bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
D-dimer as a marker for cardiovascular and arterial thrombotic events in patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Cate Hugo , ten Cate-Hoek Arina , Kleinegris Marie-Claire 
Published: June 2013

SummaryPeripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events. D-dimers are a marker for hypercoagulability and are linked with thrombotic events in patients with venous as well as arterial thrombosis. The predictive value of plasma D-dimer levels in relation to cardiovascular events in patients with PAD is not unambiguously established. It was our objective to gather evidence evaluating the value of D-dimer as a predictor of arterial thrombotic events patients with PAD. The Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched (January 1980-November 2012), and 65 abstracts were found. The strategy was supplemented with manual review of reference lists. Case-control, cohort or prospective cohort studies that measured fibrin D-dimer in patients with PAD, were included. Studies were excluded if there was no follow-up for arterial thrombotic events or when no specific information on D-dimer was available. The search yielded 10 studies for our analysis, comprising 2,420 patients with PAD, with a total of 1,036 cardiovascular events in 10,599 patient-years. Two studies with a follow-up of one year showed that fibrin D-dimer predicts both deterioration of PAD and subsequent thrombotic events. Five out of six studies with a median follow-up of 2–4 years revealed that an increased D-dimer is predictive of various arterial thrombotic events including mortality. Two studies with a longer follow-up (over 6 years) did not show an independent association between increased D-dimer levels, arterial thrombotic events and CVD mortality. In conclusion, an increased D-dimer appeared to be independently associated with a two times increased risk of near-term cardiovascular events (relative risk 2.30, 95% confidence interval 1.43–3.68). However formal meta-analysis was only feasible for four out of 10 included studies. Due to the extended heterogeneity of the included studies cautious interpretation of these data is warranted.
Time course, predictors and clinical implications of stent thrombosis following primary angioplasty
Authors: Dirksen Maurits T. , Spaulding Christian , Kelbæk Henning , Schalij Martin , Thuesen Leif , van der Hoeven Bas , Vink Marteen A. , Kaiser Christoph , Musto Carmine , Chechi Tania , Spaziani Gaia , de la Llera Luis Salvador Diaz , Pasceri Vincenzo , Di Lorenzo Emilio , Violini Roberto , Suryapranata Harry , Stone Gregg W. , De Luca Giuseppe ,   for the DESERT cooperation
Published: June 2013

summaryPrimary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) has improved survival as compared to thrombolysis. Concerns still remain regarding the risk of stent thrombosis in the setting of STEMI, especially after drugeluting stent (DES) implantation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to report on the timing of stent thrombosis (ST) with both DES and bare metal stents (BMS) and its prognostic significance in patients undergoing pPCI. The Drug-Eluting Stent in Primary Angioplasty (DESERT) cooperation is based on a pooled database including individual data of randomised trials that evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of DES as compared to BMS in patients undergoing pPCI for STEMI. Follow-up data were collected for 3–6 years after the procedure. ST was defined as definite or probable, based on the ARC definition. The study population consists of 6,274 STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty with BMS or DES. At 1201±440 days, ST occurred in 267 patients (4.25%). Most of the events were acute or subacute (within 30 days) and very late (> 1 years), with different distribution between DES vs BMS. Patients with ST were more often diabetic (21.7% vs 15.1%, p=0.005), more frequently had post-procedural TIMI 0–2 flow (14.0% vs 9.3%, p = 0.01), and were less often treated with dual antiplatelet therapy at one year follow-up. Diabetes (p = 0.036), post-procedural TIMI 0–2 Flow (p = 0.013) and ischaemia time > 6 hours (p = 0.03) were independent predictors of ST. Post-procedural TIMI 0–2 flow (p = 0.001) and ischaemia time > 6 hours (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of early ST, ischaemia time > 6 hours (p=0.05) was independent predictor of late ST, whereas diabetes (p = 0.022) and use of DES (p=0.002) were independent predictors of very late ST. ST was associated with a significantly higher mortality (23.6% vs 6%, p < 0.001). The greatest impact on mortality was observed with subacute (40.4%) and late (20.9%) ST, as compared to acute (12.5%) and very late (9.1%) ST. ST was an independent predictor of mortality (HR [95%CI]=3.73 [2.75–5.07], p < 0.001). In conclusion, ST occurs relatively frequently also beyond the first year for up to six years after pPCI in STEMI, with higher late occurrence rates among patients treated with first generation DES. ST after pPCI is a powerful predictor of mortality, especially subacute ST.
Echocardiographic Features Defining Right Dominant Unbalanced Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Cohen Meryl S. , Jegatheeswaran Anusha , Baffa Jeanne M. , Gremmels David B. , Overman David M. , Caldarone Christopher A. , McCrindle Brian W. , Mertens Luc 
Published: June 2013

Background—
Definition and management of right dominant unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) remains challenging because unbalance entails a spectrum of left heart hypoplasia. Previous work has highlighted atrioventricular valve (AVV) index as a reasonable defining echocardiographic measure. We sought to assess which additional echocardiographic features might provide further characterization.

Methods and Results—

From a multi-institutional cohort of complete AVSD, 52 preoperative echocardiograms of patients with presumed right dominant unbalanced AVSD (based on AVV index) and 60 randomly selected preoperative echocardiograms from patients with presumed balanced AVSD were reviewed. Cluster analysis of echocardiographic variables was used to group patients with similar features. Discriminant function analysis was used to explore which variables differentiated these groups. Three groups were identified from the cluster analysis. Echocardiographic variables that differentiated these groups were right ventricle:left ventricle inflow angle, LV width/LV length, left AVV color diameter at smallest inflow, left AVV color diameter at annulus, right AVV overriding left atrium, and LV width. Based on procedures and outcomes, 1 group likely represented balanced patients, whereas 2 groups with similar outcomes likely represented unbalanced patients. The dominant differentiating echocardiographic variable between the 3 cluster groups was the right ventricle:LV inflow angle (partial
R
2
=0.86), defined as the angle between the base of the right ventricle and LV free wall, using the crest of the ventricular septum as apex of the angle.

Conclusions—
The angle of right ventricle/LV inflow and other surrogates of inflow may be important defining echocardiographic measures of right dominant unbalanced AVSD, although confirmation is needed.
Paradoxical Association of Smoking With In‐Hospital Mortality Among Patients Admitted With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ali Syed F. , Smith Eric E. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Schwamm Lee H. 
Published: June 2013

Background
Compared to those who never smoked, a paradoxical effect of smoking on reducing mortality in patients admitted with myocardial ischemia has been reported. We sought to determine if this effect was present in patients hospitalized with ischemic stroke.

Methods and Results

Using the local Get with the Guidelines‐Stroke registry, we analyzed 4305 consecutively admitted ischemic stroke patients (March 2002–December 2011). The sample was divided into smokers versus nonsmokers. The main outcome of interest was the overall inpatient mortality. Compared to nonsmokers, tobacco smokers were younger, more frequently male and presented with fewer stroke risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation. Smokers also had a lower average NIH Stroke Scale (
NIHSS
) and fewer received tissue plasminogen activator (
tPA
). Patients in both groups had similar adherence to early antithrombotics, dysphagia screening prior to oral intake, and deep vein thrombosis (
DVT
) prophylaxis. Smoking was associated with lower all‐cause in‐hospital mortality (6.6% versus 12.4%; unadjusted
OR
0.46;
CI
[0.34 to 0.63];
P
<0.001). In multivariable analysis, adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia,
CAD
, atrial fibrillation,
NIHSS
, and
tPA
, smoking remained independently associated with lower mortality (adjusted
OR
0.64;
CI
[0.42 to 0.96];
P
=0.03).

Conclusions
Similar to myocardial ischemia, smoking was independently associated with lower inpatient mortality in acute ischemic stroke. This effect may be due to tobacco‐induced changes in cerebrovascular vasoreactivity, or may be due in part to residual confounding. Larger, multicenter studies are needed to confirm the finding and the effect on 30‐day and 1‐year mortality.
Der Verzicht auf die exceptio SC ti Velleiani im klassischen Recht
Authors: Finkenauer Thomas 
Published: June 2013

Renunciation of the exceptio SCti Velleiani in classical Roman law. – If the SC Velleianum was applicable to the intercessio by a woman, she received an exceptio SC  ti Velleiani against the creditor. According to Paulus D. 16,1,31 and Pomponius D. 16,1,32,4 and hence classical Roman law, she was in a position to virtually renounce the defence by providing surety to either the debtor or the creditor. By this means, the woman was not any longer protected against her declared intention. Thus, the Roman jurists effectively reduced the risk for a woman not to find a con­tractual partner (Paulus D. 16,1,11), which was particularly decisive for a business woman.
Reducing transfusion-associated malaria in Pakistan: an algorithmic approach
Authors: Sobani Zain A , Nizami Sobia , Jabeen Mehnaz , Ahmed Nayla , Ghanchi Najia Karim , Wasay Mohammad , Moiz Bushra , Beg Mohammed Asim 
Published: June 2013

Blood transfusions represent a small but significant source of malaria transmission. Most blood banks rely solely on donor questioning to exclude malaria patients from donating blood. No guidelines exist for in vitro screening of donor blood for malaria in endemic areas. Possible laboratory screening techniques include: microscopy; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibody testing; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing; and rapid diagnostic antigen tests. However, all these modalities have diagnostic limitations. Based on a best evidence review, we present recommendations using an algorithmic approach to blood screening for malaria in Pakistan. This algorithm considers regional endemicity for malaria, as well as a detailed donor history, in order to decide whether donor blood should be tested with rapid antigen testing. We hope this algorithm will assist in the development of future national guidelines for screening blood for malaria that will reduce the risk of blood-borne transmission.
Characterization of resistance-welded thermoplastic composite double-lap joints under static and fatigue loading
Authors: Dubé Martine , Chazerain Aurélie , Hubert Pascal , Yousefpour Ali , Bersee Harald EN 
Published: June 2013

An experimental investigation of resistance welding of thermoplastic composite double lap shear (DLS) joints is presented. DLS specimens consisting of unidirectional carbon fibre/polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK), carbon fibre/polyetherketoneketone (CF/PEKK), carbon fibre/polyetherimide (CF/PEI) and 8-harness satin weave fabric glass fibre/polyetherimide (GF/PEI) composites were resistance welded using a stainless steel mesh heating element. The welded specimens were tested under static and fatigue loadings, and the quality of the welds was examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Weld strengths of 53, 49, 45 and 34 MPa were obtained for CF/PEEK, CF/PEKK, CF/PEI and GF/PEI DLS joints, respectively. Indefinite fatigue lives were obtained between 20 and 30% of the ultimate static failure loads of the joints. Performances of the resistance-welded DLS and single lap shear (SLS) joints were compared. It was shown that the effect of joint geometry, that is, DLS versus SLS, on the mechanical performance of the resistance-welded joints is minimal, indicating a good resistance of welded joints to peel stresses.
Associated factors for HIV and syphilis infection among men who have sex with men only and men who have sex with both men and women in cities of China
Authors: She M , Zhang H , Wang J , Xu J , Zhang Z , Fan Y , Sun Y , Zhang C 
Published: June 2013

Summary The aims of this paper were to find out the status of HIV and syphilis infection and to examine the sexual behaviours between men who have sex with men only (MSM/M) and men who have sex with both men and women (MSM/W), as well as to determine the correlates for HIV and syphilis infection among MSM/M and MSM/W, respectively. Among 1693 MSM who participated in the study, the proportions of MSM/M and MSM/W were 82.1% and 17.9%, respectively. The prevalences of HIV infection were 7.0% in MSM/M and 6.6% in MSM/W and the prevalences of syphilis infection were 11.9% and 13.2%, respectively. Among the MSM/M subset, the correlates both for HIV and syphilis infection included having more sexual partners, and being receptive or both insertive and receptive for anal sex. Among the MSM/W subset, living in Chengdu was associated with HIV infection and using condoms inconsistently during anal sex was associated with syphilis infection. The findings of this survey call for interventions tailored according to the needs of different subsets of MSM.
Hypercholesterolemia in pregnant mice increases the susceptibility to atherosclerosis in adult life
Authors: Xie Cai-Hong , Zhang Lei , Zeng Ben-Hua , Yuan Jing , Tang Huan , Wei Hong 
Published: June 2013

Purpose To determine the effects of hypercholesterolemia in pregnant mice on the susceptibility to atherosclerosis in adult life through a new animal modeling approach. Methods Male offspring from apoE−/− mice fed with regular (R) or high (H) cholesterol chow during pregnancy were randomly subjected to regular (Groups R–R and H–R, n = 10) or high cholesterol diet (Groups R–H and H–H, n = 10) for 14 weeks. Plasma lipid profiles were determined in all rats. The abdominal aorta was examined for the severity of atherosclerotic lesions in offspring. Results Lipids significantly increased while high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol/low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol decreased in mothers fed high cholesterol chow after delivery compared with before pregnancy ( p < 0.01). Groups R–H and H–R indicated dyslipidemia and significant atherosclerotic lesions. Group H–H demonstrated the highest lipids, lowest high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol/low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, highest incidence (90%), plaque area to luminal area ratio (0.78 ± 0.02) and intima to media ratio (1.57 ± 0.05). Conclusion Hypercholesterolemia in pregnant mice may increase susceptibility to atherosclerosis in their adult offspring.
Molecular analysis of patients with polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia receiving pegylated interferon α-2a
Authors: Quintás-Cardama Alfonso , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Manshouri Taghi , Kilpivaara Outi , Cortes Jorge , Roupie Anne-Laure , Zhang Su-Jiang , Harris David , Estrov Zeev , Kantarjian Hagop , Levine Ross L. , Verstovsek Srdan 
Published: June 2013

Key Points
Treatment with PEG-IFN-α-2a in PV and ET results in a high rate of complete hematologic and molecular responses. Patients failing to achieve complete molecular remission tended to have higher frequencies of mutations in genes other than JAK2.
Animal models of diabetic retinopathy: doors to investigate pathogenesis and potential therapeutics
Authors: Jo Dong Hyun , Cho Chang Sik , Kim Jin Hyoung , Jun Hyoung Oh , Kim Jeong Hun 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Effective and validated animal models are valuable to investigate the pathogenesis and potential therapeutics for human diseases. There is much concern for diabetic retinopathy (DR) in that it affects substantial number of working population all around the world, resulting in visual deterioration and social deprivation. In this review, we discuss animal models of DR based on different species of animals from zebrafish to monkeys and prerequisites for animal models. Despite criticisms on imprudent use of laboratory animals, we hope that animal models of DR will be appropriately utilized to deepen our understanding on the pathogenesis of DR and to support our struggle to find novel therapeutics against catastrophic visual loss from DR.
Laparotomy and laparoscopy diversely affect macrophage-associated antimicrobial activity in a murine model
Authors: Huang Shun Gen , Li Yi Ping , Zhang Qi , Redmond H Paul , Wang Jiang Huai , Wang Jian 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Surgical intervention-related trauma contributes largely to the development of postoperative immunosuppression, with reduced resistance to secondary bacterial infection. This study compared the impact of laparotomy versus laparoscopy on macrophage-associated bactericidal ability and examined whether laparotomy renders the host more susceptible to microbial infection.

Results
BALB/c mice were randomized into control, laparotomy, and laparoscopy groups. Laparotomy, but not laparoscopy, significantly downregulated CR3 expression on macrophages, diminished macrophage-induced uptake and phagocytosis of E. coli and S. aureus, and impaired macrophage-mediated intracellular bacterial killing. Consistent with this, mice that underwent laparotomy displayed substantially higher bacterial counts in the blood and visceral organs as well as a significantly enhanced mortality rate following bacterial infection, whereas mice subjected to laparoscopy did not show any defects in their bacterial clearance.

Conclusion
Laparotomy has an adverse effect on host innate immunity against microbial infection by impairing macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and killing of the invaded bacteria. By contrast, laparoscopy appears to preserve macrophage-associated bactericidal ability, thus alleviating the development of postoperative immunosuppression.
Extraordinary terahertz absorption bands observed in micro/nanostructured Au/polystyrene sphere arrays
Authors: Duan Guotao , Su Fuhai , Xu Wen , Zhang Cunlin , Cai Weiping 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy is carried out for micro/nanostructured periodic Au/dielectric sphere arrays on Si substrate. We find that the metal-insulator transition can be achieved in THz bandwidth via varying sample parameters such as the thickness of the Au shell and the diameter of the Au/dielectric sphere. The Au/polystyrene sphere arrays do not show metallic THz response when the Au shell thickness is larger than 10 nm and the sphere diameter is smaller than 500 nm. This effect is in sharp contrast to the observations in flat Au films on Si substrate. Interestingly, the Au/polystyrene sphere arrays with a 5-nm-thick Au shell show extraordinary THz absorption bands or metallic optical conductance when the diameter of the sphere is larger than 200 nm. This effect is related to the quantum confinement effect in which the electrons in the structure are trapped in the sphere potential well of the gold shell.
Effectiveness of the Mindfulness in Schools Programme: non-randomised controlled feasibility study
Authors: Kuyken Willem , Weare Katherine , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Vicary Rachael , Motton Nicola , Burnett Richard , Cullen Chris , Hennelly Sarah , Huppert Felicia 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundMindfulness-based approaches for adults are effective at enhancing mental health, but few controlled trials have evaluated their effectiveness among young people.AimsTo assess the acceptability and efficacy of a schools-based universal mindfulness intervention to enhance mental health and well-being.MethodA total of 522 young people aged 12–16 in 12 secondary schools either participated in the Mindfulness in Schools Programme (intervention) or took part in the usual school curriculum (control).ResultsRates of acceptability were high. Relative to the controls, and after adjusting for baseline imbalances, children who participated in the intervention reported fewer depressive symptoms post-treatment (P = 0.004) and at follow-up (P = 0.005) and lower stress (P = 0.05) and greater well-being (P = 0.05) at follow-up. The degree to which students in the intervention group practised the mindfulness skills was associated with better well-being (P<0.001) and less stress (P = 0.03) at 3-month follow-up.ConclusionsThe findings provide promising evidence of the programme's acceptability and efficacy.
Jakob von Uexküll’s Umweltlehre between cinematography, perception and philosophy
Authors: Kynast Katja 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The biologist and founder of Umwelt-Research Jakob von Uexküll used cinematographic techniques in many ways. This article explores three of these. First, Uexküll uses chronophotography to investigate the locomotion of marine organisms and insects, making multiple exposures on a single photographic surface to facilitate comparison between different phases of locomotion. Second, according to Uexküll, observing the motions of the living being in this way renders visible the ‘conformity with plan’ that is particular to each organism. The technique of cinematography is therefore original to his investigation of the plan-like character of organisms. Third, in his later works Foray into the World of Humans and Animals ([1934] 2010) and Theoretical Biology ([1920] 1926), Uexküll uses cinematography to demonstrate his theory that the life of every living being unfolds in its own perceptual world possessing of its own subjective time and spatiality. It is in this context that one has to understand the centrality of his references to ‘pre-cinematographic’ experiments on and theories of perception.
Induction of the DNA damage response by IAP inhibition triggers natural immunity via upregulation of NKG2D ligands in Hodgkin lymphoma in vitro
Authors: Sauer Maike , Reiners Katrin S. , Hansen Hinrich P. , Engert Andreas , Gasser Stephan , von Strandmann Elke Pogge 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Evasion of apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer cells. Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) act as endogenous inhibitors of programmed cell death and are overexpressed in several tumors including Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Preclinical studies indicate antitumor activity of IAP antagonists and clinical studies in hematological malignancies are underway. Here, we investigate the impact of the small molecule IAP antagonist LCL161 on HL cell lines. Although the antagonist caused rapid degradation of cIAP1 leading to TNFα secretion, LCL161 did not promote apoptosis significantly. However, LCL161 induced expression of MICA and MICB, ligands for the activating immune receptor NKG2D, and enhanced the susceptibility of HL cells to NKG2D-dependent lysis by NK cells. MICA/B upregulation was dependent on activation of the DNA damage response upon LCL161 treatment. Taken together, we demonstrate a novel link between IAP inhibition, DNA damage and immune recognition.