bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of MRI and colonoscopy in determining tumor height in rectal cancer
Authors: Jacobs Lotte , Meek David B , van Heukelom Joost , Bollen Thomas L , Siersema Peter D , Smits Anke B , Tromp Ellen , Los Maartje , Weusten Bas LAM , van Lelyveld Niels 
Published: April 2017

Background and aim Endoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used routinely in the diagnostic and preoperative work-up of rectal cancer. We aimed to compare colonoscopy and MRI in determining rectal tumor height. Methods Between 2002 and 2012, all patients with rectal cancer with available MRIs and endoscopy reports were included. All MRIs were reassessed for tumor height by two abdominal radiologists. To obtain insight in techniques used for endoscopic determination of tumor height, a survey among regional endoscopists was conducted. Results A total of 211 patients with rectal cancer were included. Tumor height was significantly lower when assessed by MRI than by endoscopy with a mean difference of 2.5 cm (95% CI: 2.1–2.8). Although the agreement between tumor height as measured by MRI and endoscopy was good (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.7 (95% CI: 0.7–0.8)), the 95% limits of agreement varied from –3.0 cm to 8.0 cm. In 45 patients (21.3%), tumors were regarded as low by MRI and middle–high by endoscopy. MRI inter- and intraobserver agreements were excellent with an ICC of 0.8 (95% CI: 0.7–0.9) and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.9–1.0), respectively. The survey showed no consensus among endoscopists as to how to technically measure tumor height. Conclusion This study showed large variability in rectal tumor height as measured by colonoscopy and MRI. Since MRI measurements showed excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement, we suggest using tumor height measurement by MRI for diagnostic purposes and treatment allocation.
Effect of aspirin on the diagnostic accuracy of the faecal immunochemical test for colorectal advanced neoplasia
Authors: Bujanda Luis , Sarasqueta Cristina , Vega Pablo , Salve María , Quintero Enrique , Alvarez-Sánchez Victoria , Fernández-Bañares Fernando , Boadas Jaume , Campo Rafel , Garayoa Ana , Ferrandez Angel , Torrealba Leyanira , Rodríguez-Alcaide Daniel , D’Amato Mauro , Hernández Vicent , Cubiella Joaquin 
Published: April 2017

Background Aspirin (ASA) is a drug that can cause gastrointestinal lesions and symptoms. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most prevalent type of cancer in Western countries. We assessed the effect of aspirin on the diagnostic accuracy of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for CRC and/or advanced neoplasia (AN) in patients undergoing colonoscopy for gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods We conducted a prospective multicentre observational study of diagnostic tests that included patients with gastrointestinal symptoms undergoing colonoscopy between March 2012 and 2014 (the COLONPREDICT study). Symptoms were assessed and a FIT and blood tests assessing haemoglobin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were performed. Results The study included 3052 patients: A total of 2567 did not take aspirin (non-user group) and 485 (16%) took aspirin (user group). Continuous treatment with ASA did not change the AUC (0.88, 0.82; p = 0.06), sensitivity (92%, 88%; p = 0.5) or specificity (71%, 67%; p = 0.2) of the FIT for CRC detection. Similarly, we found no differences in the AUC (0.81, 0.79; p = 0.6), sensitivity (74%, 75.5%; p = 0.3) or specificity (76%, 73.6%; p = 0.3) for AN detection. Patients with an aspirin use of ≥ 300 mg/day had a lower prevalence of AN and the sensitivity, specificity and AUC for AN for these patients were 54%, 68% and 0.66, significantly lower than for the non-user group ( p = 0.03). Conclusions Aspirin does not modify the diagnostic accuracy of FIT for CRC and/or AN in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Aspirin use of ≥ 300 mg/day decreases the accuracy of the test.
The incidence of first stroke in and around pregnancy: A population-based cohort study from Sweden
Authors: Ban Lu , Abdul Sultan Alyshah , Stephansson Olof , Tata Laila J , Sprigg Nikola , Nelson-Piercy Catherine , Bath Philip M , Ludvigsson Jonas F 
Published: April 2017

Introduction Research has suggested that delivery is associated with an increased risk of stroke in women; however, there is a lack of contemporary estimates on the incidence of stroke in and after pregnancy compared with the baseline risk in women of childbearing age in Sweden. Patients and methods All women aged 15–49 years with live births/stillbirths in 1992–2011 were identified from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry linked with the National Patient Registry. First stroke during the study period was identified. Incidence rates per 100,000 person-years and adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated for antepartum, peripartum and early and late postpartum periods, compared with all other available follow-up time (time before pregnancy and after postpartum) using Poisson regression adjusted for maternal age, education attainment and calendar time. Results Of 1,124,541 women, 3094 had a first incident stroke (331 occurred during pregnancy or first 12 weeks postpartum), about half having ischaemic stroke. The incidence was 15.0 per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval 14.5–15.6) in non-pregnant time. The incidence was lower antepartum (7.3/100,000 person-years, 6.0–8.9; adjusted IRR = 0.7, 0.5–0.8) but higher peripartum (314.4/100,000 person-years, 247.5–399.5; adjusted IRR = 27.3, 21.4–34.9) and early postpartum (64.0/100,000 person-years, 54.1–75.7; adjusted IRR = 5.5, 4.6–6.6). The increased risk in peripartum was more evident for intracerebral haemorrhage than other types of stroke. Conclusion Overall risk of stroke was low in women of childbearing age, but stroke risk peaks in the peripartum and early postpartum periods. Future work should address factors that contribute to this increased risk in order to develop approaches to attenuate risk.
RETRACTED: ADAMTS13 controls vascular remodeling by modifying VWF reactivity during stroke recovery
Authors: Xu Haochen , Cao Yongliang , Yang Xing , Cai Ping , Kang Lijing , Zhu Ximin , Luo Haiyu , Lu Lu , Wei Lixiang , Bai Xiaofei , Zhu Yuanbo , Zhao Bing-Qiao , Fan Wenying 
Published: April 2017

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier's Article Correction, Retraction and Removal Policy (Article withdrawal | Elsevier policy).
This article has been retracted at the request of the Editors.
Within the paper, image duplications were identified in Figures 2, 6, and Supplemental Figure 4. Image duplications were also identified between Figure 1 and Supplemental Figure 4 from this paper and a 2019 publication in another journal. In each case, the duplicated image was modified between versions, such as via rotation and/or shifting the field of view.
The authors state that the duplications were image handling errors and that the adjustments were made to improve visual comparison and do not affect their conclusions.
No authors approve the retraction.
Water-pipe smoke condensate increases the internalization of Mycobacterium Bovis of type II alveolar epithelial cells (A549)
Authors: Mortaz Esmaeil , Alipoor Shamila D. , Movassaghi Masoud , Varahram Mohammad , Ghorbani Jahangir , Folkerts Gert , Garssen Johan , Adcock Ian M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem, and there is an association between tobacco smoke and TB. Water pipe smoking has become an increasing problem not only in Middle Eastern countries but also globally because users consider it as safer than cigarettes. The presence of high levels of toxic substances in water-pipe smoke may be a predisposing factor that enhances the incidence of pulmonary disorders. For example, uncontrolled macropinocytosis in alveolar epithelial cells following exposure to water-pipe smoke may predispose subjects to pulmonary infection. Here, we studied the effects of water-pipe condense (WPC) on the internalization of Mycobacterium Bovis BCG by macropinocytosis in the alveolar epithelial cell line A549.MethodsA549 cells were exposed to WPC (4 mg/ml) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Cell viability was studied using the methyl thiazolyldipenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay and proliferation by bromodeoxyUridine (BrdU) incorporation. Cells were exposed to FITC-Dextran (1 mg/ml) (as a control) and FITC-BCG (MOI = 10) for 20 min at 37 °C before cells werecollected and the uptake of BCG-FITC determined by flow cytometry. Similar experiments were performed at 4 °C as a control. The Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 (1 μM) was used to assess the mechanism by which WPC enhanced BCG uptake.ResultsWPC (4 mg/ml) increased the uptake of BCG-FITC after 72 (1.3 ± 0.1 fold,p < 0.05) and 96 (1.4 ± 0.05 fold,p < 0.05) hours. No effect on BCG-FITC uptake was observed at 24 or 48 h. WPC also significantly increased the uptake of FITC-Dextran (2.9 ± 0.3 fold,p < 0.05) after 24 h. WPC significantly decreased cell viability after 24 (84 ± 2%,p < 0.05), 48 (78±, 3%,p < 0.05), 72 (64 ± 2%,p < 0.05) and 96 h (45 ± 2%,p < 0.05). Y-27632 completely attenuated the increased uptake of BCG by WPC. Cell proliferation showed a decreasing trend in a time-dependent manner with WPC exposure.ConclusionWPC exposure increased epithelial cell endocytosis activity and death as well as enhancing their capacity for macropinocytosis. Our in vitro data indicates possible harmful effects of WPC on the ability of lung epithelial cells to phagocytose mycobacterium.
Reduction of pulmonary toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles by phosphonate-based surface passivation
Authors: Cai Xiaoming , Lee Anson , Ji Zhaoxia , Huang Cynthia , Chang Chong Hyun , Wang Xiang , Liao Yu-Pei , Xia Tian , Li Ruibin 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Background
The wide application of engineered nanoparticles has induced increasing exposure to humans and environment, which led to substantial concerns on their biosafety. Some metal oxides (MOx) have shown severe toxicity in cells and animals, thus safe designs of MOx with reduced hazard potential are desired. Currently, there is a lack of a simple yet effective safe design approach for the toxic MOx. In this study, we determined the key physicochemical properties of MOx that lead to cytotoxicity and explored a safe design approach for toxic MOx by modifying their hazard properties.

Results
THP-1 and BEAS-2B cells were exposed to 0–200 μg/mL MOx for 24 h, we found some toxic MOx including CoO, CuO, Ni2O3 and Co3O4, could induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and cell death due to the toxic ion shedding and/or oxidative stress generation from the active surface of MOx internalized into lysosomes. We thus hypothesized that surface passivation could reduce or eliminate the toxicity of MOx. We experimented with a series of surface coating molecules and discovered that ethylenediamine tetra (methylene phosphonic acid) (EDTMP) could form stable hexadentate coordination with MOx. The coating layer can effectively reduce the surface activity of MOx with 85-99% decrease of oxidative potential, and 65-98% decrease of ion shedding. The EDTMP coated MOx show negligible ROS generation and cell death in THP-1 and BEAS-2B cells. The protective effect of EDTMP coating was further validated in mouse lungs exposed to 2 mg/kg MOx by oropharyngeal aspiration. After 40 h exposure, EDTMP coated MOx show significant decreases of neutrophil counts, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, MCP-1, LIX and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), compared to uncoated particles. The haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining results of lung tissue also show EDTMP coating could significantly reduce the pulmonary inflammation of MOx.

Conclusions
The surface reactivity of MOx including ion shedding and oxidative potential is the dominated physicochemical property that is responsible for the cytotoxicity induced by MOx. EDTMP coating could passivate the surface of MOx, reduce their cytotoxicity and pulmonary hazard effects. This coating would be an effective safe design approach for a broad spectrum of toxic MOx, which will facilitate the safe use of MOx in commercial nanoproducts.
Interaction effects of region-level GDP per capita and age on labour market transition rates in Italy
Authors: Zanin Luca , Calabrese Raffaella 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to measure the effect of the interaction between age for the population of males and females aged 18 to 74 and region-level GDP per capita on labour market transition probabilities in Italy. We compare different occupational states in a sample of males and females who remained in their region of residence at two points in time (12 months apart). We estimate the transition probabilities using a flexible hierarchical logit model with interaction effects between worker age and region-level GDP per capita. We apply this model using longitudinal data from the Italian Labour Force Survey that cover the 2004–2013 period. We find empirical support for the assumption that people in the same age cohort have different labour market opportunities based on the level of GDP per capita in their region of residence. These differences are particularly relevant among younger workers.
Are genetic markers of interest for economic research?
Authors: Lehrer Steven F. , Ding Weili 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe idea that genetic differences may explain a multitude of individual-level outcomes studied by economists is far from controversial. Since more datasets now contain measures of genetic variation, it is reasonable to postulate that incorporating genomic data in economic analyses will become more common. However, there remains much debate among academics as to, first, whether ignoring genetic differences in empirical analyses biases the resulting estimates. Second, several critics argue that since genetic characteristics are immutable, the incorporation of these variables into economic analysis will not yield much policy guidance. In this paper, we revisit these concerns and survey the main avenues by which empirically oriented economic researchers have utilized measures of genetic markers to improve our understanding of economic phenomena. We discuss the strengths, limitations, and potential of existing approaches and conclude by highlighting several prominent directions forward for future research.JEL Classification:I12, J19, I26
Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase-Lpd (Rv0462)-specific T cell recall responses are higher in healthy household contacts of TB: a novel immunodominant antigen from M. tuberculosis
Authors: Devasundaram Santhi , Raja Alamelu 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The partial effectiveness against pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), displayed by the existing tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), highlights the need for novel vaccines to replace or improve BCG. In TB immunology, antigen-specific cellular immune response is frequently considered indispensable. Latency-associated antigens are intriguing as targets for TB vaccine development. The mycobacterial protein, dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (Lpd; Rv0462), the third enzyme of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex, facilitates Mycobacterium tuberculosis to resist host reactive nitrogen intermediates. Multicolor flow cytometry analysis of whole-blood cultures showed higher Lpd-specific Th1 recall response (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2; P = 0.0006) and memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (CCR7+ CD45RA− and CCR7− CD45RA−) in healthy household contacts (HHC) of TB (P &lt; 0.0001), which is comparable with or higher than the standard antigens, ESAT-6 and CFP-10. The frequency of Lpd-specific multifunctional T cells was higher in HHC compared with PTB patients. However, there is no significant statistical correlation. Regulatory T cell (Treg) analysis of HHCs and active TB patients demonstrated very low Lpd-specific CD4+ Tregs relative to ESAT-6 and CFP-10. Our study demonstrates that the Lpd antigen induces a strong cellular immune response in healthy mycobacteria-infected individuals. In consideration of this population having demonstrated immunologic protection against active TB disease development, our data are encouraging about the possible use of Lpd as a target for further TB subunit vaccine development.
Association between body size, weight change and depression: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jung Sun Jae , Woo Hyung-taek , Cho Sooyoung , Park Kyounghoon , Jeong Seokhun , Lee Yu Jin , Kang Daehee , Shin Aesun 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundThe association between body size, weight change and depression has not been systematically summarised, especially for individuals who are underweight.AimsTo conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis to examine the association between indices of body size, weight change and depression.MethodA total of 183 studies were selected. Fully adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) were extracted. A total of 76 studies contributed to data synthesis with a random-effect model, and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect of potential moderators.ResultsIn cohort studies, underweight at baseline increased the risk of subsequent depression (OR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.08–1.24). Overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2) showed no statistically significant relationship with depression overall; however, the subgroup analyses found different results according to gender (men: OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.72–0.97, women: OR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.07–1.25). In cross-sectional designs, obesity with BMI >40kg/m2showed a greater pooled odds ratio than obesity with BMI >30kg/m2.ConclusionsBoth underweight and obesity increase the risk of depression. The association between overweight and depression differs by gender.
Strategies to prevent death by suicide: Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Riblet Natalie B. V. , Shiner Brian , Young-Xu Yinong , Watts Bradley V. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundFew randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have shown decreases in suicide.AimsTo identify interventions for preventing suicide.MethodWe searched EMBASE and Medline from inception until 31 December 2015. We included RCTs comparing prevention strategies with control. We pooled odds ratios (ORs) for suicide using the Peto method.ResultsAmong 8647 citations, 72 RCTs and 6 pooled analyses met inclusion criteria. Three RCTs (n= 2028) found that the World Health Organization (WHO) brief intervention and contact (BIC) was associated with significantly lower odds of suicide (OR = 0.20, 95% CI 0.09–0.42). Six RCTs (n= 1040) of cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for suicide prevention and six RCTs of lithium (n = 619) yielded non-significant findings (OR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.12–1.03 and OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.05–1.02, respectively).ConclusionsThe WHO BIC is a promising suicide prevention strategy. No other intervention showed a statistically significant effect in reducing suicide.
Primary Febrile Neutropenia Prophylaxis for Patients Who Receive FEC-D Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fernandes Ricardo , Mazzarello Sasha , Stober Carol , Ibrahim Mohamed F.K. , Dudani Shaan , Perdrizet Kirstin , Majeed Habeeb , Vandermeer Lisa , Shorr Risa , Hutton Brian , Fergusson Dean , Gyawali Bishal , Clemons Mark 
Published: April 2017

Purpose Despite widespread use of fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, docetaxel (FEC-D) chemotherapy in breast cancer, the optimal strategy for primary febrile neutropenia (FN) prophylaxis remains unknown. A systematic review was therefore performed. Methods Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and conference proceedings were searched from 1946 to April 2016 for trials that reported the effectiveness of primary FN prophylaxis with FEC-D chemotherapy. Outcome measures were incidence of FN; treatment-related hospitalizations; chemotherapy dose delays, reductions, and discontinuations; and adverse events from prophylaxis. Results Of 2,205 identified citations, eight studies (n = 1,250) met our eligibility criteria. Three additional studies (n = 293) were identified from a prior systematic review. Three randomized controlled trials (n = 576), one phase IV single-arm trial (n = 69), one prospective observational study (n = 37), and six retrospective studies (n = 861) were identified. Agents investigated were pegfilgrastim (n = 108), filgrastim (n = 1,119), and ciprofloxacin (n = 89). The heterogeneity of studies meant that a narrative synthesis of results was performed. Median FN rates for patients who received FEC-D with and without primary prophylaxis were 10.1% (interquartile range [IQR], 3.9% to 22.6%) and 23.9% (IQR, 9.2% to 27.3%), respectively. In the absence of primary prophylaxis, FN was more common during docetaxel than during FEC. Data from six studies showed a median rate of dose reductions and delays of 6.1% (IQR, 3.1% to 14.3%) and 19.3% (IQR, 10.5% to 32.8%), respectively, that occurred as a consequence of FN. Toxicity from prophylaxis itself was rarely reported. Conclusion Primary FN prophylaxis is effective in patients who receive FEC-D chemotherapy. The paucity of prospective data makes optimal recommendations about the choice and timing of prophylaxis challenging.
Lack of Association Between the Use of Nerve Blockade and the Risk of Postoperative Chronic Opioid Use Among Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: Evidence From the Marketscan Database
Authors: Sun Eric C. , Bateman Brian T. , Memtsoudis Stavros G. , Neuman Mark D. , Mariano Edward R. , Baker Laurence C. 
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND:
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with high rates of prolonged opioid use after surgery (10%–34%). By decreasing opioid use in the immediate postoperative period, perioperative nerve blockade has been hypothesized to decrease the risk of persistent opioid use.

METHODS:
Using health care utilization data, we constructed a sample of 120,080 patients undergoing TKA between 2002 and 2012 and used billing data to identify the utilization of peripheral or neuraxial blockade. We then used a multivariable logistic regression to estimate the association between nerve blockade and the risk of chronic opioid use, defined as having filled ≥10 prescriptions or ≥120 days’ supply for an opioid in the first postsurgical year. Our analyses were adjusted for an extensive set of potential confounding variables, including medical comorbidities, previous opioid use, and previous use of other medications.

RESULTS:
We did not find an association between nerve blockade and the risk of postsurgical chronic opioid use across any of these 3 groups: adjusted relative risk (ARR) 0.984 for patients opioid-naïve in the year before surgery (98.3% confidence interval [CI], 0.870–1.12, P = .794), ARR 1.02 for intermittent opioid users (98.3% CI, 0.948–1.09, P = .617), and ARR 0.986 (98.3% CI, 0.963–1.01, P = .257) for chronic opioid users. Similar results held for alternative measures of postsurgical opioid use.

CONCLUSIONS:
Although the use of perioperative nerve blockade for TKA may improve short-term outcomes, the analyzed types of blocks do not appear to decrease the risk of persistent opioid use in the longer term.