bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recruitment feasibility to a cohort study of endocrine and metabolic health among survivors of childhood brain tumours: a report from the Canadian study of Determinants of Endometabolic Health in ChIlDrEn (CanDECIDE)
Authors: Samaan M Constantine , Scheinemann Katrin , Burrow Sarah , Dillenburg Rejane F , Barr Ronald D , Wang Kuan-Wen , Valencia Marlie , Thabane Lehana 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to test the feasibility of recruitment and performance of study procedures of the Canadian Study of Determinants of Endometabolic Health in ChIlDrEn (CanDECIDE) study, which was designed to assess the determinants of endocrine and metabolic health in survivors of childhood brain tumours.SettingA single paediatric tertiary care centre in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.ParticipantsWe included boys and girls, aged 5 years and older, who were lean (body mass index (BMI) below 85th centile for age and gender) or overweight/obese (BMI 85th centile or above for age and gender). We excluded children on steroids or immunosuppressant therapy, smokers and those who had an active infection for the 2 weeks prior to participation.OutcomesFeasibility targets included recruitment rate of at least 50%, the consenting of 80% of participants to provide biological samples, 90% questionnaire completion rate and the ability to process biological samples from at least 80% of participants.ResultsWe approached 210 potential participants, and of the 112 (53%) who agreed to participate, 30 (26.8%) completed the study visit over 7 months. All participants agreed to fast, provide biological samples and complete the questionnaires. Sample collection was successful in 97% (29/30) of participants and laboratory procedures were feasible in 100% of collected samples. We also tested resources required for the conduct of the full study including personnel, space, laboratory equipment and procedures and determined that they are all feasible.ConclusionsRecruitment and consenting of patients for the CanDECIDE study may be feasible. However, we are considering prolonging recruitment duration and collaboration with other centres to meet recruitment targets due to lower than expected recruitment rate. Completion of questionnaires and implementation of sample processing protocols are feasible.
A cross-sectional comparison study on the iodine nutritional status between rural and urban residents in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Zou Yan , Lou Xiaoming , Ding Gangqiang , Mo Zhe , Zhu Wenming , Mao Guangming 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo evaluate the difference of iodine nutritional status between rural and urban residents under the universal salt iodisation policy.SettingA multistage cluster sampling technique was employed in the present cross-sectional study. In total, 3300 rural and 3300 urban households were selected where the investigation was conducted.ParticipantsA total of 8553 rural and 8909 urban residents participated in this provincial survey.Primary and secondary outcome measuresSpot urine samples were collected and the iodine concentration in urine was determined by the modified acid-digestion method.ResultsThe median urinary iodine concentration of rural residents was 170.1 μg/L, which was higher than that of urban residents with 153.5 μg/L. For school-aged children, middle-aged people and older people, the median urinary iodine concentration of rural residents was 191.2, 160.2 and 154.0 μg/L, respectively, which was higher than that of urban residents with 166.2, 153.8 and 129.5 μg/L, respectively. Risk factors for urinary concentration of rural residents were age (OR=0.99), terrain (OR=0.83), usual intake of pickled products (OR=1.45) and non-iodised salt intake (OR=0.39), while those for urban residents were age (OR=0.99), terrain (OR=0.83), usual intake of aquatic products (OR=1.24) and non-iodised salt intake (OR=0.27) compared with iodised table salt intake.ConclusionsThe median urinary iodine concentration of rural residents was higher than that of urban residents although they were both falls in optimal iodine status as recommended by WHO/UNICEF/International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders. Iodised salt intake is the major factor which influences the iodine nutritional status mostly for rural and urban residents. The ongoing monitoring of population iodine status remains crucially important.
Discussing prognosis and end-of-life care in the final year of life: a randomised controlled trial of a nurse-led communication support programme for patients and caregivers
Authors: Walczak Adam , Butow Phyllis N , Clayton Josephine M , Tattersall Martin H N , Davidson Patricia M , Young Jane , Epstein Ronald M 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionTimely communication about life expectancy and end-of-life care is crucial for ensuring good patient quality-of-life at the end of life and a good quality of death. This article describes the protocol for a multisite randomised controlled trial of a nurse-led communication support programme to facilitate patients’ and caregivers’ efforts to communicate about these issues with their healthcare team.Methods and analysisThis NHMRC-sponsored trial is being conducted at medical oncology clinics located at/affiliated with major teaching hospitals in Sydney, Australia. Patients with advanced, incurable cancer and life expectancy of less than 12 months will participate together with their primary informal caregiver where possible. Guided by the self-determination theory of health-behaviour change, the communication support programme pairs a purpose-designed Question Prompt List (QPL—an evidence-based list of questions patients/caregivers can ask clinicians) with nurse-led exploration of QPL content, communication challenges, patient values and concerns and the value of early discussion of end-of-life issues. Oncologists are also cued to endorse patient and caregiver question asking and use of the QPL. Behavioural and self-report data will be collected from patients/caregivers approximately quarterly for up to 2.5 years or until patient death, after which patient medical records will be examined. Analyses will examine the impact of the intervention on patients’ and caregivers’ participation in medical consultations, their self-efficacy in medical encounters, quality-of-life, end-of-life care receipt and quality-of-death indicators.Ethics and disseminationApprovals have been granted by the human ethics review committee of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and governance officers at each participating site. Results will be reported in peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.Trial registration numberAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12610000724077.
Physical health and gender as risk factors for usage of services for mental illness
Authors: Matheson Flora I , Smith Katherine L W , Fazli Ghazal S , Moineddin Rahim , Dunn James R , Glazier Richard H 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundPeople with comorbid mental and physical illness (PI) experience worse health, inadequate care and increased mortality relative to those without mental illness (MI). The role of gender in this relationship is not fully understood. This study examined gender differences in onset of mental health service usage among people with physical illness (COPD, asthma, hypertension and type II diabetes) compared with a control cohort.MethodsWe used a unique linked dataset consisting of the 2000–2001 Canadian Community Health Survey and medical records (n=17 050) to examine risk of onset of MI among those with and without PI among Ontario residents (18–74 years old) over a 10-year period (2002–2011). Adjusted COX proportional survival analysis was conducted.ResultsUnadjusted use of MI medical services in the PI cohort was 55.6% among women and 44.7% (p=0.0001) among men; among controls 48.1% of the women and 36.7% of the men used MI medical services (p=0.0001). The relative risk of usage among women in the PI group relative to controls was 1.16. Among men, the relative risk was 1.22. Women were 1.45 times more likely to use MI medical services relative to men (HR=1.45, CI 1.35 to 1.55). Respondents in the PI cohort were 1.32 times more likely to use MI medical services (HR=1.32, CI 1.23 to 1.42) relative to controls. Women in the PI cohort used MI medical services 6.4 months earlier than PI males (p=0.0059). In the adjusted model, women with PI were most likely to use MI medical services, followed by women controls, men with PI and men controls. There was no significant interaction between gender and PI cohort.ConclusionsFurther, gender-based research focusing on onset of usage of MI services among those with and without chronic health problems will enable better understanding of gender-based health disparities to improve healthcare quality, delivery and public health policy.
Persistent and occasional poverty and children's food consumption: evidence from a longitudinal Québec birth cohort
Authors: Kakinami Lisa , Gauvin Lise , Séguin Louise , Lambert Marie , Nikiema Béatrice , Paradis Gilles 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundChildhood poverty is associated with poorer food consumption but longitudinal data are limited. The objective was to assess if food consumption differs depending on age (6, 7, 10 and 12 years) and pattern of poverty.MethodsParticipants were from the 1998–2010 ‘Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development’ birth cohort. Poverty was defined as income below the low-income thresholds established by Statistics Canada which adjusts for household size and geographic region. Multiple imputation was used for missing data, and latent class growth analysis identified poverty trajectories. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression assessed the association between poverty and greater consumption of milk, cheese, fruits, vegetables, sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB).ResultsFour poverty trajectories were identified: 1 reference category (stable non-poor) and 3 higher-risk categories (stable poor, increasing and decreasing risk). The probability of more frequent consumption was lower among children from stable poor households compared to children from stable non-poor households for fruit (6, 10 and 12 years), milk and vegetables (6, 7, 10 and 12 years) but was higher for SSB (10 and 12 years). Among children from increasing and decreasing poverty households compared to stable non-poor households, the probability of greater consumption of fruits and vegetables was lower and greater consumption of SSB was higher by the age of 12 years.ConclusionsWhile experiencing continual exposure to poverty has detrimental effects on food consumption throughout childhood, the association for milk, fruits and vegetables does not differ across age. Intermittent exposure to poverty may also have long-lasting effects.
Low-energy positron scattering from gas-phase uracil
Authors: Franz Jan , Gianturco Franco A. , Baccarelli Isabella 
Published: June 2014

AbstractQuantum scattering calculations are presented for the interaction of low energy positrons with the uracil molecule, an important component of biological systems. The rotational elastic and inelastic cross sections and vibrational inelastic cross sections are reported and compared with existing experiments, indicating a general trend of the cross sections different from the experimental findings and in line with what should be expected from the behavior of the total cross sections in similar polar targets. Some specific considerations can be drawn on the reliability of existing experiments, as to their size vis-à-vis to the computed integral cross sections over the same range of energies.
Digital Footprints: Opportunities and Challenges for Online Social Research
Authors: Golder Scott A. , Macy Michael W. 
Published: June 2014

Online interaction is now a regular part of daily life for a demographically diverse population of hundreds of millions of people worldwide. These interactions generate fine-grained time-stamped records of human behavior and social interaction at the level of individual events, yet are global in scale, allowing researchers to address fundamental questions about social identity, status, conflict, cooperation, collective action, and diffusion, both by using observational data and by conducting in vivo field experiments. This unprecedented opportunity comes with a number of methodological challenges, including generalizing observations to the offline world, protecting individual privacy, and solving the logistical challenges posed by “big data” and web-based experiments. We review current advances in online social research and critically assess the theoretical and methodological opportunities and limitations. [J]ust as the invention of the telescope revolutionized the study of the heavens, so too by rendering the unmeasurable measurable, the technological revolution in mobile, Web, and Internet communications has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of ourselves and how we interact…. [T]hree hundred years after Alexander Pope argued that the proper study of mankind should lie not in the heavens but in ourselves, we have finally found our telescope. Let the revolution begin. —Duncan Watts (2011 , p. 266)
A Search for Novel Cancer/Testis Antigens in Lung Cancer Identifies VCX/Y Genes, Expanding the Repertoire of Potential Immunotherapeutic Targets
Authors: Taguchi Ayumu , Taylor Allen D. , Rodriguez Jaime , Çeliktaş Müge , Liu Hui , Ma Xiaotu , Zhang Qing , Wong Chee-Hong , Chin Alice , Girard Luc , Behrens Carmen , Lam Wan L. , Lam Stephen , Minna John D. , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Gazdar Adi F. , Hanash Samir M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractCancer/testis (CT) antigens are potential immunotherapeutic targets in cancer. However, the expression of particular antigens is limited to a subset of tumors of a given type. Thus, there is a need to identify antigens with complementary expression patterns for effective therapeutic intervention. In this study, we searched for genes that were distinctly expressed at a higher level in lung tumor tissue and the testes compared with other nontumor tissues and identified members of the VCX/Y gene family as novel CT antigens. VCX3A, a member of the VCX/Y gene family, was expressed at the protein level in approximately 20% of lung adenocarcinomas and 35% of squamous cell carcinomas, but not expressed in normal lung tissues. Among CT antigens with concordant mRNA and protein expression levels, four CT antigens, XAGE1, VCX, IL13RA2, and SYCE1, were expressed, alone or in combination, in about 80% of lung adenocarcinoma tumors. The CT antigen VCX/Y gene family broadens the spectrum of CT antigens expressed in lung adenocarcinomas for clinical applications. Cancer Res; 74(17); 4694–705. ©2014 AACR.
Definition of PKC-α, CDK6, and MET as Therapeutic Targets in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Hsu Yi-Hsin , Yao Jun , Chan Li-Chuan , Wu Ting-Jung , Hsu Jennifer L. , Fang Yueh-Fu , Wei Yongkun , Wu Yun , Huang Wen-Chien , Liu Chien-Liang , Chang Yuan-Ching , Wang Ming-Yang , Li Chia-Wei , Shen Jia , Chen Mei-Kuang , Sahin Aysegul A. , Sood Anil , Mills Gordon B. , Yu Dihua , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Hung Mien-Chie 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous and recurrent subtype of breast cancer that lacks an effective targeted therapy. To identify candidate therapeutic targets, we profiled global gene expression in TNBC and breast tumor-initiating cells with a patient survival dataset. Eight TNBC-related kinases were found to be overexpressed in TNBC cells with stem-like properties. Among them, expression of PKC-α, MET, and CDK6 correlated with poorer survival outcomes. In cases coexpressing two of these three kinases, survival rates were lower than in cases where only one of these kinases was expressed. In functional tests, two-drug combinations targeting these three kinases inhibited TNBC cell proliferation and tumorigenic potential in a cooperative manner. A combination of PKC-α-MET inhibitors also attenuated tumor growth in a cooperative manner in vivo. Our findings define three kinases critical for TNBC growth and offer a preclinical rationale for their candidacy as effective therapeutic targets in treating TNBC. Cancer Res; 74(17); 4822–35. ©2014 AACR.
Live-Cell Imaging of Invasion and Intravasation in an Artificial Microvessel Platform
Authors: Wong Andrew D. , Searson Peter C. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Methods to visualize metastasis exist, but additional tools to better define the biologic and physical processes underlying invasion and intravasation are still needed. One difficulty in studying metastasis stems from the complexity of the interface between the tumor microenvironment and the vascular system. Here, we report the development of an investigational platform that positions tumor cells next to an artificial vessel embedded in an extracellular matrix. On this platform, we used live-cell fluorescence microscopy to analyze the complex interplay between metastatic cancer cells and a functional artificial microvessel that was lined with endothelial cells. The platform recapitulated known interactions, and its use demonstrated the capabilities for a systematic study of novel physical and biologic parameters involved in invasion and intravasation. In summary, our work offers an important new tool to advance knowledge about metastasis and candidate antimetastatic therapies. Cancer Res; 74(17); 4937–45. ©2014 AACR.
The Future of Cancer Therapy: Selecting Patients Likely to Respond to PD1/L1 Blockade
Authors: Ribas Antoni , Tumeh Paul C. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
It is conceivable that, in the near future, an assay that defines the likelihood of a patient with advanced cancer to respond to immunotherapy based on PD1/L1 blockade will be the initial decision point to select the treatment of patients with any cancer type. Clin Cancer Res; 20(19); 4982–4. ©2014 AACR.
CSL112 Enhances Biomarkers of Reverse Cholesterol Transport After Single and Multiple Infusions in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Gille Andreas , Easton Rachael , D’Andrea Denise , Wright Samuel D. , Shear Charles L. 
Published: June 2014

Objective—
The ability of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) to transport cholesterol from atherosclerotic plaque is thought to underlie its inverse correlation with cardiovascular risk. To gauge the potential of infused apoA-I to transport cholesterol, we quantified cholesterol transport markers in human subjects infused with a novel formulation of apoA-I (CSL112).

Approach and Results—
CSL112 was infused into human subjects in single (57 subjects) and multiple (36 subjects) ascending dose trials. Pharmacokinetic and biomarker assessments were conducted before and after infusions. CSL112 caused an immediate, up to 3-fold elevation of apoA-I and subsequent movement of tissue cholesterol into plasma. Cholesterol appeared first as unesterified cholesterol in the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction and was promptly esterified by lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase. HDL cholesterol increased up to 81±16.5%. Underlying this movement of cholesterol was an immediate and strong rise in the ability of plasma to promote cholesterol efflux from cells ex vivo. CSL112 had its greatest impact on the fraction of efflux mediated by ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), a cholesterol transporter induced in cholesterol-loaded tissues such as plaque. ABCA1-dependent efflux capacity increased ≤630±421% and total efflux capacity by ≤192±40%. In keeping with this finding, we observed a profound rise in very small HDL, also known as preβ1-HDL, the preferred substrate for ABCA1. Very small HDL increased ≤3596±941%. Elevations in apoA-I, cholesterol efflux, and very small HDL were dose-proportional over a wide range. No significant changes in atherogenic lipids were observed at any dose.

Conclusions—
Infusion of CSL112 elevates the ability of plasma to withdraw cholesterol from cells. Preferential elevation of ABCA1-dependent efflux may target atherosclerotic plaque for cholesterol removal, making CSL112 a promising candidate therapy for acute coronary syndrome.
Regulation of High-Density Lipoprotein on Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells in Atherosclerosis Requires Scavenger Receptor Type BI Expression
Authors: Gao Mingming , Zhao Dong , Schouteden Sarah , Sorci-Thomas Mary G. , Van Veldhoven Paul P. , Eggermont Kristel , Liu George , Verfaillie Catherine M. , Feng Yingmei 
Published: June 2014

Objective—
Recently, we demonstrated that scavenger receptor type BI (SR-BI), a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor, was expressed on murine hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) and infusion of reconstituted HDL and purified human apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) suppressed HSPC proliferation. We hypothesized that SR-B1 expression is required for the observed antiproliferative effects of HDL on HSPC.

Approach and Results—

SR-BI–deficient (SR-BI
−/−
) mice and wild-type controls were fed on chow or high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 to 10 weeks. Under chow diet, a significant increase in Lin
−
Sca1
+
cKit
+
cells (LSK cells, so-called HSPC) was found in the bone marrow of SR-BI
−/−
mice when compared with wild-type mice. HFD induced a further expansion of CD150
+
CD48
-
LSK cells (HSC), HSPC, and granulocyte monocyte progenitors in SR-BI
−/−
mice. Injection of reactive oxygen species inhibitor N-acetylcysteine attenuated HFD-induced HSPC expansion, leukocytosis, and atherosclerosis in SR-BI
−/−
mice. ApoA-I infusion inhibited HSPC cell proliferation, Akt phosphorylation and reactive oxygen species production in HSPC and plaque progression in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLr
−/−
) apoA-I
−/−
mice on HFD but had no effect on SR-BI
−/−
mice on HFD. Transplantation of SR-BI
−/−
bone marrow cells into irradiated LDLr
−/−
recipients resulted in enhanced white blood cells reconstitution, inflammatory cell production, and plaque development. In patients with coronary heart disease, HDL levels were negatively correlated with white blood cells count and HSPC frequency in the peripheral blood. By flow cytometry, SR-BI expression was detected on human HSPC.

Conclusions—
SR-BI plays a critical role in the HDL-mediated regulation HSPC proliferation and differentiation, which is associated with atherosclerosis progression.
Interleukin-13 Deficiency Aggravates Healing and Remodeling in Male Mice After Experimental Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hofmann Ulrich , Knorr Susanne , Vogel Benjamin , Weirather Johannes , Frey Anna , Ertl Georg , Frantz Stefan 
Published: June 2014

Background—
Activation of innate immunity, especially infiltration of monocytes, is critical for proper wound healing and scar formation after myocardial infarction (MI). Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that interleukin-13 (IL-13), which influences the differentiation of monocytes/macrophages and has profibrotic properties, modulates wound healing and remodeling after MI.

Methods and Results—

MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left coronary artery in both male and female wild-type (WT)/IL-13
−/−
mice. Real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that expression of IL-13 was induced in left and right ventricular myocardium of WT mice within days in response to MI. Fifty-six–day survival was significantly impaired (65% in WT versus 34% in IL-13
−/−
) in male but not female IL-13
−/−
(55% in WT versus 54% in IL-13
−/−
) mice. Serial echocardiography showed significantly increased left ventricular dilation in male IL-13
−/−
compared with WT mice starting from day 1 after MI, despite comparable infarct size. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis revealed less leukocyte infiltration in male IL-13
−/−
mice on day 3. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated reduced expression of marker genes of alternative activation in monocytes sorted from the infarct zone of male IL-13
−/−
in comparison with WT mice on day 3 after MI.

Conclusions—
Genetic deficiency of IL-13 worsens outcome after MI in male mice. Our data indicate that IL-13 regulates leukocyte recruitment and induces M2-like monocyte/macrophage differentiation, which modifies wound healing within the infarct zone.