bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential MicroRNA Expression Profiles in Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Stather Philip W. , Sylvius Nicolas , Wild John B. , Choke Edward , Sayers Robert D. , Bown Matthew J. 
Published: August 2013

Background—
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a clinical condition caused by an atherosclerotic process affecting the arteries of the limbs. Despite major improvements in surgical endovascular techniques, PAD is still associated with high mortality and morbidity. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of short noncoding RNA controlling gene expression, have emerged as major regulators of multiple biological processes.

Methods and Results—
A whole-miRNA transcriptome profiling was performed in peripheral blood from an initial sample set of patients and controls. A 12-miRNA PAD-specific signature, which includes let 7e, miR-15b, -16, -20b, -25, -26b, -27b, -28-5p, -126, -195, -335, and -363, was further investigated and validated in 2 additional sample sets. Each of these 12 miRNAs exhibited good diagnostic value as evidenced by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. Pathway enrichment analysis using predicted and validated targets identified several signaling pathways relevant to vascular disorders. Several of these pathways, including cell adhesion molecules, were confirmed by quantifying the expression level of several candidate genes regulating the initial stages of the inflammatory atherosclerotic process. The expression level of 7 of these candidate genes exhibits striking inverse correlation with that of several, if not all, of the miRNAs of the PAD-specific miRNA signature.

Conclusions—
These results demonstrate the potential of miRNAs for the diagnosis of PAD and provide further insight into the molecular mechanisms leading to the development of PAD, with the potential for future therapeutic targets.
In situ Quality Assessment of a Novel Underwater pCO2 Sensor Based on Membrane Equilibration and NDIR Spectrometry
Authors: Fietzek Peer , Fiedler Björn , Steinhoff Tobias , Körtzinger Arne 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
This paper presents a detailed quality assessment of a novel underwater sensor for the measurement of CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) based on surface water field deployments carried out between 2008 and 2011. The commercially available sensor, which is based on membrane equilibration and nondispersive IR (NDIR) spectrometry is small and can be integrated into mobile platforms. It is calibrated in water against a proven flow-through pCO2 instrument within a custom-built calibration setup. The aspect of highest concern with respect to achievable data quality of the sensor is the compensation for signal drift inevitably connected to absorption measurements. Three means are used to correct for drift effects: (i) a filter correlation or dual-beam setup, (ii) regular zero gas measurements realized automatically within the sensor, and (iii) a zero-based transformation of two sensor calibrations flanking the time of sensor deployment.
Three sensors were tested against an underway pCO2 system during two major research cruises, providing an in situ temperature range from 7.4° to 30.1°C and pCO2 values between 289 and 445 μatm. The average difference between sensor and reference pCO2 was found to be −0.6 ±3.0 μatm with an RMSE of 3.7 μatm.
A grounded theory of social participation among older women living with HIV / Une théorie ancrée pour analyser la participation sociale chez les femmes âgées atteintes du VIH
Authors: Siemon Jennifer S. , Blenkhorn Lisa , Wilkins Seanne , O’Brien Kelly K. , Solomon Patricia E. 
Published: August 2013

Background. As adults age with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the role for rehabilitation continues to emerge. Understanding how social participation is affected among women aging with HIV can inform occupational therapy assessment and treatment. Purpose. Our purpose was to develop a theoretical model that describes the experiences of social participation from the perspective of older women living with HIV. Method. A grounded theory methodological approach was utilized. We conducted interviews with 20 women living with HIV, age 50 or older, to explore various aspects of social participation, including self-care, relationships with others, and access to health and social services. Emergent themes informed the theoretical model. Findings. The theoretical model comprises four concepts related to social participation: social engagement, social isolation, contrasting perceptions about factors variably influencing participation, and contextual influences that may enhance or hinder social participation. Implications. Women aging with HIV experience social participation as a dynamic process involving social engagement and isolation. Contextual influences may promote and impede social participation.
Factors Affecting Postural Instability in Ménière's Disease
Authors: Fujimoto Chisato , Egami Naoya , Kinoshita Makoto , Sugasawa Keiko , Yamasoba Tatsuya , Iwasaki Shinichi 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo assess the influence of factors that can affect the postural instability of Ménière's disease (MD) patients.Study DesignCase‐control study.SettingOutpatient clinic in a university hospital.Subjects and MethodsFifty‐four definite MD patients and 66 controls were included. Two‐legged stance tasks were performed in 4 conditions: eyes open with and without foam rubber and eyes closed with and without foam rubber. We examined 6 variables: the velocity of movement of the center of pressure (COP), the envelopment area traced by the movement of the COP, Romberg's ratio of velocity and area, and the foam ratios of velocity and area. For patients, stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship between the 6 variables and the following independent variables: gender, age, the presence of abnormal caloric and/or cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) responses, the time elapsed since the last vertigo attack, and the disease duration.ResultsThe presence of MD had a significantly positive relationship with all 6 of the variables (P <. 05). The presence of abnormal caloric and/or cVEMP responses had a significantly positive relationship with Romberg's ratio of velocity (P <. 05) and area (P <. 01). The shorter time interval from last vertigo attack to measurement had a significantly positive relationship with the foam ratio of area (P <. 01).ConclusionMD patients show poor postural performance, which is affected by the existence of their peripheral vestibular function and the shorter time interval from last vertigo attack to measurement.
All-inside Arthroscopic Lateral Collateral Ligament Repair for Ankle Instability With a Knotless Suture Anchor Technique
Authors: Vega Jordi , Golanó Pau , Pellegrino Alexandro , Rabat Eduard , Peña Fernando 
Published: August 2013

Background: Recently, arthroscopic-assisted techniques have been described to treat lateral ankle instability with excellent results. However, complications including neuritis of the superficial peroneal or sural nerve, and pain or discomfort due to a prominent anchor or suture knot have been reported. The aim of this study was to describe a novel technique, the “all-inside arthroscopic lateral collateral ankle ligament repair,” and its results for treating patients with ankle instability. Methods: Sixteen patients (10 men and 6 women, mean age 29.3 years, 17-46) with lateral ankle instability were treated with an arthroscopic procedure. Using a suture passer and a knotless anchor, the ligaments were repaired with an all-inside technique. The right ankle was affected in 10 cases. Mean follow-up was 22.3 (12-35) months. Results: On arthroscopic examination, 13 patients had an isolated anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury, and in 3 patients, both the ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) were affected. All-inside arthroscopic anatomic repair of the lateral collateral ligament complex was performed in all cases. All patients reported subjective improvement of their ankle instability. The mean AOFAS score increased from 67 preoperatively to 97 at final follow-up. No major complications were reported. Conclusion: The all-inside arthroscopic ligament repair was a safe, reliable, and reproducible technique that both provided an anatomic repair of the lateral collateral ligament complex and restored ankle stability while preserving all the advantages of an arthroscopic technique. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Diagnosis and treatment of primary myelodysplastic syndromes in adults: recommendations from the European LeukemiaNet
Authors: Malcovati Luca , Hellström-Lindberg Eva , Bowen David , Adès Lionel , Cermak Jaroslav , del Cañizo Consuelo , Della Porta Matteo G. , Fenaux Pierre , Gattermann Norbert , Germing Ulrich , Jansen Joop H. , Mittelman Moshe , Mufti Ghulam , Platzbecker Uwe , Sanz Guillermo F. , Selleslag Dominik , Skov-Holm Mette , Stauder Reinhard , Symeonidis Argiris , van de Loosdrecht Arjan A. , de Witte Theo , Cazzola Mario 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWithin the myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) work package of the European LeukemiaNet, an Expert Panel was selected according to the framework elements of the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Program. A systematic review of the literature was performed that included indexed original papers, indexed reviews and educational papers, and abstracts of conference proceedings. Guidelines were developed on the basis of a list of patient- and therapy-oriented questions, and recommendations were formulated and ranked according to the supporting level of evidence. MDSs should be classified according to the 2008 World Health Organization criteria. An accurate risk assessment requires the evaluation of not only disease-related factors but also of those related to extrahematologic comorbidity. The assessment of individual risk enables the identification of fit patients with a poor prognosis who are candidates for up-front intensive treatments, primarily allogeneic stem cell transplantation. A high proportion of MDS patients are not eligible for potentially curative treatment because of advanced age and/or clinically relevant comorbidities and poor performance status. In these patients, the therapeutic intervention is aimed at preventing cytopenia-related morbidity and preserving quality of life. A number of new agents are being developed for which the available evidence is not sufficient to recommend routine use. The inclusion of patients into prospective clinical trials is strongly recommended.
Neutrophils mediate antibody-induced antitumor effects in mice
Authors: Albanesi Marcello , Mancardi David A. , Jönsson Friederike , Iannascoli Bruno , Fiette Laurence , Di Santo James P. , Lowell Clifford A. , Bruhns Pierre 
Published: August 2013

Key PointsNeutrophils are necessary and sufficient for mAb-induced therapy of subcutaneous syngeneic or xenograft tumors in mice. Antitumor immunoglobulin G mAb therapy requires a Syk-dependent FcγR-induced killing of tumors by neutrophils.
Vitamin B6 reduces hippocampal apoptosis in experimental pneumococcal meningitis
Authors: Zysset-Burri Denise C , Bellac Caroline L , Leib Stephen L , Wittwer Matthias 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundBacterial meningitis caused byStreptococcus pneumoniae leads to death in up to 30% of patients and leaves up to half of the survivors with neurological sequelae. The inflammatory host reaction initiates the induction of the kynurenine pathway and contributes to hippocampal apoptosis, a form of brain damage that is associated with learning and memory deficits in experimental paradigms. Vitamin B6 is an enzymatic cofactor in the kynurenine pathway and may thus limit the accumulation of neurotoxic metabolites and preserve the cellular energy status.The aim of this study in a pneumococcal meningitis model was to investigate the effect of vitamin B6 on hippocampal apoptosis by histomorphology, by transcriptomics and by measurement of cellular nicotine amide adenine dinucleotide content.Methods and resultsEleven day old Wistar rats were infected with 1x106cfu/ml ofS.pneumoniaeand randomized for treatment with vitamin B6 or saline as controls. Vitamin B6 led to a significant (p > 0.02) reduction of hippocampal apoptosis. According to functional annotation based clustering, vitamin B6 led to down-regulation of genes involved in processes of inflammatory response, while genes encoding for processes related to circadian rhythm, neuronal signaling and apoptotic cell death were mostly up-regulated.ConclusionsOur results provide evidence that attenuation of apoptosis by vitamin B6 is multi-factorial including down-modulation of inflammation, up-regulation of the neuroprotective brain-derived neurotrophic factor and prevention of the exhaustion of cellular energy stores. The neuroprotective effect identifies vitamin B6 as a potential target for the development of strategies to attenuate brain injury in bacterial meningitis.
Chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology: prevalence and causative factors in a developing country
Authors: Jayatilake Nihal , Mendis Shanthi , Maheepala Palitha , Mehta Firdosi R 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
This study describes chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu), which cannot be attributed to diabetes, hypertension or other known aetiologies, that has emerged in the North Central region of Sri Lanka.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted, to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for CKDu. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, selenium, pesticides and other elements were analysed in biological samples from individuals with CKDu and compared with age- and sex-matched controls in the endemic and non-endemic areas. Food, water, soil and agrochemicals from both areas were analysed for heavy metals.

Results
The age-standardised prevalence of CKDu was 12.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.5% to 14.4%) in males and 16.9% (95% CI = 15.5% to 18.3%) in females. Severe stages of CKDu were more frequent in males (stage 3: males versus females = 23.2% versus 7.4%; stage 4: males versus females = 22.0% versus 7.3%; P < 0.001). The risk was increased in individuals aged >39 years and those who farmed (chena cultivation) (OR [odds ratio] = 1.926, 95% CI = 1.561 to 2.376 and OR = 1.195, 95% CI = 1.007 to 1.418 respectively, P < 0.05). The risk was reduced in individuals who were male or who engaged in paddy cultivation (OR = 0.745, 95% CI = 0.562 to 0.988 and OR = 0.732, 95% CI = 0.542 to 0.988 respectively, P < 0.05). The mean concentration of cadmium in urine was significantly higher in those with CKDu (1.039 μg/g) compared with controls in the endemic and non-endemic areas (0.646 μg/g, P < 0.001 and 0.345 μg/g, P < 0.05) respectively. Urine cadmium sensitivity and specificity were 70% and 68.3% respectively (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.682, 95% CI = 0.61 to 0.75, cut-off value ≥0.397 μg/g). A significant dose–effect relationship was seen between urine cadmium concentration and CKDu stage (P < 0.05). Urine cadmium and arsenic concentrations in individuals with CKDu were at levels known to cause kidney damage. Food items from the endemic area contained cadmium and lead above reference levels. Serum selenium was <90 μg/l in 63% of those with CKDu and pesticides residues were above reference levels in 31.6% of those with CKDu.

Conclusions
These results indicate chronic exposure of people in the endemic area to low levels of cadmium through the food chain and also to pesticides. Significantly higher urinary excretion of cadmium in individuals with CKDu, and the dose–effect relationship between urine cadmium concentration and CKDu stages suggest that cadmium exposure is a risk factor for the pathogensis of CKDu. Deficiency of selenium and genetic susceptibility seen in individuals with CKDu suggest that they may be predisposing factors for the development of CKDu.
Radiation-induced temporal lobe injury after intensity modulated radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients: a dose-volume-outcome analysis
Authors: Sun Ying , Zhou Guan-Qun , Qi Zhen-Yu , Zhang Li , Huang Shao-Min , Liu Li-Zhi , Li Li , Lin Ai-Hua , Ma Jun 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
To identify the radiation volume effect and significant dosimetric parameters for temporal lobe injury (TLI) and determine the radiation dose tolerance of the temporal lobe (TL) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

Methods
Twenty NPC patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-diagnosed unilateral TLI were reviewed. Dose-volume data was retrospectively analyzed.

Results
Paired samples t-tests showed all dosimetric parameters significantly correlated with TLI, except the TL volume (TLV) and V75 (the TLV that received ≥75 Gy, P = 0.73 and 0.22, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed V10 and V20 (P = 0.552 and 0.11, respectively) were the only non-significant predictors from V10 to V70 for TLI. D0.5cc (dose to 0.5 ml of the TLV) was an independent predictor for TLI (P < 0.001) in multivariate analysis; the area under the ROC curve for D0.5cc was 0.843 (P < 0.001), and the cutoff point 69 Gy was deemed as the radiation dose limit. The distribution of high dose ‘hot spot’ regions and the location of TLI were consistent.

Conclusions
A D0.5cc of 69 Gy may be the dose tolerance of the TL. The risk of TLI was highly dependent on high dose ‘hot spots’ in the TL; physicians should be cautious of such ‘hot spots’ in the TL during IMRT treatment plan optimization, review and approval.
Tumor grafts derived from patients with head and neck squamous carcinoma authentically maintain the molecular and histologic characteristics of human cancers
Authors: Peng Shaohua , Creighton Chad J , Zhang Yiqun , Sen Banibrata , Mazumdar Tuhina , Myers Jeffery N , Woolfson Adrian , Lorenzi Matthew V , Bell Diana , Williams Michelle D , Johnson Faye M 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
The patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model is likely to reflect human tumor biology more accurately than cultured cell lines because human tumors are implanted directly into animals; maintained in an in vivo, three-dimensional environment; and never cultured on plastic. PDX models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have been developed previously but were not well characterized at the molecular level. HNSCC is a deadly and disfiguring disease for which better systemic therapy is desperately needed. The development of new therapies and the understanding of HNSCC biology both depend upon clinically relevant animal models. We developed and characterized the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model because it is likely to recapitulate human tumor biology.

Methods
We transplanted 30 primary tumors directly into mice. The histology and stromal components were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Gene expression analysis was conducted on patient tumors and on PDXs and cell lines derived from one PDX and from independent, human tumors.

Results
Five of 30 (17%) transplanted tumors could be serially passaged. Engraftment was more frequent among HNSCC with poor differentiation and nodal disease. The tumors maintained the histologic characteristics of the parent tumor, although human stromal components were lost upon engraftment. The degree of difference in gene expression between the PDX and its parent tumor varied widely but was stable up to the tenth generation in one PDX. For genes whose expression differed between parent tumors and cell lines in culture, the PDX expression pattern was very similar to that of the parent tumor. There were also significant expression differences between the human tumors that subsequently grew in mice and those that did not, suggesting that this model enriches for cancers with distinct biological features. The PDX model was used successfully to test targeted drugs in vivo.

Conclusion
The PDX model for HNSCC is feasible, recapitulates the histology of the original tumor, and generates stable gene expression patterns. Gene expression patterns and histology suggested that the PDX more closely recapitulated the parental tumor than did cells in culture. Thus, the PDX is a robust model in which to evaluate tumor biology and novel therapeutics.
Magnesium, vitamin D status and mortality: results from US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001 to 2006 and NHANES III
Authors: Deng Xinqing , Song Yiqing , Manson JoAnn E , Signorello Lisa B , Zhang Shumin M , Shrubsole Martha J , Ness Reid M , Seidner Douglas L , Dai Qi 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Magnesium plays an essential role in the synthesis and metabolism of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation substantially reversed the resistance to vitamin D treatment in patients with magnesium-dependent vitamin-D-resistant rickets. We hypothesized that dietary magnesium alone, particularly its interaction with vitamin D intake, contributes to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, and the associations between serum 25(OH)D and risk of mortality may be modified by magnesium intake level.

Methods
We tested these novel hypotheses utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001 to 2006, a population-based cross-sectional study, and the NHANES III cohort, a population-based cohort study. Serum 25(OH)D was used to define vitamin D status. Mortality outcomes in the NHANES III cohort were determined by using probabilistic linkage with the National Death Index (NDI).

Results
High intake of total, dietary or supplemental magnesium was independently associated with significantly reduced risks of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency respectively. Intake of magnesium significantly interacted with intake of vitamin D in relation to risk of both vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. Additionally, the inverse association between total magnesium intake and vitamin D insufficiency primarily appeared among populations at high risk of vitamin D insufficiency. Furthermore, the associations of serum 25(OH)D with mortality, particularly due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colorectal cancer, were modified by magnesium intake, and the inverse associations were primarily present among those with magnesium intake above the median.

Conclusions
Our preliminary findings indicate it is possible that magnesium intake alone or its interaction with vitamin D intake may contribute to vitamin D status. The associations between serum 25(OH)D and risk of mortality may be modified by the intake level of magnesium. Future studies, including cohort studies and clinical trials, are necessary to confirm the findings.