bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of a locally derived serum calcium adjustment equation: relationship with total 25(OH) vitamin D and PTH levels
Authors: Scargill Jonathan Joseph , Guy John Mark 
Published: June 2016

AimsMany clinical laboratories in the UK use a standard equation to adjust total calcium for albumin concentration. To assess the validity of this practice, we assessed the effect of the use of a traditional and locally derived calcium adjustment equation on parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25(OH, hydroxy) vitamin D levels.MethodsSamples requested for calcium and albumin measurement over a 6 month period that met inclusion criteria were used to derive a calcium adjustment equation (n=60 941). The traditional and locally derived calcium adjustment equations were then applied to a second cohort of adult patients that underwent calcium measurement over a 1 year period (n=275 456). Patients were classified as hypocalcaemic, normocalcaemic or hypercalcaemic using a UK Pathology Harmony adjusted calcium reference interval (2.2–2.6 mmol/L).ResultsThe local calcium adjustment equation provided a 7.1-fold reduction in the prevalence of hypocalcaemia. Patients classified as hypocalcaemic using the locally derived equation had statistically significantly lower 25(OH) vitamin D and higher PTH levels. A 2.4-fold increase in the prevalence of hypercalcaemia was also observed using the new equation, but with no significant difference in 25(OH) vitamin D or PTH levels.ConclusionsA locally derived calcium adjustment equation reclassified the calcium status of 61 278 (22%) patients. Patients classified as hypocalcaemic by the locally derived equation had significantly lower 25(OH) vitamin D and significantly higher PTH values, providing evidence that use of this adjustment equation generates adjusted calcium results of greater clinical relevance. This study provides further and novel evidence that individual laboratories should determine local equations for adjusted calcium where possible.
Twinning and major birth defects, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2007
Authors: Dawson April L , Tinker Sarah C , Jamieson Denise J , Hobbs Charlotte A , Berry R J , Rasmussen Sonja A , Anderka Marlene , Keppler-Noreuil Kim M , Lin Angela E , Reefhuis Jennita ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: June 2016

BackgroundTwinning has been associated with many types of birth defects, although previous studies have had inconsistent findings. Many studies lack information about potential confounders, particularly use of fertility treatment. Our objective was to assess the association between twinning and birth defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS).MethodsWe used data from the NBDPS, a population-based, case–control study of major birth defects in the USA, to evaluate associations between twinning and birth defects. The study population included mothers of twin and singleton controls (live-born infants without major birth defects), and cases (fetuses or infants with a major birth defect) born October 1997–December 2007. Adjusted ORs and 95% CIs were estimated using multivariable logistic regression stratified by use of fertility treatment. Twin sex-pairing data and a simulation approach were used to estimate the zygosity of twins.ResultsIn the unassisted conception stratum, we observed significant positive associations between twinning and 29 of 45 defect groups. The largest effect estimates were observed for multiple ventricular septal defects and cloacal exstrophy. Among mothers reporting any use of fertility treatments, we observed a significant association with twinning for 5 of 25 defect groups, with the largest effect estimates for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and omphalocele. OR estimates in the estimated monozygotic stratum were generally further from the null than in the dizygotic stratum.ConclusionsCompared with singletons, a wide range of birth defects are significantly more common among twins. Birth defect risk in twins may be differential by use of fertility treatment.
Interventions to reduce childhood antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory infections: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Yanhong , Walley John , Chou Roger , Tucker Joseph D , Harwell Joseph I , Wu Xinyin , Yin Jia , Zou Guanyang , Wei Xiaolin 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundAntibiotics are overprescribed for children with upper respiratory infections (URIs), leading to unnecessary expenditures, adverse events and antibiotic resistance. This study assesses whether interventions antibiotic prescription rates (APR) for childhood URIs can be reduced and what factors impact intervention effectiveness.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Global Health, WHO website, United States CDC website and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched by December 2015. Cluster or individual-patient randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs that examined interventions to change APR for children with URIs were selected for meta-analysis. Educational interventions for clinicians and/or parents were compared with usual care.ResultsOf 6074 studies identified, 13 were included. All were conducted in high-income countries. Interventions were associated with lower APR versus usual care (OR 0.63 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.81, p<0.001). A patient–clinician communication approach was the most effective type of intervention, with a pooled OR 0.41 (95% CI 0.20 to 0.83; p<0.001) for clinicians and 0.26 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.91; p=0.04) for parents. Interventions that targeted clinicians and parents were significant, with a pooled OR of 0.52 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.78; p=0.002). Insignificant effects were observed for targeting clinicians and parents alone, with a pooled OR of 0.88 (95% CI 0.67 to 1.16; p=0.37) and 0.50 (95% CI 0.10 to 2.51, p=0.40), respectively.ConclusionsEducational interventions are effective in reducing antibiotic prescribing for childhood URIs. Interventions targeting clinicians and parents are more effective than those for either group alone. The most effective interventions address patient–clinician communication. Studies in low-income to middle-income countries are needed.
Socioeconomic position and the risk of brain tumour: a Swedish national population-based cohort study
Authors: Khanolkar Amal R , Ljung Rickard , Talbäck Mats , Brooke Hannah L , Carlsson Sofia , Mathiesen Tiit , Feychting Maria 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundThe aim was to investigate associations between different measures of socioeconomic position (SEP) and incidence of brain tumours (glioma, meningioma and acoustic neuroma) in a nationwide population-based cohort.MethodsWe included 4 305 265 individuals born in Sweden during 1911–1961, and residing in Sweden in 1991. Cohort members were followed from 1993 to 2010 for a first primary diagnosis of brain tumour identified from the National Cancer Register. Poisson regression was used to compute incidence rate ratios (IRR) by highest education achieved, family income, occupational group and marital status, with adjustment for age, healthcare region of residence, and time period.ResultsWe identified 5735 brain tumours among men and 7101 among women during the study period. Highly educated men (≥3 years university education) had increased risk of glioma (IRR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.37) compared to men with primary education. High income was associated with higher incidence of glioma in men (1.14, 1.01 to 1.27). Women with ≥3 years university education had increased risk of glioma (1.23, 1.08 to 1.40) and meningioma (1.16, 1.04 to 1.29) compared to those with primary education. Men and women in intermediate and higher non-manual occupations had increased risk of glioma compared to low manual groups. Compared to those married/cohabiting, being single or previously married/cohabiting was associated with decreased risk of glioma in men. Men in non-manual occupations had ∼50% increased risk of acoustic neuroma compared to men in low manual occupations.ConclusionsWe observed consistent associations between higher SEP and higher risk of glioma. Completeness of cancer registration and detection bias are potential explanations for the findings.
Periodontopathogens antibodies and major adverse events following an acute myocardial infarction: results from the French Registry of Acute ST-Elevation and Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (FAST-MI)
Authors: Boillot A , Range H , Danchin N , Kotti S , Cosler G , Czernichow S , Meilhac O , Puymirat E , Zeller M , Tchetche D , Bouchard P , Simon T 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundPeriodontopathogens antibodies have been shown to be associated with primary myocardial events, but little is known regarding their impact on major adverse events after a prior acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The present prospective study evaluates the association between antibody levels of 4 periodontopathogens and the risk of all-cause death or non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) at 1 year in 975 patients admitted for acute ST segment or non-ST segment elevation MI in French Registry of Acute ST-Elevation and Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (FAST-MI), a nationwide French survey.MethodsMultiserotype ELISAs were performed to assess levels of IgG and IgA againstPorphyromonas gingivalis,Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans,Prevotella intermediaandTannerella forsythia.ResultsAdjusted HRs indicate the lack of association between IgG-anti-Po. gingivalislevels (0.96 (0.78 to 1.18)), IgA-anti-Po. gingivalislevels (1.13 (0.90 to 1.42)) and the risk of all-cause death or non-fatal MI at 1 year. Additionally, no significant association was found between the occurence of an event at 1 year and immunoglobulins levels against the others periodontopathogens.ConclusionsThe present data indicate that circulating levels of periodontopathogens antibodies are not associated with an increased risk of major adverse events in patients with a prior AMI. Studies dealing with bacterial and clinical data are needed to assess the role of oral health in comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programmes.
Assessment of the independent associations of IgG, IgM and IgA isotypes of anticardiolipin with thrombosis in SLE
Authors: Domingues Vinicius , Magder Laurence S , Petri Michelle 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveThe Sydney classification criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome include lupus anticoagulant or moderate-to-high titre anticardiolipin IgG or IgM. We explored the association of all anticardiolipin isotypes, lupus anticoagulant and the combination with venous and arterial thrombosis.MethodsPatients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a large clinical cohort seen quarterly were repeatedly tested by protocol for anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant. Subgroups of patients were defined based on the geometric mean titres of IgG, IgM, IgA anticardiolipin and lupus anticoagulant expressed in dilute Russell's viper venom time (RVVT) seconds for each patient across all cohort visits. These subgroups were compared with respect rates of thrombosis since diagnosis with SLE. Rate ratios were estimated using Cox Proportional Hazards models.ResultsOf the 1390 cohort members included, there were 284 thrombotic events observed over 17 025 person-years since diagnosis for a rate of 1.7 events per 100 person-years. Those with a geometric mean titre of IgG anticardiolipin >20 had a significantly elevated rate of thromboses (rate ratio 1.8, p=0.0052), whereas there was no evidence of an association between thromboses and elevated IgM geometric mean (rate ratio 1.2, p=0.40). There were relatively few cohort members with elevated IgA geometric mean but the rate of thromboses in that group was elevated (rate ratio 1.7, p=0.23). The associations between anticardiolipin antibodies and thromboses were strongest when considering venous thromboses. Those with two or more elevated anticardiolipin isotypes or those with both IgG anticardiolipin and RVVT did not appear at higher risk than those with a single elevated marker.ConclusionThis study supports previous observations that IgG anticardiolipin and lupus anticoagulant are associated with higher rates of thromboses. Our power to study IgA anticardiolipin was limited due to small number of patients with elevated IgA.
NADPH oxidase inhibitor regulates microRNAs with improved outcome after mechanical reperfusion
Authors: Liu Zhong , Tuo Yong-Hua , Chen Jian-Wen , Wang Qing-Yuan , Li Songlin , Li Ming-Chang , Dai Gang , Wang Jin-Shan , Zhang Yong-Li , Feng Lei , Shi Zhong-Song 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundInhibition of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) pathway improves the neurological outcome in the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) animal model. In this study we analyzed the microRNAs profile targeting NOX2 and NOX4 genes and its response to NOX2/4 inhibitor VAS2870 to understand the mechanisms of this protective effect.MethodsThe intraluminal filament tMCAO model was established in hyperglycemic rats (n=106) with 5 hours ischemia followed by 19 hours reperfusion. NOX inhibitor VAS2870 was delivered intravenously before reperfusion. Infarct volume, hemorrhagic transformation, and mortality were determined at 24 hours after cerebral ischemia. MicroRNAs profile targeting NOX2 and NOX4 genes were predicted by microRNA databases and further evaluated by microRNA microarray and quantitative RT-PCR.ResultsTen microRNAs potentially targeting NOX2 and NOX4 genes (including microRNA-29a, microRNA-29c, microRNA-126a, microRNA-132, microRNA-136, microRNA-138, microRNA-139, microRNA-153, microRNA-337, and microRNA-376a) were significantly downregulated in the ischemic hemisphere in the tMCAO group compared with the sham-operated group, as shown by microRNA microarray and quantitative RT-PCR (all p<0.05). Intravenous treatment with NOX inhibitor VAS2870 before reperfusion increased the expression of microRNA-29a, microRNA-29c, microRNA-126a, and microRNA-132 compared with the tMCAO group (all p<0.05).ConclusionsSeveral microRNAs potentially targeting NOX2 and NOX4 genes displayed altered levels in hyperglycemic rats with the tMCAO model, suggesting their regulatory roles and targeting potentials for acute ischemic stroke treatment. Targeting specific microRNAs may represent a novel intervention opportunity to improve outcome and reduce hemorrhagic transformation after mechanical reperfusion for acute ischemic stroke.
Low half-wave voltage Y-branch electro-optic polymer modulator based on side-chain polyurethane-imide
Authors: Tang Jie , Wang Long-De , Li Ruo-Zhou , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Tong 
Published: June 2016

A Y-branch electro-optic (EO) polymer modulator has been designed and fabricated. High performance side-chain polyurethane-imide (PUI) with a high EO coefficient of larger than 50 pm/V and a moderate glass-transition temperature [Formula: see text] of 206[Formula: see text]C is used as EO polymer core layer of the modulator. The fabricated phase modulator exhibits a low half-wave voltage of 1.94 V at 1550 nm in single arm modulation with 1 cm EO interaction length and 2 cm total length. The results show that the modulator fabricated by side-chain PUI EO materials possesses potential applications in low driving voltage and low cost optical systems.
Mitigation Measures for Wildlife in Wind Energy Development, Consolidating the State of Knowledge — Part 2: Operation, Decommissioning
Authors: Gartman Victoria , Bulling Lea , Dahmen Marie , Geißler Gesa , Köppel Johann 
Published: June 2016

During this rapid development of wind energy aiming to combat climate change worldwide, there is greater need to avoid, reduce, and compensate for impacts on wildlife: Through the effective use of mitigation, wind energy can continue to expand while reducing impacts. This is a first broad step into discussing and understanding mitigation strategies collectively, identifying the current state of knowledge and be a beneficial resource for practitioners and conservationists.We review the current state of published knowledge, both land-based and offshore, with a focus on wind energy–wildlife mitigation measures. We state measures and highlight their objective and discuss at which project stage it is most effective (e.g. planning, construction, operation). Thereafter, we discuss key findings within current wind energy mitigation research, needing improved understanding into the efficacy of wildlife mitigation as well as research into the cost aspects of mitigation implementation. This review is divided into two articles; Part 1 focuses on mitigation measures during planning, siting, and construction, while Part 2 focuses on measures during operation and decommissioning.
The relevance of dawsonite precipitation in CO
2
sequestration in the Mihályi-Répcelak area, NW Hungary
Authors: Király Csilla , Sendula Eszter , Szamosfalvi Ágnes , Káldos Réka , Kónya Péter , Kovács István J. , Füri Judit , Bendő Zsolt , Falus György 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

A natural CO
2
reservoir system with a sandstone lithology in NW Hungary has been studied due to its similarities to a large saline reservoir formation that is widespread in the the Pannonian Basin (Central Europe) and is suggested to be one of the best candidates for industrial CO
2
storage. A range of analytical techniques has been used on core samples from CO
2
-containing sandstone layers that represent a wide range of pressures (90–155 bar), temperatures (79–95°C) and pore fluid compositions (total dissolved solids between 18 000 and 50 700 mg l
−1
) to identify the mineralogy and textural characteristics of the natural reservoir.

The only clear CO
2
-related feature in the studied lithology was the occurrence of dawsonite (NaAlCO
3
(OH)
2
) in a close textural relationship with albite. This is in clear agreement with our geochemical modelling results, which also underline the presence of albite as a precondition for the crystallization of dawsonite at the given
P
–
T
–
X
conditions. Our results suggest that, at least in the Pannonian Basin, dawsonite may be an important mineral for the safe sequestration of industrial CO
2
in the subsurface.
A new perspective on sequence stratigraphy of syn-orogenic basins: insights from the Tertiary Piedmont Basin (Italy) and implications for play concepts and reservoir heterogeneity
Authors: Rossi Massimo , Craig Jonathan 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The Tertiary Piedmont Basin was reshaped as the Apennines progressively overrode the Alpine retroforeland. Nine basin-wide unconformities were followed by abrupt accommodation turnarounds or high-accommodation/high sediment supply intervals. Unusual stratigraphic discontinuities require a different perspective to reconcile allostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy, highlighting a wider range of tectonically driven discontinuities (subaerial/subaqueous/regressive/transgressive), diachronism of accommodation and sediment–fairway turnarounds, unusual routing to deepwater, and relationships between fourth- and fifth-order sequences. This approach allows innovative play concepts and prediction of reservoir heterogeneity. Steep gradients and high sediment fluxes favour the development of coarse-grained deltas dominated by hyperpycnal processes and large-scale instability/sediment failures, often expressed by retrogressive slump scars, owing to over-steepening generated by drowning unconformities related to orogenic collapse or basin inversion. During increasing-accommodation intervals, subaqueous erosion leaves remnants of drowned deltas forming stratigraphic traps sealed by prodelta-slope muds. The sediments removed feed turbidites, generated during transgressive intervals and deposited at the toe of oversteepened slopes. These may eventually back-fill the slump scar system and show a fining-upward stacking-pattern owing to the re-establishment of the equilibrium profile. Another play concept relies on the combination of onlapping non-marine to marginal marine deposits against fault-bounded basement highs, sealed by marine muds deposited during the subsequent drowning.
Expansion of a BDCA1+CD14+ Myeloid Cell Population in Melanoma Patients May Attenuate the Efficacy of Dendritic Cell Vaccines
Authors: Bakdash Ghaith , Buschow Sonja I. , Gorris Mark A.J. , Halilovic Altuna , Hato Stanleyson V. , Sköld Annette E. , Schreibelt Gerty , Sittig Simone P. , Torensma Ruurd , Duiveman-de Boer Tjitske , Schröder Christoph , Smits Evelien L. , Figdor Carl G. , de Vries I. Jolanda M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe tumor microenvironment is characterized by regulatory T cells, type II macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and other immunosuppressive cells that promote malignant progression. Here we report the identification of a novel BDCA1+CD14+ population of immunosuppressive myeloid cells that are expanded in melanoma patients and are present in dendritic cell–based vaccines, where they suppress CD4+ T cells in an antigen-specific manner. Mechanistic investigations showed that BDCA1+CD14+ cells expressed high levels of the immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1 to hinder T-cell proliferation. While this BDCA1+CD14+ cell population expressed markers of both BDCA1+ dendritic cells and monocytes, analyses of function, transcriptome, and proteome established their unique nature as exploited by tumors for immune escape. We propose that targeting these cells may improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Res; 76(15); 4332–46. ©2016 AACR.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Cancer Stem Cell Vaccines in the Adjuvant Setting
Authors: Hu Yangyang , Lu Lin , Xia Yang , Chen Xin , Chang Alfred E. , Hollingsworth Robert E. , Hurt Elaine , Owen John , Moyer Jeffrey S. , Prince Mark E.P. , Dai Fu , Bao Yangyi , Wang Yi , Whitfield Joel , Xia Jian-Chuan , Huang Shiang , Wicha Max S. , Li Qiao 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccine strategies aimed at targeting cancer stem–like cells (CSC) may be most efficacious if deployed in the adjuvant setting. In this study, we offer preclinical evidence that this is the case for a CSC-DC vaccine as tested in murine models of SCC7 squamous cell cancer and D5 melanoma. Vaccination of mice with an ALDHhigh SCC7 CSC-DC vaccine after surgical excision of established SCC7 tumors reduced local tumor relapse and prolonged host survival. This effect was augmented significantly by simultaneous administration of anti-PD-L1, an immune checkpoint inhibitor. In the minimal disease setting of D5 melanoma, treatment of mice with ALDHhigh CSC-DC vaccination inhibited primary tumor growth, reduced spontaneous lung metastases, and increased host survival. In this setting, CCR10 and its ligands were downregulated on ALDHhigh D5 CSCs and in lung tissues, respectively, after vaccination with ALDHhigh D5 CSC-DC. RNAi-mediated attenuation of CCR10 blocked tumor cell migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo. T cells harvested from mice vaccinated with ALDHhigh D5 CSC-DC selectively killed ALDHhigh D5 CSCs, with additional evidence of humoral immunologic engagement and a reduction in ALDHhigh cells in residual tumors. Overall, our results offered a preclinical proof of concept for the use of ALDHhigh CSC-DC vaccines in the adjuvant setting to more effectively limit local tumor recurrence and spontaneous pulmonary metastasis, as compared with traditional DC vaccines, with increased host survival further accentuated by simultaneous PD-L1 blockade. Cancer Res; 76(16); 4661–72. ©2016 AACR.