bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between fat‐free mass index and pulmonary hyperinflation in COPD patients
Authors: Silveira Leonardo , Teixeira Paulo José Zimermann , da Costa Cassia C. , de Souza Rafael M. , Merola Pietro Krauspenhar , Colombo Caroline , Marques Renata D. , Berton Danilo C. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveReduced fat‐free mass (FFM), a common finding in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may indirectly impact peak exercise capacity through a greater level of pulmonary hyperinflation. We aimed to investigate if FFM index (FFM/squared height) impacts exercise induced dynamic hyperinflation in COPD patients.MethodsFifty‐four patients with moderate‐to‐very severe COPD performed a symptom limited incremental cardiopulmonary exercise tests with serial measurements of inspiratory capacity (IC). FFM was measured by whole‐body bioelectrical impedance.ResultsPatients were 66.7 ± 7.7 years old with mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of 1.08 ± 0.41 L (42 ± 15% of predicted). Peak exercise IC was significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with IC at rest (r = 0.78), FEV1 (r = 0.66), FVC (r = 0.59), FFM (r = 0.38) and FFM index (r = 0.29). However, only FEV1 and rest IC predict peak IC (r = 0.86; P < 0.01) in a multivariate linear regression analysis.ConclusionsFFM index was weakly associated with peak exercise IC in COPD patients. However, it ceased to be an independent predictor when corrected for expiratory airflow limitation (FEV1) and lung hyperinflation at rest (rest IC).
Global Risk Factors and South African Equity Indices
Authors: Polakow Daniel Adam , Flint Emlyn James 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSouth African equity is frequently portrayed as a market requiring a high degree of local expertise – to appropriately understand its many idiosyncratic features – as well as intimate knowledge of its unique drivers – to prudently invest in the same. This claim is evidenced by the amount of research and effort devoted to understanding South African‐specific economics, interest rates and risks. The aim of this research is to debunk this perception with a simple yet robust and highly replicable statistical model (best‐subsets regression) for the majority of the traded South African equity indices. We show how the South African equity market is mostly a one‐way mirror of a confluence of international factors, all arguable largely unrelated to South Africa. We discuss why these models are currently less useful than their longer‐term predictive averages and note the current relevance of including implied volatility and interest rates as predictors.
Outcomes of Cephalic Arch Stenosis With and Without Stent Placement after Percutaneous Balloon Angioplasty in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Dukkipati Ramanath , Lee Luani , Atray Naveen , Kajani Raahil , Nassar George , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar 
Published: October 2014

AbstractCephalic arch stenosis is a common complication in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients with brachial artery‐cephalic vein fistulas and frequently leads to loss of the functioning brachial artery‐cephalic vein fistula. There is paucity of conclusive data to guide appropriate management. We examined the risk of recurrence of cephalic arch stenosis after angioplasty compared to angioplasty after stent placement determined by angiography of the involved upper extremity over time in a contemporary cohort of MHD patients treated in two interventional nephrology practices from March 2008 through May 2011. We retrospectively identified 45 MHD patients with evidence of cephalic arch stenosis (age 60 ± 30 years, 45% men) on elective angiograms. The median number of days until another angioplasty was required decreased, starting with a median of 91.5 days after the first, 70.5 days after the second, 85 days after the third, and 56 days after the fourth. Angioplasty is associated with a faster rate of recurrence of cephalic arch stenosis. The placement of intravascular stent seems to prolong the patency compared to angioplasty alone. Clinical trials with a larger sample size will better elucidate the value and timing of angioplasty versus stent placement in cephalic arch stenosis.
A Meta‐analysis of Stent Placement vs. Angioplasty for Dialysis Vascular Access Stenosis
Authors: Fu Ning , Joachim Emily , Yevzlin Alexander S. , Shin Jung‐Im , Astor Brad C. , Chan Micah R. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractDysfunction of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) and arteriovenous grafts (AVG) contribute significantly to morbidity and hospitalization in the dialysis population. Despite advances in endovascular techniques, the incidence of vascular access stenosis remains problematic. Currently, the role of endovascular stent placement in the treatment of vascular access stenosis is poorly defined. This meta‐analysis compares the primary patency rates of stenotic vascular access treated with stent placement vs. angioplasty. We searched Medline for English language publications from 1980 through December 2013, along with national conference proceedings and reference lists of all included publications. Inclusion criteria were a measure of primary patency, secondary patency, or access dysfunction. Studies were excluded if they were not in English or if they included pediatric patients. Ten studies with a total of 860 subjects met the inclusion criteria, including six experimental studies and four observational studies. There was significantly higher overall primary patency in those receiving stent placement than in those treated with angioplasty (pooled relative risk [RR] = 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65–0.96). The estimate did not differ by study design. The effect of treatment differed significantly (p = 0.001) by the type of stents used, however. In studies including nitinol stents (six studies, 678 patients), 6‐month patency was significantly better for stent placement than angioplasty (pooled RR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.54–0.84), whereas there was no significant differences between stent placement and angioplasty in those studies using bare metal stents exclusively (four studies, 182 patients; pooled RR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.91–1.32). There was significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 70.6%; p < 0.0001). Our results suggest that stent placement may confer an advantage over balloon angioplasty in primary patency of dialysis access stenoses.
Potential for using the World Reference Base for Soil Resources to identify less favoured areas
Authors: Erdogan H. E. , Tóth T. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe European Commission (EC) has adopted a resolution seeking to test a proposed set of eight soil and climate criteria that objectively assesses and delimits agricultural areas suffering from natural handicaps. In areas designated as ‘Less Favoured Areas’ (LFA) agricultural production is hampered by natural handicaps, for example difficult climatic conditions, steep slopes in mountain areas or poor soil productivity. To delineate LFAs, a set of factsheets were provided by the EC Joint Research Center for mapping the proposed common soil, climate and terrain criteria. The present study was performed to determine the suitability of the World Reference Base for Soil Resources, 2006 (WRB) soil classification system in terms of estimating LFA thresholds. It was concluded that the WRB soil categories are directly applicable for delineating areas affected by the LFA criteria for soil constraints Organic Soil and Vertic Properties. The WRB categories correctly defined areas constrained by Salinity and Sodicity, but since they are stricter, than the LFA criteria, further analysis is needed to delineate the larger areas corresponding to LFA criteria. The climate and terrain criteria of LFA are only broadly indicated by WRB categories.
Effect of crop residue incorporation on soil organic carbon and greenhouse gas emissions in European agricultural soils
Authors: Lehtinen T. , Schlatter N. , Baumgarten A. , Bechini L. , Krüger J. , Grignani C. , Zavattaro L. , Costamagna C. , Spiegel H. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSoil organic matter (SOM) improves soil physicochemical and biological properties, and the sequestration of carbon inSOMmay mitigate climate change. Soil organic carbon (SOC) often decreases in intensive cropping systems. Incorporation of crop residues (CR) may be a sustainable management practice to maintain theSOClevels and to increase soil fertility. This study quantifies the effects ofCRincorporation onSOCand greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (CO2and N2O) in Europe using data from long‐term experiments. Response ratios (RRs) forSOCandGHGemissions were calculated betweenCRincorporation and removal. The influence of environmental zones (ENZs), clay content and experiment duration on theRRs was investigated. We also studied howRRs ofSOCand crop yields were correlated. A total of 475RRs were derived from 39 publications. TheSOCincreased by 7% followingCRincorporation. In contrast, in a subsample of cases,CO2emissions were six times and N2O emissions 12 times higher followingCRincorporation. TheENZhad no significant influence onRRs. ForSOCconcentration, soils with a clay content >35% showed 8% higherRRs compared with soils with clay contents between 18 and 35%. As the experiment progressed,RRforSOCconcentration increased. For N2O emissions,RRwas significantly greater in experiments with a duration <5 yr compared with 11–20 yr. No significant correlations were found betweenRRforSOCconcentration and yields, but differences between sites and study durations were detected. We suggest that a long duration of crop residue incorporation is a win‐win scenario under a continental climate. We conclude thatCRincorporation is important for maintainingSOC, but its influence onGHGemissions should be taken into account as well.
Onchocerciasis control in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): challenges in a post‐war environment
Authors: Makenga Bof J.‐C. , Maketa V. , Bakajika D. K. , Ntumba F. , Mpunga D. , Murdoch M. E. , Hopkins A. , Noma M. M. , Zouré H. , Tekle A. H. , Katabarwa M. N. , Lutumba P. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate onchocerciasis control activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the first 12 years of community‐directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI).MethodsData from the National Programme for Onchocerciasis (NPO) provided by the National Onchocerciasis Task Force (NOTF) through the annual reports of the 21 CDTI projects for the years 2001–2012 were reviewed retrospectively. A hypothetical–inputs‐process‐outputs‐outcomes table was constructed.ResultsCommunity‐directed treatment with ivermectin expanded from 1968 communities in 2001 to 39 100 communities by 2012 while the number of community‐directed distributors (CDD) and health workers (HW) multiplied. By 2012, there were ratios of 1 CDD per 262 persons and 1 HW per 2318 persons at risk. More than 80% of the funding came from the fiduciary funds of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control. The cost of treatment per person treated fell from US$ 1.1 in 2001 to US$ 0.1 in 2012. The therapeutic coverage increased from 2.7% (2001) to 74.2% (2012); the geographical coverage, from 4.7% (2001) to 93.9% (2012). Geographical coverage fell in 2005 due to deaths in loiasis co‐endemic areas, and the therapeutic coverage fell in 2008 due to insecurity.ConclusionsChallenges to CDTI in DRC have been serious adverse reactions to ivermectin in loiasis co‐endemic areas and political conflict. Targets for personnel or therapeutic and geographical coverages were not met. Longer term funding and renewed efforts are required to achieve control and elimination of onchocerciasis in DRC.
Anti‐tumour activity of oncolytic Western Reserve vaccinia viruses in canine tumour cell lines, xenografts, and fresh tumour biopsies
Authors: Autio K. , Knuuttila A. , Kipar A. , Ahonen M. , Parviainen S. , Diaconu I. , Kanerva A. , Hakonen T. , Vähä‐Koskela M. , Hemminki A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractCancer is one of the most common reasons for death in dogs. One promising approach is oncolytic virotherapy. We assessed the oncolytic effect of genetically modified vaccinia viruses in canine cancer cells, in freshly excised tumour biopsies, and in mice harbouring canine tumour xenografts. Tumour transduction efficacy was assessed using virus expressing luciferase or fluorescent marker genes and oncolysis was quantified by a colorimetric cell viability assay. Oncolytic efficacy in vivo was evaluated in a nude mouse xenograft model. Vaccinia virus was shown to infect most tested canine cancer cell lines and primary surgical tumour tissues. Virus infection significantly reduced tumour growth in the xenograft model. Oncolytic vaccinia virus has antitumour effects against canine cancer cells and experimental tumours and is able to replicate in freshly excised patient tumour tissue. Our results suggest that oncolytic vaccinia virus may offer an effective treatment option for otherwise incurable canine tumours.
Post‐transplant malignant neoplasia associated with cyclosporine‐based immunotherapy: prevalence, risk factors and survival in feline renal transplant recipients
Authors: Wormser C. , Mariano A. , Holmes E. S. , Aronson L. R. , Volk S. W. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe study objective was to compare the prevalence of malignant neoplasia in feline renal transplant recipients (n = 111) with a control population of cats that did not receive transplantation (n = 142); and to determine whether the development of post‐transplant malignant neoplasia (PTMN) affects long‐term survival. Twenty‐five (22.5%) renal transplant recipients were diagnosed with PTMN, and of those 14 (56%) were diagnosed with lymphoma. The overall survival time in cats that developed PTMN following renal transplantation (median 646 days, IQR 433–1620 days) was not significantly different from the survival time in cats that did not develop PTMN (median 728 days, IQR 201–1942 days), although median survival after diagnosis of PTMN was only 13 days. Six control cats (4.2%) were diagnosed with malignant neoplasia. Compared to the control population, transplant cats had a 6.6 times higher odds of developing malignant neoplasia and a 6.7 times higher odds of developing lymphoma.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Variant Strain of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus, China/XJYL/2013
Authors: Bao Jingyue , Wang Qinghua , Zhang Yongqiang , Liu Chunju , Li Lin , Wang Zhiliang 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT
Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of a novel variant strain of peste des petits ruminants virus, termed China/XJYL/2013. The genome is 15,954 nucleotides long with a 6-nucleotide insertion in the 5′ untranslated region of the F gene. This strain is phylogenetically classified as a lineage IV virus.
Draft Genome Sequence of Strain BF-4, a
Lysinibacillus
-Like Bacillus Isolated during an Anthrax Outbreak in Bavaria
Authors: Antwerpen Markus , Georgi Enrico , Zimmermann Pia , Hoermansdorfer Stefan , Meyer Hermann , Grass Gregor 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT

We report the draft genome sequence of
Lysinibacillus
sp. strain BF-4. Strain BF-4 has a notably small genome for a free-living bacillus, with a size of 2.63 Mbp. In agreement with phenotypic observations, the genome lacks genes essential for endospore formation.
Complete Genome Sequence of European Genotype Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Strain LNEU12 in Northern China
Authors: Li Bing , Gao Shenyang , Zhou Tiezhong , Liu Xiaogang , Lu He , Feng Fangzhou 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT
We report the complete genome sequence of a European genotype porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus isolated from swine in northern China in 2012. Genome alignment revealed that the virus (LNEU12) strain shares 90.1% nucleotide identity with the European prototype Lelystad virus. Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of LNEU12.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Paenibacillus
sp. Strain MSt1 with Broad Antimicrobial Activity, Isolated from Malaysian Tropical Peat Swamp Soil
Authors: Aw Yoong Kit , Ong Kuan Shion , Yule Catherine M. , Gan Han Ming , Lee Sui Mae 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT

We report the draft genome sequence of
Paenibacillus
sp. strain MSt1, which has broad-range antimicrobial activity, isolated from tropical peat swamp soil. Genes involved in antimicrobial biosynthesis are found to be present in this genome.
Draft Genome Sequences of Vancomycin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Related to Heterogeneous Vancomycin-Intermediate S. aureus
Authors: Ramaraj Thiruvarangan , Matyi Stephanie A. , Sundararajan Anitha , Lindquist Ingrid E. , Devitt Nicolas P. , Schilkey Faye D. , Lamichhane-Khadka Reena , Hoyt Peter R. , Mudge Joann , Gustafson John E. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT

We report the draft genome sequences of three vancomycin-susceptible methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
strains.
S. aureus
strain MV8 is a sequence type 8 (ST-8) staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
element type IV (SCC
mec
IV) derivative, while the other two strains (
S. aureus
MM25 and MM61) are ST-5 SCC
mec
II strains. MM61 is also closely related to the heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
strain MM66.
Novel host genetic variations associated with spontaneous clearance of a single-source outbreak of HCV1b infections
Authors: You Hong , Liu Sandu , Xie Yong , Cong Rui , Sun Yameng , Ren Jingjing , Wei Kangfei , Jin Xin , Shi Yujian , Zhang Haiying , Li Jie , Wei Lai , Zhuang Hui , Cheng Mingliang , Jia Jidong 
Published: October 2014

Background and aimsA total of 105 patients were identified as accidentally infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b (HCV1b) through blood transfusion from a single blood donor. This group provides a unique patient population to study host factors involved in the spontaneous clearance of HCV and disease progression.MethodsClinical markers, HCV RNA and eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin-28B (IL-28B) were detected. Exome capture and sequencing were analysed for association with HCV clearance.ResultsAmong the 85 patients with the positive HCV antibody, 27 cases (31.8%) were HCV RNA negative over a period of 9–12 years. Of the 58 patients with positive HCV RNA, 22.4% developed chronic hepatitis, and 5.2% developed cirrhosis. Age was found to be associated with HCV1b clearance. IL-28 rs10853728 CC showed the trend. By exon sequencing, 39 SNPs were found to be significantly different in spontaneous clearance patients (p<0.001). Two SNPs in the tenascin receptor (TNR), five in the transmembrane protease serine 11A (TMPRSS11A), and one in the serine peptidase inhibitor kunitz type 2 (SPINT2) showed the closest associations (p<10−5).ConclusionsHost genetic analyses on the unique, single source HCV1b-infected patient population has suggested that age and mutations in TNR, TMPRSS11A and SPINT2 genes may be factors associated with HCV clearance.
NILVAD protocol: a European multicentre double-blind placebo-controlled trial of nilvadipine in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lawlor Brian , Kennelly Sean , O'Dwyer Sarah , Cregg Fiona , Walsh Cathal , Coen Robert , Kenny Rose Anne , Howard Robert , Murphy Caroline , Adams Jessica , Daly Leslie , Segurado Ricardo , Gaynor Siobhan , Crawford Fiona , Mullan Michael , Lucca Ugo , Banzi Rita , Pasquier Florence , Breuilh Laetitia , Riepe Matthias , Kalman Janos , Wallin Anders , Borjesson Anne , Molloy William , Tsolaki Magda , Olde Rikkert Marcel 
Published: October 2014

IntroductionThis study is a European multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the efficacy and safety of nilvadipine as a disease course modifying treatment for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a phase III study that will run for a period of 82 weeks with a treatment period of 78 weeks.Methods and analysisAdult patients, males and females over 50 years with mild-to-moderate AD as defined by the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke/Alzheimer's disease and Related Disorders Association (NINCDS-ADRDA) criteria, will be included in the study. It aims to recruit a total of 500 patients with AD; 250 in the nilvadipine group and 250 in the placebo group. Participants will be randomised to receive nilvadipine, an 8 mg overencapsulated, sustained release capsule, or a matching overencapsulated placebo (sugar pill) for a period of 78 weeks of treatment. The primary efficacy outcome measure in this study is the change in cognitive function as assessed by the Alzheimer's disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog 12) from baseline to the end of treatment duration (78 weeks). There are two key secondary outcome measures, the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR-sb) and the Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD). If a statistically significant effect is seen in the primary outcome, CDR-sb will be considered to be a coprimary end point and only the DAD will contribute to the secondary outcome analysis.Ethics and disseminationThe study and all subsequent amendments have received ethical approval within each participating country according to national regulations. Each participant will provide written consent to participate in the study. All participants will remain anonymised throughout and the results of the study will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberEUDRACT Reference Number: 2012-002764-27.
Novel Targets in Head and Neck Cancer: Should We Be Optimistic?
Authors: Krigsfeld Gabriel S. , Chung Christine H. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas have distinct mutation and copy-number profiles depending on human papillomavirus status. Although several challenges remain in biomarker implementation and clinical trial feasibility, incorporating available genomic data will expedite the development of novel therapeutics and predictive biomarker-driven clinical trials. Clin Cancer Res; 21(3); 495–7. ©2014 AACR.
See related article by Seiwert et al., p. 632
Osteoprotegerin Deficiency Limits Angiotensin II–Induced Aortic Dilatation and Rupture in the Apolipoprotein E–Knockout Mouse
Authors: Moran Corey S. , Jose Roby J. , Biros Erik , Golledge Jonathan 
Published: October 2014

Objective—

Mounting evidence links osteoprotegerin with cardiovascular disease. Elevated serum and aortic tissue osteoprotegerin are associated with the presence and growth of abdominal aortic aneurysm in humans; however, a role for osteoprotegerin in abdominal aortic aneurysm pathogenesis remains to be shown. We examined the functional significance of osteoprotegerin in aortic aneurysm using an
Opg
-deficient mouse model and in vitro investigations.

Approach and Results—

Homozygous deletion of
Opg
in apolipoprotein E–deficient mice (
ApoE
−/−
Opg
−/−
) inhibited angiotensin II-induced aortic dilatation. Survival free from aortic rupture was increased from 67% in
ApoE
−/−
Opg
+/+
controls to 94% in
ApoE
−/−
Opg
−/−
mice (
P
=0.040). Serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines, and aortic expression for cathepsin S (CTSS), matrix metalloproteinase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 after 7 days (early-phase) of angiotensin II infusion were significantly reduced in
ApoE
−/−
Opg
−/−
mice compared with
ApoE
−/−
Opg
+/+
controls. In addition, aortic expression of markers for an inflammatory phenotype in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells in response to early-phase of angiotensin II infusion was significantly lower in
Opg
-deficient mice. In vitro, human abdominal aortic aneurysm vascular smooth muscle cells produced more CTSS and exhibited increased CTSS-derived elastolytic activity than healthy aortic vascular smooth muscle cells, whereas recombinant human osteoprotegerin stimulated CTSS-dependent elastase activity in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions—
These findings support a role for osteoprotegerin in aortic aneurysm through upregulation of CTSS, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 within the aorta, promoting an inflammatory phenotype in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells in response to angiotensin II.