bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological Signatures of Asymptomatic Extra- and Intracranial Atherosclerosis
Authors: López-Cancio Elena , Galán Amparo , Dorado Laura , Jiménez Marta , Hernández María , Millán Mónica , Reverté Silvia , Suñol Anna , Barallat Jaume , Massuet Anna , Alzamora Maria Teresa , Dávalos Antonio , Arenillas Juan Francisco 
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—
Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) remains a challenge for stroke primary and secondary prevention. Molecular pathways involved in the development of ICAD from its asymptomatic stages are largely unknown. In our population-based study, we aimed to compare the risk factor and biomarker profiles associated with intracranial and extracranial asymptomatic cerebral atherosclerosis.

Methods—
The Asymptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis (AsIA) study cohort includes a random sample population of 933 white subjects >50 years with a moderate to high vascular risk (based on REGICOR score) and without a history of stroke (64% males; mean age, 66 years). Carotid and intracranial atherosclerosis were screened by cervical and transcranial color-coded Duplex ultrasound, being moderate to severe stenoses confirmed by MR angiography. We registered clinical and anthropometric data and created a biobank with blood samples at baseline. A panel of biomarkers involved in atherothrombogenesis was determined: C-reactive protein, asymmetric-dimethylarginine, resistin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. Insulin resistance was quantified by Homeostasis Model Assessment index.

Results—
After multinomial regression analyses, male sex, hypertension, smoking, and alcoholic habits were independent risk factors of isolated extracranial atherosclerotic disease. Diabetes and metabolic syndrome conferred a higher risk for ICAD than for extracranial atherosclerotic disease. Moreover, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance were independent risk factors of moderate to severe ICAD but were not risk factors of moderate to severe extracranial atherosclerotic disease. Regarding biomarkers, asymmetric-dimethylarginine was independently associated with isolated ICAD and resistin with combined ICAD–extracranial atherosclerotic disease.

Conclusions—
Our findings show distinct clinical and biological profiles in subclinical ICAD and extracranial atherosclerotic disease. Insulin resistance emerged as an important molecular pathway involved in the development of ICAD from its asymptomatic stage.
Demographic and Geographic Vascular Risk Factor Differences in European Young Adults With Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Putaala Jukka , Yesilot Nilufer , Waje-Andreassen Ulrike , Pitkäniemi Janne , Vassilopoulou Sofia , Nardi Katiuscia , Odier Celine , Hofgart Gergely , Engelter Stefan , Burow Annika , Mihalka Laszlo , Kloss Manja , Ferrari Julia , Lemmens Robin , Coban Oguzhan , Haapaniemi Elena , Maaijwee Noortje , Rutten-Jacobs Loes , Bersano Anna , Cereda Carlo , Baron Pierluigi , Borellini Linda , Valcarenghi Caterina , Thomassen Lars , Grau Armin J. , Palm Frederick , Urbanek Christian , Tuncay Rezzan , Durukan-Tolvanen Aysan , van Dijk Ewoud J. , de Leeuw Frank-Erik , Thijs Vincent , Greisenegger Stefan , Vemmos Konstantinos , Lichy Christoph , Bereczki Daniel , Csiba Laszlo , Michel Patrik , Leys Didier , Spengos Konstantinos , Naess Halvor , Bahar Sara Zarko , Tatlisumak Turgut 
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—
We compared among young patients with ischemic stroke the distribution of vascular risk factors among sex, age groups, and 3 distinct geographic regions in Europe.

Methods—
We included patients with first-ever ischemic stroke aged 15 to 49 years from existing hospital- or population-based prospective or consecutive young stroke registries involving 15 cities in 12 countries. Geographic regions were defined as northern (Finland, Norway), central (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, The Netherlands, Switzerland), and southern (Greece, Italy, Turkey) Europe. Hierarchical regression models were used for comparisons.

Results—
In the study cohort (n=3944), the 3 most frequent risk factors were current smoking (48.7%), dyslipidemia (45.8%), and hypertension (35.9%). Compared with central (n=1868; median age, 43 years) and northern (n=1330; median age, 44 years) European patients, southern Europeans (n=746; median age, 41 years) were younger. No sex difference emerged between the regions, male:female ratio being 0.7 in those aged <34 years and reaching 1.7 in those aged 45 to 49 years. After accounting for confounders, no risk-factor differences emerged at the region level. Compared with females, males were older and they more frequently had dyslipidemia or coronary heart disease, or were smokers, irrespective of region. In both sexes, prevalence of family history of stroke, dyslipidemia, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and atrial fibrillation positively correlated with age across all regions.

Conclusions—
Primary preventive strategies for ischemic stroke in young adults—having high rate of modifiable risk factors—should be targeted according to sex and age at continental level.
Regional Surges of Monsoonal Moisture into the Southwestern United States
Authors: Favors James E. , Abatzoglou John T. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Episodic surges of moisture into the southwestern United States are an important attribute of the North American monsoon. Building upon prior studies that identified mesoscale gulf surges using station-based diagnostics, regional surges in monsoonal moisture are identified using precipitable water and integrated water vapor flux from the North American Regional Reanalysis. These regional surge diagnostics exhibit increased skill over gulf surge diagnostics in capturing widespread significant multiday precipitation over the state of Arizona and are associated with the northward intrusion of moisture and precipitation into the southwestern United States. Both tropical and midlatitude circulation patterns are associated with identified regional surge events. In the tropics, the passage of a tropical easterly wave across the Sierra Madre and through the Gulf of California facilitates a northeastward flux of moisture toward the southwestern United States. In midlatitudes, the breakdown and eastward shift of an upper-level ridge over the western United States ahead of an eastward-propagating trough off the Pacific Northwest coast helps destabilize the middle troposphere ahead of the easterly wave and provides a conduit for subtropical moisture advection into the interior western United States.
How Do Typographical Factors Affect Reading Text and Comprehension Performance in Arabic?
Authors: Ganayim Deia , Ibrahim Raphiq 
Published: July 2012

Objective: The objective of this study was to establish basic reading performance that could lead to useful design recommendations for print display text formats and layouts for the improvement of reading and comprehension performance of print text, such as academic writings, books, and newspapers, of Arabic language. Background: Readability of English print text has been shown to be influenced by a number of typographical variables, including interline spacing, column setting and line length, and so on. Therefore, it is very important to improve the reading efficiency and satisfaction of print text reading and comprehension by following simple design guidelines. Most existing research on readability of print text is oriented to build guidelines for designing English texts rather than Arabic. However, guidelines built for English script cannot be simply applied for Arabic script because of orthographic differences. Method: In the current study, manipulating interline spacing and column setting and line length generated nine text layouts. The reading and comprehension performance of 210 native Arab students assigned randomly to the different text layouts was compared. Results: Results showed that the use of multicolumn setting (with medium or short line length) affected comprehension achievement but not reading and comprehension speed. Participants’ comprehension scores were better for the single-column (with long line length) than for the multicolumn setting. However, no effect was found for interline spacing. Conclusion: The recommendations for appropriate print text format and layout in Arabic language based on the results of objective measures facilitating reading and comprehension performance is a single-column (with long line length) layout with no relevance of the interline spacing.
Albumin Utilization in Cardiac Surgery After Transition to Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.4
Authors: Romerill David B. , Toyoda Alexander Y. , Brodeur Brandon E. , Moellentin Daniel 
Published: July 2012

Objective: Evaluate the impact of replacing hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 670/0.75 with lower molecular weight HES 130/0.4 on albumin utilization in cardiac surgery, as well as any impact on renal function and bleeding. Design: A pre- and postimplementation, retrospective analysis. Setting: Community, not-for-profit, tertiary medical center. Participants: One hundred forty-six patients undergoing nonemergent cardiac bypass graft and cardiac valve surgeries after exclusion for documented anemia, malignancy, coagulation disorder, end-stage renal disease, or personal objection to receiving blood products. Intervention: HES 130/0.4 utilization instead of HES 670/0.75 for volume expansion. Measurements and Main Results: Patients were less likely to be administered albumin intraoperatively (odds ratio [OR] 0.16, confidence interval [CI] 0.08-0.35, P < .001). When albumin was utilized, intraoperative amounts were similar (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: 36.1 ± 17.1 g vs 43.8 ± 15.5 g, P = .16). Patients were more likely to receive an intraoperative HES product after the formulary change (OR 11.1, CI 4.4-27.6, P < .001) as well as larger volumes (mean ± SD: 743 ± 544 mL vs 500 ± 0 mL, P = .01). No differences were detected in mean baseline-to-discharge changes in serum creatinine or in postoperative urine output, nor were there differences in clinically significant bleeding. Conclusions: Change to a lower molecular weight HES decreased intraoperative albumin utilization and increased HES utilization with no detected difference in renal function or bleeding complications.
Dying is a Transition
Authors: Renz Monika , Mao Miriam Schuett , Bueche Daniel , Cerny Thomas , Strasser Florian 
Published: July 2012

Purpose: End-of-life care is designed as response to patients' verbally communicated needs. The concept of dying as a process would allow us to improve care. This concept may combine the needs of the dying, their outburst of emotions, gradual maturation, family processes, acute problems such as decreasing independence, with their inner experience and transformation of perception. In this study we explored dying patients' mode of perception, and deeper reasons for anxiety and existential suffering. Methods: Dying inpatients of a major cancer centre treated by an interdisciplinary team were eligible. Psychotherapy records of cancer patients (course, reactions, discussions with nurses and physicians) provided the data. Participant observation and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was applied. Results: Our data (pilot study N=80/follow-up-study N=600) suggest that patients undergo transition into another state of consciousness beyond anxiety, ego, and pain. Transition appears to have three stages. Anxiety, struggle, denial/acceptance, family processes, and maturation (ie, finding meaning and dignity, coping with trauma) may depend on the transitional process and also hinder or facilitate this transitional process. Conclusions: Understanding dying as transition may induce a radical reinterpretation of what patients need.
Effects of a physical activity governmental health programme on the quality of life of elderly people
Authors: Figueira Helena A. , Figueira Alan A. , Cader Samária A. , Guimarães Andrea C. , De Oliveira Ricardo J. , Figueira Joana A. , Figueira Olivia A. , Dantas Estélio H.M. 
Published: July 2012

Background: The population ageing occurring worldwide resulted in multiple researches on sedentary ageing and quality of life. Purpose: To verify the effects of a physical activity programme on the quality of life (QOL) of elderly individuals served by a governmental health programme. Design: Descriptive inquiry research. Methods: Randomly distributing 70 elderly individuals in a control group ( n=35; mean±SD 69.80±8.05 years) and an experimental group ( n=35; 68.66±5.93 years) plus QOL evaluation via WHOQOL-Old. Results: The experimental group showed significant best results on the post-test by repeated-measures ANOVA on sensorial functioning (Δ%=0.022%, p=0. 0001), social participation (Δ%=0.012%, p=0.013), perceptions of death and dying (Δ%=0.04%, p=0.009), intimacy (Δ%=0.059%, p=0.05), and total score (Δ%=0.001, p=0.000). Conclusions: Sensorial functioning, social participation, perceptions of death and dying, and intimacy play an important role in the positive relationship between physical activity and QOL.
Outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for adenosine deaminase–deficient severe combined immunodeficiency
Authors: Hassan Amel , Booth Claire , Brightwell Alex , Allwood Zoe , Veys Paul , Rao Kanchan , Hönig Manfred , Friedrich Wilhelm , Gennery Andrew , Slatter Mary , Bredius Robbert , Finocchi Andrea , Cancrini Caterina , Aiuti Alessandro , Porta Fulvio , Lanfranchi Arnalda , Ridella Michela , Steward Colin , Filipovich Alexandra , Marsh Rebecca , Bordon Victoria , Al-Muhsen Saleh , Al-Mousa Hamoud , Alsum Zobaida , Al-Dhekri Hasan , Al Ghonaium Abdulaziz , Speckmann Carsten , Fischer Alain , Mahlaoui Nizar , Nichols Kim E. , Grunebaum Eyal , Al Zahrani Daifulah , Roifman Chaim M. , Boelens Jaap , Davies E. Graham , Cavazzana-Calvo Marina , Notarangelo Luigi , Gaspar H. Bobby 
Published: July 2012

AbstractDeficiency of the purine salvage enzyme adenosine deaminase leads to SCID (ADA-SCID). Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can lead to a permanent cure of SCID; however, little data are available on outcome of HCT for ADA-SCID in particular. In this multicenter retrospective study, we analyzed outcome of HCT in 106 patients with ADA-SCID who received a total of 119 transplants. HCT from matched sibling and family donors (MSDs, MFDs) had significantly better overall survival (86% and 81%) in comparison with HCT from matched unrelated (66%; P < .05) and haploidentical donors (43%; P < .001). Superior overall survival was also seen in patients who received unconditioned transplants in comparison with myeloablative procedures (81% vs 54%; P < .003), although in unconditioned haploidentical donor HCT, nonengraftment was a major problem. Long-term immune recovery showed that regardless of transplant type, overall T-cell numbers were similar, although a faster rate of T-cell recovery was observed after MSD/MFD HCT. Humoral immunity and donor B-cell engraftment was achieved in nearly all evaluable surviving patients and was seen even after unconditioned HCT. These data detail for the first time the outcomes of HCT for ADA-SCID and show that, if patients survive HCT, long-term cellular and humoral immune recovery is achieved.
Fbw7γ-mediated degradation of KLF13 prevents RANTES expression in resting human but not murine T lymphocytes
Authors: Kim Dong Seok , Zhang Wei , Millman Scott E. , Hwang Byung Joon , Kwon Seok Joo , Clayberger Carol , Pagano Michele , Krensky Alan M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractRANTES (CCL5) is a chemokine implicated in many human diseases. We previously showed that the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 13 (KLF13) controls the late (3-5 days after activation) expression of RANTES in T lymphocytes and that KLF13 itself is translationally regulated through the 5′-untranslated region of its mRNA. Here, we show that KLF13 levels are further regulated by ubiquitination and degradation. KLF13 protein is undetectable in resting human T lymphocytes, but treatment with either proteosomal or lysosomal inhibitors increases KLF13 protein levels. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)–mediated phosphorylation of KLF13 triggers the ubiquitination of KLF13 by the E3 ligase Fbw7γ, resulting in KLF13 protein degradation. Knockdown of either Fbw7γ or GSK3β by small interfering RNA increases KLF13 expression in resting human T lymphocytes. In contrast, in murine T lymphocytes, KLF13 protein is abundant because of the absence of Fbw7γ. Treatment of unactivated human lymphocytes with lysosomal inhibitors stabilizes KLF13 protein, resulting in an increase of RANTES mRNA and protein. Taken together, these studies found that tightly regulated control of both synthesis and degradation allows rapid changes in the level of KLF13 in human T lymphocytes.
Regulation of APC development, immune response, and autoimmunity by Bach1/HO-1 pathway in mice
Authors: So Alex Yick-Lun , Garcia-Flores Yvette , Minisandram Aarathi , Martin Ayana , Taganov Konstantin , Boldin Mark , Baltimore David 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAPCs are essential for innate and adaptive immunity as well as self-immune tolerance. Here, we show that the Cap'n'collar member Bach1 regulates the generation of APCs, specifically macrophages and dendritic cells, in mice. The impaired APC development in Bach1−/− mice was accompanied by defects in downstream T-cell responses and partial protection from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Genomewide analyses identified a panel of Bach1 target genes and ablation of the direct Bach1 target gene HO-1 exacerbated the impaired APC development observed in Bach1−/− mice. This was attributed to the impaired ability of HO-1−/−Bach1−/− double mutants to produce upstream APC progenitor cells, including common myeloid progenitor (CMP)–Flk2+. By contrast, we observed an increase in hematopoietic stem-progenitor cells (HSPCs) in these mice, suggesting a developmental block in the progression of HSPCs to CMP-Flk2+ and subsequently APCs.
Munc18b/STXBP2 is required for platelet secretion
Authors: Al Hawas Rania , Ren Qiansheng , Ye Shaojing , Karim Zubair A. , Filipovich Alexandra H. , Whiteheart Sidney W. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Platelets are vital for hemostasis because they release their granule contents in response to vascular damage. Platelet exocytosis is mediated by soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), whose interactions are governed by regulators, eg, Sec/Munc18 proteins. These proteins chaperone syntaxin t-SNAREs and are required for exocytosis. Platelets contain 3 Munc18 isoforms: Munc18a, Munc18b, and Munc18c. We report that Munc18b is the major isoform and is required for platelet secretion. Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 5 (FHL5) is caused by defects in the Munc18b/STXBP2 gene. We confirm a previous report showing that platelets from FHL5 patients have defective secretion. Serotonin, ADP/ATP, and platelet factor 4 release was profoundly affected in the 2 biallelic patients and partially in a heterozygous patient. Release of lysosomal contents was only affected in the biallelic platelets. Platelets from the FHL5 biallelic patients showed decreased Munc18b and syntaxin-11 levels were significantly reduced; other syntaxins were unaffected. Munc18b formed complexes with syntaxin-11, SNAP-23, and vesicle-associated membrane protein-8 in human platelets. Other potential secretion regulators, Munc13-4 and Rab27, were also found associated. These data demonstrate a key role for Munc18b, perhaps as a limiting factor, in platelet exocytosis and suggest that it regulates syntaxin-11.
Dietary L-leucine improves the anemia in a mouse model for Diamond-Blackfan anemia
Authors: Jaako Pekka , Debnath Shubhranshu , Olsson Karin , Bryder David , Flygare Johan , Karlsson Stefan 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a congenital erythroid hypoplasia caused by a functional haploinsufficiency of genes encoding for ribosomal proteins. Recently, a case study reported a patient who became transfusion-independent in response to treatment with the amino acid L-leucine. Therefore, we have validated the therapeutic effect of L-leucine using our recently generated mouse model for RPS19-deficient DBA. Administration of L-leucine significantly improved the anemia in Rps19-deficient mice (19% improvement in hemoglobin concentration; 18% increase in the number of erythrocytes), increased the bone marrow cellularity, and alleviated stress hematopoiesis. Furthermore, the therapeutic response to L-leucine appeared specific for Rps19-deficient hematopoiesis and was associated with down-regulation of p53 activity. Our study supports the rationale for clinical trials of L-leucine as a therapeutic agent for DBA.
Is there a role for consolidative radiotherapy in the treatment of aggressive and localized Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma? A systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: dos Santos Lucas Vieira , Lima JoãoPaulodaSilveiraNogueira , Lima Carmens Sílvia Passos , Sasse Emma Chen , Sasse André Deeke 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Chemotherapy is the mainstay of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) treatment. Based on expert opinion, the use of radiotherapy (RT) is currently preferred in some institutions as consolidative treatment for patients with localized disease. The lack of conclusive data coming from conflicting studies about the impact of treatment demands a systematic review, which could provide the most reliable assessment for clinical decision-making. We evaluate the addition of RT post-CT, for aggressive and localized NHL (ALNHL).

Methods
Randomized controlled trials (RCT) that evaluated chemotherapy alone versus chemotherapy plus RT were searched in databases. The outcomes were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR) and toxicity. Risk ratio (RR) and hazard ratio (HR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a fized-effect model.

Results
Four trials (1,796 patients) met the inclusion criteria. All trials tested the use of RT after systemic therapy comprising anthracycline-based chemotherapy. This systematic review showed that RT enhances PFS after chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.81; 95% CI 0.67-0.98; p = 0.03), with no impact on ORR and OS. Some heterogeneity between trials could limit the conclusions about OS. Toxicity data could not be pooled due to differences in reporting adverse events.

Conclusions
This systematic review with meta-analysis shows no improvement in survival when adding RT to systemic therapy for ALNHL. Our conclusions are limited by the available data. Further evaluations of new RT technologies and its association with biologic agents are needed.