bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Symptoms and clinical relevance: A dilemma for clinical trials on prevention of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Agnelli Giancarlo , Bounameaux Henri 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThe outcomes of thromboprophylactic trials have been debated for decades. Recently, the 9th edition of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) evidence-based clinical practice guidelines based their strong recommendations only on patient-important outcomes. Practically, symptoms were considered the crucial element. Consequently, studies that primarily aimed at reducing venographic thrombi were considered less pertinent than studies that focused on symptomatic thrombosis. In the present viewpoint, we challenge the argument that “symptomatic” and “clinically relevant” are interchangeable. In particular, the case is made that asymptomatic events may be clinically relevant and that asymptomatic venographically detected thrombosis is a clinically relevant surrogate outcome for fatal pulmonary embolism.
Familial risk of venous thromboembolism in first-, second- and third-degree relatives: a nationwide family study in Sweden
Authors: Ohlsson Henrik , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Zöller Bengt 
Published: January 2013

SummaryVenous thromboembolism (VTE) clusters in families, but the familial risk of VTE has only been determined in first-degree relatives. This nationwide study aimed to determine the familial risk of VTE in first-, second- and third-degree relatives of affected individuals. The Swedish Multi-Generation Register was linked to Hospital Discharge Register data for the period 1987–2009. This was a case-cohort study. Odds ratios (ORs) for VTE were calculated for individuals whose relatives were hospitalised for VTE, as determined by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), and those whose relatives were unaffected by VTE. The familial OR for VTE was 2.49 in siblings (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.40–2.58), 2.65 in children (2.50–2.80), 2.09 in parents (2.03–2.15), 1.52 in maternal half-siblings (1.26–1.85), 2.34 in paternal half-siblings (2.00–2.73), 1.69 in nieces/nephews (1.57–1.82), 1.47 in cousins (1.33–1.64), and 1.14 in spouses of individuals diagnosed with VTE (1.09–1.18). Familial clustering was stronger at young ages. The familial transmission was slightly stronger for males compared with females but was only significant for siblings 1.13 (1.05–1.22) and parents 1.11 (1.05–1.78) of probands. The present data showing an increased VTE risk among not only first-degree relatives but also second- and third-degree relatives indicate that the genetic component of the familial clustering of VTE is strong. Family history is a potentially useful genetic surrogate marker for clinical VTE risk assessment, even in second- and third degree-relatives.
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in different ethnic groups in Turkey
Authors: Kumbasar Baki , Yenigun Mustafa , Ataoglu Hayriye Esra , Sar Fuat , Serez Kemal , Turker Tunga , Tamay Sebnem , Kutlu Mehmet , Seven Cemal , Ebil Samet Serkan , Temiz Levent Umit , Ergen Kadir , Kaptanogullari Ozlem Harmankaya , Kazancıoglu Rumayza 
Published: January 2013

Objective To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its risk factors in various ethnic groups in Istanbul, Turkey. Methods Study participants were aged ≥20 years. Risk factor components for metabolic syndrome were measured and its presence was determined in study participants. Results The study included 254 Greeks, 273 West Thracians, 275 East Turkistanis and 304 Armenians. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly different between groups (Greeks, 19.3%; West Thracians, 24.9%; East Turkistanis, 15.3%; Armenians, 20.4%), and increased with age in all groups. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were found mainly in Greeks (females, 64.5%; males, 61.6%) and West Thracians (females, 75.8%; males, 73.1%). Among East Turkistanis, HDL-C and triglyceride levels were significantly higher compared with the other ethnic groups. Hypertension was the most frequently encountered component of metabolic syndrome in East Turkistanis. Conclusions The prevalence of metabolic syndrome varied between ethnic groups living in the same geographical location. In Turkey, metabolic syndrome is common. It is important to determine differences between ethnic groups, as this will assist in identifying those at higher risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Comparative analysis of a complement fixation assay and enzyme immunoassay to determine the seroprevalence of measles and varicella in a survey of healthcare workers
Authors: Shibata Hiroshi , Kumakura Shunichi , Isobe Takeshi , Hirose Masahiro , Ohe Miki , Nishimura Nobuhiro , Onoda Keiichi , Nagai Atsushi , Yamaguchi Shuhei 
Published: January 2013

Objective Seroprevalence surveys of healthcare workers for vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles and varicella, are essential for disease prevention and infection control programmes. The purpose of this study was to compare the complement fixation (CF) assay and an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to determine the prevalence of immunoglobulin G antibodies directed against measles and varicella viruses in healthcare workers. Methods Antimeasles and antivaricella antibody titres were measured simultaneously in serum samples from healthcare workers employed at a Japanese university hospital, using the CF assay and an EIA. Results Serum samples were obtained from 898 healthcare workers. Seropositivity rates determined using the CF assay and EIA were 67.8% versus 94.0%, respectively, for measles, and 83.2% versus 97.6% for varicella. Compared with EIA, a nine- and 22-fold higher number of seronegative subjects was identified by the CF assay for measles and varicella, respectively. Conclusion Differences between the CF assay and EIA in detecting seronegative or seropositive healthcare workers for measles and varicella suggest that undertaking a seroprevalence survey using an EIA, rather than a CF assay, would more accurately determine susceptibility to vaccine-preventable diseases, in healthcare settings.
Improvement in collagen metabolism after 12 weeks’ cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Mingjiang , Zhou Yanli , Zhou Yongming , Babu Kamesh , Wang Yueling 
Published: January 2013

Objectives To investigate the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on collagen metabolism biomarkers and their relationship to cardiac function, in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Methods Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitor of MMP-9 (TIMP-1), carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) were quantified before and after 12 weeks’ treatment, in patients with ICM receiving CRT and standard medical therapy (CRT group) or standard medical therapy alone (non-CRT group), and in controls. Cardiac function was measured echocardiographically. Results MMP-9, TIMP-1, ICTP and the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio were significantly higher, and the PICP/ICTP ratio significantly lower, in patients with ICM ( n = 27) compared with controls ( n = 20). After 12 weeks’ treatment, MMP-9, TIMP-1, ICTP and the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio were significantly higher, and the PICP/ICTP ratio significantly lower, in the non-CRT group ( n = 15) compared with the CRT group ( n = 12). The PICP/ICTP ratio correlated positively with TIMP-1 and negatively with MMP-9. The early/atrial ratio and left ventricular ejection fraction correlated positively and negatively, respectively, with the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio. Echocardiographic measurements of cardiac function were significantly worse in patients with ICM compared with controls and improved significantly after treatment in the CRT group. Conclusions In ICM, collagen degradation biomarkers were elevated and correlated positively with cardiac function. CRT partially reversed the deterioration in collagen metabolism and enhanced cardiac function.
7,8-Dihydroxy coumarin promotes chondrogenic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Shao Ying , Lin Quan , Liu Haipeng , Zhang Duo 
Published: January 2013

Objective To investigate the effects of 7,8-dihydroxy coumarin on the chondrogenic differentiation of rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). Methods ADMSCs were cultured using a micromass suspension method and incubated with different concentrations of 7,8-dihydroxy coumarin and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 for 3 weeks: group A (negative control, no drug treatment); group B (positive control, 10 ng/ml TGF-β1); groups C, D and E (incubated with 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml 7,8-dihydroxy coumarin, respectively); groups F, G and H (incubated with 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml 7,8-dihydroxy coumarin, respectively, plus 10 ng/ml TGF-β1). Markers of chondrogenic differentiation were measured using histology, immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Results When used alone, 7,8-dihydroxy coumarin only weakly induced the chondrogenic differentiation of ADMSCs. 7,8-Dihydroxy coumarin used in combination with TGF-β1 strongly induced chondrogenic differentiation of ADMSCs. For some of the markers of chondrogenic differentiation, the extent of the induction was 7,8-dihydroxy coumarin dose-dependent. Conclusions 7,8-Dihydroxy coumarin appears to work synergistically with TGF-β1 to strongly induce chondrogenic differentiation of rat-derived ADMSCs.
Intramyocardial Injection of Heart Tissue-Derived Extracellular Matrix Improves Postinfarction Cardiac Function in Rats
Authors: Dai Wangde , Gerczuk Paul , Zhang Yuanyuan , Smith Leona , Kopyov Oleg , Kay Gregory L. , Jyrala Aarne J. , Kloner Robert A. 
Published: January 2013

Aims: We determined whether implantation of heart tissue-derived decellularized matrix, which contains native biochemical and structural matrix composition, could thicken the infarcted left ventricular (LV) wall and improve LV function in a rat myocardial infarction model. Methods and Results: Myocardial infarction was induced by left coronary ligation in Fischer rats. One week later, saline (75 μL, n = 17) or matrix (75 μL, n = 19) was directly injected into the infarcted area. At 6 weeks after injection, cardiac function was assessed by left ventriculogram, echocardiography, and Millar catheter. The hearts were pressure fixed to measure postmortem LV volume and processed for histology. Left ventriculogram demonstrated that LV ejection fraction (EF) was significantly greater in the matrix-treated (56.7% ± 1.4%) than in the saline-treated group (52.4% ± 1.5%; P = .043), and paradoxical LV systolic bulging was significantly reduced in the matrix-treated group (6.2% ± 1.6% of the LV circumference) compared to the saline-treated group (10.3% ± 1.3%; P = .048). Matrix implantation significantly increased the thickness of infarcted LV wall (0.602 ± 0.029 mm) compared to the saline-treated group (0.484 ± 0.03 mm; P = .0084). Infarct expansion index was significantly lower in the matrix-treated group (1.053 ± 0.051) than in the saline-treated group (1.382 ± 0.096, P = .0058). Blood vessel density and c-kit positive staining cells within the infarct area were comparable between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Implantation of heart tissue-derived decellularized matrix thickens the LV infarcted wall, prevents paradoxical LV systolic bulging, and improves LV EF after myocardial infarction in rats. This benefit was not dependent on the enhanced angiogenesis or the recruitment of endogenous stem cells to the injury site.
Differential expression of major histocompatibility complex class I in developmental glioneuronal lesions
Authors: Prabowo Avanita S , Iyer Anand M , Anink Jasper J , Spliet Wim GM , van Rijen Peter C , Aronica Eleonora 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPurposeThe expression of the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) in the brain has received considerable interest not only because of its fundamental role in the immune system, but also for its non-immune functions in the context of activity-dependent brain development and plasticity.MethodsIn the present study we evaluated the expression and cellular pattern of MHC-I in focal glioneuronal lesions associated with intractable epilepsy. MHC-I expression was studied in epilepsy surgery cases with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD I,n= 6; FCD IIa,n= 6 and FCD IIb,n= 15), tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC, cortical tubers;n= 6) or ganglioglioma (GG;n= 15) using immunocytochemistry. Evaluation of T lymphocytes with granzyme-B+granules and albumin immunoreactivity was also performed.ResultsAll lesions were characterized by MHC-I expression in blood vessels. Expression in both endothelial and microglial cells as well as in neurons (dysmorphic/dysplastic neurons) was observed in FCD II, TSC and GG cases. We observed perivascular and parenchymal T lymphocytes (CD8+, T-cytotoxic) with granzyme-B+granules in FCD IIb and TSC specimens. Albumin extravasation, with uptake in astrocytes, was observed in FCD IIb and GG cases.ConclusionsOur findings indicate a prominent upregulation of MHC-I as part of the immune response occurring in epileptogenic glioneuronal lesions. In particular, the induction of MHC-I in neuronal cells appears to be a feature of type II FCD, TSC and GG and may represent an important accompanying event of the immune response, associated with blood–brain barrier dysfunction, in these developmental lesions.
Protective effect of transparent film dressing on proton therapy induced skin reactions
Authors: Whaley Jonathan T , Kirk Maura , Cengel Keith , McDonough James , Bekelman Justin , Christodouleas John P 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Objective
Proton therapy can result in clinically significant radiation dermatitis. In some clinical scenarios, such as lung or breast cancer, the risk of severe radiation dermatitis may limit beam arrangement and prescription doses. Patients undergoing proton therapy for prostate cancer commonly develop mild radiation dermatitis. Herein, we report the outcomes of two prostate cancer patients whose radiation dermatitis appears to have been substantially diminished by transparent film dressings (Beekley stickers).

Methods
This is a descriptive report of the skin toxicity observed in two patients undergoing proton therapy for prostate cancer at a single institution in 2011. A phantom dosimetric study was performed to evaluate the impact of a transparent film dressing on a beam’s spread out Bragg peak (SOBP).

Results
Two patients with low risk prostate cancer were treated with proton therapy to a total dose of 79.2Gy (RBE) in 1.8 Gy (RBE) fractions using two opposed lateral beams daily. Both patients had small circular (2.5 cm diameter) transparent adhesive markers placed on their skin to assist with daily alignment. Patient 1 had markers in place bilaterally for the entirety of treatment. Patient 2 had a marker in place for three weeks on one side and six weeks on the other. Over the course of therapy, both men developed typical Grade 1 radiation dermatitis (asymptomatic erythema) on their hips; however, in both patients, the erythema was substantially decreased beneath the markers. Patient 2 demonstrated less attenuation and thus greater erythema in the skin covered for three weeks compared to the skin covered for six weeks. The difference in skin changes between the covered and uncovered skin persisted for at least 1 month. A phantom study of double scattered beam SOBP with and without the marker in the beam path showed no gross dosimetric effect.

Conclusions
Transparent adhesive markers appear to have attenuated radiation dermatitis in these two patients without affecting the SOBP. One patient may have exhibited a dose–response effect. The reproducibility and underlying mechanisms are unclear. However, the potential to leverage this effect to improve proton-related radiation dermatitis in other clinical scenarios is intriguing. Exploratory animal studies are underway.
The Value of Big N Target Auditors in Corporate Takeovers
Authors: Xie Yuan , Yi Han S. , Zhang Yinqi 
Published: January 2013

SUMMARY:
Using a large sample between 1987 and 2006, we document that firms with Big N auditors are (1) more likely to become merger and acquisition (M&A) targets, and (2) more likely to be ultimately acquired in M&A deals. Cross-sectional analyses further suggest that the effects of Big N target auditors on the likelihood of becoming targets and on deal completion rates are more pronounced for firms with low accruals quality (our proxy for high information risk). Overall, the results emphasize the important role that Big N target auditors play in facilitating M&A transactions.
Data Availability: All data used in this study are publicly available from the sources identified in the paper.
Ice-volume changes, bias estimation of mass-balance measurements and changes in subglacial lakes derived by lidar mapping of the surface of Icelandic glaciers
Authors: Jóhannesson Tómas , Björnsson Helgi , Magnússon Eyjólfur , Guðmundsson Sverrir , Pálsson Finnur , Sigurðsson Oddur , Thorsteinsson Thorsteinn , Berthier Etienne 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIcelandic glaciers cover ∼11 000 km2 in area and store ∼3600 km3 of ice. Starting in 2008 during the International Polar Year, accurate digital elevation models (DEMs) of the glaciers are being produced with airborne lidar. More than 90% of the glaciers have been surveyed in this effort, including Vatnajökull, Hofsjökull, Myrdalsjökull, Drangajökull, Eyjafjallajökull and several smaller glaciers. The publicly available DEMs are useful for glaciological and geological research, including studies of ice-volume changes, estimation of bias in mass-balance measurements, studies of jökulhlaups and subglacial lakes formed by subglacial geothermal areas, and for mapping of crevasses. The lidar mapping includes a 500-1000 m wide ice-free buffer zone around the ice margins which contains many glacio-geomorphological features, and therefore the new DEMs have proved useful in geological investigations of proglacial areas. Comparison of the lidar DEMs with older maps confirms the rapid ongoing volume changes of the Icelandic ice caps which have been shown by mass-balance measurements since 1995/96. In some cases, ice-volume changes derived by comparing the lidar measurements with older DEMs are in good agreement with accumulated ice-volume changes derived from traditional mass-balance measurements, but in other cases such a comparison indicates substantial biases in the traditional mass-balance records.
Recommendations for Fasting in Ramadan for Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Wakeel Jamal Al , Mitwalli Ahmed H. , Alsuwaida Abdulkareem , Ghonaim Mohammad Al , Usama Saira , Hayat Ashik , Shah Iqbal Hamid 
Published: January 2013

♦Introduction The month of Ramadan holds great religious and social significance for Muslims all over the world. The aim of the present study was to provide a modified dialysis schedule for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients that allows for fasting and that minimizes the effect on the patient's general health and volume status. ♦Methods We observed 31 patients under treatment at the PD unit of King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh. During the 3 - 4 weeks before the start of Ramadan, all patients were counseled individually and in detail about the possibility of fasting. They were also provided with clear instructions about fluid intake (up to 1 L daily) and avoiding a high-potassium diet. Of the 31 patients, 18 (10 women, 8 men) elected to fast during the month of Ramadan. The mean duration of fast in the study year (2009) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was about 14 hours: from 0415 h (before sunrise) to 1800 h (after sunset). Depending on membrane type and patient preference, the fasting group was shifted to one of two regimens: • Modified continuous ambulatory PD (8 patients): 3 exchanges during the night (1.36% or 2.27%), and icodextrin for a long dwell during the day. The first dialysis exchange was performed immediately after breaking the fast (1900 h), and the next at 2300 h. The final exchange was performed in the early morning before sunrise (0300 h), when the icodextrin was infused. • Modified continuous cycling PD (10 patients): exchanges (1.36% or 2.27%) were performed over 6 - 7 hours, and icodextrin was infused for a long dwell during the day. The patient connected to the cycler at 2000 h or 2100 h, and therapy finished at nearly 0300 h, with icodextrin as the last fill. ♦Results Of the study patients, 2 were admitted because of peritonitis (1 in each modality group), and the modified therapy was discontinued. In the modified CCPD group, 1 patient (on PD for 1 month before Ramadan) developed PD-related pleural effusion (proved by pleural fluid analysis), and PD was consequently discontinued. Hypotension developed in 2 patients of the CAPD group and 1 of the CCPD group during the first 2 weeks. In the CCPD group, 1 patient presented with lower limb edema and mild fluid overload. Overall, PD patients that opted to fast during Ramadan did not experience any serious morbidity or deterioration in renal function during their period of observance. No biochemical parameters or clearance studies showed a statistically significant p value. ♦Conclusions In view of the study findings, we conclude that most stable patients on PD can fast, provided that they strictly adhere to their medications and dialysis therapy in addition to the dietary restrictions. These patients should be followed closely to detect any complications and to ensure that adequate fluid and electrolyte balance are maintained.
Sox4 Is Required for the Survival of Pro-B Cells
Authors: Sun Baohua , Mallampati Saradhi , Gong Yun , Wang Donghai , Lefebvre Véronique , Sun Xiaoping 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe development of mature B cells from hematopoietic stem cells is a strictly orchestrated process involving multiple regulatory genes. The transcription factor Sox4 is required for this process, but its role has not been systematically studied, and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. To determine when and how Sox4 functions in the stepwise process of B cell development, we used mice harboring conditional null alleles for Sox4 and a Cre transgene. Sox4 deletion in hematopoietic stem cells almost entirely eliminated pro-B cells in both fetal livers and adult bone marrow, resulting in a severe deficiency in later stage B cells, including circulating mature B cells. Sox4-deficient pro-B cells, particularly those expressing the stem cell factor receptor c-Kit, readily underwent apoptosis, and even more so when c-Kit activity was inhibited by imatinib. C-Kit–expressing pro-B cells showed decreased activation of the c-Kit downstream protein Src upon Sox4 deletion. Likewise, the level of the anti-apoptotic Bcl2 protein was decreased in residual pro-B cells, and its restoration using a Bcl2 transgene allowed not only partial rescue of pro-B cell survival but also B cell maturation in the absence of Sox4. Our findings indicate that Sox4 is required for the survival of pro-B cells and may functionally interact with c-Kit and Bcl2.