bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between serum soluble corin and hyperglycaemia: a cross-sectional study among Chinese adults
Authors: Liu Yan , Peng Hao , Zhang Qiu , Zhang Peipei , Tian Yunfan , Chao Xiangqin , Zhang Yonghong 
Published: December 2015

ObjectivesDecreased natriuretic peptides are risk factors for diabetes. As a physiological activator of natriuretic peptides, corin may play a role in glucose metabolism. Here, we aimed to test the hypothesis in a general population of China.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingA population study in Suzhou, China.ParticipantsA total of 2498 participants aged above 30 years were included in the study.Outcome measuresThe association between serum soluble corin and hyperglycaemia was examined in men and women, using non-conditional logistic regression models, respectively.ResultsSerum soluble corin, in men and women, was significantly higher in participants with hyperglycaemia than in those without (all p<0.001). OR of hyperglycaemia positively and significantly increased with serum soluble corin quartiles, in men (p for trend <0.001) and in women (p for trend=0.050), even after multivariate adjustment. Participants with a serum soluble corin, in men (OR=1.66, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.23) and women (OR=1.27, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.61), over the median level, were more likely to have hyperglycaemia compared with the remaining participants, after controlling for confounding factors.ConclusionsHyperglycaemia was significantly and positively associated with increased serum soluble corin in men and women. Our findings suggest that serum soluble corin may be a risk factor or a biomarker of hyperglycaemia.
Decreasing the load? Is a Multidisciplinary Multistep Medication Review in older people an effective intervention to reduce a patient's Drug Burden Index? Protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: van der Meer Helene G , Wouters Hans , van Hulten Rolf , Pras Niesko , Taxis Katja 
Published: December 2015

IntroductionOlder people often use medications with anticholinergic or sedative side effects which increase the risk of falling and worsen cognitive impairment. The Drug Burden Index (DBI) is a measure of the burden of anticholinergic and sedative medications. Medication reviews are typically done by a pharmacist in collaboration with a general practitioner to optimise the medication use and reduce these adverse drug events. We will evaluate whether a Multidisciplinary Multistep Medication Review (3MR) is an effective intervention to reduce a patient's DBI.MethodsA randomised controlled trial including 160 patients from 15 community pharmacies will be conducted. Per pharmacy, 1 pharmacist will perform a structured 3MR in close collaboration with the general practitioner, including the objective to reduce the DBI.AnalysisPrimary outcome—the difference in proportion of patients having a decrease in DBI≥0.5 in the intervention and control groups at follow-up. Secondary outcomes—anticholinergic and sedative side effects, falls, cognitive function, activities of daily living, quality of life, hospital admission, and mortality.Ethics and disseminationThe burden of patients will be kept at a minimum. The 3MR can be considered as usual care by the pharmacist and general practitioner. Medical specialists will be consulted, if necessary. The intervention is specifically aimed at older community-dwelling patients in an attempt to optimise prescribing, in particular, to reduce medication with anticholinergic and sedative properties. Study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and will be distributed through information channels targeting professionals.Trial registration numberNCT02317666; Pre-results.
Self-reported oral health among a community sample of people experiencing social and health inequities: cross-sectional findings from a study to enhance equity in primary healthcare settings
Authors: Wallace Bruce , Browne Annette J , Varcoe Colleen , Ford-Gilboe Marilyn , Wathen Nadine , Long Phoebe M , Parker Joanne 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveTo describe the self-reported oral health issues among a community sample of primary care clients experiencing socioeconomic disadvantages.MethodsAs part of a larger mixed-methods, multiple case study evaluating an equity-oriented primary healthcare intervention, we examined the oral health of a sample of 567 people receiving care at four clinics that serve marginalised populations in two Canadian provinces. Data collected included self-rated oral health and experiences accessing and receiving healthcare, standard self-report measures of health and quality of life, and sociodemographic information.ResultsThe prevalence of self-rated poor oral health was high, with almost half (46.3%) of the participants reporting poor or fair oral health. Significant relationships were observed between poor oral health and vulnerabilities related to mental health, trauma and housing instability. Our findings suggest that the oral health of some Canadian populations may be dramatically worse than what is reported in existing population health surveys.ConclusionsOur findings reinforce the importance of addressing oral health as part of health equity strategies. The health and oral health issues experienced by this client cohort highlight the need for interdisciplinary, team-based care that can address the intersections among people's health status, oral health and social issues.
Quality care, public perception and quick-fix service management: a Delphi study on stressors of hospital doctors in Ireland
Authors: Hayes Blanaid , Fitzgerald Deirdre , Doherty Sally , Walsh Gillian 
Published: December 2015

ObjectivesTo identify and rank the most significant workplace stressors to which consultants and trainees are exposed within the publicly funded health sector in Ireland.DesignFollowing a preliminary semistructured telephone interview, a Delphi technique with 3 rounds of reiterative questionnaires was used to obtain consensus. Conducted in Spring 2014, doctors were purposively selected by their college faculty or specialty training body.SettingConsultants and higher specialist trainees who were engaged at a collegiate level with their faculty or professional training body. All were employed in the Irish publicly funded health sector by the Health Services Executive.Participants49 doctors: 30 consultants (13 male, 17 female) and 19 trainees (7 male, 12 female). Consultants and trainees were from a wide range of hospital specialties including anaesthetics, radiology and psychiatry.ResultsConsultants are most concerned with the quality of healthcare management and its impact on service. They are also concerned about the quality of care they provide. They feel undervalued within the negative sociocultural environment that they work. Trainees also feel undervalued with an uncertain future and they also perceive their sociocultural environment as negative. They echo concerns regarding the quality of care they provide. They struggle with the interface between career demands and personal life.ConclusionsThis Delphi study sought to explore the working life of doctors in Irish hospitals at a time when resources are scarce. It identified both common and distinct concerns regarding sources of stress for 2 groups of doctors. Its identification of key stressors should guide managers and clinicians towards solutions for improving the quality of patient care and the health of care providers.
Eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea and exercise-induced vocal cord dysfunction
Authors: Turmel Julie , Gagnon Simon , Bernier Mélanie , Boulet Louis-Philippe 
Published: December 2015

IntroductionExercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a common condition in endurance athletes. Exercise-induced vocal cord dysfunction (EIVCD) is a frequent confounder of EIB. The diagnosis of EIVCD may be challenging and can be missed as the problem is often intermittent and may only occur during intense exercise. Eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation (EVH) is the best test to detect EIB. This pilot study aimed to assess if EVH could be helpful in the diagnosis of EIVCD associated or not to EIB in athletes.MethodsA nasolaryngoscopy was performed during a 6 min EVH test, in 13 female athletes suspected to have VCD, aged 21±7 years. Image analysis was conducted by two Ear Nose and Throat surgeons in random order.ResultsDuring the EVH, three athletes showed incomplete paradoxical vocal cords movement, without inspiratory stridor. However, 12 athletes showed marked supraglottic movement without inspiratory stridor. In two athletes, this supraglottic movement was severe, one showing a marked collapse of the epiglottis with an almost complete obstruction of the larynx by the arytenoid cartilage mucosa. In 3 of the 12 athletes with supraglottic movement, severe vibration of the mucosa covering the arytenoid cartilages was also observed.ConclusionsEVH challenge in athletes can provide information on various types of glottic and supraglottic obstruction in reproducing laryngeal movements during hyperventilation. Our findings make us suggest that exercise induced upper airway obstructions should be named: Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO). Then, EILO should be divided in three categories: supraglottic, glottic (EIVCD) and mixed (glottic and supraglottic) obstruction.
Prevalence of alcohol related attendance at an inner city emergency department and its impact: a dual prospective and retrospective cohort study
Authors: Parkinson Kathryn , Newbury-Birch Dorothy , Phillipson Angela , Hindmarch Paul , Kaner Eileen , Stamp Elaine , Vale Luke , Wright John , Connolly Jim 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundAlcohol related hospital attendances are a potentially avoidable burden on emergency departments (EDs). Understanding the number and type of patients attending EDs with alcohol intoxication is important in estimating the workload and cost implications. We used best practice from previous studies to establish the prevalence of adult alcohol related ED attendances and estimate the costs of clinical management and subsequent health service use.MethodsThe setting was a large inner city ED in northeast England, UK. Data were collected via (i) retrospective review of hospital records for all ED attendances for four pre-specified weeks in 2010/2011 to identify alcohol related cases along with 12 months of follow-up of the care episode and (ii) prospective 24/7 assessment via breath alcohol concentration testing of patients presenting to the ED in the corresponding weeks in 2012/2013.ResultsThe prevalence rates of alcohol related attendances were 12% and 15% for the retrospective and prospective cohorts, respectively. Prospectively, the rates ranged widely from 4% to 60% across week days, rising to over 70% at weekends. Younger males attending in the early morning hours at weekends made up the largest proportion of alcohol related attendances. The mean cost per attendance was £249 (SD £1064); the mean total cost for those admitted was £851 (SD £2549). The most common reasons for attending were trauma related injuries followed by psychiatric problems.ConclusionsAlcohol related attendances are a major and avoidable burden on emergency care. However, targeted interventions at weekends and early morning hours could capture the majority of cases and help prevent future re-attendance.
Non-barrier contraceptive use and relation to condom use behaviour by partner type among female sex workers in Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Reed Elizabeth , Erausquin Jennifer Toller , Biradavolu Monica , Servin Argentina E , Blankenship Kim M 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveThe study assessed non-barrier contraceptive use among female sex workers (FSW) in Andhra Pradesh, India and relation to inconsistent condom use among commercial and non-commercial male sexual partners.MethodsFSW at least 18 years of age (n=2338) were recruited through respondent-driven sampling for an HIV risk survey. Analysis was restricted to women of childbearing age (n=2197). Crude and adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess non-barrier contraceptive use and relation to inconsistent condom use with husbands or regular male partners (i.e. non-clients), regular clients and occasional clients.ResultsNon-barrier methods of contraception included contraceptive pills (3.8%) and sterilisation (68.4%). In logistic regression models adjusted for relevant demographics, FSW using contraceptive pills were more likely to report inconsistent condom use with a regular client (past week) [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–4.0] and with an occasional client (past week) (AOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.6–5.3), as well as accepting more money for sex without a condom (past 30 days) (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5–4.3). No significant associations were found between pill use and inconsistent condom use among women's non-client partners, potentially related to small sample sizes within these subgroups. Reporting sterilisation, which was more common among FSW who were older in age, was not associated with inconsistent condom use with client or non-client sexual partners.ConclusionsFindings document potential unmet need for modern, spacing contraceptives (i.e. pill, intrauterine device), but also indicate the importance for family planning services, particularly those promoting modern contraceptive methods to be provided alongside HIV prevention among FSW in Andhra Pradesh, India.
Biota and palaeoenvironment of a high middle-latitude Late Triassic peat-forming ecosystem from Hopen, Svalbard archipelago
Authors: McLoughlin S. , Strullu-Derrien C. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
A siliceous permineralized peat block recovered from Hopen in the Svalbard archipelago hosts a low-diversity Late Triassic flora dominated by autochthonous roots and stems of bennettitaleans and lycophytes, and parautochthonous leaves, sporangia, spores and pollen from a small range of pteridophytes and gymnosperms. Some parenchymatous bennettitalean root cells show interactions with chytrid fungi and bacteria; the remains of other fungi and fungi-like organisms are dispersed within the peat's detrital matrix. Cavities excavated through some roots and compacted detritus contain abundant coprolites probably derived from sapro-xylophagous oribatid mites, although no body fossils have yet been identified. Sparse larger coprolites containing leaf fragments attest to the presence of invertebrate folivores in the ancient ecosystem. The low-diversity flora, relatively few trophic levels and simple nutritional web, together with sedimentological aspects of the host formation and the peat structure, collectively favour accumulation of the organic mass as a fibric (root-dominated) peat within a temperate (high middle-latitude), well-aerated mire.
A new method to determine dissolved CO
2
concentration of lakes Nyos and Monoun using the sound speed and electrical conductivity of lake water
Authors: Sanemasa Mitsuhisa , Saiki Kazuto , Kaneko Katsuya , Ohba Takeshi , Kusakabe Minoru , Ntchantcho Romaric , Fouepe Alain , Tanyileke Gregory , Hell Joseph V. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

A new method to measure the CO
2
concentration in lakes Nyos and Monoun using sound speed (SS) and electrical conductivity (EC) of the lake water was developed. Limnic eruptions at lakes Monoun and Nyos in Cameroon, characterized by a risk related to possible sudden release of magmatic CO
2
gas dissolved in the lake water, occurred in 1984 and 1986 respectively, killing about 1800 residents. CO
2
monitoring of the lake waters was initiated to prevent further disasters. Classical methods of CO
2
measurement, which require chemical analysis of water samples, are not suitable for frequent and multi-point monitoring. Inspired by the method of measuring salt concentration using SS, we obtained data for dissolved CO
2
(CO
2
(aq)
) assuming the following formula

Δ
v
=

k
1

[

C

O

2
(

aq

)

]
+

k
2

[

HCO

3
−

]

, where Δ
v
is additional SS due to dissolved ions and
k
1
and
k
2
are coefficients determined through experiments. The coefficient
k
1
was determined with temperature
T
(°C) dependence as 0.0323–0.000523
T
[l m s
−1
mmol
−1
].
k
2
was estimated to be 0.132 at Lake Nyos and 0.0930 at Lake Monoun. Once
k
1
and
k
2
values are obtained, [CO
2(aq)
] and

[

HCO

3
−

]

are calculated using the SS,
T
and EC.
Decreasing removal rate of the dissolved CO
2
in Lake Nyos, Cameroon, after the installation of additional degassing pipes
Authors: Ohba T. , Ooki S. , Oginuma Y. , Kusakabe M. , Yoshida Y. , Ueda A. , Anazawa K. , Saiki K. , Kaneko K. , Miyabuchi Y. , Issa  , Aka F. , Fantong W. , Ako A. , Tanyileke G. , Hell J.V. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

The amount of dissolved CO
2
(CO
2aq
) in Lake Nyos, Cameroon, has been measured annually since January 2011. First,

HCO

3
−

concentration was estimated by a chemical analysis with the assumption of equilibria between CO
2aq
,

HCO

3
−

and

CO

3

2
−

. The estimated

[

HCO

3
−

]

was correlated with the observed electrical conductivity of lake water. The profile of [CO
2aq
] was generated from the electrical conductivity, pH and temperature profiles. The [CO
2aq
] profile was integrated over the water column to obtain the total amount of CO
2aq
. The amounts were 8.4, 6.8, 5.5, 4.4 and 3.9 Gmol (=10
9
mol) in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The fast reduction between 2011 and 2013 was attributed to the installation of two additional degassing pipes in April 2011. However, the rate of reduction decreased between 2014 and 2015 due to the reduced [CO
2aq
] at the inlet of the degassing pipes.
Pre-rift and synrift exhumation, post-rift subsidence and exhumation of the onshore Namibe Margin of Angola revealed from apatite fission track analysis
Authors: Green Paul F. , Machado Vladimir 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

A series of cooling events in the development of the Namibe margin of Angola is defined by apatite fission track analysis data from samples of outcropping Cretaceous sandstones and crystalline Precambrian basement. Regional exhumation in the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian and Jurassic preceded Early Cretaceous rifting. Further episodes of uplift and erosion affected the margin in the Early and Late Cretaceous before it was buried by up to 2 km of post-break-up section, which was subsequently removed during Cenozoic uplift and erosion beginning between 35 and 20 Ma. This timing is consistent with published analyses of river profiles suggesting that uplift of the margin began at
c.
30 Ma. Estimates of between 1.5 and 2 km of section removed during Cenozoic exhumation are consistent with burial depths estimated from the diagenesis of former evaporite horizons now at outcrop. These results add further support to a growing body of evidence showing that the evolution of ‘passive’ margins is anything but passive. The key episodes of exhumation defined in this study are broadly synchronous with events identified in many areas of the West Africa margin from Namibia to Equatorial Guinea and are regarded as representing a continent-scale response to stresses related to tectonic plate movements.
Recurrent Mutations of Chromatin-Remodeling Genes and Kinase Receptors in Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas
Authors: Toledo Rodrigo A. , Qin Yuejuan , Cheng Zi-Ming , Gao Qing , Iwata Shintaro , Silva Gustavo M. , Prasad Manju L. , Ocal I. Tolgay , Rao Sarika , Aronin Neil , Barontini Marta , Bruder Jan , Reddick Robert L. , Chen Yidong , Aguiar Ricardo C.T. , Dahia Patricia L.M. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Purpose: Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGL) are genetically heterogeneous tumors of neural crest origin, but the molecular basis of most PPGLs is unknown.
Experimental Design: We performed exome or transcriptome sequencing of 43 samples from 41 patients. A validation set of 136 PPGLs was used for amplicon-specific resequencing. In addition, a subset of these tumors was subjected to microarray-based transcription, protein expression, and histone methylation analysis by Western blotting or immunohistochemistry. In vitro analysis of mutants was performed in cell lines.
Results: We detected mutations in chromatin-remodeling genes, including histone-methyltransferases, histone-demethylases, and histones in 11 samples from 8 patients (20%). In particular, we characterized a new cancer syndrome involving PPGLs and giant cell tumors of bone (GCT) caused by a postzygotic G34W mutation of the histone 3.3 gene, H3F3A. Furthermore, mutations in kinase genes were detected in samples from 15 patients (37%). Among those, a novel germline kinase domain mutation of MERTK detected in a patient with PPGL and medullary thyroid carcinoma was found to activate signaling downstream of this receptor. Recurrent germline and somatic mutations were also detected in MET, including a familial case and sporadic PPGLs. Importantly, in each of these three genes, mutations were also detected in the validation group. In addition, a somatic oncogenic hotspot FGFR1 mutation was found in a sporadic tumor.
Conclusions: This study implicates chromatin-remodeling and kinase variants as frequent genetic events in PPGLs, many of which have no other known germline driver mutation. MERTK, MET, and H3F3A emerge as novel PPGL susceptibility genes. Clin Cancer Res; 22(9); 2301–10. ©2015 AACR.
Targeting YAP-Dependent MDSC Infiltration Impairs Tumor Progression
Authors: Wang Guocan , Lu Xin , Dey Prasenjit , Deng Pingna , Wu Chia Chin , Jiang Shan , Fang Zhuangna , Zhao Kun , Konaparthi Ramakrishna , Hua Sujun , Zhang Jianhua , Li-Ning-Tapia Elsa M. , Kapoor Avnish , Wu Chang-Jiun , Patel Neelay Bhaskar , Guo Zhenglin , Ramamoorthy Vandhana , Tieu Trang N. , Heffernan Tim , Zhao Di , Shang Xiaoying , Khadka Sunada , Hou Pingping , Hu Baoli , Jin Eun-Jung , Yao Wantong , Pan Xiaolu , Ding Zhihu , Shi Yanxia , Li Liren , Chang Qing , Troncoso Patricia , Logothetis Christopher J. , McArthur Mark J. , Chin Lynda , Wang Y. Alan , DePinho Ronald A. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe signaling mechanisms between prostate cancer cells and infiltrating immune cells may illuminate novel therapeutic approaches. Here, utilizing a prostate adenocarcinoma model driven by loss of Pten and Smad4, we identify polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) as the major infiltrating immune cell type, and depletion of MDSCs blocks progression. Employing a novel dual reporter prostate cancer model, epithelial and stromal transcriptomic profiling identified CXCL5 as a cancer-secreted chemokine to attract CXCR2-expressing MDSCs, and, correspondingly, pharmacologic inhibition of CXCR2 impeded tumor progression. Integrated analyses identified hyperactivated Hippo–YAP signaling in driving CXCL5 upregulation in cancer cells through the YAP–TEAD complex and promoting MDSC recruitment. Clinicopathologic studies reveal upregulation and activation of YAP1 in a subset of human prostate tumors, and the YAP1 signature is enriched in primary prostate tumor samples with stronger expression of MDSC-relevant genes. Together, YAP-driven MDSC recruitment via heterotypic CXCL5–CXCR2 signaling reveals an effective therapeutic strategy for advanced prostate cancer.Significance: We demonstrate a critical role of MDSCs in prostate tumor progression and discover a cancer cell nonautonomous function of the Hippo–YAP pathway in regulation of CXCL5, a ligand for CXCR2-expressing MDSCs. Pharmacologic elimination of MDSCs or blocking the heterotypic CXCL5–CXCR2 signaling circuit elicits robust antitumor responses and prolongs survival. Cancer Discov; 6(1); 80–95. ©2015 AACR.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1