bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term pattern of brain natriuretic peptide and N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide and its determinants in the general population: contribution of age, gender, and cardiac and extra‐cardiac factors
Authors: Luchner Andreas , Behrens Gundula , Stritzke Jan , Markus Marcello , Stark Klaus , Peters Annette , Meisinger Christa , Leitzmann Michael , Hense Hans‐Werner , Schunkert Heribert , Heid Iris M. 
Published: April 2013

AimsThe natriuretic peptides BNP and NT‐proBNP are potent cardiac markers, but knowledge of long‐term changes is sparse. We thus quantified determinants of change in BNP and NT‐proBNP in a study of south German residents (KORA).Methods and resultsA total of 1005 men and women (age 25–74 years, mean 48 years) underwent physical examination and echocardiography at baseline and at follow‐up after 10 years. The current analysis comprised 877 subjects with dual measurements of BNP and NT‐proBNP. Both markers increased in both sexes (P< 0.001) during the 10‐year follow‐up, and higher levels in women persisted across time (Pfor sex difference <0.001). Among baseline covariates, predictors for 10‐year change of NT‐proBNP, BNP, or both were age, sex, diabetes status, and heart rate (multivariable regression analysis, eachP< 0.05). However, changes of covariates over the 10‐year follow‐up were much stronger determinants. Specifically, incident myocardial infarction, new beta‐blocker medication, and increased cardiac parameters (left atrial diameter, LV end‐diastolic diameter, and LV mass index) were associated with increasing BNP, NT‐proBNP, or both, whereas increased heart rate, haematocrit, and body mass index (BMI) were associated with decreasing BNP and NT‐proBNP (allP< 0.05).ConclusionNext to ageing and sex, a variety of changes in covariates reflecting the sequelae of cardiac remodelling as well as myocardial infarction and diabetes influence long‐term changes of BNP and NT‐proBNP. Of note, diabetes and increased BMI exert opposite effects. For interpretation of individual marker concentrations, a host of covariates needs to be considered, especially in subjects without prevalent or incident cardiac disease.
Evidence for secular evolution of disc structural parameters in massive barred galaxies
Authors: Sánchez-Janssen Rubén , Gadotti Dimitri A. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
We address the effects of bar-driven secular evolution in discs by comparing their properties in a sample of nearly 700 unbarred and barred (42 ± 3 per cent of the population) massive disc galaxies (M⋆ ≥ 1010 M⊙). We make use of accurate structural parameters derived from i-band bulge/disc/bar decompositions to show that, as a population, barred discs tend to have fainter central surface brightness (Δμ0 ≈ 0.25 mag), and disc scalelengths that are ≈15 per cent larger than those of unbarred galaxies of the same stellar mass. The corresponding distributions of μ0 and h are statistically inconsistent at the 5.2σ and 3.8σ levels, respectively. Bars rarely occur in high-surface brightness discs, with less than 5 per cent of the barred population having μ0 &lt; 19.5 mag arcsec−2 – compared to 20 per cent for unbarred galaxies. They tend to reside in moderately blue discs, with a bar fraction that peaks at (g − i)disc ≈ 0.95 mag and mildly declines for both bluer and redder colours. These results demonstrate noticeable structural differences between the discs of barred and unbarred galaxies, which we argue are the result of bar-driven evolution – in qualitative agreement with longstanding theoretical expectations.
Development and Validation of a Score for Prediction of Postoperative Respiratory Complications
Authors: Brueckmann Britta , Villa-Uribe Jose L. , Bateman Brian T. , Grosse-Sundrup Martina , Hess Dean R. , Schlett Christopher L. , Eikermann Matthias 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background:
Postoperative respiratory failure is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as high costs of hospital care.

Methods:
Using electronic anesthesia records, billing data, and chart review, the authors developed and validated a score predicting reintubation in the hospital after primary extubation in the operating room, leading to unplanned mechanical ventilation within the first 3 postoperative days. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, independent predictors were determined and a score postulated and validated.

Results:
In the entire cohort (n = 33,769 surgical cases within 29,924 patients), reintubation occurred in 137 cases (0.41%). Of those, 16%, (n = 22) died subsequently, whereas the mortality in patients who were not reintubated was 0.26% (P < 0.0001). Independent predictors for reintubation were: American Society of Anesthesiologist Score 3 or more, emergency surgery, high-risk surgical service, history of congestive heart failure, and chronic pulmonary disease. A point value of 3, 3, 2, 2, and 1 were assigned to these predictors, respectively, based on their β coefficient in the predictive model. The score yielded a calculated area under the curve of 0.81, whereas each point increment was associated with a 1.7-fold (odds ratio: 1.72 [95% CI, 1.55–1.91]) increase in the odds for reintubation in the training dataset. Using the validation dataset (n = 16,884), the score had an area under the curve of 0.80 and similar estimated probabilities for reintubation.

Conclusion:
The authors developed and validated a score for the prediction of postoperative respiratory complications, a simple, 11-point score that can be used preoperatively by anesthesiologists to predict severe postoperative respiratory complications.
Heart failure and angiotensin II modulate atrial Pitx2c promotor methylation
Authors: Kao Yu‐Hsun , Chen Yao‐Chang , Chung Chen‐Chih , Lien Gi‐Shih , Chen Shih‐Ann , Kuo Ching‐Chuan , Chen Yi‐Jen 
Published: April 2013

Summary

Heart failure (HF) can increase atrial fibrillation and induce cardiac hypermethylation. The homeobox gene Pitx2c plays important roles in the genesis of atrial fibrillation and the promoter region of Pitx2c contains cytosine–phosphate–guanine islands. Therefore, epigenetic modification by hypermethylation may reduce Pitx2c expression in atrial myocytes. The aim of the present study were to evaluate whether HF can modulate DNA methylation of Pitx2c and the potential mechanisms involved.

We used real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting and pyrosequencing to investigate RNA and protein expression, as well as the methylation of Pitx2c, in isoproterenol‐induced HF, healthy rat left atria and in HL‐1 cells with and without (control) exposure to angiotensin (Ang) II (0.1 and 1 μmol/L) or isoproterenol (1 or 10 μmol/L) for 24 h.

The HF atrium exhibited increased Pitx2c promoter methylation with increased DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 1 and decreased Pitx2c protein levels compared with the normal atrium. Angiotensin II (0.1 and 1 μmol/L), increased Pitx2c promoter methylation in HL‐1 cells with increased DNMT1 and decreased Pitx2c and Kir2.1 protein levels compared with control cells. These effects were attenuated by the methylation inhibitor 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (0.1 μmol/L) and by the AngII receptor blocker losartan (10 μmol/L). However, isoproterenol (1 and 10 μmol/L) did not change the expression of the Pitx2c, DNMT1 and Kir2.1 proteins.

In conclusion, HF induces Pitx2c promoter hypermethylation and AngII may contribute to the hypermethylation in HF.
Clitic Doubling in Vernacular Medieval Greek
Authors: Soltic Jorie 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis paper provides the first in‐depth study of clitic doubling in vernacular Medieval Greek. First, it is shown that the four‐part typology (topicalization; right‐dislocation; backgrounding; left‐dislocation) recently developed on the basis of Modern Greek is perfectly applicable to vernacular Medieval Greek. Moreover, clitic doubling serves the same pragmatic function in Medieval Greek as in many modern spoken languages: it marks an object as the topic of the utterance (as opposed to the focus). For this purpose, the notion of ‘topic’ is clearly defined and distinguished from the concept of (referential) ‘givenness’. Special attention is paid to the distribution of the clitic pronouns, as their position is diagnostic for the topic/focus distinction. Innovatively, the frequent occurrence of clitic doubling in my corpus is associated with the oral discourse which the vernacular texts are acknowledged to adopt. In this regard, two other constructions are discussed: dislocated genitives and dislocated subjects.
Taxonomic review of the familyIbaliidae (Cynipoidea:Hymenoptera) fromKorea
Authors: Choi Won‐Young , Lee Jong‐Wook , Suh Kyong‐In 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe familyIbaliidae of the orderHymenoptera inKorea is reviewed. Previously, only one species,Ibalia takachihoihas been recorded in theKorean fauna. In this study, we report three ibaliid species,Ibalia(Ibalia)leucospoides leucospoides,Ibalia(Tremibalia)japonica andIbalia (Tremibalia) ornata, new toKorean fauna. A key toKorean ibaliid species, redescriptions and illustrations of diagnostic characters are given.
Loss of the Birt–Hogg–Dubé gene product folliculin induces longevity in a hypoxia‐inducible factor–dependent manner
Authors: Gharbi Hakam , Fabretti Francesca , Bharill Puneet , Rinschen Markus M. , Brinkkötter Sibylle , Frommolt Peter , Burst Volker , Schermer Bernhard , Benzing Thomas , Müller Roman‐Ulrich 
Published: April 2013

SummarySignaling through the hypoxia‐inducible factor hif‐1 controls longevity, metabolism, and stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans. Hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) protein levels are regulated through an evolutionarily conserved ubiquitin ligase complex. Mutations in the VHL gene, encoding a core component of this complex, cause a multitumor syndrome and renal cell carcinoma in humans. In the nematode, deficiency in vhl‐1 promotes longevity mediated through HIF‐1 stabilization. However, this longevity assurance pathway is not yet understood. Here, we identify folliculin (FLCN) as a novel interactor of the hif‐1/vhl‐1 longevity pathway. FLCN mutations cause Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome in humans, another tumor syndrome with renal tumorigenesis reminiscent of the VHL disease. Loss of the C. elegans ortholog of FLCN F22D3.2 significantly increased lifespan and enhanced stress resistance in a hif‐1‐dependent manner. F22D3.2, vhl‐1, and hif‐1 control longevity by a mechanism distinct from insulin‐like signaling. Daf‐16 deficiency did not abrogate the increase in lifespan mediated by flcn‐1. These findings define FLCN as a player in HIF‐dependent longevity signaling and connect organismal aging, stress resistance, and regulation of longevity with the formation of renal cell carcinoma.
Chest radiography of acute paediatric lower respiratory infections: experience versus interobserver variation
Authors: Levinsky Yoel , Mimouni Francis B , Fisher Drora , Ehrlichman Matityahu 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimTo determine radiological and clinical chest radiographs (CRs) interpretation agreement in children with acute respiratory disease (ARD) versus clinical experience in multiple observers.MethodsChest radiographs obtained in 70 consecutive children at the emergency department in 2010–2011 for ARD were reviewed. They were interpreted by 1–10 paediatric residents, three board‐certified paediatricians (BCPs), three paediatric pulmonologists and one paediatric radiologist. Chest radiographs were analysed for presence of 10 radiological features and five diagnoses. A short clinical and laboratory context was given. Each child was given a clinical decision. Statistical analysis was by Fleiss’ kappa for multiple observers.ResultsKappas by selected major diagnostic features and by observer experience were expressed relative to diagnosis by paediatric radiologist. Best agreements were for pleural effusion and pneumonia and worst for normal X‐ray, hyperinflation and atelectasis. Years of experience were influential. Antibiotics for pneumonia diagnosed by radiologist would not have been prescribed in 23% of cases by residents, 25% by BCPs and 15% by pulmonologists.ConclusionIn ARD in children, there is little interobserver agreement, especially among residents, which may impact on major clinical decision. There is a need to systematically train physicians in CRs reading.
Systematic review: macrophage activation syndrome in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Fries W. , Cottone M. , Cascio A. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryBackgroundRecently, there have been increasingly frequent reports on the occurrence of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Clinically, MAS is characterized mainly by fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia, and elevated circulating ferritin and CD25. Mortality, even if diagnosed rapidly, is high.AimTo identify all reports on MAS in IBD and to establish data on triggering agents, immunosuppression leading to MAS, and mortality.MethodsA language unrestricted search on Pubmed and Scopus relating to the past 30 years was carried out by matching the following search‐terms: h(a)emophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis OR h(a)emophagocytic lymphohistiocytic syndrome OR macrophage activation syndrome OR opportunistic infections OR cytomegalovirus OR Epstein‐Barr virus AND Crohn's disease OR ulcerative colitis OR inflammatory bowel disease(s).ResultsFifty cases were identified with an overall mortality of 30%. Virus‐related MAS associated with cytomegalovirus or Epstein‐Barr virus infections represents the main type of MAS, but in isolated cases bacterial infections precipitated the syndrome. In four cases (8%), a lymphoma was present at the time of MAS diagnosis or developed shortly thereafter. Thiopurine monotherapy was given before MAS onset in 56% of the patients, whereas multiple immunosuppression, including biologics, was administered to 24%.ConclusionsIn IBD patients, the syndrome appears to be triggered by infections, but genetic susceptibility may contribute to its development. Since immunosuppressive therapy represents the backbone of therapeutic interventions in IBD, with the risk of new, or the reactivation of latent infections, even more frequent cases of macrophage activation syndrome may be expected.
Increased expression of the transient receptor potential cation channel 6 gene in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Chen Shida , Fan Qian , Gao Xinbo , Wang Xiaolei , Huang Rui , Laties Alan M , Zhang Xiulan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe result of primary open‐angle glaucoma is the loss of retinal ganglion cells. Transient receptor potential cation channel 6 is a pressure‐related channel that may function in the survival of retinal ganglion cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression levels of the transient receptor potential cation channel 6 gene in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma.DesignRandomization study at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center in China.Participants80 primary open‐angle glaucoma patients and 75 cataract patients recruited from Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center.MethodsTotal RNA was extracted from the leukocytes of the peripheral blood collected. The levels of transient receptor potential cation channel 6–messenger RNA were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Related factors including age, intraocular pressure, optic cup‐to‐disc ratio and visual field defect were analysed accordingly.Main Outcome MeasuresClinical examination and the messenger RNA level.ResultsThe expression level of the transient receptor potential cation channel 6 gene in the leukocytes of primary open‐angle glaucoma patients was two times higher when compared with control cataract patients. The gene expression level was also correlated with intraocular pressure and cup‐to‐disc ratio. Treatment with different anti‐glaucoma drugs did not affect the gene expression.ConclusionsIncreasing expression levels of the transient receptor potential cation channel 6 gene in the blood accompanies chronic elevation of intraocular pressure in primary open‐angle glaucoma and may serve as a genetic biomarker for primary open‐angle glaucoma.
Validity of a new optic disc grading software for use in clinical and epidemiological research
Authors: Tham Yih‐Chung , Cheung Carol Y , Wong Tien Y , Baskaran Mani , Liu Jiang , Lee Beng‐Hai , Yin Fengshou , Wong Damon WK , Wang Jie Jin , Mitchell Paul , Aung Tin , Cheng Ching‐Yu 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo determine the reliability and agreement of a new optic disc grading software program for use in clinical, epidemiological research.DesignReliability and agreement study.Samples328 monoscopic and 85 stereoscopic optic disc images.MethodsOptic disc parameters were measured using a new optic disc grading software (Singapore Optic Disc Assessment) that is based on polynomial curve‐fitting algorithm. Two graders independently graded 328 monoscopic images to determine intergrader reliability. One grader regraded the images after 1 month to determine intragrader reliability. In addition, 85 stereo optic disc images were separately selected, and vertical cup‐to‐disc ratios were measured using both the new software and standardized Wisconsin manual stereo‐grading method by the same grader 1 month apart. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman plot analyses were performed.Main Outcome MeasuresOptic disc parameters.ResultsThe intragrader and intergrader reliability for optic disc measurements using Singapore Optic Disc Assessment was high (ICC ranging from 0.82 to 0.94). The mean differences (95% limits of agreement) for intergrader vertical cup‐to‐disc ratio measurements were 0.00 (−0.12 to 0.13) and 0.03 (−0.15 to 0.09), respectively. The vertical cup‐to‐disc ratio agreement between the software and Wisconsin grading method was extremely close (ICC = 0.94). The mean difference (95% limits of agreement) of vertical cup‐to‐disc ratio measurement between the two methods was 0.03 (−0.09 to 0.16).ConclusionsIntragrader and intergrader reliability using Singapore Optic Disc Assessment was excellent. This software was highly comparable with standardized stereo‐grading method. Singapore Optic Disc Assessment is useful for grading digital optic disc images in clinical, population‐based studies.
Comparison between intraoral indirect and conventional film‐based imaging for the detection of dental root fractures: an ex vivo study
Authors: Shintaku Werner H. , Venturin Jaqueline S. , Noujeim Marcel , Dove Stephen B. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractDigital intraoral radiographic systems have been rapidly replacing conventional dental X‐ray films for diagnosis of dental diseases. Current scientific literature supports the use of these digital systems for the detection of dental caries, periodontal bone loss, and periapical pathologies. However, relatively few studies have been published addressing the detection of dental root fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare the intraoral F‐speed film (Insight) with two photostimulable phosphor (PSP) indirect digital systems (ScanX and Digora Optime) for the detection of simulated dental root fractures. Ten raters evaluated images acquired from 10 dry human cadaver mandibles under optimal viewing conditions. These data were analyzed by a 5‐point receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for statistical differences. Sensitivity and specificity of these systems were also assessed. Since statistically significant difference between the systems was not observed, the results of this study agreeably support indirect digital PSP plates as an alternative to the evaluated conventional film for the detection of dental root fractures.
Net land‐atmosphere flows of biogenic carbon related to bioenergy: towards an understanding of systemic feedbacks
Authors: Haberl Helmut 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe notion that biomass combustion is carbon neutral vis‐a‐vis the atmosphere because carbon released during biomass combustion is absorbed during plant regrowth is inherent in the greenhouse gas accounting rules in many regulations and conventions. But this ‘carbon neutrality’ assumption of bioenergy is an oversimplification that can result in major flaws in emission accounting; it may even result in policies that increase, instead of reduce, overall greenhouse gas emissions. This commentary discusses the systemic feedbacks and ecosystem succession/land‐use history issues ignored by the carbon neutrality assumption. Based on recent literature, three cases are elaborated which show that the C balance of bioenergy may range from highly beneficial to strongly detrimental, depending on the plants grown, the land used (including its land‐use history) as well as the fossil energy replaced. The article concludes by proposing the concept of GHG cost curves of bioenergy as a means for optimizing the climate benefits of bioenergy policies.
Heterogeneity in the Relationship between Happiness and Age: Evidence from the German Socio-Economic Panel
Authors: Baetschmann Gregori 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
This paper studies the evolution of life satisfaction over the life course in Germany. It clarifies the causal interpretation of the econometric model by discussing the choice of control variables and the underidentification between age, cohort and time effects. The empirical part analyzes the distribution of life satisfaction over the life course at the aggregated, subgroup and individual level. To the findings: On average, life satisfaction is mildly decreasing up to age 55 followed by a hump shape with a maximum at 70. The analysis at the lower levels suggests that people differ in their life satisfaction trends, whereas the hump shape after age 55 is robust. No important differences between men and women are found. In contrast, education groups differ in their trends: highly educated people become happier over the life cycle, where life satisfaction decreases for less-educated people.
Association of interferon‐alpha gene polymorphisms with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Kimkong I. , Tangkijvanich P. , Hirankarn N. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryIn this study, the association between the risk of chronic hepatitis B virus infection and the polymorphisms within promoter regions of IFN‐α1 and five genes was explored. This association study was performed on 180 Thai patients with chronic HBV infection [hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) = 65 and non‐HCC = 115], 173 individuals with self‐limited HBV infection and 140 healthy controls. Our results showed that the A allele of ‐1823G/A SNP within IFNA1 gene was significantly associated with an increased risk of chronic HBV infection as compared to healthy individuals and self‐limited HBV group [OR (95% CI) = 2.20 (1.51–3.19), P = 0.000014 and OR (95% CI) = 1.61 (1.12–2.33), P = 0.0073, respectively]. The effect of A allele was similar to autosomal recessive in which the presence of AA genotype when compared to GG and GA conferred the OR of 2.79 (95% CI = 1.72–4.52, P = 0.0000085). By multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis, we found the interaction between IFNA5 (‐2529) and IFNA1 (‐1823) genes that gave the risk to chronic HBV infection, with the OR (95% CI) of the high‐risk to low‐risk group was 2.79 (1.77–4.40), P < 0.0001. However, further study in functional significance is required.