bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Participates in Aortic Valve Calcification in Hypercholesterolemic Animals
Authors: Cai Zhejun , Li Fei , Gong Wei , Liu Wanjun , Duan Quanlu , Chen Chen , Ni Li , Xia Yong , Cianflone Katherine , Dong Nianguo , Wang Dao Wen 
Published: August 2013

Objectives—
Aortic valve (AV) calcification occurs via a pathophysiological process that includes lipoprotein deposition, inflammation, and osteoblastic differentiation of valvular interstitial cells. Here, we investigated the association between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and AV calcification.

Approach and Results—

We identified ER stress activation in AV of patients with calcified AV stenosis. We generated an AV calcification model in hypercholesterolemic rabbits and mice, respectively, and found marked AV ER stress induction. Classical ER stress inhibitor, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, administration markedly prevented AV calcification, and attenuated AV osteoblastic differentiation and inflammation in both rabbit and mouse models of AV calcification via inhibition of ER stress. In cultured valvular interstitial cells (VICs), we found that oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) caused ER stress in a cytosolic [Ca]
2+
i
-dependent manner. OxLDL promoted osteoblastic differentiation via ER stress–mediated protein kinase-like ER kinase/activating transcription factor 4/osteocalcin and inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase and endonuclease-1α (IRE1α)/spliced X-box–binding protein 1/Runx2 pathway, and induced inflammatory responses through IRE1α/c-Jun N-terminal kinase and IRE1α/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling in VICs. Inhibition of ER stress by either tauroursodeoxycholic acid or 4-phenyl butyric acid could both suppress oxLDL–induced osteoblastic differentiation and inflammatory responses in VICs.

Conclusions—
These data provide novel evidence that ER stress participates in AV calcification development, and suggest that ER stress may be a novel target for AV calcification prevention and treatment.
Hypoxia Inhibits Cellular Senescence to Restore the Therapeutic Potential of Old Human Endothelial Progenitor Cells via the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α–TWIST-p21 Axis
Authors: Lee Sang Hun , Lee Jun Hee , Yoo So Young , Hur Jin , Kim Hyo-Soo , Kwon Sang Mo 
Published: August 2013

Objective—
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can significantly improve tissue repair by providing regeneration potential within injured cardiovascular tissue; however, it is challenging to obtain a sufficient amount of functional EPCs from aged patients for autologous stem cell therapy. To overcome this issue, we aimed to establish adequate ex vivo expansion protocols and identify repair modulators of cellular senescence. The senescence repair circuit of hypoxia-preconditioned senescent EPCs (hyp-old EPCs) was examined in an effort to enhance their regenerative potential.

Approach and Results—
Long-term culturing of EPCs in normoxic conditions markedly induced the expression of p21, whereas siRNA targeting of p21 in old EPCs significantly enhanced the proliferation potential of cells. Hyp-old EPCs displayed increased hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and TWIST expression. siRNA inhibition of TWIST, a target molecule of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, markedly upregulated the expression of p21 in hyp-old EPCs by reprogramming cell-cycle regulatory proteins. In a hindlimb model of ischemia, the transplantation of hyp-old EPCs enhanced the blood flow ratio and capillary density, improved cellular proliferation and cell survival at ischemic sites, and augmented the secretion of pivotal tissue angiogenic cytokines. It has been previously demonstrated that the restoration of old EPCs from a senescent state by hypoxia preconditioning is tightly mediated by the downregulation of p21 via the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α–TWIST axis.

Conclusions—
This study introduces ex vivo expansion protocols involving hypoxic preconditioning that are suitable for efficiently expanding old EPCs without senescence through modulation of the hypoxia-induced hypoxia-inducible factor-1α–TWIST-p21 axis. In addition, the expanded cells are shown to be useful for therapeutic vasculogenesis.
Increased Prevalence of Congenital Heart Defects in Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins
Authors: Herskind Anne Maria , Almind Pedersen Dorthe , Christensen Kaare 
Published: August 2013

Background—
Smaller studies and many case series reports indicate that congenital heart defects may be more common in monochorionic twins than in dichorionic twins and singletons.

Methods and Results—

We investigated congenital heart defect occurrence in all twins and 5% of all singletons born in Denmark in 1977–2001 and followed through 2006 by linking the Danish Twin Registry and Statistics Denmark registers including the National Medical Birth Register and the Danish National Patient Register. Among 41 525 twin individuals, a total of 584 twins (1.4%) had a congenital heart defect registered in the Danish National Patient Register, whereas the corresponding numbers for singletons were 648 of 74 473 (0.87%;
P
<0.001; ie, a 63% [95% confidence interval, 45–82%] increased risk for congenital heart defect for twins). Patent ductus arteriosus and coarctation of aorta occurred >3 times as often in twins as in singletons, at 3.9 (95% confidence interval, 2.6–5.8) and 3.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.5–6.4), respectively. The increased occurrence in twins was also found in sensitivity analyses including only inpatients or only surgically treated cases regardless of whether preterm patent ductus arteriosus was included. We were not able to demonstrate a higher risk for congenital heart defect among monozygotic twins compared with dizygotic twins, and the congenital heart defect occurrence was also increased in dizygotic twins, who are all dichorionic.

Conclusions—
Congenital heart defect is more common in twins than in singletons, and the increased occurrence is not restricted to monochorionic twins. Intrauterine surveillance and a postnatal comprehensive cardiac assessment for both twins may be considered regardless of chorionicity and zygosity.
Longitudinal Cortical Volume Changes Correlate With Motor Recovery in Patients After Acute Local Subcortical Infarction
Authors: Dang Chao , Liu Gang , Xing Shihui , Xie Chuanmiao , Peng Kangqiang , Li Chuo , Li Jingjing , Zhang Jian , Chen Li , Pei Zhong , Zeng Jinsheng 
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—
Secondary changes in the volume of motor-related cortical regions and the relationship with functional recovery during the acute stage after cerebral infarction have not been determined. In the present study, we quantified changes in gray matter (GM) volume in motor-related cortical regions and analyzed their correlations to clinical scores in patients with focal cerebral infarct.

Methods—
Fifteen patients with acute subcortical infarct underwent longitudinal high-resolution structural MRI and clinical assessment 3 times during a 12-week period (weeks 1, 4, and 12). Fourteen age- and sex-matched controls underwent MRI examination. Voxel-based morphometry was used to quantify changes in global GM volume; in addition, relationships between GM volume changes in volumes of interest and clinical scores were analyzed.

Results—

In patients with cerebral infarction, GM volumes detected by voxel-based morphometry both decreased and increased significantly in diffuse cortical regions during the observation period (
P
<0.001). GM volumes within volumes of interest decreased significantly in the ipsilateral supplementary motor area and contralateral insula, but they increased in the contralateral supplementary motor area over time (all
P
<0.017). The changes of GM volumes in the ipsilesional and contralesional supplementary motor area correlated with the changes in the Fugl–Meyer scale scores (ipsilesional,
r
s
=0.52;
P
=0.048; contralesional,
r
s
=0.74;
P
=0.002) and Barthel Index (ipsilesional,
r
s
=0.56;
P
=0.030; contralesional,
r
s
=0.65;
P
=0.009).

Conclusions—
These results suggest that secondary GM changes occur in diffuse areas and structural changes in some specific motor-related cortex may inhibit or promote functional recovery after an acute subcortical cerebral infarct.
Optimizing Prediction Scores for Poor Outcome After Intra-Arterial Therapy in Anterior Circulation Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sarraj Amrou , Albright Karen , Barreto Andrew D. , Boehme Amelia K. , Sitton Clark W. , Choi Jeanie , Lutzker Steven L. , Sun Chung-Huan J. , Bibars Wafi , Nguyen Claude B. , Mir Osman , Vahidy Farhaan , Wu Tzu-Ching , Lopez George A. , Gonzales Nicole R. , Edgell Randall , Martin-Schild Sheryl , Hallevi Hen , Chen Peng Roc , Dannenbaum Mark , Saver Jeffrey L. , Liebeskind David S. , Nogueira Raul G. , Gupta Rishi , Grotta James C. , Savitz Sean I. 
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—
Intra-arterial therapy (IAT) promotes recanalization of large artery occlusions in acute ischemic stroke. Despite high recanalization rates, poor clinical outcomes are common. We attempted to optimize a score that combines clinical and imaging variables to more accurately predict poor outcome after IAT in anterior circulation occlusions.

Methods—
Patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing IAT at University of Texas (UT) Houston for large artery occlusions (middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery) were reviewed. Independent predictors of poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 4–6) were studied. External validation was performed on IAT-treated patients at Emory University.

Results—

A total of 163 patients were identified at UT Houston. Independent predictors of poor outcome (
P
≤0.2) were identified as score variables using sensitivity analysis and logistic regression. Houston Intra-Arterial Therapy 2 (HIAT2) score ranges 0 to 10: age (≤59=0, 60–79=2, ≥80 years=4), glucose (<150=0, ≥150=1), National Institute Health Stroke Scale (≤10=0, 11–20=1, ≥21=2), the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (8–10=0, ≤7=3). Patients with HIAT2≥5 were more likely to have poor outcomes at discharge (odds ratio, 6.43; 95% confidence interval, 2.75–15.02;
P
<0.001). After adjusting for reperfusion (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b) and time from symptom onset to recanalization, HIAT2≥5 remained an independent predictor of poor outcome (odds ratio, 5.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.96–17.64;
P
=0.02). Results from the cohort of Emory (198 patients) were consistent; patients with HIAT2 score ≥5 had 6× greater odds of poor outcome at discharge and at 90 days. HIAT2 outperformed other previously published predictive scores.

Conclusions—
The HIAT2 score, which combines clinical and imaging variables, performed better than all previous scores in predicting poor outcome after IAT for anterior circulation large artery occlusions.
Validation of the DRAGON Score in 12 Stroke Centers in Anterior and Posterior Circulation
Authors: Strbian Daniel , Seiffge David J. , Breuer Lorenz , Numminen Heikki , Michel Patrik , Meretoja Atte , Coote Skye , Bordet Régis , Obach Victor , Weder Bruno , Jung Simon , Caso Valeria , Curtze Sami , Ollikainen Jyrki , Lyrer Philippe A. , Eskandari Ashraf , Mattle Heinrich P. , Chamorro Angel , Leys Didier , Bladin Christopher , Davis Stephen M. , Köhrmann Martin , Engelter Stefan T. , Tatlisumak Turgut 
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—
The DRAGON score predicts functional outcome in the hyperacute phase of intravenous thrombolysis treatment of ischemic stroke patients. We aimed to validate the score in a large multicenter cohort in anterior and posterior circulation.

Methods—
Prospectively collected data of consecutive ischemic stroke patients who received intravenous thrombolysis in 12 stroke centers were merged (n=5471). We excluded patients lacking data necessary to calculate the score and patients with missing 3-month modified Rankin scale scores. The final cohort comprised 4519 eligible patients. We assessed the performance of the DRAGON score with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the whole cohort for both good (modified Rankin scale score, 0–2) and miserable (modified Rankin scale score, 5–6) outcomes.

Results—

Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.84 (0.82–0.85) for miserable outcome and 0.82 (0.80–0.83) for good outcome. Proportions of patients with good outcome were 96%, 93%, 78%, and 0% for 0 to 1, 2, 3, and 8 to 10 score points, respectively. Proportions of patients with miserable outcome were 0%, 2%, 4%, 89%, and 97% for 0 to 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9 to 10 points, respectively. When tested separately for anterior and posterior circulation, there was no difference in performance (
P
=0.55); areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.84 (0.83–0.86) and 0.82 (0.78–0.87), respectively. No sex-related difference in performance was observed (
P
=0.25).

Conclusions—
The DRAGON score showed very good performance in the large merged cohort in both anterior and posterior circulation strokes. The DRAGON score provides rapid estimation of patient prognosis and supports clinical decision-making in the hyperacute phase of stroke care (eg, when invasive add-on strategies are considered).
Love and Hate at Qumran: The Social Construction of Sectarian Emotion
Authors: Mermelstein Ari 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Employing a “social constructionist” approach, according to which emotions are culturally conditioned expressions of values, this study considers how the sect behind 1QS used the emotions of love and hate to teach its members the proper ways of evaluating the world. Sectarian love and hate were vehicles through which the sect communicated core beliefs about election and revelation. Because his entrance into the sect was made possible by divine love, the initiate was expected to recognize his utter dependence on the divine will by loving those whom God loves and hating those whom he hates, thereby affirming his place in the covenantal community. Since divine love and hate manifested itself in the selective revelation of knowledge, sectarian love and hate required the unselfish disclosure of knowledge to other group members and the concealment of the same knowledge from outsiders. This link between the emotions of love and hate and an ethic of disclosure and concealment left its mark on routine sectarian conduct in the practice of reproof. Reproof of insiders and the conscious withholding of reproof from outsiders was a “socially dictated performance” of either love or hate that demonstrated the sectarian’s commitment to communal beliefs about covenant, knowledge, divine will, and relations with outsiders.
The Qumran Roundel and the mrḫyt: A Comparative Approach
Authors: Couprie Dirk L. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
A small saucer-shaped object with engraved concentric rings and radial marks, found at Qumran, is usually called a sundial. Several interpretations, some of them very complicated, have been suggested, none of them convincing. The most recent and most extensive interpretation, presented by Paul Tavardon O.C.S.O., receives special attention in this article. The Egyptian mrḫyt, consisting of a horizontal piece with at one end an upright block serving as a little gnomon, is also usually called a sundial. In this article the two instruments are examined in comparison with each other, which results in a rather simple interpretation. Current interpretations have studied both instruments as if they were handled in isolation and by one person. In the new interpretation offered here it is argued that, if studied under the assumption that two or more identical copies were used at the same time by different persons, it can be shown that they could have been used as instruments for making appointments when the shadow of the little gnomon had reached an agreed-upon mark.
Cognitive deconstruction of parenting in schizophrenia: The role of theory of mind
Authors: Mehta Urvakhsh M , Bhagyavathi Haralahalli D , Kumar Channaveerachari Naveen , Thirthalli Jagadisha , Gangadhar Bangalore N 
Published: August 2013

Objective: Schizophrenia patients experience impairments across various functional roles. Emotional unresponsiveness and an inability to foster intimacy and display affection may lead to impairments in parenting. A comprehensive cognitive understanding of parenting abilities in schizophrenia has the potential to guide newer treatment strategies. As part of a larger study on functional ability in schizophrenia patients, we attempted a cognitive deconstruction of their parenting ability. Methods: Sixty-nine of the 170 patients who participated in a study on social cognition in remitted schizophrenia were parents (mean age of their children: 11.8 ± 6.2 years). They underwent comprehensive assessments for neurocognition, social cognition (theory of mind, emotion processing, social perception and attributional bias), motivation and insight. A rater blind to their cognitive status assessed their social functioning using the Groningen Social Disabilities Schedule. We examined the association of their functional ability (active involvement and affective relationship) in the parental role with their cognitive performance as well as with their level of insight and motivation. Results: Deficits in first- and second-order theory of mind ( t = 2.57, p = 0.01; t = 3.2, p = 0.002, respectively), speed of processing ( t = 2.37, p = 0.02), cognitive flexibility ( t = 2.26, p = 0.02) and motivation ( t = 2.64, p = 0.01) had significant association with parental role dysfunction. On logistic regression, second-order theory of mind emerged as a specific predictor of parental role, even after controlling for overall functioning scores sans parental role. Conclusions: Second-order theory of mind deficits are specifically associated with parental role dysfunction of patients with schizophrenia. Novel treatment strategies targeting theory of mind may improve parenting abilities in individuals with schizophrenia.
Effects of Line Length, Line Spacing, and Line Number on Proofreading Performance and Scrolling of Chinese Text
Authors: Chan Alan H. S. , Tsang Steve N. H. , Ng Annie W. Y. 
Published: August 2013

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and interactions of line length, line number, and line spacing on Chinese screen-based proofreading performance and amount of scrolling. Background: Proofreading is an important process, and much of it is now done on screen. The Chinese language is increasingly important, but very little work has been done on the factors that affect proofreading performance for Chinese passages. Method: Three display factors related to screen size, namely line length, line number, and line spacing, were selected to be investigated in an experiment to determine their effects on proofreading performance and amount of scrolling. Correlations between proofreading performance in time and accuracy and scrolling amount were also analyzed. Results: The results showed that line number and line spacing had significant main and interaction effects on both proofreading time and detection rate. Line length and line number influenced scrolling amount significantly, but there was no interaction effect for scrolling. Scrolling amount was negatively correlated with proofreading time and typo detection rate such that more scrolling movement was associated with faster proofreading, but lower detection rate. There was a trade-off between time and accuracy. Conclusion: For balancing time and detection rate and improving performance for on-screen Chinese proofreading, the display setting of medium line length (36 characters per line) with four lines and 1.5 line spacing should be used. Application: The findings provide information and recommendations for display factors and the screen design that should prove useful for improving proofreading time and accuracy.
The Landscape for Diabetes Education
Authors: Martin Annette Lenzi , Warren Joshua P. , Lipman Ruth D. 
Published: August 2013

Purpose The National Member Practice Survey (NPS) of the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) is conducted biannually to describe the current diabetes education practice in the United States and identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement. Methods The 2012 NPS contained 49 questions about diabetes education providers, patients, and programs. The survey, sent electronically to approximately 13 000 AADE members, was completed by 3644 members. Testing was completed using a significance level of .05 or 95% confidence. Results While nurses and dietitians continued to comprise the majority of diabetes educators in 2012, a significant increase from 2010 occurred in the respondents identified as pharmacists (5% vs 4%). Individuals holding the certified diabetes educator (CDE) credential decreased slightly in 2012 from 2010. Practice settings for diabetes education increased significantly in 2012 versus 2010 for hospital outpatient/clinic (44% vs 37%) and hospital inpatient (20% vs 15%) settings. Prediabetes education was provided by 78% of respondents. Nearly 53% of educators indicated they devoted more than 4 hours per week to data entry, significantly higher than any other amount of time. Collection of clinical and behavioral outcomes increased significantly in 2012 from 2010. Conclusions Results of the 2012 NPS provide evidence that the practice of diabetes education is continuing to adapt to evolving models of health care in the United States by expanding the mix of practitioners providing education, engaging in necessary system support activities, and broadening the range of patients seen to include individuals at risk of developing diabetes.
Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in tracheal surgery: a case series
Authors: Chang X , Zhang X , Li X , Xu M , Zhao H , Fang W , Yao F 
Published: August 2013

Objectives: To review our experience of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in airway management during tracheal surgery. Methods: A retrospective, observational study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in tracheal surgery in Shanghai Chest Hospital between 2008 and 2012. Results: In all 91 tracheal surgeries, 7 high-risk cases used extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support ranged from 10 min to 31 min. All extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients underwent surgical procedures safely and there was no hospital mortality. Conclusions: Although various advanced anesthesia techniques can ensure a safe airway in tracheal surgery in most cases, extracorporeal circulation plays an important role in high-risk cases.
A systematic review of circulating markers in primary chronic venous insufficiency
Authors: Smith Ross K , Golledge Jonathan 
Published: August 2013

Objectives The etiology of primary chronic venous insufficiency is poorly understood. This systematic review aimed to summarize published evidence assessing the association of circulating markers with primary chronic venous insufficiency. Methods A search was undertaken through the PubMed database using the terms “venous insufficiency” and “biological marker” or “plasma” or “serum”. Search limits included English language, human subjects and studies with publication dates from 1994. Studies which classified patients using the Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology system of venous disease were analyzed. Results Seventeen studies were included, which have examined > 60 different biomarkers. A total of 13 markers were assessed in >1 study with the number of primary chronic venous insufficiency cases ranging from 41 to 244 and the number of controls ranging from 30 to 144 in these studies. Circulating estradiol, homocysteine and vascular endothelial growth factor were the most consistently associated with primary chronic venous insufficiency. Conclusions Whilst a number of studies have examined biomarkers associated with primary chronic venous insufficiency, further studies are required using improved and standardized approaches on larger populations. Biomarker research may increase pathogenic knowledge and result in opportunities to decrease chronic venous insufficiency burden.