bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visceral fat obesity is highly associated with primary gout in a metabolically obese but normal weighted population: a case control study
Authors: Lee Jennifer , Lee Ji-Yeon , Lee Jae-Ho , Jung Seung-Min , Suh Young Sun , Koh Jung-Hee , Kwok Seung-Ki , Ju Ji Hyeon , Park Kyung-Su , Park Sung-Hwan 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Gout is a chronic inflammatory disease the development of which is associated with obesity-induced metabolic abnormalities. However, a substantial number of non-obese patients (body mass index [BMI] <25 kg/m2) also develop gout in Korea. It was suggested that accumulation of visceral fat rather than subcutaneous fat is associated with metabolic abnormalities and hyperuricemia in patients with gout; therefore, we hypothesized that visceral fat accumulation was increased in non-obese gout patients.

Methods
One hundred and three male patients with primary gout and 204 age-matched healthy controls who attended a health check-up examination were recruited after the review of medical charts. The visceral fat area (VFA) was measured using the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method, and a VFA >100 cm2 was defined as visceral fat obesity (VFO). The frequency of VFO was compared in patients and control groups. The frequencies of metabolic syndrome and related parameters were also investigated.

Results
BMI, waist circumference, total fat mass, serum triglycerides, and serum glucose levels were significantly greater in patients compared with controls. VFA and the prevalence of VFO was increased in gout patients compared with controls. There were positive correlations between VFA and serum triglyceride levels and serum glucose levels. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that VFO is an independent risk factor for gout (odds ratio 2.488, 95% confidence interval 1.041–4.435). In non-obese subgroup analyses (gout patients, n = 38; healthy controls, n = 150), VFA (98.7 ± 19.3 vs. 91.0 ± 16.7, P = 0.016) and the frequency of VFO (47.4 vs. 27.3%, P = 0.017) remained significantly higher in gout patients. There was no difference in either BMI or total fat mass between patients and controls in the non-obese subgroup. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with gout was 31.7% (33/104), compared with 13.2% (5/38) in the non-obese subgroup according to modified ATP III criteria.

Conclusion
VFO, measured using BIA, is observed more frequently in patients with primary gout compared with healthy controls, even in non-obese individuals. Therefore, VFO might more properly represent metabolic derangements in patients with gout than general obesity.
Dementia trials and dementia tribulations: methodological and analytical challenges in dementia research
Authors: Ritchie Craig W , Terrera Graciela Muniz , Quinn Terence J 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDementia is a substantial and increasing public health concern. Despite decades of research, a cure or effective preventative treatment for dementia remains elusive. We offer critical review of contemporary dementia research and discuss potential reasons why progress in the field has not been as rapid as in other disciplines. We adopt a broad approach in keeping with the broad nature of the topic. We cover the difficulties inherent in studying dementia from 'bench' to 'bedside' to 'population'. We make particular reference to issues of operationalisation of the dementia syndrome and our evolving understanding of dementia as a research 'outcome'. We discuss contemporary 'hot topics' in dementia research methodology focussing on dementia models, pre-dementia states and biomarkers. Recognising the importance of prospective epidemiological cohorts and large-scale clinical trials we pay particular attention to these approaches and the challenges of generating results that have 'real world' external validity. Based on our thoughts we end with suggestions for future dementia research. Our review is designed to be critical but not unnecessarily negative. There is reason for cautious optimism in dementia research. The recent G8 summit on dementia and subsequent establishment of the World Dementia Council are examples of initiatives that reflect societal and political will to increase research efforts in dementia.
Untested, unproven, and unethical: the promotion and provision of autologous stem cell therapies in Australia
Authors: McLean Alison K , Stewart Cameron , Kerridge Ian 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAn increasing number of private clinics in Australia are marketing and providing autologous stem cell therapies to patients. Although advocates point to the importance of medical innovation and the primacy of patient choice, these arguments are unconvincing. First, it is a stark truth that these clinics are flourishing while the efficacy and safety of autologous stem cell therapies, outside of established indications for hematopioetic stem cell transplantation, are yet to be shown. Second, few of these therapies are offered within clinical trials. Third, patients with chronic and debilitating illnesses, who are often the ones who take up these therapies, incur significant financial burdens in the expectation of benefiting from these treatments. Finally, the provision of these stem cell therapies does not follow the established pathways for legitimate medical advancement. We argue that greater regulatory oversight and professional action are necessary to protect vulnerable patients and that at this time the provision of unproven stem cell therapies outside of clinical trials is unethical.
Numerical model of fiber wetting with finite resin volume
Authors: Yeager Michael , Advani Suresh G 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe partial wetting of cylindrical surfaces is encountered in many industrial applications such as composites manufacturing, MEMS, hair care products, and textile engineering. Understanding the impact of key parameters such as resin and fiber surface interaction properties and the geometric arrangement of the fibers on wetting would lead to tailoring a desired interface between the resin and the fiber surface. A three-dimensional model of resin wetting a single fiber is presented. This model is then extended to study a finite volume of resin wetting fibers in square and triangular packing arrangements. The impact of changing wetting properties and fiber volume fraction is examined for each packing arrangement.
Optimized procedure for the determination of P species in soil by liquid-state 31P-NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Li Meng , Mazzei Pierluigi , Cozzolino Vincenza , Monda Hiarhi , Hu Zhengyi , Piccolo Alessandro 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Background
Liquid-state 31P-NMR spectroscopy becomes progressively an important role for studying phosphorus (P) dynamics in soil. Soils of different origin and organic matter content were used to optimize sample preparation and re-dissolution procedures to improve characterization of P species in soil by 31P-NMR spectroscopy. The efficiency of P extraction from an untreated fresh soil was compared to that from freeze-dried and air-dried soil samples.

Results
A freeze-drying pretreatment not only provided the greatest extraction yields of total and organic P from both farmland and forest soils but also enhanced the intensity of signals for inorganic and organic P species in 31P-NMR spectra, except for polyphosphates. Re-dissolution of freeze-dried soil extracts in relatively dilute alkaline solution and addition of a small aliquot of concentrated HCl to the NMR tube prior to analysis improved the quality of NMR spectra. Finally, the visibility of relatively weak P signals, such as for phosphorus diesters, phosphonates, polyphosphate, phospholipids, and DNA were reproducibly enhanced when 31P-NMR spectra were generated after at least 15 h of acquisition time.

Conclusion
The optimized procedure presented here ensured the greatest detectability of inorganic and organic P species by liquid-state P-NMR spectroscopy in soil extracts.
Increased monocyte turnover is associated with interstitial macrophage accumulation and pulmonary tissue damage in SIV-infected rhesus macaques
Authors: Cai Yanhui , Sugimoto Chie , Liu David Xianhong , Midkiff Cecily C , Alvarez Xavier , Lackner Andrew A , Kim Woong-Ki , Didier Elizabeth S , Kuroda Marcelo J 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
We recently reported that increasing blood monocyte turnover that was associated with tissue macrophage death better predicts terminal disease progression in adult SIV-infected macaques than does declining CD4+ T cell levels. To understand better mechanisms of pathogenesis, this study relates severity of lung-tissue damage to the ratio, distribution, and inflammatory responses of lung macrophage subsets during SIV infection in rhesus macaques exhibiting varying rates of monocyte turnover. In vivo BrdU incorporation was used to evaluate kinetics of monocyte/tissue macrophage turnover. Tissue damage was scored microscopically from H&E-stained lung-tissue sections, and cytokine expression was examined via immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. Increased monocyte turnover in SIV-infected rhesus macaques significantly correlated with severity of lung-tissue damage, as exhibited by perivasculitis, vasculitis, interstitial pneumonia, alveolar histiocytosis, foamy macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, fibrin, and edema in the alveoli. In addition, the higher monocyte turnover correlated with declining AI ratio, increased accumulation of IM in the perivascular region of the lung, and higher expression of IL-6 in the IM of the lung tissue exposed to a LPS, calcium ionophore, and tumor promoter combination stimulation ex vivo. Accumulation of IM associated with increasing monocyte turnover during SIV infection appears to contribute to chronic pulmonary inflammation and tissue damage during disease progression to AIDS.
Lapatinib or Trastuzumab Plus Taxane Therapy for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive Advanced Breast Cancer: Final Results of NCIC CTG MA.31
Authors: Gelmon Karen A. , Boyle Frances M. , Kaufman Bella , Huntsman David G. , Manikhas Alexey , Di Leo Angelo , Martin Miguel , Schwartzberg Lee S. , Lemieux Julie , Aparicio Samuel , Shepherd Lois E. , Dent Susan , Ellard Susan L. , Tonkin Katia , Pritchard Kathleen I. , Whelan Timothy J. , Nomikos Dora , Nusch Arnd , Coleman Robert E. , Mukai Hirofumi , Tjulandin Sergei , Khasanov Rustem , Rizel Shulamith , Connor Anne P. , Santillana Sergio L. , Chapman Judith-Anne W. , Parulekar Wendy R. 
Published: March 2015

Purpose The efficacy of lapatinib versus trastuzumab combined with taxanes in the first-line setting of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) –positive metastatic breast cancer (BC) is unknown. Patients and Methods The MA.31 trial compared a combination of first-line anti-HER2 therapy (lapatinib or trastuzumab) and taxane therapy for 24 weeks, followed by the same anti-HER2 monotherapy until progression. Stratification was by prior (neo)adjuvant anti-HER2 therapy, prior (neo)adjuvant taxane, planned taxane, and liver metastases. The primary end point was intention-to-treat (ITT) progression-free survival (PFS), defined as time from random assignment to progression by RECIST (version 1.0) criteria, or death for patients with locally assessed HER2-positive tumors. The primary test statistic was a stratified log-rank test for noninferiority. PFS was also assessed for patients with centrally confirmed HER2-positive tumors. Results From July 17, 2008, to December 1, 2011, 652 patients were accrued from 21 countries, resulting in 537 patients with centrally confirmed HER2-positive tumors. Median follow-up was 21.5 months. Median ITT PFS was 9.0 months with lapatinib and 11.3 months with trastuzumab. By ITT analysis, PFS was inferior for lapatinib compared with trastuzumab, with a stratified hazard ratio (HR) of 1.37 (95% CI, 1.13 to 1.65; P = .001). In patients with centrally confirmed HER2-positive tumors, median PFS was 9.1 months with lapatinib and 13.6 months with trastuzumab (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.83; P < .001). More grade 3 or 4 diarrhea and rash were observed with lapatinib (P < .001). PFS results were supported by the secondary end point of overall survival, with an ITT HR of 1.28 (95% CI, 0.95 to 1.72; P = .11); in patients with centrally confirmed HER2-positive tumors, the HR was 1.47 (95% CI, 1.03 to 2.09; P = .03). Conclusion As first-line therapy for HER2-positive metastatic BC, lapatinib combined with taxane was associated with shorter PFS and more toxicity compared with trastuzumab combined with taxane.
Chemical Reaction Effects in Maxwell Fluid Flow Over Permeable Surface: Dual Solutions
Authors: Awais M. , Muhammad N. , Hayat T. , Alsaedi A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis communication addresses the chemical reaction effects in two-dimensional boundary layer flow of an upper convected Maxwell (UCM) fluid over a shrinking surface. Mathematical modeling has been performed and the adequate transformations have been utilized for the conversion of partial differential system into coupled nonlinear ordinary differential system. Numerical techniques namely shooting method combined with Runge–Kutta fourth order and Newton’s method are utilized for the construction of the solutions for the velocity and the concentration fields. Dual nature of solutions for both velocity and concentration field is displayed and discussed. It is noted that the range for suction is larger for the non-Newtonian fluid when compared with the Newtonian fluid. It is also observed that two solutions exist for different values of Deborah number.
Sustainable Development in a Global Context: A Success or a Nuisance?
Authors: Bakari Mohamed El-Kamel 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis article argues that the evolution of, and challenges to, sustainable development cannot be understood completely outside its contemporary global context, consisting mainly of three interconnected spheres, i.e., the global governance system, the North-South debate, and global trade liberalization. As the boundaries of these three spheres get more and more blurred in a context of an intensifying globalization, the project of sustainable development is very often faced with obstacles that set back its evolution and might very well bring it to a halt. Above all, sustainable development is now caught in the crossfire between the push for exponential economic growth, on the one hand, and a compelling need to reverse catastrophic ecological threats and social exigencies, on the other. More often than not, the current structure and scope of global governance constitutes more of a hindrance than a help to the emerging paradigm of sustainable development. Accordingly, this article seeks to pinpoint the different challenges to the implementation of sustainable development in the field of global governance and to discuss to what extent these challenges are inherent in the structure and scope of this system. In a similar vein, this article examines and discusses the challenges to sustainability within two other highly interrelated spheres, namely global trade and the North-South politics. With this end in view, a special focus is placed throughout this paper on the interconnectedness of, and overlap between, these three global spheres and the determinant role played by the major actors therein.
Globalization and the Emergence of Violent Non-state Actors: The Case of Human Trafficking
Authors: Zhidkova Tatiana 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis study examines the impact of globalization on the emergence of human trafficking as a transnational security threat. The author discusses the relationship between globalization and violent non-state actors (VNSAs), seeing human trafficking as one of VNSAs threatening the state in the age of globalization. The erosion of state sovereignty and emergence of transnational organized crime are analyzed in an attempt to understand the role of globalization in transforming human trafficking into a transnational challenge.
A novel variant of FGFR3 causes proportionate short stature
Authors: Kant Sarina G , Cervenkova Iveta , Balek Lukas , Trantirek Lukas , Santen Gijs W E , de Vries Martine C , van Duyvenvoorde Hermine A , van der Wielen Michiel J R , Verkerk Annemieke J M H , Uitterlinden André G , Hannema Sabine E , Wit Jan M , Oostdijk Wilma , Krejci Pavel , Losekoot Monique 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveMutations of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) cause various forms of short stature, of which the least severe phenotype is hypochondroplasia, mainly characterized by disproportionate short stature. Testing for an FGFR3 mutation is currently not part of routine diagnostic testing in children with short stature without disproportion.DesignA three-generation family A with dominantly transmitted proportionate short stature was studied by whole-exome sequencing to identify the causal gene mutation. Functional studies and protein modeling studies were performed to confirm the pathogenicity of the mutation found in FGFR3. We performed Sanger sequencing in a second family B with dominant proportionate short stature and identified a rare variant in FGFR3.MethodsExome sequencing and/or Sanger sequencing was performed, followed by functional studies using transfection of the mutant FGFR3 into cultured cells; homology modeling was used to construct a three-dimensional model of the two FGFR3 variants.ResultsA novel p.M528I mutation in FGFR3 was detected in family A, which segregates with short stature and proved to be activating in vitro. In family B, a rare variant (p.F384L) was found in FGFR3, which did not segregate with short stature and showed normal functionality in vitro compared with WT.ConclusionsProportionate short stature can be caused by a mutation in FGFR3. Sequencing of this gene can be considered in patients with short stature, especially when there is an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. However, functional studies and segregation studies should be performed before concluding that a variant is pathogenic.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure With Helmet Versus Mask in Infants With Bronchiolitis: An RCT
Authors: Chidini Giovanna , Piastra Marco , Marchesi Tiziana , De Luca Daniele , Napolitano Luisa , Salvo Ida , Wolfler Andrea , Pelosi Paolo , Damasco Mirco , Conti Giorgio , Calderini Edoardo 
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND:Noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is usually applied with a nasal or facial mask to treat mild acute respiratory failure (ARF) in infants. A pediatric helmet has now been introduced in clinical practice to deliver CPAP. This study compared treatment failure rates during CPAP delivered by helmet or facial mask in infants with respiratory syncytial virus-induced ARF.METHODS:In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, 30 infants with respiratory syncytial virus-induced ARF were randomized to receive CPAP by helmet (n = 17) or facial mask (n = 13). The primary endpoint was treatment failure rate (defined as due to intolerance or need for intubation). Secondary outcomes were CPAP application time, number of patients requiring sedation, and complications with each interface.RESULTS:Compared with the facial mask, CPAP by helmet had a lower treatment failure rate due to intolerance (3/17 [17%] vs 7/13 [54%], P = .009), and fewer infants required sedation (6/17 [35%] vs 13/13 [100%], P = .023); the intubation rates were similar. In successfully treated patients, CPAP resulted in better gas exchange and breathing pattern with both interfaces. No major complications due to the interfaces occurred, but CPAP by mask had higher rates of cutaneous sores and leaks.CONCLUSIONS:These findings confirm that CPAP delivered by helmet is better tolerated than CPAP delivered by facial mask and requires less sedation. In addition, it is safe to use and free from adverse events, even in a prolonged clinical setting.
Trajectories and Outcomes Among Children With Special Health Care Needs
Authors: Quach Jon , Jansen Pauline W. , Mensah Fiona K. , Wake Melissa 
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Outcomes for children with special health care needs (SHCN) can vary by their patterns and persistence over time. We aimed to empirically establish typical SHCN trajectories throughout childhood and their predictive relationships with child and parent outcomes.

METHODS:
The 2 cohorts of the nationally representative Longitudinal Study of Australian Children were recruited in 2004 at ages 0 to 1 (n = 5107, B cohort) and 4 to 5 years (n = 4983, K cohort). The parent-reported Children With SHCN Screener (Short Form) was completed at each of 4 biennial waves. Wave 4 outcomes were parent-reported behavior and health-related quality of life, teacher-reported learning, and directly assessed cognition. Both parents self-reported mental distress. We derived intracohort trajectories by using latent class analysis in Mplus. We compared mean outcome scores across trajectories by using linear regression, adjusting for socioeconomic position.

RESULTS:
Four distinct SHCN trajectories were replicated in both cohorts: persistent (B 6.8%, K 8.7%), emerging (B 4.1%, K 11.5%), transient (B 7.9%, K 4.2%), and none (B 81.3%, K 75.6%). Every outcome was adversely affected except fathers’ mental health. From infancy to age 6 to 7 years, the persistent and emerging groups had similarly poor outcomes. From age 4 and 5 to 10 and 11 years, outcomes were incrementally poorer on moving from none to transient to emerging and to persistent SHCN. Effect sizes were largest for behavior, learning, and psychosocial outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:
Adverse outcomes are shaped more by cumulative burden than point prevalence of SHCNs. In addition to providing care according to a child’s need at any given time, prioritizing care toward persistent SHCNs may have the biggest benefits for children and parents.
Use of Micro- and Nano-ZnO particles as Catalysts for the Microwave-Assisted Polymerization ofD,L-lactide
Authors: Rodríguez-Tobías Heriberto , Morales Graciela , Enríquez Javier , Espinoza-González Carlos , Grande Daniel 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThe use of a catalyst is required to synthesize poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) and tin (II) 2-ethylhexanoate could be highlighted among them. However, this kind of catalysts can produce bio-dangerous compounds limiting the PLA in medical applications, therefore there is a need to investigate novel bio-safe catalysts. Taking into account this problem, this communication reports the use of micro- and nano-ZnO particles as catalysts for the microwave-assisted polymerization of D,L-lactide. By microwave heating a high monomer conversion (higher than 95%) was achieved in a relatively short reaction time (3 hours). Morphology/size and concentration of ZnO particles presented a strong effect on the production of PLA, star-like microparticles leaded to conversionca.25%, well below to the values achieved with the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the formation of a ZnO-PLA hybrid was evidenced by spectroscopic and thermal characterization techniques. The methodology herein developed represents a new pathway for the green synthesis of PLA.