bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Immunomodulator, FTY-720 Reverses Existing Cardiac Hypertrophy and Fibrosis From Pressure Overload by Targeting NFAT (Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells) Signaling and Periostin
Authors: Liu Wei , Zi Min , Tsui Hoyee , Chowdhury Sanjoy K. , Zeef Leo , Meng Qing-Jun , Travis Mark , Prehar Sukhpal , Berry Andrew , Hanley Neil A. , Neyses Ludwig , Xiao Rui-Ping , Oceandy Delvac , Ke Yunbo , Solaro R. John , Cartwright Elizabeth J. , Lei Ming , Wang Xin 
Published: June 2013

Background—
Hypertension or aortic stenosis causes pressure overload, which evokes hypertrophic myocardial growth. Sustained cardiac hypertrophy eventually progresses to heart failure. Growing evidence indicates that restraining hypertrophy could be beneficial; here, we discovered that FTY-720, an immunomodulator for treating multiple sclerosis, can reverse existing cardiac hypertrophy/fibrosis.

Methods and Results—

Male C57/Bl6 mice underwent transverse aortic constriction (TAC) for 1 week followed by FTY-720 treatment for 2 weeks under continuing TAC. Compared with vehicle-treated TAC hearts, FTY-720 significantly reduced ventricular mass, ameliorated fibrosis, and improved cardiac performance. Mechanistic studies led us to discover that FTY-720 appreciably inhibited nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) activity. Moreover, we found that in primary cardiomyocytes (rat and human) pertussis toxin (G
i
-coupled receptor inhibitor) substantially blocked the antihypertrophic effect of FTY-720. This observation was confirmed in a mouse model of pressure overload. Interestingly, gene array analysis of TAC hearts revealed that FTY-720 profoundly decreased gene expression of a group of matricellular proteins, of which periostin was prominent. Analysis of periostin protein expression in TAC-myocardium, as well as in rat and human cardiac fibroblasts, confirmed the array data. Moreover, we found that FTY-720 treatment or knockdown of periostin protein was able to inhibit transforming growth factor-β responsiveness and decrease collagen expression.

Conclusions—
FTY-720 alleviates existing cardiac hypertrophy/fibrosis through mechanisms involving negative regulation of NFAT activity in cardiomyocytes and reduction of periostin expression allowing for a more homeostatic extracellular compartment milieu. Together, FTY-720 or its analogues could be a promising new approach for treating hypertrophic/fibrotic heart disease.
Interactions of Enhanced Urocortin 2 and Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism in Experimental Heart Failure
Authors: Rademaker Miriam T. , Charles Christopher J. , Nicholls M. Gary , Richards A. Mark 
Published: June 2013

Background—
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have become established therapy in heart failure (HF). Urocortin 2 (Ucn2) is a novel peptide with potential in the treatment of this disease. The present study investigated the interactions of acute administration of Ucn2 and an MRA in experimental HF.

Methods and Results—
Ucn2 and an MRA (canrenoic acid [CA]) were infused for 4 hours, both singly and together, in 8 sheeps with pacing-induced HF. Ucn2, when administered as an adjunct to CA, further improved hemodynamic indices relative to that achieved by CA alone, producing additional increases in cardiac output and decreases in left atrial pressure and peripheral resistance but without eliciting a supplementary reduction in arterial pressure. Ucn2 cotreatment reversed CA-induced rises in circulating aldosterone levels, and also significantly reduced plasma renin activity, angiotensin II, and vasopressin concentrations. Although both CA and Ucn2 infusion produced a diuresis and natriuresis, responses with Ucn2 and Ucn+CA were 2- to 3-fold greater than that elicited by separate CA. Ucn2 cotherapy additionally increased urine potassium and creatinine excretion. In contrast to the rise in plasma potassium induced by CA, Ucn2 cotreatment reduced potassium concentrations.

Conclusions—
Ucn2 cotreatment with an MRA in HF further improved hemodynamics relative to that achieved by CA alone, while also reducing plasma renin activity, angiotensin II, aldosterone and vasopressin levels, and enhancing renal function. Importantly, Ucn2 prevented CA-induced rises in plasma potassium. These data demonstrate a favorable profile of effects with short-term adjunct Ucn2 therapy and an MRA in HF.
Antihypertensive Drug Class Interactions and Risk for Incident Diabetes: A Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Cooper‐DeHoff Rhonda M. , Bird Steven T. , Nichols Gregory A. , Delaney Joseph A. , Winterstein Almut G. 
Published: June 2013

Background

We aimed to determine how single and combination antihypertensive therapy alters risk for diabetes mellitus (
DM
).Thiazide diuretics (
TD
), β blockers (
BB
), and renin–angiotensin system blockers (
RASB
) impact
DM
risk while calcium channel blockers (
CCB
) are neutral.
DM
risk associated with combinations is unclear.

Methods and Results

We enrolled nondiabetic patients from
K
aiser
P
ermanente
N
orthwest with a fasting plasma glucose (
FPG
) <126 mg/dL between 1997 and 2010.
DM
cases were defined by a
FPG
≥126 mg/dL, random plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL, HbA
1c
≥7.0%, or new
DM
prescription (index date). We used incidence density sampling to match 10 controls per case on the date of follow‐up glucose test (to reduce detection bias), in addition to age and date of cohort entry. Exposure to antihypertensive class was assessed during the 30 days prior to index date. Our cohort contained 134 967 patients and had 412 604 glucose tests eligible for matching. A total of 9097
DM
cases were matched to 90 495 controls (median age 51 years). Exposure to
TD
(
OR
1.54, 95%
CI
1.41 to 1.68) or
BB
(
OR
1.19, 95%
CI
1.11 to 1.28) was associated with an increased
DM
risk, while
CCB
and
RASB
exposure was not.
TD
+
BB
combination resulted in the fully combined diabetogenic risk of both agents (
OR
1.99, 95%
CI
1.80 to 2.20; interaction
OR
1.09, 95%
CI
0.97 to 1.22). In contrast, combination of
RASB
with either
TD
or
BB
showed significant negative interactions, resulting in a smaller
DM
risk than
TD
or
BB
monotherapy.

Conclusions
Diabetogenic potential of combination therapy should be considered when prescribing antihypertensive therapy.
On hypogean Roncocreagris (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisiidae) from Portugal, with descriptions of three new species
Authors: REBOLEIRA ANA SOFIA P.S. , ZARAGOZA JUAN A. , GONÇALVES FERNANDO , OROMÍ PEDRO 
Published: June 2013

Three new hypogean species of the Iberian genus Roncocreagris Mahnert, 1974 are described from mainland Portugal: R. borgesi sp. nov. and R. gepesi sp. nov. from caves in the Sicó massif, and R. occidentalis sp. nov. from caves in the Mon-tejunto and Cesaredas karst plateau. This brings to nine the number of known hypogean species of the mostly Iberian ge-nus Roncocreagris: five from Portugal and four from Spain. Ecological comments and new localities for some of the previously known species are also included.
Redescription of Anomala eucoma Bates, 1888 and a description of three new species from Costa Rica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae)
Authors: FILIPPINI VALENTINA , MICÓ ESTEFANIA , GALANTE EDUARDO 
Published: June 2013

Anomala eucoma Bates, 1888 is redescribed and a lectotype from Guatemala is designated. Three new species from Costa Rica, A. flavacoma new species, A. megaparamera new species, and A. pseudoeucoma new species, are described, and a distribution map is given. The internal sac (endophallus) of the species covered is illustrated, and its use in separating closely related species in this region is discussed. An identification key for morphologically similar species from the Neo-tropical region is provided.
Is calibration the cause of variation in liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry testosterone measurement?
Authors: Owen L J , MacDonald P R , Keevil B G 
Published: June 2013

Background Testosterone measurement by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is well accepted as the preferred technique for the analysis of testosterone. Variation is seen between assays and this may be due to differences in calibration as commercial calibrators for this assay are not readily available. We investigated the effects calibration in routine clinical LC-MS/MS assays. Methods All LC-MS/MS users that were registered with the UKNEQAS external quality assurance scheme for testosterone were invited to take part in the study. A set of seven serum samples and serum-based calibrators were sent to all laboratories that expressed an interest. The laboratories were instructed to analyse all samples using there own calibrators and return the results and a method questionnaire for analysis. Results Fifteen laboratories took part in the study. There was no consensus on supplier of testosterone or matrix for the preparation of calibrators and all were prepared in-house. Also, a wide variety of mass spectrometers, internal standards, chromatography conditions and sample extractions were used. The variation in results did not improve when the results were corrected with a common calibrator. Conclusions The variation in results obtained could not be attributed to variations in calibrators. The differences in methodologies between laboratories must be the reason for this variation.
Comparing barriers to colorectal cancer screening with barriers to breast and cervical screening: a population-based survey of screening-age women in Great Britain
Authors: Lo Siu Hing , Waller Jo , Wardle Jane , von Wagner Christian 
Published: June 2013

Objective Uptake of cancer screening tends to be lower for colorectal cancer (CRC) than cervical or breast cancer. Dislike of the test itself has often been identified as a barrier to CRC screening with the Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) test, but there have been no head-to-head comparisons of the three tests. Methods Women aged 50–80 ( n = 890) were recruited in spring 2012 as part of a population-based TNS Research International survey in Great Britain. Those in the eligible age range were asked if they had ever participated in breast, cervical or CRC screening. For each screening test, women who had never participated were asked for their ‘main reason’ using a checklist of barriers. Results Among eligible women, 67%, 83% and 90% reported ever having been screened for CRC, cervical and breast cancer respectively. More socioeconomically deprived women were less likely to report any screening, and single women were less likely to report CRC or breast screening than married women. Age was not associated with participation. Overall there were few differences between tests in the reported barriers, but dislike of the test was endorsed more often for CRC screening. Conclusion This was the first study to compare barriers to participation in organised screening programmes for CRC, breast and cervical cancer. Cancer screening tests share many barriers, but dislike of the test appears to be a stronger barrier to CRC screening. Women who are non-participants in more than one programme may have more global barriers to screening, such as cancer fatalism. The findings suggest that uptake of CRC screening could be improved by targeting the unpleasantness of stool sampling.
Scalable and number-controlled synthesis of carbon nanotubes by nanostencil lithography
Authors: Choi Jungwook , Koh Kisik , Kim Jongbaeg 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Controlled synthesis and integration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) remain important areas of study to develop practical carbon-based nanodevices. A method of controlling the number of CNTs synthesized depending on the size of the catalyst was characterized using nanostencil lithography, and the critical dimension for the nanoaperture produced on a stencil mask used for growing individual CNTs was studied. The stencil mask was fabricated as a nanoaperture array down to 40 nm in diameter on a low-stress silicon nitride membrane. An iron catalyst used to synthesize CNTs was deposited through submicron patterns in the stencil mask onto a silicon substrate, and the profile of the patterned iron catalyst was analyzed using atomic force microscopy. The feasibility toward a scalable, number-, and location-controlled synthesis of CNTs was experimentally demonstrated based on the diameter and geometry of the apertures in the stencil mask.
Effect of Fly Ash on the Shear Strength of Concrete Beams Without Shear Reinforcement
Authors: Arezoumandi Mahdi , Volz Jeffery S. , Ortega Carlos A. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The following paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the shear strength of full-scale reinforced concrete beams constructed with both high-volume fly ash concrete (HVFAC)—concrete with at least 50 % of the cement replaced with fly ash—and conventional concrete (CC). This study includes two HVFAC mixes and one CC mix. The two HVFAC mixes are identical except for the amount of Class C fly ash replacement of cement, with one mix replacing 50 % of the cement with fly ash and the other replacing 70 %. The test matrix included 18 beams—six for each concrete type—with three different longitudinal reinforcement ratios. The test results were compared to the shear provisions of both U.S. and international design codes, including the design provisions from Australia, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Furthermore, the shear strengths of the beams were evaluated based on fracture mechanics approaches, modified compression field theory (MCFT), and a shear database of CC specimens. Results of this study show that the HVFAC mixes possess comparable shear strength with the CC.
Childhood Obesity: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of European Pediatric Care Providers
Authors: Mazur Artur , Matusik Paweł , Revert Krista , Nyankovskyy Sergey , Socha Piotr , Binkowska-Bury Monika , Grzegorczyk Joanna , Caroli Margherita , Hassink Sandra , Telega Grzegorz , Malecka-Tendera Ewa 
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:To determine and compare attitudes, skills, and practices in childhood obesity management in 4 European countries with different obesity prevalence, health care systems, and economic situations.METHODS:A cross-sectional survey was distributed to primary health care providers from France, Italy, Poland, and Ukraine. The questionnaire was returned by 1119 participants with a response rate of 32.4%.RESULTS:The study revealed that most of the primary health care providers were convinced of their critical role in obesity management but did not feel sufficiently competent to perform effectively. The adherence to recommended practices such as routine weight and height measurements, BMI calculation, and plotting growth parameters on recommended growth charts was poor. Most primary health care providers recognized the need for continuing professional education in obesity management, stressing the importance of appropriate dietary counseling.CONCLUSIONS:The study underlines insufficient implementation of national guidelines for management of obesity regardless of the country and its health system. It also makes clear that the critical problem is not elaboration of guidelines but rather creating support systems for implementation of the medical standards among the primary care practitioners.
Association of Fitness With Vascular Intima-Media Thickness and Elasticity in Adolescence
Authors: Pahkala Katja , Laitinen Tomi T. , Heinonen Olli J. , Viikari Jorma S.A. , Rönnemaa Tapani , Niinikoski Harri , Helajärvi Harri , Juonala Markus , Simell Olli , Raitakari Olli T. 
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVES:
Vascular intima-media thickness (IMT) and elasticity are surrogate markers of atherosclerosis. Data on the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on these measures of vascular health in adolescence are scarce. The aim was to examine the association of fitness with aortic and carotid artery IMT and elasticity in adolescents.

METHODS:
Aortic (n = 449) and carotid (n = 467) IMT and elasticity were measured ultrasonographically in 17-year-old adolescents participating in a prospective, longitudinal atherosclerosis prevention study (Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project). Distensibility and Young's elastic modulus (YEM) were used as measures of arterial elasticity. Cardiorespiratory fitness (maximum oxygen uptake, mL/kg/min) was measured with a maximal cycle ergometer test. Data on fitness were available for 341 of adolescents with aortic and 355 with carotid ultrasound measures.

RESULTS:
Fitness was inversely associated with aortic IMT (β[SE] = –0.0029[0.0013]; P = .031) and YEM (β[SE] = –0.012[0.0053]; P = .025) after adjusting for gender, physical activity, high-density lipoprotein/total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, homeostasis model of assessment–insulin resistance, BMI, systolic blood pressure, and smoking. Risk of having low aortic distensibility (≤10th percentile) decreased with increasing fitness (odds ratio = 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.82–0.98); P = .014). The increase in aortic IMT and YEM between ages 11 and 17 years was smaller in adolescents who were fit at age 17 compared with adolescents who had the lowest fitness level (P for IMT = .015, P for YEM = .0072). Fitness was not associated with carotid IMT or elasticity. Lifestyle counseling given in the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project was not associated with fitness.

CONCLUSIONS:
Fitness was favorably associated with aortic IMT and elasticity in adolescents. No association of fitness with the respective carotid indices was found. These data suggest that fitness in part enhances vascular health in healthy adolescents.
Access to Digital Technology Among Families Coming to Urban Pediatric Primary Care Clinics
Authors: DeMartini Tori L. , Beck Andrew F. , Klein Melissa D. , Kahn Robert S. 
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:
Digital technologies offer new platforms for health promotion and disease management. Few studies have evaluated the use of digital technology among families receiving care in an urban pediatric primary care setting.

METHODS:
A self-administered survey was given to a convenience sample of caregivers bringing their children to 2 urban pediatric primary care centers in spring 2012. The survey assessed access to home Internet, e-mail, smartphone, and social media (Facebook and Twitter). A “digital technology” scale (0–4) quantified the number of available digital technologies and connections. Frequency of daily use and interest in receiving medical information digitally were also assessed.

RESULTS:
The survey was completed by 257 caregivers. The sample was drawn from a clinical population that was 73% African American and 92% Medicaid insured with a median patient age of 2.9 years (interquartile range 0.8–7.4). Eighty percent of respondents reported having Internet at home, and 71% had a smartphone. Ninety-one percent reported using e-mail, 78% Facebook, and 27% Twitter. Ninety-seven percent scored ≥1 on the digital technology scale; 49% had a digital technology score of 4. The digital technology score was associated with daily use of digital media in a graded fashion (P &lt; .0001). More than 70% of respondents reported that they would use health care information supplied digitally if approved by their child’s medical provider.

CONCLUSIONS:
Caregivers in an urban pediatric primary care setting have access to and frequently use digital technologies. Digital connections may help reach a traditionally hard-to-reach population.
Potential of Combining Propane (LPG) Hydraulic Fracturing and Chemical Flooding in Thin Heavy-Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Morsy Samiha , Sheng James J. , Soliman Mohamed Y. , Shahri Mehdi 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Waterflooding in a viscous heavy-oil reservoir results in a very poor sweep efficiency because of an unfavorable mobility ratio. However, thickened waterflooding by polymer or gel might not be economic because of high concentrations of chemicals that must be added to achieve a favorable mobility ratio. Moreover, it is understood that thermal recovery cannot be used in thin heavy-oil reservoirs because of major heat loss to overburdened and underburned formations. In cases where an oil reservoir is under permafrost, thermal recovery methods might not be applicable because the injected heat could possibly cause permafrost to thaw. In this paper, it is proposed to inject chemicals (alkaline/surfactant) into a producer immediately after hydraulic fracturing with liquefied propane gas (LPG). The injected chemicals form an oil/water (O/W) microemulsion whose viscosity is much lower than that of the reservoir oil viscosity. When the producer is in production mode, oil is produced in the form of an O/W microemulsion. The interfacial tension between the microemulsion phase and excess oil phase will be very low. Thus, the residual oil saturation will be reduced owing to the increased capillary number. The created hydraulic fractures can provide better access to the reservoir, reduce the loss of the injected chemicals, increase the area of contact between the chemicals and reservoir oil, and improve sweep efficiency of the injected chemicals. The LPG will also work as a solvent during the fracturing phase, speeds up the chemical diffusion and reduce the heavy-oil viscosity around the fracture faces, which will accelerate chemical diffusion when injected after hydraulic fracturing. The chemicals are injected using a huff-and-puff process. Both horizontal and vertical wells can be treated using this process. Simulation results show that the production from such thin heavy-oil reservoirs is significantly accelerated, and the oil recovery factor can be improved up to 200%.
Modifications to Butler Theory for Geomechanical Effects at the Edge of SAGD Steam Chamber. Part I: Drained Condition
Authors: Irani Mazda , Gates Ian 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) has been demonstrated to be a successful thermal recovery technique for recovering bitumen from oil sand reservoirs where the viscosity of the bitumen is typically hundreds of thousands to millions of centipoise. High pressure and high temperature steam injection cause significant stress changes at the edge of the steam chamber including shear dilation which, in turn, can enhance the absolute permeability. The importance of considering geomechanical effects in SAGD process has been extensively discussed in the literature but geomechanical effects have been neglected in the classic SAGD analytical models. All analytical models are typically incapable of fully predicting actuall SAGD production rates without using a correction factor; this can be a result of neglecting geomechanical effects. In the research documented here, we examine geomechanical enhancement at the edge of steam chamber where the oil sand has been sheared under thermal stimulation. We describe a mechanism and evaluate the oil drainage parallel to the interface of steam chamber caused by permeability enhancement from thermal stresses. Finally, we present a modified Butler's Theory that includes geomechanical effects. The results are directly applicable to understanding the geomechanical effects on oil drainage flow at the edge of SAGD chamber.