bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase/Pentraxin 3 and DNA damage axis: a gateway to cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus among Egyptian patients
Authors: Zineldeen Doaa Hussein , Keshk Walaa Arafa , Ghazy Ahmed Hamza , El-Barbary Amal Mohamed 
Published: March 2015

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic multisystemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammatory processes and failure of immune-regulatory mechanisms. Systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. In view of immunometabolic derangements of systemic lupus erythematosus, we investigated the roles of sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase, Pentraxin 3, and DNA damage in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with cardiovascular disease. Methods Forty systemic lupus erythematosus women with cardiovascular disease (systemic lupus erythematosus cases), 40 systemic lupus erythematosus women without cardiovascular disease, and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Plasma concentrations of sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase and Pentraxin 3 were immunoassayed. Carotid intima media thickness, atherogenic, and DNA damage indices were also assessed. Results Plasma sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase and Pentraxin 3 concentrations were increased in systemic lupus erythematosus cases with cardiovascular disease compared to systemic lupus erythematosus controls and healthy controls ( P < 0.0001). In systemic lupus erythematosus cases, there was a positive correlation between sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase and Pentraxin 3 (r = 0.57, P < 0.002). Conclusions These data highlight a novel role of sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase/Pentraxin 3 axis in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis. Sucrose non-fermenting AMPK related kinase/Pentraxin 3 combined role in immunometabolic signaling and DNA damage response is proposed to accelerate cardiovascular complications in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
Forskningsdata från cyberrymden: Analys och vägledning utifrån vårdvetenskaplig kunskapsteori
Authors: Salzmann-Erikson Martin , Eriksson Henrik 
Published: March 2015

Aim The aim was to identify how ethical issues have been handled in theses written by undergraduate students in the field of nursing. Background The act of gathering information online to become an ‘expert’ by locating useful advice for oneself – and others – is a fairly new phenomenon. How virtual caring and nursing can contribute to people’s health as a resource is growing as an area of interest within the field of caring sciences. Methods A qualitative content analysis of 21 bachelor theses in nursing science was conducted. The analysis focused on how ethical issues concerning gathering data in cyberspace were handled. Findings The results show that the students chose very complex health issues when gathering data in cyberspace. The results reveal asymmetries between the researcher and subjects behind the data (the bloggers), both in terms of knowledge as well as in relation to the resources available to them. Conclusions There is a need to discuss cyberspace as a source of data, including ethical, ontological, and epistemological issues. Based on the findings, we provide a tentative outline of how data from cyberspace can be used by nursing researchers and instructors at all levels in the field.
Outcomes of a Stepcut Lengthening Calcaneal Osteotomy for Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity
Authors: Demetracopoulos Constantine A. , Nair Pallavi , Malzberg Andrew , Deland Jonathan T. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Lateral column lengthening is used to correct abduction deformity at the midfoot and improve talar head coverage in patients with flatfoot deformity. It was our hypothesis that following a stepcut lengthening calcaneal osteotomy (SLCO), patients would have adequate correction of the deformity, a high union rate of the osteotomy, and improvement in clinical outcome scores. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 37 consecutive patients who underwent SLCO for the treatment of stage IIB flatfoot deformity with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Deformity correction was assessed using preoperative and postoperative weight-bearing radiographs. Healing of the osteotomy was assessed by computed tomography. Clinical outcomes included the FAOS and SF-36 questionnaires. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare clinical outcome scores. An alpha level of .05 was deemed statistically significant. Results: Healing of the osteotomy occurred at a mean of 7.7 weeks postoperatively. The talonavicular (TN) coverage angle improved from 34.0 to 8.8 ( P < .001), the percentage of TN uncoverage improved from 40.9% to 17.7% ( P < .001), and the TN incongruency angle improved from 68.1 to 8.7 ( P < .001). In addition, there was an improvement in FAOS pain ( P < .001), daily activities ( P < .001), sport activities ( P = .006), and quality of life scores ( P < .001). Overall SF-36 scores also showed improvement postoperatively ( P < .001). There was no incidence of delayed union, nonunion, or graft collapse. Conclusion: Following SLCO, patients demonstrated excellent healing, good correction of the deformity, and improvement in clinical outcomes scores. The SLCO is an alternative to the Evans osteotomy for lateral column lengthening. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case review.
Understanding honor in religious, cultural, and moral experience: Commentary on “Diasporic Virginities: Social Representations of Virginity and Constructions of Identity amongst British Arab Muslim Women” by Howarth, Caroline; Amer, Amena; and Sen, Ragini
Authors: Rasmussen Susan 
Published: March 2015

An important and timely topic in the study of the connections and divergences between culture and religion is the construction of concepts of honor in moral experience, and how these are expressed symbolically and socially. How can a moral concept such as honor be a sign of distinction and belonging at once, and why does honor remain important in a diasporic community, though not identical in meanings to honor in some other “home” cultures? How does one decide which beliefs, practices, and institutions to call religious? Which ones to call cultural? In this commentary, I pursue these questions from ethnographic and cross-cultural comparative perspectives, inspired by post-structural interpretive anthropology of religion, semiology, and phenomenology. Culture, not solely theological doctrine or dogma, defines religion. It is important to ask how particular definitions emerge and come to objectify their referents. The elaboration of context is a central feature of interpretation; a religion may look very different from one society and culture to another, and it may also look very different within the same culture and society, from one context to another. Yet moral experience remains central. Those among the British Arab Muslim women studied by Howarth et al. who value virginity in their concept of honor are creatively re-enacting their cultural/ethnic identity through their choices in sexual mores. Honor, as expressed in virginity, is in effect performed in the Goffmanesque sense of presentation of self in everyday life.
The NICE recommendation for drug-coated balloons and its global impact
Authors: Eccleshall Simon , Waliszewski M. 
Published: March 2015

Objectives: The clinical efficacy and safety of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty in patients with coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) has been demonstrated. The objective of this article is to provide comparative cost efficacy data for DCB angioplasty in various countries based on the original methodology of the Medical Technologies Evaluation Programme (MTEP) at the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in 2010. Study design: Published and unpublished Health Technology Assessment (HTA) reports were evaluated for comparison in selected countries. Furthermore, a systematic review of economic evaluations of DCB angioplasty versus standard treatments (uncoated balloon angioplasty or drug-eluting stent implantations) was conducted. Methods: National cost efficacy data were evaluated using Markov state transition models which were adapted to fit each country’s device and procedure related costs. The clinical input for adverse events was defined with two relevant trials for in-stent restenosis of bare metal stents (BMS-ISR) and of drug-eluting stents (DES-ISR). Results: In the UK, Germany, Switzerland, South Africa, Japan and Brazil, DCB angioplasty is cost-effective when compared with drug-eluting stents to treat either BMS-ISR or DES-ISR. Conclusions: DCB angioplasty ought to be the preferred treatment option for patients with BMS-ISR and DES-ISR from the payers’ point of view.
β2-Glycoprotein I/HLA class II complexes are novel autoantigens in antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Tanimura Kenji , Jin Hui , Suenaga Tadahiro , Morikami Satoko , Arase Noriko , Kishida Kazuki , Hirayasu Kouyuki , Kohyama Masako , Ebina Yasuhiko , Yasuda Shinsuke , Horita Tetsuya , Takasugi Kiyoshi , Ohmura Koichiro , Yamamoto Ken , Katayama Ichiro , Sasazuki Takehiko , Lanier Lewis L. , Atsumi Tatsuya , Yamada Hideto , Arase Hisashi 
Published: March 2015

Key Pointsβ2GPI complexed with HLA class II molecules was found to be a target for autoantibodies in APS. More than 80% of patients with APS possess autoantibodies against β2GPI/HLA class II complexes.
Expression of multiple horizontally acquired genes is a hallmark of both vertebrate and invertebrate genomes
Authors: Crisp Alastair , Boschetti Chiara , Perry Malcolm , Tunnacliffe Alan , Micklem Gos 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Background
A fundamental concept in biology is that heritable material, DNA, is passed from parent to offspring, a process called vertical gene transfer. An alternative mechanism of gene acquisition is through horizontal gene transfer (HGT), which involves movement of genetic material between different species. HGT is well-known in single-celled organisms such as bacteria, but its existence in higher organisms, including animals, is less well established, and is controversial in humans.

Results
We have taken advantage of the recent availability of a sufficient number of high-quality genomes and associated transcriptomes to carry out a detailed examination of HGT in 26 animal species (10 primates, 12 flies and four nematodes) and a simplified analysis in a further 14 vertebrates. Genome-wide comparative and phylogenetic analyses show that HGT in animals typically gives rise to tens or hundreds of active ‘foreign’ genes, largely concerned with metabolism. Our analyses suggest that while fruit flies and nematodes have continued to acquire foreign genes throughout their evolution, humans and other primates have gained relatively few since their common ancestor. We also resolve the controversy surrounding previous evidence of HGT in humans and provide at least 33 new examples of horizontally acquired genes.

Conclusions
We argue that HGT has occurred, and continues to occur, on a previously unsuspected scale in metazoans and is likely to have contributed to biochemical diversification during animal evolution.
The impact of different multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the X-band microwave absorption of their epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Che Bien Dong , Nguyen Bao Quoc , Nguyen Le-Thu T , Nguyen Ha Tran , Nguyen Viet Quoc , Van Le Thang , Nguyen Nieu Huu 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Background
Carbon nanotube (CNT) characteristics, besides the processing conditions, can change significantly the microwave absorption behavior of CNT/polymer composites. In this study, we investigated the influence of three commercial multi-walled CNT materials with various diameters and length-to-diameter aspect ratios on the X-band microwave absorption of epoxy nanocomposites with CNT contents from 0.125 to 2 wt%, prepared by two dispersion methods, i.e. in solution with surfactant-aiding and via ball-milling.

Results
The laser diffraction particle size and TEM analysis showed that both methods produced good dispersions at the microscopic level of CNTs. Both a high aspect ratio resulting in nanotube alignment trend and good infiltration of the matrix in the individual nanotubes, which was indicated by high Brookfield viscosities at low CNT contents of CNT/epoxy dispersions, are important factors to achieve composites with high microwave absorption characteristics. The multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) with the largest aspect ratio resulted in composites with the best X-band microwave absorption performance, which is considerably better than that of reported pristine CNT/polymer composites with similar or lower thicknesses and CNT loadings below 4 wt%.

Conclusions
A high aspect ratio of CNTs resulting in microscopic alignment trend of nanotubes as well as a good level of micro-scale CNT dispersion resulting from good CNT-matrix interactions are crucial to obtain effective microwave absorption performance. This study demonstrated that effective radar absorbing MWCNT/epoxy nanocomposites having small matching thicknesses of 2–3 mm and very low filler contents of 0.25-0.5 wt%, with microwave energy absorption in the X-band region above 90% and maximum absorption peak values above 97%, could be obtained via simple processing methods, which is promising for mass production in industrial applications.
Field-scale time-domain spectral induced polarization monitoring of geochemical changes induced by injected CO2 in a shallow aquifer
Authors: Doetsch Joseph , Fiandaca Gianluca , Auken Esben , Christiansen Anders Vest , Cahill Aaron Graham , Jakobsen Rasmus 
Published: March 2015

Contamination of potable groundwater by leaking [Formula: see text] is a potential risk of carbon sequestration. With the help of a field experiment, we investigated whether surface monitoring of direct current (DC) electric resistivity and induced polarization (IP) could detect geochemical changes induced by [Formula: see text] in a shallow aquifer. For this purpose, we injected [Formula: see text] at depths of 5 and 10 m and monitored its migration using 320 electrodes on a [Formula: see text] surface grid. Measured resistances and IP decay curves found a clear signal associated with the injected [Formula: see text] and rebounded to preinjection values after the end of the injection. Full-decay 2D DC-IP inversion was used to invert for the subsurface distribution in Cole-Cole parameters and changes to these parameter fields over time. The time-lapse inversions found plumes of decreased resistivity and increased normalized chargeability. The two plumes were of different shapes, with the resistivity anomaly being larger. Comparison with measurements of electric conductivity and aluminum (Al) concentrations indicated that two geochemical processes were imaged. We interpreted the change in resistivity to be associated with the increase in free ions directly caused by the dissolution of [Formula: see text], whereas the change in normalized chargeability was most likely linked to persistent acidification and best indicated by Al concentrations. The results highlight the potential for monitoring of field scale geochemical changes by means of surface DC-IP measurements. Especially the different developments of the DC resistivity and normalized chargeability anomalies and the different associated geochemical processes highlight the added value of IP to resistivity monitoring.
Awareness of Breast Density and Its Impact on Breast Cancer Detection and Risk
Authors: Rhodes Deborah J. , Radecki Breitkopf Carmen , Ziegenfuss Jeanette Y. , Jenkins Sarah M. , Vachon Celine M. 
Published: March 2015

Purpose Legislation mandating disclosure of breast density (BD) information has passed in 21 states; however, actual awareness of BD and knowledge of its impact on breast cancer detection and risk are unknown. Methods We conducted a national cross-sectional survey administered in English and Spanish using a probability-based sample of screening-age women, with oversampling of Connecticut, the only state with BD legislation in effect for > 1 year before the survey. Results Of 2,311 women surveyed, 65% responded. Overall, 58% of women had heard of BD, 49% knew that BD affects breast cancer detection, and 53% knew that BD affects cancer risk. After multivariable adjustment, increased BD awareness was associated with white non-Hispanic race/ethnicity (Hispanic v white non-Hispanic: odds ratio [OR], 0.23; P < .001), household income (OR, 1.07 per category increase; P < .001), education (OR, 1.19 per category increase; P < .001), diagnostic evaluation after a mammogram (OR, 2.64; P < .001), and postmenopausal hormone therapy (OR, 1.69; P = .002). Knowledge of the masking effect of BD was associated with higher household income (OR, 1.10; P < .001), education (OR, 1.22; P = .01), prior breast biopsy (OR, 2.16; P < .001), and residing in Connecticut (Connecticut v other states: OR, 3.82; P = .003). Connecticut residents were also more likely to have discussed their BD with a health care provider (67% v 43% for residents of other US states; P = .001). Conclusion Disparities in BD awareness and knowledge exist by race/ethnicity, education, and income. BD legislation seems to be effective in increasing knowledge of BD impact on breast cancer detection. These findings support continued and targeted efforts to improve BD awareness and knowledge among women eligible for screening mammography.
Phase III Open-Label Randomized Study of Cytarabine in Combination With Amonafide L-Malate or Daunorubicin As Induction Therapy for Patients With Secondary Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Stone Richard M. , Mazzola Emanuele , Neuberg Donna , Allen Steven L. , Pigneux Arnaud , Stuart Robert K. , Wetzler Meir , Rizzieri David , Erba Harry P. , Damon Lloyd , Jang Jun-Ho , Tallman Martin S. , Warzocha Krzysztof , Masszi Tamás , Sekeres Mikkael A. , Egyed Miklos , Horst Heinz-August , Selleslag Dominik , Solomon Scott R. , Venugopal Parameswaran , Lundberg Ante S. , Powell Bayard 
Published: March 2015

Purpose Secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML), defined as AML arising after a prior myelodysplastic syndrome or after antineoplastic therapy, responds poorly to current therapies. It is often associated with adverse karyotypic abnormalities and overexpression of proteins that mediate drug resistance. We performed a phase III trial to determine whether induction therapy with cytarabine and amonafide L-malate, a DNA intercalator and non–ATP-dependent topoisomerase II inhibitor that evades drug resistance mechanisms, yielded a superior complete remission rate than standard therapy with cytarabine and daunorubicin in sAML. Patients and Methods Patients with previously untreated sAML were randomly assigned at a one-to-one ratio to cytarabine 200 mg/m2 continuous intravenous (IV) infusion once per day on days 1 to 7 plus either amonafide 600 mg/m2 IV over 4 hours on days 1 to 5 (A + C arm) or daunorubicin 45 mg/m2 IV over 30 minutes once per day on days 1 to 3 (D + C arm). Results The complete remission (CR) rate was 46% (99 of 216 patients) in A + C arm and 45% (97 of 217 patients) in D + C arm (P = .81). The 30- and 60-day mortality rates were 19% and 28% in A + C arm and 13% and 21% in D + C arm, respectively. Conclusion Induction treatment with A + C did not improve the CR rate compared with D + C in patients with sAML.
Nadir Testosterone Within First Year of Androgen-Deprivation Therapy (ADT) Predicts for Time to Castration-Resistant Progression: A Secondary Analysis of the PR-7 Trial of Intermittent Versus Continuous ADT
Authors: Klotz Laurence , O'Callaghan Chris , Ding Keyue , Toren Paul , Dearnaley David , Higano Celestia S. , Horwitz Eric , Malone Shawn , Goldenberg Larry , Gospodarowicz Mary , Crook Juanita M. 
Published: March 2015

Purpose Three small retrospective studies have suggested that patients undergoing continuous androgen deprivation (CAD) have superior survival and time to progression if lower castrate levels of testosterone (< 0.7 nmol/L) are achieved. Evidence from prospective large studies has been lacking. Patients and Methods The PR-7 study randomly assigned patients experiencing biochemical failure after radiation therapy or surgery plus radiation therapy to CAD or intermittent androgen deprivation. The relationship between testosterone levels in the first year and cause-specific survival (CSS) and time to androgen-independent progression in men in the CAD arm was evaluated using Cox regression. Results There was a significant difference in CSS (P = .015) and time to hormone resistance (P = .02) among those who had first-year minimum nadir testosterone ≤ 0.7, > 0.7 to ≤ 1.7, and ≥ 1.7 nmol/L. Patients with first-year nadir testosterone consistently > 0.7 nmol/L had significantly higher risks of dying as a result of disease (0.7 to 1.7 nmol/L: hazard ratio [HR], 2.08; 95% CI, 1.28 to 3.38; > 1.7 nmol/L: HR, 2.93; 95% CI, 0.70 to 12.30) and developing hormone resistance (0.7 to 1.7 nmol/L: HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.20 to 2.18; ≥ 1.7 nmol/L: HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 0.77 to 4.70). Maximum testosterone ≥ 1.7 nmol/L predicted for a higher risk of dying as a result of disease (P = .02). Conclusion Low nadir serum testosterone (ie, < 0.7 mmol/L) within the first year of androgen-deprivation therapy correlates with improved CSS and duration of response to androgen deprivation in men being treated for biochemical failure undergoing CAD.
The Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Pancreatic Lipid Metabolism and Blood Flow
Authors: Honka Henri , Koffert Jukka , Hannukainen Jarna C. , Tuulari Jetro J. , Karlsson Henry K. , Immonen Heidi , Oikonen Vesa , Tolvanen Tuula , Soinio Minna , Salminen Paulina , Kudomi Nobu , Mari Andrea , Iozzo Patricia , Nuutila Pirjo 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Context:
Bariatric surgery leads to a rapid and sustained weight loss often accompanied with improvement in glucose homeostasis.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of bariatric surgery on pancreatic lipid metabolism, blood flow, and glycemic control.

Design:
This was a longitudinal study.

Setting:
The study was conducted in a clinical research center.

Participants:
This study included 27 morbidly obese and 15 healthy control subjects.

Interventions:
Measurements were performed using positron emission tomography with the palmitate analog 14(R,S)-[18F]fluoro-6-thia-heptadecanoic acid and radiowater ([15O]H2O) and computed tomography. In morbidly obese subjects, positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging studies were performed before and 6 months after bariatric surgery (either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy).

Main Outcome Measures:
Pancreatic fat and fat-free volume, fatty acid uptake and blood flow were measured as well as parameters of β-cell function, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity.

Results:
Six months after bariatric surgery, 23% excess weight loss was observed (P &lt; .0001), and diabetes remission was seen in 7 of 10 patients. When compared with preoperative values, after surgery, notable decreases in pancreatic fat volume (P &lt; .01), fatty acid uptake, and blood flow (both P &lt; .05) were seen, whereas no change was seen in pancreatic fat-free volume. The decrease in pancreatic fat volume and the preservation of blood flow were associated with favorable glucose homeostasis and β-cell function.

Conclusions:
Bariatric surgery elicits marked alterations in pancreatic lipid metabolism and blood flow, which may contribute to the observed improvement in glucose homeostasis and remission of type 2 diabetes.