bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of exercise on central aortic pressure before and after treatment with renin–angiotensin system blockade in patients with hypertension
Authors: Lacy Peter S , Brunel Patrick , Baschiera Fabio , Botha Jaco , Williams Bryan 
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Brachial blood pressure increases with exercise and an excessive rise predicts increased cardiovascular risk. Measurement of brachial blood pressure alone may exaggerate the true blood pressure elevation due to exercise-induced change to pressure amplification. Whether blood pressure-lowering treatment modulates pressure amplification during exercise is unknown. Methods: Thirty-two participants with stage 1–2 hypertension (mean age 59.2 years) received eight weeks’ blood pressure lowering with either aliskiren (300mg, n=16) or valsartan (320mg, n=16). Brachial and central aortic pressure (CASP) were measured non-invasively during treadmill exercise (Bruce protocol) at baseline, after eight weeks’ treatment and 48 hours following treatment withdrawal. Results: The rise in brachial blood pressure with exercise exceeded the rise in CASP, indicative of enhanced pressure amplification. Eight weeks’ treatment elicited similar reductions in brachial blood pressure and CASP which did not differ between rest and peak exercise ( p>0.05). The exercise-induced increase in systolic pressure amplification did not differ between baseline and following eight weeks’ treatment ( p>0.05). These effects remained unchanged following treatment withdrawal. Conclusion: Blood pressure lowering does not directly influence the relationship between aortic and brachial pressure either at rest or during exercise in patients with hypertension, other than through proportionate lowering of both pressures. These effects remained unchanged 48 hours after a simulated missed medication dose.
Diversity Issues
Authors: Byrd Marilyn Y. 
Published: July 2014

The Problem Social identity diversity is a concept that links an individual to the social world and to other contexts where interactions occur. However, issues that emerge from social identity diversity may not necessarily be viewed as mono-causal, or based on a single form of difference. Because some individuals may experience simultaneously multiple forms of difference that causes oppression, frameworks are needed to critically analyze how these individuals navigate the complexities of their social identities to gain acceptance, satisfaction, and high levels of performance. The Solution Intersectionality will be used as an analytical tool to highlight multiple, interlocking forms of societal oppression experienced by historically marginalized groups and to serve as a means of making sense of these experiences. Key Stakeholders Human resource development (HRD) scholars and practitioners who are committed to social justice advocacy.
A Quality Assurance Initiative Targeting Radiation Exposure to Neuroscience Patients in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Chan Sheila , Josephson S. Andrew , Rosow Laura , Smith Wade S. 
Published: July 2014

Background: Patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with a primary neurologic disorder often receive multiple radiation-based diagnostic studies of the head and neck. Although radiation exposure puts them at risk of intracranial and neck tumors, the amount of radiation received is largely unknown. Methods: We sought to accurately collect cumulative radiation exposure data from radiation-based studies in a retrospective cohort of patients admitted to the neuroscience ICU (NICU) at a single institution. Radiation doses of studies were converted to estimated effective doses in mSv via literature-published formulas. To impact ordering practices, we piloted an educational initiative on patient radiation exposure to a cohort of physicians caring for patients with a diagnosis of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients were randomized to have radiation exposure data posted at the bedside for physician viewing. Results: We identified 641 patients from July 2010 to March 2011 who had received at least 1 computed tomography-based study of the head. Patients received on average 18.4 mSv of radiation from head and neck imaging. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage received the highest average levels of radiation exposure (37.1 mSv). Attributable risk of carcinogenesis was estimated to be low. A pilot educational initiative did not reduce the total estimated effective dose per patient. Conclusions: Accurate reporting of estimated effective doses for NICU patients is feasible and can be provided to ordering physicians to assist with clinical decision making and potentially lower exposure risk. Further strategies are needed to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure at the physician ordering level.
Characterization of the sleep–wake cycle of the Neotropical rodent Proechimys guyannensis
Authors: da Silva José Cláudio , de Matos Barbosa Pimenta Gabriela , Andersen Monica Levy , Schoorlemmer Gerhardus Hermanus Maria , Tufik Sérgio , Cavalheiro Esper Abrão 
Published: July 2014

Objectives: To better understand the sleep–wake cycle characteristics in the female Neotropical rodent Proechimys guyannensis related to comparative neurobiology. Methods: Surface neocortical and hippocampal electrodes were chronically implanted in the brains of female Wistar and Proechimys animals. In addition, electrodes for the study of muscle activity were implanted into the neck muscle of both species. After surgical recovery and a period of adaptation, animals were continuously registered for periods as long as 48 h. Results: In both the light and dark phases of the cycle, significant differences in some electrographic patterns were observed between the Proechimys and Wistar animals. Although Proechimys has nocturnal activities and a pattern of polyphasic sleep similar to Wistar rats, the analysis of its sleep-wakefulness cycle indicates that the Neotropical rodent sleeps less with consequent longer periods of wakefulness when compared to Wistar rats. Conclusions: Together with previous findings of different neuroanatomical, neurophysiologic and behavioral characteristics, this study allow us to better understand adaptive differences of the Neotropical rodent Proechimys.
Controllable preparation of Ni nanoparticles for catalysis of coiled carbon fibers growth
Authors: Jian Xian , Zhou Zuowan , Wu Sixin , Chen Lei , Zeng Qing , Wang Chao 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The mass preparation of high-purity coiled carbon fibers (CCFs) remains challenging due to the high complexity and low controllability of reaction. In this work, a controllable growth of Ni particles was fulfilled by liquid phase reduction of nickel sulfate with hydrazine hydrate. The impacts of the reaction temperature, NaOH concentration, and reaction time on the particle size and purity were investigated. The as-deposited Ni particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. In addition, these Ni particles were also applied in preparing high-purity CCFs both on graphite and ceramic substrates. The diameter of the as-grown carbon microcoil was about 500 nm, and the related growth mechanism was discussed.
Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of multiple individuals reveals complementary roles of promoter and gene body methylation in transcriptional regulation
Authors: Lou Shaoke , Lee Heung-Man , Qin Hao , Li Jing-Woei , Gao Zhibo , Liu Xin , Chan Landon L , KL Lam Vincent , So Wing-Yee , Wang Ying , Lok Si , Wang Jun , Ma Ronald CW , Tsui Stephen Kwok-Wing , Chan Juliana CN , Chan Ting-Fung , Yip Kevin Y 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Background
DNA methylation is an important type of epigenetic modification involved in gene regulation. Although strong DNA methylation at promoters is widely recognized to be associated with transcriptional repression, many aspects of DNA methylation remain not fully understood, including the quantitative relationships between DNA methylation and expression levels, and the individual roles of promoter and gene body methylation.

Results
Here we present an integrated analysis of whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA sequencing data from human samples and cell lines. We find that while promoter methylation inversely correlates with gene expression as generally observed, the repressive effect is clear only on genes with a very high DNA methylation level. By means of statistical modeling, we find that DNA methylation is indicative of the expression class of a gene in general, but gene body methylation is a better indicator than promoter methylation. These findings are general in that a model constructed from a sample or cell line could accurately fit the unseen data from another. We further find that promoter and gene body methylation have minimal redundancy, and either one is sufficient to signify low expression. Finally, we obtain increased modeling power by integrating histone modification data with the DNA methylation data, showing that neither type of information fully subsumes the other.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that DNA methylation outside promoters also plays critical roles in gene regulation. Future studies on gene regulatory mechanisms and disease-associated differential methylation should pay more attention to DNA methylation at gene bodies and other non-promoter regions.
A dynamic network of estrogen receptors in murine lymphocytes: fine-tuning the immune response
Authors: Schneider Andrea E , Kárpáti Éva , Schuszter Kitti , Tóth Eszter A , Kiss Endre , Kulcsár Margit , László Glória , Matko Janos 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThe actual level of circulating estrogen (17β-estradiol, E2) has a serious impact on regulation of diverse immune cell functions, where their classical cytoplasmic receptors, ERα and ERβ, act as nuclear transcriptional regulators of multiple target genes. There is growing evidence, however, for rapid, “non-nuclear” regulatory effects of E2 on lymphocytes. Such effects are likely mediated by putative membrane-associated receptor(s) (mER), but the mechanistic details and the involved signaling pathways still remained largely unknown because of their complexity. Here, we show that in lymphocytes, mERs can signalize themselves, and upon ligation, they are able to coordinate translocation of other E2Rs to the PM. Our data firmly imply existence of a complex, dynamic network of at least seven ER forms in murine lymphocytes: cytoplasmic and membrane-linked forms of ERα, ERβ, or GPR30 and a mER that can receive extracellular E2 signals. The latter mERs are likely palmitoylated, as they are enriched in lipid-raft microdomains, and their E2 binding is also cholesterol dependent. The data also support that ligation of mERs can induce rapid regulatory signals to lymphocytes and then internalize and let the E2 liberate in lysosomes. In addition, they can dynamically control the cell-surface linkage of other cytoplasmic ERs. As demonstrated by the differential effects of mER or cytoplasmic ER ligation on the proliferation of activated T and B lymphocytes, such a dynamic E2R network can be considered as a tool to manage accommodation/fine-tuning of lymphocytes to rapidly changing hormone levels.
Can Patient Navigation Improve Receipt of Recommended Breast Cancer Care? Evidence From the National Patient Navigation Research Program
Authors: Ko Naomi Y. , Darnell Julie S. , Calhoun Elizabeth , Freund Karen M. , Wells Kristin J. , Shapiro Charles L. , Dudley Donald J. , Patierno Steven R. , Fiscella Kevin , Raich Peter , Battaglia Tracy A. 
Published: July 2014

Purpose Poor and underserved women face barriers in receiving timely and appropriate breast cancer care. Patient navigators help individuals overcome these barriers, but little is known about whether patient navigation improves quality of care. The purpose of this study is to examine whether navigated women with breast cancer are more likely to receive recommended standard breast cancer care. Patients and Methods Women with breast cancer who participated in the national Patient Navigation Research Program were examined to determine whether the care they received included the following: initiation of antiestrogen therapy in patients with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer; initiation of postlumpectomy radiation therapy; and initiation of chemotherapy in women younger than age 70 years with triple-negative tumors more than 1 cm. This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter quasi-experimental study funded by the National Cancer Institute to evaluate patient navigation. Multiple logistic regression was performed to compare differences in receipt of care between navigated and non-navigated participants. Results Among participants eligible for antiestrogen therapy, navigated participants (n = 380) had a statistically significant higher likelihood of receiving antiestrogen therapy compared with non-navigated controls (n = 381; odds ratio [OR], 1.73; P = .004) in a multivariable analysis. Among the participants eligible for radiation therapy after lumpectomy, navigated participants (n = 255) were no more likely to receive radiation (OR, 1.42; P = .22) than control participants (n = 297). Conclusion We demonstrate that navigated participants were more likely than non-navigated participants to receive antiestrogen therapy. Future studies are required to determine the full impact patient navigation may have on ensuring that vulnerable populations receive quality care.
International Society of Geriatric Oncology Consensus on Geriatric Assessment in Older Patients With Cancer
Authors: Wildiers Hans , Heeren Pieter , Puts Martine , Topinkova Eva , Janssen-Heijnen Maryska L.G. , Extermann Martine , Falandry Claire , Artz Andrew , Brain Etienne , Colloca Giuseppe , Flamaing Johan , Karnakis Theodora , Kenis Cindy , Audisio Riccardo A. , Mohile Supriya , Repetto Lazzaro , Van Leeuwen Barbara , Milisen Koen , Hurria Arti 
Published: July 2014

Purpose To update the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) 2005 recommendations on geriatric assessment (GA) in older patients with cancer. Methods SIOG composed a panel with expertise in geriatric oncology to develop consensus statements after literature review of key evidence on the following topics: rationale for performing GA; findings from a GA performed in geriatric oncology patients; ability of GA to predict oncology treatment–related complications; association between GA findings and overall survival (OS); impact of GA findings on oncology treatment decisions; composition of a GA, including domains and tools; and methods for implementing GA in clinical care. Results GA can be valuable in oncology practice for following reasons: detection of impairment not identified in routine history or physical examination, ability to predict severe treatment-related toxicity, ability to predict OS in a variety of tumors and treatment settings, and ability to influence treatment choice and intensity. The panel recommended that the following domains be evaluated in a GA: functional status, comorbidity, cognition, mental health status, fatigue, social status and support, nutrition, and presence of geriatric syndromes. Although several combinations of tools and various models are available for implementation of GA in oncology practice, the expert panel could not endorse one over another. Conclusion There is mounting data regarding the utility of GA in oncology practice; however, additional research is needed to continue to strengthen the evidence base.
Androgen receptor expression in male breast cancer predicts inferior outcome and poor response to tamoxifen treatment
Authors: Wenhui Zhao , Shuo Li , Dabei Tang , Ying Piao , Zhipeng Wang , Lei Zhong , Xiaohui He , Jingshu Geng , Hongtao Song , Qingyuan Zhang 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveAndrogen receptor (AR) plays an important role in male breast cancer (MBC). Additionally, endocrine therapy is the most important treatment in oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive advanced breast cancer. This study was aimed to investigate the role of AR in MBC treatment and prognosis and to analyse the relationship between AR and the effect of tamoxifen treatment in MBC patients.MethodsAR protein levels and other tumour characteristics (e.g. expression of ER (ESR1), PR (PGR), AR, HER2 (ERBB2) and Ki-67 (MKI67)) in breast cancer tissue from 102 MBC patients were determined using immunohistochemical analysis. Additionally, the relationship between AR status and clinicopathological features was analysed using the χ2-test. Association with survival was initially analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method and the log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis was used to adjust for other prognostic indicators.ResultsHigh expression of AR was not correlated with T-stage, histological grade, HER2 status and the status of other sex hormone receptors, but was associated with lymph node metastases (P=0.032). AR-positive patients showed significantly shorter 5-year overall survival (OS) rates (P=0.045) and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates (P=0.026) than AR-negative patients. By contrast, for patients who received tamoxifen therapy, AR-negative patients showed a higher clinical benefit rate than AR-positive patients (P=0.025). Additionally, the median TTP and OS were significantly different (P=0.02 for TTP; P=0.029 for OS).ConclusionsAR expression correlates strongly with both OS and DFS in patients with MBC. AR-positive patients can predict a poorer clinical outcome than AR-negative patients after adjuvant tamoxifen therapy.
Brain Injury and Altered Brain Growth in Preterm Infants: Predictors and Prognosis
Authors: Kidokoro Hiroyuki , Anderson Peter J. , Doyle Lex W. , Woodward Lianne J. , Neil Jeffrey J. , Inder Terrie E. 
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND:
To define the nature and frequency of brain injury and brain growth impairment in very preterm (VPT) infants by using MRI at term-equivalent age and to relate these findings to perinatal risk factors and 2-year neurodevelopmental outcomes.

METHODS:
MRI scans at term-equivalent age from 3 VPT cohorts (n = 325) were reviewed. The severity of brain injury, including periventricular leukomalacia and intraventricular and cerebellar hemorrhage, was graded. Brain growth was assessed by using measures of biparietal width (BPW) and interhemispheric distance. Neurodevelopmental outcome at age 2 years was assessed across all cohorts (n = 297) by using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Second Edition (BSID-II) or Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III), and evaluation for cerebral palsy.

RESULTS:
Of 325 infants, 107 (33%) had some grade of brain injury and 33 (10%) had severe injury. Severe brain injury was more common in infants with lower Apgar scores, necrotizing enterocolitis, inotropic support, and patent ductus arteriosus. Severe brain injury was associated with delayed cognitive and motor development and cerebral palsy. Decreased BPW was related to lower gestational age, inotropic support, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, prolonged parenteral nutrition, and oxygen at 36 weeks and was associated with delayed cognitive development. In contrast, increased interhemispheric distance was related to male gender, dexamethasone use, and severe brain injury. It was also associated with reduced cognitive development, independent of BPW.

CONCLUSIONS:
At term-equivalent age, VPT infants showed both brain injury and impaired brain growth on MRI. Severe brain injury and impaired brain growth patterns were independently associated with perinatal risk factors and delayed cognitive development.
Gestational Age and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism From Birth Through Young Adulthood
Authors: Zöller Bengt , Li Xinjun , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Crump Casey 
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND:Preterm birth has been associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in infancy, but the longer-term risk is unknown. Our aim was to examine this association from birth through young adulthood.METHODS:National cohort study of 3 571 574 individuals who were live-born in Sweden from 1973 through 2008, including 206 844 born preterm (gestational age &lt;37 weeks), and followed up to 2010 (ages 0–38 years). The main outcome was VTE.RESULTS:A total of 7 519 (0.2%) individuals were diagnosed with VTE in 70.8 million person-years of follow-up. Low gestational age at birth was associated with VTE in infancy (ages &lt;1 year: adjusted hazard ratio 47.16 [95% confidence interval 21.30–104.42] for 22 to 27 weeks, 5.54 [2.53–12.12] for 28 to 33 weeks, 3.54 [2.07–6.06] for 34 to 36 weeks, 1.00 for 37 to 41 weeks [reference]), early childhood (ages 1–5 years), and young adulthood (ages 18–38 years: adjusted hazard ratio 2.76 [1.43–5.31] for 22 to 27 weeks, 1.53 [1.24–1.89] for 28 to 33 weeks, 1.24 [1.10–1.40] for 34 to 36 weeks, and 1.00 for 37 to 41 weeks [reference]), but not in late childhood (ages 6–12 years). Very preterm (&lt;34 weeks) but not late preterm birth (34–36 weeks) was also associated with VTE in adolescence (ages 13–17 years). After further adjustment for comorbidities, these associations were attenuated, but most remained significantly elevated.CONCLUSIONS:In this large national cohort, low gestational age at birth was associated with increased risk of VTE in infancy, early childhood, and young adulthood.
Delayed Diagnosis of Critical Congenital Heart Defects: Trends and Associated Factors
Authors: Liberman Rebecca F. , Getz Kelly D. , Lin Angela E. , Higgins Cathleen A. , Sekhavat Sepehr , Markenson Glenn R. , Anderka Marlene 
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE:We aimed to examine trends in timing of diagnosis of critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) and factors associated with delayed diagnosis (diagnosis after discharge home following delivery).METHODS:We examined a population-based retrospective cohort of CCHD cases among live births identified through the Massachusetts Birth Defects Monitoring Program. Congenital heart defects were considered critical if the infant received corrective surgery, interventional catheterization, palliative care, or died as a result of the defect within 12 months of birth. Timing of initial diagnosis was classified as prenatal, postnatal before discharge home, or delayed. Demographic, perinatal, and mortality information was obtained from the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were used to examine associations with delayed diagnosis.RESULTS:Among 460 467 live births to Massachusetts residents between 2004 and 2009, we identified 916 CCHD cases, of which 126 (13.8%) had delayed diagnosis. Rates of prenatal CCHD diagnosis increased from 44.9% in 2004 to 63.8% in 2009, whereas rates of delayed diagnosis decreased from 17.1% to 10.6% over the same time period. Among cases with delayed diagnosis, the most common defects were coarctation, pulmonary valve stenosis, and tetralogy of Fallot. Delayed diagnosis was associated with delivery outside a tertiary hospital (adjusted PR: 3.6 [95% confidence interval: 2.5–5.2]) and isolated CCHD (adjusted PR: 1.7 [95% confidence interval: 1.1–2.7]).CONCLUSIONS:Despite increasing prenatal diagnosis of CCHDs, delayed diagnosis still occurs in over 10% of cases. Understanding factors associated with delayed diagnosis could help to improve prenatal and postnatal screening efforts, including pulse oximetry testing.