bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased D‐serine in the aqueous and vitreous humour in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Jiang Haiyan , Du Jinlin , He Tao , Qu Jia , Song Zongming , Wu Shengzhou 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this clinical study is to examine the association between D‐serine and diabetic retinopathy (DR).DesignRetrospective, case‐control study was performed in the affiliated Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University.ParticipantsThis study included 25 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and 25 sex‐ and age‐matched control subjects, i.e. patients with idiopathic macular hole and idiopathic epiretinal membrane.MethodsClinical diagnoses were made by the senior ophthalmologists in the Eye Hospital; the aqueous and vitreous humour specimens were collected from these patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for treating complications.Main Outcome MeasuresThe aqueous and vitreous levels of D‐serine and glutamate were measured with reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); the contents of haemoglobin in the blood and in the vitreous specimens from PDR were measured with spectrophotometry to correct possible introduction of amino acids from PDR haemorrhage.ResultsThe concentrations of D‐serine in the aqueous or vitreous humour were significantly higher in patients with PDR compared with control subjects. The vitreous concentrations of D‐serine in PDR were 25.55 ± 0.63 μmol/L compared with control subjects at 22.76 ± 0.36 μmol/L (P = 0.002); the levels of D‐serine in the aqueous humour from patients with PDR were 29.08 ± 1.31 μmol/L compared with control subjects at 24.22 ± 0.65 μmol/L (P = 0.006). Correction from possible introduction of D‐serine from the vitreous haemorrhage in PDR did not significantly alter the findings.ConclusionsIncreased D‐serine in the aqueous and vitreous humour was found in patients with PDR compared with control subjects.
Rapid Visualization of PTSMA Target Area by Real Time 3D Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography
Authors: Bogunovic Nikola , van Buuren Frank , Horstkotte Dieter , Faber Lothar 
Published: March 2014

Mini‐AbstractPercutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) is an accepted strategy to reduce dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in HOCM. Periinterventional intramyocardial 2D contrast echocardiography (2D‐CE) is the primary imaging technique to identify the interventional target region. The role of intramyocardial 3D‐CE in a PTSMA procedure has not been described yet. Real time 3D technique will be able to present an “instantaneous overlook” of the target myocardium in 4 dimensions (3D + time), which may increase speed and safety of the procedure. We present a case with HOCM undergoing PTSMA under additional 3D‐CE control of the target area.
Painful, degenerating intervertebral discs up‐regulate neurite sprouting and CGRP through nociceptive factors
Authors: Krock Emerson , Rosenzweig Derek H. , Chabot‐Doré Anne‐Julie , Jarzem Peter , Weber Michael H. , Ouellet Jean A. , Stone Laura S. , Haglund Lisbet 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIntervertebral disc degeneration (IVD) can result in chronic low back pain, a common cause of morbidity and disability. Inflammation has been associated with IVD degeneration, however the relationship between inflammatory factors and chronic low back pain remains unclear. Furthermore, increased levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are both associated with inflammation and chronic low back pain, but whether degenerating discs release sufficient concentrations of factors that induce nociceptor plasticity remains unclear. Degenerating IVDs from low back pain patients and healthy, painless IVDs from human organ donors were cultured ex vivo. Inflammatory and nociceptive factors released by IVDs into culture media were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and protein arrays. The ability of factors released to induce neurite growth and nociceptive neuropeptide production was investigated. Degenerating discs release increased levels of tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, NGF and BDNF. Factors released by degenerating IVDs increased neurite growth and calcitonin gene‐related peptide expression, both of which were blocked by anti‐NGF treatment. Furthermore, protein arrays found increased levels of 20 inflammatory factors, many of which have nociceptive effects. Our results demonstrate that degenerating and painful human IVDs release increased levels of NGF, inflammatory and nociceptive factors ex vivo that induce neuronal plasticity and may actively diffuse to induce neo‐innervation and pain in vivo.
SALIVA COMPOSITION AND UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Manley Karen Joy 
Published: March 2014

SUMMARYObjectiveTo investigate self‐reported upper gastric symptoms experienced by patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and compare associations between uraemic symptoms and saliva composition.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional observational study, 30 patients with Stages 4 and 5 CKD were selected from a tertiary hospital renal outpatient clinic. Subjects answered a questionnaire to assess upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. A saliva sample was collected to determine biochemical composition. Possible associations between saliva composition and uraemic upper GI symptoms were assessed.ResultsOnly 3 (10%) patients reported no upper GI symptoms whilst 19 (63%) complained of a dry mouth, 16 (56%) had a change in taste, 9 (30%) had nausea, 7 (23%) vomited and 7 (23%) dry retched. Lower saliva bicarbonate concentration related to both dry mouth (p < 0.003) and dry retching (p < 0.01). An elevated level of saliva calcium was also implicated in a dry mouth sensation (p < 0.01). Nausea was associated with higher saliva sodium levels (p < 0.03) and a higher saliva sodium/potassium ratio (p < 0.02).ConclusionAltered saliva composition in patients with Stages 4 and 5 CKD may be associated with uraemic upper GI symptoms. In particular, lower saliva concentrations of bicarbonate are associated with dry mouth and retching. Higher saliva calcium levels are also related to a dry mouth whilst higher saliva sodium levels and a greater sodium/potassium ratio are associated with nausea. Further studies investigating strategies to improve uraemic symptoms via changes in saliva are required.
Systemic Risk and The U.S. Insurance Sector
Authors: Cummins J. David , Weiss Mary A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis article examines the potential for the U.S. insurance industry to cause systemic risk events that spill over to other segments of the economy. We examine primary indicators of systemic risk as well as contributing factors that exacerbate vulnerability to systemic events. Evaluation of systemic risk is based on a detailed financial analysis of the insurance industry, its role in the economy, and the interconnectedness of insurers. The primary conclusion is that the core activities of U.S. insurers do not pose systemic risk. However, life insurers are vulnerable to intrasector crises, and both life and property–casualty insurers are vulnerable to reinsurance crises. Noncore activities such as financial guarantees and derivatives trading may cause systemic risk, and interconnectedness among financial institutions has grown significantly in recent years. To reduce systemic risk from noncore activities, regulators need to continue efforts to strengthen mechanisms for insurance group supervision.
Genetic variations of superoxide dismutase 2 and cytochrome P450 2E1 in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Huang Yi‐Shin , Chang Chih‐Hao , Lin Tai‐Ling , Perng Chin‐Lin 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most prevalent liver disease in the world. However, the exact mechanisms that lead to development of advanced non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are unknown. Oxidative stress may be an important pathogenic factor in NASH. Manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) is an important antioxidant phase 2 enzyme that can reduce reactive oxidative substances and protect hepatocytes. In contrast, cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) has pro‐oxidant activity and may enhance oxidative stress and counteract the effect of SOD2. Little is known regarding the associations of genetic variants of these enzymes with the risk of NASH. We aimed to investigate the association of genetic variants of SOD2 and CYP2E1 with susceptibility to NASH.MethodsData from 100 patients with NASH, 31 patients with non‐alcoholic steatosis (NAS) and 90 healthy controls were analysed. Their DNA was retrieved for genotyping SOD2 47T>C and CYP2E1 −1053C>T variation by polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThere was no statistical difference in the frequency distributions of SOD2 and CYP2E1 genotypes among the NASH, NAS and control groups. However, the frequency of the SOD2 C variant was significantly higher in the NASH group than in the NAS and control groups (22% vs. 14.5% and 11.1%, respectively; P = 0.015). After adjustment for confounders, the SOD2 C/C and C/T genotypes remained associated with the risk of NASH (odds ratio, 2.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–5.76; P = 0.005).ConclusionsThe anti‐oxidative SOD2 47T>C genetic variant might increase susceptibility to NASH in Chinese. Individuals with the SOD2 C variant may have a higher risk for NASH.
A new prognostic model to predict dropout from the waiting list in cirrhotic candidates for liver transplantation with MELD score <18
Authors: Biselli Maurizio , Dall'Agata Marco , Gramenzi Annagiulia , Gitto Stefano , Liberati Caterina , Brodosi Lucia , Ravaioli Matteo , Gambato Martina , Montalti Roberto , Pinna Antonio D. , Burra Patrizia , Gerunda Giorgio E. , Cillo Umberto , Andreone Pietro , Bernardi Mauro 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsThe model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) is used for organ allocation in liver transplantation (LT), but its prognostic performance is less accurate in patients with low score. We assess the outcome of patients with MELD < 18 awaiting LT, finding prognostic variables to identify a high dropout risk.MethodsTraining set consisted of 277 patients and validation cohort of 292 patients. Competing risk regression analysis, taking into account LT, was used for univariate/multivariate analysis.ResultsAscites, sodium, bilirubin, albumin and glomerular filtration rate were independently associated with a 12‐month dropout risk in the training set. Combining these five prognostic parameters, we calculated a new score named liver‐renal‐risk (LIRER). In the validation set, the 12‐month LIRER concordance index showed a discrimination power [0.798, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.793–0.803] better than MELD (0.582, 95% CI 0.575–0.588), Child–Turcotte–Pugh (0.687, 95% CI 0.681–0.693), MELD‐sodium (0.721, 95% CI 0.715–0.727) and MELD‐ascites‐sodium (0.729, 95% CI 0.724–0.735), with a remarkable calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow test: P = 0.91; R2 = 0.911). Considering all study patients, the risk of wait list dropout increased with the rise in LIRER. The survival benefit analysis comparing the wait list dropout risk with the mortality of the 216 transplanted patients with same LIRER showed an important benefit for LT in patients with LIRER > 15.9.ConclusionsIn patients with low MELD (<18), combination of ascites, sodium, albumin, bilirubin and renal function in a new score (LIRER) discriminates patients at high risk of medium‐term adverse outcome from those in whom LT may be safely deferred.
Soluble CD25 is increased in patients with sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Cho Eunjung , Lee Ji Hyun , Lim Hye Jin , Oh Se Won , Jo Sang Kyung , Cho Won Yong , Kim Houng‐Kyu , Lee So Young 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimSepsis has been shown to induce the expansion of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), and this paradoxical immune suppression has been suggested to be closely associated with the development of sepsis‐induced organ dysfunction. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the possible link between immune suppression and the development of septic acute kidney injury (AKI).MethodsWe prospectively enrolled patients with a diagnosis of sepsis, with or without AKI and as well as patients with AKI but without sepsis. Serum and urine samples at the time of the diagnosis were collected to measure neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), cytokines, and soluble CD25 (sCD25).ResultsOf the 82 patients enrolled, 44, 18, and 20 patients were classified into septic‐AKI, sepsis‐non AKI and non‐septic AKI groups. There were no differences in the baseline characteristics in all three groups and the severity of infection in the two sepsis groups. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐10 were significantly elevated in patients with septic‐AKI compared to the other two groups. Serum and urine NGAL levels and the level of serum sCD25, a marker of regulatory T cells, were significantly elevated in patients with septic AKI group, indicating the potential association of paradoxical immune suppression and the development of septic‐AKI.ConclusionsThese results suggest that immune suppression in sepsis may be closely linked to the development of AKI and that sCD25 or IL‐10 may be useful as novel biomarkers for the development of septic AKI.
The chimeric repressor version of an Ethylene Response Factor (ERF) family member, Sl‐ERF.B3, shows contrasting effects on tomato fruit ripening
Authors: Liu Mingchun , Diretto Gianfranco , Pirrello Julien , Roustan Jean‐Paul , Li Zhengguo , Giuliano Giovanni , Regad Farid , Bouzayen Mondher 
Published: March 2014

Summary

Fruit ripening involves a complex interplay between ethylene and ripening‐associated transcriptional regulators. Ethylene Response Factors (ERFs) are downstream components of ethylene signaling, known to regulate the expression of ethylene‐responsive genes. Although fruit ripening is an ethylene‐regulated process, the role of ERFs remains poorly understood.

The role of Sl‐ERF.B3 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit maturation and ripening is addressed here using a chimeric dominant repressor version (ERF.B3‐SRDX).

Over‐expression of ERF.B3‐SRDX results in a dramatic delay of the onset of ripening, enhanced climacteric ethylene production and fruit softening, and reduced pigment accumulation. Consistently, genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis and in softening are up‐regulated and those of carotenoid biosynthesis are down‐regulated. Moreover, the expression of ripening regulators, such as RIN, NOR, CNR and HB‐1, is stimulated in ERF.B3‐SRDX dominant repressor fruits and the expression pattern of a number of ERFs is severely altered.

The data suggest the existence of a complex network enabling interconnection between ERF genes which may account for the pleiotropic alterations in fruit maturation and ripening. Overall, the study sheds new light on the role of Sl‐ERF.B3 in the transcriptional network controlling the ripening process and uncovers a means towards uncoupling some of the main ripening‐associated processes.
Inflation expectations and energy price forecasting
Authors: Baghestani Hamid 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn this study, we ask whether US consumers' inflation expectations provide useful information for accurately predicting the direction of change in energy prices. As such, we set up a forecasting model to generate the one‐, two‐ and three‐quarter‐ahead random walk forecasts of crude oil, gasoline and heating oil prices. For the period 1987–2012, our test results reveal that the forecasts are free of systematic bias and thus imply symmetric loss. Also, they are generally efficient, where efficiency means the forecast error is uncorrelated with its own past values. The random walk forecast errors are, however, correlated with the change in inflation expectations (measured by the data from the Michigan Surveys of Consumers). Thus, we conclude such expectations may contain useful predictive information for crude oil, gasoline and heating oil prices. Consistent with this conclusion, we show that the change in inflation expectations accurately predicts the direction of change in such energy prices for 1987–2012.
A dynamic panel study of energy consumption–economic growth nexus: evidence from the former Soviet Union countries
Authors: Dedeoglu Dincer , Piskin Ali 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper examines the relationship between energy consumption and real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita for the 15 former Soviet Union countries during the period 1992–2009. These countries have been rarely investigated with regard to the related nexus in the literature despite the important role of these countries in energy markets as producers and consumers. Panel unit root tests, panel cointegration tests and panel vector error correction model in a dynamic panel framework are employed to infer the causal relationship. The empirical results show that there is a unidirectional causal relationship running from energy consumption to the real GDP per capita in the long run but not in the short‐run for the former Soviet Union countries and Commonwealth Independent States countries regardless Russia is included or excluded. However, we discover a bidirectional relationship for oil importer and natural gas importer countries. Therefore, the findings of this study support the growth hypothesis for the former subsegments and feedback hypothesis for the latter subsegments.
A Method to Noninvasively Identify Cardiac Bioelectrical Sources
Authors: SOHN KWANGHYUN , LV WENER , LEE KICHANG , GALEA ANNA , HIRSCHMAN GORDON , BARRETT CONOR , COHEN RICHARD J. , ARMOUNDAS ANTONIS A. 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundWe have introduced a method to guide radiofrequency catheter ablation (RCA) procedures that estimates the location of a catheter tip used to pace the ventricles and the target site for ablation using the single equivalent moving dipole (SEMD).ObjectiveTo investigate the accuracy of this method in resolving epicardial and endocardial electrical sources.MethodsTwo electrode arrays, each of nine pacing electrodes at known distances from each other, sutured on the left‐ and right‐ventricular (LV and RV) epicardial surfaces of swine, were used to pace the heart at multiple rates, while body surface potentials from 64 sites were recorded and used to estimate the SEMD location. A similar approach was followed for pacing from catheters in the LV and RV.ResultsThe overall (RV & LV) error in estimating the interelectrode distance of adjacent epicardial electrodes was 0.38 ± 0.45 cm. The overall endocardial (RV & LV) interelectrode distance error, was 0.44 ± 0.26 cm. Heart rate did not significantly affect the error of the estimated SEMD location (P > 0.05). The guiding process error became progressively smaller as the SEMD approached an epicardial target site and close to the target, the overall absolute error was ∼0.28 cm. The estimated epicardial SEMD locations preserved their topology in image space with respect to their corresponding physical location of the epicardial electrodes.ConclusionThe proposed algorithm suggests one can efficiently and accurately resolve epicardial electrical sources without the need of an imaging modality. In addition, the error in resolving these sources is sufficient to guide RCA procedures.
Pediatric kidney recipients may benefit from monitoring for donor‐specific antibodies
Authors: Athavale Deepa , Worthington Judith , Webb Nicholas J. A. , Roberts Denise , Martin Susan , Shenoy Mohan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThere are limited data regarding the presence of DSAs and their effect on graft function in pediatric renal transplantation. The role for serial DSA monitoring in routine clinical practice is unclear. All patients attending a regional transplant clinic were tested for DSAs, measured using Luminex single/mixed antigen beads. Any patient having a positive result subsequently underwent historic testing on samples previously obtained. DSA‐positive patients underwent prospective monitoring of DSAs, and correlation with clinical events was studied. Nine of a total of 50 patients (18%) were DSA‐positive, of whom six had graft dysfunction. The DSA‐positive cohort had significantly increased episodes of AR (p = 0.01). There were two graft losses in the DSA‐positive group and none in the DSA‐negative group. Eight of the DSA‐positive group had potentially reduced exposure to IS because of either adherence issues or clinical indications. DSAs were associated with increased risk of rejection. There appears to be a role for serial monitoring of DSAs in patients where there has been a reduced exposure to IS so that early intervention with optimized IS can be considered.
A multicriteria framework with voxel‐dependent parameters for radiotherapy treatment plan optimization
Authors: Zarepisheh Masoud , Uribe‐Sanchez Andres F. , Li Nan , Jia Xun , Jiang Steve B. 
Published: March 2014

Purpose:To establish a new mathematical framework for radiotherapy treatment optimization with voxel‐dependent optimization parameters.Methods:In the treatment plan optimization problem for radiotherapy, a clinically acceptable plan is usually generated by an optimization process with weighting factors or reference doses adjusted for a set of the objective functions associated to the organs. Recent discoveries indicate that adjusting parameters associated with each voxel may lead to better plan quality. However, it is still unclear regarding the mathematical reasons behind it. Furthermore, questions about the objective function selection and parameter adjustment to assure Pareto optimality as well as the relationship between the optimal solutions obtained from the organ‐based and voxel‐based models remain unanswered. To answer these questions, the authors establish in this work a new mathematical framework equipped with two theorems.Results:The new framework clarifies the different consequences of adjusting organ‐dependent and voxel‐dependent parameters for the treatment plan optimization of radiation therapy, as well as the impact of using different objective functions on plan qualities and Pareto surfaces. The main discoveries are threefold: (1) While in the organ‐based model the selection of the objective function has an impact on the quality of the optimized plans, this is no longer an issue for the voxel‐based model since the Pareto surface is independent of the objective function selection and the entire Pareto surface could be generated as long as the objective function satisfies certain mathematical conditions; (2) All Pareto solutions generated by the organ‐based model with different objective functions are parts of a unique Pareto surface generated by the voxel‐based model with any appropriate objective function; (3) A much larger Pareto surface is explored by adjusting voxel‐dependent parameters than by adjusting organ‐dependent parameters, possibly allowing for the generation of plans with better trade‐offs among different clinical objectives.Conclusions:The authors have developed a mathematical framework for radiotherapy treatment optimization using voxel‐based parameters. The authors can improve the plan quality by adjusting voxel‐based weighting factors and exploring the unique and large Pareto surface which include all the Pareto surfaces that can be generated by organ‐based model using different objective functions.