bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Gastrointestinal Complications of Crack Cocaine Abuse
Authors: Carlin Neal , Nguyen Nhat , DePasquale Joseph R.
Published: April 2014

Cocaine and its alkaloid free base “crack-cocaine” have long since been substances of abuse. Drug abuse of cocaine via oral, inhalation, intravenous, and intranasal intake has famously been associated with a number of medical complications. Intestinal ischemia and perforation remain the most common manifestations of cocaine associated gastrointestinal disease and have historically been associated with oral intake of cocaine. Here we find a rare case of two relatively uncommon gastrointestinal complications of hemorrhage and pancreatitis presenting within a single admission in a chronic crack cocaine abuser.
Using Traffic Light Signal to Enhance Intersection Foreground Detection Based on Video Sensor Networks
Authors: Ding Rong , Wang Shunli , Liu Xu
Published: April 2014

Foreground detection plays an important role in the traffic surveillance applications, especially in urban intersections. Background subtraction is an efficient approach to segment the background and foreground with static cameras from video sensor networks. But when modelling the background, most statistical techniques adjust the learning rate only based on the changes from video sequences, which is a crucial parameter controlling the updating speed. This causes a slow adaptation to sudden environmental changes. For example, a stopped car fuses into background before moving again, and it lowers the segmentation performance. This paper proposes an efficient way to address the problem by accounting for the physical world signal in traffic junctions. It assigns an adaptive learning rate to each pixel by integrating traffic light signal obtained from sensor networks. Combined with abundant physical world signals, background subtraction method is able to adapt itself to the outside world changes instantly. We test our approach in real urban traffic intersection; experimental results show that the new method increases the accuracy of detection and has a promising future.
Corrosion Inhibition Effect of Carbon Steel in Sea Water by L-Arginine-Zn2+System
Authors: Gowri S. , Sathiyabama J. , Rajendran S.
Published: April 2014

The inhibition efficiency of L-Arginine-Zn2+system in controlling corrosion of carbon steel in sea water has been evaluated by the weight-loss method. The formulation consisting of 250 ppm of L-Arginine and 25 ppm of Zn2+has 91% IE. A synergistic effect exists between L-Arginine and Zn2+. Polarization study reveals that the L-Arginine-Zn2+system functions as an anodic inhibitor and the formulation controls the anodic reaction predominantly. AC impedance spectra reveal that protective film is formed on the metal surface. Cyclic voltammetry study reveals that the protective film is more compact and stable even in a 3.5% NaCl environment. The nature of the protective film on a metal surface has been analyzed by FTIR, SEM, and AFM analysis.
Exploitation of a Very Small Peptide Nucleic Acid as a New Inhibitor of miR-509-3p Involved in the Regulation of Cystic Fibrosis Disease-Gene Expression
Authors: Amato Felice , Tomaiuolo Rossella , Nici Fabrizia , Borbone Nicola , Elce Ausilia , Catalanotti Bruno , D'Errico Stefano , Morgillo Carmine Marco , De Rosa Giuseppe , Mayol Laura , Piccialli Gennaro , Oliviero Giorgia , Castaldo Giuseppe
Published: April 2014

Computational techniques, and in particular molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, have been successfully used as a complementary technique to predict and analyse the structural behaviour of nucleic acids, including peptide nucleic acid- (PNA-) RNA hybrids. This study shows that a 7-base long PNA complementary to the seed region of miR-509-3p, one of the miRNAs involved in the posttranscriptional regulation of the CFTR disease-gene of Cystic Fibrosis, and bearing suitable functionalization at its N- and C-ends aimed at improving its resistance to nucleases and cellular uptake, is able to revert the expression of the luciferase gene containing the 3′UTR of the gene in A549 human lung cancer cells, in agreement with the MD results that pointed at the formation of a stable RNA/PNA heteroduplex notwithstanding the short sequence of the latter. The here reported results widen the interest towards the use of small PNAs as effective anti-miRNA agents.
Estimation of Daily Sunshine Duration from Terra and Aqua MODIS Data
Authors: Kandirmaz H. M. , Kaba K.
Published: April 2014

Some studies have shown that the estimation of global sunshine duration can be done with the help of geostationary satellites because they can record several images of the same location in a day. In this paper, images obtained from the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensors of polar orbiting satellites Aqua and Terra were used to estimate daily global sunshine duration for any region in Turkey. A new quadratic correlation between daily mean cloud cover index and relative sunshine duration was also introduced and compared with the linear correlation. Results have shown that polar orbiting satellites can be used for the estimation of sunshine duration. The quadratic model introduced here works better than the linear model especially for the winter months in which very low sunshine duration values were recorded at the ground stations for many days.
Analysis of Changes in Market Shares of Commercial Banks Operating in Turkey Using Computational Intelligence Algorithms
Authors: Amasyali M. Fatih , Demırhan Ayse , Bal Mert
Published: April 2014

This paper aims to model the change in market share of 30 domestic and foreign banks, which have been operating between the years 1990 and 2009 in Turkey by taking into consideration 20 financial ratios of those banks. Due to the fragile structure of the banking sector in Turkey, this study plays an important role for determining the changes in market share of banks and taking the necessary measures promptly. For this reason, computational intelligence methods have been used in the study. According to the research results, it is seen that it was not able to properly anticipate the data for the banking sector in the periods of financial crises (2000-2001 and 2008-2009). However, it is seen that, Simple Linear Regression is distinguished as a good algorithm among the computational intelligence algorithms for all periods between the years 1990 and 2009.
D‐FNN Based Modeling and BP Neural Network Decoupling Control of PVC Stripping Process
Authors: Gao Shu-zhi , Yang Jing , Wang Jie-sheng
Published: April 2014

PVC stripping process is a kind of complicated industrial process with characteristics of highly nonlinear and time varying. Aiming at the problem of establishing the accurate mathematics model due to the multivariable coupling and big time delay, the dynamic fuzzy neural network (D‐FNN) is adopted to establish the PVC stripping process model based on the actual process operation datum. Then, the PVC stripping process is decoupled by the distributed neural network decoupling module to obtain two single‐input‐single‐output (SISO) subsystems (slurry flow to top tower temperature and steam flow to bottom tower temperature). Finally, the PID controller based on BP neural networks is used to control the decoupled PVC stripper system. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed integrated intelligent control method.
A New Approach to Fixed Point Results in Triangular Intuitionistic Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: Hussain N. , Khaleghizadeh S. , Salimi P. , Abdou Afrah A. N.
Published: April 2014

The aim of this paper is to propose some fixed point theorems in complete parametric metric spaces. Using these theorems, we deduce as corollaries the recent results of Ionescu et al. Moreover, we suggest some new contractions and prove certain fixed point theorems in triangular intuitionistic fuzzy metric spaces. We also discuss some illustrative examples to highlight the realized improvements.
Effect of Surface Roughness on the Squeeze Film Lubrication of Finite Poroelastic Partial Journal Bearings with Couple Stress Fluids: A Special Reference to Hip Joint Lubrication
Authors: Naduvinamani N. B. , Savitramma G. K.
Published: April 2014

A simplified mathematical model has been developed for understanding the combined effects of surface roughness and couple stresses on the squeeze film behavior of poroelastic bearings in general and that of hip joints in particular. The cartilage is modeled as biphasic poroelastic matrix and synovial fluid is modeled as couple stress fluid. The modified form of averaged Reynolds equation which incorporates the randomized roughness structure as well as elastic nature of articular cartilage with couple stress fluid as lubricant is derived. For the study of rough surfaces, Christensen's stochastic theory is used to study the effect of two types of one-dimensional random roughness, namely, longitudinal roughness pattern and the transverse roughness pattern. The averaged film pressure distribution equations are solved numerically by using the conjugate gradient method. It is observed that the surface roughness effect is dominant and pattern dependent and the influence of couple stresses is to improve the joint performance.
Telerehabilitation in Poststroke Anomia
Authors: Agostini Michela , Garzon Martina , Benavides-Varela Silvia , De Pellegrin Serena , Bencini Giulia , Rossi Giulia , Rosadoni Sara , Mancuso Mauro , Turolla Andrea , Meneghello Francesca , Tonin Paolo
Published: April 2014

Anomia, a word-finding difficulty, is a frequent consequence of poststroke linguistic disturbance, associated with fluent and nonfluent aphasia that needs long-term specific and intensive speech rehabilitation. The present study explored the feasibility of telerehabilitation as compared to a conventional face-to-face treatment of naming, in patients with poststroke anomia. Five aphasic chronic patients participated in this study characterized by: strictly controlled crossover design; well-balanced lists of words in picture-naming tasks where progressive phonological cues were provided; same kind of the treatment in the two ways of administration. ANOVA was used to compare naming accuracy in the two types of treatment, at three time points: baseline, after treatment, and followup. The results revealed no main effect of treatment type (P=0.844) indicating that face-to-face and tele-treatment yielded comparable results. Moreover, there was a significant main effect of time (P=0.0004) due to a better performance immediately after treatment and in the followup when comparing them to baseline. These preliminary results show the feasibility of teletreatment applied to lexical deficits in chronic stroke patients, extending previous work on telerehabilitation and opening new vistas for future studies on teletreatment of language functions.
Recreational Drug Use among Chinese Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Risky Combination with Unprotected Sex for Acquiring HIV Infection
Authors: Xu Jun-Jie , Qian Han-Zhu , Chu Zhen-Xing , Zhang Jing , Hu Qing-Hai , Jiang Yong-Jun , Geng Wen-Qing , Zhang Christiana Meng , Shang Hong
Published: April 2014

Objective. To investigate the prevalence of recreational drug use and its relationship with HIV infection among Chinese MSM.Methods. A cross-sectional study of 625 MSM was conducted in Shenyang, China. Questionnaires were administered to collect information on recreational drug use and sexual behaviors. Blood specimens were collected to test for HIV and syphilis antibodies.Results. Nearly a quarter (23.2%, 145/625) of participants reported ever using recreational drugs, among which alkyl nitrites (poppers) was the most frequently used drug (19.2%), followed by methylmorphine phosphate (5.1%), methamphetamine (4.0%), and ketamine (0.8%). The overall prevalence of HIV and syphilis was 9.6% and 10.4%, respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that recreational drug use was significantly correlated with age ≤25 year (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.6, 95% CI, 1.1–2.9), single marital status (aOR = 2.1, 95% CI, 1.2–3.6), and seeking male sexual partners mainly through Internet (aOR = 1.8, 95% CI, 1.8–2.8). Recreational drug use was independently associated with an increased risk of HIV infection (aOR = 3.5, 95% CI, 2.0–6.2).Conclusions. Our study suggests that recreational drug use is popular among Chinese MSM and is associated with significantly increased HIV infection risk. HIV prevention intervention programs should reduce both drug use and risky sexual behaviors in this population.
Stem Cell Niches in Glioblastoma: A Neuropathological View
Authors: Schiffer Davide , Mellai Marta , Annovazzi Laura , Caldera Valentina , Piazzi Angela , Denysenko Tetyana , Melcarne Antonio
Published: April 2014

Glioblastoma (GBM) stem cells (GSCs), responsible for tumor growth, recurrence, and resistance to therapies, are considered the real therapeutic target, if they had no molecular mechanisms of resistance, in comparison with the mass of more differentiated cells which are insensitive to therapies just because of being differentiated and nonproliferating. GSCs occur in tumor niches where both stemness status and angiogenesis are conditioned by the microenvironment. In both perivascular and perinecrotic niches, hypoxia plays a fundamental role. Fifteen glioblastomas have been studied by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence for stemness and differentiation antigens. It has been found that circumscribed necroses develop inside hyperproliferating areas that are characterized by high expression of stemness antigens. Necrosis developed inside them because of the imbalance between the proliferation of tumor cells and endothelial cells; it reduces the number of GSCs to a thin ring around the former hyperproliferating area. The perinecrotic GSCs are nothing else that the survivors remnants of those populating hyperproliferating areas. In the tumor, GSCs coincide with malignant areas so that the need to detect where they are located is not so urgent.
Crocin Suppresses LPS-Stimulated Expression of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase by Upregulation of Heme Oxygenase-1 via Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase 4
Authors: Kim Ji-Hee , Park Ga-Young , Bang Soo Young , Park Sun Young , Bae Soo-Kyung , Kim YoungHee
Published: April 2014

Crocin is a water-soluble carotenoid pigment that is primarily used in various cuisines as a seasoning and coloring agent, as well as in traditional medicines for the treatment of edema, fever, and hepatic disorder. In this study, we demonstrated that crocin markedly induces the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) which leads to an anti-inflammatory response. Crocin inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nitric oxide production via downregulation of nuclear factor kappa B activity in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. These effects were abrogated by blocking of HO-1 expression or activity. Crocin also induced Ca2+mobilization from intracellular pools and phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 4 (CAMK4). CAMK4 knockdown and kinase-dead mutant inhibited crocin-mediated HO-1 expression, Nrf2 activation, and phosphorylation of Akt, indicating that HO-1 expression is mediated by CAMK4 and that Akt is a downstream mediator of CAMK4 in crocin signaling. Moreover, crocin-mediated suppression of iNOS expression was blocked by CAMK4 inhibition. Overall, these results suggest that crocin suppresses LPS-stimulated expression of iNOS by inducing HO-1 expression via Ca2+/calmodulin-CAMK4-PI3K/Akt-Nrf2 signaling cascades. Our findings provide a novel molecular mechanism for the inhibitory effects of crocin against endotoxin-mediated inflammation.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activities of N-(Heteroaryl-substituted)-p-toluenesulphonamides
Authors: Chinwe Francisca Ozoh , Chris Okoro Uchechukwu , Izuchukwu Ugwu David
Published: April 2014

A new class of N-(heteroaryl-substituted)-p-toluenesulphonamides has been synthesized exhibiting antibacterial and antifungal properties. The condensation reaction of p-toluenesulphonyl chloride 1 with appropriate substituted amino pyridines 2a–g in acetone furnished N-(heteroaryl-substituted)-p-toluenesulphonamides 3a–g. These derivatives were characterized by IR, 1H-, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy and were screened in vitro against gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi organisms using agar-diffusion method. Results indicated improved biological activities over reference drugs such as Tetracycline (TCN) and Fluconazole (FLU).
Alterations of the Myovesical Plexus of the Human Overactive Detrusor
Authors: Kuijpers Kamiel A. J. , Heesakkers John P. F. A. , Schalken Jack A.
Published: April 2014

Objectives.The human bladder shows spontaneous autonomous activity. Detrusor overactivity could be seen as a consequence of exaggerated autonomous activity. Interstitial cells (ICs) play a potential role in coordination of autonomous activity. As it is suggested that changes in ICs coexist with detrusor overactivity (DO), we investigated possible alterations to human bladder ICs.Methods.Biopsies were obtained from 23 patients and were categorized into four groups: genuine stress incontinence (without DO) (n=5), neurogenic disease with DO (n=6), bladder outlet obstruction with DO (n=6), or idiopathic DO (n=6). Specimens were processed to investigate expression of N-cadherin and PGP9.5. N-cadherin expression was semiquantitatively analyzed and correlated to PG9.5 expression and bladder wall morphology.Results.The population of cells expressing N-cadherin is altered in the overactive detrusor, making no difference between the sources of DO. Punctate distribution of morphological changes was found and downregulation of PGP9.5 expression seemed to coexist with upregulation of N-cadherin expression in the detrusor layer.Conclusions.The population of N-cadherin+ cells of the interstitial compartment of the human bladder has the ability to proliferate. As this proliferation seems to coexist with denervation, it could be possible that a highly developed network of interstitial cells replaces the loss of innervation in overactive detrusor.
Error Bound for Conic Inequality in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Zhu Jiangxing , He Qinghai , Lin Jinchuan
Published: April 2014

We consider error bound issue for conic inequalities in Hilbert spaces. In terms of proximal subdifferentials of vector-valued functions, we provide sufficient conditions for the existence of a local error bound for a conic inequality. In the Hilbert space case, our result improves and extends some existing results on local error bounds.
An Improved Group-Based Neighbor Discovery Algorithm for Mobile Sensor Networks
Authors: Niu Qiang , Bao Weiwei , Xia Shixiong
Published: April 2014

Wireless sensor networks have been widely used in a variety of commercial and military applications, which often require neighbor nodes to establish connection quickly. Due to high mobility of nodes, it is a challenging issue to reduce discovery delay. Most discovery designs are based on pairwise and fixed duty cycle, in which discovery is passively achieved when two nodes wake up at the same time. In order to further improve the efficiency of neighbor discovery in mobile sensor networks, this paper proposes an improved group-based neighbor discovery algorithm (IGND) which dynamically adjusts the nodes’ active time based on spatial properties. This paper describes the network model and the algorithm implementation in detail. Simulation results show that the improved algorithm has a good effect in reducing discovery latency and promoting discovery efficiency.
A Suzuki Type Coupled Fixed Point Theorem for Generalized Multivalued Mapping
Authors: Semwal Pushpendra , Dimri Ramesh Chandra
Published: April 2014

We obtain a new Suzuki type coupled fixed point theorem for a multivalued mappingTfromX×XintoCB(X), satisfying a generalized contraction condition in a complete metric space. Our result unifies and generalizes various known comparable results in the literature. We also give an application to certain functional equations arising in dynamic programming.
Measurement-Based Delay and Doppler Characterizations for High-Speed Railway Hilly Scenario
Authors: Zhang Yan , He Zunwen , Zhang Wancheng , Xiao Limin , Zhou Shidong
Published: April 2014

This paper presents results for delay and Doppler spread characterization in high-speed railway (HSR) hilly scenario. To investigate the propagation characteristics in this specific terrain, a measurement campaign is conducted along the “Guangzhou-Shenzhen” HSR in China. A wideband channel sounder with 40 MHz bandwidth is used to collect raw data at 2.4 GHz band. The delay spread and Doppler frequency features are analyzed based on measured data. It is found that there are abundant multipath components (MPCs) in this scenario. We present the relationship between the delay spreads and the transceiver distances. The measured route can be divided into four areas with different delay and Doppler characteristics. Finally, a tapped delay line (TDL) model is proposed to parameterize the channel responses in the HSR hilly environment, which is supposed to provide criterions for evaluations of the radio interface and development of wireless communication system.
Fabrication of Ni-Mn Microprobe Structure with Low Internal Stress and High Hardness by Employing DC Electrodeposition
Authors: Cheng Kuan-Hui , Chen Fu-Je , Lee Chun-Ying , Lin Chao-Sung , Huang Jung-Tang , Lan Chang-Cheng , Tsou Ping-Huan , Ho Tzu-I
Published: April 2014

Due to its widely tunable mechanical property and incompatibility with most solders, Ni-Mn alloy can become a viable candidate in the fabrication of testing probe for microelectronic devices. In this study, the electrodeposition of Ni-Mn alloy in nickel sulphamate electrolyte with the addition of manganese sulphate was investigated under direct current (DC) power source. The effects of current density and Mn2+concentration in the electrolyte on the coating composition, cathodic efficiency, microstructure and mechanical properties were explored. The results showed that the raise of the Mn2+concentration in the electrolyte alone did not effectively increase the Mn content in the coating but reduce the cathodic efficiency. On the other hand, increasing the current density facilitated the codeposition of the Mn and rendered the crystallite from coarse columnar grain to the refined one. Thus, both hardness and internal stress of the coating increased. The fabrication of testing probes at 1 A/dm2was shown to satisfy the high hardness, low internal stress, reasonable fatigue life, and nonsticking requirements for this microelectronic application.
Optimized Measurement Matrix Design Using Spatiotemporal Chaos for CS‐MIMO Radar
Authors: Peng Zhenni , Zhang Gong , Zhang Jindong , Ben De
Published: April 2014

We investigate the possibility of utilizing the chaotic dynamic system for the measurement matrix design in the CS‐MIMO radar system. The CS‐MIMO radar achieves better detection performance than conventional MIMO radar with fewer measurements. For exactly recovering from compressed measurements, we should carefully design the measurement matrix to make the sensing matrix satisfy the restricted isometry property (RIP). A Gaussian random measurement matrix (GRMM), typically used in CS problems, is not satisfied for on‐line optimization and the low coherence with the basis matrix corresponding to the MIMO radar scenario can not be well guaranteed. An optimized measurement matrix design method applying the two‐dimensional spatiotemporal chaos is proposed in this paper. It incorporates the optimization criterion which restricts the coherence of the sensing matrix and singular value decomposition (SVD) for the optimization process. By varying the initial state of the spatiotemporal chaos and optimizing each spatiotemporal chaotic measurement matrix (SCMM), we can finally obtain the optimized measurement matrix. Its simulation results show that the optimized SCMM can highly reduce the coherence of the sensing matrix and improve the DOA estimation accuracy for the CS‐MIMO radar.
Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels Are Correlated with the Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Lin Yuan , Xiao Ye-cheng , Zhu Hong , Xu Qing-yan , Qi Lei , Wang Yu-bin , Li Xiu-juan , Zheng Ma-li , Zhong Rui-sheng , Zhang Yi , Xu Xiang-dong , Wu Bo-le , Xu Zhu-mei , Lu Xiang-hong
Published: April 2014

The aim of the study was to assess serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) concentrations in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients with and without retinopathy and to assess the association between FGF21 and the severity of retinopathy. 117 diabetic patients were compared with 68 healthy controls. Fasting blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, serum insulin, and serum FGF21 levels were estimated. FGF21 concentrations in the patients were significantly higher than those in control. In the patient group there was a significant positive correlation between FGF21, insulin level, and homeostasis model assessment index. Serum FGF21 concentrations in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy or nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy were significantly higher than those in patients without diabetic retinopathy. When the presence of diabetes was defined as the final variable in the conditional logistic regression model with the FGF21 concentration as the continuous variable, FGF21 was significantly involved in the model. This study shows that the increase in serum concentration of FGF21 was associated with the severity of diabetic retinopathy and suggests that FGF21 may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and its degree.
A Comparative Study of Electric Load Curve Changes in an Urban Low-Voltage Substation in Spain during the Economic Crisis (2008–2013)
Authors: Lara-Santillán Pedro M. , Mendoza-Villena Montserrat , Fernández-Jiménez L. Alfredo , Mañana-Canteli Mario
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a comparative study of the electricity consumption (EC) in an urban low-voltage substation before and during the economic crisis (2008–2013). This low-voltage substation supplies electric power to near 400 users. The EC was measured for an 11-year period (2002–2012) with a sampling time of 1 minute. The study described in the paper consists of detecting the changes produced in the load curves of this substation along the time due to changes in the behaviour of consumers. The EC was compared using representative curves per time period (precrisis and crisis). These representative curves were obtained after a computational process, which was based on a search for days with similar curves to the curve of a determined (base) date. This similitude was assessed by the proximity on the calendar, day of the week, daylight time, and outdoor temperature. The last selection parameter was the error between the nearest neighbour curves and the base date curve. The obtained representative curves were linearized to determine changes in their structure (maximum and minimum consumption values, duration of the daily time slot, etc.). The results primarily indicate an increase in the EC in the night slot during the summer months in the crisis period.
Physicians, Clinics, and Neighborhoods: Multiple Levels of Influence on Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: Pruitt Sandi L. , Leonard Tammy , Zhang Song , Schootman Mario , Halm Ethan A. , Gupta Samir
Published: April 2014

Background: We (i) described variability in colorectal cancer (CRC) test use across multiple levels, including physician, clinic, and neighborhood; and (ii) compared the performance of novel cross-classified models versus traditional hierarchical models.

Methods: We examined multilevel variation in CRC test use among patients not up-to-date with screening in a large, urban safety net health system (2011–2012). Outcomes included: (i) fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or (ii) colonoscopy and were ascertained using claims data during a 1-year follow-up. We compared Bayesian (i) cross-classified four-level logistic models nesting patients within separate, nonoverlapping “levels” (physicians, clinics, and census tracts) versus (ii) three hierarchical two-level models using deviance information criterion. Models were adjusted for covariates (patient sociodemographic factors, driving time to clinic, and census tract poverty rate).

Results: Of 3,195 patients, 157 (4.9%) completed FOBT and 292 (9.1%) completed colonoscopy during the study year. Patients attended 19 clinics, saw 177 physicians, and resided in 332 census tracts. Significant variability was observed across all levels in both hierarchical and cross-classified models that was unexplained by measured covariates. For colonoscopy, variance was similar across all levels. For FOBT, physicians, followed by clinics, demonstrated the largest variability. Model fit using cross-classified models was superior or similar to 2-level hierarchical models.

Conclusions: Significant and substantial variability was observed across neighborhood, physician, and clinic levels in CRC test use, suggesting the importance of factors at each of these levels on CRC testing.

Impact: Future multilevel research and intervention should consider the simultaneous influences of multiple levels, including clinic, physician, and neighborhood. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(7); 1346–55. ©2014 AACR.
Plasma Vitamin D and Prostate Cancer Risk: Results from the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial
Authors: Kristal Alan R. , Till Cathee , Song Xiaoling , Tangen Catherine M. , Goodman Phyllis J. , Neuhauser Marian L. , Schenk Jeannette M. , Thompson Ian M. , Meyskens Frank L. , Goodman Gary E. , Minasian Lori M. , Parnes Howard L. , Klein Eric A.
Published: April 2014

Background:In vitro, animal, and ecological studies suggest that inadequate vitamin D intake could increase prostate cancer risk, but results of biomarker-based longitudinal studies are inconsistent.

Methods: Data for this case (n = 1,731) and cohort (n = 3,203) analysis are from the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial. Cox proportional hazard models were used to test whether baseline plasma vitamin D (25-hydroxy) concentration, adjusted for season of blood collection, was associated with the risk of total and Gleason score 2–6, 7–10, and 8–10 prostate cancer.

Results: There were U-shaped associations of vitamin D with total cancer risk: compared with the first quintile, HRs were 0.83 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.66–1.03; P = 0.092], 0.74 (95% CI, 0.59–0.92; P = 0.008), 0.86 (95% CI, 0.69–1.07; P = 0.181), and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.78–1.21; P = 0.823), for the second through fifth quintiles, respectively. For Gleason 7–10 cancer, corresponding HRs were 0.63 (95% CI, 0.45–0.90; P = 0.010), 0.66 (95% CI, 0.47–0.92; P = 0.016), 0.79 (95% CI, 0.56–1.10; P = 0.165), and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.63–1.22; P = 0.436). Among African American men (n = 250 cases), higher vitamin D was associated with reduced risk of Gleason 7–10 cancer only: in the a posteriori contrast of quintiles 1–2 versus 3–5, the HR was 0.55 (95% CI, 0.31–0.97; P = 0.037), with no evidence of dose–response or a U-shaped association.

Conclusions: Both low and high vitamin D concentrations were associated with increased risk of prostate cancer, and more strongly for high-grade disease.

Impact: The optimal range of circulating vitamin D for prostate cancer prevention may be narrow. Supplementation of men with adequate levels may be harmful. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(8); 1494–504. ©2014 AACR.
Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment No Dementia in a Rural Area of Northern China
Authors: Zhang Ying , Shi Zhihong , Liu Mengyuan , Liu Shuai , Yue Wei , Liu Shuling , Xiang Lei , Lu Hui , Liu Ping , Wisniewski Thomas , Wang Jinhuan , Ji Yong
Published: April 2014

Objective: Few data are available on the prevalence of cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND) in rural China. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of CIND in individuals aged 60 years and older in a large rural community, and to analyze the associated risk factors. Methods: A two-phase, door-to-door epidemiological study was used for residents aged 60 years and older in Ji County, a rural county near Tianjin in Northern China. In phase 1 of the study, the Mini-Mental State Examination and Clinical Dementia Rating were administered for screening purposes. In phase 2, the subjects who screened positive were further examined by neurologists. A total of 5,744 individuals underwent the home visit interview, where demographic variables and comorbidities were recorded; 5,550 individuals completed the two phases. CIND was diagnosed by the Aging, Demographics and Memory Study on CIND criteria. The odds ratio (OR) for each risk factor was calculated by logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of CIND among those aged 60 years and older was 23.3%. The prevalence of CIND was lower among those with a higher level of education or social involvement. CIND was more prevalent in females, older individuals, those with a past history of stroke, and those living without a partner. Significant risk factors were found by multivariate analyses: past history of stroke (OR = 1.889; 95% CI: 1.437-2.483); being female (OR = 1.546; 95% CI: 1.305-1.832); and having no partner (divorced, widowed or single; OR = 1.250; 95% CI: 1.042-1.499). In turn, level of education (OR = 0.560; 95% CI: 0.460-0.681) and engagement in social activities (OR = 0.339; 95% CI: 0.258-0.404) were protective factors. Conclusions: This is the first large-scale community-based epidemiological study assessing the prevalence of cognitive loss in the rural Chinese population. The total prevalence of CIND observed was 23.3%, which was higher than in other studies in Western and Asian countries. Living without a partner, female gender and previous stroke increased the risk of CIND, whereas a higher level of education and engagement in social activities reduced the risk of CIND.
Epidemiology of Tuberculosis Cases with End-Stage Renal Disease, California, 2010
Authors: Chitnis Amit S. , Schecter Gisela F. , Cilnis Martin , Robsky Katherine , Flood Jennifer M. , Barry Pennan M.
Published: April 2014

Background/Aims: Few studies have compared population-based tuberculosis (TB) incidence rates by end-stage renal disease (ESRD) status. No studies have compared TB genotypes by ESRD status to determine whether TB disease resulted from recent transmission or reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI). We calculated TB incidence rates and compared demographic and clinical characteristics and genotypes among TB cases by ESRD status. Methods: This analysis was based on prospective surveillance for TB cases during 2010 in California. Clustered genotype was defined as ≥2 culture-positive TB cases with matching genotypes in the same county. The χ2 or Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare variables. Results: During 2010, 83 TB cases with ESRD and 2,244 cases without ESRD were reported in California; TB incidence rates were 110.3/100,000 and 6.0/100,000, respectively. ESRD case patients versus patients without ESRD were more likely to be older (median age 66 vs. 49 years; p < 0.001), foreign-born persons who had arrived in the USA >5 years before TB diagnosis (97 vs. 75%; p < 0.001) and dead at TB diagnosis (7 vs. 2%; p = 0.01). ESRD patients were less likely to have a positive tuberculin skin test (50 vs. 80%; p < 0.001), positive acid-fast bacilli sputum smears (33 vs. 53%; p = 0.01) and cavities on chest radiography (6 vs. 21%; p = 0.01). No differences in proportions of clustered TB genotypes were detected (20 vs. 23%; p = 0.54). Conclusions: Rates of TB are 18 times higher in California's ESRD population, and TB disease likely occurred due to LTBI reactivation because few patients had clustered genotypes. Efforts to prevent TB among ESRD patients may require the use of newer diagnostic tests and promotion of LTBI treatment.
Prediction of Preeclampsia by Mean Arterial Pressure at 11-13 and 20-24 Weeks' Gestation
Authors: Gallo Dahiana , Poon Leona C. , Fernandez Mariana , Wright David , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: April 2014

Objectives: To assess the performance of screening for preeclampsia (PE) by mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 11-13 and at 20-24 weeks' gestation. Methods: MAP was measured at 11-13 and 20-24 weeks in 17,383 singleton pregnancies, including 70 with early PE, requiring delivery <34 weeks' gestation, 143 with preterm PE, delivering <37 weeks and 537 with total PE. MAP was expressed as multiple of the median (MoM) after adjustment for maternal characteristics and corrected for adverse pregnancy outcomes. The performance of screening for PE by maternal characteristics and MAP MoM at 11-13 weeks (MAP-1), MAP MoM at 20-24 weeks (MAP-2) and their combination was evaluated. Results: In screening by maternal characteristics and MAP-1, at a false-positive rate (FPR) of 10%, the detection rates (DR) of early PE, preterm PE and total PE were 74.3, 62.9 and 49.3%, respectively; the DR at FPR of 5% were 52.9, 42.7 and 35.8%. In screening by MAP-1 and MAP-2 the DR at FPR of 10%, were 84.3, 65.7 and 52.5%; the DR at FPR of 5% were 60.0, 49.7 and 37.6%, respectively. Conclusions: Performance of screening for PE by MAP is best when measurements are taken at both 11-13 and 20-24 weeks' gestation than at only one of these gestational ranges.
Identification of a Novel Retrotransposon with Sex Chromosome-Specific Distribution in Silene latifolia
Authors: Kralova Tereza , Cegan Radim , Kubat Zdenek , Vrana Jan , Vyskot Boris , Vogel Ivan , Kejnovsky Eduard , Hobza Roman
Published: April 2014

Silene latifolia is a dioecious plant species with chromosomal sex determination. Although the evolution of sex chromosomes in S. latifolia has been the subject of numerous studies, a global view of X chromosome structure in this species is still missing. Here, we combine X chromosome microdissection and BAC library screening to isolate new X chromosome-linked sequences. Out of 8 identified BAC clones, only BAC 86M14 showed an X-preferential signal after FISH experiments. Further analysis revealed the existence of the Athila retroelement which is enriched in the X chromosome and nearly absent in the Y chromosome. Based on previous data, the Athila retroelement belongs to the CL3 group of most repetitive sequences in the S. latifolia genome. Structural, transcriptomics and phylogenetic analyses revealed that Athila CL3 represents an old clade in the Athila lineage. We propose a mechanism responsible for Athila CL3 distribution in the S. latifolia genome.
Target Weight Gain during the First Year of Hemodialysis Therapy Is Associated with Patient Survival
Authors: Chazot Charles , Deleaval Patrik , Bernollin Anne-Lise , Vo-Van Cyril , Lorriaux Christie , Hurot Jean-Marc , Mayor Brice , Jean Guillaume
Published: April 2014

Background: Hemodialysis (HD) patients are exposed to a high risk of death. Nutritional status has been recognized as a key factor for patient survival. Nutritional markers have been shown to improve after HD onset. In this study we have analyzed the dynamics of target weight (TGW) change and the evolution of other nutritional parameters during the first year of HD treatment and their influence on patients' outcomes. Methods: We have analyzed a retrospective cohort of incident patients starting HD therapy between January 2000 and January 2009, and studied the values and changes in TGW, interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), predialysis systolic blood pressure, serum albumin, protein intake, C-reactive protein (CRP) from the start and first week (W1), W8, W12, W26 and W52 in patients who survived the first year of therapy. We have analyzed the relationship between TGW changes with other nutritional parameters and the patient survival. Results: Among the cohort including 363 patients starting HD therapy, 251 (age 65.8 ± 14.8 years, 93 female/158 male, diabetes 36%) survived at least 1 year after dialysis onset and were followed for 44.9 months. During the first 8 weeks, the TGW decreased by 6.5 ± 5.6% (initial TGW change). The initial TGW change was correlated with IDWG at W12 and W26, and with changes in serum albumin and nPNA (normalized protein equivalent of nitrogen appearance) between HD W1 and W52 (respectively +7.8 and +11.4%). From W8 to W52, the TGW increased by +1.9 ± 7.4% (secondary TGW change). The Kaplan-Meier analysis displayed a significantly better survival in patients above the median (+2.3%) of the secondary TGW change (respectively -3.6 ± 5.2% and +7.6 ± 4.5%). The two groups above and below this median were not different according to age, diabetes or cardiovascular event history but the patients above the median had a significant higher IDWG and protein intake. In the Cox model analysis the patient overall mortality was related to age (p < 0.0001), to the secondary TGW change (p = 0.0001), and to the CRP level at W52 (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The initial fluid removal was related to nutritional markers. The secondary TGW change during the first year of HD treatment calculated after the initial phase of fluid removal was identified as a strong predictor of survival. It was associated with a better food intake whereas the patient case mix was not different. These data highlight the importance of nutrition and food intake in the first year of dialysis therapy and the need for nutritional follow-up and support in incident HD patients. It stresses the need in understanding the key factors associated with food intake in this setting.
Estrogen Protects Against Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture in Ovariectomized Mice
Authors: Tada Yoshiteru , Wada Kosuke , Shimada Kenji , Makino Hiroshi , Liang Elena I. , Murakami Shoko , Kudo Mari , Shikata Fumiaki , Pena Silva Ricardo A. , Kitazato Keiko T. , Hasan David M. , Kanematsu Yasuhisa , Nagahiro Shinji , Hashimoto Tomoki
Published: April 2014

Clinical observations suggest that postmenopausal women have a higher incidence of aneurysmal rupture than premenopausal women. We hypothesize that a relative deficiency in estrogen may increase the risks of aneurysmal growth and subarachnoid hemorrhage in postmenopausal women. We assessed the effects of estrogen and selective estrogen receptor subtype agonists on the development of aneurysmal rupture in ovariectomized female mice. We used an intracranial aneurysm mouse model that recapitulates the key features of human intracranial aneurysms, including spontaneous rupture. Ten- to 12-week-old ovariectomized female mice received treatment with estrogen, nonselective estrogen receptor antagonist, estrogen receptor-α agonist, or estrogen receptor-β agonist starting 6 days after aneurysm induction so that the treatments affected the development of aneurysmal rupture without affecting aneurysmal formation. Estrogen significantly reduced the incidence of ruptured aneurysms and rupture rates in ovariectomized mice. Nonselective estrogen receptor antagonist abolished the protective effect of estrogen. Although estrogen receptor-α agonist did not affect the incidence of ruptured aneurysms or rupture rates, estrogen receptor-β agonist prevented aneurysmal rupture without affecting the formation of aneurysms. The protective role of estrogen receptor-β agonist was abolished by the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase. We showed that estrogen prevented aneurysmal rupture in ovariectomized female mice. The protective effect of estrogen seemed to occur through the activation of estrogen receptor-β, a predominant subtype of estrogen receptor in human intracranial aneurysms and cerebral arteries.
Need for Prophylactic Application of Verapamil in Transradial Coronary Procedures: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Hizoh Istvan , Majoros Zsuzsanna , Major Laszlo , Gulyas Zalan , Szabo Gabor , Kerecsen Gabor , Korda Andras , Molnar Ferenc , Kiss Robert Gabor
Published: April 2014

Background

Verapamil is traditionally applied prophylactically in transradial procedures to prevent radial artery spasm. However, verapamil may have side effects and is contraindicated in some clinical settings.

Methods and Results

During an investigator‐initiated, randomized, double‐blind trial, we evaluated the need for preventive verapamil administration. After vascular access was established, patients received either 5 mg verapamil (n=297) or placebo (n=294). We compared the rate of access site conversions as primary end point using a superiority margin of 5%. Occurrence of code breaks (composite of conversions and unplanned use of verapamil), overall verapamil use, procedural and fluoroscopic times, contrast volume, and subjective pain were investigated as secondary end points. The rate of access site conversions was not different in the 2 arms (placebo 1.7% versus verapamil 0.7%,
P
=0.28, difference 1.0%, 95% CI for the difference −1.1% to 3.3%). Proportion of code breaks was similar in the 2 groups (3.4% versus 1.3%,
P
=0.11), whereas overall verapamil use was markedly lower in the placebo arm (2.0% versus 100%,
P
<0.0001). Procedural time (median [
IQR
] 16.0 minutes [9.0 to 30.0 minutes] versus 17.0 minutes [10.0 to 31.0 minutes],
P
=0.37), fluoroscopic time (4.4 minutes [2.1 to 9.6 minutes] versus 4.8 minutes [2.4 to 10.7 minutes],
P
=0.28), contrast volume (72.5 mL [48.0 to 146.0 mL] versus 75.5 mL [47.0 to 156.5 mL],
P
=0.74), and pain score (
P
for trend=0.12) were comparable in the 2 groups.

Conclusions

The preventive use of verapamil may be unnecessary for transradial procedures. The omission of prophylactic verapamil may not only reduce the rate of potential complications related to the drug but also allow the safe extension of the transradial method to those with contraindications to verapamil.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01402427.
Early Clopidogrel Versus Prasugrel Use Among Contemporary STEMI and NSTEMI Patients in the US: Insights From the National Cardiovascular Data Registry
Authors: Sherwood Matthew W. , Wiviott Stephen D. , Peng S. Andrew , Roe Matthew T. , DeLemos James , Peterson Eric D. , Wang Tracy Y.
Published: April 2014

Background

P2Y12 antagonist therapy improves outcomes in acute myocardial infarction (
MI
) patients. Novel agents in this class are now available in the
US
. We studied the introduction of prasugrel into contemporary
MI
practice to understand the appropriateness of its use and assess for changes in antiplatelet management practices.

Methods and Results

Using
ACTION
Registry‐
GWTG
(Get‐with‐the‐Guidelines), we evaluated patterns of P2Y12 antagonist use within 24 hours of admission in 100 228 ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 158 492 Non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients at 548 hospitals between October 2009 and September 2012. Rates of early P2Y12 antagonist use were approximately 90% among
STEMI
and 57% among
NSTEMI
patients. From 2009 to 2012, prasugrel use increased significantly from 3% to 18% (5% to 30% in
STEMI
; 2% to 10% in
NSTEMI
;
P
for trend <0.001 for all). During the same period, we observed a decrease in use of early but not discharge P2Y12 antagonist among
NSTEMI
patients. Although contraindicated, 3.0% of patients with prior stroke received prasugrel. Prasugrel was used in 1.9% of patients ≥75 years and 4.5% of patients with weight <60 kg. In both
STEMI
and
NSTEMI
, prasugrel was most frequently used in patients at the lowest predicted risk for bleeding and mortality. Despite lack of supporting evidence, prasugrel was initiated before cardiac catheterization in 18% of
NSTEMI
patients.

Conclusions

With prasugrel as an antiplatelet treatment option, contemporary practice shows low uptake of prasugrel and delays in P2Y12 antagonist initiation among
NSTEMI
patients. We also note concerning evidence of inappropriate use of prasugrel, and inadequate targeting of this more potent therapy to maximize the benefit/risk ratio.