bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing Doses of Simvastatin Versus Combined Ezetimibe/Simvastatin
Authors: Pesaro Antonio Eduardo P. , Serrano Carlos V. , Katz Marcelo , Marti Luciana , Fernandes Juliano L. , Parra Paulo R. G. , Campos Alexandre H. 
Published: June 2013

Background: Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) should be treated with statins to attain very low cholesterol levels, in order to reduce cardiovascular adverse events. More than 70% of these patients do not reach the appropriate cholesterol goal despite moderate statin doses. However, it is not known whether therapeutic uptitration with different lipid-lowering strategies has a similar “pleiotropic” effect on atherosclerotic endothelial dysfunction evaluated by measurement of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Objective: We sought to compare, in patients with stable CAD and with a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >70 mg/dL on treatment with simvastatin 20 mg, the effects on EPCs by increasing simvastatin to 80 mg versus adding ezetimibe 10 mg. Methods: Patients (n = 68, 63 ± 9 years, 39% men) were randomly allocated to receive ezetimibe 10/simvastatin 20 mg or simvastatin 80 mg for 6 weeks. Circulating EPCs were measured by flow cytometry before and after the treatment. Results: Both strategies presented similar effects on metabolic parameters. The LDLs were equally reduced by ezetimibe 10/simvastatin 20 mg and simvastatin 80 mg (28.9% ± 13% vs 21.1% ± 33%; P = .46, respectively). The levels of EPCs were unaffected by ezetimibe 10/simvastatin 20 mg (median [25th, 75th]: pre- vs posttreatment, 7.0 [2.3; 13.3] vs 3.1 [0.1; 13.2] EPCs/104 mononuclear cells; P = .43) or simvastatin 80 mg (pre- vs posttreatment, 6.1 [2.9; 15.2] vs 4.0 [1.4; 10.7] EPCs/104 mononuclear cells; P = .5) ,and there were no differences between the groups on treatment effects ( P = .9). Conclusions: Among stable patients with CAD and with an LDL-C >70 mg/dL on simvastatin 20 mg, increasing simvastatin dose to 80 mg or adding ezetimibe 10 mg promoted similar further cholesterol reduction but did not have incremental effects on circulating EPCs. These data suggest that the effects of simvastatin moderate doses on EPCs are not increased by intensive lipid-lowering strategies (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00474123).
Effects of Recombinant Adenovirus Hepatocyte Growth Factor Gene on Myocardial Remodeling in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Hu Ze-Ping , Bao Yong , Chen Da-Nian , Cheng Yuan , Song Bing , Liu Min , Li Dayuan , Wang Bang-Ning 
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives: Myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis are important determinants of congestive heart failure. Previous work has shown that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) can reduce acute myocardial injury and tissue fibrosis. This study was designed to examine the effects of HGF on myocardial remodeling following sustained hypertension. Methods and Results: There were 4 experimental groups (n = 6) that included spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) injected with 0.1 mL of adenovirus (Ad)-null into the left ventricular (LV) free wall, SHR injected with 0.1 mL of Ad-HGF gene (5 × 109 pfu/mL), and SHR injected with 0.1 mL of normal saline, and Wistar Kyoto rats injected with 0.1 mL of Ad-null served as control. At 4 weeks after injection, rats were sacrificed, and HGF expression, myocardial fibrosis, and LV function were determined. We observed that HGF protein expression was reduced in the hearts of SHR ( P < .05 vs normal control) and it was markedly increased in SHR injected with Ad-HGF ( P < .01 vs SHR injected with Ad-null). Myocardial fibrosis, collagen I, LV mass index (LVMI), and LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were increased and −dP/dtmax was decreased in SHR injected with Ad-null or normal saline ( P < .01 vs normal control). Upregulation of myocardial HGF expression in SHR significantly suppressed myocardial fibrosis, collagen I content, LVMI, LVEDP, and increased −dP/dtmax (all P < .05 vs SHR-Ad-null, n = 6). Conclusions: These findings indicate that HGF expression is attenuated in hypertrophic and fibrotic myocardium of SHR. The forced increase in HGF exerts a salutary effect on myocardial fibrosis, collagen I expression, and hemodynamic parameters.
Is a larger specialist nurse workforce in cancer care associated with better patient experience? Cross-sectional study
Authors: Griffiths Peter , Simon Michael , Richardson Alison , Corner Jessica 
Published: June 2013

Objectives: To assess whether variation in the provision of cancer specialist nurses is associated with the experiences of care for patients undergoing treatment for cancer. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using routinely collected national survey data in 158 acute hospital National Health Service (NHS) Trusts in England. Patients with a primary diagnosis of cancer who attended hospital as inpatients or day cases in the first three months of 2010 responded to a national survey ( n = 67,713, response rate 67%). Patient perceptions of coordination of care, quality of information provision, emotional support and support for symptom management were studied. Results: Patients in Trusts that had the fewest patients per specialist nurse were more likely to report that people treating and caring for them worked well together (adjusted odds ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.15; p = 0.02) and provided enough emotional support during ambulatory treatment (1.15, 1.01–1.32; p = 0.04), but were no more likely to report being given the right amount of information (0.96, 0.88–1.05; p = 0.38) when compared to patients in Trusts with the most patients per specialist nurse. Breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in the Trusts with fewer patients per specialist nurse were more likely to report good support for the control of side effects from chemotherapy (1.34, 1.02–1.75; p = 0.03). Conclusions: Cancer patients’ experience of care coordination and emotional support was better in Trusts with more specialist nurses. The absolute differences were small, and it was unclear whether particular roles or service configurations are associated with better experience.
Behaviour change among people with impaired glucose tolerance: Comparison of telephone-based and face-to-face advice
Authors: Betzlbacher Anna-Franziska , Grady Katherine , Savas Linda , Cotterill Sarah , Boaden Ruth , Summers Lucinda , Gibson Martin 
Published: June 2013

Objectives To develop, implement and compare two lifestyle services for people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Methods Two localities were selected to implement two different service delivery models, telephone-based and face-to-face, supporting people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Impact was assessed by comparing weight, fasting plasma glucose and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results at baseline and six months later. Results Both services were associated with an improvement in OGTT 2-h plasma glucose and weight. In the telephone intervention, 47.3% of participants who completed the project achieved both normal fasting plasma glucose (≤6.0 mmol/l) and normal plasma glucose levels (≤7.7 mmol/l). Participants had a mean weight loss of 3.3 kg ( SD 4.3), equating to 3.4% of body weight ( p < 0.001). In the face-to-face intervention, 46.3% of participants achieved normal plasma glucose (≤7.7 mmol/l) and a mean weight loss of 2.9 kg ( SD 4.5), equating to 3.1% of bodyweight ( p < 0.001). Conclusions Local health providers can adapt existing service provision and tailor it to provide lifestyle programmes for people with impaired glucose tolerance. Both service delivery models offer effective diabetes prevention although each model may cater for different population needs and a choice of services might be the preferred option.
Physical activity in American schools and body mass index percentile
Authors: Hohensee Caroline Wollner , Nies Mary A 
Published: June 2013

The international physical inactivity epidemic among children has contributed to child obesity. Schools can be an effective source of physical activity opportunity. A cross-sectional sample of 1306 American children was drawn from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics – Child Development Supplement, 2007. The aim of this study was to determine the role of in-school physical activity on body mass index (BMI) percentile among middle and high school-aged children. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the associations between the independent variable, physical activity, and the dependent variable, BMI percentile. After adjusting for covariates, children who had no physical activity during physical education (PE) were much more likely to be obese than normal weight in comparison with those who met the US national requirements (odds ratio = 1.58, confidence interval = 1.14, 2.20). This study suggests that meeting US national guidelines for PE-related physical activity may be effective in preventing obesity.
Connective tissue growth factor regulates adipocyte differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells and facilitates leukemia bone marrow engraftment
Authors: Battula V. Lokesh , Chen Ye , Cabreira Maria da Graca , Ruvolo Vivian , Wang Zhiqiang , Ma Wencai , Konoplev Sergej , Shpall Elizabeth , Lyons Karen , Strunk Dirk , Bueso-Ramos Carlos , Davis Richard Eric , Konopleva Marina , Andreeff Michael 
Published: June 2013

Key Points
Connective tissue growth factor regulates adipogenic differentiation of MSCs. Connective tissue growth factor regulates leukemia engraftment.
A generalization for the best proximity point of Geraghty-contractions
Authors: Bilgili Nurcan , Karapınar Erdal , Sadarangani Kishin 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the notion of Geraghty-contractions and consider the related best proximity point in the context of a metric space. We state an example to illustrate our result.

MSC: 47H10, 54H25, 46J10, 46J15.
Phylogeography and postglacial expansion of the endangered semi-aquatic mammal Galemys pyrenaicus
Authors: Igea Javier , Aymerich Pere , Fernández-González Angel , González-Esteban Jorge , Gómez Asunción , Alonso Rocío , Gosálbez Joaquim , Castresana Jose 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundSpecies with strict ecological requirements may provide new insights into the forces that shaped the geographic variation of genetic diversity. The Pyrenean desman,Galemys pyrenaicus, is a small semi-aquatic mammal that inhabits clean streams of the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula and is endangered in most of its geographic range, but its genetic structure is currently unknown. While the stringent ecological demands derived from its aquatic habitat might have caused a partition of the genetic diversity among river basins, Pleistocene glaciations would have generated a genetic pattern related to glacial refugia.ResultsTo study the relative importance of historical and ecological factors in the genetic structure ofG. pyrenaicus, we used mitochondrial and intronic sequences of specimens covering most of the species range. We show, first, that the Pyrenean desman has very low levels of genetic diversity compared to other mammals. In addition, phylogenetic and dating analyses of the mitochondrial sequences reveal a strong phylogeographic structure of a Middle Pleistocene origin, suggesting that the main lineages arose during periods of glacial isolation. Furthermore, both the spatial distribution of nuclear and mitochondrial diversity and the results of species distribution modeling suggest the existence of a major glacial refugium in the northwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Finally, the main mitochondrial lineages show a striking parapatric distribution without any apparent exchange of mitochondrial haplotypes between the lineages that came into secondary contact (although with certain permeability to nuclear genes), indicating incomplete mixing after the post-glacial recolonization. On the other hand, when we analyzed the partition of the genetic diversity among river basins, the Pyrenean desman showed a lower than expected genetic differentiation among main rivers.ConclusionsThe analysis of mitochondrial and intronic markers inG. pyrenaicusshowed the predominant effects of Pleistocene glaciations on the genetic structure of this species, while the distribution of the genetic diversity was not greatly influenced by the main river systems. These results and, particularly, the discovery of a marked phylogeographic structure, may have important implications for the conservation of the Pyrenean desman.
iXora: exact haplotype inferencing and trait association
Authors: Utro Filippo , Haiminen Niina , Livingstone Donald , Cornejo Omar E , Royaert Stefan , Schnell Raymond J , Motamayor Juan Carlos , Kuhn David N , Laxmi Parida 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
We address the task of extracting accurate haplotypes from genotype data of individuals of large F1 populations for mapping studies. While methods for inferring parental haplotype assignments on large F1 populations exist in theory, these approaches do not work in practice at high levels of accuracy.

Results
We have designed iXora (Identifying crossovers and recombining alleles), a robust method for extracting reliable haplotypes of a mapping population, as well as parental haplotypes, that runs in linear time. Each allele in the progeny is assigned not just to a parent, but more precisely to a haplotype inherited from the parent. iXora shows an improvement of at least 15% in accuracy over similar systems in literature. Furthermore, iXora provides an easy-to-use, comprehensive environment for association studies and hypothesis checking in populations of related individuals.

Conclusions
iXora provides detailed resolution in parental inheritance, along with the capability of handling very large populations, which allows for accurate haplotype extraction and trait association. iXora is available for non-commercial use from http://researcher.ibm.com/project/3430.
Microarray and deep sequencing cross-platform analysis of the mirRNome and isomiR variation in response to epidermal growth factor
Authors: Llorens Franc , Hummel Manuela , Pantano Lorena , Pastor Xavier , Vivancos Ana , Castillo Ester , Mattlin Heidi , Ferrer Anna , Ingham Matthew , Noguera Marc , Kofler Robert , Dohm Juliane C , Pluvinet Raquel , Bayés Mònica , Himmelbauer Heinz , del Rio José Antonio , Martí Eulàlia , Sumoy Lauro 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) plays an important function in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation by binding to its receptor (EGFR) and providing cancer cells with increased survival responsiveness. Signal transduction carried out by EGF has been extensively studied at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Little is known about the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the EGF signaling pathway. miRNAs have emerged as major players in the complex networks of gene regulation, and cancer miRNA expression studies have evidenced a direct involvement of miRNAs in cancer progression.

Results
In this study, we have used an integrative high content analysis approach to identify the specific miRNAs implicated in EGF signaling in HeLa cells as potential mediators of cancer mediated functions. We have used microarray and deep-sequencing technologies in order to obtain a global view of the EGF miRNA transcriptome with a robust experimental cross-validation. By applying a procedure based on Rankprod tests, we have delimited a solid set of EGF-regulated miRNAs. After validating regulated miRNAs by reverse transcription quantitative PCR, we have derived protein networks and biological functions from the predicted targets of the regulated miRNAs to gain insight into the potential role of miRNAs in EGF-treated cells. In addition, we have analyzed sequence heterogeneity due to editing relative to the reference sequence (isomiRs) among regulated miRNAs.

Conclusions
We propose that the use of global genomic miRNA cross-validation derived from high throughput technologies can be used to generate more reliable datasets inferring more robust networks of co-regulated predicted miRNA target genes.
Socioeconomic disparity in cervical cancer screening among Korean women: 1998–2010
Authors: Lee Minjee , Park Eun-Cheol , Chang Hoo-Sun , Kwon Jeoung A , Yoo Ki Bong , Kim Tae Hyun 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundCervical cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer among Korean women and is one of the most preventable cancers in the world. This study aimed to investigate the change in cervical cancer screening rates, the level of socioeconomic disparities in cervical cancer screening participation, and whether there was a reduction in these disparities between 1998 and 2010.MethodsUsing the Korean Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, women 30 years or older without a history of cervical cancer and who completed a health questionnaire, physical examination, and nutritional survey were included (n = 17,105). Information about participation in cervical cancer screening was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between cervical cancer screening participation and the socioeconomic status of the women.ResultsThe cervical cancer screening rate increased from 40.5% in 1998 to 52.5% in 2010. Socioeconomic disparities influenced participation, and women with lower educational levels and lower household income were less likely to be screened. Compared with the lowest educational level, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for screening in women with the highest educational level were 1.56 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–2.30) in 1998, and 1.44 (95% CI: 1.12–1.87) in 2010. Compared with women with the lowest household income level, the adjusted ORs for screening in women with the highest household income level were 1.80 (95% CI: 1.22–2.68), 2.82 (95% CI: 2.01–3.96), and 1.45 (95% CI: 1.08–1.94) in 2001, 2005, and 2010, respectively.ConclusionAlthough population-wide progress has been made in participation in cervical cancer screening over the 12-year period, socioeconomic status remained an important factor in reducing compliance with cancer screening.
The association between price, competition, and demand factors on private sector anti-malarial stocking and sales in western Kenya: considerations for the AMFm subsidy
Authors: O’Meara Wendy Prudhomme , Obala Andrew , Thirumurthy Harsha , Khwa-Otsyula Barasa 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Households in sub-Saharan Africa are highly reliant on the retail sector for obtaining treatment for malaria fevers and other illnesses. As donors and governments seek to promote the use of artemisinin combination therapy in malaria-endemic areas through subsidized anti-malarials offered in the retail sector, understanding the stocking and pricing decisions of retail outlets is vital.

Methods
A survey of all medicine retailers serving Bungoma East District in western Kenya was conducted three months after the launch of the AMFm subsidy in Kenya. The survey obtained information on each anti-malarial in stock: brand name, price, sales volume, outlet characteristics and GPS co-ordinates. These data were matched to household-level data from the Webuye Health and Demographic Surveillance System, from which population density and fever prevalence near each shop were determined. Regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with retailers’ likelihood of stocking subsidized artemether lumefantrine (AL) and the association between price and sales for AL, quinine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP).

Results
Ninety-seven retail outlets in the study area were surveyed; 11% of outlets stocked subsidized AL. Size of the outlet and having a pharmacist on staff were associated with greater likelihood of stocking subsidized AL. In the multivariable model, total volume of anti-malarial sales was associated with greater likelihood of stocking subsidized AL and competition was important; likelihood of stocking subsidized AL was considerably higher if the nearest neighbour stocked subsidized AL. Price was a significant predictor of sales volume for all three types of anti-malarials but the relationship varied, with the largest price sensitivity found for SP drugs.

Conclusion
The results suggest that helping small outlets overcome the constraints to stocking subsidized AL should be a priority. Competition between retailers and prices can play an important role in greater adoption of AL.
Equity in the distribution of CT and MRI in China: a panel analysis
Authors: He Da , Yu Hao , Chen Yingyao 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIntroductionChina is facing a daunting challenge to health equity in the context of rapid economic development. This study adds to the literature by examining equity in the distribution of high-technology medical equipment, such as CT and MRI, in China.MethodsA panel analysis was conducted with information about four study sites in 2006 and 2009. The four provincial-level study sites included Shanghai, Zhejiang, Shaanxi, and Hunan, representing different geographical, economic, and medical technology levels in China. A random sample of 71 hospitals was selected from the four sites. Data were collected through questionnaire surveys. Equity status was assessed in terms of CT and MRI numbers, characteristics of machine, and financing sources. The assessment was conducted at multiple levels, including international, provincial, city, and hospital level. In addition to comparison among the study sites, the sample was compared with OECD countries in CT and MRI distributions.ResultsChina had lower numbers of CTs and MRIs per million population in 2009 than most of the selected OECD countries while the increases in its CT and MRI numbers from 2006 to 2009 were higher than most of the OECD countries. The equity status of CT distribution remained at low inequality level in both 2006 and 2009 while the equity status of MRI distribution improved from high inequality in 2006 to moderate inequality in 2009. Despite the equity improvement, the distributions of CTs and MRIs were significantly positively correlated with economic development level across all cities in the four study sites in either 2006 or 2009. Our analysis also revealed that Shanghai, the study site with the highest level of economic development, had more advanced CT and MRI machine, more imported CTs and MRIs, and higher government subsidies on these two types of equipment.ConclusionsThe number of CTs and MRIs increased considerably in China from 2006 to 2009. The equity status of CTs was better than that of MRIs although the equity status in MRI distribution got improved from 2006 to 2009. Still considerable inequality exists in terms of characteristics and financing of CTs and MRIs.