bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SFRP5 correlates with obesity and metabolic syndrome and increases after weight loss in children
Authors: Tan Xinrui , Wang Xiaoli , Chu Haiping , Liu Honghong , Yi Xiaoqing , Xiao Yanfeng 
Published: November 2013

SummaryObjectiveSecreted frizzled‐related protein 5 (SFRP5) is a novel anti‐inflammatory adipokine, which has been shown as a mediator between obesity and its comorbidities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of SFRP5 with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the effects of lifestyle interventions on circulating SFRP5 levels in children.DesignA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 111 obese children and 49 lean controls, and a lifestyle intervention was performed in a subgroup of 31 obese children for 6 months. Anthropometric parameters, clinical data and circulating SFRP5 levels were measured at baseline and after lifestyle intervention.ResultsSecreted frizzled‐related protein 5 was significantly lower in obese children, especially in those with MetS, and negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Independent of other well‐known risk factors, SFRP5 was a significant predictor of MetS in children. In the longitudinal study, lifestyle intervention led to significant weight loss and higher SFRP5 levels. Furthermore, changes in BMI significantly correlated with the rising magnitude of SFRP5.ConclusionsSerum SFRP5 is regulated by weight status and seems to be correlated with metabolic disorders in children.
Asian‐Chinese patient perceptions of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery cholecystectomy
Authors: Teoh Anthony Yuen Bun , Ng Enders Kwok Wai , Chock Alana , Swanstrom Lee , Varadarajulu Shyam , Chiu Philip Wai Yan 
Published: November 2013

Background and AimPatient and physician perceptions of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) have been reported for the Western population. However, whether Asian‐Chinese patients share the same perspectives as compared to the Western population is unknown.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional survey carried out in the surgical outpatient's clinic at the Prince of Wales Hospital between June and September 2011. Patients were provided with an information leaflet and asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their perceptions of and preferences for NOTES cholecystectomy. Female patients attending the clinic were given an additional questionnaire regarding attitudes towards transvaginal surgery.ResultsTwo hundred patients were recruited to complete the questionnaire(s) and the male to female ratio was 1:1. One hundred and fourteen patients (57%) preferred to undergo NOTES cholecystectomy for cosmetic reasons (P = 0.009). Oral and anal routes were both acceptable for NOTES accesses in males andfemales. Forty‐one percent of the female patients would consider transvaginal NOTES. Of these patients, significantly more patients indicated that the reason for choosing transvaginal NOTES was to minimize the risk of hernia (P = 0.016) and to reduce pain associated with the procedure (P = 0.017). The risk of complications (84.5%) and the cost of the procedure (58%) were considered the most important aspects when choosing a surgical approach by Asian‐Chinese patients.ConclusionsAsian‐Chinese preferred NOTES mainly for cosmetic reasons. However, the transvaginal route was less acceptable to females. Significant differences in patient perception on NOTES were observed between Asian‐Chinese and Western patients.
Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: Technical advantages compared to endoscopic mucosal resection and minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Saito Yutaka , Yamada Masayoshi , So Eriko , Abe Seiichiro , Sakamoto Taku , Nakajima Takeshi , Otake Yosuke , Ono Akiko , Matsuda Takahisa 
Published: November 2013

Background and AimIn recent years, the effectiveness of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been increasingly reported. Herein, we highlight the most recent developments and technical advantages of colorectal ESD compared to EMR and minimally invasive surgery.MethodsAll candidate lesions for ESD were confirmed as being intramucosal tumors by colonoscopy. Presently, the indications for colorectal ESD approved by the Japanese government's medical insurance system are early colorectal cancers with a maximum tumor size of 2–5 cm; however, many early cancers >5 cm have been treated by ESD in referral centers.ResultsThe primary advantage of ESD compared to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a higher en‐bloc resection rate for large colonic tumors that had previously been treated by surgery. ESD has several advantages compared to other therapeutic modalities, such as being a safer technique and providing better quality of life. For rectal cancer treatment, a longer procedure time is required for laparoscopic assisted colectomy, whereas trans‐anal resection and trans‐anal endoscopic microsurgery are more invasive than ESD with a significantly higher recurrence rate. Accordingly, ESD is the preferred choice for early colorectal cancers when there is no risk of lymph‐node metastasis.ConclusionESD is an effective procedure for treating non‐invasive non‐polypoid colorectal tumors. These tumors may be difficult to resect en bloc by conventional EMR. The use of ESD results in a higher en‐bloc resection rate and is less invasive than surgery.
Randomized controlled trial comparing stylet‐free endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration with 22‐G and 25‐G needles
Authors: Gimeno‐García Antonio Z. , Elwassief Ahmed , Paquin Sarto C. , Gariépy Gilles , Sahai Anand V. 
Published: November 2013

Background and AimPrevious studies comparing endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) results with different gauge needles have all been carried out with the stylet in place and show no clear advantage to the larger 22‐G needle. Similar data for stylet‐free EUS‐FNA (SF‐EUS‐FNA) are unavailable. The aim of the present study was to determine whether diagnostic yield and specimen adequacy is superior with the 22‐G needle as compared to the 25‐G needle.MethodsAll patients ≥18 years referred for solid‐lesion EUS‐FNA were eligible. Patients with suspected diagnosis of lymphoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, sarcoidosis, significant coagulopathy (international normalized ratio >1.5 or platelets <50 000/mm3), use of clopidogrel within 7 days of EUS, and pregnancy were excluded. The two needles were compared regarding diagnostic yield, sample adequacy, bloodiness, ease of puncture, visibility, number of passes, failures, and complications.ResultsOne hundred and twenty consecutive patients were included and 126 lesions were sampled. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for the 22‐G SF‐EUS‐FNA were 83%, 100%, 100% and 56%, respectively, and for the 25‐G SF‐EUS‐FNA were 88.8%, 100%, 100% and 76.5%, respectively (P = NS). There were no significant differences between the 22‐G and the 25‐G FNA needles in sample adequacy, bloodiness, ease of puncture, FNA failure, visibility, number of passes and complications; and no significant differences between either needle were found in relation to lesion site.ConclusionFor SF‐EUS‐FNA, the larger 22‐G needle offers no advantage over the smaller 25‐G needle.
Patch size but not short‐term isolation influences occurrence of westslope cutthroat trout above human‐made barriers
Authors: Peterson Douglas P. , Rieman Bruce E. , Horan Dona L. , Young Michael K. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHabitat fragmentation in aquatic systems has led to widespread isolation of stream fishes. Metapopulation theory predicts that persistence is directly related to local patch size and its characteristics, but because these relationships tend to be taxon‐specific, empirical data are important. We assembled 246 observations of occurrence of westslope cutthroat trout (WCT), a taxon of concern in the western U.S. and Canada, in stream networks isolated for up to 100 years (median 40 years) above human‐made barriers, mostly culverts, at road crossings within U.S. National Forests. We used logistic regression to analyse how WCT occurrence varied with patch size, isolation time and stream‐level covariates. Occurrence was positively related to stream length and habitat quality within the isolated stream network and negatively related to elevation and channel gradient. Unexpectedly, the probability of occurrence was not related to how long a habitat patch had been isolated. At the median elevation (1354 m) and channel gradient (14%), and where habitat quality was poor, WCT were likely to occur (probability >0.5) if an isolated stream network was at least 1.7 km. If habitat quality was high, about 0.2 km of habitat produced the same probability. Although there are important limitations, this analysis provides the first empirical estimate for how patch size and patch‐level characteristics influence persistence of WCT in isolated stream networks.
Dural arteriovenous fistulas presenting with reversible dementia are associated with a specific venous drainage
Authors: Labeyrie M. A. , Lenck S. , Saint‐Maurice J. P. , Bresson D. , Houdart E. 
Published: November 2013

Background and purposeVenous drainage of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) with dementia has never been reported. The aim of this study was to discover if specific vascular conditions exist to develop dementia in patients with DAVF.MethodsVenous drainage in patients embolized in our centre between 1996 and 2012 for a DAVF with dementia were qualitatively analyzed and compared with a control group without dementia.ResultsEight patients with dementia and 45 control patients were included. The prevalence of dementia was 4%. Diffuse hemispheric white matter lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were consistently associated with dementia. Cognitive symptoms dramatically improved after embolization. The consistent angiographic feature in patients with dementia was drainage of the DAVF into both the straight sinus and the superior sagittal sinuses. Only two patients in the control group had similar abnormalities.ConclusionsThe association of a reflux from the fistula into the straight sinus and the superior sagittal sinuses is a necessary condition to develop such a reversible dementia in DAVF. Venous hypertension in the territory of transparenchymal veins may explain this reversal phenomenon. A rapidly progressive dementia with diffuse white matter lesions on MRI should evoke this diagnosis to the physician.
Colon cancer surveillance in inflammatory bowel disease: unclear gain but no psychological pain?
Authors: Mountifield R. , Bampton P. , Prosser R. , Mikocka‐Walus A. , Andrews J. M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundSurveillance for colorectal neoplasia in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is widely practised despite a lack of convincing mortality reduction. The psychological impact of this approach is largely unexplored.AimTo examine psychological well‐being among IBD subjects undergoing colonoscopic surveillance for colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed by interrogating an IBD database for subjects currently enrolled in colonoscopic surveillance programmes. Identified surveillance subjects were age‐ and gender‐matched with IBD control subjects not meeting surveillance criteria. Subjects were mailed a questionnaire including demographic details, the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) survey to assess quality of life, the Spielberger State‐Trait Personality Inventory, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control, and a Risk Perception Questionnaire.ResultsOne hundred and thirty‐nine of 286 (49%) subjects responded, 53% male, 46% Crohn disease. Fifty‐six per cent respondents were in the surveillance group. Surveillance subjects were older (55.4 vs 51.1 years; P = .048) with longer disease duration, but otherwise had comparable demographics with controls. Overall, quality of life was not significantly different between cohorts (mean SF‐36 63.82 vs 65.48; P = 0.70). Groups did not differ on any locus of control classification (P = 0.52), nor was there any difference between mean scores on ‘state’ subscales of the Spielberger State‐Trait Personality Inventory: anxiety (P = 0.91), curiosity (P = 0.12), anger (P = 0.81) or depression (P = 0.70). Both groups grossly overestimated their perceived lifetime risk of CRC at 50%, with no difference between surveillance and control subjects (P = 1.0).ConclusionsEnrolment in colonoscopic colon cancer surveillance does not appear to impair psychological well‐being in individuals with IBD despite longer disease duration. IBD patients overestimate their risk of CRC.
Pulmonary hypertension and breathlessness: is it a combination we can ignore?
Authors: Strange G. , Williams T. , Kermeen F. , Whyte K. , Keogh A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractOn 5 May 2013 it was World Pulmonary Hypertension (PHT) Day marking three decades on from the first reported deaths in an epidemic because of toxic rapeseed (canola) oil. This epidemic provided the impetus to the first World Health Organization to set up a world symposia. World leaders of PHT met for the fifth time in Nice, France in February 2013. Although we wait the official proceedings, this meeting provides us opportunity to reflect on the current situation in Australia and New Zealand, and examine the implications for our two countries. PHT remains difficult to identify, delays in patient diagnosis persist, and breathlessness remains dominant in the diagnosis of all causes of PHT. This review examines some of the recent changes in diagnosis, our understanding of the emerging expanding epidemiology data and the patient's journeys through the healthcare system. We also review the current treatment options on monotherapy and in poly‐pharmacy or combination therapy, along with the strategic management implications of the lack of funded combination therapy associated with prognosis.
International flight‐related transmission of pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09: an historical cohort study of the first identified cases in the United Kingdom
Authors: Young Nicholas , Pebody Richard , Smith Gillian , Olowokure Babatunde , Shankar Giri , Hoschler Katja , Galiano Monica , Green Helen , Wallensten Anders , Hogan Angela , Oliver Isabel 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundTransporting over two billion passengers per year, global airline travel has the potential to spread emerging infectious diseases, both via transportation of infectious cases and through in‐flight transmission. Current World Health Organization (WHO) guidance recommends contact tracing of passengers seated within two rows of a case of influenza during air travel.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to describe flight‐related transmission of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 during a commercial flight carrying the first cases reported in the United Kingdom and to test the specific hypothesis that passengers seated within two rows of an infectious case are at greater risk of infection.MethodsAn historical cohort study, supplemented by contact tracing, enhanced surveillance data and laboratory testing, was used to establish a case status for passengers on board the flight.ResultsData were available for 239 of 278 (86·0%) of passengers on the flight, of whom six were considered infectious in‐flight and one immune. The attack rate (AR) was 10 of 232 (4·3%; 95% CI 1·7–6·9%). There was no evidence that the AR for those seated within two rows of an infectious case was different from those who were not (relative risk 0·9; 95% CI 0·2–3·1; P = 1·00). Laboratory testing using PCR and/or serology, available for 118 of 239 (49·4%) of the passengers, was largely consistent with clinically defined case status.ConclusionsThis study of A(H1N1)pdm09 does not support current WHO guidance regarding the contact tracing of passengers seated within two rows of an infectious case of influenza during air travel.
Crevicular fluid biomarkers and periodontal disease progression
Authors: Kinney Janet S. , Morelli Thiago , Oh Min , Braun Thomas M. , Ramseier Christoph A. , Sugai Jim V. , Giannobile William V. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimAssess the ability of a panel of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) biomarkers as predictors of periodontal disease progression (PDP).Materials and methodsIn this study, 100 individuals participated in a 12‐month longitudinal investigation and were categorized into four groups according to their periodontal status. GCF, clinical parameters and saliva were collected bi‐monthly. Subgingival plaque and serum were collected bi‐annually. For 6 months, no periodontal treatment was provided. At 6 months, patients received periodontal therapy and continued participation from 6 to 12 months. GCF samples were analysed by ELISA for MMP‐8, MMP‐9, Osteoprotegerin, C‐reactive Protein and IL‐1β. Differences in median levels of GCF biomarkers were compared between stable and progressing participants using Wilcoxon Rank Sum test (p = 0.05). Clustering algorithm was used to evaluate the ability of oral biomarkers to classify patients as either stable or progressing.ResultsEighty‐three individuals completed the 6‐month monitoring phase. With the exception of GCF C‐reactive protein, all biomarkers were significantly higher in the PDP group compared to stable patients. Clustering analysis showed highest sensitivity levels when biofilm pathogens and GCF biomarkers were combined with clinical measures, 74% (95% CI = 61, 86).ConclusionsSignature of GCF fluid‐derived biomarkers combined with pathogens and clinical measures provides a sensitive measure for discrimination of PDP (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00277745).
Maternal investment increases with altitude in a frog on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen W. , Tang Z. H. , Fan X. G. , Wang Y. , Pike D. A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractReproducing females can allocate energy between the production of eggs or offspring of different size or number, both of which can strongly influence fitness. The physical capacity to store developing offspring imposes constraints on maximum clutch volume, but individual females and populations can trade off whether more or fewer eggs or offspring are produced, and their relative sizes. Harsh environments are likely to select for larger egg or offspring size, and many vertebrate populations compensate for this reproductive investment through an increase in female body size. We report a different trade‐off in a frog endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, Rana kukunoris. Females living at higher altitudes (n = 11 populations, 2000–3500 m) produce larger eggs, but without a concomitant increase in female body size or clutch size. The reduced diel and seasonal activity at high altitudes may impose constraints on the maximum body size of adult frogs, by limiting the opportunity for energy accumulation. Simultaneously, producing larger eggs likely helps to increase the rate of embryonic development, causing tadpoles to hatch earlier. The gelatinous matrix surrounding eggs, more of which is produced by large females, may help buffer developing embryos from temperature fluctuations or offer protection from ultraviolet radiation. High‐altitude frogs on the Tibetan Plateau employ a reproductive strategy that favours large egg size independent of body size, which is unusual in amphibians. The harsh and unpredictable environmental conditions at high altitudes can thus impose strong and opposing selection pressures on adult and embryonic life stages, both of which can simultaneously influence fitness.
Systematic reviews: Work that needs to be done and not to be done
Authors: Adams Clive E , Polzmacher Stefanie , Wolff Annabelle 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSystematic reviews are researches requiring great attention to detail. They may well necessitate considerable investment of effort to ensure relevant data are identified, extracted, synthesized, written up and disseminated. These tasks have already been greatly refined and, in some cases, simplified, by machines. The last two decades have seen remarkable progress in machine‐assisted production of reviews – the next two should see much more.
A Relational Response toNewman's Objection toRussell's Causal Theory of Perception
Authors: Eilan Naomi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe causal theory of perception (CTP) has come under a great deal of critical scrutiny from philosophers of mind interested in the nature of perception.M. H. Newman's set‐theoretic objection to Russell's structuralist version of theCTP, in his 1928 paper “MrRussell's Causal Theory of Perception” has not, to my knowledge, figured in these discussions. In this paper I aim to show that it should:Newman's objection can be generalized to yield a particularly powerful and incisive challenge to all versions of theCTP. In effect it says that if theCTPis true, at least one of the following claims must be false. (1) Our perception‐based judgements are made true or false by the state of mind independent objects. (2) The concepts we use in such judgments refer to the intrinsic, mind‐independent properties of such objects. (3) Experience provides us with knowledge of these properties. The paper sets out the structure of the problem asNewman saw it, extends it to current debates in theory of perception and considers various responses to it. The response I argue for involves jettisoning theCTPin favour of a relational account of perceptual experience, in a way that allows us to hold onto all three claims.
Rhizobial infection does not require cortical expression of upstream common symbiosis genes responsible for the induction of Ca2+ spiking
Authors: Hayashi Teruyuki , Shimoda Yoshikazu , Sato Shusei , Tabata Satoshi , Imaizumi‐Anraku Haruko , Hayashi Makoto 
Published: November 2013

SummaryFor the establishment of an effective root nodule symbiosis, a coordinated regulation of the infection processes between the epidermis and cortex is required. However, it remains unclear whether the symbiotic genes identified so far are involved in epidermal and/or cortical infection, e.g. epidermal and cortical infection thread formation or cortical cell division. To analyze the symbiotic gene requirements of the infection process, we have developed an epidermis‐specific expression system (pEpi expression system) and examined the symbiotic genes NFR1, NFR5, NUP85, NUP133, CASTOR, POLLUX, CCaMK, CYCLOPS, NSP1 and NSP2 for involvement in the infection process in the epidermis and cortex. Our study shows that expression of the upstream common symbiosis genes CASTOR, POLLUX, NUP85 and NUP133 in the epidermis is sufficient to induce formation of infection threads and cortical cell division, leading to the development of fully effective nodules. Our system also shows a requirement of CCaMK, CYCLOPS, NSP1 and NSP2 for the entire nodulation process, and the different contributions of NFR1 and NFR5 to cortical infection thread formation. Based on these analyses using the pEpi expression system, we propose a functional model of symbiotic genes for epidermal and cortical infection.