bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between vitamin D status and left ventricular geometry in a healthy population: results from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Ameri P. , Canepa M. , Milaneschi Y. , Spallarossa P. , Leoncini G. , Giallauria F. , Strait J. B. , Lakatta E. G. , Brunelli C. , Murialdo G. , Ferrucci L. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe effects of vitamin D on the heart have been studied in patients with cardiac disease, but not in healthy persons. We investigated the relation between vitamin D status and left ventricular (LV) structure and function in community‐dwelling subjects without heart disease.DesignThe relationship between concentrations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], a marker of vitamin D reserve, and LV transthoracic echocardiography measures was analysed in 711 participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging who were without cardiac disease.ResultsMean 25(OH)D in the study population was 32.3 ± 11.4 ng mL−1; only 15.5% of subjects had moderate or severe vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D < 20 ng mL−1]. Adjusting for age, body mass index, cardiovascular disease risk factors, physical activity, calcium and parathyroid hormone, 25(OH)D was positively correlated with LV thickness (β 0.095, SE 0.039, P < 0.05) and LV mass index (β 7.5, SE 2.6, P < 0.01). A significant nonlinear relation between 25(OH)D and LV concentric remodelling was observed. LV remodelling was more likely in participants with 25(OH)D levels <30 ng mL−1 [odds ratio (OR) 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83–1.85] or ≥38 ng mL−1 (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.13–2.65), compared with those with 30–37 ng mL−1 25(OH)D. Consistently, LV relative wall thickness was significantly lower (P for trend=0.05), and LV diastolic internal diameter index (P for trend<0.05) and end‐diastolic volume index (P for trend<0.05) were significantly higher in subjects with 30–37 ng mL−1 25(OH)D compared to the rest of the study population. There was a significant interaction between 25(OH)D and hypertension on the risk of LV hypertrophy (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn a population‐based sample of predominantly vitamin D‐sufficient subjects without heart disease, LV geometry was most favourable at intermediate 25(OH)D concentrations.
Determinants of HbA1c in nondiabetic Dutch adults: genetic loci and clinical and lifestyle parameters, and their interactions in the lifelines cohort study
Authors: Jansen H. , Stolk R. P. , Nolte I. M. , Kema I. P. , Wolffenbuttel B. H. R. , Snieder H. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesGlycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is associated with cardiovascular disease risk in individuals without diabetes, and its use has been recommended for diagnosing diabetes. Therefore, it is important to gain further understanding of the determinants of HbA1c. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of genetic loci and clinical and lifestyle parameters, and their interactions, on HbA1c in nondiabetic adults.DesignPopulation‐based cohort study.SettingThree northern provinces of the Netherlands.SubjectsA total of 2921 nondiabetic adults participating in the population‐based LifeLines Cohort Study.MeasurementsBody mass index (BMI), waist circumference, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and erythrocyte indices were measured. Data on current smoking and alcohol consumption were collected through questionnaires. Genome‐wide genotyping was performed, and 12 previously identified single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected for replication and categorized as ‘glycaemic’ and ‘nonglycaemic’ SNPs according to their presumed mechanism(s) of action on HbA1c. Genetic risk scores (GRSs) were calculated as the sum of the weighted effect of HbA1c‐increasing alleles.ResultsAge, gender, BMI, FPG, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, current smoking and alcohol consumption were independent predictors of HbA1c, together explaining 26.2% of the variance in HbA1c, with FPG contributing 10.9%. We replicated three of the previously identified SNPs and the GRSs were also found to be independently associated with HbA1c. We found a smaller effect of the ‘nonglycaemic GRS' in females compared with males and an attenuation of the effect of the GRS of all 12 SNPs with increasing BMI.ConclusionsOur results suggest that a substantial portion of HbA1c is determined by nonglycaemic factors. This should be taken into account when considering the use of HbA1c as a diagnostic test for diabetes.
Association between CD8+ T‐cell subsets and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Kolbus D. , Ljungcrantz I. , Andersson L. , Hedblad B. , Fredrikson G. N. , Björkbacka H. , Nilsson J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe findings of experimental studies suggest that the immune system plays a key role in atherosclerosis, but the clinical importance of different immune cells in cardiovascular disease remains poorly characterized. In this study we investigated the association between CD8+ T cells and carotid disease as well as development of cardiovascular disease events.MethodsThe study cohort comprised 700 subjects from the cardiovascular arm of the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells, obtained at the 1991–1994 baseline investigation and stored at −140 °C, were thawed and the different CD8+ T‐cell populations analysed by flow cytometry. Baseline carotid intima–media thickness and stenosis were assessed by ultrasonography and clinical events were monitored through validated national registers.ResultsSubjects with a high fraction of CD8+ T cells were characterized by decreased cytokine release from activated leucocytes, metabolic signs of insulin resistance and increased incidence of coronary events; hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the second and third tertiles of CD8+ T cells were 2.57 (1.16, 5.67) and 2.61 (1.19, 5,71), respectively, in a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Correlations were found between the fraction of CD8+CD25+ T cells and the degree of carotid stenosis (r = 0.11, P < 0.01), and between the CD8+CD56−IFN‐γ+ T‐cell fraction and the degree of stenosis (r = −0.18, P < 0.005). The association between CD8+CD56−IFN‐γ+ T cells and carotid stenosis remained significant after controlling for major cardiovascular disease risk factors.ConclusionThis study provides prospective clinical evidence for a role of CD8+ T cells in cardiovascular disease and suggests the existence of CD8+ T‐cell subsets with different pathological functions.
Improvements in logistics could increase survival after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest in Sweden
Authors: Strömsöe A. , Afzelius S. , Axelsson C. , Södersved Källestedt M. L. , Enlund M. , Svensson L. , Herlitz J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesIn a review based on estimations and assumptions, to report the estimated number of survivors after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in whom cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was started and to speculate about possible future improvements in Sweden.DesignAn observational study.SettingAll ambulance organisations in Sweden.SubjectsPatients included in the Swedish Cardiac Arrest Registry who suffered an OHCA between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010. Approximately 80% of OHCA cases in Sweden in which CPR was started are included.InterventionsNoneResultsIn 11 005 patients, the 1‐month survival rate was 9.4%. There are approximately 5000 OHCA cases annually in which CPR is started and 30‐day survival is achieved in up to 500 patients yearly (6 per 100 000 inhabitants). Based on findings on survival in relation to the time to calling for the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and the start of CPR and defibrillation, it was estimated that, if the delay from collapse to (i) calling EMS, (ii) the start of CPR, and (iii) the time to defibrillation were reduced to <2 min, <2 min, and <8 min, respectively, 300–400 additional lives could be saved.ConclusionBased on findings relating to the delay to calling for the EMS and the start of CPR and defibrillation, we speculate that 300–400 additional OHCA patients yearly (4 per 100 000 inhabitants) could be saved in Sweden.
A prospective randomized toxicity study to compare reduced‐intensity and myeloablative conditioning in patients with myeloid leukaemia undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ringdén O. , Erkers T. , Aschan J. , Garming‐Legert K. , Le Blanc K. , Hägglund H. , Omazic B. , Svenberg P. , Dahllöf G. , Mattsson J. , Ljungman P. , Remberger M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo our knowledge, no randomized toxicity studies have been conducted to compare myeloablative conditioning (MAC) and reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).MethodsAdult patients ≤60 years of age with myeloid leukaemia were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to treatment with RIC (n = 18) or MAC (n = 19) in this Phase II single‐centre toxicity study.ResultsThere was a maximum median mucositis grade of 1 in the RIC group compared with 4 in the MAC group (P < 0.001). Haemorrhagic cystitis occurred in eight of the patients in the MAC group and none in the RIC group (P < 0.01). Results of renal and hepatic tests did not differ significantly between the two groups. RIC‐treated patients had faster platelet engraftment (P < 0.01) and required fewer erythrocyte and platelet transfusions (P < 0.001) and less total parenteral nutrition (TPN) than those treated with MAC (P < 0.01). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was more common in the MAC group (14/19) than in the RIC group (6/18) (P = 0.02). Donor chimerism was similar in the two groups with regard to CD19 and CD33, but was delayed for CD3 in the RIC group. Five‐year transplant‐related mortality (TRM) was approximately 11% in both groups, and rates of relapse and survival were not significantly different. Patients in the MAC group with intermediate cytogenetic acute myeloid leukaemia had a 3‐year survival of 73%, compared with 90% among those in the RIC group.ConclusionReduced‐intensity conditioning had several advantages compared with MAC, including less mucositis, less haemorrhagic cystitis, faster platelet engraftment, the need for fewer transfusions and less TPN, and fewer CMV infections. Both regimens were tolerated and TRM was low.
Low blood pressure and antihypertensive treatment are independently associated with physical and mental health status in patients with arterial disease: the SMART study
Authors: Muller M. , Jochemsen H. M. , Visseren F. L. J. , Grool A. M. , Launer L. J. , van der Graaf Y. , Geerlings M. I. ,   The SMART‐study group
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the independent effects of antihypertensive treatment and blood pressure (BP) levels on physical and mental health status in patients with arterial disease.Design and settingCross‐sectional analyses were conducted within the single‐centre Secondary Manifestations of ARTerial disease (SMART) study, in a hospital care setting.SubjectsA total of 5877 patients (mean age 57 years) with symptomatic and asymptomatic arterial disease underwent standardized vascular screening.Main outcome measureThe primary outcome was self‐rated physical and mental health assessed using the 36‐item short‐form health survey.ResultsIn the total population, antihypertensive drug use and increased intensity of antihypertensive treatment were associated with poorer health status independent of important confounders including BP levels; adjusted mean differences [95% confidence interval (CI)] in physical and mental health between n = 0 and n ≥ 3 antihypertensives were −1.2 (−2.1; −0.3) and −3.5 (−4.4; −2.6), respectively. Furthermore, both lower systolic and lower diastolic BP levels were related to poorer physical and mental health status independent of antihypertensive treatment. Mean differences (95% CI) in physical and mental health status per SD decrease in systolic BP were −0.56 (−0.84; −0.27) and −0.32 (−0.61; −0.03) and per SD decrease in diastolic BP were −0.50 (−0.78; −0.23) and −0.08 (−0.36; 0.20), respectively. The association between low BP and poor health status was particularly present in patients with coronary artery disease.ConclusionsIn a population of patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic arterial disease, antihypertensive treatment and lower BP levels are independently associated with poorer self‐rated physical and mental health. These findings suggest that different underlying mechanisms may explain these independent associations.
Exploring the experience of Canadian registered psychiatric nurses: a phenomenological study
Authors: Jackson J. , Morrissette P. J. 
Published: April 2013

Accessible summary
This study was undertaken to explore the experience of registered psychiatric nurses in the province of Manitoba, Canada.
Results of this study revealed six predominant themes including how psychiatric nursing is perceived by the public and allied professionals, the aggressive behaviour and management of patients, the involvement of family members regarding the care of their loved ones, the relationship between physicians and psychiatric nurses, the sense of responsibility and worry associated with psychiatric nursing, and the gradual shift in educational standards and movement towards traditional medical intervention.
Results from this study can benefit patients, psychiatric nurses, and psychiatric nurse educators.
AbstractThis paper describes a phenomenological study that was conducted in 2012 and investigated the experiences of registered psychiatric nurses working in the province of Manitoba. Ten registered psychiatric nurses participated in semistructured, audio‐recorded interviews, during which they described their experiences, yielding written protocols that were thematically analysed. Results from this study revealed six predominant themes that included (1) perception of psychiatric nursing; (2) patient aggression; (3) patient family involvement; (4) nurse–doctor relationship; (5) responsibility and worry; and (6) shift in practice and educational standards. The results of this study can assist in better understanding registered psychiatric nursing practice, inform educational programmes, and spawn future research.
Credential Effects and the Returns to Education in China
Authors: Xiu Lin , Gunderson Morley 
Published: April 2013

AbstractUsing the China Household Income Project (CHIP) data for 1995 and 2002, we examine the returns to education in China, separating out credential effects from pure years‐of‐schooling effects. The results are broadly consistent with the implications of China moving towards a market‐oriented economy: increasing returns to education where both years of schooling and credentials from completing key phases are rewarded; a decline in the importance of credentials as firms have more discretion to select the best‐suited employees irrespective of their credentials; more emphasis on credentials in the state sector; less emphasis on credentials for long‐tenured employees for whom the employer has more opportunity to assess productivity without relying on credentials; and a greater importance of credentials for females for whom the value of such signals may be more important.
Unrelated viral suppressors of RNA silencing mediate the control of ARGONAUTE1 level
Authors: Várallyay Éva , Havelda Zoltán 
Published: April 2013

SummaryVarious plant viruses ubiquitously mediate the induction of miR168, resulting in the control of ARGONAUTE 1 (AGO1), which is the pivotal component of the microRNA (miRNA) regulation pathway and can also exhibit antiviral function. Here, we demonstrate that miR168‐driven control of AGO1 can persist for a long time in virus‐infected plants and can be an important component of symptom development. We also show that infection of RNA viruses belonging to various genera is associated with the transcriptional induction of the MIR168 precursor gene. Moreover, in a transient expression study, we reveal that different unrelated viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs) are responsible for the enhanced accumulation of miR168. The induction of miR168 accumulation is an early function of VSRs and this activity is associated with the control of the endogenous AGO1 protein level. The common ability of unrelated VSRs to induce the miR168 level implies that this activity might be a component of the host defence suppression in plant–virus interactions.
Arabidopsis phospholipase Dβ1 modulates defense responses to bacterial and fungal pathogens
Authors: Zhao Jian , Devaiah Shivakumar P. , Wang Cunxi , Li Maoyin , Welti Ruth , Wang Xuemin 
Published: April 2013

Summary

Pathogen infection of higher plants often induces rapid production of phosphatidic acid (PA) and changes in lipid profiles, but the enzymatic basis and the function of the lipid change in pathogen–plant interactions are not well understood.

Infection of phospholipase D β1 (PLDβ1)‐deficient plants by Pseudomonas syringae tomato pv DC3000 (Pst DC30000) resulted in less bacterial growth than in wild‐type plants, and the effect was more profound in virulent Pst DC3000 than avirulent Pst DC3000 (carrying the avirulence gene avrRpt2) infection. The expression levels of salicylic acid (SA)‐inducible genes were higher, but those inducible by jasmonic acid (JA) showed lower expression in PLDβ1 mutants than in wild‐type plants.

However, PLDβ1‐deficient plants were more susceptible than wild‐type plants to the fungus Botrytis cinerea. The PLDβ1‐deficient plants had lower levels of PA, JA and JA‐related defense gene expression after B. cinerea inoculation.

PLDβ1 plays a positive role in pathogen‐induced JA production and plant resistance to the necrotrophic fungal pathogen B. cinerea, but a negative role in the SA‐dependent signaling pathway and plant tolerance to infection with biotrophic Pst DC3000. PLDβ1 is responsible for most of the increase in PA production in response to necrotrophic B. cinerea and virulent Pst DC3000 infection, but contributes less to avirulent Pst DC3000 (avrRpt2)‐induced PA production.
A systematic review of physical activity levels in Native American populations in Canada and the United States in the last 50 years
Authors: Foulds H. J. A. , Warburton D. E. R. , Bredin S. S. D. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryPhysical activity is beneficial for many chronic conditions. However, activity levels of Native Americans are not well known. This systematic review investigated if Native American populations achieve the recommended physical activity levels, compared current and past activity levels, and assessed the ability of exercise training programmes to improve health outcomes among this population. Electronic databases (e.g. MEDLINE, EMBASE) were searched and citations were cross‐referenced. Included articles reported physical activity levels or investigations among Native Americans. This search identified 89 articles: self‐report (n = 61), accelerometry and pedometry (n = 10), metabolic monitoring (n = 10) and physical activity interventions (n = 17). Few adults were found to meet the physical activity recommendations (27.2% [95% confidence interval = 26.9–27.5%] self‐report, 9% [4–14%] accelerometry). Among children/youth, 26.5% (24.6–28.4%) (self‐report) to 45.7% (42.3–49.1%) (pedometry/accelerometry) met the recommendations. Adults and children/youth were generally identified as physically inactive (via doubly labelled water). Overall, Native American adults reported lower activity levels since 2000, compared to 1990s, although similar to 1980s. Few physical activity interventions employed strong methodologies, large sample sizes and objective outcome measures. There is a clear need to increase Native American populations' physical activity. Additional research is required to evaluate exercise training programmes among this population.
Bronchial allergen provocation: A useful method to assess the efficacy of specific immunotherapy in children
Authors: Rosewich Martin , Arendt Sonja , El Moussaoui Samir , Schulze Johannes , Schubert Ralf , Zielen Stefan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical efficacy of subcutaneous allergen‐specific immunotherapy (SCIT) varies between patients. New preparations are under development, and an objective tool with which to evaluate their efficacies in individual patients has become necessary. Our primary research question is whether bronchial allergen provocation (BAP) can be used to assess the efficacy of SCIT.MethodsIn 42 house dust mite (HDM) allergic children (average age: 8.6 yr) with asthma, we analysed the clinical and objective improvements of a standardised HDM allergoid. All patients underwent two BAPs, one before SCIT and another 1 yr after SCIT. Fourteen patients who were recommended but chose not to undergo SCIT represented the control group. The total and specific IgE were analysed before SCIT; in addition, after SCIT, specific IgG and IgG4 were analysed.ResultsAfter SCIT, the patients' allergen‐specific bronchial hyper‐reactivity (BHR) was significantly improved; specifically, their PD20FEV1 was 34.4 AU before and 63.3 AU after SCIT (p < 0.01). The PD20FEV1 of the control group remained unchanged. Although BHR improved significantly in the treatment group, we were able to differentiate between the responders (n = 17, 60.7%) and non‐responders (n = 11, no improvement in BAP). The patients in both groups stated that SCIT had led to a subjective improvement in their symptoms, in contrast to the untreated control group, but only the responders required less medication after SCIT (p < 0.01).ConclusionsAfter 1 yr of SCIT against HDM, 60.7% of the patients observed in this study exhibited significant improvements, as defined by BAP. However, BAP was also able to identify the non‐responders to treatment. Thus, BAP is a useful and objective method of estimating the effectiveness of SCIT and is not influenced by a placebo effect.
The psychosocial impact of an activity holiday for young children with severe food allergy: a longitudinal study
Authors: Knibb Rebecca C. , Hourihane Jonathan O'B. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundFood allergy has been shown to severely affect quality of life (QoL) in children and their families. The Anaphylaxis Campaign UK supports families with allergic children and as part of that support ran an activity holiday for those with food allergy. This study investigated the effectiveness of this activity holiday for reducing anxiety and improving QoL and food allergy management for these children.MethodsMeasures were taken at baseline, at the start of the activity holiday, at the end of the holiday, at 3 and 6 months follow‐up. Children (n = 24) completed a paediatric food allergy–specific QoL questionnaire (PFA‐QL), a generic QoL questionnaire (PedsQL™), the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) and the Children's Health Locus of Control (CHLC) scale at all stages of the study.ResultsThere were significant improvements in social QoL, food allergy–specific QoL, total CHLC and internal locus of control scores over time (p > 0.05). There were significant decreases in powerful others locus of control, total anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder scores (p < 0.05). Greater anxiety significantly correlated with poorer QoL at all time points; no correlations with locus of control were significant at the 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up.ConclusionsThe activity holiday was of significant benefit to the children who took part, providing support for the need for activity holidays such as this for children with severe food allergy. Ways in which adaptive locus of control and improved quality of life can be facilitated need to be further explored.