bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased arterial stiffness in young normotensive patients with Turner syndrome: associations with vascular biomarkers
Authors: Uçar Ahmet , Öz Fahrettin , Baş Firdevs , Oflaz Hüseyin , Nişli Kemal , Tuğrul Melike , Yetim Aylin , Darendeliler Feyza , Saka Nurçin , Poyrazoğlu Şükran , Bundak Rüveyde 
Published: October 2014

SummaryObjectivesFactors contributing to arteriopathy in patients with Turner syndrome (TS) remain unclear. We assessed arterial stiffness in young, normotensive patients with TS and correlated arterial stiffness with vascular biomarkers, GH treatment and oestrogen exposure. Sixty‐one patients with TS (mean age, 12·6 years; range 6·6–21·3 years) were matched for age and sex with 61 healthy peers. Associations between arterial stiffness and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP), atrial NP (ANP), plasma aldosterone/plasma renin activity (PRA), IGF1 and IGFBP3 were examined after adjusting for well‐established confounders of vascular disease.ResultsCarotid intima media thickness standard deviation score (SDS), arterial stiffness index SDS and incremental modulus of elasticity SDS were higher, and distensibility coefficient SDS was lower in patients with TS. The duration of GH treatment and oestrogen exposure was not associated with indices of arterial stiffness. TS patients had higher hsCRP, BNP and ANP. Plasma aldosterone/PRA, IGF1 and IGFBP3 were similar in patients and controls. Multivariable regression analyses (R2 = 0·200–0·668, P < 0·01) showed that BNP was associated with all indices of arterial stiffness. We found that hsCRP was associated with distensibility coefficient SDS (β = −0·16, P < 0·01). TS was independently associated with increased arterial stiffness (β = 0·420–3·424, P < 0·001 for all, R2 = 0·06–0·31).ConclusionsYoung, normotensive TS patients had increased arterial stiffness than that of healthy peers. BNP, and possibly hsCRP, was independently associated with arterial stiffness in TS. Further research will determine any causal inference of these relationships.
Inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α suppresses neuroprotective endogenous erythropoietin from astrocytes mediated by hypoxia‐inducible factor‐2α
Authors: Nagaya Yoshiaki , Aoyama Mineyoshi , Tamura Tetsuya , Kakita Hiroki , Kato Shin , Hida Hideki , Saitoh Shinji , Asai Kiyofumi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractInterest in erythropoietin (EPO) as a neuroprotective mediator has grown since it was found that systemically administered EPO is protective in several animal models of disease. However, given that the blood–brain barrier limits EPO entry into the brain, alternative approaches that induce endogenous EPO production in the brain may be more effective clinically and associated with fewer untoward side‐effects. Astrocytes are the main source of EPO in the central nervous system. In the present study we investigated the effect of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) on hypoxia‐induced upregulation of EPO in rat brain. Hypoxia significantly increased EPO mRNA expression in the brain and kidney, and this increase was suppressed by TNFα in vivo. In cultured astrocytes exposed to hypoxic conditions for 6 and 12 h, TNFα suppressed the hypoxia‐induced increase in EPO mRNA expression in a concentration‐dependent manner. TNFα inhibition of hypoxia‐induced EPO expression was mediated primarily by hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐2α rather than HIF‐1α. The effects of TNFα in reducing hypoxia‐induced upregulation of EPO mRNA expression probably involve destabilization of HIF‐2α, which is regulated by the nuclear factor (NF)‐κB signaling pathway. TNFα treatment attenuated the protective effects of astrocytes on neurons under hypoxic conditions via EPO signaling. The effective blockade of TNFα signaling may contribute to the maintenance of the neuroprotective effects of EPO even under hypoxic conditions with an inflammatory response.
An Appeal for Autonomy, Access, and Accountability in Family Court Reform Efforts
Authors: Davis Gabrielle , Ver Steegh Nancy , Frederick Loretta 
Published: October 2014

An array of dispute resolution alternatives should be available to families who elect to use them. We suggest a system where parties maintain unhindered access to traditional courts but are able to knowingly and voluntarily opt into dispute resolution processes that are delivered in a fair, affordable, and accountable manner. We support provision of community‐based and private‐sector services to the extent that court funding and access is not diminished.
Key Points for the Family Court Community
Choices about participation in dispute resolution processes should be party driven.
Parties should receive complete and accurate information about available dispute resolution processes and have access to confidential legal advice.
Dispute resolution processes should be fair, affordable, competently provided, and accountable.
Parties should have open access to traditional court processes.
Insuring That Good Deeds Go Unpunished: Instituting State‐Provided Malpractice Protection for Pro Bono Family Lawyers
Authors: Prisco Julianne 
Published: October 2014

In the face of an economic downturn, more litigants are attempting to handle family law actions without representation and the consequences could be disastrous for them. Although some legal aid is available, more pro bono services are needed, and many family lawyers who would otherwise volunteer do not do so because they fear becoming defendants in a legal malpractice suit. Most prospective volunteers do not have the right malpractice insurance and are not covered by current state or federal law. This Note proposes that all states recognize the increasing malpractice exposure risk for family lawyers and incentivize them to volunteer by implementing statewide programs that provide free malpractice insurance for volunteer family lawyers modeled after existing programs in Missouri and Texas. Such programs would recognize that volunteer attorneys are doing a good deed, but also protect every client's right to adequate legal representation, by preserving their right to sue for malpractice.
Key Points for the Family Court Community
More litigants in family court actions are deciding to represent themselves due to their inability to pay market rates for legal services.
Although some legal aid is available, more pro bono services are needed.
Many family lawyers do not volunteer due to fear of being sued for malpractice.
A state‐implemented malpractice insurance plan for volunteer family lawyers would be a low‐cost program that would minimize attorney fears, create incentives to volunteer, and serve as an effective solution to the increasing rate of self‐represented litigants in family court actions.
Stereospecific mechanism of DJ‐1 glyoxalases inferred from their hemithioacetal‐containing crystal structures
Authors: Choi Dongwook , Kim Jihong , Ha Sura , Kwon Kyu , Kim Eun‐Hee , Lee Hee‐Yoon , Ryu Kyoung‐Seok , Park Chankyu 
Published: October 2014

DJ‐1 family proteins have recently been characterized as novel glyoxalases, although their cofactor‐free catalytic mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we obtained crystals of Arabidopsis thaliana DJ‐1d (atDJ‐1d) and Homo sapiens DJ‐1 (hDJ‐1) covalently bound to glyoxylate, an analog of methylglyoxal, forming a hemithioacetal that presumably mimics an intermediate structure in catalysis of methylglyoxal to lactate. The deuteration level of lactate supported the proton transfer mechanism in the enzyme reaction. Differences in the enantiomeric specificity of d/l‐lactacte formation observed for the DJ‐1 superfamily proteins are explained by the presence of a His residue in the active site with essential Cys and Glu residues. The model for the stereospecificity was further evaluated by a molecular modeling simulation with methylglyoxal hemithioacetal superimposed on the glyoxylate hemithioacetal. The mechanism of DJ‐1 glyoxalase provides a basis for understanding the His residue‐based stereospecificity.DatabaseStructural data have been submitted to the Protein Data Bank under accession numbers 4OFW (structure of atDJ‐1d), 4OGF (structure of hDJ‐1 with glyoxylate) and 4OGG (structure of atDJ‐1d with glyoxylate).
Competing uses of biomass for energy and chemicals: implications for long‐term global CO2 mitigation potential
Authors: Daioglou Vassilis , Wicke Birka , Faaij Andre P. C. , van Vuuren Detlef P. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBiomass is considered a low carbon source for various energy or chemical options. This paper assesses it's different possible uses, the competition between these uses, and the implications for long‐term global energy demand and energy system emissions. A scenario analysis is performed using the TIMER energy system model. Under baseline conditions, 170 EJ yr−1 of secondary bioenergy is consumed in 2100 (approximately 18% of total secondary energy demand), used primarily in the transport, buildings and nonenergy (chemical production) sectors. This leads to a reduction of 9% of CO2 emissions compared to a counterfactual scenario where no bioenergy is used. Bioenergy can contribute up to 40% reduction in emissions at carbon taxes greater than 500/tC. As higher CO2 taxes are applied, bioenergy is increasingly diverted towards electricity generation. Results are more sensitive to assumptions about resource availability than technological parameters. To estimate the effectiveness of bioenergy in specific sectors, experiments are performed in which bioenergy is only allowed in one sector at a time. The results show that cross‐sectoral leakage and emissions from biomass conversion limit the total emission reduction possible in each sector. In terms of reducing emissions per unit of bioenergy use, we show that the use of bioelectricity is the most effective, especially when used with carbon capture and storage. However, this technology only penetrates at a high carbon price (>100/tC) and competition with transport fuels may limit its adoption.
p‐Type Optoelectronic and Transparent Conducting Oxide Properties of Delafossite CuAl1/2Fe1/2O2
Authors: Ruttanapun Chesta , Jindajitawat Phumin , Buranasiri Prathan , Harnwunggmoung Adul , Charoenphakdee Anek , Amornkitbamrung Vittaya 
Published: October 2014

CuAl1/2Fe1/2O2 delafossite was prepared using a solid‐state reaction method to investigate its optical and electronic transport properties. CuAl1/2Fe1/2O2 formed a hexagonal delafossite structure with an Rm space group. The positive Seebeck coefficient and the direct optical gap of 3.6 eV confirmed that the CuAl1/2Fe1/2O2 delafossite in a p‐type transparent conducting oxide. The fluorescence emission at 390 nm (green emission) confirmed that CuAl1/2Fe1/2O2 has a direct transition band gap. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated a weight loss of 1.2%, caused by the intercalation of O atoms, which produced hole carriers from the different ionic radii at the B sites. The electric conductivity at room temperature was thermally activated, as predicted by the small‐polaron hopping mechanism, with an activation energy of 75 meV and a charge transport energy of 61 meV. CuAl1/2Fe1/2O2 delafossite exhibited p‐type optoelectronic behavior and is a transparent conducting oxide, which may be crucial in the p‐type photonic and electrode industries.
Nanosized‐Layered LiVO2 Prepared from Peroxo‐Polyvanadic Acid and Its Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Tsuyumoto Isao , Nakakura Yuya , Yamaki Satoru 
Published: October 2014

Nanosized‐layered rock‐salt LiVO2 was prepared by a new method from peroxo‐polyvanadic acid. The X‐ray diffraction pattern was well fitted with the space group R−3m in the Rietveld analysis and the crystallite size was estimated at 47 nm. The electrochemical properties as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries were investigated. The specific capacity of LiVO2 was greatly improved to 149 mAh/g under the current density of 149 mA/g, in comparison with that of the conventional LiVO2 below 50 mAh/g prepared by the solid‐state reactions.
Asperger syndrome in males over two decades: stability and predictors of diagnosis
Authors: Helles Adam , Gillberg Carina I. , Gillberg Christopher , Billstedt Eva 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo examine the diagnostic stability of a childhood diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome (AS) into adulthood in a prospective longitudinal study, and identify the predictors of stability.MethodsOne hundred males with AS diagnosed in childhood (T0) according to Gillberg's AS criteria, were followed up prospectively into adulthood over an average of 19 years (range 13–26 years). Fifty males (mean age 30 years) participated in this second follow‐up (T2) of the cohort. Seventy‐six had participated in a previous follow‐up (T1) at mean age 22 years (47 participated in both follow‐ups). Diagnosis at T2 was assessed using three sets of diagnostic criteria (Gillberg's AS criteria, DSM‐IV Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and DSM‐5 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) criteria) and compared to previous assessments. Background predictors of diagnostic stability were analyzed. General functioning at T2 was assessed and compared to T1.ResultsThere was a decline in the stability of AS diagnosis over time, the rate dropping from 82% at T1 to 44% at T2, when using the Gillberg criteria. There was also a significant decrease in the rate of cases fulfilling any PDD diagnosis according to the DSM‐IV, from 91% at T1 to 76% at T2 in the 47 cases followed up twice. Severity of autism spectrum symptoms at T1 was the main predictor of diagnostic stability at T2. Twenty percent of those meeting criteria for a PDD diagnosis according to DSM‐IV, did not meet DSM‐5 ASD criteria although they had marked difficulties in everyday life.ConclusionAsperger Syndrome, when considered as an ASD/PDD diagnosis, was fairly stable into adulthood, but there was a significant increase over time in cases no longer meeting criteria for an ASD diagnosis according to the DSM‐IV, or AS according to the Gillberg criteria. Cases with a stable diagnosis showed significantly more core ASD symptoms in adolescence/young adulthood.
Renoprotective effects of atorvastatin compared with pravastatin on progression of early diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Takazakura Akiko , Sakurai Masaru , Bando Yukihiro , Misu Hirofumi , Takeshita Yumie , Kita Yuki , Shimizu Akiko , Hayakawa Tetsuo , Kato Ken‐ichiro , Kaneko Shuichi , Takamura Toshinari 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIntroductionSeveral studies have shown that statins suppress the progression of diabetic nephropathy. However, few reports have directly compared the renoprotective effects between potent and conventional statins.Materials and MethodsPatients with diabetic nephropathy, selected as those with a serum creatinine level of 0.9–1.5 mg/dL and simultaneously having either microalbuminuria or positive proteinuria, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a conventional diet therapy group, a group given 10 mg of pravastatin and a group given 10 mg of atorvastatin. Renal function was evaluated before and after a 12‐month period of therapy.ResultsThe atorvastatin group had a significant decrease in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol at 3 months and thereafter compared with the other groups. The urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio significantly decreased in the atorvastatin group; the degree of this decrease was significantly greater than that in the diet therapy group. The kidney function estimated with cystatin C (CysC) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated from CysC were significantly preserved in the atorvastatin group compared with the pravastatin group. In a multivariate regression analysis, the use of atorvastatin was the only explanatory variable for the changes in CysC; this was independent of changes in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.ConclusionsAtorvastatin is more effective than pravastatin for the prevention of increase in CysC, and this renoprotective effect was considered to a result of the pleiotropic effect of atorvastatin independent of its lipid‐lowering effect. This study was registered with UMIN (no. UMIN 000001774).
Screening for Frailty in Older Adults Using a Postal Questionnaire: Rationale, Methods, and Instruments Validation of the INTER‐FRAIL Study
Authors: Di Bari Mauro , Profili Francesco , Bandinelli Stefania , Salvioni Anna , Mossello Enrico , Corridori Carla , Razzanelli Matilde , Di Fiandra Teresa , Francesconi Paolo 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesTo develop and test a postal screening questionnaire to intercept frailty in older community‐dwelling individuals.DesignA questionnaire was developed on the basis of expert consensus and preliminarily tested against the occurrence of incident disability, in secondary analyses of previous epidemiological studies. The questionnaire was then mailed and its concurrent validity, defined from the association between its individual items and summary score and the presence of the Fried frailty phenotype (FFP), was subsequently evaluated cross‐sectionally with in‐person examination of initial participants.SettingCommunity‐based.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 70 and older living in two communities near Florence, Italy.MeasurementsA home comprehensive geriatric assessment including the FFP was conducted in participants who screened positive for frailty and in a limited sample of negative responders.ResultsA 10‐item questionnaire, developed based on expert consensus, was preliminarily tested on preexisting epidemiological data and showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.716 versus incident disability. The questionnaire was then mailed to 15,774 subjects, whose response rate was 53.6%. Of the first 1,037 participants included in the concurrent validation study, 833 (80.3%) screened positive, and 380 (36.6%) were frail on assessment. The ability of the questionnaire summary score to predict frailty was adequate, with an AUC of 0.695, a sensitivity of 71%, and a specificity of 58%.ConclusionA simple questionnaire delivered by mail was able to identify FFP in the community. This would facilitate large‐scale screening for frailty in older persons.
Statin Use and Pain in Older People with Cancer: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Turner Justin P. , Shakib Sepehr , Singhal Nimit , Hogan‐Doran Jonathon , Prowse Robert , Johns Sally , Thynne Tilenka , Bell J. Simon 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate statin use and pain in people with cancer aged 70 to 79 and 80 and older.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingMedical oncology outpatient clinic at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 70 and older who presented consecutively between January 2009 and June 2010 (n = 385), of whom 106 were aged 80 and older.MeasurementsParticipants completed a structured data collection instrument, documenting medication use, comorbidities and a general pain assessment (10‐point visual analogue scale (VAS)). Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with statin use.ResultsThe prevalence of statin use was 35% (n = 97) in people aged 70 to 79 and 39% (n = 41) in those aged 80 and older. After adjusting for age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and analgesic use, statin use was associated with self‐reported pain (VAS ≥5) (OR = 4.09, 95% CI = 1.32–12.68) in people aged 80 and older but not in those aged 70 to 79. Half of participants using statins (51% n = 70) had a palliative treatment approach. Of the 41 statin users aged 80 and older, 20 (49%) were using statins for primary prevention.ConclusionThe prevalence of statin use was similar in people aged 70 to 79 years and those aged 80 and older, with statin use associated with self‐reported pain in people aged 80 and older. This highlights a potential benefit of “deprescribing” statins in older people with cancer, especially those aged 80 and older.
Participation of Older People in Preauthorization Trials of Recently Approved Medicines
Authors: Beers Erna , Moerkerken Dineke C. , Leufkens Hubert G.M. , Egberts Toine C.G. , Jansen Paul A.F. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate the inclusion of older people in clinical trials of recently authorized medicines, evaluating adherence to the 20‐year‐old International Conference of Harmonisation (ICH) guideline on geriatrics (E7).DesignObservational.SettingEuropean public assessment reports, published clinical trials, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older and 75 and older.MeasurementsNumber and proportion of randomized participants and all exclusion criteria of studies involving diseases characteristically associated with aging (venous thromboembolism, osteoporosis, atrial fibrillation) and diseases not unique to older adults (type 2 diabetes mellitus, depression, bipolar disorder, epilepsy).ResultsIn 114 Phase II and III trials of 12 medicines, 43.1% of participants were aged 65 and older, and 16.1% were aged 75 and older. In trials involving diseases characteristically associated with ageing, 57% were aged 65 and older; 22% were aged 75 and older. In trials involving diseases not unique to old age, 9% were aged 65 and older, and 1% were aged 75 and older. Upper age limits were applied in 30.7% of the trials; the frequency did not differ between larger (sample size ≥500) and smaller trials (P = .36), although it was significantly lower in trials involving diseases characteristically associated with aging (18.0%) than in trials of diseases not unique to old age (45.3%; P = .002). Age‐sensitive exclusion criteria, based on comorbidity (75.4%), concomitant medication (71.9%), and other criteria correlated with age (60.5%) were applied more frequently in larger trials (P < .02).ConclusionStudies of diseases not uniquely associated with old age included an unacceptably low proportion of older people, contrary to the recommendations of the ICH E7 guideline. Although the proportion of older participants in trials of diseases characteristically associated with aging was appropriate for certain medicines, the use of age‐sensitive exclusion criteria limits the representativeness of the trial population for daily practice.
Hypoxia During Sleep and the Risk of Falls and Fractures in Older Men: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Sleep Study
Authors: Cauley Jane A. , Blackwell Terri L. , Redline Susan , Ensrud Kristine E. , Ancoli‐Israel Sonia , Fink Howard A. , Orwoll Eric S. , Stone Katie L. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesTo test the hypothesis that low arterial oxygen saturation during sleep is associated with a greater risk of falls and fractures.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingSix U.S. clinical centers.ParticipantsMen aged 67 and older (N = 2,911).MeasurementsThe primary exposure measure was percentage of sleep time with arterial oxygen saturation less than 90% measured using polysomnography. The main outcome measures were incident falls within 1 year and incident nonspine fractures over an average follow‐up of 6.8 years.ResultsMen with 10% or more of sleep time at an arterial oxygen saturation of less than 90% were older, reported more comorbidities, had poorer physical function, and were more likely to have sleep disordered breathing than men with less than 10% sleep time at an arterial oxygen saturation of less than 90%. After multivariate adjustment, men with 10% or more of sleep time with arterial oxygen saturation of less than 90% had a greater risk of having one or more falls (relative risk (RR) = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.51) and two or more falls (RR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.06–1.92) than those with less than 10% of sleep time with less than 90% arterial oxygen saturation. Men with greater percentage of sleep time with arterial oxygen saturation less than 90% had a 30% to 40% greater risk of nonspine fracture than those with normal nocturnal oxygen saturation in models adjusting for sleep disordered breathing.ConclusionHypoxia during sleep may be a risk factor for falls and fractures in older men. Interventions aimed at decreasing nocturnal hypoxia may decrease falls and fractures.