bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Direct Renin Inhibition on Atherosclerotic Biomarkers in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Irons Brian K. , Trujillo Alex , Seifert Charles F. , Simoni Jan S. , Doctolero Susan , Abo-Salem Elsayed , Meyerrose Gary E. 
Published: May 2013

Objectives: To evaluate whether the direct renin inhibitor, aliskiren, has a more favorable effect compared to amlodipine on atherosclerotic biomarkers in patients with stable coronary artery disease and diabetes currently receiving standard secondary prevention therapy. Methods: A total of 38 patients were randomly assigned initially to either aliskiren (150 mg daily) or amlodipine (5 mg daily) for 2 weeks after which the dose of either medication was increased to its maximum daily dose for 4 additional weeks. Baseline and 6-week blood samples were analyzed for changes from baseline and between treatment groups for vascular and intracellular cell adhesion molecule, C-reactive protein, nitric oxide, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, 8-isoprostane, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Results: Thirty-one patients completed the study. More of the dropouts occurred in patients receiving aliskiren. Systolic blood pressure decreased in both treatment arms with no differences between the groups being noted. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, nitric oxide, and C-reactive protein concentrations increased in both groups from baseline but changes from baseline or between groups were not significant. Vascular and intracellular cell adhesion molecule, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and isoprostane concentrations decreased in each treatment arm from baseline, but these changes were not significant and no differences were noted between the groups. Conclusions: Treatment with either aliskiren or amlodipine did not significantly alter surrogate biomarkers of atherosclerosis in patients with both diabetes and established cardiovascular disease already receiving appropriate secondary cardiovascular prevention therapy. The study is limited in its size and duration to see an effect.
Retinal ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer thinning in clinically isolated syndrome
Authors: Oberwahrenbrock Timm , Ringelstein Marius , Jentschke Simon , Deuschle Katrin , Klumbies Katharina , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Harmel Jens , Ruprecht Klemens , Schippling Sven , Hartung Hans-Peter , Aktas Orhan , Brandt Alexander U , Paul Friedemann 
Published: May 2013

Background: Axonal and neuronal damage are widely accepted as key events in the disease course of multiple sclerosis. However, it has been unclear to date at which stage in disease evolution neurodegeneration begins and whether neuronal damage can occur even in the absence of acute inflammatory attacks. Objective: To characterize inner retinal layer changes in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Method: 45 patients with CIS and age- and sex-matched healthy controls were investigated using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Patients’ eyes were stratified into the following categories according to history of optic neuritis (ON): eyes with clinically-diagnosed ON (CIS-ON), eyes with suspected subclinical ON (CIS-SON) as indicated by a visual evoked potential latency of >115ms and eyes unaffected by ON (CIS-NON). Results: CIS-NON eyes showed significant reduction of ganglion cell- and inner plexiform layer and a topography similar to that of CIS-ON eyes. Seven eyes were characterized as CIS-SON and likewise showed significant retinal layer thinning. The most pronounced thinning was present in CIS-ON eyes. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that retinal pathology does occur already in CIS. Intraretinal layer segmentation may be an easily applicable, non-invasive method for early detection of retinal pathology in patients unaffected by ON.
Designing a 3D Virtual HRD Environment From a Scholar-Practitioner Perspective
Authors: Short Darren C. 
Published: May 2013

The Problem When the global economy went into recession, many organizations needed to revisit their training investment. In this case study, one organization wanted to retain its emphasis on training without committing to the flight and hotel costs associated with in-person delivery for a globally distributed workforce. The training department therefore looked for a virtual training solution informed by research and theory that could host existing in-person training courses in a virtual environment while also providing a professional experience and high evaluation ratings. The Solution The organization selected a 3D virtual world to host a custom-built training environment consisting of an auditorium, a training center, a student center, and interactive displays. Within 5 months, the environment was hosting regular multiday training courses that delivered high evaluation ratings while saving the company just under US$1,000,000 over a 2-year period. The case study describes the environment as well as the lessons learned from the implementation. The Stakeholders This article provides scholar-practitioners with an example of how research and theory can inform practice to create a better solution for a real-life organizational problem. It also provides scholar-practitioners with guidance on how to explore 3D virtual worlds for use in their own organizations and in training delivery more widely.
Study of effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on stages of sexual function in Iranian patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Safa Mitra , Sadr Saeid , Talischi Firouzeh , Ghasem Boroujerdi Fatemeh 
Published: May 2013

Objective: Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in the world. Lifetime prevalence is 15% among men and 25% among women. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants are often used for depression, with their own side effects. This study was carried out since little information on sexual dysfunction due to these medications is available in Iran. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included 100 patients attending a university or private psychiatry clinic who, after an interview based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition criteria, were considered depressed. These patients had no history of depression, sexual dysfunction or use of psychiatric medications. Sexual functioning of patients was evaluated at the start of the study, and after 2, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Data were evaluated using SPSS software and t and χ2 tests. Results: A total of 75% of patients reported sexual dysfunction: 66.7% of men and 79.7% of women. A total of 74.1% of patients on fluvoxamine, 100% on fluoxetine, 75% on sertraline, 71.4% on citalopram and 100% on paroxetine reported sexual dysfunction. The most frequent sexual dysfunction was difficulty with orgasm, which affected 41.17% of women and 33.33% of men. Conclusion: The incidence of sexual dysfunction among users of SSRIs was highest in patients on fluvoxamine, but this was not statistically significant. Minimization of sexual side effects should be an essential consideration when prescribing antidepressants.
Readability of patient information leaflets for urological conditions and treatments
Authors: Hadjipavlou Marios , Khan Shahid , Rane Abhay 
Published: May 2013

Objective Patient information leaflets (PILs) are commonly used to improve the understanding of conditions and treatments. The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) is a test used to evaluate the readability of a text with the score corresponding to the grade level of a student in the United States. The objective of our study was to assess the readability of PILs produced by the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS), patient.co.uk and the American Urological Association (AUA). Methods All PILs from the BAUS and AUA websites and urology-related PILs on the patient.co.uk site were assessed. PILs were individually analysed to derive the word count, number of characters per word and the FKGL (readability score). The mean values from each source were compared. Results Patient.co.uk PILs were significantly the most readable on average with an FKGL of 8.09 ( p value < 0.0001). The mean FKGL of PILs by BAUS was 11.61, which was insignificantly lower than that of AUA (mean 11.94; p value 0.059). Overall, only 54 (16.4%) of all 330 PILs had an FKGL less than 10, the readability level for a 15-year-old. Conclusions Although PILs produced by these large organisations may be easily readable by well-educated adults, comprehension may be difficult for a significant proportion of the United Kingdom adult population.
Rotator Cuff Weakness Is Not a Risk Factor for First-Time Anterior Glenohumeral Instability
Authors: Roach Christopher J. , Cameron Kenneth L. , Westrick Richard B. , Posner Matthew A. , Owens Brett D. 
Published: May 2013

Background: Shoulder instability is a common problem in young athletes and can lead to pain and decreased ability to participate in high-level activities. Little is known about the modifiable risk factors for glenohumeral joint instability. Hypothesis: Isometric shoulder strength at baseline would be a modifiable risk factor associated with subsequent first-time anterior instability events. Study Design: Cohort study. Methods: Study participants were freshmen entering the United States Military Academy in June 2006. All participants completed bilateral isometric strength evaluations with a hand-held dynamometer at baseline upon entry into the study. Variables measured included internal and external rotation at 0° (IR0, ER0) and internal and external rotation at 45° of abduction (IR45, ER45). All subjects were followed for subsequent glenohumeral joint instability events until graduation in May 2010. Independent t tests were used to analyze the data. Results: Baseline strength data were available for 1316 shoulders with no prior history of instability, of which 26 went on to have an acute first-time anterior shoulder instability event while the individuals were at the academy. There were no significant differences in mean strength between shoulders that did not go on to develop instability (uninjured; n = 1290) and those that did develop anterior instability (injured; n = 26). The mean strength values in pounds of force for uninjured and injured shoulders, respectively, were as follows: IR0 (49.80 vs 49.29; P = .88), ER0 (35.58 vs 33.66; P = .27), IR45 (47.38 vs 46.93; P = .88), and ER45 (40.08 vs 38.98; P = .59). Conclusion: No association was found between isometric shoulder strength measures at baseline and subsequent first-time anterior glenohumeral joint instability within the high-risk athletic population studied in this prospective cohort.
Clonal evolution in relapsed NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Krönke Jan , Bullinger Lars , Teleanu Veronica , Tschürtz Florian , Gaidzik Verena I. , Kühn Michael W. M. , Rücker Frank G. , Holzmann Karlheinz , Paschka Peter , Kapp-Schwörer Silke , Späth Daniela , Kindler Thomas , Schittenhelm Marcus , Krauter Jürgen , Ganser Arnold , Göhring Gudrun , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Schlenk Richard F. , Döhner Hartmut , Döhner Konstanze 
Published: May 2013

Key PointsRelapsed AML with NPM1 mutation is genetically related to the primary leukemia and characterized by an increase in high-risk aberrations. DNMT3A mutations show the highest stability and thus may precede NPM1 mutations.
Safety and efficacy of imatinib cessation for CML patients with stable undetectable minimal residual disease: results from the TWISTER study
Authors: Ross David M. , Branford Susan , Seymour John F. , Schwarer Anthony P. , Arthur Christopher , Yeung David T. , Dang Phuong , Goyne Jarrad M. , Slader Cassandra , Filshie Robin J. , Mills Anthony K. , Melo Junia V. , White Deborah L. , Grigg Andrew P. , Hughes Timothy P. 
Published: May 2013

Key Points
Approximately 40% of patients with undetectable minimal residual disease on imatinib can stop treatment without loss of molecular response. Patients in treatment-free remission still have detectable BCR-ABL DNA several years after stopping imatinib.
Quantity of virulent fowl adenovirus serotype 1 correlates with clinical signs, macroscopical and pathohistological lesions in gizzards following experimental induction of gizzard erosion in broilers
Authors: Grafl Beatrice , Liebhart Dieter , Günes Ayse , Wernsdorf Patricia , Aigner Franz , Bachmeier Josef , Hess Michael 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In the present study day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) and commercial broilers with maternally derived fowl adenovirus serotype 1 (FAdV-1) antibodies were orally infected with a European “pathogenic” FAdV-1, isolated from broilers showing signs of gizzard erosion. During the experiment, broilers were observed and weighed daily up to 17 days post infection (dpi). Clinically, both infected groups showed significant decrease of weight compared to respective negative control groups. Birds were examined by necropsy at 3, 7, 10, 14 and 17 dpi. Pathological changes in the gizzards were noticed in both experimentally infected groups from 7 dpi onwards. Macroscopically, erosion of the koilin layer and inflammation or ulceration of the gizzard mucosa were observed. Histologically, presence of FAdV-1 in intranuclear inclusion bodies of degenerated glandular epithelial cells was demonstrated by in-situ hybridization and inflammatory cell infiltration of the lamina propria, submucosa and muscle layer was detected. Tissue samples were investigated by a recently developed real-time PCR and the viral DNA load was calculated from gizzard, liver, spleen and cloacal swabs with the highest amounts of FAdV-1 DNA found in the gizzard. For the first time, successful reproduction of clinical signs in broilers as well as pathological lesions in the gizzard were achieved with a European FAdV-1 isolate displaying some genetic differences to so far reported virulent FAdV-1 from Japan. Furthermore, highest viral load in gizzards could be linked with macroscopical and histological lesions. Therefore, the conducted analyses provide important insights into the pathogenesis of adenoviral gizzard erosion.
Detection and genotyping of restriction fragment associated polymorphisms in polyploid crops with a pseudo-reference sequence: a case study in allotetraploid Brassica napus
Authors: Chen Xun , Li Xuemin , Zhang Bing , Xu Jinsong , Wu Zhikun , Wang Bo , Li Haitao , Younas Muhammad , Huang Lei , Luo Yingfeng , Wu Jiangsheng , Hu Songnian , Liu Kede 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
The presence of homoeologous sequences and absence of a reference genome sequence make discovery and genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) more challenging in polyploid crops.

Results
To address this challenge, we constructed reduced representation libraries (RRLs) for two Brassica napus inbred lines and their 91 doubled haploid (DH) progenies using a modified ddRADseq technique. A bioinformatics pipeline termed RFAPtools was developed to discover and genotype SNPs and presence/absence variations (PAVs). Using this pipeline, a pseudo-reference sequence (PRF) containing 180,991 sequence tags was constructed. By aligning sequence reads to the pseudo-reference sequence, allelic SNPs as well as PAVs were identified and genotyped with RFAPtools. Two parallel linkage maps, one SNP bin map containing 8,780 SNP loci and one PAV linkage map containing 12,423 dominant loci, were constructed. By aligning marker sequences to B. rapa sequence scaffolds, whose genome is available, we assigned 44 unassembled sequence scaffolds comprising 8.15 Mb onto the B. rapa chromosomes, and also identified 14 instances of misassembly and eight instances of mis-ordering sequence scaffolds.

Conclusions
These results indicate that the modified ddRADseq approach is a cost-effective and simple method to genotype tens of thousands SNPs and PAV markers in a polyploidy plant species. The results also demonstrated that RFAPtools developed in this study are powerful to mine allelic SNPs from homoeologous sequences in polyploids, therefore they are generally applicable in either diploid or polyploid species with or without a reference genome sequence.
Effects of self-care, self-efficacy, social support on glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gao Junling , Wang Jingli , Zheng Pinpin , Haardörfer Regine , Kegler Michelle C , Zhu Yaocheng , Fu Hua 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
A number of studies have examined the influence of self-efficacy, social support and patient-provider communication (PPC) on self-care and glycemic control. Relatively few studies have tested the pathways through which these constructs operate to improve glycemic control, however. We used structural equation modeling to examine a conceptual model that hypothesizes how self-efficacy, social support and patient-provider communication influence glycemic control through self-care behaviors in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 222 Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes in one primary care center. We collected information on demographics, self-efficacy, social support, patient-provider communication (PPC) and diabetes self-care. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values were also obtained. Measured variable path analyses were used to determine the predicted pathways linking self-efficacy, social support and PPC to diabetes self-care and glycemic control.

Results
Diabetes self-care had a direct effect on glycemic control (β = −0.21, p = .007), No direct effect was observed for self-efficacy, social support or PPC on glycemic control. There were significant positive direct paths from self-efficacy (β = 0.32, p < .001), social support (β = 0.17, p = .009) and PPC (β = 0.14, p = .029) to diabetes self-care. All of them had an indirect effect on HbA1c (β =–0.06, β =–0.04, β =–0.03 respectively). Additionally, PPC was positively associated with social support (γ = 0.32, p < .001).

Conclusions
Having better provider-patient communication, having social support, and having higher self-efficacy was associated with performing diabetes self-care behaviors; and these behaviors were directly linked to glycemic control. So longitudinal studies are needed to explore the effect of self-efficacy, social support and PPC on changes in diabetes self-care behaviors and glycemic control.
Arterial bleeding during EUS-guided pseudocyst drainage stopped by placement of a covered self-expandable metal stent
Authors: Săftoiu Adrian , Ciobanu Lidia , Seicean Andrada , Tantău Marcel 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Hemorrhagic complications during EUS-guided pseudocyst drainage can occur, because the vessels on the internal wall of the pseudocyst might be compressed by the fluid and thus not visible on color Doppler or even power Doppler EUS.

Case presentation
We report a case of an immediate internal spurting arterial bleeding precipitated during EUS-guided pseudocyst drainage which stopped instantaneously by placement of a double flanged covered self-expandable metal stent through mechanical hemostasis.

Conclusion
In an unusual situation of bleeding from collateral circulation near the pseudocyst wall during pseudocyst drainage, the placement of an expandable metal stent proved to be useful.
Effect of elective cesarean section on the risk of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Hu Yali , Chen Jie , Wen Jian , Xu Chenyu , Zhang Shu , Xu Biyun , Zhou Yi-Hua 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Many clinicians and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected pregnant women prefer elective caesarean section (ECS) to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV, since some studies found higher transmission of HBV in infants born by vaginal delivery (VD) than by cesarean section. However, other studies showed that ECS does not reduce the risk of being infected with HBV in infants. In this study, we aimed to clarify whether ECS may reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HBV.

Methods
Totally 546 children (1–7-year-old) born to 544 HBsAg-positive mothers from 15 cities and rural areas across Jiangsu Province, China, were enrolled. Of these children, 137 (2 pairs of twins) were born to HBeAg-positive mothers; 285 were delivered by ECS and 261 others by VD (one pair of twin in each group). HBV serologic markers were tested by enzyme or microparticle immunoassay.

Results
The maternal and gestational ages, maternal HBeAg-positive rates, and children’s ages, gender ratios, hepatitis B vaccine coverage and administrations of HBIG were comparable between ECS and VD groups (all p >0.05). The overall prevalence of HBsAg in the 546 children was 2.4%, with 2.5% (7/285) and 2.3% (6/261) in those born by ECS and VD respectively (p = 0.904). Further comparison of chronic HBV infection in the 137 children of HBeAg-positive mothers showed that the HBsAg-positive rates in ECS and VD groups were 10.3% (7/68) and 8.7% (6/69) respectively (p = 0.750), while the mothers had similar HBV DNA levels (2.38 × 106 vs. 2.35 × 106 IU/ml, p = 0.586). Additionally, the overall rate of anti-HBs ≥10 mIU/ml in the children was 71.6%, with 72.3% and 70.9% in those born by ECS and VD respectively (p = 0.717).

Conclusions
With the recommended immunoprophylaxis against hepatitis B, ECS does not reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HBV. Therefore, ECS should not be used in HBsAg-positive pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV.
A new assay for measuring chromosome instability (CIN) and identification of drugs that elevate CIN in cancer cells
Authors: Lee Hee-Sheung , Lee Nicholas CO , Grimes Brenda R , Samoshkin Alexander , Kononenko Artem V , Bansal Ruchi , Masumoto Hiroshi , Earnshaw William C , Kouprina Natalay , Larionov Vladimir 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Aneuploidy is a feature of most cancer cells that is often accompanied by an elevated rate of chromosome mis-segregation termed chromosome instability (CIN). While CIN can act as a driver of cancer genome evolution and tumor progression, recent findings point to the existence of a threshold level beyond which CIN becomes a barrier to tumor growth and therefore can be exploited therapeutically. Drugs known to increase CIN beyond the therapeutic threshold are currently few in number, and the clinical promise of targeting the CIN phenotype warrants new screening efforts. However, none of the existing methods, including the in vitro micronuclei (MNi) assay, developed to quantify CIN, is entirely satisfactory.

Methods
We have developed a new assay for measuring CIN. This quantitative assay for chromosome mis-segregation is based on the use of a non-essential human artificial chromosome (HAC) carrying a constitutively expressed EGFP transgene. Thus, cells that inherit the HAC display green fluorescence, while cells lacking the HAC do not. This allows the measurement of HAC loss rate by routine flow cytometry.

Results
Using the HAC-based chromosome loss assay, we have analyzed several well-known anti-mitotic, spindle-targeting compounds, all of which have been reported to induce micronuclei formation and chromosome loss. For each drug, the rate of HAC loss was accurately measured by flow cytometry as a proportion of non-fluorescent cells in the cell population which was verified by FISH analysis. Based on our estimates, despite their similar cytotoxicity, the analyzed drugs affect the rates of HAC mis-segregation during mitotic divisions differently. The highest rate of HAC mis-segregation was observed for the microtubule-stabilizing drugs, taxol and peloruside A.

Conclusion
Thus, this new and simple assay allows for a quick and efficient screen of hundreds of drugs to identify those affecting chromosome mis-segregation. It also allows ranking of compounds with the same or similar mechanism of action based on their effect on the rate of chromosome loss. The identification of new compounds that increase chromosome mis-segregation rates should expedite the development of new therapeutic strategies to target the CIN phenotype in cancer cells.