bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Ancestry Is Associated With Measures of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in African Americans
Authors: Gebreab Samson Y. , Riestra Pia , Khan Rumana J. , Xu Ruihua , Musani Solomon K. , Tekola-Ayele Fasil , Correa Adolfo , Wilson James G. , Rotimi Charles N. , Davis Sharon K. 
Published: March 2015

Objective—
To determine whether genetic ancestry was associated with subclinical atherosclerosis measures after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, inflammatory marker, socioeconomic status, and psychosocial factors in a large admixed African American population.

Approach and Results—

Participants were drawn from the Jackson Heart Study. Participant’s percent of European ancestry (PEA) was estimated based on 1747 genetic markers using HAPMIX. Association of PEA with peripheral arterial disease and common carotid intima-media thickness were investigated among 2168 participants and with coronary artery calcification >0 and abdominal aortic calcification >0 among 1139 participants. The associations were evaluated using multivariable regression models. Our results showed that a 1 SD increase in PEA was associated with a lower peripheral arterial disease prevalence after adjusting for age and sex (prevalence ratio=0.90 [95% CI, 0.82–0.99];
P
=0.036). Adjustments for traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, socioeconomic status, and psychosocial factors attenuated this association (prevalence ratio=0.91 [0.82–1.00];
P
=0.046). There was also a nonlinear association between PEA and coronary artery calcification and abdominal aortic calcification. The lowest PEA was associated with a lower coronary artery calcification (prevalence ratio=0.75 [0.58–0.96];
P
=0.022) and a lower abdominal aortic calcification [prevalence ratio=0.80 [0.67–0.96];
P
=0.016) compared with the reference group (10th–90th percentile) after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, inflammatory marker, socioeconomic status, and psychosocial factors. However, we found no significant association between PEA and common carotid intima-media thickness.

Conclusions—
Overall, our findings indicate that genetic ancestry was associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, suggesting unmeasured risk factors and interactions with genetic factors might contribute to the distribution of subclinical atherosclerosis among African Americans.
Aneurysm Development in Patients With a Bicuspid Aortic Valve Is Not Associated With Transforming Growth Factor-β Activation
Authors: Paloschi Valentina , Gådin Jesper R. , Khan Shaukat , Björck Hanna M. , Du Lei , Maleki Shohreh , Roy Joy , Lindeman Jan H.M. , Mohamed Salah A. , Tsuda Takeshi , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Eriksson Per 
Published: March 2015

Objective—
Patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) have an increased risk of developing ascending aortic aneurysms. Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is a crucial factor of vascular remodeling, the impaired signaling of which can alter the structure and composition of the extracellular matrix. In this study, we analyzed the activity of TGFβ in aneurysmal and nonaneurysmal ascending aorta from BAV patients, using tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) patients as a reference group.

Approach and Results—
The response to exogenous TGFβ was analyzed with regard to gene expression in primary aortic smooth muscle cells that were isolated from 7 BAV and 5 TAV patients and in valve fibroblasts from 7 BAV and 8 TAV patients. The set of genes that were significantly changed by TGFβ (217 genes) was compared with gene expression profiles of the ascending aorta from BAV and TAV patients (139 arrays). By principle component analysis, based on the 217 genes, gene expression differed significantly in the intima/media region between aneurysmal BAV and TAV aortas, driven by the response in TAV patients. During aneurysm development the levels of phosphorylated SMADs and the availability of free TGFβ were lower in BAV patients compared with TAV. Confocal microscopy analysis showed a higher colocalization of latency associated peptide and latent TGFβ binding protein 3 in BAV aortas.

Conclusions—
Our findings suggest that TGFβ activation during aneurysm formation is muted in patients with BAV, possibly as a result of an increased TGFβ sequestration in the extracellular space.
Two new species of Tortanus (Atortus) (Copepoda, Calanoida, Tortanidae) from the Andaman Islands
Authors: Nishida Shuhei , Anandavelu Iyyanar , Padmavati Gadi 
Published: March 2015

Two new species of the planktonic copepod genusTortanus, subgenusAtortus, are described from inter- to sub-tidal water of South Andaman Island, India. The new species are assigned to thetropicusgroup sensu Othman (1987) and distinguished from the other members of the group by the characteristic morphology of the pair of posterior dorsolateral processes on the fifth pedigerous somite in the female and the antennule and leg 5 in the male. An analysis of previous records of thetropicusspecies group indicates their sporadic occurrence combined with high species richness in Southeast Asia, suggesting future discovery of even more species by sampling with finer geographic and habitat coverage.
Effects of sexual dimorphism and body size on feeding behaviour of the fiddler crab, Uca bengali Crane, 1975
Authors: Tina F. W. , Jaroensutasinee M. , Jaroensutasinee K. 
Published: March 2015

Uca bengaliCrane, 1975 females have two small feeding claws but males have one small feeding claw and another big claw used for waving and fights. On the basis of video recordings of feeding motions and duration, and morphometric measurements of body size (measured as carapace width) and feeding claw size (measured as dactyl length and width), differences in feeding rate per crab and per feeding claw, feeding duration, and feeding claw size between sexes were studied with the main aim to test male ability to compensate for the loss of one functional feeding claw. Additionally, feeding rate of males and females of small and large size classes was studied. Furthermore, correlations between feeding rate and body size, as well as feeding claw size and body size were investigated. Results showed that increased feeding rate per feeding claw coupled with a larger feeding claw allowed males to compensate for the loss of one feeding claw. Smaller males and females fed faster than larger ones. There was a negative correlation between feeding rate and carapace width. Feeding duration did not vary between males and females of comparable size. A positive correlation was observed between feeding claw size and carapace width.
“We’re All Victims”
Authors: Salvi Valentina 
Published: March 2015

While the call for “national reconciliation” as a way to avoid criminal trials for human rights violations has been a constant refrain in the discourse of the armed forces since the return to democracy in Argentina in 1983, it has been made from different positions and in response to diverse conjunctures. Changes in the rhetoric of national reconciliation have been employed as a political and extrajudicial strategy by both the military and civilians for 30 years. The proposal of national reconciliation has oscillated between the need to forget the long-term effects of an “antisubversive war” and a sort of “duty to remember” in which all Argentines are brothers in the evocation of collective pain. Aunque el llamado a la “reconciliación nacional” como una manera para evitar los juicios penales por violaciones a los derechos humanos ha sido un estribillo constante en el discurso de las fuerzas armadas desde el regreso de la democracia en la Argentina en 1983, éste se ha hecho desde diferentes posiciones y como respuesta a coyunturas diferentes. Los cambios en la retórica de la reconciliación nacional han sido usados como una estrategia política y extrajudicial tanto por los militares como por los civiles desde hace 30 años. La propuesta de reconciliación nacional ha oscilado entre la necesidad de olvidar los efectos a largo plazo de la “guerra antisubversiva” y una especie de “deber de memoria” en el que todos los argentinos están hermanados en la evocación de un dolor colectivo.
What investigations are needed to optimally monitor for malignancies in SLE?
Authors: Tessier-Cloutier B , Clarke A E , Pineau C A , Keeling S , Bissonauth A , Ramsey-Goldman R , Lee J , Bernatsky S 
Published: March 2015

Objective The overall cancer incidence risk in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is approximately 15%–20% more than in the general population. Nevertheless, to date, the optimal malignancy screening measures in SLE remain undefined. Our objective is to determine what investigations are needed to optimally monitor for malignancies in SLE in order to inform upcoming Canadian Rheumatology Association recommendations. Methods We conducted a systematic search looking at three scientific sources, Embase, Medline and Cochrane, in an attempt to identify cancer screening recommendations for patients with SLE. We used a filter for observational studies and included articles published in 2000 and onward. Results The initial search strategy led to 986 records. After removal of duplicates and articles unrelated to SLE, we were left with 497 titles. From those, 79 research articles on cancer incidence in SLE were isolated and reviewed. Of the 79 original research papers, 25 offered screening recommendations, 14 suggested additional cancer screening whereas 11 studies simply promoted adherence to general population screening measures. The suggestions for more rigorous screening included recommending human papilloma virus testing in addition to routine cervical screening, and/or that cervical screening should be performed annually and/or suggested urine cancer screening in SLE patients with a history of cyclophosphamide exposure. Conclusions We found no original research studies directly comparing cancer screening strategies in SLE. Generally, authors recommend adherence to general population screening measures, particularly cervical screening. This, possibly with adding targeted screening in special cases (e.g. annual urine cytology in patients with prior cyclophosphamide exposure, and considering existing lung cancer screening guidelines for past heavy smokers), may be a reasonable approach for cancer screening in SLE.
Arthroscopic Brostrom Technique
Authors: Acevedo Jorge I. , Mangone Peter 
Published: March 2015

Surgical strategy regarding chronic lateral ankle instability is undergoing an evolution from traditional open procedures to minimally invasive and arthroscopic techniques. The development of arthroscopic techniques for the ankle mirrors the processes witnessed for the shoulder and knee over the last 30 years. The arthroscopic Brostrom is a novel technique that allows the surgeon to use an arthroscope to perform a lateral ankle ligament reconstruction that was previously thought possible only through open surgical technique. Indications and contraindications for the arthroscopic technique are essentially the same as those for an open Brostrom type of procedure. The arthroscopic Brostrom procedure is easy to remember and relatively simple to perform for the surgeon who has mastered basic ankle arthroscopy. The authors’ results discussed in this article reveal that the arthroscopic Brostrom is a safe and effective procedure with outcomes at least equal to published results for traditional open techniques. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.
A prospective, observational grouped analysis to evaluate the effect of triptorelin on lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Gil Thierry , Aoun Fouad , Cabri Patrick , Maisonobe Pascal , van Velthoven Roland 
Published: March 2015

Objectives: Few studies have assessed the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, such as triptorelin, on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Therefore, multiple, national observational, noninterventional studies were initiated to assess the effectiveness of triptorelin in reducing moderate or severe LUTS [International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) >7] in men with prostate cancer starting triptorelin therapy in clinical practice. Methods: Prospective, noninterventional, multicentre studies of LUTS located in Algeria, Belgium, China, Hungary, Romania and South Korea, in patients who were scheduled to receive triptorelin (3-month extended release or 1-month formulation) in clinical practice. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the proportion of patients with moderate or severe LUTS after 48 weeks as assessed by IPSS. Secondary endpoints included the distribution of IPSS categories, total IPSS and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels at baseline, 24 and 48 weeks. Results: In total, 2461 patients were recruited in the studies; 1282 patients had moderate or severe LUTS at baseline (IPSS > 7), received triptorelin and had follow-up IPSS. Mean total IPSS was reduced from 18.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 17.8–18.5] at baseline to 11.9 (95% CI 11.5–12.3; p < 0.001) and 10.6 (95% CI 10.2–11.0; p < 0.001) at weeks 24 and 48, respectively. Mean PSA levels were reduced from 117.9 ng/ml (95% CI 93.8–141.9) at baseline to 8.5 ng/ml (95% CI 5.2–11.7) and 16.6 ng/ml (95% CI 7.4–25.8) at weeks 24 and 48, respectively. There was a significant correlation between total IPSS change from baseline and PSA change from baseline at weeks 24 and 48 (ρ = 0.3 and 0.2, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The improvement in LUTS in men with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer after 24–48 weeks suggests that triptorelin is effective in improving LUTS in this subgroup of patients.
Monitoring asthma in children
Authors: Pijnenburg Mariëlle W. , Baraldi Eugenio , Brand Paul L.P. , Carlsen Kai-Håkon , Eber Ernst , Frischer Thomas , Hedlin Gunilla , Kulkarni Neeta , Lex Christiane , Mäkelä Mika J. , Mantzouranis Eva , Moeller Alexander , Pavord Ian , Piacentini Giorgio , Price David , Rottier Bart L. , Saglani Sejal , Sly Peter D. , Szefler Stanley J. , Tonia Thomy , Turner Steve , Wooler Edwina , Lødrup Carlsen Karin C. 
Published: March 2015

The goal of asthma treatment is to obtain clinical control and reduce future risks to the patient. To reach this goal in children with asthma, ongoing monitoring is essential. While all components of asthma, such as symptoms, lung function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and inflammation, may exist in various combinations in different individuals, to date there is limited evidence on how to integrate these for optimal monitoring of children with asthma. The aims of this ERS Task Force were to describe the current practise and give an overview of the best available evidence on how to monitor children with asthma.22 clinical and research experts reviewed the literature. A modified Delphi method and four Task Force meetings were used to reach a consensus.This statement summarises the literature on monitoring children with asthma. Available tools for monitoring children with asthma, such as clinical tools, lung function, bronchial responsiveness and inflammatory markers, are described as are the ways in which they may be used in children with asthma. Management-related issues, comorbidities and environmental factors are summarised.Despite considerable interest in monitoring asthma in children, for many aspects of monitoring asthma in children there is a substantial lack of evidence.
Leptin signalling system as a target for pulmonary arterial hypertension therapy
Authors: Huertas Alice , Tu Ly , Thuillet Raphaël , Le Hiress Morane , Phan Carole , Ricard Nicolas , Nadaud Sophie , Fadel Elie , Humbert Marc , Guignabert Christophe 
Published: March 2015

Excessive proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PA-SMCs) and perivascular inflammation lead to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) progression, but they are not specifically targeted by the current therapies. Since leptin (Ob) and its main receptor ObR-b contribute to systemic vascular cell proliferation and inflammation, we questioned whether targeting Ob/ObR-b axis would be an effective antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory strategy against PAH.In idiopathic PAH (iPAH), using human lung tissues and primary cell cultures (early passages ≤5), we demonstrate that pulmonary endothelial cells (P-ECs) over produce Ob and that PA-SMCs overexpress ObR-b. Furthermore, we obtain evidence that Ob enhances proliferation of human PA-SMCsin vitroand increases right ventricular systolic pressure in Ob-treated mice in the chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) model. Using human cells, we also show that Ob leads to monocyte activation and increases cell adhesion molecule expression levels in P-ECs. We also find that Ob/ObR-b axis contributes to PH susceptibility by using ObR-deficient rats, which display less severe hypoxia-induced PH (pulmonary haemodynamics, arterial muscularisation, PA-SMC proliferation and perivascular inflammation). Importantly, we demonstrate the efficacy of two curative strategies using a soluble Ob neutraliser and dichloroacetate in hypoxia-induced PH.We demonstrate here that Ob/ObR-b axis may represent anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory targets in PAH.
Determination of Abraham model solute descriptors for the monomeric and dimeric forms of trans-cinnamic acid using measured solubilities from the Open Notebook Science Challenge
Authors: Bradley Jean-Claude , Abraham Michael H , Acree William E , Lang Andrew SID , Beck Samantha N , Bulger David A , Clark Elizabeth A , Condron Lacey N , Costa Stephanie T , Curtin Evan M , Kurtu Sozit B , Mangir Mark I , McBride Matthew J 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Background
Calculating Abraham descriptors from solubility values requires that the solute have the same form when dissolved in all solvents. However, carboxylic acids can form dimers when dissolved in non-polar solvents. For such compounds Abraham descriptors can be calculated for both the monomeric and dimeric forms by treating the polar and non-polar systems separately. We illustrate the method of how this can be done by calculating the Abraham descriptors for both the monomeric and dimeric forms of trans-cinnamic acid, the first time that descriptors for a carboxylic acid dimer have been obtained.

Results
Abraham descriptors were calculated for the monomeric form of trans-cinnamic acid using experimental solubility measurements in polar solvents from the Open Notebook Science Challenge together with a number of water-solvent partition coefficients from the literature. Similarly, experimental solubility measurements in non-polar solvents were used to determine Abraham descriptors for the trans-cinnamic acid dimer.

Conclusion
Abraham descriptors were calculated for both the monomeric and dimeric forms of trans-cinnamic acid. This allows for the prediction of further solubilities of trans-cinnamic acid in both polar and non-polar solvents with an error of about 0.10 log units.
Anti-factor Xa antibodies in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and their effects upon coagulation assays
Authors: Artim-Esen Bahar , Pericleous Charis , Mackie Ian , Ripoll Vera M , Latchman David , Isenberg David , Rahman Anisur , Ioannou Yiannis , Giles Ian 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and functional effects of antibodies directed against Factor (F)Xa and other serine proteases (SP) in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Methods
Serum from patients with APS (n = 59), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; n = 106), other autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD; n = 63) and 40 healthy controls (HC) were tested for IgG activity against thrombin (Thr), FXa, FVIIa, phosphatidylserine (PS)/FXa and antithrombin (AT)-III by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anti-FXa positive IgG were purified to measure their avidity by chaotropic ELISA and functional effects upon clotting time (FXa-ACT) and FXa enzymatic activity (± AT-III).

Results
Anti-FXa IgG were found in patients with SLE (49.1%) and APS (33.9%) (P <0.05) but not in ARD controls and HC. In contrast, anti-Thr and anti-PS/FXa IgG were identified in other ARD and anti-FVIIa IgG were low in all groups. The avidity of APS-IgG to FXa was significantly higher than SLE-IgG (P <0.05). Greatest prolongation of FXa-ACT was observed with APS-IgG and greatest inhibitory effect upon FXa enzymatic activity was found with APS-IgG followed by SLE-IgG compared to HC-IgG. ATIII inhibition of FXa was significantly reduced by APS-IgG compared with HC and SLE (P <0.05) and did not correlate with binding to AT-III.

Conclusion
APS anti-FXa IgG have higher avidity to FXa and greater effects upon the enzymatic and coagulant activity of FXa compared with SLE anti-FXa IgG. Further studies of anti-FXa antibodies in APS, SLE and other non-autoimmune thrombotic disease cohorts are now required to evaluate whether targeting FXa with selective inhibitors in patients bearing anti-FXa antibodies may be an effective treatment strategy.
A new hybrid algorithm for a nonexpansive mapping
Authors: Dong Qiao-Li , Lu Yan-Yan 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn the paper, we introduce a new hybrid algorithm which is not based on the modification to weak convergence algorithms. The strong convergence theorem of the proposed algorithm is presented. Finally, the numerical experiments suggest that the new algorithm could be faster than Nakajo and Takahashi’s algorithm in J. Math. Anal. Appl. 279:372-379, 2003.
Multifuctional centers providing public and municipal services: benefits and problems
Authors: Гаврилова Людмила , Gavrilova Lyudmila 
Published: March 2015

In recent years, public policy focuses on the quality and accessibility of public services. The role and importance of these services in the daily life of communities is growing rapidly.
To achieve the performance targets in public services established by the President of the Russian Federation in May 2012 decrees by the Government of the Russian Federation developed and is currently being implemented a range of activities aimed at the optimization of the algorithm of public services provision by executive authorities in connection with the introduction of a new principle of government service — the principle of &#34;one window&#34;.
In order to implement this principle, which is one of the ways to improve the quality and accessibility of public services in all regions of the Russian Federation measures are currently being implemented aimed at promoting an information and communication infrastructure to facilitate obtaining state services in electronic form.
Another ambitious project is to create a network of multifunctional centers providing state and municipal services. Meanwhile, despite the fact that the implementation and operations of multi-service centers in the regions of Russia has a number of advantages for a number of applicants (public services are becoming more affordable, it takes less time for their production, the number of documents required to obtain public services is minimized, etc), for the state establishment and operations of such institutions are associated with solving problems that require timely and swift action.
The author analyzes some current problems related to legal, regulatory and financial bases for establishing a network of multi-service centers, its development and operations.