bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antiarrhythmia drugs for cardiac arrest: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Yu , He Qing , Yang Min , Zhan Lei 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Antiarrhythmia agents have been used in the treatment of cardiac arrest, and we aimed to review the relevant clinical controlled trials to assess the effects of antiarrhythmics during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Methods
We searched databases including Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; MEDLINE, and EMBASE. Clinical controlled trials that addressed the effects of antiarrhythmics (including amiodarone, lidocaine, magnesium, and other new potassium-channel blockers) on the outcomes of cardiac arrest were included. Data were collected independently by two authors. The risk ratio of each outcome was collected, and meta-analysis was used for data synthesis if appropriate. Heterogeneity was assessed with the χ2 test and the I
2
test.

Results
Ten randomized controlled trials and seven observational trials were identified. Amiodarone (relative risk (RR), 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.54 to 1.24), lidocaine (RR, 2.26; 95% CI, 0.93to 5.52), magnesium (RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.54 to 1.24) and nifekalant were not shown to improve the survival to hospital discharge compared with placebo, but amiodarone, lidocaine, and nifekalant were shown to be beneficial to initial resuscitation, assessed by the rate of return of spontaneous circulation and survival to hospital admission, with amiodarone being superior to lidocaine (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.57 to 2.86) and nifekalant (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.19 to 1.31). Bretylium and sotalol were not shown to be beneficial.

Conclusions
Our review suggests that when administered during resuscitation, antiarrhythmia agents might not improve the survival to hospital discharge, but they might be beneficial to initial resuscitation. This is consistent with the AHA 2010 guidelines for resuscitation and cardiovascular emergency, but more studies with good methodologic quality and large numbers of patients are still needed to make further assessment.
Post-sphincterotomy bleeding: fully-covered metal stents for hemostasis
Authors: DeBenedet Anthony T , Elta Grace H 
Published: August 2013

Background/objectives: In endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, post-sphincterotomy bleeding (PSB) is a common complication of biliary sphincterotomy. Recently, the temporary placement of fully-covered metal stents (FCMS) into the biliary tree in order to achieve a tamponade effect has been described as an additional therapeutic option for PSB. The aim of this article is to review the literature on FCMS for hemostasis in PSB and update the treatment algorithm for this complication.Methods: A PubMed literature search was conducted using the search terms post-sphincterotomy, bleeding, and stent. 33 articles were reviewed, along with their references, and four were found to describe the use of FCMS for hemostasis in PSB.Results: A total of 21 patient cases were described in the four articles. All patients received FCMS for PSB hemostasis following the application and subsequent failure of traditional therapies (conventional pharmacologic injection, thermal or electrocoagulation, and mechanical therapy (balloon tamponade or endoclip)). Successful hemostasis was achieved in all patients through FCMS placement. No major complications were observed. Conclusion: These 21 cases demonstrate that FCMS are a viable therapeutic option for PSB. It is reasonable to consider stent placement for patients in which traditional interventions fail in order to avoid the need for angiographic or surgical hemostasis.
Influences on Maternal Responsivity in Mothers of Children With Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Sterling Audra M. , Warren Steven F. , Brady Nancy , Fleming Kandace 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis study investigated the influence of maternal and child variables on the maternal responsivity of 55 mothers with young children with fragile X syndrome. Data included video observations of mother-child interactions in four different contexts, standardized assessments with the children, and standardized questionnaires for the mothers. The video observations were coded for child communication acts; maternal responsivity was coded at two levels: a more general measure and a behavior-by-behavior measure. Results indicated that child developmental level and language ability strongly influenced behavior-by-behavior responsivity, while maternal IQ was the strongest predictor of both general and behavior-by-behavior responsivity, after controlling for child developmental level.
Identification of an important potential confound in CSF AD studies: aliquot volume
Authors: Toombs Jamie , Paterson Ross W. , Lunn Michael P. , Nicholas Jenifer M. , Fox Nick C. , Chapman Miles D. , Schott Jonathan M. , Zetterberg Henrik 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid β1-42 (Aβ1-42), total tau (T-tau) and phosphorylated tau181 (P-tau) are finding increasing utility as biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to determine whether measured CSF biomarker concentrations were affected by aliquot storage volume and whether addition of detergent-containing buffer mitigates any observed effects.

Methods: AD and control CSF was distributed into polypropylene tubes in aliquots of different volumes (50–1500 μL). Aβ1-42, T-tau and P-tau were measured with and without addition of Tween 20 (0.05%).

Results: Measured concentrations of Aβ1-42 increased two-fold with aliquot storage volume. A volume increase of 10 µL caused an Aβ1-42 increase of 0.95 pg/mL [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36–1.50, p=0.02] in controls, and 0.60 pg/mL (CI 0.23–0.98 pg/mL, p=0.003) in AD samples. Following addition of Tween 20, the positive relationship between Aβ1-42 and aliquot volume disappeared. T-tau and P-tau were not significantly affected.

Conclusions: CSF aliquot storage volume has a significant impact on the measured concentration of Aβ1-42. The introduction of a buffer detergent at the initial aliquoting stage may be an effective solution to this problem.
Recent advances in physiological lipoprotein metabolism
Authors: Ramasamy Indra 
Published: August 2013

AbstractResearch into lipoprotein metabolism has developed because understanding lipoprotein metabolism has important clinical indications. Lipoproteins are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Recent advances include the identification of factors in the synthesis and secretion of triglyceride rich lipoproteins, chylomicrons (CM) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). These included the identification of microsomal transfer protein, the cotranslational targeting of apoproteinB (apoB) for degradation regulated by the availability of lipids, and the characterization of transport vesicles transporting primordial apoB containing particles to the Golgi. The lipase maturation factor 1, glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high density lipoprotein binding protein 1 and an angiopoietin-like protein play a role in lipoprotein lipase (LPL)-mediated hydrolysis of secreted CMs and VLDL so that the right amount of fatty acid is delivered to the right tissue at the right time. Expression of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor is regulated at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has a pivotal role in the degradation of LDL receptor. Plasma remnant lipoproteins bind to specific receptors in the liver, the LDL receptor, VLDL receptor and LDL receptor-like proteins prior to removal from the plasma. Reverse cholesterol transport occurs when lipid free apoAI recruits cholesterol and phospholipid to assemble high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles. The discovery of ABC transporters (ABCA1 and ABCG1) and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) provided further information on the biogenesis of HDL. In humans HDL-cholesterol can be returned to the liver either by direct uptake by SR-BI or through cholesteryl ester transfer protein exchange of cholesteryl ester for triglycerides in apoB lipoproteins, followed by hepatic uptake of apoB containing particles. Cholesterol content in cells is regulated by several transcription factors, including the liver X receptor and sterol regulatory element binding protein. This review summarizes recent advances in knowledge of the molecular mechanisms regulating lipoprotein metabolism.
The mineralocorticoid receptor: a new player controlling energy homeostasis
Authors: Kuhn Emmanuelle , Lombès Marc 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated the interaction that exists between adipocyte differentiation, energy balance and factors involved in fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. More specifically, a potential impact of aldosterone on the function of several organs implicated in the control of energy homeostasis, such as adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle or pancreas, has been recently described. In addition, the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR, NR3C2), a transcription factor, was shown to play a crucial role on white and brown adipocyte differentiation and function, mediating the effects of both mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid hormones on adipose tissues. Transgenic mouse models as well as pharmacological inactivation of MR signaling provided compelling evidence that MR is an important control point for energy homeostasis. Herein, we review recent findings on the involvement of aldosterone but also of MR on energy metabolism and discuss the therapeutic potential of manipulating MR signaling for the management of metabolic disorders in humans.
Semiparametric Regression Analysis of Clustered Interval-Censored Failure Time Data with Informative Cluster Size
Authors: Zhang Xinyan , Sun Jianguo 
Published: August 2013

AbstractClustered interval-censored failure time data are commonly encountered in many medical settings. In such situations, one issue that often arises in practice is that the cluster size is related to the risk for the outcome of interest. It is well-known that ignoring the informativeness of the cluster size can result in biased parameter estimates. In this article, we consider regression analysis of clustered interval-censored data with informative cluster size with the focus on semiparametric methods. For the problem, two approaches are presented and investigated. One is a within-cluster resampling procedure and the other is a weighted estimating equation approach. Unlike previously published methods, the new approaches take into account cluster sizes and heterogeneous correlation structures without imposing strong parametric assumptions. A simulation experiment is carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed approaches and indicates that they perform well for practical situations. The approaches are applied to a lymphatic filariasis study that motivated this study.
Financial Crisis – The Liability of Banking Institutions
Authors: Loser Peter 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
This article outlines what roles the banks have played in the subprime crisis and whether liability for damages sustained may be incurred. Apart from the conventional responsibility of banks towards their clients within the framework of wealth management or advisory services, the particular issue of possible liability for the creation and placement of investment products on the market is explored. Many questions which remain unanswered or are barely discussed are raised in the article. Independently of prospectus liability arising under specific legislative provision, is there a general tortious responsibility for providing incorrect information in connection with the issuing of securities? Is strict liability for the creation of dangerous products a realistic alternative – or supplement – to liability based on fault? Can individuals or institutions who were only indirectly involved as secondary victims claim compensation? In addition to the grounds of liability, other delicate legal questions are addressed, particularly relating to causation. For instance, it may not be clear whether an error in information or rather general market euphoria was the decisive factor in the investment decision. If, moreover, one wanted to extend liability to a large number of persons involved, the causal contributions of the individual banks may barely be determinable and could well be minimal. This leads to the question of whether procedural law is capable of dealing with such cases of loss.
The Liability of Credit Rating Agencies in a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Scarso Alessandro 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The article deals with the liability of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) for inaccurate ratings towards issuers, clients and any other third party in a comparative perspective. The author focuses on the remedies granted, in particular, to clients of banks who have suffered a loss due to the CRA’s faulty rating, highlighting the substantive differences existing in the jurisdictions considered. It pleads for the introduction of a ‘cap’ to CRA’s liability, as a means to reconcile the statement of liability of CRAs whilst preventing the ‘opening the floodgates’ to compensation which would result in a crushing liability on CRAs.
The Liability of Financial Supervisory AuthoritiesI am grateful to Robert Dijkstra for his helpful comments on an earlier draft. The usual caveat applies.
Authors: Nolan Donal 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In the wake of the global financial crisis, this article considers the tort liability of financial supervisory authorities to depositors and other investors following the failure of a bank or other financial institution. The analysis is comparative, with the primary focus being on the member states of the European Union. Consideration is given to the five liability categories or standards which are employed by EU member states in such cases. These are (1) a public law illegality standard; (2) a standard of ordinary fault/negligence; (3) a standard of gross fault/negligence; (4) a requirement of bad faith; and (5) complete immunity from liability. It is also shown that on the application of general tort principles claims by depositors against financial supervisors face a range of obstacles, including difficulties in establishing fault and causation, and conceptual difficulties based on the nature of the damage (the pure economic loss issue), liability for omissions and for the deliberate acts of third parties, liability for the exercise of judicial or ‘quasi-judicial’ functions, and the ‘protective purpose of the norm’ principle. Finally, consideration is given to alternative means of redress which may be available to depositors in such cases.
Balancing Acts: How to Cope with Major Catastrophes, particularly the Financial Crisis
Authors: Spier Jaap 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
We are on the eve of the materialisation of a series of major global risks. They pose unprecedented challenges, also for lawyers. If society at large does not change course radically, many people will be adversely affected. Traditionally, lawyers focus on ex post remedies. While that may be unavoidable in relation to the run-of-the-mill cases, it is not the most promising approach in relation to the colossal damage that will be caused by the looming global crises if we stick to business as usual. This contribution advocates a shift of paradigm. I doubt whether damages is a serious option. Instead, we should focus on preventive remedies.
Oxidative Stress and Pteridines in Pediatric Asthma: Relationship to Exhaled Nitric Oxide
Authors: Takeda Taisuke , Hamazaki Takashi , Wakahara Ryohei , Fujioka Hiroki , Niihira Shizuhiro , Shintaku Haruo 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a useful marker of airway inflammation in asthmatics. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) requires tetrahydrobiopterin as a cofactor and produces superoxide during NO generation. Therefore, we investigated the relationship of FeNO to pteridine biosynthesis and oxidative stress in pediatric asthma patients. We recruited 67 asthmatic children for FeNO measurement and examined neopterin, biopterin, and Diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) as an oxidative stress marker in both summer and winter. Although d-ROMs levels did not show significant correlation with FeNO levels in summer, d-ROMs and FeNO were positively correlated in winter (p <0.05). Both neopterin and biopterin levels in the blood tended to be lower in patients who showed higher FeNO. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased IgE levels correlated with increased FeNO (p <0.01) and decreased neopterin (p <0.05) levels. This data supports a mechanism by which decreased levels of pteridines promote reactive oxygen species production upon NO generation, resulting in airway injury in asthmatic patients. Correlation with IgE level indicates that Th2-mediated allergic inflammation is involved in this process.
Effect of N-acetyl cysteine, Neopterin and Dexamethasone on the Viability of Titanium dioxide Nanoparticles Exposed Cell Lines
Authors: Engin Ayse Basak , Engin Evren Doruk , Karahalil Bensu 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Titanium is extensively used for a wide range of implanted medical devices due to its advantageous combination of physico-chemical and biological properties. Nano-size titanium dioxide (TiO2) is also used in a variety of consumer products. Such widespread use and its potential entry through various routes of the body suggest that TiO2 could pose an exposure risk to humans. Nano-size particles (NP) enter systemic circulation, accumulate and damage tissues that are especially sensitive to oxidative stress. We hypothesized that TiO2 NPs can exert diverse cytotoxic effects on various human cell type especially neural cell lines. In order to test our hypothesis, putative cytotoxic effects of oxidative stress due to TiO2 NPs exposure on IM9, U937 and SHSY5Y (human neuroblastoma cells) were investigated in N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), neopterin and dexamethasone pre-treated cell cultures. IM9, U937 and SHSY5Y cells were exposed to ten different concentrations of 25 and 10 nm diameter TiO2 NPs in three different time periods before and after treatment with NAC, neopterin and dexamethasone. To determine toxicity levels of NPs, cell viability was estimated by MTT test. Concentration of cells was assessed by counting trypan blue stained cells with a heamo-cytometer. Toxicity of 25nm TiO2 particles was significantly increased (p<0.05) by adding fetal bovine serum (FBS) in SHYS5Y and U937 cell lines culture medium. Concentrationdependent toxicity of 10 nm TiO2 NP was weakly increased by adding FBS to SHYS5Y, IM9 and U937 cell culture media. NAC pre-treatment provided significant protection for only SHYS5Y cell exposed to 25 nm and 10 nm of TiO2 NPs after a 24-hour incubation period. Neopterin pre-treated SHYS5Y cells displayed significant increases in viability after 24-hour exposure to 10 nm and 25 nm TiO2 NPs. While exposure of dexamethasone pre-treated U937 cells to 25 nm of TiO2 NPs induced a significant increase in cell survival at only 100 mg/ml particle concentration, increase in viability of SHYS5Y cells were observed at all concentrations against 10 nm particle challenge. Our study demonstrated that exposure of SHYS5Y to TiO2 NPs for 24 hours regularly induced reduction of cell viability. We also found similar dose-related effects of TiO2 NPs in reducing cell survival in IM9 cells. This study clearly indicated that FBS is an effective dispersing agent for TiO2 NPs and increased TiO2 toxicity in all cell lines. NAC and neopterin significantly protected the SHYS5Y cell against the putative cytotoxic effects of TiO2 NPs.
Nutritional Factors, Homocysteine and C677T Polymorphism of the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene in Algerian Subjects with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Houcher Zahira , Houcher Bakhouche , Touabti Abderrezak , Begag Samia , Egin Yonca , Akar Nejat 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The C677T variant of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), a key enzyme in the remethylation of homocysteine (HCY) to methionine, is a frequent genetic cause of moderate hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) among individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD), and particularly when combined with other factors such as hyperlipidaemia. However, in Algeria the influence of nutrient-gene interactions is not known. The aim of the present study was to explore the influence of age and gender, together with folate status, on the association between the C677T MTHFR polymorphism and plasma total HCY (tHCY) concentrations. This research was carried out as a prospective study on 98 patients hospitalized in the Cardiology Section, University of Sétif, Algeria. Mean age of participants was 57 y (range 20-96 y).The genetic analysis of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed on Light Cycler in borosilicate capillaries with MTHFR 677CT polymorphism detection kit. The concentrations of tHCY, folic acid vitamin B12 levels were determined using a competitive immunoassay on the IMMULITE 1000 Analyzers. Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, creatinine and urea concentrations were measured by colorimetric methods. Assays were conducted according to the manufacturers' instructions. Plasma tHCY was significantly higher in the patients with CVD, and HHCY was associated with the presence of mildly elevated serum urea and creatinine (p <0.05). MTHFR gene mutation does not seem to be associated with elevation of plasma tHCY in the studied patients and this lack of correlation could be influenced by the higher folate concentrations in our study. CVD patients with 677CT/TT genotypes had a higher concentration of total cholesterol than those with 677CC genotype (p <0.05). Although, the presence of 677T variant together with hypofolatemia (<15.4 ng/ml) had a more detrimental effect on the level of total cholesterol (p <0.05). Folatemia and vitamin B12 were much higher in 677CC genotype compared to 677CT/TT genotype in CVD subjects without hyperlipidemia (p <0.05). However in patients with hyperlipidemia these values became lower also with 677CC genotype. In conclusion, hyperlipidemia affects the levels of plasma folate and vitamin B12 concentrations independent of mutated MTHFR genotype. The effect of 677T variant on total cholesterol, folate and vitamin B12 concentrations may relate to possible adverse effects of elevated tHCY on lipid profiles and on plasma folate and vitamin B12.
Prognostic Significance of Serum Neopterin in Patients with Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Cincibuch Jan , Cwiertka Karel , Procházková-Študentová Hana , Zezulová Michaela , Neoral Cestmír , Kalábová Hana , Krcmová Lenka , Malírová Eva , Solichová Dagmar , Melichar Bohuslav 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Increased concentrations of neopterin have been described in patients with tumors of different primary locations, but reports on neopterin in patients with carcinoma of the esophagus are still very limited. We have studied serum neopterin in 45 patients with histologically verified carcinoma of the esophagus. Serum neopterin was determined with radioimmunoassay. Neopterin concentrations above median (6.5 nmol/L) were associated with inferior prognosis in patients with early esophageal carcinoma. In multivariate analysis, tumor stage and serum neopterin were predictors of survival in patients without distant metastases. In conclusion, serum neopterin is an independent prognostic factor in patients with esophageal carcinoma.