a priori hypothesis was that thrombolysis of selected WUIS patients who meet clinical and imaging criteria for treatment is associated with better outcomes.

Methods—
The sample consisted of consecutive WUIS patients who fulfilled predefined criteria: (1) were last seen normal >4.5 hours and <12 hours before presentation; (2) National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score ≥5; (3) No or early ischemic changes <1/3 middle cerebral artery territory on computed tomography imaging; (4) No absolute contraindications to thrombolysis. The primary outcome measure was the modified Rankin Scale of 0 to 2 at 90 days. Other outcome measures were mortality and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.

Results—

WUIS patients constituted 10.5% (193/1836) of all stroke admissions. Inclusion criteria were fulfilled by 122 (63%) patients, of whom 68 (56%) were thrombolysed. Thrombolysed and nonthrombolysed patients were comparable for baseline characteristics, but the median baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score was higher in thrombolysed patients (9 versus 11.5;
P
=0.034). There was no difference in modified Rankin Scale 0 to 2 (25 [37%] versus 14 [26%];
P
=0.346), death (10 [15%] versus 14 [26%];
P
=0.122), and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (2 versus 0;
P
=0.204) between thrombolysed and nonthrombolysed patients. After adjusting for age, sex, and baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score thrombolysis was associated with odds ratio of 5.2 (95% confidence interval 1.3–20.3),
P
=0.017 for modified Rankin Scale 0 to 2 at 90 days and odds ratio of 0.09 (95% confidence interval 0.02–0.44),
P
=0.003 for death.

Conclusions—
Thrombolysis in selected WUIS patients is feasible and may have potential of benefit.
Elevated Homocysteine and Carotid Plaque Area and Densitometry in the Northern Manhattan Study
Authors: Alsulaimani Sara , Gardener Hannah , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Cheung Ken , Sacco Ralph L. , Rundek Tatjana 
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—
Studies have linked elevated total homocysteine (tHcy) levels to atherosclerotic carotid plaque development, but data are limited to predominantly white populations. We examined the association between tHcy and carotid plaque burden and morphology in a multiethnic cohort.

Methods—

In the Northern Manhattan Study, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis among 1327 stroke-free subjects (mean age, 66±9; 41% men; 19% black; 62% Hispanic; 17% white) with serum tHcy and ultrasonographic assessment of plaque morphology measured by gray-scale median (GSM) and total plaque area (TPA). GSM and TPA were examined in 4 categories. High and low GSM categories were considered echodense and echolucent plaque, respectively, and compared with no plaque. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations of tHcy with GSM and TPA adjusting for demographics, vascular risk factors, renal insufficiency, and B
12
deficiency.

Results—

The mean tHcy was 9.4±4.8 µmol/L (median=8.6). The prevalence of carotid plaque was 57% (52% among Hispanics, 58% black, and 70% white). Among those with plaque, the mean TPA was 20.3±20.6 mm
2
(median=13.6) and mean GSM 90.9±28.5 (median=93.0). The top 2 tHcy quartiles (versus quartile 1) had an elevated risk of having either echolucent plaque (tHcy Q3, odds ratio [OR]=1.8; [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.2–2.8]; tHcy Q4, OR=1.9 [95% CI 1.2–3.1]) or echodense plaque (tHcy Q3, OR=1.7 [95% CI, 1.1–2.7]; tHcy Q4, OR=1.9 [95% CI, 1.2–3.2]). The top 2 tHcy quartiles were also more likely to be in the highest TPA category (tHcy Q3, OR=1.8 [95% CI, 1.1–3.0]; tHcy Q4, OR=2.2 [95% CI, 1.3–3.7]).

Conclusions—
In this population-based multiethnic cohort, elevated tHcy was independently associated with plaque morphology and increased plaque area, subclinical markers of stroke risk.
Fingolimod Reduces Hemorrhagic Transformation Associated With Delayed Tissue Plasminogen Activator Treatment in a Mouse Thromboembolic Model
Authors: Campos Francisco , Qin Tao , Castillo José , Seo Ji Hae , Arai Ken , Lo Eng H. , Waeber Christian 
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—
The sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor agonist fingolimod reduces infarct size in rodent models of stroke and enhances blood–brain barrier integrity. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that combination of fingolimod with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) would reduce the risk of hemorrhagic transformation associated with delayed administration of tPA.

Methods—
We evaluated the effects of fingolimod in a mouse model of thromboembolic stroke, in which both the beneficial effect of reperfusion associated with early tPA treatment and hemorrhagic transformation associated with delayed administration mimic clinical observations in humans.

Results—
Our results demonstrate that fingolimod treatment attenuates the neurological deficit and reduces infarct volume after in situ thromboembolic occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Combination of fingolimod and tPA improves the neurological outcome of the thrombolytic therapy and reduces the risk of hemorrhagic transformation associated with delayed administration of tPA.

Conclusion—
This study confirms the protective efficacy of fingolimod as a treatment against ischemic stroke in another rodent model of stroke (thromboembolic occlusion), and suggests that fingolimod could potentially be used in combination with tPA to reduce the risk of brain hemorrhage.
Turbulence and Vertical Fluxes in the Stable Atmospheric Boundary Layer. Part I: A Large-Eddy Simulation Study
Authors: Huang Jing , Bou-Zeid Elie 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
This study seeks to quantitatively and qualitatively understand how stability affects transport in the continuously turbulent stably stratified atmospheric boundary layer, based on a suite of large-eddy simulations. The test cases are based on the one adopted by the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) Atmospheric Boundary Layer Study (GABLS) project, but with a largely expanded stability range where the gradient Richardson number (Rig) reaches up to around 1. The analysis is mainly focused on understanding the modification of turbulent structures and dynamics with increasing stability in order to improve the modeling of the stable atmospheric boundary layer in weather and climate models, a topic addressed in Part II of this work. It is found that at quasi equilibrium, an increase in stability results in stronger vertical gradients of the mean temperature, a lowered low-level jet, a decrease in vertical momentum transport, an increase in vertical buoyancy flux, and a shallower boundary layer. Analysis of coherent turbulent structures using two-point autocorrelation reveals that the autocorrelation of the streamwise velocity is horizontally anisotropic while the autocorrelation of the vertical velocity is relatively isotropic in the horizontal plane and its integral length scale decreases as stability increases. The effects of stability on the overall turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and its budget terms are also investigated, and it is shown that the authors' large-eddy simulation results are in good agreement with previous experimental findings across varied stabilities. Finally, Nieuwstadt's local-scaling theory is reexamined and it is concluded that the height z is not a relevant scaling parameter and should be replaced by a constant length scale away from the surface, indicating that the z-less range starts lower than previously assumed.
Thermodynamic Environments of Deep Convection in Atlantic Tropical Disturbances
Authors: Davis Christopher A. , Ahijevych David A. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Conditional composites of dropsondes deployed into eight tropical Atlantic weather systems during 2010 are analyzed. The samples are conditioned based on cloud-top temperature within 10 km of the dropsonde, the radius from the cyclonic circulation center of the disturbance, and the stage of system development toward tropical cyclogenesis. Statistical tests are performed to identify significant differences between composite profiles. Cold-cloud-region-composite profiles of virtual temperature deviations from a large-scale instantaneous average indicate enhanced static stability prior to genesis within 200 km of the center of circulation, with negative anomalies below 700 hPa and larger warm anomalies above 600 hPa. Moist static energy is enhanced in the middle troposphere in this composite mainly because of an increase in water vapor content. Prior to genesis the buoyancy of lifted parcels within 200 km of the circulation center is sharply reduced compared to the buoyancy of parcels farther from the center. These thermodynamic characteristics support the conceptual model of an altered mass flux profile prior to genesis that strongly favors convergence in the lower troposphere and rapid increase of circulation near the surface. It is also noted that the air–sea temperature difference is greatest in the inner core of the pregenesis composite, which suggests a means to preferentially initiate new convection in the inner core where the rotation is greatest.
Modified Hitschfeld–Bordan Equations for Attenuation-Corrected Radar Rain Reflectivity: Application to Nonuniform Beamfilling at Off-Nadir Incidence
Authors: Meneghini Robert , Liao Liang 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
As shown by Takahashi et al., multiple path attenuation estimates over the field of view of an airborne or spaceborne weather radar are feasible for off-nadir incidence angles. This follows from the fact that the surface reference technique, which provides path attenuation estimates, can be applied to each radar range gate that intersects the surface. This study builds on this result by showing that three of the modified Hitschfeld–Bordan estimates for the attenuation-corrected radar reflectivity factor can be generalized to the case where multiple path attenuation estimates are available, thereby providing a correction to the effects of nonuniform beamfilling. A simple simulation is presented showing some strengths and weaknesses of the approach.
OBFC2A/RARA: a novel fusion gene in variant acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Won Dahae , Shin So Youn , Park Chan-Jeoung , Jang Seongsoo , Chi Hyun-Sook , Lee Kyoo-Hyung , Lee Jin-Ok , Seo Eul-Ju 
Published: January 2013

Key Points
A novel fusion gene, OBFC2A/RARA, in variant acute promyelocytic leukemia. In vitro all-trans retinoic acid sensitivity.
Determination of the social related factors of suicide in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nazarzadeh Milad , Bidel Zeinab , Ayubi Erfan , Asadollahi Khirollah , Carson Kristin V , Sayehmiri Kourosh 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Suicide, a social phenomenon, is a major health problem in most countries. Yet data relating to the role social factors play in the development of this condition are lacking, with some factors shrouded in greater ambiguity than others. As such, this review aimed to determine the prevalence of social-related factors resulting in suicide and to present these findings through meta-analyses, allowing for causes of heterogeneity to be examined.

Methods
Scientific databases including PubMed and Science direct were searched using sensitive keywords. Two researchers reviewed the eligibility of studies and extracted data. Meta-regression with the Mantel-Haenszel method was conducted using a random effect model, in addition to subgroup analysis and Egger’s test.

Results
A total of 2,526 articles were retrieved through the initial search strategy, producing 20 studies from 16 provinces for analysis. The most frequent cause of attempted suicide among the 20 analyzed articles was family conflict with 32% (95% CI: 26–38). Other related factors included marital problems (26%; 95% CI: 20–33), economic constrains (12%; 95% CI: 8–15) and educational failures (5%; 95% CI: 3–8). Results of meta-regression analysis found that sample size significantly affects heterogeneity for the factor ‘family conflict’.

Conclusions
Social factors such as family conflicts and marital problems have a noticeable role in Iranian suicidology.
Decoupling the use and meaning of strategic plans in public healthcare
Authors: Lega Federico , Longo Francesco , Rotolo Andrea 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
The culture of New Public Management has promoted the diffusion of strategic management tools throughout Public Healthcare Organisations (PHOs). There is consensus that better strategic planning tools are required to achieve higher levels of organisational performance. This paper provides evidence and understanding of the emergent uses and scope of strategic planning in PHOs, in order to answer three research questions: (i) has the New Public Management approach changed the organisational culture of PHOs in terms of how they adopt, diffuse, and use strategic planning documents? (ii) how coherent are strategic planning documents in PHOs? and (iii) what are the main purposes of strategic documents in PHOs?

Methods
An analysis was carried out in three Italian Local Health Authorities. We analysed the number and types of formal strategic documents adopted between 2004 and 2012, evaluating their degree of coherence and coordination, their hierarchy, their degree of disclosure, and the consistency of their strategic goals. A content analysis was performed to investigate overlap in terms of content and focus, and a qualitative analysis was carried out to study and represent the relationships between documents.

Results
The analysis showed that a rich set of strategic documents were adopted by each PHO. However, these are often uncoordinated and overlap in terms of content. They adopt different language and formats for various stakeholders. The presence of diverse external drivers may explain the divergent focus, priorities and inconsistent goals in the strategic documents. This planning complexity makes it difficult to determine how the overall goals and mission of an organisation are defined and made visible.

Conclusions
The evidence suggests that PHOs use a considerable number of strategic documents. However, they employ no clear or explicit overarching strategy currently, and strategic planning appears to be externally oriented. All the documents communicate similar topics to different stakeholders, although they use different language to answer to the different expectations of each stakeholder. Therefore, strategic planning and plans seem to be driven by neo-institutional approaches, as they are means to build consensus and negotiate ground for strategic actions, rather than means to identify strategic choices and priorities.
Detection of a CO and NH3 gas mixture using carboxylic acid-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Dong Ki-Young , Choi Jinnil , Lee Yang Doo , Kang Byung Hyun , Yu Youn-Yeol , Choi Hyang Hee , Ju Byeong-Kwon 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are extremely sensitive to environmental gases. However, detection of mixture gas is still a challenge. Here, we report that 10 ppm of carbon monoxide (CO) and ammonia (NH3) can be electrically detected using a carboxylic acid-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (C-SWCNT). CO and NH3 gases were mixed carefully with the same concentrations of 10 ppm. Our sensor showed faster response to the CO gas than the NH3 gas. The sensing properties and effect of carboxylic acid group were demonstrated, and C-SWCNT sensors with good repeatability and fast responses over a range of concentrations may be used as a simple and effective detection method of CO and NH3 mixture gas.
Evaluation of the efficacy of memantine in the treatment of fibromyalgia: study protocol for a doubled-blind randomized controlled trial with six-month follow-up
Authors: Olivan-Blázquez Bárbara , Puebla Marta , Masluk Bárbara , Pérez-Yus Mari-Cruz , Arcega Raquel , Andrés Eva , López-del-Hoyo Yolanda , Magallon Rosa , Roca Miquel , Garcia-Campayo Javier 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Fibromyalgia is a prevalent chronic rheumatic disease of great clinical importance. Recent studies have found raised levels of glutamate in the insula, hippocampus and posterior cingulate cortex regions of the brains of fibromyalgia (FM) patients. This finding has led researchers to speculate about the usefulness of glutamate-blocking drugs such as memantine in the treatment of fibromyalgia. The hypothesis of this study is that the administration of memantine will reduce the glutamate levels, and futhermore, will decrease the perceived pain. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of memantine in the treatment of pain (pain perception). A secondary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of memantine in the treatment of other clinical symptoms of FM, and to evaluate the efficacy of memantine in reducing brain levels of glutamate, and its effects on the central nervous system as a whole.

Method/Design
A double-blind parallel randomized controlled trial. Participants, Seventy patients diagnosed with FM will be recruited from primary health care centers in Zaragoza, Spain. Intervention. The subjects will be randomized in two groups: A) A treatment group (n = 35), which will receive 20 mg of memantine daily; B) A control group (n = 35), to which will be administered a placebo. There will be a six-month follow-up period (including a titration period of one month). Outcomes. The main efficacy variable of this study is pain (pain perception). The secondary efficacy variables are clinical symptoms (pain threshold, cognitive function, health status, anxiety, depression, clinical impression and quality of life) and glutamate levels in different regions of the brain, which will be assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Randomization and blinding. Randomization has been computer-generated, and the random allocation sequence will be implemented by telephone. Subjects of the study and the research assistants will be blinded to group assignment.

Discussion
There is a need for the development of innovative and more effective treatments for fibromyalgia. This clinical trial will determine whether memantine can be an effective pharmacological treatment for fibromyalgia patients.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trialshttp://ISRCTN45127327 EUDRACT 2011-006244-73
Synthesis, crystal structure and larvicidal activity of novel diamide derivatives against Culex pipiens
Authors: Wu Rui , Zhu Cong , Du Xiu-Jiang , Xiong Li-Xia , Yu Shu-Jing , Liu Xing-Hai , Li Zheng-Ming , Zhao Wei-Guang 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Culex is an important mosquito as vectors for the transmission of serious diseases, such as filariasis, West Nile virus, dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and other encephalitides. Nearly one billion people in the developing countries are at risk. In order to discover new bioactive molecules and pesticides acting on mosquito, we designed active amide structure and synthesized a series of novel diamide derivatives.

Results
A series of novel diamide derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their structures were characterized by 1 H NMR, FTIR and HRMS. The single crystal structure of compound 6n was determined to further elucidate the structure. Biological activities of these compounds were tested. Most of them exhibited higher mosquito larvicidal activity. Especially compound 6r displayed relatively good activity to reach 70% at 2 μg/mL.

Conclusion
A practical synthetic route to amide derivatives by the reaction of amide with another acid is presented. This study suggests that the diamide derivatives exhibited good effective against mosquito.