bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hestia criteria can discriminate high- from low-risk patients with pulmonary embolism
Authors: Zondag Wendy , Hiddinga Birgitta I. , Crobach Monique J.T. , Labots Geert , Dolsma Anneke , Durian Marc , Faber Laura M. , Hofstee Herman M.A. , Melissant Christian F. , Ullmann Eric F. , Vingerhoets Lies M.A. , de Vreede Mariëlle J.M. , Huisman Menno V. 
Published: July 2012

We investigated whether the clinical criteria used in the Hestia study for selection of pulmonary embolism (PE) patients for outpatient treatment could discriminate PE patients with high and low risk for adverse clinical outcome.We performed a cohort study with PE patients who were triaged with 11 criteria for outpatient treatment. Patients not eligible for outpatient treatment were treated in hospital. Study outcomes were recurrent venous thromboembolism, major bleeding and all-cause mortality during 3 months.In total, 530 patients were included, of which 297 were treated at home. In the outpatient group, six patients (2.0%, 95% CI 0.7–4.3%) had recurrent venous thromboembolismversusnine in-patients (3.9%, 95% CI 1.9–7.0%). Three patients (1.0%, 95% CI 0.2–2.9) died during the 3-months follow-up in the outpatient groupversus22 patients (9.6%, 95% CI 6.3–14) in the in-patient group (p<0.05). None of the outpatients died as a result of fatal PEversusfive (2.2%) in-patients (p<0.05). In the outpatient group, 0.7% (95% CI 0.08–2.4) had major bleeding eventsversus4.8% (95% CI 2.4–8.4) of in-patients (p<0.05).This study showed that the Hestia criteria can discriminate PE patients with low risk from patients with high risk for adverse clinical outcome. The low-risk patients can safely be treated at home.
Dimethylfumarate inhibits CXCL10viahaem oxygenase-1 in airway smooth muscle
Authors: Seidel Petra , Hostettler Katrin E. , Hughes J. Margaret , Tamm Michael , Roth Michael 
Published: July 2012

CXCL10 stimulates mast cell infiltration into airway smooth muscle bundles and, thus, activate cytokine secretion and airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) proliferation. Dimethylfumarate (DMF) reduces cytokine secretion by lymphocytes and ASMC proliferation through haem oxygenase (HO)-1. Therefore, we investigated the potency of DMF to inhibit tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α- and interferon (IFN)-γ-induced CXCL10 secretion by human ASMCs.Human primary ASMCs were pre-incubated with DMF and/or fluticasone and/or glutathione ethylester before cells were stimulated with IFN-γ and/or TNF-α.DMF inhibited CXCL10 secretion and increased HO-1 levels, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibition reduced DMF-dependent HO-1 expression. The DMF effect on CXCL10 secretion was abrogated by pre-treatment with HO-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Glutathione supplementation reversed all DMF effects on CXCL10 secretion and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Importantly, combining DMF with fluticasone further reduced CXCL10 secretion. In addition, DMF inhibited IFN-γ-induced CXCL10 secretion. This effect was compensated by glutathione supplementation or by pre-treatment with HO-1 siRNA. In addition, DMF reduced TNF-α-induced granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) secretion but had no effect on INF-γ-induced G-CSF secretion.In human primary ASMCs, DMF inhibits CXCL10 secretion by reducing the cellular glutathione level and by activation of p38 MAPK and HO-1. Therefore, DMF may reduce airway inflammation in asthma by a glucocorticoid-independent pathway.
A prospective trial evaluating the role of mesothelin in undiagnosed pleural effusions
Authors: Hooper Clare E. , Morley Anna J. , Virgo Paul , Harvey John E. , Kahan Brennan , Maskell Nick A. 
Published: July 2012

Mesothelin has been proposed as a useful tool in the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). We aimed to examine its diagnostic utility and the impact of renal impairment on results.We prospectively recruited 230 patients with new undiagnosed pleural effusions, testing serum (n=216) and pleural fluid (n=206) mesothelin (by ELISA) during the initial consultation.28 (12%) out of 230 patients had MPM. Serum mesothelin gave sensitivity 59.3%, specificity 64.7%, negative predictive value (NPV) 91.2%, positive predictive value (PPV) 20.5%, and pleural fluid sensitivity 72.0%, specificity 87.5%, NPV 95.5%, PPV 46.2% for distinguishing effusions due to MPM. In a matched comparison, diagnostic characteristics of pleural fluid mesothelin were superior to serum (p=0.0001). Serum mesothelin levels in patients without MPM were higher in patients with renal impairment (p=0.007) while pleural fluid levels were unaffected. 19 (54%) out of 35 patients with a benign pleural effusion and an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤59 mL·min−1had a false-positive serum mesothelin result.The diagnostic accuracy of pleural fluid mesothelin is superior to that of serum and is unaffected by renal function. In patients with a low pre-test probability of mesothelioma, a negative mesothelin test could be reassuring, because of its high NPV. Routine use of mesothelin testing in undiagnosed pleural effusions at presentation appears to be unhelpful.
The effect of montelukast on respiratory symptoms and lung function in wheezy infants
Authors: Pelkonen Anna S. , Malmström Kristiina , Sarna Seppo , Kajosaari Merja , Klemola Timo , Malmberg L. Pekka , Mäkelä Mika J. 
Published: July 2012

Our aim was to investigate the effectiveness of montelukast in recurrently wheezy infants.We randomised 113, 6–24-month-old children with recurrent wheezing to receive either placebo or montelukast daily for an 8-week period. The primary end-point was symptom-free days. The secondary aims were to evaluate the effect of montelukast on rescue medication, on lung function, airway responsiveness and exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO). Clinical response andFeNOwere determined, the functional residual capacity (FRC) and specific airway conductance (sGaw) were measured using an infant whole-body plethysmograph, the maximal flow at functional residual capacity (V′max,FRC) was recorded using the squeeze technique and airway responsiveness was evaluated by performing a dosimetric methacholine challenge test.There was no significant difference in changes in weekly symptom-free days between the montelukast and the placebo group (3.1–3.7 daysversus2.7–3.1 days, p = 0.965). No significant differences were detected in the secondary end-points,i.e.use of rescue medication, FRC, sGaw,V′max,FRC,FeNOor airway responsiveness between groups.Montelukast therapy did not influence the number of symptom-free days, use of rescue medication, lung function, airway responsiveness or airway inflammation in recurrently wheezy, very young children.
Club cells inhibit alveolar epithelial wound repairviaTRAIL-dependent apoptosis
Authors: Akram Khondoker M. , Lomas Nicola J. , Spiteri Monica A. , Forsyth Nicholas R. 
Published: July 2012

Club cells (Clara cells) participate in bronchiolar wound repair and regeneration. Located in the bronchioles, they become activated during alveolar injury in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and migrate into the affected alveoli, a process called alveolar bronchiolisation. The purpose of this migration and the role of club cells in alveolar wound repair is controversial. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of club cells in alveolar epithelial wound repair and pulmonary fibrosis.A direct-contact co-culturein vitromodel was used to evaluate the role of club cells (H441 cell line) on alveolar epithelial cell (A549 cell line) and small airway epithelial cell (SAEC) wound repair. Immunohistochemistry was conducted on lung tissue samples from patients with IPF to replicate thein vitrofindingsex vivo.Our study demonstrated that club cells induce apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells and SAECs through a tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-dependent mechanism resulting in significant inhibition of wound repair. Furthermore, in IPF lungs, TRAIL-expressing club cells were detected within the affected alveolar epithelia in areas of established fibrosis, together with widespread alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis.From these findings, we hypothesise that the extensive pro-fibrotic remodelling associated with IPF could be driven by TRAIL-expressing club cells inducing apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells through a TRAIL-dependent mechanism.
Impact of obstructive sleep apnoea on diastolic function
Authors: Wachter Rolf , Lüthje Lars , Klemmstein Daniela , Lüers Claus , Stahrenberg Raoul , Edelmann Frank , Holzendorf Volker , Hasenfuß Gerd , Andreas Stefan , Pieske Burkert 
Published: July 2012

We investigated whether obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) independently affects diastolic function in a primary care cohort of patients with cardiovascular risk factors.378 study participants with risk factors for diastolic dysfunction were prospectively included and a polygraphy was performed in all patients. Diastolic dysfunction was assessed by comprehensive echocardiography including tissue Doppler. Sleep apnoea was classified according to apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) as none (AHI <5 events·h−1), mild (AHI ≤5 to <15 events·h−1) or moderate-to-severe (AHI ≥15 events·h−1).Patients with central sleep apnoea (n=14) and patients with previously diagnosed sleep apnoea (n=12) were excluded. In the remaining 352 subjects, 21.6% had an AHI ≥15 events·h−1. The prevalence of diastolic dysfunction increased with the severity of sleep apnoea from 44.8% (none) to 56.8% (mild) to 69.7% (moderate-to-severe sleep apnoea) (p=0.002). The degree of diastolic dysfunction also increased with sleep apnoea severity (p=0.004). In univariate regression analysis, age, desaturation index, AHI, cardiac frequency, angiotensin receptor 1 antagonist therapy, body mass index (BMI) and left ventricular mass were associated with diastolic dysfunction. In multivariate regression analysis, only age, BMI, AHI and cardiac frequency were independently associated with diastolic dysfunction.Moderate-to-severe OSA is independently associated with diastolic dysfunction in patients with classical risk factors for diastolic dysfunction.
Dynamic respiratory mechanics and exertional dyspnoea in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Laveneziana Pierantonio , Garcia Gilles , Joureau Barbara , Nicolas-Jilwan Fadia , Brahimi Toufik , Laviolette Louis , Sitbon Olivier , Simonneau Gérald , Humbert Marc , Similowski Thomas 
Published: July 2012

Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may exhibit reduced expiratory flows at low lung volumes, which could promote exercise-induced dynamic hyperinflation (DH). This study aimed to examine the impact of a potential exercise-related DH on the intensity of dyspnoea in patients with PAH undergoing symptom-limited incremental cardiopulmonary cycle exercise testing (CPET).25 young (aged mean±sd38±12 yrs) nonsmoking PAH patients with no evidence of spirometric obstruction and 10 age-matched nonsmoking healthy subjects performed CPET to the limit of tolerance. Ventilatory pattern, operating lung volumes (derived from inspiratory capacity (IC) measurements) and dyspnoea intensity (Borg scale) were assessed throughout CPET.IC decreased (i.e.DH) progressively throughout CPET in PAH patients (average 0.15 L), whereas it increased in all the healthy subjects (0.45 L). Among PAH patients, 15 (60%) exhibited a decrease in IC throughout exercise (average 0.50 L), whereas in the remaining 10 (40%) patients IC increased (average 0.36 L). Dyspnoea intensity and ventilation were greater in PAH patients than in controls at any stage of CPET, whereas inspiratory reserve volume was lower.We conclude that DH-induced mechanical constraints and excessive ventilatory demand occurred in these young nonsmoking PAH patients with no spirometric obstruction and was associated with exertional dyspnoea.
Strong convergence of composite general iterative methods for one-parameter nonexpansive semigroup and equilibrium problems
Authors: Xiao Xin , Li Suhong , Li Lihua , Song Heping , Zhang Lingmin 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce both explicit and implicit schemes for finding a common element in the common fixed point set of a one-parameter nonexpansive semigroup {T(s)| 0 ≤ s < ∞} and in the solution set of an equilibrium problems which is a solution of a certain optimization problem related to a strongly positive bounded linear operator. Strong convergence theorems are established in the framework of Hilbert spaces. As an application, we consider the optimization problem of a k-strict pseudocontraction mapping. The results presented improve and extend the corresponding results of many others.

2000 AMS Subject Classification: 47H09; 47J05; 47J20; 47J25.
High levels of fluctuating asymmetry in isolated stickleback populations
Authors: Trokovic Nina , Herczeg Gábor , Ghani Nurul Izza Ab , Shikano Takahito , Merilä Juha 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundFluctuating asymmetry (FA), defined as small random deviations from the ideal bilateral symmetry, has been hypothesized to increase in response to both genetic and environmental stress experienced by a population. We compared levels of FA in 12 bilateral meristic traits (viz.lateral-line system neuromasts and lateral plates), and heterozygosity in 23 microsatellite loci, among four marine (high piscine predation risk) and four pond (zero piscine predation risk) populations of nine-spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius).ResultsPond sticklebacks had on average three times higher levels of FA than marine fish and this difference was highly significant. Heterozygosity in microsatellite markers was on average two times lower in pond (HE≈ 0.3) than in marine (HE≈ 0.6) populations, and levels of FA and heterozygosity were negatively correlated across populations. However, after controlling for habitat effect on heterozygosity, levels of FA and heterozygosity were uncorrelated.ConclusionsThe fact that levels of FA in traits likely to be important in the context of predator evasion were elevated in ponds compared to marine populations suggests that relaxed selection for homeostasis in ponds lacking predatory fish may be responsible for the observed habitat difference in levels of FA. This inference also aligns with the observation that the levels of genetic variability across the populations did not explain population differences in levels of FA after correcting for habitat effect. Hence, while differences in strength of selection, rather than in the degree of genetic stress could be argued to explain habitat differences in levels of FA, the hypothesis that increased FA in ponds is caused by genetic stress cannot be rejected.
Tailored hybrid hyperbranched polyglycidol-silica nanocomposites with high third-order nonlinearity
Authors: Postnova Irina , Bezverbny Alexander , Golik Sergey , Kulchin Yury , Li Haiqing , Wang Jing , Kim Il , Ha Chang-Sik , Shchipunov Yury 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
One of the most convenient techniques for optical material fabrication is the sol–gel processing. It can be performed at low temperature that enables one to entrap even relatively unstable organic substances into silica matrix at the nanometer scale, thus developing homogeneous hybrid organic–inorganic nanocomposite materials of various functionalities. Here, novel hybrid organic–inorganic nanocomposites with good optical transparency and high third-order nonlinearity were prepared biomimetically through the mineralization of dendritic macromolecules (hyperbranched polyglycidols) using a compatible ethylene glycol-containing silica precursor. The synthesis was performed at neutral pH media in aqueous solutions without addition of organic solvents at ambient conditions owing to the catalysis of processing. Polyglycidols provided also the formation of gold nanoparticles localized in their core. They served as reducing and stabilizing agents. It is shown that trace amounts of nanoparticles could regulate nonlinear properties of a nanocomposite. High nonlinearity manifests itself in a supercontinuum generation at remarkably short lengths ca. 1 mm. The phenomenon consists of filamentous intense white lighting due to the spectral broadening of initial ultrashort (femtosecond) laser pulses propagating through the material. The developed hybrid nanocomposites possessing large nonlinearity, high-speed optical response, stability under intense lighting, low-cost, and easy preparation are promising for a diverse range of applications as active components for all-optical signal processing from chemical sensing to biological cell imaging and lighting control in telecommunication.
Urine VCAM-1 as a marker of renal pathology activity index in lupus nephritis
Authors: Singh Sandeep , Wu Tianfu , Xie Chun , Vanarsa Kamala , Han Jie , Mahajan Tina , Oei Ho Bing , Ahn Chul , Zhou Xin J , Putterman Chaim , Saxena Ramesh , Mohan Chandra 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Although renal pathology is highly predictive of the disease course in lupus nephritis, it cannot be performed serially because of its invasive nature and associated morbidity. The goal of this study is to investigate whether urinary levels of CXC ligand 16 (CXCL16), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) or vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in patients with lupus nephritis are predictive of particular features of renal pathology in renal biopsies obtained on the day of urine procurement.

Methods
CXCL16, MCP-1, and VCAM-1 levels were measured in urine samples from 74 lupus nephritis patients and 13 healthy volunteers. Of the patients enrolled, 24 patients had a concomitant kidney biopsy performed at the time of urine collection. In addition, patients with other renal diatheses were also included as controls.

Results
All three molecules were elevated in the urine of systemic lupus erythematosus patients, although VCAM-1 (area under curve = 0.92) and MCP-1 (area under curve = 0.87) were best at distinguishing the systemic lupus erythematosus samples from the healthy controls, and were also most strongly associated with clinical disease severity and active renal disease. For patients in whom concurrent renal biopsies had also been performed, urine VCAM-1 exhibited the strongest association with the renal pathology activity index and glomerulonephritis class IV, although it correlated negatively with the chronicity index. Interestingly, urinary VCAM-1 was also elevated in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated glomerulonephritis, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and membranous nephropathy but not in minimal-change disease.

Conclusion
Urinary VCAM-1 emerges as a reliable indicator of the activity:chronicity ratios that mark the underlying renal pathology in lupus nephritis. Since VCAM-1 is involved in the acute phase of inflammation when leukocytic infiltration is ongoing, longitudinal studies are warranted to establish whether tracking urine VCAM-1 levels may help monitor clinical and pathological disease activity over time.
Characterization of new bone formation in gout: a quantitative site-by-site analysis using plain radiography and computed tomography
Authors: Dalbeth Nicola , Milligan Aaron , Doyle Anthony J , Clark Barnaby , McQueen Fiona M 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Introduction

Radiographic descriptions of gout have noted the tendency to hypertrophic bone changes. The aim of this study was to characterize the features of new bone formation (NBF) in gout, and to determine the relationship between NBF and other radiographic features of disease, particularly erosion and tophus.

Methods

Paired plain radiographs (XR) and computed tomography (CT) scans of 798 individual hand and wrist joints from 20 patients with gout were analyzed. Following a structured review of a separate set of images, films were scored for the presence of the following features of NBF: spur, osteophyte, periosteal NBF, ankylosis and sclerosis. The relationship between NBF and other radiographic features was analyzed.

Results

The most frequent forms of NBF were bone sclerosis and osteophyte. Spur and periosteal NBF were less common, and ankylosis was rare. On both XR and CT, joints with bone erosion were more likely to have NBF; for CT, if erosion was present, the odds ratios (OR) was 45.1 for spur, 3.3 for osteophyte, 16.6 for periosteal NBF, 26.6 for ankylosis and 32.3 for sclerosis, P for all < 0.01. Similarly, on CT, joints with intraosseous tophus were more likely to have NBF; if tophus was present, the OR was 48.4 for spur, 3.3 for osteophyte, 14.5 for periosteal NBF, 35.1 for ankylosis and 39.1 for sclerosis; P for all < 0.001.

Conclusions

This detailed quantitative analysis has demonstrated that NBF occurs more frequently in joints affected by other features of gout. This work suggests a connection between bone loss, tophus, and formation of new bone during the process of joint remodelling in gout.
Kidney function decline after a non-dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury is associated with higher long-term mortality in critically ill survivors
Authors: Lai Chun-Fu , Wu Vin-Cent , Huang Tao-Min , Yeh Yu-Chang , Wang Kuo-Chuan , Han Yin-Yi , Lin Yu-Feng , Jhuang Ying-Jheng , Chao Chia-Ter , Shiao Chih-Chung , Tsai Pi-Ru , Hu Fu-Chang , Chou Nai-Kuan , Ko Wen-Je , Wu Kwan-Dun ,   the National Taiwan University Hospital Study Group on Acute Renal Failure (NSARF)
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Introduction
The adverse consequences of a non-dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury (AKI) are unclear. This study aimed to assess the long-term prognoses for critically ill patients experiencing a non-dialysis-requiring AKI.

Methods
This retrospective observational cohort study investigated non-dialysis-requiring AKI survivors in surgical intensive care units between January 2002 and June 2010. All longitudinal post-discharge serum creatinine measurements and information regarding end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and death were collected. We assessed the long-term outcomes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), ESRD and all-cause mortality beyond discharge.

Results
Of the 922 identified critically ill patients with a non-dialysis-requiring AKI, 634 (68.8%) patients who survived to discharge were enrolled. A total of 207 patients died after a median follow-up of 700.5 days. The median intervals between the onset of the AKI and the composite endpoints "stage 3 CKD or death", "stage 4 CKD or death", "stage 5 CKD or death", and "ESRD or death" were 685, 1319, 1743, and 2048 days, respectively. This finding shows a steady long-term decline in kidney function after discharge. Using the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, we found that every 1 mL/min/1.73 m2 decrease from baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of individuals who progressed to stage 3, 4, and 5 CKD increased the risks of long-term mortality by 0.7%, 2.3%, and 4.1%, respectively (all p < 0.05). This result indicates that the mortality risk increased significantly in a graded manner as kidney function declined from the baseline eGFR to advanced stages of CKD during the follow-up period.

Conclusions
In critically ill patients who survive a non-dialysis-requiring AKI, there is a need for continuous monitoring and kidney function protection beyond discharge.