bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical Health Status Measures Predict All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Chamberlain Alanna M. , McNallan Sheila M. , Dunlay Shannon M. , Spertus John A. , Redfield Margaret M. , Moser Debra K. , Kane Robert L. , Weston Susan A. , Roger Véronique L. 
Published: April 2013

Background—
Physical health status measures have been shown to predict death in heart failure (HF); however, few studies found significant associations after adjustment for confounders, and most were not representative of all HF patients.

Methods and Results—
HF patients from southeastern MN were prospectively enrolled between 10/2007 and 12/2010, completed a 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and a 6-minute walk, and were followed through 2011 for death from any cause. Scores ≤25 on the SF-12 physical component indicated low self-reported physical functioning, and the first question of the SF-12 measured self-rated general health. Low functional exercise capacity was defined as ≤300 m walked during a 6-minute walk. Over a mean follow-up of 2.3 years, 86 deaths occurred among the 352 participants. A 1.6-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.0–2.7) and 1.8-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.1–2.9) increased risk of death was observed among patients with low self-reported physical functioning and low functional exercise capacity, respectively. Poor self-rated general health corresponded to a 2.7-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.5–4.9) increased risk of death compared with good to excellent general health. All measures equally discriminated between who would die and who would survive (C-statistics: 0.729, 0.750, and 0.740 for self-reported physical functioning, self-rated general health, and functional exercise capacity, respectively).

Conclusions—
Three physical health status measures, captured by the SF-12 and a 6-minute walk, equally predict death among community HF patients. Therefore, the first question of the SF-12, which is the least burdensome to administer, may be sufficient to identify HF patients at greatest risk of death.
MiR-378 Controls Cardiac Hypertrophy by Combined Repression of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway Factors
Authors: Ganesan Jayavarshni , Ramanujam Deepak , Sassi Yassine , Ahles Andrea , Jentzsch Claudia , Werfel Stanislas , Leierseder Simon , Loyer Xavier , Giacca Mauro , Zentilin Lorena , Thum Thomas , Laggerbauer Bernhard , Engelhardt Stefan 
Published: April 2013

Background—
Several microRNAs (miRs) have been shown to regulate gene expression in the heart, and dysregulation of their expression has been linked to cardiac disease. miR-378 is strongly expressed in the mammalian heart but so far has been studied predominantly in cancer, in which it regulates cell survival and tumor growth.

Methods and Results—
Here, we report tight control of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through miR-378. In isolated primary cardiomyocytes, miR-378 was found to be both necessary and sufficient to repress cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Bioinformatic prediction suggested that factors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway are enriched among miR-378 targets. Using mRNA and protein expression analysis along with luciferase assays, we validated 4 key components of the MAPK pathway as targets of miR-378: MAPK1 itself, insulin-like growth factor receptor 1, growth factor receptor-bound protein 2, and kinase suppressor of ras 1. RNA interference with these targets prevented the prohypertrophic effect of antimiR-378, suggesting their functional relation with miR-378. Because miR-378 significantly decreases in cardiac disease, we sought to compensate for its loss through adeno-associated virus–mediated, cardiomyocyte-targeted expression of miR-378 in an in vivo model of cardiac hypertrophy (pressure overload by thoracic aortic constriction). Restoration of miR-378 levels significantly attenuated thoracic aortic constriction–induced cardiac hypertrophy and improved cardiac function.

Conclusions—
Our data identify miR-378 as a regulator of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, which exerts its activity by suppressing the MAPK signaling pathway on several distinct levels. Restoration of disease-associated loss of miR-378 through cardiomyocyte-targeted adeno-associated virus–miR-378 may prove to be an effective therapeutic strategy in myocardial disease.
Slaves and Silver across the Strait of Gibraltar: Politics and Trade between Umayyad Iberia and Khārijite North Africa
Authors: Gaiser Adam 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Iberian Umayyad relations with the Ibāḍī Rustumids and the Ṣufrī Midrārids have not been well understood. After an initial period of Khārijite rebellion against the Umayyads in the 120s/740s, in which Khārijite revolutions in North Africa spilled over into the Iberian Peninsula, profound ties developed between the Umayyad amīrs, and the Midrārid and Rustumid imāms. In the far Maghrib, where ‘Abbāsid power did not reach, trade—especially the trade in human beings—brought these erstwhile political and religious enemies together. Relationships between these groups lasted well beyond the destruction of the Midrārid and Rustumid dynasties in the early fourth/tenth century. This paper re-examines the textual and numismatic evidence for Ibāḍī, Ṣufrī, Iberian Umayyad (and even early ‘Abbāsid) relations in order to propose that strong economic interests based primarily in the slave trade underlay the political ties that developed in the late second/eighth century between these groups.
The Preaching of the Almohads: Loyalty and Resistance across the Strait of Gibraltar
Authors: Jones Linda G. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
One of the lacunas in Almohad scholarship is the role that preaching played in disseminating Almohad ideology throughout the empire and its contributions to fostering unity between Muslim Iberia and the Maghrib. This article analyzes the distinctive rhetorical, ritual, and juridical features of the Almohad sermon (khuṭba) and explores how the Almohads deployed religious preaching and ceremonial oratory to pursue their religio-political objectives of purifying Islamic institutions and practices. I argue that the ritual and juridical innovations Ibn Tūmart and the Mu’minids introduced into the khuṭba ceremony, such as the obligatory Berberization and the compulsory invocation of the Almohad creed, exemplified the revolutionary aspects of Almohad power. Accordingly, the Almohad khuṭba would come to simultaneously focalize allegiance and opposition to the regime on both sides of the Strait. I conclude that the institutionalization of the Almohad khuṭba as well as the resistance to it must be considered among the elements that fostered unity between Arabs and Berbers across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Of Corsairs, Converts and Renegades: Forms and Functions of Coastal Raiding on Both Sides of the Far Western Mediterranean, 1490-1540
Authors: Coleman David 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Historians have long debated whether or not the cultures of the Mediterranean constitute a singular unit of geo-historical analysis. The Alborán Sea—the Mediterranean’s far western corner that narrowly separates the Iberian Peninsula from Africa’s northwestern shore—has long been an important “frontier” zone in which arguments for and against Mediterranean unity are put to the test. This essay contends that endemic practices of corsair activity and coastal raiding played analogous functions on both sides of this “frontier” in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. While the fact of systematized conflict in the form of raids lends some support to the notion of an enduring “clash of civilizations,” the parallel forms and functions of such raiding within the societies from which the corsairs came argue at least as persuasively for a significant degree of fundamental similarity and continuity. The Alborán corsairs along both coasts, for instance, typically received patronage and organizational aid from local and regional elites, and their raiding activities proved central to both economies. On both sides of the frontier, moreover, the world of the corsairs allowed a surprising degree of mobility and participation to converts and renegades of Muslim, Jewish and Christian origin alike.
The Mahdī in Valencia: Messianism, Apocalypticism and Morisco Rebellions in Late Sixteenth-Century Spain
Authors: Green-Mercado Marya T. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Prophecies and apocalyptic prognostications circulated widely among the Moriscos—forcedly baptized Muslims in sixteenth-century Iberia. Messianism, however, is a phenomenon which had hitherto never been attested in traditional sources of Morisco history. This article studies the interrelated phenomena of apocalypticism and messianism among the Moriscos of the Crown of Aragon in the second half of the sixteenth century. Through a case study of a 1575 inquisitorial transcript, it analyzes an obscure messianic figure named Abrahim Fatimí, who was accused of attempting to lead the kingdom to rebellion, casting himself as the expected deliverer of Morisco tradition, el moro Alfatimí. The discovery of this case sheds light on the political and social implications of apocalyptic and messianic ideas among Moriscos in the late sixteenth century.
Correlation of Tumor Marker Expression with Nodal Disease Burden in Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Trivedi Sumita , Mattos Jose , Gooding William , Godfrey Tony E. , Ferris Robert L. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesTo investigate the correlation between the percentage of metastatic tumor present in lymph nodes resected from patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) and level of expression of 3 marker genes: pemphigus vulgaris antigen (PVA), parathyroid hormone–related peptide (PTHrP), and tumor‐associated calcium signal transducer 1 (TACSTD1). In addition, we investigated whether the level of expression of these 3 markers was associated with clinical outcomes for patients with HNSCC.Study DesignRetrospective analysis of previously harvested patient samples.SettingThe University of Pittsburgh.Subjects and MethodsA total of 448 lymph nodes from 92 patients with HNSCC were evaluated for expression of the gene markers PVA, PTHrP, and TACSTD1 using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Confirmation of metastasis was determined by histologic examination. The expression level of these markers versus tumor percentage was analyzed.ResultsAll 3 markers were studied independently and were associated with tumor percentage in metastatic lymph nodes. PVA had the strongest correlation, followed by PTHrP and then TACSTD1. PVA levels had a trend toward association with clinical outcome, specifically time to death caused by cancer, but this was confounded by tumor stage.ConclusionAll 3 tumor gene markers were associated with percentage of tumor cells in metastatic lymph nodes. PVA had the strongest correlation. PVA may add prognostic utility beyond pathologic staging, but this requires analysis of a larger cohort. Prospective studies of tumor volume in metastatic nodes should determine a lower limit threshold of molecular marker detection.
Immediate effects of individualized heparin and protamine management on hemostatic activation and platelet function in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with tranexamic acid antifibrinolytic therapy
Authors: Hofmann B , Bushnaq H , Kraus FB , Raspé C , Simm A , Silber RE , Ludwig-Kraus B 
Published: April 2013

Objective: This randomized prospective study was initiated to clarify whether individualized heparin and protamine dosing has immediate effects on hemostatic activation and platelet function in adult cardiac surgery. Methods: Sixty adults undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were assigned to receive individualized heparin and protamine (HMS group, n= 29) or a standard dose (ACT group, n=24). Measures of thrombin generation and Multiplate® (Verum Diagnostica, Munich, Germany) platelet function tests were performed before and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Results: HMS patients received higher heparin (p = 0.006) and lower protamine (p<0.001) doses. Post-CPB, HMS managed patients showed significantly lower thrombin generation (thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) p<0.02) than the ACT group. Moreover, HMS managed patients had a better preservation of platelet function (COL p = 0.013; ADP p = 0.04; TRAP p = 0.04). Conclusion: An individualized and stable heparin concentration and appropriate dosing of protamine can reduce thrombin generation and preserve platelet function, even in short-time CPB.
Stepwise web-based questionnaires for diagnosing cluster headache: LUCA and QATCH
Authors: Wilbrink Leopoldine A , Weller Claudia M , Cheung Carlo , Stijnen Theo , Haan Joost , Ferrari Michel D , Terwindt Gisela M 
Published: April 2013

Background Cluster headache (CH) is a primary headache disorder that is diagnosed based on the patient's history. For large-scale epidemiologic and genetic studies, a web-based, preferably short, questionnaire can be a feasible alternative to replace time-consuming clinical interviews. Methods Self-reported CH patients were enrolled via our research website. Participants meeting screening criteria were directed to the Leiden University Cluster headache Analysis program (LUCA) questionnaire. Individual diagnoses were calculated using an algorithm based on International Headache Society criteria. Subsequently, semi-structured telephone interviews were carried out to validate the LUCA questionnaire. The shorter Quick Ascertainment of Cluster Headache (QATCH) questionnaire for diagnosing CH was constructed by using logistic regression to select the most predictive questions. Results Via our website 437 self-reported CH patients were recruited. Of these, 291 patients were included in this cross-sectional study. The LUCA questionnaire was valid and accurate. Using logistic regression, three questions (QATCH) provided similar sensitivity (53.8% vs. 57.2%), specificity (88.9% vs. 87.5%), positive predictive value (95.5% vs. 95.9%) and negative predictive value (30.8% vs. 28.8%) compared with the LUCA questionnaire. Conclusion The web-based LUCA questionnaire was accurate and reliable in diagnosing CH among self-reported patients. Males with headache attacks of short duration and long headache-free intervals (months to years) are very likely to have CH.
Frameless linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery treatment for SUNCT syndrome targeting the trigeminal nerve and sphenopalatine ganglion
Authors: Tan Daniel YH , Chua Eu Tiong , Ng Kim Bock , Chan Kwang Ping , Thomas John 
Published: April 2013

Background The short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache associated with conjunctival injection and tearing or SUNCT syndrome was first described in the 1970s. This paper is the first in the literature that describes the successful use of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) using a non-invasive frameless technique, targeting both the trigeminal nerve and the sphenopalatine ganglion in the management of intractable SUNCT. We also discuss the role of selecting peripheral targets in the management of this rare headache syndrome. Methods Among patients treated for functional pain disorders in our radiosurgery unit using the frameless technique since August 2011, one patient with symptoms matching the International Classification of Headache Disorders-2 (ICHD-II) criteria of SUNCT syndrome was identified. The multi-disciplinary case records of this patient were retrospectively reviewed and reported. Results Our patient had symptoms resembling the ICHD-II diagnostic criteria of SUNCT, which was refractory to medical treatment. Ninety Gy was delivered to the trigeminal root entry zone and 80 Gy was delivered to the sphenopalatine ganglion. At 16 months’ follow-up, she was pain free with minimal side effects. Conclusions Frameless linear accelerator (linac)-based SRS targeting the trigeminal nerve and sphenopalatine ganglion remained successful in our patient at 16 months. Longer follow-up and further experience will determine the efficacy and safety of this approach. We suggest that frameless SRS is a convenient and attractive non-invasive option for patients with medically refractory SUNCT.
A Novel Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Procedure Using Semitendinosus Tendon Autograft in Patients With Multiligamentous Knee Injuries
Authors: Kitamura Nobuto , Ogawa Munehiro , Kondo Eiji , Kitayama Soichiro , Tohyama Harukazu , Yasuda Kazunori 
Published: April 2013

Background: Several new procedures for medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstruction using a hamstring tendon graft have been reported in the 2000s. However, the midterm and long-term clinical outcomes of these procedures have not been reported. Hypothesis: Postoperative medial stability of the knee that underwent our MCL reconstruction may not be significantly different from that of the noninjured knee. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 37 patients who sustained multiligamentous knee injuries underwent combined MCL and cruciate ligament reconstruction at our institution between 1994 and 2007. Thirty of the 37 patients were clinically evaluated at least 2 years after surgery. Sixteen had combined MCL and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, 5 had combined MCL and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction, and 9 had combined MCL, ACL, and PCL reconstruction. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) evaluation form and Lysholm score were used to evaluate postoperative knee function. Anteroposterior knee laxity was examined with a KT-2000 arthrometer. To assess objective medial instability, we performed a stress radiograph examination under valgus stress with the knee at 20° of flexion. Results: At the final follow-up, 1 patient showed a loss of knee extension of more than 3°. Five patients revealed a loss of knee flexion of 6° to 15° and 2 patients of 16° to 25°. Lysholm scores averaged 94.8 points. In the IKDC evaluation, 9 patients were graded as A, 17 were graded as B, 3 were graded as C, and 1 was graded as D. In the stress radiograph examination, the mean medial joint opening was 8.5 ± 1.6 mm in the reconstructed knee and 8.0 ± 1.2 mm in the healthy opposite knee. There was no significant difference in the medial joint opening between reconstructed and intact knees. Conclusion: Medial collateral ligament reconstruction for chronic combined knee instabilities can be safely performed using hamstring tendon autografts, and the clinical outcome with a minimum 2-year follow-up was favorable with satisfactory stability.
Studying the effect of antioxidants on cytogenetic manifestations of solvent exposure in the paint industry
Authors: El Safty Aamal , Metwally Fateheya Mohamed , Mohammed Samir Aisha , ElShahawy Amir , Raouf Ehab Abdel 
Published: April 2013

Objective: To investigate the antioxidant role in reversing cytogenetic changes caused by solvent exposure in paint industry. Subjects and Methods: A prospective controlled clinical trial was performed on 39 workers exposed to solvents and 39 workers not exposed to solvents by supplying a mixture of antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E and selenium) and the after effects of such regimen were analyzed. Environmental monitoring was carried out for air concentrations of different solvents at workplace. Exposed group was cytogenetically tested before and after giving the mixture of antioxidant vitamins for 1 month duration. Results: Frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and the mean of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) were statistically significantly higher among exposed workers than among controls. After the supplementation of antioxidants, there was a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of CAs, and 88% abnormal levels of SCEs were back to normal levels. Conclusion: Antioxidant supplementation decreases the frequency of CAs and SCEs among exposed workers.
Pirimicarb-based formulation-induced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in the freshwater fish Cnesterodon decemmaculatus (Jenyns, 1842) (Pisces, Poeciliidae)
Authors: Vera-Candioti Josefina , Soloneski Sonia , Larramendy Marcelo L 
Published: April 2013

We analyzed the aspects of lethality, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity in the ten spotted live-bearer exposed under laboratory conditions to the pirimicarb-based formulation Patton Flow® (50% active ingredient (a.i.)). Acute effects were evaluated using different end points for lethality, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity. Median lethal concentration (LC50) estimation was employed as a bioassay for lethality, whereas micronucleus (MN) induction and alterations in erythrocyte/erythroblast frequency were used as end points for genotoxicity and cytotoxicity, respectively. Results demonstrated an LC5096h value of 88 mg/L. Patton Flow® increased the MN frequency in fish erythrocytes after 48 h of exposure at a concentration of 66 mg/L, whereas a concentration range of 22–66 mg/L was able to exert the same genotoxic effect at 96 h of treatment. Furthermore, cytotoxicity was also observed by alterations in erythrocyte/erythroblast frequencies within the concentration range of 22–66 mg/L, regardless of the exposure time. Our current observations provide evidence that Patton Flow® (50% a.i.) should be considered a clear lethal, cytotoxic, and genotoxic agent on Cnesterodon decemmaculatus. Thus, repeated applications of this carbamic insecticide can enter the aquatic environment and exert deleterious effects on aquatic organisms other than the evaluated species C. decemmaculatus.
1,1-Diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging, bactericidal, fungicidal and leishmanicidal properties of Teucrium stocksianum
Authors: Shah Syed Majid , Ayaz Mohammad , Khan Arif-ullah , Ullah Farhat , Farhan  , Shah Azhar-ul-Haq Ali , Iqbal Hamid , Hussain Sajid 
Published: April 2013

In the present study, we evaluated the pharmacological and toxicological effects of Teucrium stocksianum. The crude extract of T. stocksianum (Ts.Cr) and its subsequent organic fractions: n-hexane (Ts.Hex), chloroform (Ts.CHCl3) and ethyl acetate (Ts.EtAc) exhibited 1,1-diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity with different potencies. Ts.EtAc was found to be most potent. Ts.Cr, Ts.Hex, Ts.CHCl3 and Ts.EtAc showed significant bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri and Bacillus subtilis at their extent. Ts.Cr, Ts.Hex, Ts.CHCl3 and Ts.EtAc displayed fungicidal action against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium solani at various minimum inhibitory concentrations. Ts.Cr and Ts.EtAc exhibited marked inhibition of Leishmania tropica growth, observed after 48 and 96 hrs of treatment. These data indicate that the T. stocksianum methanolic extract and its resultant fractions possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antileishmanial activities. Thus, the present research unearths the scientific base for T. stocksianum medicinal application as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.
Macro Creatine Kinase Type 1
Authors: Bodensteiner John B. 
Published: April 2013

Macro creatine kinase type 1 is a complex formed by the creatine kinase isoenzyme BB and monoclonal IgG and occurs in about 1% of patients studied. First identified as a cause of spurious elevation of the total serum creatine kinase in patients suspected of myocardial infarction, the test has been largely replaced by the measurement of troponin levels. We present a child with delayed milestones and persistently elevated total serum creatine kinase measurements (∼1000-4000 IU) normal electromyogram and brisk myotatic reflexes. Creatine kinase isoenzymes and brain imaging showed the presence of macro creatine kinase type 1 and extensive signal abnormality of the cerebral white matter. Macro creatine kinase type 1 has been associated with several conditions though it has not been described in association with leukoencephalopathy or in patients this young. Macro creatine kinase type 1 can be a cause of elevated total creatine kinase in patients without primary muscle disease. The significance of the relationship of the macro creatine kinase to the leukoencephalopathy in this patient is unknown.