bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Markers for Ventricular Repolarization in Coronary Slow Flow: Tp‐e Interval, Tp‐e/QT Ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc Ratio
Authors: Karaman Kayihan , Altunkaş Fatih , Çetin Mustafa , Karayakali Metin , Arısoy Arif , Akar Ilker , Zencir Cemil , Aygüç Barış , Çelik Ataç 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundCoronary slow flow (CSF) is characterized by normal or near‐normal coronary arteries with delayed opacification of the distal vasculature that it may cause angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, life‐threatening arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. The Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio are also known as predictors of ventricular arrhythmogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess ventricular repolarization in patients with CSF by using Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio.MethodsThis study included 50 patients with CSF and 51 control subjects. Coronary flow rates of all subjects were documented by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (TFC). Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio were measured from the 12‐lead electrocardiogram. These parameters were compared between groups.ResultsIn electrocardiographic parameters analysis, QT, QTc, QTd, and QTcd were significantly increased in CSF patients compared with the control subjects (P < 0.001, P = 0.019, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). The Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio in the CSF patients were significantly higher than those in the control subjects (Tp‐e: 117 ± 21 milliseconds [ms] vs 96 ± 16 ms, P < 0.001; Tp‐e/QT: 0.30 ± 0.06 vs 0.27 ± 0.06, P = 0.005; Tp‐e/QTc: 0.27 ± 0.06 vs 0.24 ± 0.05, P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, increased Tp‐e and Tp‐e/QT ratio were associated with CSF.ConclusionsOur study revealed that when compared to the control subjects, Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc were significantly increased in the CSF patients.
Patients with localized non‐small cell lung cancer miss out on curative surgery with distance from specialist care
Authors: Tracey Elizabeth , McCaughan Brian , Badgery‐Parker Tim , Young Jane , Armstrong Bruce K. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundTo determine whether increasing distance to the nearest accessible specialist hospital (NASH, a public hospital with a thoracic surgical service) increases a patient's likelihood of missing out on curative surgery for localized non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodPopulation‐based study of cancer registry records for 27 033 people with lung cancer diagnosed in New South Wales, Australia, between 2000 and 2008 linked to hospital admission records. This analysis includes 3240 patients with localized NSCLC admitted to hospital within 12 months of diagnosis.ResultsPatients who lived 100+ km from the NASH were more likely to have no surgery (50.6%) than those living 0–39 km away (37.6%) and more likely to attend general hospitals for their care (52.2% at 100+ km, 14.8% at 0–39 km). Relative to patients living 0–39 km from the NASH and attending a specialist hospital for their care, the odds ratio (OR) of not having surgery was high if patients attended a general hospital (adjusted OR 5.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.87–9.26, for those 0–39 km distant) and even higher as distance from the NASH increased (24.68, 95% CI 12.37–49.13 for 40–49 km and 30.10, 95% CI 18.2–49.40 for 100+ km). For patients treated in specialist hospitals (public or private), the trend with distance was opposite: relative to 0–39 km, the OR was 0.29 (95% CI 0.15–0.50) at 40–99 km and 0.14 (95% CI 0.08–0.26) at 100+ km.ConclusionsPatients with localized NSCLC are most likely to have no potentially curative surgery if they live distant from a specialist hospital and attend a general hospital for their care.
14 Collapse and Sustainability: Rome, the Maya, and the Modern World
Authors: Tainter Joseph A. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThe factors that make a society sustainable, or vulnerable to collapse, can rarely be discerned within a human lifetime. Sustainability challenges develop over periods of decades, generations, or centuries. Sustainability must therefore be a historical science. A major challenge of the IHOPE program is how to draw valid comparisons among different kinds of societies, existing at different times, that can clarify our contemporary problems of sustainability. This paper develops and illustrates a theory for understanding sustainability and collapse that has cross‐cultural applicability. Illustrating the theory by the collapse of the Western Roman Empire yields new insights into what it means to be a sustainable society. Comparison to the Maya reveals that, despite many differences, the Roman Empire and Maya polities underwent similar patterns of cultural evolution, and developed similar vulnerabilities. Comparison of both historical cases to the sustainability challenges of today demonstrates that contemporary industrial societies face evolutionary processes similar to those experienced by the Romans and the Maya. This analysis yields several points that are worthwhile for policy makers to understand.
The lignan (+)‐episesamin interferes with TNF‐α‐induced activation of VSMC via diminished activation of NF‐ĸB, ERK1/2 and AKT and decreased activity of gelatinases
Authors: Freise C. , Querfeld U. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimActivation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), a key event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, is triggered by inflammatory stimuli such as tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) causing a mitogenic VSMC response. The polyphenol (+)‐episesamin (ES) was shown to counteract TNF‐α‐induced effects, for example in macrophages. Aiming for novel therapeutic options, we here investigated whether ES protects VSMC from TNF‐α‐induced growth and migration, which both contribute to the onset and progression of atherosclerosis.MethodsHuman and murine VSMC were treated with combinations of ES and TNF‐α. Expressions of mRNA were analyzed by RT‐PCR. Enzymatic activities and proliferation were determined by specific substrate assays. Cell signalling was analyzed by Western blot and reporter gene assays. Migration was assessed by wound healing assays.ResultsES at 1–10 μm reduced basal and TNF‐α‐induced VSMC proliferation and migration due to impaired activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK)1/2, Akt (protein kinase B), nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐ĸB) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)‐1. This was accompanied by reduced expression and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐2/‐9, which are known to promote VSMC migration. Specific inhibitors of Akt, NF‐ĸB and MMP‐2/‐9 reduced TNF‐α‐induced VSMC proliferation, confirming ES‐specific effects. Besides, ES reduced TNF‐α‐ and H2O2‐induced oxidative stress and in parallel induces anti‐inflammatory haem oxygenase (HO)‐1 expression.ConclusionES interferes with inflammation‐associated VSMC activation and subsequent decreased proliferation and migration due to anti‐oxidative properties and impaired activation of NF‐ĸB, known contributors to atherogenesis. These results suggest ES as a complemental treatment of VSMC specific vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.
Effect of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB on tissue integration of cross‐linked and non‐cross‐linked collagen matrices in a rat ectopic model
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Nänni Nadja , Benic Goran I. , Weber Franz E. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Jung Ronald E. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimTo test whether or not the network structure and the addition of recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (rhPDGF‐BB) to a chemically cross‐linked collagen matrix (CCM)‐ and a non‐cross‐linked collagen matrix (NCCM)‐influenced tissue integration, angiogenesis, and matrix degradation.Materials and methodsFour treatment modalities were randomly assigned to four unconnected pouches in the back of 50 rats: (i) CCM‐S (soaked in saline), (ii) CCM‐P (plus rhPDGF‐BB), (iii) NCCM‐S (soaked in saline), and (iv) NCCM‐P (plus rhPDGF‐BB). The animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks. Descriptive histology and histomorphometric assessments were performed thereby evaluating matrix thickness, the number of vessels (angiogenesis), and connective tissue formation. Means and standard deviations were calculated. Robust linear mixed modeling was used to test the effect of group (NCCM vs CCM), rhPDGF‐BB, and time point of sacrifice (2, 4, and 8 weeks).ResultsThe thickness of NCCM groups revealed stability (range 440–570 μm) over 8 weeks, while the matrices were no longer present at 16 and 24 weeks. CCM matrices demonstrated a maximal thickness at 2 weeks (2689 ± 187 μm for CCM‐S and 2693 ± 389 μm for CCM‐P), a decrease of roughly 40% at 8 weeks, but were still present at 16 and 24 weeks. Vascularization of NCCM gradually increased over time with a peak (mean 17.0; SD 1.7) for NCCM‐S and NCCM‐P (22.0 ± 34.8) at 8 weeks. Angiogenesis in CCM was significantly more pronounced at early time points with a peak at 2 weeks (29.3 ± 16.8 for CCM‐S and 30.3 ± 18.4 for CCM‐P). No statistically significant effect of rhPDGF‐BB was observed for any of the evaluated parameters (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe compact layer (in NCCM) delayed angiogenesis and connective tissue formation, while the spongeous cross‐linked matrix of CCM facilitated early vascularization and demonstrated network presence over a longer time span.
Risk of venous thromboembolism in people with epilepsy
Authors: Martz Gabriel U. , Wilson Dulaney A. , Malek Angela M. , Selassie Anbesaw W. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryObjectiveRisk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among people with epilepsy (PWEs) has not been previously reported. Standard VTE prevention methods may increase the risk of complications in this population. This statewide study assessed the risk of VTE in PWEs.MethodsMain risk categories were grouped into definite epilepsy (DE), probable epilepsy (PE), and migraine, a comparable neurologic condition. All inpatient, emergency department, and hospital‐based outpatient encounters in South Carolina from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2011, were evaluated for the primary outcome variable of VTE, defined as having a diagnosis of VTE at or after the diagnosis of epilepsy or migraine. Coagulopathies and common comorbidities of epilepsy were enumerated. Differences in VTE proportions were assessed using 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Association of VTE with epilepsy and migraine was evaluated with Cox proportional hazard modeling.ResultsA total of 138,497 people with migraine (PWMs) and 67,900 PWEs (32,186 DE, 35,714 PE) were included. VTE occurred in 2.7% of PWEs (4.2% among DE), and 0.6% of PWMs. The hazard ratio for VTE in DE compared with PWMs was 3.08 (95% CI 2.76−3.42), adjusted for all covariables. Higher numbers of comorbidities were strongly associated with VTE. PWE had higher numbers of comorbidities (52% with 2+ comorbidities versus 23% of PWM), but the impact of comorbidities on VTE risk was larger in PWM.SignificanceHigher VTE risk in PWE than PWM suggests risk factors associated with epilepsy, independent of chronic neurologic illness. VTE occurrence in PWE is comparable to published rates among people with cancer.
Honeybees Use Celestial and/or Terrestrial Compass Cues for Inter‐Patch Navigation
Authors: Najera Daniel A. , McCullough Erin L. , Jander Rudolf 
Published: September 2014

AbstractForaging honeybees (Apis mellifera) are well known to fly straight from the hive, their primary hub, to distal goals as well as between familiar feeding sites. More recently, it was shown that a distal feeding site may be used as a secondary hub. If not fully satiated, the foraging bee may decide to depart the first feeding site in a new compass direction straight to one of many other feeding sites (inter‐patch foraging). Using a recently developed recording method, we discovered that the chosen departure direction at a secondary hub can be guided exclusively by either celestial or terrestrial compass cues. Given our data, we draw two theoretical inferences. First, the bees must be capable of learning and remembering multiple, spatially distinct, navigation vectors between the hive and among multiple feeding sites. Second, this documented and useful representation of multiple navigation vectors between multiple, identified target locations logically implies composite place‐vector mapping, stored in long‐term memory.
Protein post‐translational modification in host defense: the antimicrobial mechanism of action of human eosinophil cationic protein native forms
Authors: Salazar Vivian A. , Rubin Jenny , Moussaoui Mohammed , Pulido David , Nogués Maria Victòria , Venge Per , Boix Ester 
Published: September 2014

Knowledge on the contribution of protein glycosylation in host defense antimicrobial peptides is still scarce. We have studied here how the post‐translational modification pattern modulates the antimicrobial activity of one of the best characterized leukocyte granule proteins. The human eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), an eosinophil specific granule protein secreted during inflammation and infection, can target a wide variety of pathogens. Previous work in human eosinophil extracts identified several ECP native forms and glycosylation heterogeneity was found to contribute to the protein biological properties. In this study we analyze for the first time the antimicrobial activity of the distinct native proteins purified from healthy donor blood. Low and heavy molecular weight forms were tested on Escherichia coli cell cultures and compared with the recombinant non‐glycosylated protein. Further analysis on model membranes provided an insight towards an understanding of the protein behavior at the cytoplasmic membrane level. The results highlight the significant reduction in protein toxicity and bacteria agglutination activity for heavy glycosylated fractions. Notwithstanding, the lower glycosylated fraction mostly retains the lipopolysaccharide binding affinity together with the cytoplasmic membrane depolarization and membrane leakage activities. From structural analysis we propose that heavy glycosylation interferes with the protein self‐aggregation, hindering the cell agglutination and membrane disruption processes. The results suggest the contribution of post‐translational modifications to the antimicrobial role of ECP in host defense.
Hypocenter migration and crustal seismic velocity distribution observed for the inland earthquake swarms induced by the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake in NE Japan: implications for crustal fluid distribution and crustal permeability
Authors: Okada T. , Matsuzawa T. , Umino N. , Yoshida K. , Hasegawa A. , Takahashi H. , Yamada T. , Kosuga M. , Takeda T. , Kato A. , Igarashi T. , Obara K. , Sakai S. , Saiga A. , Iidaka T. , Iwasaki T. , Hirata N. , Tsumura N. , Yamanaka Y. , Terakawa T. , Nakamichi H. , Okuda T. , Horikawa S. , Katao H. , Miura T. , Kubo A. , Matsushima T. , Goto K. , Miyamachi H. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAfter the occurrence of the 2011 magnitude 9 Tohoku earthquake, the seismicity in the overriding plate changed. The seismicity appears to form distinct belts. From the spatiotemporal distribution of hypocenters, we can quantify the evolution of seismicity after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. In some earthquake swarms near Sendai (Nagamachi‐Rifu fault), Moriyoshi‐zan volcano, Senya fault, and the Yamagata–Fukushima border (Aizu‐Kitakata area, west of Azuma volcano), we can observe temporal expansion of the focal area. This temporal expansion is attributed to fluid diffusion. Observed diffusivity would correspond to the permeability of about 10−15 (m2). We can detect the area from which fluid migrates as a seismic low‐velocity area. In the lower crust, we found seismic low‐velocity areas, which appear to be elongated along N–S or NE–SW, the strike of the island arc. These seismic low‐velocity areas are located not only beneath the volcanic front but also beneath the fore‐arc region. Seismic activity in the upper crust tends to be high above these low‐velocity areas in the lower crust. Most of the shallow earthquakes after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake are located above the seismic low‐velocity areas. We thus suggest fluid pressure changes are responsible for the belts of seismicity.
Effect of probiotic VSL#3 in the treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: A non‐inferiority randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pratap Mouli Venigalla , Benjamin Jaya , Bhushan Singh Mamta , Mani Kalaivani , Garg Sushil Kumar , Saraya Anoop , Joshi Yogendra Kumar 
Published: September 2014

AimMinimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) impairs daily functioning and health‐related quality of life in chronic liver disease (CLD). Lactulose is the standard treatment but has side‐effects. Probiotics have an encouraging role in MHE. The aim of the present study was to test whether probiotics are non‐inferior to lactulose in improving MHE.MethodsPatients with CLD (n = 227) were screened for MHE using neuropsychometric tests (number connection tests A and B [or figure connection tests A and B]) and/or neurophysiological test (P‐300 auditory event‐related potential), and 120 (53%) were diagnosed with MHE by abnormal tests. MHE patients were randomized to lactulose (30–60 mL/day) or probiotic (four capsules of VSL#3; total of 450 billion CFU/day) for 2 months. Response was defined as normalization of tests. Serum ammonia was measured by commercial kit.ResultsOf 120 patients randomized, 40 in the lactulose arm and 33 in the probiotic arm completed 2 months of intervention. MHE improved in 25 (62.5%) patients taking lactulose and 23 (69.7%) taking probiotics. The effect size of difference of improvement in MHE between lactulose and probiotic was 0.072 per per‐protocol analysis and 0.040 as per intention to treat analysis (within −20% of non‐inferiority margin). Serum ammonia was comparable between groups at baseline and 2 months; it decreased in patients in whom MHE improved, while increased in patients with no improvement in MHE.ConclusionThe probiotic VSL#3 was non‐inferior to the standard therapy, lactulose in the treatment of MHE. Improvement in MHE correlated with reduction of ammonia levels.
Age‐related morphometric changes of inner structures of the skin assessed by in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Kawasaki Kaori , Yamanishi Kiyofumi , Yamada Hidekazu 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn vivo reflectance confocal microscopy is a useful technique for non‐invasive biometry of cutaneous inner structures. In this study, the changes in the inner structures were examined in a wide age range of healthy Japanese using this technique.Materials and methodsSkin on the flexor side of the arm and on the face, which represent sun‐protected and sun‐exposed sites of the skin, respectively, was examined in 52 healthy Japanese subjects aged 6 months–81 years old using a reflectance confocal microscope Vivascope® 3000.ResultsThe size of granular cells increased with age and was larger in the group aged over 50 years than in the young group aged 18–21 years old, at both sites. The size of prickle cells also increased with age in the face but not in the arm. The size of dermal papillae measured at depths of 50 μm (Z = 50 μm) and 80 μm (Z = 80 μm) from the surface decreased with age. The size at Z = 80 μm was smaller in the older group than in the younger group at both sites. However, the mean size of granular cells and dermal papillae was smaller in the face than in the arm. The number of dermal papillae decreased with age in the arm at Z = 50 μm and in the face at Z = 80 μm.ConclusionsSkin aging may be reflected in the size of granular and prickle cells and dermal papillae, and the extent varies in each sun‐exposed or sun‐protected skin site.
Simultaneous detection of IgG, IgM, IgA complexes and C3d attached to erythrocytes by flow cytometry
Authors: Alzate M. A. , Manrique L. G. , Bolaños N. I. , Duarte M. , Coral‐Alvarado P. , González J. M. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryIntroductionImmune complexes attached to erythrocyte membrane are involved in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) pathogenesis. Currently, direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is used for AIHA diagnosis; however, its performance can be variable. The aim of this study was to design a flow cytometry protocol for simultaneous detection of IgG, IgM, IgA immune complexes and C3d attached to erythrocytes in AIHA patients .MethodsA procedure was standardized for assessing independent or simultaneous IgG, IgM, IgA immune complexes and C3d, which were detected using secondary antibodies. The protocol developed was applied to blood samples of patients with AIHA, donors at risk of developing the disease, and healthy controls.ResultsTwenty‐four blood samples were assessed: nine patients with AIHA, five donors at risk of developing the disease, and 10 healthy controls. In the AIHA group, all were positive for C3d, seven for IgG, four for IgA, and one for IgM. Two AIHA patients that were negative for DAT‐IgG and C3d were positive for C3d by flow cytometry.ConclusionFlow cytometry is a consistent method for identifying the presence of IgG, IgM, IgA immune complexes and C3d attached to erythrocytes and can be helpful for understanding the mechanisms involved in AIHA pathogenesis.
Is gestational weight gain associated with offspring obesity at 36 months?
Authors: Diesel J. C. , Eckhardt C. L. , Day N. L. , Brooks M. M. , Arslanian S. A. , Bodnar L. M. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryObjectiveWe examined the association between gestational weight gain (GWG) and offspring obesity at age 36 months.MethodsMother–infant dyads (n = 609) were followed from a first study visit (mean [standard deviation]: 18.8 [2.7] weeks gestation) to 36 months postpartum. Total GWG over the entire pregnancy was defined as excessive or non‐excessive according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines. Four mutually exclusive categories of excessive or non‐excessive GWG across early (conception to first study visit) and late (first study visit to delivery) pregnancy defined GWG pattern. Body mass index (BMI) z‐scores ≥95th percentile of the 2000 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) references defined offspring obesity at 36 months. Multivariable log‐binomial models adjusted for pre‐pregnancy BMI and breastfeeding were used to estimate the association between GWG and childhood obesity risk.ResultsNearly half of the women had total excessive GWG. Of these, 46% gained excessively during both early and late pregnancy while 22% gained excessively early and non‐excessively late, and the remaining 32% gained non‐excess weight early and excessively later. Thirteen per cent of all children were obese at 36 months. Excessive total GWG was associated with more than twice the risk of child obesity (adjusted risk ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.20 [1.35, 3.61]) compared with overall non‐excessive GWG. Compared with a pattern of non‐excessive GWG in both early and late pregnancy, excessive GWG in both periods was associated with an increased risk of obesity (2.39 [1.13, 5.08]).ConclusionsExcessive GWG is a potentially modifiable factor that may influence obesity development in early childhood.