bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Hepcidin and Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Equivalent Levels in Response to Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator Administration in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Study
Authors: Kakimoto‐Shino Midori , Toya Yoshiyuki , Kuji Tadashi , Fujikawa Tetsuya , Umemura Satoshi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractInadequate iron availability limits the response to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESA) and hepcidin is a key regulator of iron metabolism. However, there is little information concerning time‐dependent changes in hepcidin in response to the change of accelerated iron demand due to ESA‐induced erythropoiesis. In this study, iron‐related parameters, including hepcidin levels, were explored in comparison to patients receiving continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) and epoetin beta (EPO) treatment. Ninety‐four patients were randomized to receive monthly CERA (N = 47) or EPO three times/week (N = 47). After the titration period, hemoglobin levels and iron‐related parameters were examined. Data for 71 patients were evaluated (CERA, N = 34; EPO, N = 37). Compared with EPO treatment, CERA treatment caused significant decreases within 1 week in hepcidin (−93.5 ± 46.9 vs. −1.3 ± 38.3 ng/mL, P < 0.01), reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (Ret‐He) (−4.03 ± 2.64 vs. −1.13 ± 1.41 pg, P < 0.01), ferritin (−58.9 ± 30.5 vs. −12.2 ± 23.8 ng/mL, P < 0.01) and transferrin saturation (−13.2 ± 9.1 vs. 1.0 ± 11.9%, P < 0.01) and significant increases within 2 weeks in the levels of hemoglobin (0.42 ± 0.38 vs. −0.02 ± 0.48 g/dL, P < 0.01). In conclusion, hepcidin, Ret‐He, ferritin and transferrin saturation levels decreased within 1 week and hemoglobin increased within 2 weeks after CERA administration. Time course of iron‐related parameters including hepcidin demonstrated accelerated iron utilization appropriately according to ESA‐induced erythropoiesis.
Overexpression of Hyperpolarization‐Activated Cyclic Nucleotide‐Gated Channels into the Ventral Tegmental Area Increases the Rewarding Effects of Ethanol in UChB Drinking Rats
Authors: Rivera‐Meza Mario , Quintanilla María Elena , Bustamante Diego , Delgado Ricardo , Buscaglia Marianne , Herrera‐Marschitz Mario 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundA number of studies have shown that ethanol (EtOH) activates dopamine neurocircuitries and is self‐administered into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the rat brain. In vitro and in silico studies have showed that hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN) ionic channels on VTA dopamine neurons may constitute a molecular target of EtOH; however, there is no in vivo evidence supporting this assumption.MethodsWistar‐derived University of Chile Drinking (UChB) rats were microinjected into the VTA with a lentiviral vector coding for rat HCN‐2 ionic channel or a control vector. Four days after vector administration, daily voluntary EtOH intake was assessed for 30 days under a free‐access paradigm to 5% EtOH and water. After EtOH consumption studies, the effect of HCN‐2 overexpression was also assessed on EtOH‐induced conditioned place preference (CPP); EtOH‐induced locomotion, and EtOH‐induced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc).ResultsRats microinjected with the HCN‐2 coding vector into the VTA showed (i) a ~2‐fold increase in their voluntary EtOH intake compared to control animals, (ii) lentiviral‐HCN‐2‐treated animals also showed an increased CPP to EtOH (~3‐fold), (iii) a significant higher locomotor activity (~2‐fold), and (iv) increased dopamine release in NAcc upon systemic administration of EtOH (~2‐fold).ConclusionsOverexpression of HCN‐2 ionic channel in the VTA of rats results in an increase in voluntary EtOH intake, EtOH‐induced CPP, locomotor activity, and dopamine release in NAcc, suggesting that HCN levels in the VTA are relevant for the rewarding properties of EtOH.
Association of the Availability of Beer, Wine, and Liquor Outlets with Beverage‐Specific Alcohol Consumption: A Cohort Study
Authors: Halonen Jaana I. , Kivimäki Mika , Pentti Jaana , Virtanen Marianna , Subramanian S. V. , Kawachi Ichiro , Vahtera Jussi 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundLittle evidence exists on whether beverage‐specific alcohol availability is associated with beverage‐specific consumption. We longitudinally examined whether the number and change in number of beer, wine, and liquor outlets near one's home are associated with alcohol consumption by beverage type.MethodsThe study population consisted of 28,074 women and 6,639 men of the Finnish Public Sector Study who reported their alcohol use at baseline (in 2004/2005) and follow‐up (in 2008/2009). The coordinates of their residence and alcohol outlets during the study period were obtained from national registers. Associations of the number and change in the number of beer, wine, and liquor outlets with beer, wine, and liquor consumption were analyzed using 2‐level cumulative logistic regression adjusted for individual‐ and area‐level characteristics.ResultsHaving ≥3 wine outlets within 0.5 km of home was associated with a higher likelihood of wine consumption compared with having no outlets within 0.5 km: the cumulative odds ratios (CORs) 1.20 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10 to 1.31) in women and 1.29 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.56) in men. For an increase in the number of wine outlets, the COR for wine consumption was 1.16 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.25) among all women and 1.10 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.21) among those who did not move between surveys. No corresponding beverage‐specific outlet‐consumption associations were observed for beer and liquor.ConclusionsA high number of wine outlets near home may increase wine consumption among men and women. In addition, an increase in the number of wine outlets may add to its consumption among women, independent of the individuals' choice to move to areas of better availability.
Mutational Spectrum of the C1 Inhibitor Gene in a Cohort of Italian Patients with Hereditary Angioedema: Description of Nine Novel Mutations
Authors: Bafunno Valeria , Bova Maria , Loffredo Stefania , Divella Chiara , Petraroli Angelica , Marone Gianni , Montinaro Vincenzo , Margaglione Maurizio , Triggiani Massimo 
Published: January 2014

SummaryHereditary angioedema (HAE) is an autosomal dominant disease due to mutations in the C1 inhibitor gene (C1NH) that affects protein synthesis (HAE type I) or function (HAE type II). In 45 subjects affected by HAE diagnosed through clinical features and C1 inhibitor deficiency from the south of Italy (38 with type I and 7 with type II HAE), the whole C1NH coding region was screened for mutations by direct DNA sequencing. A severity score based on clinical manifestation, age at disease onset, and need for long‐term prophylaxis was used to investigate possible genotype‐phenotype correlations. A series of 22 different mutations was identified: nine missense (40.9%), five nonsense (22.7%), six frameshift (27.3), one small deletion (4.5%), and one splicing defect (4.5%). Nine C1NH mutations have not been previously described. No correlation was found between C1 inhibitor function level and severity score or age at first attack. Moreover, there was no correlation between different types of mutations and clinical phenotype. The number of different mutations identified highlights the heterogeneity of C1 inhibitor deficiency and supports the hypothesis that HAE clinical phenotype is not strictly related to the type of mutation but rather depends on unknown factors.
Moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa treated with biological therapies
Authors: Chinniah Niranthari , Cains Geoffrey David 
Published: January 2014

AbstractHidradenitis suppurativa is a debilitating disorder that can be difficult to manage with current conventional treatment strategies. Given its association with proinflammatory cytokines there has been interest in the use of novel biological monoclonal antibodies. We describe our experience with the use of these agents in six patients in whom conventional treatment had failed, with promising response noted in some patients. A growing number of studies now highlight the efficacy of these agents.
Has carotid artery stenting found its place? A 10‐year regional centre perspective
Authors: Biggs Nathan G. , Rangarajan Shrikkanth , McClure David N. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIntroductionThe post‐Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stenting Trial era has seen a dramatic decline in the practice of carotid artery stenting (CAS). A retrospective review of prospectively collected CAS outcomes over a 10‐year period by a single operator was undertaken to determine if this change in practice is justified and to identify the place of carotid stenting in current practice.MethodsOne hundred fifty‐nine carotid stent procedures were undertaken on 137 patients from 2002 to 2012. Cases were selected for CAS only if they fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the SAPPHIRE trial. Post‐procedural outcomes were compared against those of a contemporaneous cohort of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) by the same operator and against published meta‐analyses. The measure of CAS durability was need for re‐intervention, based on the presence of ultrasound‐detected re‐stenosis >70%.ResultsNo significant difference was identified in 30‐days' complication rates between patients undergoing CAS and those having CEA. Compared to published meta‐analyses of CAS, our practice was accompanied by a significantly lower rate of peri‐procedural stroke (1.26% versus 6%, P = 0.014) while carrying equivalent 30‐days' death and myocardial infarction. Four stented arteries had re‐intervention, due to asymptomatic in‐stent stenosis of >70%. Further intervention was declined in a fifth case. This represents a re‐stenosis rate of 3.1% over a mean follow‐up of 40.2 ± 27.6 months.DiscussionCAS can provide a safe and durable treatment option for selected patients with carotid artery disease, in the hands of appropriately trained proceduralists who meet accepted standards of practice.
Evaluation of short‐term outcomes after laparoscopically assisted abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhang Xing‐Mao , Liang Jian‐Wei , Hu Jun‐Jie , Zeng Wei‐Gen , Zhou Zhi‐Xiang 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the feasibility, safety and short‐term efficacy of laparoscopic techniques applied in the abdominoperineal resection (APR) for low rectal cancer.MethodsThe clinical data of 236 patients with APR from January 2010 to January 2012 were analysed retrospectively, including 100 patients underwent laparoscopically assisted APR (LAAPR group), 136 cases of open APR (OAPR group). The demographics, tumor and procedure‐related parameters, perioperative results and short‐term oncological outcomes were evaluated using t‐test or χ2‐test.ResultsThe demographic data of the two groups were comparable. Perioperative results were better after laparoscopic surgery, with less intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.017), earlier return of bowel function (P < 0.05) and lower complication rates (P = 0.015). No significant differences were detected between the two groups in operation time, tumor size, specimen length, the distance of tumor from the anal verge, lymph nodes removed and the status of circumferential resection margin (P > 0.05). During the follow‐up period of 17–38 months (average, 26 months), the overall survival rates were not significantly different between the two groups [82.5% (80/97) versus 82.7% (110/133), P > 0.05]. The differences in recurrence and metastasis between the two groups were not statistically significant.ConclusionLaparoscopically assisted APR for low rectal cancer is safe and effective. It has the advantages of less bleeding, rapid postoperative recovery and fewer complications, without affecting the radical degree of the surgery. Further studies are needed to fully assess oncological outcomes in the future.
Curcumin attenuates staphylococcus aureus‐induced acute lung injury
Authors: Xu Feng , Diao Ran , Liu Jin , Kang Yanhua , Wang Xuanding , Shi Liyun 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIntroductionCurcumin has remarkable anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its effects on bacterium‐induced acute lung injury (ALI) are not fully understood.ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects of curcumin on a mouse model of S. aureus‐induced ALI.MethodsMice were pretreated with intraperitoneal injection of curcumin or vehicle 2 h before Staphylococcus aureus instillation. The survival rate and bacterial burden after infection were recorded. Mice were sacrificed for the analyses of severity of pneumonia, integrity of lung barrier, disorder of coagulation cascades and extent of inflammation 12 h postinfection. The production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the lung and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was detected.ResultsPretreatment with curcumin markedly attenuated S. aureus‐induced pneumonia, barrier disruption, lung edema and vascular leakage. Activation of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 and infiltration of neutrophils were reduced by curcumin, together with lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines.ConclusionCurcumin can alleviate S. aureus‐induced ALI through multiple pathways.
Geographies of Securitized Catastrophe Risk and the Implications of Climate Change
Authors: Johnson Leigh 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis article analyzes the drivers and implications of catastrophe bonds’ growing popularity as an alternative asset class. As investor demand for bonds outpaces their supply from reinsurers, the study asks how the place‐based physical vulnerabilities of fixed capital have been rendered into assets deemed increasingly desirable by growing blocks of financial capital. Combining data from extended interviews with industry datasets and market reports, the study demonstrates how this securitization pathway allows mobile capital on a search for yield to reframe spatial liabilities as tradable assets, thus accessing new “returns on place.” By aggregating and analyzing data on approximately $37 billion in catastrophe bond transactions since 1997, the study reveals both the ongoing concentration of capital in so‐called “peak perils” such as U.S. hurricane and earthquake risks, and the fragmentation and recombination of peak perils to create new risk/return profiles. These purposive, scalable, and selective financial engagements with catastrophic risks depend upon the avoidance of the fixed costs and relational entanglements borne by (re)insurers. This ambivalent relationship with geographical liabilities is reaching its logical apogee in recent proposals to expand the catastrophe bond market to capitalize on growing climate change risks. This movement to “underwrite to securitize” intentionally emulates the “originate to securitize” model pioneered in mortgage‐backed securities. This study argues that such developments could ultimately yield a built environment that is both more dependent on the state as an insurer of last resort and less adapted to climate extremes.
Body size affects host defensive behavior and progeny fitness in a parasitoid wasp, Lysiphlebus fabarum
Authors: Ameri Mohammad , Rasekh Arash , Michaud J.P. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis study tested effects of maternal body size on foraging behavior and progeny development in a thelytokous population of Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Small and large wasps were reared from first and second instar hosts [black bean aphid, Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae)], respectively, and each was provided with a patch (bean leaf disk) containing either 15 small (second instar) or 15 large (fourth instar) hosts for a 30‐min foraging period. Neither body size nor host size affected time allocation to various behaviors within a patch, but second instar aphids produced significantly more mummies than fourth instars. The preferred attack orientation was from the side of the aphid, suggesting wasps were sensitive to the risk of smearing with cornicle secretions. Few wasps developed in fourth instar hosts, suggesting later host instars were somewhat resistant to parasitism. Second instar hosts, the most suitable stage for L. fabarum development, relied more on defensive behavior, specifically kicking and secreting cornicle droplets. Large wasps were more likely to elicit a double cornicle secretion, indicating that aphids graded their response to the size of the attacker. Larger wasps were also more likely to be smeared with cornicle secretion, suggesting they were more vulnerable than small wasps. Although small wasps had smaller eggs than large wasps, there was no effect of maternal egg size on the size of progeny. However, daughters of small females emerged with larger egg loads than daughters of large mothers, and their eggs tended to be slightly smaller, although not significantly. Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between maternal egg size and progeny developmental time for small and large wasps, and between maternal egg size and progeny egg load for small wasps. These results confirm maternal effects of body size in an aphid parasitoid, and reveal that vulnerability to host behavioral defenses is also body size dependent.
5,10‐Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase single nucleotide polymorphisms and gene–environment interaction analysis in non‐syndromic cleft lip/palate
Authors: Estandia‐Ortega Bernardette , Velázquez‐Aragón José A. , Alcántara‐Ortigoza Miguel A. , Reyna‐Fabian Miriam E. , Villagómez‐Martínez Sandra , González‐del Angel Ariadna 
Published: January 2014

Non‐syndromic cleft lip/palate (NSCL/P) is a common congenital defect inMexico. Periconceptional intake of folic acid (FA) may reduce the risk of this malformation. Although the 5,10‐methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme participates in folate metabolism, several studies failed to find any association betweenNSCL/Pand theMTHFRC677TandA1298Cpolymorphisms. However, interactions amongNSCL/P,MTHFRgene polymorphisms, andFAintake have not been explored inMexican populations. This case–control study included 132 patients withNSCL/Pand 370 controls fromMexicoCity. MaternalFAconsumption during pregnancy was examined, as were theMTHFRC677TandA1298Cpolymorphisms and gene–FAinteractions. MaternalFAintake during the periconceptional period was lower in cases (1.5%) than in controls (13%), with the risk of delivering a child withNSCL/Plower in mothers who consumedFA(OR = 0.29, 95%CI: 0.19–0.44). In addition, the risk ofNSCL/P was lower in children with theTTthan theCCgenotype ofMTHFRC677T (OR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.23–0.68), afterBonferroni correction and exclusion of stratification. No evidence of gene–FAinteraction was found. These results indicate that maternalFAintake and theTTgenotype of theMTHFRC677Tpolymorphism in children independently reduced the risk ofNSCL/Pin our population.
Influence of geriatric oncology consultation on the management of breast cancer in older women: A French population‐based study
Authors: Somana‐Ehrminger Sophie , Dabakuyo Tienhan S , Manckoundia Patrick , Ouédraogo Samiratou , Marilier Sophie , Arveux Patrick , Quipourt Valérie 
Published: January 2014

AimThe objective of the present population‐based study was to assess the impact of geriatric oncology consultation on the management of elderly patients with breast cancer and to identify the predictive factors of breast cancer treatment in this population.MethodsA total of 206 women aged 75 years and older with breast cancer, diagnosed from January 2007 to December 2009 were included. The independent impact of geriatric oncology consultation on treatment was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for the other predictive factors of treatment.ResultsPatients who had a geriatric oncology consultation (19.4%) had more comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥1; P = 0.02), more advanced tumors (P = 0.025), more aggressive tumors (P = 0.029), were more likely to receive mastectomy and adjuvant therapy (P < 0.0001); and less likely to be treated by breast‐conserving surgery and adjuvant therapy (P = 0.003). Regarding the geriatric oncology database, 36 of the 40 patients consulted a geriatrician about oncological treatment, and 27 of these 36 patients received the treatment suggested by the geriatrician. For the whole population, geriatric oncology consultation remained a positive predictor for mastectomy and adjuvant therapy (odds ratio 2.32, P = 0.043), and a negative predictor for breast‐conserving surgery and adjuvant therapy (odds ratio 0.38, P = 0.048).ConclusionsIn the present study, we found that treatment of patients who underwent a geriatric oncology consultation generally followed the geriatricians' recommendations. The geriatric oncology consultation was a positive predictor of mastectomy and adjuvant therapy, and a negative predictor of breast‐conserving surgery and adjuvant therapy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 111–119.
A haemophilia disease management programme targeting cost and utilization of specialty pharmaceuticals
Authors: Duncan N. , Roberson C. , Lail A. , Donfield S. , Shapiro A. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThe high cost of clotting factor concentrate (CFC) used to treat haemophilia and von Willebrand disease (VWD) attracts health plans’ attention for cost management strategies such as disease management programmes (DMPs). In 2004, Indiana's high risk insurance health plan, the Indiana Comprehensive Health Insurance Association, in partnership with the Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center developed and implemented a DMP for beneficiaries with bleeding disorders. This report evaluates the effectiveness of the DMP 5 years post implementation, with specific emphasis on the cost of CFC and other medical expenditures by severity of disease. A pre/post analysis was used. The main evaluation measures were total cost, total outpatient CFC IU dispensed and adjusted total outpatient CFC cost. Summary statistics and mean and median plots were calculated. Overall, 1000 non‐parametric bootstrap replicates were created and percentile confidence limits for 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. Mean emergency department (ED) visits and mean and median duration of hospitalizations are also reported. The DMP was associated with a significant decrease in mean annualized total cost including decreased CFC utilization and cost in most years in the overall group, and specifically in patients with severe haemophilia. Patients with mild and moderate haemophilia contributed little to overall programme expenditures. This specialty health care provider‐administered DMP exemplifies the success of targeted interventions developed and implemented through a health care facility expert in the disease state to curb the cost of specialty pharmaceuticals in conditions when their expenditures represent a significant portion of total annual costs of care.