bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between Polymorphisms of the AKT1 Gene Promoter and Risk of the Alzheimer's Disease in a Chinese Han Population with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Liu Sheng‐Yuan , Zhao He‐Dan , Wang Jin‐Long , Huang Tong , Tian Hua‐Wei , Yao Li‐Fen , Tao Hua , Chen Zhong‐Wei , Wang Chang‐Yi , Sheng Si‐Tong , Li Hua , Zhao Bin , Li Ke‐Shen 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAimsAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactor disease that has been reported to have a close association with type 2 diabetes (T2D) where the v‐akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (AKT1) plays an important role in the protein synthesis pathways and cell apoptosis processes. Evidence has been shown that AKT1 protein may be related to AD risk among patients with T2D. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of AKT1 promoter and the risk of AD among patients with T2D.MethodsThe association between AKT1 polymorphisms and AD risk in patients with T2D was assessed among 574 consecutive unrelated subjects including 112 AD patients with T2D, 231 patients with AD, and 231 healthy controls in a case–control study. The cognitive function of all subjects was assessed using MMSE. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms with minor allele frequency >0.2 (rs2498786, rs74090038, rs2494750, rs2494751, rs5811155, and rs2494752) in AKT1 promoter were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the concentration of AKT1 protein in serum was tested using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsOverall, there was statistically significant difference in AKT1 rs2498786 polymorphism. The CC frequency of AKT1 rs2498786 polymorphism in AD with T2D group and AD control group was significantly higher than that in healthy control group (PAD+T2D vs. health < 0.0001, PAD vs. health < 0.0001). However, the difference was not found between AD with T2D group and AD control group. Compared with healthy control group, the plasma levels of AKT1 protein in AD with T2D group (PAD+T2D vs. health < 0.0001) and AD control group (PAD vs. health = 0.0003) decreased significantly. Among genotypes of AKT1 rs2498786 polymorphism, the AKT1 protein level in GG genotype was significantly higher than that in GC genotype (PGG vs. GC < 0.0001) and CC genotype (PGG vs. CC < 0.0001).ConclusionThe study suggests that AKT1 rs2498786 polymorphism in insulin signaling pathway may be associated with AD risk and different genotypes may affects levels of protein expression. However, the polymorphism is not shown to be exclusive in AD patients with T2D.
Importance of dispersal routes that minimize open‐ocean movement to the genetic structure of island populations
Authors: Harradine E. L. , Andrew M. E. , Thomas J. W. , How R. A. , Schmitt L. H. , Spencer P. B. S. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIslands present a unique scenario in conservation biology, offering refuge yet imposing limitations on insular populations. The Kimberley region of northwestern Australia has more than 2500 islands that have recently come into focus as substantial conservation resources. It is therefore of great interest for managers to understand the driving forces of genetic structure of species within these island archipelagos. We used the ubiquitous bar‐shouldered skink (Ctenotus inornatus) as a model species to represent the influence of landscape factors on genetic structure across the Kimberley islands. On 41 islands and 4 mainland locations in a remote area of Australia, we genotyped individuals across 18 nuclear (microsatellite) markers. Measures of genetic differentiation and diversity were used in two complementary analyses. We used circuit theory and Mantel tests to examine the influence of the landscape matrix on population connectivity and linear regression and model selection based on Akaike's information criterion to investigate landscape controls on genetic diversity. Genetic differentiation between islands was best predicted with circuit‐theory models that accounted for the large difference in resistance to dispersal between land and ocean. In contrast, straight‐line distances were unrelated to either resistance distances or genetic differentiation. Instead, connectivity was determined by island‐hopping routes that allow organisms to minimize the distance of difficult ocean passages. Island populations of C. inornatus retained varying degrees of genetic diversity (NA = 1.83 – 7.39), but it was greatest on islands closer to the mainland, in terms of resistance‐distance units. In contrast, genetic diversity was unrelated to island size. Our results highlight the potential for islands to contribute to both theoretical and applied conservation, provide strong evidence of the driving forces of population structure within undisturbed landscapes, and identify the islands most valuable for conservation based on their contributions to gene flow and genetic diversity.
European Society of Contact Dermatitis guideline for diagnostic patch testing – recommendations on best practice
Authors: Johansen Jeanne D. , Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Agner Tove , Andersen Klaus E. , Bircher Andreas , Bruze Magnus , Cannavó Alicia , Giménez‐Arnau Ana , Gonçalo Margarida , Goossens An , John Swen M. , Lidén Carola , Lindberg Magnus , Mahler Vera , Matura Mihály , Rustemeyer Thomas , Serup Jørgen , Spiewak Radoslaw , Thyssen Jacob P. , Vigan Martine , White Ian R. , Wilkinson Mark , Uter Wolfgang 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe present guideline summarizes all aspects of patch testing for the diagnosis of contact allergy in patients suspected of suffering, or having been suffering, from allergic contact dermatitis or other delayed‐type hypersensitivity skin and mucosal conditions. Sections with brief descriptions and discussions of different pertinent topics are followed by a highlighted short practical recommendation. Topics comprise, after an introduction with important definitions, materials, technique, modifications of epicutaneous testing, individual factors influencing the patch test outcome or necessitating special considerations, children, patients with occupational contact dermatitis and drug eruptions as special groups, patch testing of materials brought in by the patient, adverse effects of patch testing, and the final evaluation and patient counselling based on this judgement. Finally, short reference is made to aspects of (continuing) medical education and to electronic collection of data for epidemiological surveillance.
A case of concomitant intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration and situs inversus totalis
Authors: Barış Mustafa Mahmut , Gezer Naciye Sinem , Çelik Ahmet Orhan , Kılınç Oğuz , Balcı Pınar 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsSitus inversus is a rare congenital abnormality involving partial or complete transposition of the thoracic or abdominal viscera. In situs inversus totalis, both the thoracic and abdominal viscera are transposed. The incidence of this condition is 0.01% to 0.02%. Bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) is a rare congenital abnormality of the respiratory tract with an incidence of 0.15% to 1.80%. Intralobar sequestration is uncommonly associated with congenital anomalies.MethodsA routine chest X‐ray of a 41‐year‐old asymptomatic man showed dextrocardia, a left‐sided liver, right‐sided stomach, and left paracardiac opacity.ResultsComputed tomography (CT) and CT pulmonary angiography revealed dextrocardia with situs inversus totalis and left paracardiac intralobar BPS in the lingular segment of the left upper lobe.ConclusionWe present a rare case of combined situs inversus totalis and intralobar BPS with an atypical location and feeder artery.
NSFC spurs significant basic research progress of respiratory medicine in China
Authors: Sun Ruijuan , Xu Feng , Wang Chen , Dong Erdan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractOver the years, research in respiratory medicine has progressed rapidly in China. This commentary narrates the role of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) in supporting the basic research of respiratory medicine, summarizes the major progress of respiratory medicine in China, and addresses the main future research directions sponsored by the NSFC.
Plasma cell‐rich acute rejections in living‐related kidney transplantation: a clinicopathological study of 50 cases
Authors: Abbas Khawar , Mubarak Muhammed , Zafar Mirza N. , Aziz Tahir , Abbas Haider , Muzaffar Rana , Rizvi Syed A. H. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundAcute rejections (ARs) with plasma cell‐rich infiltrates (PCARs) are associated with poor outcomes.Patients and methodsBetween February 2012 and December 2013, 1630 dysfunctional renal graft biopsies were performed. Of these, 50 (3%) showed PCAR. ARs with >10% plasma cells were defined as PCAR. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies were tested in historic sera and at the time of PCAR. Treatment for PCAR comprised methylprednisolone, antithymocyte globulin, plasmapheresis, and anti‐CD20 antibody.ResultsOf the 1630 dysfunctional biopsies, 50 (3%) had PCAR which occurred 3.1 ± 2.55 yr after transplant. The percentage of plasma cells was 28.8 ± 11.7, and CD138, 29.0 ± 12.4. Donor‐specific antibodies (DSAs) were found in 32 (64%) overall, Class I in 15% and Class II in 65%. Post‐treatment serum creatinine improved from 3.80 ± 2.59 to 2.66 ± 1.59 mg/dL in DSA positive (p < 0.003) and from 2.59 ± 1.09 to 2.08 ± 0.86 mg/dL in DSA negative (p < 0.008). One‐ and two‐yr graft survival after PCAR was 72%, 42% in the DSA‐positive vs. 89%, 82% in the DSA‐negative group, respectively (p = 0.071).ConclusionsOur results show that PCAR occurs late after transplant and in many cases is associated with DSAs. Graft outcome was poor when PCAR was associated with DSAs.
Changes in the methodology of pre‐heart transplant human leukocyte antibody assessment: an analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing database
Authors: O'Connor Matthew J. , Keeshan Britton C. , Lin Kimberly Y. , Monos Dimitrios , Lind Curt , Paridon Stephen M. , Mascio Christopher E. , Shaddy Robert E. , Rossano Joseph W. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundWe sought to investigate temporal trends in the methodology of human leukocyte antibody assessment in heart transplantation.MethodsThe United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried from June 2004 to March 2013 to obtain pre‐heart transplantation human leukocyte antibody results. The % panel reactive antibody for class I and II antibodies was recorded along with the methodology of assessment. Allosensitization was defined as class I and/or II panel reactive antibody of ≥ 10%. The primary outcome measure was graft survival.ResultsDuring the study period, 12 858 patients with available data underwent heart transplantation. The prevalence of allosensitization increased, with 16.8% in 2005–2006 sensitized at the time of transplantation compared to 23.1% in 2010–2011 (p < 0.001); this occurred in conjunction with an increase in the utilization of flow cytometry (77.2% in 2005–2006; 97.0% in 2010–2011, p < 0.001). Using multivariable analysis, a positive pre‐heart transplantation panel reactive antibody by flow cytometry independently predicted graft loss.ConclusionsThere has been a recent increase in flow cytometric assessment of human leukocyte antibodies prior to heart transplantation, which may be associated with an increase in the prevalence of pre‐transplant patients being characterized as allosensitized. Flow cytometry may identify patients with the highest likelihood of graft loss.
Effects of acute caffeine supplementation on reducing exercise‐associated hypoglycaemia in individuals with Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zaharieva D. P. , Miadovnik L. A. , Rowan C. P. , Gumieniak R. J. , Jamnik V. K. , Riddell M. C. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo determine the effects of acute caffeine ingestion on glycaemia during moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise and in recovery in individuals with Type 1 diabetes.MethodsA total of 13 patients with Type 1 diabetes [eight women, five men: mean ± sd age 25.9 ± 8.8 years, BMI 71.9 ± 11.0 kg, maximal oxygen consumption 46.6 ± 12.7 ml/kg/min, body fat 19.9 ± 7.2%, duration of diabetes 14.4 ± 10.1 years and HbA1c 55 ± 8 mmol/mol (7.4 ± 0.8%)] were recruited. Participants ingested capsules that contained gelatin or pure caffeine (6.0 mg/kg body mass) and performed afternoon exercise for 45 min at 60% maximal oxygen consumption on two separate visits with only circulating basal insulin levels.ResultsThe main finding was that a single caffeine dose attenuates the drop in glycaemia by 1.8 ± 2.8 mmol/l compared with placebo intake during exercise (P=0.056). Continuous glucose monitoring data, however, showed that caffeine was associated with elevated glycaemia at bedtime after exercise, compared with placebo, but lower glucose concentrations in the early morning the next day.ConclusionsCaffeine intake should be considered as another strategy that may modestly attenuate hypoglycaemia in individuals with Type 1 diabetes during exercise, but should be taken with precautionary measures as it may increase the risk of late‐onset hypoglycaemia.
Balanced Skills and the City: An Analysis of the Relationship between Entrepreneurial Skill Balance, Thickness, and Innovation
Authors: Bublitz Elisabeth , Fritsch Michael , Wyrwich Michael 
Published: July 2015

AbstractEntrepreneurs are assumed to be multiskilled, covering a number of skills and achieving in each skill a level as high as possible. Being such a jack‐of‐all‐trades increases the probability of running an entrepreneurial venture successfully, but what happens to the jack‐of‐few‐trades who lacks sufficient skills? This article investigates a possible compensation mechanism between balanced skills and cities and how this compensatory measure relates to performance. Specifically, we test and find support for the idea put forward by Helsley and Strange that high market thickness, such as that found in cities, can compensate for a lack of entrepreneurial skill balance. The results indicate that entrepreneurs with low skill balance benefit more from being located in cities than their counterparts with high skill balance. Innovative firms do not differ from other businesses in this respect.
Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography Combined with Intravascular Ultrasound for the Evaluation of Coronary Veins for Percutaneous Mitral Annulus Repair Using Transcoronary Sinus Devices
Authors: Chen Shasha , Zhu Qian , Ning Zhongping , Wu Yingbiao , Zhang Zhen , Li Xinming 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundMultidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) can be used to evaluate the target location of transcoronary sinus devices. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of MDCTA in evaluating the target location of transcoronary sinus devices compared with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).Materials and MethodsForty‐two patients planned to undergo mitral valve repair (MVR) were prospectively enrolled at Zhoupu Hospital (China) including 15 with secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) grade ≥3. MDCTA was performed to measure the diameters of coronary sinus ostium (CSO) and proximal anterior interventricular vein (PAIV) and the distance between them.ResultsDuring MVR, these parameters were measured using IVUS before electrode insertion. There was a strong linear correlation between the diameter of CSO measured by MDCTA and IVUS (r = 0.967, P < 0.001), as well as for PAIV (r = 0.954, P < 0.001) and the distance between them (r = 0.986, P < 0.001). No significant differences were found between the results measured by MDCTA and IVUS. The patients with secondary MR grade ≥3 had significantly larger CSO and PAIV measured by IVUS (P = 0.003 and P = 0.017, respectively), as well as by MDCTA (P = 0.010 and P = 0.008, respectively).ConclusionDual‐source MDCTA might allow the quantitative evaluation of the target location of transcoronary sinus devices with a good accuracy. It may be a good choice for guiding the selection of transcoronary sinus devices.
Left Ventricular Myocardial Mechanics in Cirrhosis: A Speckle Tracking Echocardiographic Study
Authors: Pagourelias Efstathios D. , Sotiriou Panagiota , Papadopoulos Christodoulos E. , Cholongitas Evaggelos , Giouleme Olga , Vassilikos Vassilios 
Published: July 2015

Cirrhosis is commonly associated with impaired left ventricular (LV) myocardial contractile reserve to stress and diastolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess LV systolic performance at rest, using both “standard” echocardiographic indices and novel deformation–rotational parameters, in order to elucidate the pathophysiologic basis of cardiac dysfunction in cirrhosis. Seventy‐seven men with cirrhosis (mean age 54.4 ± 9.7) of variable Child–Pugh class (A, B, C) and 20 healthy control subjects were prospectively evaluated by standard as well as speckle tracking echocardiography. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly higher in patients with cirrhosis compared to controls (64.6 ± 5.7% in controls vs. 71 ± 9.5%, 71.2 ± 7.1%, and 73 ± 7% in Child–Pugh classes A, B, and C, respectively, P = 0.002). Interestingly, LV systolic function augmentation was not associated with changes in LV longitudinal deformation (LV strain −19 ± 1.9% in controls vs. −20.1 ± 5.3% in class A vs. −21.3 ± 2.6% in class B vs. −21 ± 3.4% in class C, P = NS), but a statistically significant increase in LV apical systolic rotation and accordingly in LV twist was observed (LV twist 13.0 ± 3° in controls vs. 14.9 ± 5° in class A vs. 16.5 ± 2.8° in class B vs. 18.2 ± 2.9° in class C, P < 0.0005). Despite the increase in LV rotation, time to both basal and apical peak systolic rotation was significantly delayed in patients compared to healthy controls (P = 0.015 and P = 0.017 accordingly). Increased EF in cirrhosis could be attributed to increased LV torsion. Despite the “improved” rotation values at rest, there is a significant time delay in succeeding peak systolic rotation, hampering also the consequent untwisting–diastolic period.
Z‐Value of Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion Is a Useful Indicator to Predict Left Ventricular Stroke Volume in Children: Comparing Longitudinal and Radial Contractions
Authors: Hashimoto Ikuo , Watanabe Kazuhiro 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundThe purpose of our study was to explore the pumping mechanism of the left ventricle (LV) and to examine the role of longitudinal LV contraction in LV stroke volume (LVSV) compared to a radial LV contraction.Methods and ResultsWe examined 890 consecutive children without structural heart disease including 395 patients with a history of Kawasaki disease (KD). We measured the mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), the LV end‐diastolic and end‐systolic dimension (LVDd), the LV radial wall displacement (LVRWD) and the LV stroke volume (LVSV). The LVSV was determined by the Doppler method. The z‐values of MAPSE, LVDd, LVRWD and LVSV were calculated by the mean values and standard deviations (SDs) based upon BSA every 0.1 m2. We evaluated the relationship between the z‐LVSV and the geometrical factors. The z‐value of the MAPSE was the most powerful determinant for the z‐values of the LVSV of all of the geometrical factors (β = 0.36, P < 0.0001). However, the z‐values of the LVRWD did not contribute to those of the LVSV.ConclusionsThe longitudinal LV contraction contributes more to the LVSV than the radial LV contraction, even in subjects without heart failure. Evaluation of longitudinal LV contraction using the MAPSE z‐value is useful for assessing global LV function in children with various body sizes.
Diagnostic reference range of κ/λ free light chain ratio to screen for Bence Jones proteinuria is not significantly influenced by GFR
Authors: Schmidt‐Hieltjes Yvonne , Elshof Clemens , Roovers Lian , Ruinemans‐Koerts Janneke 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of our study was to analyse whether the κ/λ free light chain ratio reference range for screening for Bence Jones proteinuria should be dependent on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).MethodsThe serum κ/λ free light chain ratio, eGFR, serum M‐protein and Bence Jones protein were measured in 544 patients for whom Bence Jones protein analysis was ordered.ResultsIn the population of patients without Bence Jones proteinuria or a M‐protein (n = 402), there is no gradual increase in κ/λ free light chain ratio with diminishing eGFR. The κ/λ free light chain ratio in this group was 0.56–1.86 (95% interval). With this diagnostic reference range of the κ/λ ratio, 105 of the 110 patients with Bence Jones protein could be identified correctly. Only five patients with Bence Jones proteinuria (<0.17 g/L) were missed, without diagnostic or therapeutic consequences. In 36 patients (6.6%), an abnormal κ/λ free light chain ratio was measured without the presence of Bence Jones proteinuria.ConclusionsA κ/λ free light chain ratio in serum can be used safely and efficiently to select urine samples which should be analysed for Bence Jones proteinuria with an electrophoresis/immunofixation technique. Using this diagnostic reference range, the number of urine samples which should be analysed by electrophoresis/immunofixation could be reduced by 74%. The diagnostic reference interval can be determined best in a group of patients for whom Bence Jones analysis is indicated. For calculation of this reference range, the eGFR value does not need to be taken into account.
Identification and modelling of fast and slow Ih current components in vestibular ganglion neurons
Authors: Michel Christophe B. , Azevedo Coste Christine , Desmadryl Gilles , Puel Jean‐Luc , Bourien Jerome , Graham Bruce P. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPrevious experimental data indicates the hyperpolarization‐activated cation (Ih) current, in the inner ear, consists of two components [different hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN) subunits] which are impossible to pharmacologically isolate. To confirm the presence of these two components in vestibular ganglion neurons we have applied a parameter identification algorithm which is able to discriminate the parameters of the two components from experimental data. Using simulated data we have shown that this algorithm is able to identify the parameters of two populations of non‐inactivated ionic channels more accurately than a classical method. Moreover, the algorithm was demonstrated to be insensitive to the key parameter variations. We then applied this algorithm to Ih current recordings from mouse vestibular ganglion neurons. The algorithm revealed the presence of a high‐voltage‐activated slow component and a low‐voltage‐activated fast component. Finally, the electrophysiological significance of these two Ih components was tested individually in computational vestibular ganglion neuron models (sustained and transient), in the control case and in the presence of cAMP, an intracellular cyclic nucleotide that modulates HCN channel activity. The results suggest that, first, the fast and slow components modulate differently the action potential excitability and the excitatory postsynaptic potentials in both sustained and transient vestibular neurons and, second, the fast and slow components, in the control case, provide different information about characteristics of the stimulation and this information is significantly modified after modulation by cAMP.