bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tetraspanin CD9 is involved in pancreatic damage during caerulein‐induced acute pancreatitis in mice
Authors: Xing Miao , Ni Jian Bo , Wan Rong , Tang Mao Chun , Hu Yan Ling , Yu Ge , Yin Guo Jian , Chen Cong Ying , Fan Yu Ting , Xiao Wen Qing , Zhao Yan , Wang Xing Peng , Hu Guo Yong 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivePancreatic acinar cell necrosis and subsequent inflammatory response aggravate acute pancreatitis (AP). Tetraspanin CD9 has been reported to mediate inflammatory signaling by regulating molecular organization at the cell surface. This study aimed to investigate the role of CD9 in caerulein‐induced AP (CIP) in mice.MethodsThe expression of CD9 was detected in CIP in mice in vivo and cholecystokinin (CCK)/recombinant mouse tumor necrosis factor (rmTNF)‐α induced pancreatic acinar cell death in vitro by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunofluorescence. The roles of CD9 in pancreatic acinar cell death and inflammatory response were further studied through the deletion of CD9 expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA).ResultsCD9 was markedly upregulated in pancreatic tissues in mice during the early onset of CIP and was located mainly at the pancreatic acinar cell surface, which was associated with pancreatic damage. Additionally, incubation with CCK or rmTNF‐α directly increased the expression of CD9 in isolated mice pancreatic acinar cells in vitro. The deletion of CD9 expression partially reversed both pancreatic acinar cell death induced by CCK and mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines produced by damaged acinar cells.ConclusionThese results indicate that increased CD9 expression may be involved in pancreatic injury, possibly via the promotion of cytokine expressions in CIP in mice.
HERMITAGE—a randomized controlled trial to reduce sexually transmitted infections and HIV risk behaviors among HIV‐infected Russian drinkers
Authors: Samet Jeffrey H. , Raj Anita , Cheng Debbie M. , Blokhina Elena , Bridden Carly , Chaisson Christine E. , Walley Alexander Y. , Palfai Tibor P. , Quinn Emily K. , Zvartau Edwin , Lioznov Dmitry , Krupitsky Evgeny 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimsThis study assessed the effectiveness of HERMITAGE (HIV's Evolution in Russia—Mitigating Infection Transmission and Alcoholism in a Growing Epidemic), an adapted secondary HIV prevention intervention, compared with an attention control condition in decreasing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sex and drug risk behaviors among Russian HIV‐infected heavy drinkers.DesignWe conducted a single‐blinded, two‐armed, randomized controlled trial with 12‐month follow‐up.SettingThe study was conducted in St Petersburg, Russia. Participants were recruited from four HIV and addiction clinical sites. The intervention was conducted at Botkin Infectious Disease Hospital.ParticipantsHIV‐infected individuals with past 6‐month risky sex and heavy alcohol consumption (n = 700) were randomized to the HERMITAGE intervention (n = 350) or an attention control condition (n = 350).InterventionA Healthy Relationships Intervention stressing disclosure of HIV serostatus and condom use, adapted for a Russian clinical setting with two individual sessions and three small group sessions.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was incident STI by laboratory test at 12‐month follow‐up. Secondary outcomes included change in unprotected sex and several alcohol and injection drug use (IDU) variables.FindingsParticipants had the following baseline characteristics: 59.3% male, mean age 30.1, 60.4% past year IDU, 15.4% prevalent STI and mean CD4 cell count 413.3/μl. Assessment occurred among 75 and 71% of participants at 6 and 12 months, respectively. STIs occurred in 20 subjects (8.1%) in the intervention group and 28 subjects (12.0%) in the control group at 12‐month follow‐up; logistic regression analyses found no significant difference between groups (adjusted odds ratio 0.63; 95% confidence interval = 0.34–1.18; P = 0.15). Both groups decreased unsafe behaviors, although no significant differences were found between groups.ConclusionsThe HERMITAGE HIV risk reduction intervention does not appear to reduce sexually transmitted infections and HIV risk behaviors in Russian HIV‐infected heavy drinkers compared with attention controls.
The influence of body mass index on the diagnostic performance of pre‐operative staging ultrasound in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Choi Ji Soo , Lee Hye Sun , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Moon Hee Jung , Kwak Jin Young 
Published: October 2014

SummaryObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of pre‐operative staging ultrasound (US) according to body mass index (BMI) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)Patients and methodsThis retrospective study included 625 patients with PTC who underwent pre‐operative staging US and surgical excision at a referral centre between December 2012 and April 2013. Four experienced radiologists prospectively evaluated the extent of primary tumours, multifocality and the presence of lymph node metastasis. Patients were grouped according to BMI (normal <25; overweight 25 ≤ and <30; obese ≥30, or nonobese <30; obese ≥30 kg/m2). Diagnostic performances of pre‐operative staging US (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy) were compared according to BMI based on pathologic findings of surgical specimens.ResultsPre‐operative staging US in the obese group (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) showed a significantly lower negative predictive value and accuracy in the detection of central lymph node metastasis (P = 0·010 and P = 0·025, respectively) than in the nonobese (BMI <30 kg/m2) group. However, there were no significant differences in the diagnostic performance of pre‐operative staging US for extrathyroidal extension, bilateral multifocality and lateral lymph node metastasis in analyses using the two (nonobese vs obese) and three BMI (normal vs overweight vs obese) groups, respectively.ConclusionObesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) may affect the pre‐operative US staging of central lymph node metastasis in patients with PTC.
Effect of self‐administered stretching on NIRS‐measured oxygenation dynamics
Authors: Kruse Nicholas T. , Scheuermann Barry W. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThis study determined human skeletal muscle oxygenation dynamics during and after a single bout of self‐administered stretching (SAS) of the plantar flexors. Nine healthy recreationally fit men (n = 7; age = 25·7 years) and women (n = 2; age = 23·5 years) performed two protocols: (i) one bout of SAS for 4 min and (ii) one bout of moderate intensity cycling for 4 min. We used near infrared spectroscopy to measure changes in muscle deoxygenated haemoglobin–myoglobin ([HHb]) and blood volume ([Hbtot]) of gastrocnemius medialis muscle before, during and after stretching. The SAS caused an increase (P<0·05) in [HHb] during stretching between 60 and 240 s relative to baseline, but not at 30 s. No significant difference was found for [Hbtot] at any time interval during SAS. Furthermore, the increase in local blood flow (suggested by [Hbtot] changes) was found to be significantly increased relative to baseline at 1, 5 and 10 min after SAS, thus providing novel evidence for a poststretch hyperaemia. No significant interaction for [HHb] was found between stretching and cycling conditions, suggesting that the metabolic disturbance during stretching closely resembles moderate intensity exercise. These findings suggest that a single self‐administered stretch for 60 s can produce a substantial microcirculatory event and that blood flow may be enhanced for up to 10 min after stretching.
Is insulin the most effective injectable antihyperglycaemic therapy?
Authors: Buse J. B. , Peters A. , Russell‐Jones D. , Furber S. , Donsmark M. , Han J. , MacConell L. , Maggs D. , Diamant M. 
Published: October 2014

AimsThe recent type 2 diabetes American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study of Diabetes (ADA/EASD) position statement suggested insulin is the most effective glucose‐lowering therapy, especially when glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is very high. However, randomized studies comparing glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) exenatide once‐weekly [OW; DURATION‐3 (Diabetes therapy Utilization: Researching changes in A1c, weight, and other factors Through Intervention with exenatide ONce‐Weekly)] and liraglutide once‐daily [OD; LEAD‐5 (Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes)] with insulin glargine documented greater HbA1c reduction with GLP‐1RAs, from baseline HbA1c ∼8.3% (67 mmol/mol). This post hoc analysis of DURATION‐3 and LEAD‐5 examined changes in HbA1c, fasting glucose and weight with exenatide OW or liraglutide and glargine, by baseline HbA1c quartile.MethodsDescriptive statistics were provided for change in HbA1c, fasting glucose, weight, and insulin dose, and subjects (%) achieving HbA1c <7.0%, by baseline HbA1c quartile. Inferential statistical analysis on the effect of baseline HbA1c quartile was performed for change in HbA1c. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model was used to evaluate similarity in change in HbA1c across HbA1c quartiles.ResultsAt 26 weeks, in both studies, HbA1c reduction, and proportion of subjects reaching HbA1c <7.0%, were similar or numerically greater with the GLP‐1RAs than glargine for all baseline HbA1c quartiles. Fasting glucose reduction was similar or numerically greater with glargine. Weight decreased with both GLP‐1RAs across all quartiles; subjects taking glargine gained weight, more at higher baseline HbA1c. Adverse events were uncommon although gastrointestinal events occurred more frequently with GLP‐1RAs.ConclusionsHbA1c reduction with the GLP‐1RAs appears at least equivalent to that with basal insulin, irrespective of baseline HbA1c. This suggests that liraglutide and exenatide OW may be appropriate alternatives to basal insulin in type 2 diabetes, including when baseline HbA1c is very high (≥9.0%).
Linguistics and Economics: Is Entrepreneurship Innate?
Authors: Miller Robert C. B. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractOne of the great scientific achievements of the second half of the twentieth century was the advance in linguistics. Noam Chomsky was one of its foremost exponents. Chomsky and his followers claim that human beings have an inbuilt ‘language acquisition device’ which allows children to acquire language with extraordinary ease. Language is as much part of human nature as flying is that of birds. This paper argues that, like language, the propensity to trade is an inbuilt characteristic of human beings. Language permeates all human faculties including the ability to plan for the future. As a result human economic activity shares many important features with language, in particular its recursive and unbounded character. There is also evidence that the concept of property is innate. It follows that attempts to frustrate or limit the exercise of property rights and their use in trade works against the grain of human nature. Limits on the natural expression of entrepreneurship may be as damaging as other constraints on human flourishing.
Debt Erosion and the Market Process
Authors: William Salter Alexander 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis paper explores the effects of debt erosion on the market process. Debt erosion is the attempt by government to lower the real value of its debt through the creation of unexpected inflation. In addition to the costs recognised by most economists, debt erosion through unexpected inflation can impair the price system's ability to coordinate exchange activity and can result in costly capital misallocations. This is because the creation of unexpected inflation implies disequilibrium in the money market. To avoid the harm from such monetary shocks, this paper suggests a separation between money and state, enshrined in an explicit rule at the constitutional level.
Ticket Scalping as a Means of Managing Risk
Authors: Geloso Vincent 
Published: October 2014

AbstractTicket scalping (known as touting in the UK) is often criticised for raising prices to consumers and producing unjustified profits. Conventional economic theory, however, shows that ticket scalping allows tickets to be reallocated in a more optimal manner with regard to the utility of consumers. This article points to an additional benefit from ticket scalping: by providing a secondary market it acts as a potentially powerful tool of risk management for event organisers. It is argued that curtailing ticket scalping may in the long run lead to a decline in the supply of privately provided events and concerts, especially lesser‐known ones. This in turn may stimulate a demand for public subsidy.
Evaluation of Normal Fetal Ductus Venosus Using B‐Flow Imaging with Spatiotemporal Image Correlation and Traditional Color Doppler Echocardiography
Authors: Lei Wang , Ying Zhang , Ailu Cai , Xiaoguang Wang 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility of using four‐dimensional echocardiography with B‐flow and spatiotemporal image correlation (4DBF‐STIC) imaging technology to detect fetal ductus venosus (DV), and establish the normal reference range for the ductus venosus diameter at 18–40 weeks gestation.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study to detect the DV in 354 normal fetuses at 18–40 weeks of gestation using color Doppler echocardiography (CDE) and 4DBF‐STIC imaging. CDE was performed on an oblique transverse plane of the fetal abdomen, with scanning around the long‐axis view of the aortic arch. The DV inlet was measured on a two‐dimensional gray‐scale image of the long‐axis view of the DV. Offline analyses of all datasets were performed.ResultsThe inlet diameter of the DV increased with increasing gestational age. There were no gender‐related differences in the DV diameter. Data revealed that 4DBF‐STIC was the best method to detect the DV between 18 and 29 weeks of gestation. The visualization rate was higher when scanning around the long‐axis view of the aortic arch with CDE than when scanning around the oblique transverse plane throughout the gestational period.ConclusionsScanning around the long‐axis view of the aortic arch using CDE was best suited for detecting the DV in clinical practice, whereas 4DBF‐STIC was a feasible and promising technology to detect the fetal DV before 29 weeks of gestation.
Blunt Chest Trauma Resulting in Both Atrial and Ventricular Septal Defects
Authors: Ortiz Yahaira , Waldman Adam J. , Bott Jeff N. , Carlan Steve J. , Madruga Mario 
Published: October 2014

Cardiac septal defects are known complications to blunt chest trauma. The incidence of a traumatic isolated atrial septal defect is unknown and the concurrent occurrence of nonlethal ventricular and atrial septal defects has not been reported. A healthy male sustained violent blunt chest trauma resulting in traumatic cardiac septal disruption in the atrium and ventricle. The defects were detected by echocardiography within 14 hours of the accident. The extent of damage was confirmed at the time of surgical repair. The patient recovered uneventfully. The diagnosis and management of concurrent ASD and VSD is similar to single septal injury.
Reference Values for Right Ventricular Strain in Patients without Cardiopulmonary Disease: A Prospective Evaluation and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Fine Nowell M. , Chen Libo , Bastiansen Paul M. , Frantz Robert P. , Pellikka Patricia A. , Oh Jae K. , Kane Garvan C. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundMyocardial strain imaging is a sensitive echocardiographic technique for identifying ventricular dysfunction. The aim of this study was to describe a reference range for right ventricular (RV) strain in subjects without cardiopulmonary disease and to report these values from a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the current literature.MethodsProspective online measurement of RV free wall longitudinal systolic strain using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) was performed in 116 subjects with normal echocardiograms and without cardiopulmonary disease or risk factors. A systematic search of studies in EMBASE and Medline reporting RV strain values was performed through February 2014.ResultsThe mean age was 48 ± 16 years and 58% were female. Mean RV strain was −26 ± 4%. Ten studies involving a total of 486 patients met our inclusion criteria. The mean age range was 43–57 years and 59% were female. All prior studies were performed with offline strain analysis, and 9 used a GE Healthcare strain analysis software system. The weighted estimate of RV free wall strain measured using tissue Doppler imaging (4 studies) was −27 ± 1% (95% confidence interval [CI] −30% to −25%) and with STE (8 studies, including the current study data) −27 ± 2% (95% CI −29% to −24%), respectively.ConclusionsA reference range for RV strain in subjects without cardiopulmonary disease is presented. These data may help facilitate the routine clinical measurement of RV strain in patients referred for right heart echocardiography assessment.
Effects of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation on Left Ventricular and Left Atrial Morphology and Function
Authors: D'Andrea Antonello , Padalino Roberto , Cocchia Rosangela , Di Palma Enza , Riegler Lucia , Scarafile Raffaella , Rossi Giovanni , Bianchi Renato , Tartaglione Donato , Cappelli Bigazzi Maurizio , Calabrò Paolo , Citro Rodolfo , Bossone Eduardo , Calabrò Raffaele , Russo Maria Giovanna 
Published: October 2014

AimsTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative treatment in surgically high‐risk or inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of TAVI on left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) longitudinal function assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) in patients with AS.MethodsIn our prospectively conducted study, a total of 55 symptomatic (New York Heart Association class II or higher) patients with severe AS, considered to be at increased risk for undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement, were recruited (age: 78.6 ± 7.4 year). Patients underwent a complete clinical and laboratory evaluation, in addition to standard echocardiography and 2DSTE. Echocardiographic analysis was performed before and 6 months after TAVI. 2DSTE measured segmental and global longitudinal strain (GLS) and radial strain.ResultsAll the patients received the CoreValve self‐expanding prosthesis. Six months after TAVI, patients showed a significant reduction in mean transaortic gradient (52.1 ± 15.8 vs. 11.2 ± 3.3 mmHg, P < 0.0001), LV mass, LA volume index, and an improvement of ejection fraction (P < 0.0001). In addition, LV GLS (−11.8 ± 3.2 vs. −16.3 ± 4.2%; P < 0.0001) and LA longitudinal strain (14.2 ± 5.4 vs. 26.6 ± 10.8%, P < 0.0001) significantly increased after TAVI. In a stepwise forward multiple logistic regression analysis, LV mass before TAVI (P < 0.001) and peak CK MB mass after TAVI (P < 0.0001) were powerful independent predictors of lower improvement of LV GLS. Moreover, LV mass index (P < 0.001) and LV GLS strain (P < 0.001) before TAVI were powerful independent predictor of LA longitudinal strain after TAVIConclusionsTAVI in patients with AS resulted in geometric changes known as “reverse remodelling,” and improved LV and LA function assessed by 2DSTE.
Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiographic Evaluation of Aortic Valve Perforation
Authors: Bansal Ramesh C. , Chandrasekaran Krishnaswamy 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the feasibility of real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3DTEE) in the diagnosis and localization of aortic valve perforation.MethodsAortic valve perforation was diagnosed in 12 patients by multiplane two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE). We studied the feasibility of RT3DTEE using en face view in detection and precise localization of the aortic valve perforation. The artifactual dropout on RT3D images of aortic valve can mimic perforation and lead to a false positive diagnosis. We defined a true perforation as the hole with thicker margin and its visibility in both systole and diastole. We combined the RT3D images from 10 subjects with relatively normal aortic valve without perforation (test group) with the 12 with perforation for a blind review by an experienced echocardiographer.ResultsThere were 14 perforations in 12 patients. The perforation was located in the left coronary cusp in 1, the noncoronary cusp in 7, and the right coronary cusp in 6 patients. In the subgroup of 9 patients with 11 perforations, all were confirmed at surgery. In test group the artifact mimicking perforation was frequently encountered (7/10 or 70%). However, they did not meet the criteria for true perforation except in 1 (1 false positive). All true perforations were correctly recognized.ConclusionsEn face imaging with RT3DTEE can be used to confirm aortic valve perforation and its spatial location. However, RT3D should be used as an extension to comprehensive 2DTEE and color flow imaging.
High expression of transcriptional factor HoxB9 predicts poor prognosis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhan Jun , Wang Peng , Niu Miaomiao , Wang Yunling , Zhu Xiang , Guo Yongqing , Zhang Hongquan 
Published: October 2014

AimsHoxB9, as a Hox family member, is known to play important roles in embryonic development. Recent studies showed that HoxB9 is engaged in cancer progression. However, the role of Hoxb9 in lung adenocarcinoma is unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the expression and prognostic value of HoxB9 in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.Methods and resultsThe localization and expression of HoxB9 in lung adenocarcinoma were examined by immunohistochemistry. The correlation between HoxB9 expression levels with patient survival was assessed by Kaplan–Meier analysis. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and migratory ability were evaluated in HoxB9 up‐ and down‐regulated H1299 lung adenocarcinoma cells. HoxB9 was found to be localized predominantly in the cell nuclei and expressed in 21.3% of lung adenocarcinomas. A significant increase in HoxB9 intensity in the high stage of lung adenocarcinoma was observed (P < 0.01). Increased expression of HoxB9 was related to T classification, more lymph node metastasis and a shorter patient overall survival (P < 0.05). However, the expression level of HoxB9 was not correlated with age and gender. Functionally, HoxB9 up‐regulated EMT‐related molecules and promoted cell migration in H1299 cells.ConclusionHigh expression of HoxB9 is a prognostic marker for lung adenocarcinoma patients.
Cytoplasmic maspin expression is a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma measuring <3 cm
Authors: Takagi Yuzo , Matsuoka Yuki , Shiomi Tatsushi , Nosaka Kanae , Takeda Chikako , Haruki Tomohiro , Araki Kunio , Taniguchi Yuji , Nakamura Hiroshige , Umekita Yoshihisa 
Published: October 2014

AimsMaspin is known to be a tumour suppressor protein, and few studies focused upon its prognostic significance in patients with small‐size lung adenocarcinoma have been reported; however, its clinical significance remains controversial. We explored the prognostic value of maspin with particular reference to its subcellular localization in patients with resected lung adenocarcinoma measuring <3 cm.Methods and resultsImmunohistochemical analyses were performed on resected 110 specimens of lung adenocarcinoma measuring <3 cm. Maspin positivity was defined as strong expression in only the cytoplasm and was observed in 27 patients (24.5%). It correlated significantly with the presence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.009) and micropapillary component (P < 0.001). The patients were followed‐up for 6–88 months (median: 71 months), and the maspin‐positive group had shorter disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) by log‐rank test (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Using Cox's multivariate analysis, the status of maspin was an independent prognostic factor for DFS and OS (P = 0.004, P = 0.022, respectively), as well as lymph node metastasis.ConclusionsCytoplasmic maspin expression could be an independent poor prognostic indicator of patients with lung adenocarcinoma measuring <3 cm.