bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mRNA encoding TAFI is alternatively spliced in different cell types and produces intracellular forms of the protein lacking TAFIa activity
Authors: Lin Joellen H. H. , Novakovic Dragana , Rizzo Christina M. , Zagorac Branislava , Garand Mathieu , Filipieva Anastassia , Koschinsky Marlys L. , Boffa Michael B. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryTAFI (thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor) is a pro-carboxypeptidase, encoded by the CPB2 gene in humans that links the coagulation cascade to fibrinolysis and inflammation. The liver is the main source for plasma TAFI, and TAFI expression has been documented in platelets and monocyte-derived macrophages. A recent study reported an alternatively spliced CPB2 mRNA variant lacking exon 7 (Δ7) in HepG2 cells and liver. Another study identified a CPB2 mRNA variant lacking exon 7 and a 52 bp deletion in exon 11 (Δ7+11) in human hippocampus. We have examined alternative splicing of CPB2 mRNA in various cell types by RT-PCR and have assessed the functional properties of TAFI variants encoded by these transcripts by recombinant expression in mammalian cells. We identified the Δ7 exon skipping event in liver, Dami megakaryoblasts, THP-1-derived macrophages, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, platelets, testis, cerebellum, and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The Δ11 alternative splicing event was notably absent in liver cells. We also detected a novel exon Δ7+8 skipping event in liver and megakaryocytes. Of note, we detected non-alternatively spliced CPB2 transcripts in brain tissues, suggesting the expression of full-length TAFI in brain. Experiments using cultured mammalian cells transfected with wild-type CPB2-, Δ7-, Δ7+11 -, and_Δ11 -cDNA revealed that alternatively spliced TAFI is stored inside the cells, cannot be activated by thrombin-thrombomodulin, and does not have TAFIa activity. The alternative splicing events clearly do not give rise to a secreted protein with basic carboxy-peptidase activity, but the intracellular forms may possess novel functions related to intracellular proteolysis.
Insulin Sensitivity and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
Authors: Kozakova Michaela , Natali Andrea , Dekker Jacqueline , Beck-Nielsen Henning , Laakso Markku , Nilsson Peter , Balkau Beverley , Ferrannini Ele 
Published: April 2013

Objective—
Despite a wealth of experimental data in animal models, the independent association of insulin resistance with early carotid atherosclerosis in man has not been demonstrated.

Approach and Results—

We studied a European cohort of 525 men and 655 women (mean age, 44±8 years) free of conditions known to affect carotid wall (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia). All subjects received an oral glucose tolerance test, a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp (M/I as a measure of insulin sensitivity), and B-mode carotid ultrasound. In 833 participants (380 men), the carotid ultrasound was repeated after 3 years. In men, baseline intima-media thickness in the common carotid artery (CCA-IMT) was significantly higher (
P
<0.05) in the lowest M/I tertile, whereas in women CCA-IMT was higher (
P
<0.0005) in the highest fasting plasma glucose tertile (after adjustment for established risk factors). In multiple regression models, with CCA-IMT as the dependent variable and with risk factors and univariate metabolic correlates as independent variables, circulating free fatty acids and the leptin:adiponectin ratio replaced M/I as independent metabolic determinants of CCA-IMT in men. The strongest metabolic determinant of CCA-IMT in women was fasting plasma glucose. Three-year CCA-IMT changes were not associated with any cardio-metabolic risk factor.

Conclusions—
In young-to-middle aged apparently healthy people, the association of CCA-IMT with insulin sensitivity and its metabolic correlates differs between men and women. Lower insulin sensitivity is associated with higher IMT only in men; this association seems to be mediated by circulating free fatty acids and adipocytokines. In women, CCA-IMT is independently associated with fasting plasma glucose.
Identification of Therapeutic Benefit from Revascularization in Patients With Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
Authors: Ling Lee Fong , Marwick Thomas H. , Flores Demetrio Roland , Jaber Wael A. , Brunken Richard C. , Cerqueira Manuel D. , Hachamovitch Rory 
Published: April 2013

Background—
Although the recent surgical treatment of ischemic heart failure substudy reported that revascularization of viable myocardium did not improve survival, these results were limited by the viability imaging technique used and the lack of inducible ischemia information. We examined the relative impact of stress-rest rubidium-82/F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography identified ischemia, scar, and hibernating myocardium on the survival benefit associated with revascularization in patients with systolic dysfunction.

Methods and Results—

The extent of perfusion defects and metabolism-perfusion mismatch was measured with an automated quantitative method in 648 consecutive patients (age, 65±12 years; 23% women; mean left ventricular ejection fraction, 31±12%) undergoing positron emission tomography. Follow-up time began at 92 days (to avoid waiting-time bias); deaths before 92 days were excluded from the analysis. During a mean follow-up of 2.8±1.2 years, 165 deaths (27.5%) occurred. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to adjust for potential confounders, including a propensity score to adjust for nonrandomized treatment allocation. Early revascularization was performed within 92 days of positron emission tomography in 199 patients (33%). Hibernating myocardium, ischemic myocardium, and scarred myocardium were associated with all-cause death (
P
=0.0015, 0.0038, and 0.0010, respectively). An interaction between treatment and hibernating myocardium was present such that early revascularization in the setting of significant hibernating myocardium was associated with improved survival compared with medical therapy, especially when the extent of viability exceeded 10% of the myocardium.

Conclusions—
Among patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, hibernating, but not ischemic, myocardium identifies which patients may accrue a survival benefit with revascularization versus medical therapy.
Rescue Treatment of Thromboembolic Complications During Endovascular Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , McDonald Jennifer S. , Kallmes David F. , Cloft Harry J. 
Published: April 2013

Background and Purpose—
Acute intraprocedural thrombus formation complicating endovascular cerebral aneurysm treatment is often treated with intra-arterial or intravenous administration of thrombolytic agents or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GpIIb/IIIa) inhibitors. We sought to evaluate the morbidity and mortality associated with such treatments using a large multihospital database.

Methods—

Using the Premier Perspective Database, we examined outcomes for patients receiving endovascular coiling for ruptured and unruptured aneurysms requiring rescue therapy, defined as treatment with GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors and fibrinolytic therapy. We compared discharge status, length of stay, and complication rates across 3 groups: (1) patients receiving GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors only, (2) patients receiving fibrinolytic therapy only, and (3) patients receiving both GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors and fibrinolytics. Student
t
test was used to compare continuous variables, and Fisher exact test was used to compare categorical variables.

Results—

Seven-percent (254/3627) of patients treated for unruptured aneurysms received rescue therapy. When compared with patients receiving GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors alone, patients receiving only fibrinolytics had significantly higher rates of discharge to institutions other than home (37.5% [9/24] versus 7.4% [15/201];
P
<0.0001). Eight-percent of patients (338/4204) treated for ruptured aneurysms received rescue therapy. When compared with patients receiving GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors alone, patients receiving only fibrinolytics had significantly higher rates of mortality (26.0% [18/69] versus 14.5% [35/241];
P
=0.02) and discharge to institutions other than home (59.4% [41/69] versus 36.5% [88/241];
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—
Pharmacological rescue therapy occurred in 7% to 8% of endovascular coiling patients with unruptured and ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Rescue therapy with thrombolytic agents resulted in significantly more morbidity and mortality than rescue therapy with GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors.
International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) Case Law Review
Authors: Fouret Julien , Khayat Dany 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The ICSID case law review aims at discussing all decisions published by ICSID arbitral tribunals during a given period of time. This review covers the last semester 2011 and the first trimester 2012 with the analysis of one order, nine decisions and four awards.
Doing Minority Justice Through Procedural Fairness: Face Veil Bans in Europe
Authors: Ouald Chaib Saïla , Ouald Chaib Saïla , Brems Eva 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The French and Belgian bans on face veils in public places have been subjected to strong substantive human rights critiques. This article takes a complementary approach, examining the bans from the perspective of procedural fairness. Indeed, the French and Belgian bans are extreme examples of legislative processes taking place above the heads of the people concerned, neglecting the ban’s possible human rights impact. After exploring what the social psychology notion of procedural fairness entails for the judiciary and the legislator, especially in a multicultural context, this article details procedural fairness shortcomings with respect to the face veil ban in France and Belgium. Subsequently, the article sets out how the European Court of Human Rights might compensate for these shortcomings.
Myths and Facts on the Future Number of Muslims—a Danish Case Study
Authors: Jacobsen Brian Arly 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The article discusses various estimates of Muslim populations in Europe, showing that the public debate on numbers reflects academia’s difficulties in quantifying the Muslim populations. Projections of growth in the number of Muslims in Europe are exaggerated both in academia and in the public in general, leading to the construction of myths on the future number of Muslims in Europe. In this article various methods in the field of demography of religion are discussed on the basis of the Danish case. A more precise estimation of Muslims based on national statistics is proposed for countries where direct data on religious affiliation is not available.
Randomised trial on episodic cluster headache with an angiotensin II receptor blocker
Authors: Tronvik Erling , Wienecke Troels , Monstad Inge , Dahløf Carl , Bøe Magne Geir , Tjensvoll Anne Bolette , Salvesen Rolf , Zwart John Anker , Jansson Sven-Olof , Stovner Lars Jacob 
Published: April 2013

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the angiotensin II receptor antagonist candesartan as prophylactic medication in patients with episodic cluster headache. Methods This study comprised a prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-designed trial performed in seven centres in Scandinavia. Forty (40) patients with episodic cluster headache (ICHD-2) were recruited and randomised over a five-year period to placebo or 16 mg candesartan in the first week, and placebo or 32 mg candesartan in the second and third week. Results The number of cluster headache attacks (primary efficacy variable) during the three-week treatment period was reduced from 14.3 ± 9.2 attacks in week 1 to 5.6 ± 7.0 attacks in week 3 (−61%) in the candesartan group and from 16.8 ± 14.1 attacks in week 1 to 10.5 ± 11.3 attacks in week 3 (−38%) in the placebo group. The difference between the candesartan and placebo group was not significant with the pre-planned non-parametric ranking test, but a post-hoc exact Poisson test, which takes into account the temporal properties of the data, revealed a significant result ( p < 0.0001). Conclusions This was a negative trial. Post-hoc statistics suitable to describe the temporal changes in cluster headache indicate that conduction of future larger studies may be justified.
Injection Site-Associated Sarcoma in the Cat
Authors: Ladlow Jane 
Published: April 2013

Practical relevance: Feline injection site-associated sarcomas (FISSs) have been the cause of much controversy and concern since they were first reported in the early 1990s. While not solely associated with vaccination, there are implications for vaccination sites and schedules and, while guidance has been published, this appears to be permeating only slowly through to general practice. Clinical challenges: Up to one-quarter of cats with this difficult condition have metastatic lung involvement. The mainstay of treatment is aggressive surgery, but even in cases where full excision with clean margins is achieved, tumour recurrence is anticipated in about one-third of cases. The role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy as adjuvant treatments has yet to be clearly defined. Patient group: FISSs are often seen in younger cats, with a peak presentation at 6–7 years and a second peak at 10–11 years. Evidence base: This review summarises the diagnosis and management of FISS with reference to the latest published treatment results. It focuses on surgical excision but also covers adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and gives median survival times for the different treatment approaches.
Cats and Chemotherapy
Authors: Kent Michael Sean 
Published: April 2013

Practical relevance: To safely and effectively treat cats with cancer it is important to understand the drugs being used and some species-specific concerns in relation to chemotherapy. Clinical challenges: While many of the same principles in treating cats with chemotherapy and targeted agents hold true as for other species, including dogs, cats display altered metabolism of drugs and species-specific toxicities that can present particular challenges for veterinarians. Audience: This article is aimed at practitioners who treat feline cancer or who help manage cats undergoing cancer therapy. Evidence base: The article reviews the known literature regarding species differences between dogs and cats relating to the use of chemotherapy and targeted therapies. For many of the drugs mentioned there are limited studies and caution must be exercised when using drugs that have a low therapeutic index.
Caregiving stress and coping: A thematic analysis of Chinese family caregivers of persons with dementia
Authors: Sun Fei 
Published: April 2013

Purpose: This study aims to identify caregiving stressors and coping strategies in a sample of family caregivers of persons with dementia living in Shanghai, China. Methods: A sample of 18 family caregivers participated in semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Information regarding caregiver appraisal of caregiving situations, difficulties with care provision, and ways of dealing with stressors were obtained. Thematic analysis was used to assess the interview data. Results: In addition to stressors directly related to caregiving demands (i.e., burden due to care recipient limitations in physical, cognitive, or behavioral functions), other salient stressors that emerged were role strains, family conflicts, and pressure from the social environment. Yet, caregivers demonstrated resilience by drawing on their coping resources from a variety of sources, including personal experience, family, technology and information, religion, and governmental support. Implications: Specific attention needs to be given to help family caregivers alleviate stress due to family conflicts and pressure from the social environment. Policy formulation and program design needs to build on caregiver strengths to support and empower Chinese families caring for relatives with dementia patients.
Creep damage modelling of P92 pipe weld at 675°C
Authors: Tanner D. W. J. , Puliyaneth M. , Sun W. , Hyde T. H. 
Published: April 2013

Creep data from ferritic steel P92 parent material, weld metal, cross-weld and heat affected zone specimens tested at 675°C are used to establish material behaviour models necessary for describing the creep behaviour of a P92 pipe with a circumferential weld. The method for determining the material properties for the heat affected zone of a P92 weld, in a single state variable creep damage constitutive model, using the data from cross-weld and impression creep tests, is described. The material properties for the parent material and weld metal regions have been already been published. Creep continuum damage finite element analyses are subsequently performed for a P92 pipe containing a circumferential weld, subjected to internal pressure and end loading, in order to assess the high temperature integrity and failure behaviour of a typical power plant component, from which the lifetime and potential failure modes can be predicted.
Spirometer-controlled cine magnetic resonance imaging used to diagnose tracheobronchomalacia in paediatric patients
Authors: Ciet Pierluigi , Wielopolski Piotr , Manniesing Rashindra , Lever Sandra , de Bruijne Marleen , Morana Giovanni , Muzzio Pier Carlo , Lequin Maarten H. , Tiddens Harm A.W.M. 
Published: April 2013

Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is defined as an excessive collapse of the intrathoracic trachea. Bronchoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing TBM; however it has major disadvantages, such as general anaesthesia. Cine computed tomography (CT) is a noninvasive alternative used to diagnose TBM, but its use in children is restricted by ionising radiation. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of spirometer-controlled cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an alternative to cine-CT in a retrospective study.12 children with a mean age (range) of 12 years (7–17 years), suspected of having TBM, underwent cine-MRI. Static scans were acquired at end-inspiration and expiration covering the thorax using a three-dimensional spoiled gradient echo sequence. Three-dimensional dynamic scans were performed covering only the central airways. TBM was defined as a decrease of the trachea or bronchi diameter >50% at end-expiration in the static and dynamic scans.The success rate of the cine-MRI protocol was 92%. Cine-MRI was compared with bronchoscopy or chest CT in seven subjects. TBM was diagnosed by cine-MRI in seven (58%) out of 12 children and was confirmed by bronchoscopy or CT. In four patients, cine-MRI demonstrated tracheal narrowing that was not present in the static scans.Spirometer controlled cine-MRI is a promising technique to assess TBM in children and has the potential to replace bronchoscopy.
Prior cardiovascular disease increases long-term mortality in COPD patients with pneumonia
Authors: Sibila Oriol , Mortensen Eric M. , Anzueto Antonio , Laserna Elena , Restrepo Marcos I. 
Published: April 2013

There is controversy regarding the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in clinical outcomes in elderly patients with pneumonia. Comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease have been reported to play an important role in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD. However, limited data are available regarding the impact of cardiovascular disease in elderly COPD patients who require hospitalisation for pneumonia.We examined a cohort of subjects with pneumonia and pre-existing COPD. Prior cardiovascular disease was defined as history of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, unstable angina or stroke. Outcomes examined included 30-day, 90-day, 6-month and 1-year mortality.We included 17 140 elderly COPD patients who were hospitalised for pneumonia. Prior cardiovascular disease was present in 10 240 (59.7%) patients. Prior cardiovascular disease was independently associated with 90-day mortality (21.3%versus19.4%; hazard ratio (HR) 1.29, 95% CI 1.02–1.17), 6-month mortality (29.0%versus26.1%; HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07–1.50) and 12-month mortality (39.2%versus34.5%; HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.15–1.54) when compared to no prior cardiovascular disease. The temporal differential effect between groups increases from 1.0% at 30 days to 4.7% at 1 year.Prior cardiovascular disease is associated with increased long-term mortality in elderly COPD patients with pneumonia. Differences in mortality rates increased over time.
Sleep apnoea, sleepiness, inflammation and insulin resistance in middle-aged males and females
Authors: Kritikou Ilia , Basta Maria , Vgontzas Alexandros N. , Pejovic Slobodanka , Liao Duanping , Tsaoussoglou Marina , Bixler Edward O. , Stefanakis Zacharias , Chrousos George P. 
Published: April 2013

In obese males obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with inflammation and insulin resistance; however, findings are confounded by adipose tissue, a hormone- and cytokine-secreting organ. Our goal was to examine whether in a relatively nonobese population, OSA is associated with sleepiness and inflammation/insulin resistance, and to assess the effects of a 2-month placebo-controlled continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use.77 subjects, 38 middle-aged males and post-menopausal females with OSA and 39 male and female controls, were studied in the sleep laboratory for 4 nights. Measures of sleepiness (objective and subjective), performance, serial 24-h blood samples for interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-1, leptin and adiponectin, and single samples for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fasting glucose and insulin levels were obtained.Apnoeic males were significantly sleepier and had significantly higher hsCRP, IL-6, leptin and insulin resistance than controls. Apnoeic females had significantly higher hsCRP; however, objective sleepiness, IL-6, TNFR-1, insulin resistance (Homeostatic Model Assessment index), leptin and adiponectin were similar to controls. CPAP improved subjective sleepiness, but no changes were observed in any of the biomarkers.In conclusion, OSA is associated with sleepiness, inflammation and insulin resistance, even in nonobese males, and this association is stronger in males than in females. Short-term CPAP does not improve the inflammatory/metabolic aberrations in OSA.
Factors associated with FEV1decline in cystic fibrosis: analysis of the ECFS Patient Registry
Authors: Kerem Eitan , Viviani Laura , Zolin Anna , MacNeill Stephanie , Hatziagorou Elpis , Ellemunter Helmut , Drevinek Pavel , Gulmans Vincent , Krivec Uros , Olesen Hanne 
Published: April 2013

Pulmonary insufficiency is the main cause of death in cystic fibrosis (CF). We analysed forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) data of 14 732 patients registered in the European Cystic Fibrosis Society Patient Registry (ECFSPR) database in 2007. We used linear and logistic regressions to investigate associations between FEV1% predicted and clinical outcomes.Body mass index (BMI), chronic infection byPseudomonas aeruginosa, pancreatic status and CF-related diabetes (CFRD) showed a statistically significant (all p<0.0001) and clinically relevant effect on FEV1% pred after adjusting for age. Patients with a lower BMI experience a six-fold increased odds ratio (95% CI 5.0–7.3) of having severe lung disease (FEV1<40% pred) compared to patients with normal BMI. Being chronically infected withP. aeruginosaincreases the odds ratio of severe lung disease by 2.4 (95% CI 2.0–2.7), and patients with pancreatic insufficiency experience a 2.0-fold increased odds ratio (95% CI 1.6–2.5) of severe lung disease compared to pancreatic sufficient patients. Patients with CFRD have a 1.8-fold increased odds ratio (95% CI 1.6–2.2) compared to patients not affected.These potential risk factors for pulmonary disease in patients with CF are to some degree preventable or treatable. We emphasise the importance of their early identification through frequent routine tests, the implementation of infection control measures, and a timely initiation of relevant therapies.