bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Matriptase‐1‐Expression ist in psoriatischen Hautläsionen reduziert und wird in vitro durch TNFα herabreguliert
Authors: Mildner Michael , Bauer Reinhard , Mlitz Veronika , Ballaun Claudia , Tschachler Erwin 
Published: October 2015

ZusammenfassungHintergrund und Ziele:Matriptase‐1 wesentlich an der terminalen Differenzierung von Keratinozyten (KC) beteiligt. In einer früheren Studie konnten zeigen, dass der knockdown der Matriptase‐1 Expression in organotypischen Hautkulturen zu einer Beeinträchtigung der KC‐Differenzierung und zur Retention von Zellkernen im Stratum corneum führt. In dieser Studie untersuchten wirdie Expression und Regulation der Matriptase‐1 in psoriatischer Haut und primären humanen KC in vitro.Patienten und Methoden:Mittels Western‐Blot Analyse, Immunfluoreszenzfärbung, qRT‐PCR und Aktivitäts‐Assays wurde die Expression von Matriptase‐1 in ­gesunder und psoriatischer Haut und ihre Regulation in organotypischen Hautkulturen analysiert. Durch adenovirale Überexpression einer dominant negativen Form von IKK2 wurde die Beteiligung des Nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB)‐Signalweges ­untersucht.Ergebnisse:Ingesunder menschlicher Haut und in organotypischen Hautkulturen wurde eine signifikante Matriptase‐1 Expression ausschließlich im Stratum granulosum nachgewiesen. In läsionaler Haut von Psoriasispatienten waren sowohl die Expression als auch die Aktivität von Matriptase‐1 stark reduziert. Die Zugabe von TNFα zu organotypischen Kulturen führte zum vollständigen Verlust der Matriptase‐1‐Expression und einer gestörten KC‐Differenzierung. Weiters konnten wir zeigen, dass die TNFα‐induzierte Herabregulation von Matriptase‐1 über die Aktivierung des IKK2/NFκB‐Signalweges reguliert wird.Schlussfolgerungen:Da Matriptase‐1 an der terminalen KC‐Differenzierung beteiligt ist, trägt ihr Fehlen in psoriatischen Hautläsionen vermutlich zu der gestörten Barrierefunktion dieser Krankheit bei. Unsere Daten weisen darauf hin, dass eine Blockade des IKK2/NFκB‐Signalweges ein interessanter Ansatz für die Behandlung von Psoriasis sein könnte.
Development of a new classification for in vivo diagnosis of duodenal epithelial tumors with confocal laser endomicroscopy: A pilot study
Authors: Nonaka Kouichi , Ohata Ken , Ichihara Shin , Ban Shinichi , Hiejima Yoshimitsu , Minato Yohei , Tashima Tomoaki , Matsuyama Yasushi , Takita Maiko , Matsuhashi Nobuyuki , Takasugi Rumi , Neumann Helmut 
Published: October 2015

Background and AimConfocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) has been established for in vivo diagnosis of various gastrointestinal diseases. However, validated criteria for confocal diagnosis of duodenal tumors do not exist. Therefore, the aim of the present pilot study was to develop a novel classification for in vivo optical diagnosis of duodenal tumors using CLE.MethodsConsecutive patients with duodenal tumorous lesions were included. First, an initial classification system was developed which was then validated. Histopathology was used as a reference standard.ResultsA simple classification system for in vivo diagnosis of duodenal epithelial tumors using CLE was developed. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 90%, 100%, and 97%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were calculated as 100% and 96%. The kappa coefficient representing consistency was 1 between observers and within each observer.ConclusionA new classification for in vivo diagnosis of duodenal epithelial tumors using confocal imaging has been developed. The new classification system allows adequate prediction of histology and could therefore be used to guide subsequent therapy of duodenal lesions.
Parent‐reported pain in non‐verbal children and adolescents with cerebral palsy
Authors: Jayanath Subhashini , Ong Lai Choo , Marret Mary Joseph , Fauzi Aishah Ahmad 
Published: October 2015

AimThis cross‐sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence, frequency, and intensity of parent‐reported pain among non‐verbal children with cerebral palsy (CP) and explore associations with medical, demographic, and parental psychosocial factors.MethodParticipants were parents of non‐verbal outpatients (aged 2–20y) with CP at University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur and two community centres. Parents answered the Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities Questionnaire and a pro forma regarding parent‐reported frequency and intensity of pain during the preceding 4 weeks. Parental psychosocial well‐being was assessed via the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.ResultsThe response rate was 94%; 104 children (54 males, 50 females) were studied. The majority (51%) were in Gross Motor Function Classification System level V and 65% had spastic quadriplegia. Parents reported pain in 65%, intense pain in 17%, and daily pain in 28%. Intense and frequent pain was reported during physiotherapy. More intense pain was reported in older children (p=0.016) and those with spastic quadriplegia (p=0.020).InterpretationCaregivers of non‐verbal children with CP report a high frequency of pain. Pain intensity is associated with patient factors but not parental psychosocial factors.
Is a reduction in albuminuria associated with renal and cardiovascular protection? A post hoc analysis of the ALTITUDE trial
Authors: Heerspink H. J. L. , Ninomiya T. , Persson F. , Brenner B. M. , Brunel P. , Chaturvedi N. , Desai A. S. , Haffner S. M. , Mcmurray J. J. V. , Solomon S. D. , Pfeffer M. A. , Parving H.‐H. , de Zeeuw D. 
Published: October 2015

AimsTo investigate whether the degree of albuminuria reduction observed in the ALTITUDE trial is associated with renal and cardiovascular protection, and secondly, whether the reduction in albuminuria was too small to afford clinical benefit.MethodsIn a post hoc analysis of the ALTITUDE trial in 8561 patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease or cardiovascular disease we examined the effect of albuminuria changes at 6 months on renal and cardiovascular outcomes using Cox proportional hazard regression.ResultsThe median change in albuminuria in the first 6 months in the aliskiren arm of the trial was −12% (25th to 75th percentile: −48.7_to_ +41.9%) and 0.0% (25th to 75th percentile: −40.2_to_55%) in the placebo arm. Changes in albuminuria in the first 6 months were linearly associated with renal and cardiovascular endpoints: a >30% reduction in albuminuria in the first 6 months was associated with a 62% reduction in renal risk and a 25% reduction in cardiovascular risk compared with an increase in albuminuria. The association between changes at 6 months in albuminuria and renal or cardiovascular endpoints was similar in the two treatment groups (p for interaction >0.1 for both endpoints).ConclusionsThe addition of aliskiren to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker therapy resulted in albuminuria changes that were associated with renal and cardiovascular risk changes. This did not translate into renal or cardiovascular protection because the overall reduction in albuminuria in the aliskiren arm was too small and nearly similar to that in the placebo arm.
Evaluation of Pulmonary Artery Stiffness in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Altıparmak Ibrahim Halil , Erkus Muslihittin Emre , Polat Mustafa , Sak Zafer Hasan Ali , Yalcın Funda , Gunebakmaz Ozgur , Sezen Yusuf , Kaya Zekeriya , Demirbag Recep 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate whether obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has any effect on pulmonary artery stiffness (PAS) derived from echocardiographic calculation.MethodsFifty‐two patients with newly diagnosed OSAS and forty‐two subjects without OSAS matched by age and sex were enrolled in the study. OSAS was categorized according to apnea hypopnea index (AHI, event/h) as follows: normal (AHI<5), mild OSAS (AHI 5–15), moderate and severe OSAS (AHI>15). All participants were evaluated by echocardiography to determine PAS and right ventricle functions. PAS was calculated throughout pulmonary artery flow by the formula; PAS (kHz/sec) = maximal frequency shift/acceleration time.ResultsDemographic and clinical parameters were similar in both groups. PAS significantly increased in OSAS compared with the control group (26.9 ± 6.1 vs. 18.0 ± 3.5, P < 0.001). Additionally, PAS in severe and moderate OSAS was considerably high compared with that in mild OSAS and control group (P < 0.001). Right ventricular myocardial performance index (MPI) and mean pulmonary artery pressures (mPAP) were considerably higher in OSAS group than control group (P < 0.001). Tricuspid E/A, right ventricle tissue Doppler E’/A’, and right ventricular ejection time (RVET) decreased in OSAS group compared with control group (P < 0.001). There was a significantly positive correlation between PAS and AHI, mPAP, and MPI (P < 0.001), and a significantly negative correlation between PAS and tricuspid E/A, E’/A’, and RVET (P < 0.001). Linear regression analyses showed that PAS was an independent factor for mPAP (ß = 0.595, P = 0.034).ConclusionElastic properties of pulmonary artery deteriorate with severity of OSAS and may be responsible for right ventricular dysfunctions in OSAS.
Model‐specification uncertainty in future forest pest outbreak
Authors: Boulanger Yan , Gray David R. , Cooke Barry J. , De Grandpré Louis 
Published: October 2015

AbstractClimate change will modify forest pest outbreak characteristics, although there are disagreements regarding the specifics of these changes. A large part of this variability may be attributed to model specifications. As a case study, we developed a consensus model predicting spruce budworm (SBW, Choristoneura fumiferana [Clem.]) outbreak duration using two different predictor data sets and six different correlative methods. The model was used to project outbreak duration and the uncertainty associated with using different data sets and correlative methods (=model‐specification uncertainty) for 2011–2040, 2041–2070 and 2071–2100, according to three forcing scenarios (RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). The consensus model showed very high explanatory power and low bias. The model projected a more important northward shift and decrease in outbreak duration under the RCP 8.5 scenario. However, variation in single‐model projections increases with time, making future projections highly uncertain. Notably, the magnitude of the shifts in northward expansion, overall outbreak duration and the patterns of outbreaks duration at the southern edge were highly variable according to the predictor data set and correlative method used. We also demonstrated that variation in forcing scenarios contributed only slightly to the uncertainty of model projections compared with the two sources of model‐specification uncertainty. Our approach helped to quantify model‐specification uncertainty in future forest pest outbreak characteristics. It may contribute to sounder decision‐making by acknowledging the limits of the projections and help to identify areas where model‐specification uncertainty is high. As such, we further stress that this uncertainty should be strongly considered when making forest management plans, notably by adopting adaptive management strategies so as to reduce future risks.
Effects of grass silage feed value on feed intake and performance of pregnant and lactating ewes and their lambs
Authors: Nadeau E. , Arnesson A. , Helander C. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractEffects of grass silage feed value on intake, dietary sorting, body condition (BC) and body weight (BW) of pregnant and lactating ewes and on liveweight gain (LWG) of their suckling lambs were evaluated. Twin‐bearing ewes were fed ad libitum grass silage of (i) high feed value (HFV), (ii) medium feed value (MFV) and (iii) low feed value (LFV), plus 0·8 kg concentrate in late pregnancy and lactation. The HFV, MFV and LFV silages contained 11·7, 10·8 and 9·3 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) kg−1 DM respectively. The HFV resulted in 8·2 and 15·2 MJ greater ME intake in pregnancy and 14·7 and 21·0 MJ greater ME intake from silage in lactation than MFV and LFV respectively (P < 0·01). Ewes fed the MFV and LFV silages sorted for more digestible particles during eating (P < 0·10). The HFV gave no loss in BC, whereas ewes fed MFV and LFV lost 0·7 and 0·8 units of BC, respectively, during lactation (P < 0·10). There were similar trends in BW. The nursing HFV lambs had 73 g higher daily LWG than the LFV lambs (P < 0·01). In conclusion, the HFV increased the ME intake of pregnant and lactating ewes, resulting in improved BC and BW of lactating ewes and LWG of suckling lambs compared to MFV and LFV.
Benchmarking administrative expenditures of mandatory social security programmes
Authors: Sluchynsky Oleksiy 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis article offers a framework for the comparison and benchmarking of administrative expenditures of mandatory pension schemes as part of national social security provisions. It presents results of a quantitative analysis that builds on a framework developed around the extensive body of literature on both public and private pension programmes surveyed as part of this analysis. Our dataset includes over 100 observations and a broad set of explanatory variables. We developed and compared a number of standardized cost indices discussing their advantages and limitations. We also discuss major cost components and their shares in total programme costs. The regression analysis explains over 90 per cent of variation in administrative expenditures. It confirms some of the hypotheses expressed in the earlier studies and presents new evidence of driving factors for costs. We developed three different specifications for statistical analysis. The first set looks at the impact of design of a programme on total costs. The second group of specifications assesses differences in costs of managing pension liabilities between the public and private mandatory pension schemes. Finally, on the basis of the third model we generate benchmarks for staffing levels and for the total administrative expenditures, providing guidance for policy analysis and recommendations. Notably, the spread between low and high benchmark estimates for programmes of the same size and operating in the same economic environment can be four‐fold and is driven by parameters of design and operation (for example, asset management function, in‐house collection, or operation of special supplementary schemes). Therefore, inferences about the level of administrative expenditures should always be done keeping in mind the institutional context for each programme.
The multidimensional adequacy of social insurance benefits and insurability
Authors: Gottlieb Daniel 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this article the adequacy of social insurance benefits is addressed from the perspective of eight fundamental goals of social insurance. With respect to these goals, the legislated level of the benefit and other conditions represent tools to achieve adequate levels of benefits vis‐à‐vis contributory effort. The goals address income risks of various sorts: (i) income compensation; (ii) securing a decent standard of living; (iii) universality, implying simplicity and a high takeup of social rights; (iv) reducing income risk deriving from physical incapacity; (v) safeguarding insurability by balancing the expected payoff to the insured and the value of the contributions paid over the lifetime; (vi) intergenerational equity; (vii) containing work and savings disincentives; and (viii) risk reduction (prevention). A simple model serves to clarify what is needed to achieve benefit adequacy together with insurability and contribution adequacy. An example of income support in working age, based on Israeli data, illustrates the use of specific instruments to achieve a decent standard of living while containing economic disincentives. The example stresses the importance of synchronizing efforts with institutions outside the social insurance system.
Targeted Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation Guided by Continuous Rhythm Assessment With an Insertable Cardiac Monitor: The Rhythm Evaluation for Anticoagulation With Continuous Monitoring (REACT.COM) Pilot Study
Authors: PASSMAN ROD , LEONG‐SIT PETER , ANDREI ADIN‐CRISTIAN , HUSKIN ANNA , TOMSON TODD T. , BERNSTEIN RICHARD , ELLIS ETHAN , WAKS JONATHAN W. , ZIMETBAUM PETER 
Published: October 2015

The Rhythm Evaluation for Anticoagulation With Continuous MonitoringIntroductionChronic anticoagulation is recommended for patients with AF and additional stroke risk factors, even during long periods of sinus rhythm. Continuous rhythm assessment with an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) and use of rapid onset novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) allow for targeted anticoagulation only around an AF episode, potentially reducing bleeding complications without compromising stroke risk.MethodsThis multicenter, single‐arm study enrolled patients on NOAC with nonpermanent AF and CHADS2 score 1 or 2. After a 60‐day run‐in with no AF episodes ≥ 1 hour, NOACs were discontinued but reinitiated for 30 days following any AF episode ≥ 1 hour diagnosed through daily ICM transmissions. Major endpoints included time on NOAC, stroke, and bleeding.ResultsAmong 59 enrollees, 75% were male, age 67 ± 8 years, 76% paroxysmal AF, 69% had prior AF ablation, and mean CHADS2 score 1.3 ± 0.5. Over 466 ± 131 mean days of follow‐up there were 24,004 ICM transmissions with a compliance rate of 98.7%. A total of 35 AF episodes ≥ 1 hour occurred in 18 (31%) patients, resulting in a total time on NOAC of 1,472 days. This represents a 94% reduction in the time on NOAC compared to chronic anticoagulation. There were three traumatic bleeds (all on aspirin), three potential transient ischemic attacks (all on aspirin with CHADS2 score of 1), and no strokes or deaths.ConclusionsA targeted strategy of ICM‐guided intermittent NOAC administration is feasible. A large‐scale trial is necessary to evaluate the safety of this approach.
Sudden Cardiac Death Despite a Functional Cardioverter‐Defibrillator: The Case for Early and Aggressive Therapy for Ventricular Tachycardia in Selected Patients
Authors: MONTGOMERY JAY A. , KANAGASUNDRAM ARVINDH N. , CLAIR WALTER K. , ROTTMAN JEFFREY N. , CROSSLEY GEORGE H. 
Published: October 2015

Sudden Cardiac Death Despite a Functional DefibrillatorWe present three cases within 11 months at a single institution of sustained VT that fell below the programmed detection rate of the patients’ implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs), two of which continued until converting to an agonal VF that did not meet criteria for detection, and a third case that could not be successfully defibrillated after a prolonged period of VT. These episodes may be under‐recognized due to the dependence of device diagnostic storage on programming and the post‐mortem effort that is often required to review these events. Some patients, likely those with the most advanced heart failure, may not tolerate sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) and may even die from ventricular arrhythmias without ever having a rhythm that meets detection criteria in a ventricular fibrillation (VF) zone.
Subclassification of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B and C hepatocellular carcinoma: A cohort study of the multicenter registry database
Authors: Lee Sangheun , Kim Beom Kyung , Song Kijun , Park Jun Yong , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Seung Up , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Kim Do Young ,   Korea Central Cancer Registry
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground and Aim:We aimed to subclassify hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer intermediate and advanced stages, which include a highly heterogeneous population.Methods:From two registries (“random” and “voluntary” cohorts in the Korean Liver Cancer Study Group), patients who were newly diagnosed as HCC with intermediate or advanced stage between 2003 and 2005 were considered eligible. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier method with comparison by log‐rank test.Results:Patients with intermediate‐stage HCC (n = 994) were subclassified according to tumor size and Child–Pugh class. Patients with tumor size < 5 cm (B1), those with tumor size ≥ 5 cm and Child–Pugh A (B2), and those with tumor size ≥ 5 cm and Child–Pugh B (B3) had median OS of 30.73, 20.60, and 9.23 months, respectively (P < 0.001 by log‐rank test). Among patients with advanced stage HCC (n = 1746), patients were subclassified according to presence of significant portal vein invasion (sPVI; defined as portal vein invasion in lobar, main, or contralateral branch) and extrahepatic spread (EHS). Patients with neither sPVI nor EHS (C1), those with either sPVI or EHS (C2), and those with both sPVI and EHS (C3) had median OS of 8.43, 4.63, and 3.63 months, respectively (P < 0.001 by log‐rank test).Conclusion:Subclassification of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer intermediate and advanced stages might be useful for determining patient prognosis and guiding treatment strategies for HCC.
Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels with Crohn's disease in Chinese patients
Authors: Xia Sheng‐long , Lin Xin‐xin , Guo Mao‐dong , Zhang Da‐guan , Zheng Shu‐zi , Jiang Li‐jia , Jin Jie , Lin Xiu‐qing , Ding Ran , Jiang Yi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground and Aim:The vitamin D receptor (VDR) regulates immune responses and inflammation through binding with 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D, the active form of vitamin D. The serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level clinically reflects vitamin D status in the human body. We investigated the association of VDR polymorphisms and 25(OH)D levels in Chinese patients with Crohn's disease (CD).Methods:Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms (FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI) were genotyped by SNaPshot. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured by electro‐chemiluminescence immunoassay.Results:A total of 297 patients with CD and 446 controls were recruited. Compared with controls, mutant alleles and genotypes of BsmI and TaqI were less prevalent in patients with CD (all P < 0.05/4 = 0.0125). The AAC haplotype formed by BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI was also less prevalent in patients with CD (P = 0.004). Furthermore, 124 patients and 188 controls were randomly selected for measurements of 25(OH)D levels. Average 25(OH)D level was lower in patients with CD than in controls (15.46 ± 8.11 vs 21.64 ± 9.45 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and negatively linked to CD activity index (β = −0.829, P < 0.001), platelet count (β = −0.253, P < 0.001) and neutrophil percentage (β = −0.136, P = 0.005) in patients with CD. The ApaI mutant genotype and vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) were independently associated with CD (P = 0.009, P < 0.001, respectively). In patients with CD, vitamin D deficiency interacted with FokI, ApaI, and TaqI mutant genotypes (P = 0.027, P = 0.024, and P = 0.040, respectively).Conclusions:Vitamin D receptor (BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI) mutations and lower 25(OH)D levels are associated with CD in Chinese patients. Moreover, VDR (FokI, ApaI, and TaqI) mutations and vitamin D deficiency may have a combined impact on CD.