bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intent to Update Systematic Reviews: Results of an Internet Survey
Authors: Phung Olivia J. , Baker William L. , Baker Erica L. , Coleman Craig I. 
Published: May 2016

Background Updating a systematic review may be necessary when newer evidence is available. Several barriers to conducting updated systematic reviews have been hypothesized. Aims To conduct an Internet survey to identify the relationship between author and study characteristics and the intent to update a systematic review, to quantify this relationship, and to query authors about perceived barriers to updating. Methods Manual search of ACP Journal Club (January 2007-December 2008) for featured systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses identified participants. We collected participant demographics and questioned participants on intentions of updating and potential barriers. All variables showing univariate association ( P < 0.1) were entered into a backward-stepwise multivariate model. Results Upon multivariate logistic regression, those who spend greater than 25% of time dedicated to systematic review were significantly more likely to update their review (adjusted odds ratio, 7.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-35.71). Conversely, those whose primary funding was from a government source were significantly less likely to conduct an update (adjusted odds ratio, 0.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.50). Conclusions Authors who spend more time on systematic reviews were more likely to update, whereas those with government funding were less likely to update their systematic reviews. Surveyed authors also identified several perceived barriers to updating. Future efforts may aim to reduce barriers and provide incentives to authors to improve updating practices.
Clinical and Biological Significance of Hepsin Overexpression in Breast Cancer
Authors: Xing Peng , Li Ji-guang , Jin Feng , Zhao Ting-ting , Liu Qun , Dong Hui-ting , Wei Xiao-lin 
Published: May 2016

Objective Although many studies have documented the tumor-promoting role of hepsin in several types of malignancies, little is known about its clinical and biological significance in breast cancer. Materials and Methods Hepsin expression was examined in 4 pairs of fresh breast tumor samples and corresponding nontumor breast tissues by Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry for hepsin was performed on an additional cohort of 215 archival breast cancer samples. The clinical significance of hepsin expression was analyzed. Knockdown of hepsin expression was performed in 2 breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and HER18, with a high abundance of endogenous hepsin, and the effects of hepsin silencing on cell invasion and proliferation were evaluated. Results Hepsin was aberrantly overexpressed in breast cancer tissues relative to adjacent nontumor tissues. Its overexpression was significantly associated with tumor stage ( P = 0.037), lymph node metastasis ( P = 0.010), estrogen receptor positivity ( P = 0.019), and progesterone receptor positivity ( P < 0.0001) in patients with breast cancer. Down-regulation of hepsin expression by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly reduced cell proliferation and invasion in both the MDA-MB-231 and HER18 cells compared to nonspecific control small interference RNA. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that hepsin expression is frequently up-regulated in breast cancer tissues, which is associated with tumor growth and progression. Thus, inhibition of hepsin expression might be of therapeutic significance.
Elevated Serum Uric Acid Predicts Angiographic Impaired Reperfusion and 1-Year Mortality in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Basar Nurcan , Sen Nihat , Ozcan Firat , Erden Gonul , Kanat Selcuk , Sokmen Erdogan , Isleyen Ahmet , Yuzgecer Huseyin , Ozlu Mehmet Fatih , Yildirimkaya Metin , Maden Orhan , Covic Adrian , Johnson Richard J. , Kanbay Mehmet 
Published: May 2016

Background Serum uric acid (SUA) is associated with microvascular disease that could alter coronary blood flow and prognosis. We evaluated the effects of admission SUA levels on coronary blood flow and prognosis in 185 consecutive patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent acute primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods Patients undergoing PCI for an acute STEMI were stratified into elevated SUA (>6.5 mg/dL) and normal SUA group (≤6.5 mg/dL). Primary end points were post-PCI myocardial blood flow and in-hospital and 1-year mortality. Results Serum uric acid level was high in 45 patients (24%) on admission. Subjects with elevated SUA had a higher prevalence of hypertension, previous myocardial infarction, multivessel disease, and Killip functional class III or higher. Corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count was longer, and mean TIMI myocardial perfusion grade was higher in patients with elevated uric acid compared with controls. Patients with elevated SUA levels had higher in-hospital (6.6% vs 2.8%, P < 0.01) and 1-year mortality (11.1% vs 5.7%, P < 0.01). Major adverse cardiac events were higher in patients with elevated SUA levels both in-hospital (11.1% vs 5.7%, P < 0.01) and at 1 year (17.7% vs 10%, P < 0.05). An elevated admission SUA level also independently predicted both 1-year mortality (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-2.69) and abnormal myocardial perfusion detected by TIMI myocardial perfusion grade in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI (odds ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-4.19, respectively). Conclusions Elevated SUA level on admission independently predicts impaired myocardial flow and poor prognosis in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI.
Age- and Sex-Specific Cancer Prevention and Screening Practices among Asian Indian Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Misra Ranjita , Menon Usha , Vadaparampil Susan T. , BeLue Rhonda 
Published: May 2016

Objective The objective was to examine age- and sex-specific cancer prevention and screening practices among 1820 Asian Indian (AI) adults in the United States using items from the 2000 National Health Interview Survey Cancer Control Topical Module. Methods A cross-sectional study of 1820 randomly selected AIs living in 7 US cities. Data were collected via telephone interviews by trained multilingual AI staff; the response rate was 62%. The primary outcome variables were age- and sex-specific cancer screening behaviors. Results Most of the AIs are men, married, educated, and with some form of health insurance. One fifth reported a family history of cancer. Adherence to mammography, Papanicolaou test, and clinical breast examination was higher in contrast to low rates of breast self-examination in women. Similarly, men reported low clinical testicular examination and fecal occult blood test, although prostate-specific antigen screening was higher than the reported rates among Asian Americans. Men were more likely to get a colonoscopy than women. The length of time in the United States had a relatively weak effect, and a family history of cancer had a moderate effect on screening behavior. Education and access to health care increased the odds (2-6 times) of cancer screening in AI men and women. Conclusions Cancer screening varies by educational level, years lived in the United States, and access to health care, among AIs living in the United States. Differences in sociodemographic factors should be considered to predict adherence to cancer screening guidelines and also be factored into patient education in this ethnic subgroup.
Associations between Genetic Variants in Vitamin D Metabolism and Asthma Characteristics in Young African Americans: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pillai Dinesh K. , Iqbal Sabah F. , Benton Angela S. , Lerner Jennifer , Wiles Andrew , Foerster Matthew , Ozedirne Tugba , Holbrook Henry P. , Payne Perry W. , Gordish-Dressman Heather , Teach Stephen J. , Freishtat Robert J. 
Published: May 2016

Introduction Low vitamin D levels have been associated with asthma severity in children. Young, urban African Americans (AAs) have high rates of hypovitaminosis D and asthma. Our objective was to determine associations between variants in vitamin D metabolism genes and asthma characteristics in a pilot study of young urban AAs. Materials and Methods Two urban AA cohorts of subjects aged 6 to 20 years (139 subjects with asthma and 74 subjects without asthma) were genotyped for 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 3 vitamin D metabolism genes: VDR (vitamin D receptor), CYP24A1 (cytochrome P450 vitamin D 24-hydroxylase), and CYP2R1 (cytochrome P450 vitamin D 25-hydroxylase). In a case-control analysis, SNPs were studied for associations with an asthma diagnosis. Within the asthmatic cohort, SNPs were analyzed for associations with quantitative asthma characteristics. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index percentile. Results Only the CYP2R1 SNP rs10766197 homozygous minor genotype was associated with asthma ( P = 0.044). CYP24A1 SNP rs2248137 was associated with lower vitamin D levels ( P = 0.006). Within the asthma cohort, multiple significant associations between SNPs and asthma characteristics were identified; VDR SNP rs2228570 was associated with the higher nighttime asthma morbidity scores ( P = 0.04), lower baseline spirometric measures ( P < 0.05), 1 or more positive aeroallergen skin test ( P = 0.003), and increased immunoglobulin E levels ( P < 0.001). Discussion This pilot study demonstrates that variants in vitamin D metabolism genes are associated with quantitative asthma characteristics in young, urban AAs. The collection of these associations provides evidence for the need for a large population-based study of vitamin D-relevant SNPs in this cohort.
Body Fat Distribution and Its Association with Hypertension in a Sample of Mexican Children
Authors: Ramos-Arellano Luz Elena , Benito-Damián Fabián , Salgado-Goytia Lorenzo , Muñoz-Valle José Francisco , Guzmán-Guzmán Iris Paola , Vences-Velázquez Amalia , Castro-Alarcón Natividad , Parra-Rojas Isela 
Published: May 2016

Background The association between elevated blood pressure and childhood overweight and obesity has been documented in several studies. However, the linkage of blood pressure with body fat distribution in children is not well established. We investigated the relationship between both central and subcutaneous adiposity with BP in the 95th percentile or higher in Mexican children. Methods and Results Our study, using a sample of children from the State of Guerrero, Mexico was comprised of 252 children, 124 girls and 128 boys, with an age range of 6 to 13 years. Resting blood pressure was measured in duplicate with an aneroid sphygmomanometer. Hypertension was classified as systolic or diastolic BP in the 95th percentile or higher. Additional measures included weight, height, body mass index, body circumferences, and skinfold thickness. The prevalence of obesity (26.5%) was higher than overweight (15.8%), but the prevalence of hypertension was moderate (4.7%). Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures correlated strongly with age, weight, height, and all measurements of central and subcutaneous adiposity. Interestingly, after being adjusted by age, sex, and body mass index, the BP in the 95th percentile or higher was associated with suprailiac skinfold, third tertile (OR = 11.83, P = 0.023); triceps skinfold, third tertile (OR = 6.02; P = 0.034); and biceps skinfold, third tertile (OR = 4.71; P = 0.038). Conclusions Our data indicate that the prevalence of hypertension in children is moderate. In addition, the skinfold thickness was a better predictor of hypertension than central adiposity in the sample of children studied.
Suppressive Effects of Imidapril on Th1- and Th2-Related Chemokines in Monocytes
Authors: Tsai Ming-Kai , Jan Ren-Long , Lin Ching-Hsiung , Kuo Chang-Hung , Yang San-Nan , Chen Huan-Nan , Huang Ming-Yii , Hung Chih-Hsing 
Published: May 2016

Background Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are used to control hypertension and are superior to other antihypertensive agents in protecting the progressive deterioration of autoimmune-related nephritis. An imbalance of T helper 1 (Th1)/Th2 is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and their related glomerulonephritis. I-309 is a Th2-related chemokine involved in the recruitment of Th2 cells toward Th2-related inflammation. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and Th1-related chemokines, interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10)/CXCL10 are also involved in autoimmune glomerulonephritis. However, the modulatory effects and the mechanisms of ACEIs on TNF-α and Th1- and Th2-related chemokines in monocytes remain poorly defined. Objective We investigated the effects of imidapril and perindopril, 2 ACEIs, on the expression of IP-10, I-309, and TNF-α in human monocytes and also the associated intracellular mechanism. Results Imidapril and perindopril significantly downregulated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNF-α, I-309, and IP-10 in THP-1 cells and human primary monocytes. All 3 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors suppressed LPS-induced TNF-α and I-309 expression in human primary monocytes. Only extracellular signal-regulated kinases and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors suppressed LPS-induced IP-10 expression. Lipopolysaccharide-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4), p-JNK, and c-Jun expression in human primary monocytes was suppressed by imidapril. Conclusions These data demonstrate that ACEI is effective in downregulating LPS-induced TNF-α, I-309, and IP-10, which play important roles in the pathogenesis of inflammation. Its suppressive effect on TNF-α, I-309, and IP-10 may, at least in part, involve the down-regulation of LPS-induced MKK4-JNK-c-Jun expression.
P-Wave Duration and Dispersion in Patients with Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Rago Anna , Palladino Alberto , Papa Andrea Antonio , Di Meo Federica , Della Cioppa Nadia , Golino Paolo , Russo Maria Giovanna , Calabrò Raffaele , Politano Luisa , Nigro Gerardo 
Published: May 2016

Background Paroxysmal episodes of atrial fibrillation frequently occur in Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD). Although previous studies have documented a variety of electrocardiographic abnormalities in EDMD, little is still known about P-wave dispersion (PD), an independent risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the P-wave duration and PD in patients with EDMD with conserved systolic and diastolic cardiac function. Methods The study involved 36 patients with EDMD (age, 20 [SD, 12] years; 26 men) and 36 healthy subjects used as controls, matched for age and sex. P-wave dispersion was carefully measured using 12-lead electrocardiogram. Compared with the healthy control group, patients with EDMD presented increased maximum P-wave duration (108.2 [SD, 22.2] vs 97.8 [SD, 11] milliseconds, P = 0.04) and PD (51.4 [SD, 12.8] vs 39.3 [SD, 9.7] milliseconds, P = 0.004) values. No statistically significant differences in left atrium diameter (37.1 [SD, 2.9] vs 34.1 [SD, 4.2] mm, P = 0.3) and maximum left atrium volume (15.2 [SD, 3.8] vs 14.1 [SD, 4.2] mL/m2, P = 0.4) were found between the 2 groups. We divided our study population into 2 subgroups, according to the different genetic diagnosis, patients with laminopathy EDMD (n = 17) or with emerinopathy EDMD (n = 19). No statistically significant differences were found in PD between the 2 subgroups (54.6 [SD, 15.6] vs 50.2 [SD, 11.5] milliseconds, P = 0.4). Conclusions Our study showed a significant increase of maximum P-wave duration and PD in patients with EDMD with conserved systolic and diastolic cardiac function.
Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease in Hospitalized Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Warner Nafisseh Sirjani , Cuthbert Jennifer A. , Bhore Rafia , Rockey Don C. 
Published: May 2016

Background Renal dysfunction is a common and potentially life-threatening complication in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. Aims To determine the prevalence, cause, and outcome of patients with cirrhosis and acute kidney injury (AKI) and/or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods This retrospective analysis examined hospital records of 152 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and creatinine levels of 1.5 mg/dL or greater. Multiple clinical and laboratory variables were abstracted for each subject. Precise definitions were used to define cirrhosis and etiologies of renal dysfunction. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify features with prognostic value for hospital mortality. Results The most common type of renal dysfunction was AKI, present in 107 patients (70%). Acute kidney injury plus CKD was found in 26 patients (17%), and CKD alone was present in 19 patients (13%). Prerenal azotemia was the most common cause of AKI (69%), often occurring secondary to gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The overall mortality for the cohort was 31%, with the highest mortality occurring in patients with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) (11/14, 79%). We were unable to identify any patient meeting diagnostic criteria for type 2 HRS. The development of AKI on preexisting CKD did not infer worse prognosis than AKI alone. The presence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, bacteremia, and HRS-1 predicted mortality. Conclusions Both AKI and CKD are common in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis, often occurring simultaneously. Type 2 HRS was not identified, suggesting that its diagnostic criteria may need reevaluation or that this syndrome may not represent a unique functional kidney disorder.
Comorbidities in Gouty Arthritis
Authors: Marwah Rajendra K. 
Published: May 2016

Background Gouty arthritis is increasing in prevalence in men and women, particularly in older age groups. Methods A PubMed search was conducted to identify common comorbidities associated with gouty arthritis, their impact on quality of life, and strategies to manage gouty arthritis and its associated comorbidities. Results Gouty arthritis is associated with numerous comorbidities that are increasing in prevalence (chronic kidney disease [CKD], hypertension, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease) and that negatively impact long-term prognosis and quality of life. Therefore, certain considerations and precautions are necessary when treating gouty arthritis in these patients. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause acute renal toxicity or worsen CKD and should be avoided in this population. Dosage adjustments are recommended when using colchicine and urate-lowering therapy in patients with CKD, which may limit efficacy. Febuxostat may be used in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, but insufficient information is available for use in patients with creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min. Numerous drug-drug interactions in patients with gouty arthritis and comorbidities may alter serum uric acid levels. Several interleukin 1β inhibitors, which target the underlying inflammatory mechanism of gouty arthritis and many of its comorbidities, are in development and may provide an option for patients not adequately managed with other treatments. Conclusions Gouty arthritis is associated with renal, metabolic, and cardiovascular comorbidities that negatively impact overall health. The management of gouty arthritis in the presence of comorbidities is particularly challenging because of contraindications, the need for dosage adjustments, and polypharmacy.
The Safety and Efficacy of Etanercept on Cardiac Functions and Lipid Profile in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Senel Soner , Cobankara Veli , Taskoylu Ozgur , Karasu Ugur , Karapinar Hekim , Erdis Eda , Evrengul Harun , Kaya Mehmet Gungor 
Published: May 2016

Objectives Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are known to be at increased cardiovascular risk. Etanercept is a tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) blocking agent that has been successfully used in the treatment of RA. We sought to assess the effects of etanercept on cardiac functions and lipid profile in RA patients without overt cardiac disease. Methods Sixteen patients with active RA were recruited to the study prospectively. Etanercept was administered subcutaneously twice a week for 6 months. Clinical and laboratory predictors of RA activity and lipid profile were evaluated at baseline and at 6 months. The systolic and diastolic function parameters of the left ventricle were obtained by echocardiographic examination and included mitral inflow Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging. Results Sixteen patients (13 women; median age, 48 years [range, 27–69 years]) completed the study. Patients’ 28-item Disease Activity Score and Health Assessment Questionnaire scores were significantly reduced by treatment (6.35 to 4.45 [ P < 0.001] and 2.0 to 0.75 [ P = 0.005], respectively). Diastolic dysfunction was detected in 6 patients (37.5%) (3 in grade 1 and 3 in grade 2) by mitral inflow Doppler and the tissue Doppler parameters before the treatment. No significant change in diastolic dysfunction was observed during follow-up (6/16 to 5/16, P = 0.164). In addition, there were also no significant differences in the left ventricular ejection fraction (65.8–66.9, P = 0.168) and lipid profiles after 6 months of etanercept treatment. Conclusions Etanercept treatment was safe for use as regards cardiac functions and lipid profiles and effective on RA parameters during 6-month follow-up in patients with active RA.
Influence of Dietary Sodium Modulation on Electrocardiographic Voltage Criteria for Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Normotensive Individuals
Authors: Larson Carol , Vaidya Anand , Sun Bei , Williams Jonathan S. 
Published: May 2016

Objective Dietary sodium intake and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on electrocardiogram (ECG) are both independent determinants of cardiovascular risk. Prior studies demonstrated that acute dietary sodium modulation significantly altered LVH-specific ECG voltage in hypertensive individuals, thus modifying cardiovascular risk prediction; but whether this phenomenon exists in normotensive individuals is not known. We evaluated the influence of dietary sodium intake on ECG voltage and ECG criteria for LVH in normotensive individuals. Methods Retrospective evaluation of ECGs of healthy normotensive individuals (n = 39) who were prospectively randomized to a dietary study protocol of 1 week of high-sodium diet (>200 mmol of sodium per day) and 1 week of low-sodium diet (<10 mmol/d) was conducted. Electrocardiogram voltage amplitudes and biochemical assessments were performed at the end of each dietary intervention. Results As expected, blood pressure declined and measures of circulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activity rose significantly with low-sodium diet. No significant changes in specific LVH voltage criteria or overall precordial or limb lead ECG voltage amplitudes were detected between diets. Conclusion Although immediate dietary sodium modulation has been shown to significantly alter LVH-specific ECG voltage and the detection of LVH in hypertensive individuals, dietary sodium intake did not influence ECG voltage in normotensive individuals. Healthy normotensive individuals may exhibit adaptive measures that dampen ECG voltage fluctuations in response to dietary sodium modulation. More specific cardiac imaging studies may provide additional insight into this observation and the influence of dietary sodium in cardiac health.