bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endothelial nitric oxide synthetase genetic variants, metabolic syndrome and endothelial function in schizophrenia
Authors: Burghardt KJ , Grove TB , Ellingrod VL 
Published: December 2013

Objective: The increasing rates of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease in schizophrenia led to investigation into their causes, including atypical antipsychotics and pharmacogenetic variants. This study focused on the peripheral vasculature as a cardiovascular phenotype and the influence of atypical antipsychotics, the aberrant metabolism of nitric oxide caused by endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS) genetic variants and metabolic syndrome in a cross-sectional sample of schizophrenia subjects. Methods: Associations between eNOS genetic variants and endothelial function was assessed in a cohort of schizophrenia patients taking antipsychotic drugs, whom were undergoing a clinical assessment for endothelial function via the method of peripheral artery tonometry (RH-PAT), as well as metabolic syndrome criteria screening. Analyses were conducted on the entire cohort, then again after stratifying by metabolic syndrome, to investigate the effect of the eNOS variants and metabolic syndrome on endothelial functionality. Results: We included 203 subjects with a mean age of 46 years. The cohort was 36% female, 36% had metabolic syndrome and 85% were currently using atypical antipsychotics. We found associations between the eNOS T-786C and worse endothelial functioning (lower RH-PAT values) only in schizophrenia patients without metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: Our results suggested that when schizophrenia patients progress to meet metabolic syndrome criteria, the genetic protection of the eNOS T-786C variant on endothelial function is no longer seen: Other factors of this pro-inflammatory state may be overriding this effect. The results of this study need replication and the factors driving endothelial dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome warrant further investigation.
High-Dose Atorvastatin Reloading Before Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Increased Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Reduced Inflammatory Cytokine Expression During the Perioperative Period
Authors: Ye Honghua , He Fuwei , Fei Xiaohong , Lou Yanru , Wang Shiqi , Yang Rui , Hu Yewen , Chen Xiaomin 
Published: December 2013

Objective: We investigated atorvastatin reloading effects on endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) count and inflammatory cytokine expression after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with stable angina pectoris who had previously received long-term statin treatments. Methods: Patients with stable angina pectoris were treated with 80 mg atorvastatin 12 hours and 40 mg atorvastatin 2 hours before coronary angioplasty (n = 15) or preoperatively with 40 mg/d atorvastatin for 7 days (n = 15) or did not receive atorvastatin (n = 15). CD45−/133+/34+, CD45−/CD34+/kinase insert domain receptor (KDR)+, and CD45−/CD144+/KDR+ EPCs in the peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry 1 hour before as well as 1 hour, 6 hours, and 24 hours after PCI. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hCRP), and troponin-I (TnI) serum concentrations were analyzed immediately prior to and 24 hours after PCI. Results: In the 40mg Atorvastatin and control groups, none of the analyzed EPC blood concentrations changed significantly from 1h before operation to 1h and 6 h postoperative values. In contrast, the number of circulating early differentiation stage EPCs CD45-/133+/34+ and CD45-/CD34+/ KDR+ raised significantly from 1 h preoperative values (57.3±9.3; 57.3 ± 10.7) to 1 h postoperative ((74.4 ± 11.4; 78.8 ± 16.2), (p < 0.05)) and 6 h postoperative ((93 ± 16.9; 99.7 ± 11.9), (p < 0.05)) concentrations after coronary angioplasty in the 80mg Atorvastatin medication patients. In the control group, the sICAM-1 (174.55 ± 38.91 vs 204.11 ± 58.24) and hCRP (1.89 ± 1.93 vs 9.0 ± 11.1) serum concentrations at 24 hours after PCI were significantly elevated ( P < .05) compared to preoperative values, whereas the increases in the 2 groups treated with atorvastatin were not significant. In addition, the rise in serum TnI concentration level from pre- to postoperative in the 80-mg (0.02 ± 0.02 vs 0.09 ± 0.08) and the 40-mg (0.01 ± 0.03 vs 1.2 ± 2.59) reloading groups was less than that of the controls (0.01 ± 0.02 vs 1.75 ± 3.09) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggested that high-dose atorvastatin application before PCI triggered early EPC circulation. Furthermore, postoperative inflammatory cytokine sICAM-1 as well as hCRP serum levels were reduced, while postinterventional myocardial injury marker TnI elevations were inversely correlated with statin reloadings.
Changes in functional network centrality underlie cognitive dysfunction and physical disability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Schoonheim M M , Geurts J J G , Wiebenga O T , De Munck J C , Polman C H , Stam C J , Barkhof F , Wink A M 
Published: December 2013

Background: Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) has a large impact on the quality of life and is poorly understood. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate functional network integrity in MS, and relate this to cognitive dysfunction and physical disability. Methods: Resting state fMRI scans were included of 128 MS patients and 50 controls. Eigenvector centrality mapping (ECM) was applied, a graph analysis technique that ranks the importance of brain regions based on their connectivity patterns. Significant ECM changes were related to physical disability and cognitive dysfunction. Results: In MS patients, ECM values were increased in bilateral thalamus and posterior cingulate (PCC) areas, and decreased in sensorimotor and ventral stream areas. Sensorimotor ECM decreases were related to higher EDSS (rho = −0.24, p = 0.007), while ventral stream decreases were related to poorer average cognition (rho = 0.23, p = 0.009). The thalamus displayed increased connectivity to sensorimotor and ventral stream areas. Conclusion: In MS, areas in the ventral stream and sensorimotor cortex appear to become less central in the entire functional network of the brain, which is associated with clinico-cognitive dysfunction. The thalamus, however, displays increased connectivity with these areas. These findings may aid in further elucidating the function of functional reorganization processes in MS.
Devising a branding model for multipurpose mega-projects in entertainment, residential, tourism, and sport in Iran
Authors: Divandari Ali , Ekhlassi Amir , Rahmani Kamal 
Published: December 2013

Purpose: While it seems there are very few studies on the branding process for megaprojects in entertainment, residential, tourism, and sport, branding is one of the most important factors in these types of projects. This study has particularly tried to devise a branding model for these types of projects that corresponds to Persian characteristics. Design/methodology/approach: In Iran, since there is no special model in this field, the grounded theory approach was used to hypothesize and outline the aspects of the model. In-depth interviews corresponding to grounded theory were conducted. Findings: The main phenomenon relates to the branding process for megaprojects in entertainment, residential, tourism, and sport. Causal, contextual, and intervening conditions are all explored, and the results are introduced as a comprehensive model. Originality/value: Currently, there is no special model for multipurpose megaprojects in Iran. In fact, extant studies conducted globally have considered that the branding of these projects almost all focus on city or destination branding. This study considers branding issues from the initial phases of planning and constructing.
Hip resurfacing arthroplasty versus large-diameter head metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty: comparison of three Designs from the Finnish Arthroplasty Register
Authors: Junnila M. , Kostensalo I. , Virolainen P. , Remes V. , Matilainen M. , Vahlberg T. , Pulkkinen P. , Eskelinen A. , Itälä A. , Mäkelä K. 
Published: December 2013

Background and Aims: Large headed metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty may produce more metal ions than hip resurfacing arthroplasty. Increased metal-ion levels may be associated with higher revision rates due to adverse reaction to metal debris. The purpose of our study was to compare the survivorship of three hip resurfacing arthroplasty designs with their analogous cementless large-diameter head metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasties. Material and Methods: Based on data obtained from the Finnish Arthroplasty Register, the revision risks of three metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty/total hip arthroplasty design couples performed during 2001–2011 were analyzed using the Cox regression model. Results: In the Cox regression analysis for compared design pairs adjusted for age, gender, operated side, head size, diagnosis, and implant, there was no statistically significant difference in revision risk between ReCap hip resurfacing arthroplasty and Bimetric/ReCap total hip arthroplasty (risk ratio = 1.43, confidence interval = 0.95–2.14, p = 0.09) or between Birmingham hip resurfacing arthroplasty and Synergy/Birmingham hip resurfacing total hip arthroplasty (risk ratio = 1.35, confidence interval = 0.75–2.43, p = 0.31). However, the revision risk of Corail and Summit/articular surface replacement total hip arthroplasty (ASR HRA) was significantly increased compared to ASR HRA. (risk ratio = 0.73, confidence interval = 0.54–0.98, p = 0.04). Conclusion: We conclude that the short-term revision risk of large headed metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasties was not increased compared to analogous hip resurfacing arthroplasties in two out of three devices studied at a nationwide level. There may be implant-related factors having an effect on the success of single manufacturer devices. However, more information on the incidence of adverse soft-tissue reactions in these patient cohorts is needed.
Statins Promote Residual Aneurysm Sac Regression Following Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Gray Cleona , Goodman Patrick , O’Malley M. Kevin , O’Donohoe Martin K. , McDonnell Ciarán O. 
Published: December 2013

Background: Regression of the residual sac is indicative of successful endovascular aortic aneurysm (EVAR) repair. Using color duplex ultrasound (CDU), we monitored the residual aneurysm sac following EVAR and correlated sac behavior with perioperative risk factors. Methods: Of 145 patients with EVAR, 106 (73.1%) patients between January 01, 2003, and July 01, 2010, had at least 2 consecutive postoperative scans and thus were eligible for inclusion. Mean (± standard deviation [SD]) CDU scans per person was 4.6 (±1.4). All were conducted by the same technologist using a standard protocol on the same machine. Aneurysm sac change in centimeters and percentage terms was calculated. The presence or absence of an endoleak was also recorded. Change in aneurysm sac size was correlated with preoperative risk factors. Findings: Mean sac size change at 1 month was a decrease of 0.24 cm, equating to a percentage change of 4.3%. At 7 months, the decrease was 0.59 cm (9.8%), at 12 months, 0.73 cm (12.4%), at 18 months 0.92 cm (15.8%), and at 36 months 1.0 cm (16.6%). Both univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that statin therapy ( P = .002) was the only risk factor variable positively associated with aneurysm regression while the presence of an endoleak was inversely related to sac reduction ( P = .01). Interpretation: Maximum aneurysmal sac reduction seems to occur in the first year following endograft implantation. Statin therapy appears to be associated with an increased likelihood of sac regression following EVAR. Further investigation of the role of statins in the biology of abdominal aortic aneurysmal disease is warranted.
Temporal artery biopsy size does not matter
Authors: Kaptanis Sarantos , Perera Joanne K , Halkias Constantine , Caton Nadine , Alarcon Lida , Vig Stella 
Published: December 2013

This study aimed to clarify whether positive temporal artery biopsies had a greater sample length than negative biopsies in temporal arteritis. It has been suggested that biopsy length should be at least 1 cm to improve diagnostic accuracy. A retrospective review of 149 patients who had 151 temporal artery biopsies was conducted. Twenty biopsies were positive (13.3%), 124 negative (82.1%) and seven samples were insufficient (4.6%). There was no clinically significant difference in the mean biopsy size between positive (0.7 cm) and negative samples (0.65 cm) ( t-test: p = .43 NS). Ninety-four patients fulfilled all three ACR criteria prior to biopsy (62.3%) and four patients (2.6%) changed ACR score from 2 to 3 after biopsy. Treatment should not be delayed in anticipation of the biopsy or withheld in the case of a negative biopsy if the patient’s symptoms improve.
Application of endovascular stent placement as a remedy for spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection
Authors: Sun Yuan , Chen Zhaolei , Zhang Xicheng 
Published: December 2013

Objectives To present our experience regarding endovascular stent placement for the treatment of spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD) and to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the endovascular therapy. Methods The clinical data from six patients with SISMAD who underwent endovascular stent placement in two institutions from March 2010 to May 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Four patients were implanted a self-expanding stent, and an additional stent was deployed in two of these patients after the first stent was implanted. One patient was subjected to a self-expanding stent implantation combined with coil embolization. The remaining patient underwent thrombectomy plus partial intimectomy 2 months before a balloon-expandable stent was implanted. Results All of the patients recuperated uneventfully without any reoccurrence of the symptoms in the follow-up period (range 12–38 months). Contrast-enhanced computer tomography scanning was performed 3 months after the procedure in all of the patients, and the images showed that the false lumen was nearly thrombosed and that the true lumen was maintained patent. Conclusions Endovascular stent placement is a simple and safe alternative to aggressive surgery or uncertain observation.
The evolution of cellular deficiency in GATA2 mutation
Authors: Dickinson Rachel E. , Milne Paul , Jardine Laura , Zandi Sasan , Swierczek Sabina I. , McGovern Naomi , Cookson Sharon , Ferozepurwalla Zaveyna , Langridge Alexander , Pagan Sarah , Gennery Andrew , Heiskanen-Kosma Tarja , Hämäläinen Sari , Seppänen Mikko , Helbert Matthew , Tholouli Eleni , Gambineri Eleonora , Reykdal Sigrún , Gottfreðsson Magnús , Thaventhiran James E. , Morris Emma , Hirschfield Gideon , Richter Alex G. , Jolles Stephen , Bacon Chris M. , Hambleton Sophie , Haniffa Muzlifah , Bryceson Yenan , Allen Carl , Prchal Josef T. , Dick John E. , Bigley Venetia , Collin Matthew 
Published: December 2013

Key Points
Diverse patient groups with GATA2 mutation develop mononuclear cytopenia and elevated Flt3 ligand. Progressive cytopenias, rising Flt3 ligand, and terminal differentiation of lymphoid cells accompany clinical progression.
Rapid genomic and transcriptomic alterations induced by wide hybridization: Chrysanthemum nankingense × Tanacetum vulgare and C. crassum × Crossostephium chinense (Asteraceae)
Authors: Wang Haibin , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Sumei , Fang Weimin , Guan Zhiyong , Liao Yuan , Chen Fadi 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Hybridization is a major driver of evolution in plants. In a number of plant species, the process of hybridization has been revealed to be accompanied by wide-ranging genetic and epigenetic alterations, some of which have consequences on gene transcripts. The Asteraceae family includes a number of polyploid species, and wide crossing is seen as a viable means of genetically improving ornamental species such as Chrysanthemum spp. However, the consequences of hybridization in this taxon have yet to be characterized.

Results
Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), methylation sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) and cDNA-AFLP profiling of the two intergeneric hybrids C. nankingense × Tanacetum vulgare and C. crassum × Crossostephium chinense were employed to characterize, respectively, the genomic, epigenomic and transcriptomic changes induced by the hybridization event. The hybrids’ AFLP profiles included both the loss of specific parental fragments and the gain of fragments not present in either parent’s profile. About 10% of the paternal fragments were not inherited by the hybrid, while the corresponding rate for the maternal parent fragments was around 4–5%. The novel fragments detected may have arisen either due to heterozygosity in one or other parent, or as a result of a deletion event following the hybridization. Around one half of the cDNA-AFLP fragments were common to both parents, about 30% were specific to the female parent, and somewhat under 20% specific to the male parent; the remainder (2.9-4.7%) of the hybrids’ fragments were not present in either parent’s profile. The MSAP fingerprinting demonstrated that the hybridization event also reduced the amount of global cytosine methylation, since > 50% of the parental fragments were methylated, while the corresponding frequencies for the two hybrids were 48.5% and 50.4%.

Conclusions
Combining two different Asteraceae genomes via hybridization clearly induced a range of genomic and epigenomic alterations, some of which had an effect on the transcriptome. The rapid genomic and transcriptomic alterations induced by hybridization may accelerate the evolutionary process among progenies.
Clinical course and seizure outcome of idiopathic childhood epilepsy: determinants of early and long-term prognosis
Authors: Dragoumi Pinelopi , Tzetzi Olga , Vargiami Efthimia , Pavlou Evangelos , Krikonis Konstantinos , Kontopoulos Eleftherios , Zafeiriou Dimitrios I 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundIdiopathic epilepsies and epileptic syndromes predominate childhood and adolescence epilepsy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical course and outcome of idiopathic childhood epilepsy and identify variables determining both early and long-term prognosis.MethodsWe followed 303 children with newly diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy aged 1–14 years old, both prospectively and retrospectively. Outcome was defined at one, 2 and 4 years of follow-up, as well as at the end of the study period for all patients. Based on the data collected, patients were classified in four patterns of clinical course: “excellent”, “improving”, “relapsing” and “poor”. Variables defined at intake and after the initial year of treatment were analyzed for their prognostic relevance towards the clinical course and outcome of the patients.ResultsThe mean age at seizure onset was 6,7 years and the mean duration of follow-up was 8,3 years (range 2,0-22,0,SD 4,24). During the initial year of treatment, 70,3% of patients were seizure-free. The course of epilepsy was “excellent” in 53,1% of the subjects, “improving” in 22,8%, “relapsing” in 22,1% whereas only 6 children with idiopathic epilepsy (2%) had a “poor” clinical course exhibiting drug-resistance. After multivariate analysis, variables predictive of a poor initial response to therapy were early seizure onset, multiple seizure types and history of status epilepticus. At the end of follow-up, early response to treatment was of significant positive predictive value, while the presence of multiple seizure types and the history of migraine had a negative impact on prognosis.ConclusionsIn the vast majority of children, the long-term prognosis of idiopathic epilepsy is favorable. More than half of the patients attain seizure freedom immediately and their clinical course is considered “excellent”. About one fifth exhibit either an improving or a fluctuating course. Early seizure onset, multiple seizure types and status epilepticus are predictive of an initial poor response to treatment in children with idiopathic epilepsy. Initial non-response to treatment, multiple seizure types and history of migraine are determinants of a less favorable final outcome after long-term follow-up.
Quantitative T2 mapping to characterize the process of intervertebral disc degeneration in a rabbit model
Authors: Sun Wei , Zhang Kai , Zhao Chang-qing , Ding Wei , Yuan Jun-jie , Sun Qi , Sun Xiao-jiang , Xie You-zhuan , Li Hua , Zhao Jie 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
To investigate the potential of T2 mapping for characterizing the process of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in a rabbit model.

Methods
Thirty-five rabbits underwent an annular stab to the L4/5 discs (L5/6 discs served as internal normal controls). Degenerative changes were graded according to the modified Thompson classification and quantified in T2 respectively at pre-operation, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively. After MRI analysis, expression analysis of aggrecan and type II collagen gene in nucleus pulposus (NP) was performed using real time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). The longitudinal changes in NP T2 and gene expressions were studied by repeated measures and ANOVA, linear regression was performed for their correlations through the process of IDD. The reliability analysis of method of measurement of NP T2 was also performed.

Results
There was a strong inverse correlation between NP T2 and Thompson grades (r = -0.85). The decline of L4/5 NP T2 through 24 weeks was nonlinear, the most significant decrease was observed in 3 weeks postoperatively (P<0.05). The tendency was confirmed at gene expression levels. NP T2 correlated strongly with aggrecan (R2 = 0.85, P<0.01) and type II collagen (R2 = 0.78, P<0.01) gene expressions. The intraclass correlation coefficients for interobserver and intraobserver reliability were 0.963 and 0.977 respectively.

Conclusions
NP T2 correlates well with aggrecan and type II collagen gene expressions. T2 mapping could act as a sensitive, noninvasive tool for quantitatively characterizing the process of IDD in longitudinal study, help better understanding of the pathophysiology of IDD, assist us to detect the degenerative cascade, and develop a T2-based quantification scale for evaluation of IDD and efficacy of therapeutic interventions.
Prevalence of methotrexate intolerance in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Bulatović Ćalasan Maja , van den Bosch Oscar FC , Creemers Marjonne CW , Custers Martijn , Heurkens Antonius HM , van Woerkom Jan Maarten , Wulffraat Nico M 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal and behavioural symptoms occurring before (anticipatory/associative) and after methotrexate (MTX) administration, termed MTX intolerance, in rheumatoid (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods
Methotrexate Intolerance Severity Score (MISS), previously validated in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients, was used to determine MTX intolerance prevalence in 291 RA/PsA patients. The MISS consisted of four domains: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and behavioural symptoms, occurring upon, prior to (anticipatory) and when thinking of MTX (associative). MTX intolerance was defined as ≥6 on the MISS with ≥1 point on anticipatory and/or associative and/or behavioural items.

Results
A total of 123 patients (42.3%) experienced at least one gastrointestinal adverse effect. The prevalence of MTX intolerance was 11%. MTX intolerance prevalence was higher in patients on parenteral (20.6%) than on oral MTX (6.2%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Besides well-known gastrointestinal symptoms after MTX, RA and PsA patients experienced these symptoms also before MTX intake. RA and PsA patients on MTX should be closely monitored with the MISS for early detection of MTX intolerance, in order to intervene timely and avoid discontinuation of an effective treatment.