bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rare SNP rs12731181 in the miR-590-3p Target Site of the Prostaglandin F
2α
Receptor Gene Confers Risk for Essential Hypertension in the Han Chinese Population
Authors: Xiao Bing , Gu Shui-Ming , Li Mulin Jun , Li Jun , Tao Bo , Wang Yuanyang , Wang Yan , Zuo Shengkai , Shen Yujun , Yu Yu , Chen Di , Chen Guilin , Kong Deping , Tang Juan , Liu Qian , Chen Dong-Rui , Liu Yong , Alberti Sara , Dovizio Melania , Landolfi Raffaele , Mucci Luciana , Miao Pei-Zhi , Gao Pingjin , Zhu Ding-Liang , Wang Junwen , Li Bin , Patrignani Paola , Yu Ying 
Published: May 2015

Objective—

To investigate whether rs12731181 (A→G) interrupted miR-590-3p–mediated suppression of the prostaglandin F
2α
receptor (FP) and whether it is associated with essential hypertension in the Chinese population.

Approach and Results—

We found that miR-590-3p regulates human
FP
gene expression by binding to its 3′-untranslated region. rs12731181 (A→G) altered the binding affinity between miR-590-3p and its FP 3′-untranslated region target, thus reducing the suppression of FP expression, which, in turn, enhanced FP receptor–mediated contractility of vascular smooth muscle cells. Overexpression of FP augmented vascular tone and elevated blood pressure in mice. An association study was performed to analyze the relationship between the
FP
gene and essential hypertension in the Han Chinese population. The results indicated that the rs12731181 G allele was associated with susceptibility to essential hypertension. Carriers of the AG genotype exhibited significantly higher blood pressure than those of the AA genotype.
FP
gene expression was significantly higher in human peripheral leukocytes from individuals with the AG genotype than that in leukocytes from individuals with the AA genotype.

Conclusions—
rs12731181 in the seed region of the miR-590-3p target site is associated with increased risk of essential hypertension and represents a new paradigm for FP involvement in blood pressure regulation.
Leaflet Area as a Determinant of Tricuspid Regurgitation Severity in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Afilalo Jonathan , Grapsa Julia , Nihoyannopoulos Petros , Beaudoin Jonathan , Gibbs J. Simon R. , Channick Richard N. , Langleben David , Rudski Lawrence G. , Hua Lanqi , Handschumacher Mark D. , Picard Michael H. , Levine Robert A. 
Published: May 2015

Background—
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a risk factor for mortality in pulmonary hypertension (PH). TR severity varies among patients with comparable degrees of PH and right ventricular remodeling. The contribution of leaflet adaptation to the pathophysiology of TR has yet to be examined. We hypothesized that tricuspid leaflet area (TLA) is increased in PH, and that the adequacy of this increase relative to right ventricular remodeling determines TR severity.

Methods and Results—
A prospective cohort of 255 patients with PH from pre and postcapillary pathogeneses was assembled from 2 centers. Patients underwent a 3-dimensional echocardiogram focused on the tricuspid apparatus. TLA was measured with the Omni 4D software package. Compared with normal controls, patients with PH had a 2-fold increase in right ventricular volumes, 62% increase in annular area, and 49% increase in TLA. Those with severe TR demonstrated inadequate increase in TLA relative to the closure area, such that the ratio of TLA:closure area <1.78 was highly predictive of severe TR (odds ratio, 68.7; 95% confidence interval, 16.2–292.7). The median vena contracta width was 8.5 mm in the group with small TLA and large closure area as opposed to 4.8 mm in the group with large TLA and large closure area.

Conclusions—
TLA plays a significant role in determining which patients with PH develop severe functional TR. The ratio of TLA:closure area, reflecting the balance between leaflet adaptation versus annular dilation and tethering forces, is an indicator of TR severity that may identify which patients stand to benefit from leaflet augmentation during tricuspid valve repair.
Left Atrial Appendage Ligation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Leads to a Decrease in Atrial Dispersion
Authors: Kawamura Mitsuharu , Scheinman Melvin M. , Lee Randall J. , Badhwar Nitish 
Published: May 2015

Background

Left atrial appendage (
LAA
) exclusion has been performed in patients with atrial fibrillation (
AF
) to prevent thrombus formation and subsequent cardioembolic events. Left atrial electrical remodeling is a recognized factor in the recurrence of
AF
. The effects of
LAA
exclusion on P‐wave characteristics and left atrial electrical remodeling have not been well described. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of
LAA
ligation on P‐wave morphology in patients with
AF
.

Methods and Results

Fifteen patients who were in sinus rhythm during the
LAA
ligation procedure were included in the study. We evaluated the P‐wave characteristics, including P‐wave duration, P‐wave amplitude,
PQ
interval, and P‐wave dispersion, before and after ligation. Eleven patients had paroxysmal
AF
and 4 patients had persistent
AF
(12 male patients and 3 female patients). P‐wave duration immediately after ligation was significantly shorter compared with baseline in all limb leads except lead
aVR
(
P
<0.05). P‐wave amplitude immediately after ligation was significantly greater compared with baseline in inferior leads; however, P‐wave amplitude after 1 to 3 months was significantly lower compared with immediately after ligation.
PQ
interval immediately after ligation was significantly shorter compared with baseline (
P
=0.01), and P‐wave dispersion after 1 to 3 months was significantly shorter compared with baseline (
P
=0.02).

Conclusions

LAA
exclusion produces consistent P‐wave changes consistent with decreased atrial mass and decreased atrial dispersion that may represent reverse electrical atrial remodeling. This is a potential mechanism to explain the role of
LAA
ligation in maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with
AF
.
Dimethyl Fumarate Protects Brain From Damage Produced by Intracerebral Hemorrhage by Mechanism Involving Nrf2
Authors: Zhao Xiurong , Sun Guanghua , Zhang Jie , Ting Shun-Ming , Gonzales Nicole , Aronowski Jaroslaw 
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose—
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) represents a devastating form of stroke for which there is no effective treatment. This preclinical study was designed to evaluate dimethyl fumarate (DMF), a substance recently approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, as therapy for ICH. We hypothesized that DMF through activating the master regulator of cellular self-defense responses, transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), would act as effective treatment for ICH-mediated damage.

Methods—
Male rats and mice, including Nrf2 knockouts, were subjected to intracerebral injection of blood (to mimic ICH) and then treated with DMF. Neurological deficit, brain edema, gene induction profile and hematoma resolution were evaluated. Phagocytic functions of primary microglia in culture were used to study hematoma resolution.

Results—
Treatment with DMF induced Nrf2-target genes, improved hematoma resolution, reduced brain edema, and ultimately enhanced neurological recovery in rats and wild-type, but not Nrf2 knockout, mice. Most importantly, the treatment of ICH with DMF showed a 24 h window of therapeutic opportunity.

Conclusions—
A clinically relevant dose of DMF demonstrates potent therapeutic efficacy and impressive 24 h therapeutic window of opportunity. This study merits further evaluation of this compound as potential treatment for ICH in humans.
A Quantitative Definition of Global Warming Hiatus and 50-Year Prediction of Global-Mean Surface Temperature*
Authors: Wei Meng , Qiao Fangli , Deng Jia 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Recent global warming hiatus has received much attention; however, a robust and quantitative definition for the hiatus is still lacking. Recent studies by Scafetta, Wu et al., and Tung and Zhou showed that multidecadal variability (MDV) is responsible for the multidecadal accelerated warming and hiatuses in historical global-mean surface temperature (GMST) records, though MDV itself has not received sufficient attention thus far. Here, the authors introduce four key episodes in GMST evolution, according to different phases of the MDV extracted by the ensemble empirical-mode decomposition method from the ensemble HadCRUT4 monthly GMST time series. The “warming (cooling) hiatus” and “typical warming (cooling)” periods are defined as the 95% confidence intervals for the locations of local MDV maxima (minima) and of their derivatives, respectively. Since 1850, the warming hiatuses, cooling hiatuses, and typical warming have already occurred three times and the typical cooling has occurred twice. At present, the MDV is in its third warming-hiatus period, which started in 2012 and would last until 2017, followed by a 30-yr cooling episode, while the trend will sustain the current steady growth in the next 50 years. Their superposition presents steplike rising since 1850. It is currently ascending a new height and will stay there until the next warming phase of the MDV carries it higher.
Inverse Energy Cascades in an Eddy-Induced NAO-Type Flow: Scale Interaction Mechanism
Authors: Luo Dehai , Zhong Linhao , Franzke Christian L. E. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In this paper, based on a new wave–eddy interaction framework, the interaction mechanism between the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and synoptic-scale eddies is revealed by using the analytical solutions of a two-scale model as a description of the inverse energy cascade from nonuniform synoptic-scale eddies to the large-scale NAO flow. It is found that the spatial shape of the eddy-induced large-scale streamfunction tendency prior to the NAO onset determines the direction of eddy energy transfer, as well as the phase and growth of the NAO. However, the feedback of the intensified NAO anomaly on synoptic eddies can affect significantly the asymmetry of the NAO between negative (NAO−) and positive (NAO+) phases in amplitude and persistence through the presence or absence of the eddy straining related to cyclonic wave breaking (CWB).
For the NAO+, the stretching deformation role of the NAO+ field seems dominant in the eddy variation. Because the eddy energy generation rate (EGR) weakens and tends to be negative in the downstream side of the NAO+ region, the synoptic eddies lose their energy to the NAO+-type zonal flow, thus leading to the weakening of synoptic-scale eddies. However, for the NAO−, the EGR variation shows that synoptic eddies grow over the two upstream sides of the NAO− region by extracting energy from the NAO− shearing deformation field, while losing energy to the mean flow over the upstream middle region through the stretching deformation. This process results in the eddy straining (splitting and strengthening) associated with the CWB.
Atmospheric Responses to North Atlantic SST Anomalies in Idealized Experiments. Part I: Northern Hemispheric Circulation
Authors: Veres Michael , Hu Qi 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Idealized model experiments using the NCAR CESM1.0.5 under equinox conditions are designed and performed to address two fundamental questions about the effects of the sea surface temperature (SST) variation associated with the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) on circulation and precipitation in North America and Europe: 1) Is the observed relationship between the AMO SST and the warm-season precipitation in North America a statistical coincidence? and 2) Why is the response of negative precipitation anomaly to warm SST in the AMO fairly uniform across most of North America, whereas the positive precipitation anomaly in the cold SST rather spotty? Model experiments are done with either a warm or cold SST anomaly in an aquaplanet, a planet with idealized continents, and a planet with both idealized continents and orography. Major results show that the atmospheric response to warm SST anomaly in the North Atlantic is fairly similar among the three sets of experiments. In the lower troposphere, the response has a significant negative geopotential anomaly from the SST anomaly center to the east and a positive geopotential anomaly in upstream North America. However, the response to the cold SST anomaly changes considerably among these experiments, particularly in North America. These results provide a foundation to answer the abovementioned two questions. First, they show that there is physical connection of the AMO SST and atmospheric circulation anomalies in North America. Moreover, the rather stable atmospheric response to the warm SST may explain the observed largely consistent response to the warm SST anomaly. The varying responses of the atmosphere to the cold SST indicate a strong sensitivity of the atmosphere to other forcings during the cold SST anomaly in the North Atlantic. This sensitivity could explain the varying and less stable response of the atmosphere to the cold SST during the AMO.
Sensitivity of Tropical Cyclone Track Simulation over the Western North Pacific to Different Heating/Drying Rates in the Betts–Miller–Janjić Scheme
Authors: Sun Yuan , Zhong Zhong , Dong Hong , Shi Jian , Hu Yijia 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The Weather Research and Forecasting Model is employed to examine the sensitivity of simulated tropical cyclone (TC) motion and associated intensity of the western Pacific subtropical high (WSPH) to different heating and drying rates in the Betts–Miller–Janjić (BMJ) cumulus parameterization (CP) scheme. A case study of Tropical Cyclone Megi (2010) is performed. Results indicate that the simulated WPSH strengthens as the heating/drying effects of the BMJ decrease. A strong WPSH subsequently leads to changes in the large-scale steering flow in its southern edge and delays the northward turning of the simulated storm. The associated physical mechanism is revealed. As the heating/drying is overestimated in the BMJ, the model produces unrealistic drying below 500 hPa whereas the atmosphere becomes moist above 500 hPa. Drying in the lower troposphere hinders the activation of the microphysics while moistening in the upper troposphere facilitates the microphysics. As a result, the model generates extensive anvil clouds that extend far away from the TC center and reach the upper troposphere over the WPSH. This leads to a warming in the upper troposphere due to condensation in the anvil clouds, and a cooling in the lower troposphere due to precipitation evaporation below the anvil clouds. Subsequently, the WPSH weakens and the large-scale steering flow becomes anomalously northward, leading to an early recurvature of TC Megi.
Results of this study emphasize the importance of a correct representation of anvil clouds in simulating the WPSH and TC track. This study also implies that correcting the heating/drying can be an effective way to reduce errors in simulating the WPSH and TC motion.
Subtle Tyranny
Authors: Narchi Nemer E. , Cristiani Beatriz Canabal 
Published: May 2015

Neoliberal reforms and social constructs that legitimate the full exploitation of nature intersect with political power to produce an inherently violent social atmosphere in which economic development is based on exclusion, submission, and dispossession of rural and indigenous communities. Historical ecological study of Lake Xochimilco reveals the way in which imposed constructs of nature that exclude traditional ecological knowledge have transformed landscapes and livelihoods to the detriment of all the inhabitants of Mexico City. Las reformas neoliberales y las construcciones sociales que legitiman la explotación plena de la naturaleza se cruzan con el poder político para crear un ambiente social inhe-rentemente violento en el cual el desarrollo económico se basa en la exclusión, el sometimiento y el despojo de las comunidades rurales e indígenas. El estudio histórico de la ecología del Lago de Xochimilco revela la manera en que las construcciones de la naturaleza impuestas que excluyen el conocimiento ecológico tradicional han transformado el paisaje y los medios de subsistencia en detrimento de todos los habitantes de la Ciudad de México.
Visual rating method and tensor-based morphometry in the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: a comparative magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Tuokkola Terhi , Koikkalainen Juha , Parkkola Riitta , Karrasch Mira , Lötjönen Jyrki , Rinne Juha O 
Published: May 2015

Background Atrophy of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) is the main structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) finding in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, evaluating the degree of atrophy is still demanding. Purpose The visual rating method (VRM) was compared with multi-template tensor-based morphometry (TBM), in terms of its efficacy in diagnosing of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. Material and Methods Forty-seven patients with MCI, 80 patients with AD and 84 controls were studied. Results TBM seems to be more sensitive than VRM at the early stage of dementia in the areas of MTL and ventricles. The methods were equally good in distinguishing controls and the MCI group from the AD group. At the frontal areas TBM was better than VRM in all comparisons. Conclusion A user-friendly VRM is still useful for the clinical evaluation of MCI patients, but multi-template TBM is more sensitive for diagnosing the early stages of dementia. However, TBM is currently too demanding to use for daily clinical work.
Diagnosis of Acute Groin Injuries
Authors: Serner Andreas , Tol Johannes L. , Jomaah Nabil , Weir Adam , Whiteley Rodney , Thorborg Kristian , Robinson Matthew , Hölmich Per 
Published: May 2015

Background: Acute groin injuries are common in high-intensity sports, but there are insufficient data on injury characteristics such as injury mechanisms and clinical and radiological findings. Purpose: To describe these characteristics in a cohort of athletes. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 110 male athletes (mean age, 25.6 ± 4.7 years) with sports-related acute groin pain were prospectively included within 7 days of injury from August 2012 to April 2014. Standardized history taking, a clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or ultrasound (US) were performed. Results: The most frequent injury mechanism in soccer was kicking (40%), and change of direction was most frequent in other sports (31%). Clinically, adductor injuries accounted for 66% of all injuries and primarily involved the adductor longus on imaging (91% US, 93% MRI). The iliopsoas and proximal rectus femoris were also frequently injured according to all examination modalities (15%-25%). Acute injury findings were negative in 22% of the MRI and 25% of the US examinations. Of the clinically diagnosed adductor injuries, 3% (US) and 6% (MRI) showed a radiological injury in a different location compared with 35% to 46% for clinically diagnosed iliopsoas and proximal rectus femoris injuries. Conclusion: Adductor injuries account for the majority of acute groin injuries. Iliopsoas and proximal rectus femoris injuries are also common. More than 1 in 5 injuries showed no imaging signs of an acute injury. Clinically diagnosed adductor injuries were often confirmed on imaging, whereas iliopsoas and rectus femoris injuries showed a different radiological injury location in more than one-third of the cases. The discrepancy between clinical and radiological findings should be considered when diagnosing acute groin injuries.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Autologous Vein Graft Reconstructions of the Lower Extremity
Authors: Jongkind Jeroen , Ünlü Çaĝdaş , Vahl Anco , Voorwinde Tony , Nieuwenhuizen Roos van , Bosma Jan 
Published: May 2015

Background: Different factors contribute to infection after arterial reconstructive surgery. Prophylactic antibiotic use during surgery is widespread, however, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of prophylactic antibiotics with autologous vein grafting. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of single-dose prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing autologous vein grafting. Methods: Patients undergoing arterial bypass reconstruction in the lower extremity between 2004 and 2012 were retrospectively screened for use of vein grafts. Patients receiving single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis (group 1) were compared with those not receiving prophylaxis (group 2). Results: Primary outcome was surgical site infection (SSI), and 142 patients were included. The SSI occurred in 22% of patients in group 1 and in 29% of patients in group 2 ( P = .39; odds ratio: 1.46 confidence interval 95%: 0.61-3.47). Conclusions: Results showed no significant effect from single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis on lowering the incidence of SSI.
The invisible silence of race: On exploring some experiences of minority group teachers at South African schools
Authors: Davids Nuraan , Waghid Yusef 
Published: May 2015

In its hasty retreat from a racialized and racist South Africa, democratic South Africa was intent on embracing the newly formed ‘rainbow nation’. It would be a nation free from all forms of oppression, and unshackled by anger and hatred, as made visible in the life of Nelson Mandela – the first president of a non-racial, democratic South Africa. It made sense to open schools to all races, inviting children, once divided along lines of race, ethnicity and cultures, to share a uniform, share a school and learn together. Admissions determined on the basis of race and ethnicity, were considered part of an apartheid past. Given the newly established landscape of desegregated schools, many teachers opted for posts at schools where they were previously not allowed to teach. This meant, for example, that coloured teachers began teaching at White schools, and Black teachers at Indian schools. Although not in the same numbers as learners, teachers began to migrate across racial lines in terms of teaching posts. This paper draws on research conducted with what the authors refer to as minority group teachers. These are teachers who do not form part of the majority group in the school in terms of race and ethnicity. In exploring the issues of race and ethnicity of minority group teachers at schools, this paper examines how the silence around conversations on race, ethnicity, religion, culture and language – what its authors call the identity of ‘otherness’ – leads to an invisibility that pretends there is no difference. In other words, if the identity of ‘otherness’ is not discussed, it does not exist. Secondly, this paper explores how this invisibility of ‘otherness’ experienced by teachers affects their teaching in diverse classroom settings. Thirdly, in exploring a conception of ‘otherness’, it is not the intention of this paper to advance an argument in defence of deracialized schooling. Instead, it looks for a language that can break the silence around race and racism – one that is not necessarily constituted by race. As such, this paper argues for a language of ‘otherness’ that is constituted by conceptions of infancy, potentiality and becoming – a language that will re-imprint itself on a re-imagined consciousness of post-apartheid citizenship.
Platelet glycoprotein VI binds to polymerized fibrin and promotes thrombin generation
Authors: Mammadova-Bach Elmina , Ollivier Véronique , Loyau Stéphane , Schaff Mathieu , Dumont Bénédicte , Favier Rémi , Freyburger Geneviève , Latger-Cannard Véronique , Nieswandt Bernhard , Gachet Christian , Mangin Pierre H. , Jandrot-Perrus Martine 
Published: May 2015

Key PointsGPVI interaction with polymerized fibrin triggers a new loop amplifying thrombin generation and platelet recruitment at the clot surface.