bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exposure to priority organochlorine contaminants in the Italian general population. Part 1. Eight priority organochlorinated pesticides in blood serum
Authors: Mrema EJ , Rubino FM , Mandic-Rajcevic S , Sturchio E , Turci R , Osculati A , Brambilla G , Minoia C , Colosio C 
Published: July 2013

Despite extensive use of organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in Italy in the 1940s to 1970s, especially for public health control of malaria mosquitoes, information on their exposure levels among the general population is limited. These OCPs can be a source of health risk to human. A total of 137 blood samples were collected from residents of the general population of three Italian towns, Novafeltria, Pavia and Milan, to determine the levels of eight OCPs in blood serum. The concentrations of beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), 1,1-dichloro-2-( o-chlorophenyl)-2-( p-chlorophenyl)ethylene, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis( p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene ( p, p' -DDE), 1,1-dichloro-2-( o-chlorophenyl)-2-( p-chlorophenyl)ethane, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (4-chlorophenyl)ethane, 1,1,1-trichloro-2-( o-chlorophenyl)-2-( p-chlorophenyl)-ethane and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis( p-chlorophenyl) ethane were measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Variations in serum concentrations of OCPs with respect to place of residence, gender, age and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated by non-parametric tests. p, p' -DDE and HCB were the most abundant and major contributors of total OCP concentration. Their levels differed significantly between the three towns with a trend Milan > Novafeltria > Pavia (  p < 0.0001). Females had significantly higher concentrations of HCB and p, p'-DDE than males in the overall population sample. HCB concentrations were significantly higher in females than in males of Milan ( p = 0.029). We observed positive correlations of p, p'-DDE and HCB with age in Novafeltria subjects ( r = 0.468, p = 0.004). Total OCP concentrations differed significantly across BMI categories ( p = 0.018) in overall population. We have demonstrated a clear pattern of the main OCPs in a fairly large population. Generally, our study provides information on OCPs exposure among the Italian general population and provides indications for further investigations.
Uncomplicated Depression, Suicide Attempt, and the DSM-5 Bereavement Exclusion Debate
Authors: Wakefield Jerome C. , Schmitz Mark F. 
Published: July 2013

Purpose: To evaluate the claim, made repeatedly during Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition debates over eliminating the bereavement exclusion (BE), that “uncomplicated” depressive reactions have elevated suicidality like other major depressive disorder (MDD), so exclusions risk missing suicidal cases. Method: We found no published evidence assessing suicide risk specifically in uncomplicated depression. Using data from four epidemiological surveys, we calculated suicide attempt rates both concurrently and predictively for those with histories of no MDD, uncomplicated MDD, and standard MDD. Results: Both concurrently and predictively, uncomplicated MDD suicide attempt rates were no greater than no-MDD history rates and less than standard MDD rates. Discussion: Excluding uncomplicated cases from MDD poses no risk of missing elevated suicidal rates typical of depression. The “suicide” argument used to support BE elimination was spurious.
The heart of the matter: Journal editors and journals
Authors: Richards Ian , Wasserman Herman 
Published: July 2013

Publication in peer-reviewed journals is the life-blood of academic existence. Yet surprisingly little research has been devoted to the views of the journal editors who play such a central role in this process. This essay reports a pilot project which set out to shed some light on these views. As editors of two peer-reviewed journals in the fields of journalism and journalism studies, the essay’s authors initially drew upon their own experience to identify common issues facing journal editors. Their approach was also informed by perspectives acquired from the personal experience of their own global positioning – one located on the periphery of the Global North and one in the Global South. An online questionnaire was distributed to editors of 24 journals in the fields of communication, journalism and journalism studies. The essay reports that the responses received suggest that journal editors are not only conversant with a plethora of complicated and vexing problems, but also have developed a range of successful strategies for responding to them. At the same time, however, publication – or, rather, non-publication – of papers authored in the Global South is a contentious issue which produced divergent responses. The authors conclude that this is the issue most likely to become politicised in future.
Monounsaturated and Saturated, but Not n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Decrease Cartilage Destruction under Inflammatory Conditions
Authors: Bastiaansen-Jenniskens Y.M. , Siawash M. , van de Lest C.H.A. , Verhaar J.A.N. , Kloppenburg M. , Zuurmond A.-M. , Stojanovic-Susulic V. , Van Osch G.J.V.M. , Clockaerts S. 
Published: July 2013

Purpose: Osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with obesity in which altered fatty acid levels have been observed. We investigated whether the most common fatty acids in synovial fluid influence cartilage deterioration in OA. Design: Cartilage was obtained from OA patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Chondrocytes or cartilage explants were cultured with linoleic (n-6 polyunsaturated), oleic (monounsaturated), or palmitic (saturated) acid. After preculture, media were renewed and inflammation was simulated in half of the samples by addition of 10 ng/mL tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) with or without the fatty acids. Effects on lipid uptake (Oil-Red-O), cell toxicity (lactate dehydrogenase), prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) release and gene expression for prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2 (PTGS2), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), and MMP13, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 were determined on chondrocytes in monolayer. Effects on glycosaminoglycan (GAG) release were evaluated on cartilage explants. Results: None of the fatty acids were cytotoxic and all were taken up by the cells, resulting in a higher amount of intracellular lipid in chondrocytes. Linoleic acid increased PGE2 production in the presence of TNFα. Oleic acid and palmitic acid inhibited MMP1 gene expression in chondrocytes stimulated with TNFα. In cartilage explants, GAG release was also inhibited by oleic acid and palmitic acid, and oleic acid decreased PTGS2 gene expression in stimulated chondrocytes. Conclusions: Linoleic acid has a pro-inflammatory effect on cartilage whereas oleic acid and palmitic acid seem to inhibit cartilage destruction. These results indicate that altered fatty acid levels may influence loss of cartilage structure in OA.
Laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy: a UK centre's experience
Authors: Youssef FR , Smith DJ , Oakley NE 
Published: July 2013

Introduction Laparoscopy allows minimally invasive approaches for procedures traditionally performed openly, with associated lower morbidity. Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) is mostly regarded as an open procedure because laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is technically challenging. We evaluated our centre's experience with LPN and open partial nephrectomy (OPN). Methods All patients over five years (2005–2010) undergoing NSS were identified retrospectively from our operating room management information system. Case notes, diagnostic and post-operative surveillance imaging were reviewed. Post-operative morbidity, histopathology and serum full blood count and urea and electrolyte reports were recorded. Results A total of 97 OPNs and 23 LPNs were performed. Median length of stay was six days for OPNs and three days for LPNs (p= 0.005). Mean drop in haemoglobin (Hb) was 2.6 g/dl for both OPNs and LPNs. No significant difference in transfusion rates was observed. Median warm ischaemia time (WIT) for OPNs was 14 minutes and 32 minutes for LPNs (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was seen in changes from baseline serum creatinine when comparing OPNs with LPNs at day 1 (p = 0.7572) and at 12 months (p = 0.7406) post-operatively. Surgical margins were positive in 20 (21.5%) OPNs and negative in all LPNs (p = 0.038). One patient developed local recurrence following OPN (clear margins) and two patients developed distant metastases. Conclusions Benefits of LPN include shorter hospital stay and satisfactory long-term preservation of renal function, despite longer WITs. This demonstrates the benefits of LPNs in patients with single exophytic renal tumours performed by highly experienced, regionally selected laparoscopists.
Clinical Application of the “Glenoid Track” Concept for Defining Humeral Head Engagement in Anterior Shoulder Instability
Authors: Metzger Paul D. , Barlow Brian , Leonardelli Dominic , Peace William , Solomon Daniel J. , Provencher Matthew T. 
Published: July 2013

Background: The optimal treatment of Hill-Sachs injuries is difficult to determine and is potentiated by the finding that a Hill-Sachs injury becomes more important in the setting of glenoid bone loss, making engagement of the humeral head on the glenoid inherently easier. The “glenoid track” concept was developed to biomechanically quantify the effects of a combined glenoid and humeral head bony defects on instability. Purpose: To clinically evaluate humeral head engagement on the glenoid by utilizing glenoid track measurements of both humeral head and glenoid bone loss. Study Design: Retrospective cohort. Methods: A total of 205 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability were evaluated, and of these, 140 patients (68%; 9 females [6%] and 131 males [94%]) with a Hill-Sachs lesion and a mean age of 27.6 years (range, 15-47 years; standard error of mean [SEM], 0.59) were included in the final magnetic resonance angiogram [MRA]) analysis. Bipolar bone loss measures of glenoid bone loss (sagittal oblique MRA) and multiple size measures of the Hill-Sachs injury (coronal, axial, and sagittal MRA) were recorded. Based on the extent of the bipolar lesion, patients were classified with glenoid track as either outside and engaging of the glenoid on the humeral head (OUT-E) or inside and nonengaging (IN-NE). The 2 groups were then compared with clinical evidence of engagement on examination under anesthesia (EUA) using video arthroscopy, number of dislocations, length of instability, and patient age. Results: The mean glenoid bone loss was 7.6% (range, 0%-29%; SEM, 1.20%), and 31 of 140 (22%) patients demonstrated clinical engagement on EUA. Radiographically, 19 (13.4%) patients were determined to be OUT-E, while 121 (86.6%) were IN-NE and not expected to engage. Of those 19 patients with suggested radiographic engagement (OUT-E), 16 (84.5%) had clinical evidence of engagement versus only 12.4% that clinically engaged (15/121) without radiographic evidence of engagement (IN-NE) ( P < .001). Younger age and a greater number of recurrence events were jointly predictive of a patient being classified as OUT-E (11.8 vs 6.4 dislocations; P = .015). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that glenohumeral engagement was well predicted based on preoperative glenoid and humeral head bone loss measurements using the glenoid track method. In addition, younger age and a greater number of recurrences were predictive of engagement. The glenoid track concept may be important to fully assess the overall risk for engagement prior to surgery and may help guide surgical decision making such as bony augmentation procedures.
The IL-10 homologue encoded by cyprinid herpesvirus 3 is essential neither for viral replication in vitro nor for virulence in vivo
Authors: Ouyang Ping , Rakus Krzysztof , Boutier Maxime , Reschner Anca , Leroy Baptiste , Ronsmans Maygane , Fournier Guillaume , Scohy Sophie , Costes Bérénice , Wattiez Ruddy , Vanderplasschen Alain 
Published: July 2013

AbstractCyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3), a member of the familyAlloherpesviridae, is the causative agent of a lethal disease in common and koi carp. CyHV-3 ORF134 encodes an interleukin-10 (IL-10) homologue. The present study was devoted to this ORF. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that ORF134 is expressed as a spliced gene belonging to the early-late class. Proteomic analyses of CyHV-3 infected cell supernatant demonstrated that the ORF134 expression product is one of the most abundant proteins of the CyHV-3 secretome. To investigate the role of ORF134 in viral replication in vitro and in virulence in vivo, a deleted strain and a derived revertant strain were produced using BAC cloning technologies. The recombinant ORF134 deleted strain replicated in vitro comparably to the parental and the revertant strains. Infection of fish by immersion in water containing the virus induced comparable CyHV-3 disease for the three virus genotypes tested (wild type, deleted and revertant). Quantification of viral DNA by real time TaqMan PCR (in the gills and the kidney) and analysis of carp cytokine expression (in the spleen) by RT-qPCR at different times post-infection did not revealed any significant difference between the groups of fish infected with the three virus genotypes. Similarly, histological examination of the gills and the kidney of infected fish revealed no significant differences between fish infected with ORF134 deleted virus versus fish infected with the control parental or revertant strains. All together, the results of the present study demonstrate that the IL-10 homologue encoded by CyHV-3 is essential neither for viral replication in vitro nor for virulence in common carp.
Abnormal expression of Pygopus 2 correlates with a malignant phenotype in human lung cancer
Authors: Liu Yang , Dong Qian-Ze , Wang Si , Fang Chang-Qing , Miao Yuan , Wang Liang , Li Ming-Zhu , Wang En-Hua 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Pygopus 2 (Pygo2) is a Pygo family member and an important component of the Wnt signaling transcriptional complex. Despite this data, no clinical studies investigating Pygo2 expression in lung cancer have yet been reported.

Methods
In the present study, the expression patterns of Pygo2 were evaluated by immunochemistry in 168 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We used small interfering RNA (siRNA) to specifically silence Pygo2, and investigated its effect on cell growth by an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry analysis in human lung cancer cell lines.

Results
Immunohistochemical analysis showed low expression of Pygo2 in normal lung tissues and increased nuclear expression in lung cancer tissues, either with or without perinuclear expression. Abnormal Pygo2 expression was associated with poor differentiation and a high Tumor (T), Node (N) and Metastases (M) stage in NSCLC patients, and correlated with poor prognosis. Using MTT assay we observed that Pygo2 downregulation inhibited cell proliferation; in addition, flow cytometry analysis showed that Pygo2 knockdown induced apoptosis and increased numbers of G1-phase cells and a reduction in S-phase cells.

Conclusions
We therefore conclude that abnormal Pygo2 protein expression may be a marker for advanced NSCLC. Furthermore, Pygo2 knockdown suppresses cell growth.
The mystery of persistent pulmonary hypertension: an idiopathic infantile arterial calcification
Authors: Shaireen Huma , Howlett Alexandra , Amin Harish , Yusuf Kamran , Kamaluddeen Majeeda , Lodha Abhay 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification (IIAC) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by wide spread calcifications in arterial walls, leading to vaso-occlusive ischaemia of multiple organs. Mortality is high, and there is no definitive treatment.

Case presentation
A male neonate, 36+5 weeks gestation, 2.81 kg, was admitted to NICU for respiratory distress. At one hour of age, he was noted to be pale, hypoperfused, with weak pulses, a hyperdynamic precordium and a grade IV/VI pansystolic murmur. The rest of his examination was normal. A chest X-ray showed massive cardiomegaly and pulmonary oedema. An echocardiogram (ECHO) indicated moderate persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) of unclear etiology. A diagnosis of Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification was made and a trial of Editronate therapy was given without success.

Conclusion
IIAC is a rare disorder, it should be considered whenever a neonate presents with unexplainable cardiac failure, PPHN, echogenic vessels on X-ray/ultrasound and, or concentric hypertrophic ventricles on ECHO. Serial antenatal ultrasound findings of echogenic cardiac foci should raise the suspicion of IIAC. Further studies to determine the long term effects of Editronate on vascular calcifications, disease outcome, and other treatment options are needed.
Emodin induces apoptosis of human cervical cancer hela cells via intrinsic mitochondrial and extrinsic death receptor pathway
Authors: Yaoxian Wang , Hui Yu , Yunyan Zhang , Yanqin Liu , Xin Ge , Xiaoke Wu 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Emodin is a natural anthraquinone derivative isolated from the Rheum palmatum L. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of emodin on the apoptosis of the human cervical cancer line HeLa and to identify the mechanisms involved.

Methods
Relative cell viability was assessed by MTT assay after treatment with emodin. Cell apoptosis was detected with TUNEL, Hoechst 33342 staining and quantified with flow cytometry using annexin FITC-PI staining.

Results
The percentage of apoptotic cells was 0.8, 8.2, 22.1, and 43.7%, respectively. The mRNA levels of Caspase-9, -8 and −3 detected by Real-time PCR after treatment with emodin were significantly increased. Emodin increased the protein levels of Cytochome c, Apaf-1, Fas, FasL, and FADD but decreased the protein levels of Pro-caspase-9, Pro-caspase-8 and Pro-caspase-3.

Conclusion
We conclude that the emodin inhibited HeLa proliferation by inducing apoptosis through the intrinsic mitochondrial and extrinsic death receptor pathways.
Association between In Utero arsenic exposure, placental gene expression, and infant birth weight: a US birth cohort study
Authors: Fei Dennis Liang , Koestler Devin C , Li Zhigang , Giambelli Camilla , Sanchez-Mejias Avencia , Gosse Julie A , Marsit Carmen J , Karagas Margaret R , Robbins David J 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Epidemiologic studies and animal models suggest that in utero arsenic exposure affects fetal health, with a negative association between maternal arsenic ingestion and infant birth weight often observed. However, the molecular mechanisms for this association remain elusive. In the present study, we aimed to increase our understanding of the impact of low-dose arsenic exposure on fetal health by identifying possible arsenic-associated fetal tissue biomarkers in a cohort of pregnant women exposed to arsenic at low levels.

Methods
Arsenic concentrations were determined from the urine samples of a cohort of 133 pregnant women from New Hampshire. Placental tissue samples collected from enrollees were homogenized and profiled for gene expression across a panel of candidate genes, including known arsenic regulated targets and genes involved in arsenic transport, metabolism, or disease susceptibility. Multivariable adjusted linear regression models were used to examine the relationship of candidate gene expression with arsenic exposure or with birth weight of the baby.

Results
Placental expression of the arsenic transporter AQP9 was positively associated with maternal urinary arsenic levels during pregnancy (coefficient estimate: 0.25; 95% confidence interval: 0.05 – 0.45). Placental expression of AQP9 related to expression of the phospholipase ENPP2 which was positively associated with infant birth weight (coefficient estimate: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.09 – 0.47). A structural equation model indicated that these genes may mediate arsenic’s effect on infant birth weight (coefficient estimate: -0.009; 95% confidence interval: -0.032 – -0.001; 10,000 replications for bootstrapping).

Conclusions
We identified the expression of AQP9 as a potential fetal biomarker for arsenic exposure. Further, we identified a positive association between the placental expression of phospholipase ENPP2 and infant birth weight. These findings suggest a path by which arsenic may affect birth outcomes.
Particulate air pollution and health inequalities: a Europe-wide ecological analysis
Authors: Richardson Elizabeth A , Pearce Jamie , Tunstall Helena , Mitchell Richard , Shortt Niamh K 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Environmental disparities may underlie the unequal distribution of health across socioeconomic groups. However, this assertion has not been tested across a range of countries: an important knowledge gap for a transboundary health issue such as air pollution. We consider whether populations of low-income European regions were a) exposed to disproportionately high levels of particulate air pollution (PM10) and/or b) disproportionately susceptible to pollution-related mortality effects.

Methods
Europe-wide gridded PM10 and population distribution data were used to calculate population-weighted average PM10 concentrations for 268 sub-national regions (NUTS level 2 regions) for the period 2004–2008. The data were mapped, and patterning by mean household income was assessed statistically. Ordinary least squares regression was used to model the association between PM10 and cause-specific mortality, after adjusting for regional-level household income and smoking rates.

Results
Air quality improved for most regions between 2004 and 2008, although large differences between Eastern and Western regions persisted. Across Europe, PM10 was correlated with low household income but this association primarily reflected East–West inequalities and was not found when Eastern or Western Europe regions were considered separately. Notably, some of the most polluted regions in Western Europe were also among the richest. PM10 was more strongly associated with plausibly-related mortality outcomes in Eastern than Western Europe, presumably because of higher ambient concentrations. Populations of lower-income regions appeared more susceptible to the effects of PM10, but only for circulatory disease mortality in Eastern Europe and male respiratory mortality in Western Europe.

Conclusions
Income-related inequalities in exposure to ambient PM10 may contribute to Europe-wide mortality inequalities, and to those in Eastern but not Western European regions. We found some evidence that lower-income regions were more susceptible to the health effects of PM10.