bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Matrix Metalloproteinase‐2 and ‐9 Levels in Patients with Dilated Ascending Aorta and Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Abaci Okay , Kocas Cuneyt , Kilickesmez Kadriye Orta , Uner Sinan , Kucukoglu Serdar 
Published: October 2012

Background: Predictors of aortic dilatation are not well‐described in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Changes in extracellular matrix composition in the aortic wall may play an important role. Our study aimed to examine the relationship between ascending aortic dilatation and biochemical markers for collagen metabolism, such as matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) levels in patients with BAV. Methods: All patients underwent cardiac echocardiography using a standard protocol, and aortic measurements were made in end‐diastole. One hundred twelve BAV patients with no or mild valvular impairment were recruited and grouped according to the aortic dimensions corrected for body surface area (BSA) and age. There were 54 patients with dilated ascending aorta (Group 1) and 58 patients with nondilated ascending aorta (group 2). The plasma levels of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 were determined by ELISA. Results: The mean ascending aorta diameter was 4.49 ± 0.49 mm in group 1 and 3.51 ± 0.46 mm in group 2 (P < 0.001). There were no significant difference in gender, BSA, presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and smoking between the 2 groups. Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed in the levels of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 between the 2 groups. The ascending aorta diameter correlated significantly with age (r = 0.438 P < 0.001). No significant correlation was observed between plasma MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 concentration and ascending aorta diameter, respectively (r = −0.005 P = 0.58, r = −0.106 P = 0.07). Multivariate analysis showed that age was independent predictor of aortic dilatation (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Age was an independent predictor of aortic dilatation in patients with BAV, whereas MMP‐2 and 9 levels were not relevant by aortic dilatation.
Velocity Vector Imaging of Longitudinal Mechanical Properties of Upstream and Downstream Shoulders and Fibrous Cap Tops of Human Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque
Authors: Huang Xiao‐Zhen , Wang Zhi‐Yun , Dai Xiao‐Hua , Yun‐Zhang  , Zhang Mei 
Published: October 2012

Aims: Atherosclerotic plaque rupture is closely related to high regional mechanical stress in the plaque itself. We aimed to explore the longitudinal mechanical properties of upstream and downstream shoulders and fibrous cap tops of human atherosclerotic plaques in vivo by velocity vector imaging (VVI) combined with acoustic densitometry (AD) imaging. Methods and Results: We included 135 patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque. VVI and AD were used to examine 3 regions of carotid plaque along the longitudinal‐axis view. A total of 405 regions were classified with low or high AD values by corrected averages image intensity (AIIc%) < or ≥50, respectively. Peak systolic strain, strain rate (SR), and velocity were significantly greater for upstream than downstream shoulders and fibrous cap tops of carotid plaque (P < 0.05 for both). AIIc% was significantly lower for upstream than downstream plaque shoulders (P < 0.05). Peak systolic SR of the plaque regions was negatively correlated with corresponding AIIc% (R2 = 0.499, P < 0.05). Conclusions: The longitudinal strain of human carotid atherosclerotic plaques as derived by VVI is associated with its corresponding AD but also in part with the internal position of the strain, with values greater for upstream than downstream shoulders and fibrous cap tops.
Delayed flow‐mediated vasodilation and carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Irace Concetta , Carallo Claudio , Loprete Antonio , Tripolino Cesare , Scavelli Faustina , Gnasso Agostino 
Published: October 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012AbstractBackground  In a previous study, we identified temporally distinct postischaemic flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) patterns comparing the standard clinical measurement time of 50s postcuff release with measurement at 2 min. The comparison revealed a cohort with the highest FMD at 50s (Early FMD), another cohort with the highest FMD at 2 min (Late FMD) and a third cohort with no FMD (Absent FMD). The aim of this study was to examine whether these temporally distinct FMD patterns associated with different degrees of carotid atherosclerosis.Materials and methods  One hundred and twenty‐four free‐living white subjects, participating in a cardio‐vascular disease prevention campaign, were enrolled. FMD was measured at 50s, 2 min and 3 min after forearm ischaemia. The intima‐media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery was measured, and the artery was evaluated for the presence and number of carotid plaques.Results  Fifty‐seven subjects had Early FMD, 34 had Late FMD and 33 had Absent FMD. The three groups were comparable for age, sex and cardiovascular risk factors. The number of plaques in the carotid arteries, and IMT, increased progressively from Early, to Late, and to Absent FMD (P < 0·03), indicating that the FMD pattern is an independent predictive variable for IMT and carotid atherosclerosis.Conclusions  The present study demonstrates that temporal patterns associated with the degree of atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries. Patients with delayed vasodilation (Late FMD) had a higher degree of atherosclerosis than those with early vasodilation (Early FMD), and subjects with no postischaemic vasodilation (Absent FMD) had the most atherosclerosis.
Simvastatin induces osteogenic differentiation in human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (AFMSC)
Authors: de Lara Janz Felipe , Favero Giovani Marino , Bohatch Milton Sérgio , Aguiar Debes Adrianade , Bydlowski Sergio Paulo 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAmniotic fluid is a complex mixture composed of water, salts and different cells types derived from embryo exfoliation. Some of these cells present similar characteristics to mesenchymal stem cells as adherent properties, typical surface antigens and differentiation capacity. These cells are called amniotic fluid‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AFMSCs) and are easily obtained by amniocentesis, propagated in culture and differentiated in several cell types with specific inductions. In this study, we observe the ability of simvastatin, a 3‐HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor, to induce AFSMCs osteogenic differentiation. When AFSMCs were incubated with medium containing simvastatin, it was observed morphological changes, calcium deposits formation confirmed by Alizarin Red stain. Differentiated cells also expressed typical osteogenic genes, as osteopontin and osteocalcin. In conclusion, simvastatin could be used as an optional osteogenic induction agent for amniotic fluid‐derived mesenchymal stem cells.
Round‐robin prediction of the fatigue limit of a ring of spheroidal graphite cast iron
Authors: HÄRKEGÅRD G. , SVENSSON T. , ZAMBRANO H. R. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTA round‐robin investigation has been performed, where stress analysts from eight different organisations carried out a total of 11 predictions of the expected fatigue limit of a diametrically loaded cast ring subjected to fluctuating tensile or compressive loading. Whereas geometry, load parameters, and type and quality of material (spheroidal graphite cast iron EN‐GJS‐600‐3) had been prescribed, the participants were free to use computational tools and models, and fatigue assessment models and data of their own choice. The objectives of the investigation were to compare the 11 predictions (i) among themselves, and (ii) with a posteriori experimental fatigue limits determined by means of stair‐case testing. The fatigue limit predictions showed coefficients of variation of as large as 25%. Even for a group of analysts from a single organisation, the coefficients variation were around 15%. Fatigue tests gave mean fatigue limits 60% (tensile loading) and 30% (compressive loading) above the a priori predictions. Possible reasons for the large deviations between single predictions and for their conservatism have been proposed. It seems that design engineers (i) make use of the available room for interpretation of models and data, and (ii) have an unconscious tendency to make conservative assumptions. Only if models and data for fatigue assessment are prescribed in great detail, can the ‘scatter’ among fatigue limit predictions be expected to decrease below 15–25%. Improved ‘absolute’ predictions would require more accurate fatigue data.
Comparative study between the PNL method and a MN in modelling fatigue of composite materials
Authors: BELÍSIO A. SILVA , FREIRE JÚNIOR R. C. SILVERIO 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to compare the results obtained using the piecewise nonlinear model with those of a modular network (MN) architecture in modelling fatigue behaviour. We used a database consisting of ten materials derived from the literature and represented by the following acronyms: C10, C12, DD16, HTA‐913, IM7–977, MAT(0)2, T800–5245, T800H‐3631, QQ1 and QQ1T. The results obtained by MN were compared with those of the PNL. The results for both the PNL and MN model were satisfactory for the fatigue behaviour of glass fiber‐based composite materials, but for carbon fiber‐based composites only MN showed satisfactory results.
Static and fatigue characterization of the Ti5553 titanium alloy
Authors: BETTAIEB M. B. , LENAIN A. , HABRAKEN A. M. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper presents and discusses static (elastoviscoplastic and damage) and high‐cycle fatigue characterization of two microstructures of the Ti5553 alloy. The difference between these two microstructures is related to their heat treatment and precisely to the temperature of the final aging. For each microstructure, several tests were carried out to identify their static and fatigue properties and the test results were correlated to the microstructure. A fractographic analysis of the rupture sections was performed in order to investigate the fracture mechanisms of the two microstructures. Finally, the fatigue properties of the two microstructures were compared with those found in results reported in the literature for two other classical titanium alloys used for aeronautical applications.
Is proximity to the North Atlantic Drift and the Continental Shelf Current sustaining freshwater European eel populations in western Scotland?
Authors: ADAMS COLIN E. , GODFREY JASON D. , DODD JENNIFER A. , MAITLAND PETER S. 
Published: October 2012

Summary1. We report on freshwater resident eel numbers in western Scotland based on two time series of data, independent of each other, spanning 28 years and that do not rely upon fisheries information.2. Data from eel captures on trash screens of a pumping station (1982–2003) on Loch Lomond and electrofishing data from a stream in Lochaber, the Allt Coire nan Con (1989–2010), are compared with similar time series eel population data from elsewhere in the British Isles and more widely in Europe.3. Over the period of the study, indices of eel numbers from across Europe declined by between 72 and 95%; in stark contrast, neither time series from western Scotland showed evidence for decline between 1982 and 2010.4. We provisionally conclude that freshwater populations in western Scotland are being maintained by regional processes directly related to the proximity of the leading edge of the North Atlantic Drift and the Continental Shelf Current and the direction of prevailing winds.
Effects of changes in the driving forces on water quality and plankton dynamics in three Swiss lakes – long‐term simulations with BELAMO
Authors: DIETZEL ANNE , MIELEITNER JOHANNA , KARDAETZ SASCHA , REICHERT PETER 
Published: October 2012

Summary1. With a modified version of the lake model BELAMO, we were able to describe the essential features of the dynamics of nutrients, dissolved oxygen, phyto‐ and zooplankton in three lakes of different trophic status over periods of 19–30 years, with essentially the same model parameters for all three lakes. This is remarkable, as the measured nutrient inputs decreased considerably during the simulated time period.2. Despite having done this before for a period of 4 years with an earlier version of the model, a considerable effort was required that led to a series of model modifications without which the data could not be matched. This demonstrates that long‐term calibration of a model that combines processes in the water column with mineralisation in the sediment can be difficult.3. Due to the necessarily simplified processes within the model, there is a bias in its output. We applied a recently developed technique for model calibration and uncertainty analysis to address bias and multiple calibration criteria. To account for the demanding long‐term simulations, a simplified numerical implementation of this technique was used.4. Our results demonstrate good understanding of the chemical state of the lake during the calibration period but less of the biological variables. The credibility intervals used to visualise this knowledge widen substantially during the prediction period (consisting of the last 10 years of the simulation).5. The joint calibration of the model with long‐term data from lakes of different trophic status is possible but only with considerable prediction uncertainty. Due to the explicit consideration of bias in our calibration technique, we are able to estimate quantitatively the uncertainty of our knowledge about chemical and biological variables in the lake.
Sociological Perspectives on the Economic Geography of Projects: The Case of Project‐Based Working in the Creative Industries
Authors: Watson Allan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a growing concern in economic geography with the organisational practices of project‐based working, involving a multiplicity of organisational and personal social networks. Paralleling this debate has been a growing academic interest in the cultural economy and the conditions of creative work, itself characterized by project‐based working. Cultural and creative workers are argued to symbolise contemporary transformations of work more than any other group of workers. However, despite this being a wide trans‐disciplinary area of enquiry, little economic geography literature has engaged explicitly with perspectives being developed in other disciplines, in particular sociology and cultural and media studies, on the experience and conditions of work in project‐based industries. In this paper I argue for the incorporation of sociological perspectives into our analyses of projects, in order to address the lack of attention to the sociological, political and cultural issues of work. Such an approach, I suggest, can contribute to the economic geography of projects in three ways; first it moves beyond structural analyses to allow for an understanding of the importance of agency in project work; second it allows us to move on from firm‐level analyses to develop an understanding of the complex social networks involved in project‐based working; and finally it moves on from research at the meso‐level on inter‐ and intra‐firm networks to provide micro‐level analyses of project work.
More lightweight and isodiametric seeds for C4than for C3grasses are associated with preference for open habitats of C4grasses in a temperate flora
Authors: Csontos P. , Kalapos T. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSeed mass and shape of grasses were analysed in a temperate flora containing 178 and 26 species belonging to C3and C4photosynthetic types respectively. The weedy character and the annual or perennial status were also considered. On the basis of the seed traits studied, three groups were distinguished: C4grasses, annual C3grasses of weedy character and perennial non‐weedy C3grasses. The C4group had more isodiametric (same diameter in all directions) seed shape and lower average seed mass than the C3group. To our knowledge, this has not yet been described for temperate C4grasses and is certainly associated with their preference for open habitats where competition for light is small. Weedy annual C3grasses had heavier and less isodiametric seeds than C4grasses did. These species are mostly specialized to establish in the dense cover of perennial vegetation, and this ability distinguishes them from the C4group. Non‐weedy perennial C3species possessed less isodiametric seeds than did C4grasses, but did not differ from weedy annual C3grasses. As most alien C4grasses naturalized in Hungary are annuals with small, isodiametric seeds, these traits are good candidates to be included in screening for potential future invasives in open habitats.
Growth promotion of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species by proteinaceous hydrolysates derived from poultry processing leftovers
Authors: Lazzi Camilla , Meli Federica , Lambertini Francesca , Bottesini Chiara , Nikolaev Ilya , Gatti Monica , Sforza Stefano , Koroleva Olga , Popov Vladimir , Neviani Erasmo , Dossena Arnaldo 
Published: October 2012

SummaryBacterial growth media represent a high cost in industrial applications, and for this reason, it is economically important to find less expensive supplements to replace the traditional ones. In the present work, peptide hydrolysates obtained from poultry meat and bone residues (functional animal protein [FAP]) and from feathers (functional feather protein [FFP]) were studied to determine their ability for the production of microbial biomass with improved viability. The results obtained were compared with those obtained with other supplement nutritive compounds used in fermentation growth media. The molecular composition of the hydrolysates in terms of total and soluble nitrogen, molecular weight distribution, total and free amino acids, was determined. The growth and cellular state of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains were studied by turbidimetric measurements and direct count by fluorescence microscopy. Overall, this study suggested that by‐products from poultry industry provide a good alternative to substitute expensive supplements for growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium with a high level of viability.
Intensive care and traumatic brain injury after the introduction of a treatment protocol: a prospective study
Authors: SCHIRMER‐MIKALSEN K. , MOEN K. G. , SKANDSEN T. , VIK A. , KLEPSTAD P. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment protocols have been introduced in the intensive care unit (ICU) to avoid secondary brain injury. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the deviations from such a treatment protocol and the frequency of extracranial complications, and relate these findings to outcome.MethodsDuring a 5‐year period (2004–2009), 133 patients with severe TBI [Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ≤ 8] were prospectively included. The following deviations from treatment goals were studied: intracranial pressure (ICP), blood pressure, haemoglobin, blood glucose, serum sodium, serum albumin, body temperature and extracranial complications during the ICU stay. Outcome was assessed using Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended score at 12 months.ResultsThe frequencies of deviations from the treatment goals were: episodes of intracranial hypertension 69.5% (of monitored patients), hypotension 20.3%, anaemia 77.4%, hyperglycaemia 42.9%, hyponatremia 34.6%, hypoalbuminemia 30.8% and hyperthermia 54.9%. Pulmonary complications were common (pneumonia 72.2%, acute respiratory distress syndrome/acute lung injury 31.6%). Thrombocytopenia (4.5%), severe sepsis (3.0%), renal failure (0.8%) and liver failure (0.8%) were infrequent. Twenty‐six (19.5%) patients died within the first 12 months due to the head injury. Age, GCS score, pupil dilation, Injury Severity Score (ISS), ICP > 25 mmHg, hyperglycaemia and pneumonia predicted a worse outcome.ConclusionsDeviations from the TBI treatment protocol were frequent. Pneumonia was the most frequent extracranial complication. Age, GCS score, pupil dilation, ISS, high ICP, hyperglycaemia and pneumonia predicted a worse outcome.
Investigation of adaptation after liver transplantation using Roy's Adaptation Model
Authors: Ordin Yaprak S. , Karayurt Özgül , Wellard Sally 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn this study we explored the adaptation of transplant recipients in Turkey using the Roy Adaptation Model. A descriptive qualitative design was used with data collected from liver transplant recipients in either individual or group interviews between May 2009 and February 2010. Using deductive content analysis, four themes were identified in the data: physiological mode, self‐concept mode, role function mode, and interdependence mode. Each theme included both adaptive and ineffective behaviors of liver transplant recipients. The findings of this study indicate that liver transplant recipients need information and support about their ineffective behaviors in all modes of the Roy Adaptation Model. The findings also support the use of a nursing model in the delivery of nursing care for liver transplantation recipients.
Association of asthma symptoms with cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption in Korean adolescents
Authors: Kim Oksoo , Kim Bo Hye 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe association of asthma symptoms with cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption in Korean adolescents was investigated in this study using the data of Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Associated risk factors for experiencing asthma symptoms were explored in 3432 adolescents. In the symptomatic group, 21.7% were current smokers, compared to 10.9% in the asymptomatic group. Current smokers in the symptomatic group also smoked more cigarettes than those in the asymptomatic group. In the symptomatic group, 27.4% were current drinkers, compared to 17.9% in the asymptomatic group. Current drinkers in the symptomatic group were more likely to drink alcohol and to have experienced severe intoxication than those in the asymptomatic group. Participants who had been diagnosed within one year (odds ratio = 5.19, 95% confidence interval = 4.17–6.44) and those who had smoked over 20 days during the past 30 days (odds ratio = 1.77, 95% confidence interval = 1.26–2.49) were more likely to experience asthma symptoms. Healthcare providers should identify the risk behaviors of adolescents with asthma and counsel them and their parents simultaneously.
Regulating drug information in Europe: a pyrrhic victory for pharmaceutical industry critics?
Authors: Mulinari Shai 
Published: October 2012

AbstractInformed by recent sociological debates on pharmaceuticalisation, this article examines the evolution of the current EU legal proposal on prescription drug information to patients, as well as the surrounding controversies. In 2008 the European Commission proposed the relaxation of the existing rules governing drug information provision to patients by the pharmaceutical industry. Critics of the industry’s influence over health policy and markets, including consumer organisations, industry‐independent patient organisations and health professionals, rejected the Commission’s proposal, claiming that the industry cannot be considered a reliable source of patient information due to inherent financial conflicts of interest. Since these critics were at least partially successful in rallying opinion against the Commission proposal, they functioned as countervailing forces to promotion‐driven pharmaceuticalisation. Even so, as a watered‐down version of the proposal moved through the European Parliament it was further modified to ultimately resemble the Swedish system that was held up as a high‐quality example of industry‐based information provision. Yet this article contends that the Swedish system displays evidence of corporate bias. Significantly, basing EU policy on a drug information system not resistant to corporate bias risks creating practices that violate the legally mandated mission of EU drug regulation, which is to ‘promote and protect public health’.