bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Evidence for Positive Association and Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C in Diabetic Patients in a Developing Country
Authors: Korkmaz Huseyin , Kesli Recep , Onder Pamuk Barıs , Ipekci Suleyman Hilmi , Terzi Yuksel , Kebapcilar Levent 
Published: October 2015

Background and Aim The data related to the association between hepatitis virus infections and diabetes mellitus (DM) are conflicting. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and to determine the risk factors affecting the prevalence in Turkish patients with type 1 DM and type 2 DM. Methods The study consisted of 736 diabetic and 505 nondiabetic patients. Serological investigation for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the HCV antibody (anti-HCV) was performed with a third-generation commercial chemiluminescence assay. The presence of HBsAg was considered as indicator of HBV infection. The HCV infection in the patients with positive anti-HCV was confirmed by a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. The patients were divided according to their HBV and HCV infection status, and their demographic features, diabetes properties, general risk factors, and aminotransferase levels were analyzed. Results There was no significant difference in the seropositivity rate for the HBsAg (3.8% vs 3.0%, P > 0.43; odds ratio, 1.292; 95% confidence interval, 0.683–2.444). However, anti-HCV seropositivity was significantly increased in the DM group (3.3% vs 1.8%, P < 0.03; odds ratio, 2.398; 95% confidence interval, 1.025–5.609). Increased aminotransferase levels and a history of blood transfusions were positively correlated with both HBV and HCV infection. Moreover, a history of surgical procedures and high glycated hemoglobin A1c levels were positively associated with HBsAg antigen seropositivity. Conclusions Although no significant difference in the seropositivity of the HBsAg was determined, a high prevalence of HCV infection was detected in the DM patients compared to healthy controls.
Impact of Staphylococcus Epidermidis Lysates on Middle Ear Epithelial Proinflammatory and Mucogenic Response
Authors: Val Stéphanie , Mubeen Humaira , Tomney Amarel , Chen Saisai , Preciado Diego 
Published: October 2015

Background Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) develops after sustained inflammation and is characterized by secretory middle ear epithelial metaplasia and effusion, most frequently mucoid. Staphylococcus epidermidis, typically considered a commensal organism, is very frequently recovered in chronic middle ear fluid and in middle ear biofilms. Although it has been shown to drive inflammation in sinonasal epithelium, the impact of S. epidermidis on COME is markedly understudied. The goal of this study was to examine the in vitro effects of S. epidermidis lysates on murine and human middle ear epithelial cells. Methods Staphylococcus epidermidis lysates were generated and used to stimulate submerged and differentiated human and murine epithelial cells (MEECs) for 24 to 48 hours. Quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunocytochemistry techniques were performed to interrogate the mucin gene MUC5AC and MUC5B expression and protein production, chemokine response, as well as NF-κB activation. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to further evaluate nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation and query specific promoter responses after S. epidermidis exposure. Results Staphylococcus epidermidis induced a time- and dose-dependent MUC5AC and MUC5B overexpression along with a parallel overexpression of Cxcl2 in mouse MEEC and IL-8 in human MEEC. Further investigations in mMEEC showed a 1.3 to 1.5 induction of the MUC5AC and MUC5B promoters. As potential mechanisms for these responses, induction of an oxidative stress marker, along with early nuclear translocation and activation of NF-κB, was found. Finally, chronic exposure induced marked epithelial thickening of cells differentiated at the air liquid interface. Conclusions Staphylococcus epidermidis lysates activate a proinflammatory response in MEEC, including mucin gene expression and protein production. Although typically considered a nonpathogenic commensal organism in the ear, these results suggest that they may play a role in the perpetuation of an inflammatory and mucogenic response in COME.
Exendin-4, a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist, Reduces Alzheimer Disease-Associated Tau Hyperphosphorylation in the Hippocampus of Rats with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Xu Weijie , Yang Yan , Yuan Gang , Zhu Wenjun , Ma Delin , Hu Shuhong 
Published: October 2015

Background Impaired insulin signaling pathway in the brain in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD). Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its receptor agonist are widely used for treatment of T2D. Here we studied whether the effects of exendin-4 (EX-4), a long-lasting GLP-1 receptor agonist, could reduce the risk of AD in T2D. Materials and Methods Type 2 diabetes rats were injected with EX-4 for 28 consecutive days. Blood glucose and insulin levels, as well as GLP-1 and insulin in cerebrospinal fluid, were determined during the experiment. The phosphorylation level of tau at individual phosphorylation sites, the activities of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) were analyzed with Western blots. Results The levels of phosphorylated tau protein at site Ser199/202 and Thr217 level in the hippocampus of T2D rats were found to be raised notably and evidently decreased after EX-4 intervention. In addition, brain insulin signaling pathway was ameliorated after EX-4 treatment, and this result was reflected by a decreased activity of PI3K/AKT and an increased activity of GSK-3β in the hippocampus of T2D rats as well as a rise in PI3K/AKT activity and a decline in GSK-3β activity after 4 weeks intervention of EX-4. Conclusions These results demonstrate that multiple days with EX-4 appears to prevent the hyperphosphorylation of AD-associated tau protein due to increased insulin signaling pathway in the brain. These findings support the potential use of GLP-1 for the prevention and treatment of AD in individuals with T2D.
Associations of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Fetuin-A with Coronary Plaque Burden and Plaque Composition in Young Adults
Authors: Akin Fatih , Celik Omer , Ayca Burak , Altun Ibrahim , Diker Vesile Ornek , Bıyık Ismail , Siriopol Dimitrie , Covic Adrian , Kanbay Mehmet 
Published: October 2015

Objective The total burden of subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) is significant among young adults. Serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and fetuin-A are established predictors of morbidity and mortality because of cardiovascular disease. The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between subclinical CAD and serum FGF-23 and fetuin-A concentrations among a population of young adults. Methods A total of 241 subjects younger than 45 years who had undergone coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) were included in the study. In 117 patients, the CCTA detected subclinical CAD; the rest of the patients had no CAD detected on CCTA. Results Serum FGF-23 and fetuin-A levels were significantly increased in the CAD patients as compared with the non-CAD patients (26.7 [interquartile range, 22.4-31.9] vs 15.7 [interquartile range, 13.2-18.1] pg/mL and 904.7 [interquartile range, 695.5-1021.6] vs 469.6 [331.4-660.5] mg/L, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). Furthermore, a positive correlation was identified between FGF-23 and fetuin-A levels and the total number of plaques ( r = 0.21 and r = 0.28, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, smoking status, uric acid, FGF-23, and fetuin-A levels were found to be independently associated with the presence of CAD. Conclusions The presence of subclinical CAD is independently associated with FGF-23 and fetuin-A and could be used as novel risk markers of cardiovascular disease in the asymptomatic young adult population.
Emergency Department Visits for Acute Pancreatitis in Children
Authors: Pant Chaitanya , Deshpande Abhishek , Sferra Thomas J. , Gilroy Richard , Olyaee Mojtaba 
Published: October 2015

Objective The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology and trends in pediatric acute pancreatitis (AP)–associated emergency department (ED) visits in the United States. Methods Estimates of AP–associated ED visits were calculated in children from birth to 19 years of age using the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample. Results From 2006 to 2011, there were an estimated total of 78,787 ED visits associated with the diagnosis of AP. The greatest number of ED visits occurred in children 15 to 19 years of age (67.0%). A majority of patients were subsequently admitted to the hospital for further care (74.1%). Risk factors independently associated with an increased rate of hospital admission included 3 or more comorbid conditions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 12.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.29–14.56), children younger than 5 years (aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.58–1.89), presentation to a teaching hospital (aOR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.62–1.74) or a hospital in the Western region of the United States (aOR, 1.48; 95% 1.42–1.54), and health coverage with Medicaid (aOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.17–1.29). Acute pancreatitis–associated ED visits increased from 14.5 per 100,000 children in 2006 to 16.1 per 100,000 children in 2011 (11.42% increase; P < 0.01). Conclusion There has been an increasing incidence of AP-associated ED visits in children from 2006 to 2011.
Fractalkine (CX3CL1): A Biomarker Reflecting Symptomatic Severity in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Huo Li Wei , Ye Yong Liang , Wang Guang Wei , Ye Yong Guang 
Published: October 2015

Background Elevated serum and synovial fluid (SF) fractalkine (CX3CL1) levels have been detected in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The current study was carried out to investigate the association between serum and SF fractalkine levels with symptomatic severity in patients with knee OA. Method One hundred ninety-three patients with OA and 182 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The symptomatic severity was assessed by the Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis scores. Results Fractalkine levels in SF and serum were both positively associated with self-reported greater pain and physical disability. Conclusions Fractalkine in SF and serum may serve as a biomarker for reflecting symptomatic severity. Therapeutic interventions that target fractalkine signaling pathways to delay OA-related symptoms deserve further study.
Serum Salusin-β Levels are Associated with the Presence and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Liu Jun , Ren Yin-gang , Zhang Li-hua , Tong Ya-wen , Kang Li 
Published: October 2015

Objectives We sought to assess whether serum salusin-β levels are correlated with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods We measured serum salusin-β levels in 278 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) for the evaluation of CAD and in 126 healthy controls. Serum salusin-β levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The severity of CAD was assessed by angiographic coronary atherosclerosis index score system. Results Serum salusin-β levels were significantly higher in patients undergoing CAG (n = 278) than those in healthy controls (n = 126) (3.81 ± 0.99 vs 4.34 ± 1.40 nmol/L, P < 0.01). In patients undergoing CAG, patients with CAD (n = 160) had significantly higher serum salusin-β levels compared to patients without CAD (n = 118) (4.65 ± 1.44 vs 3.94 ± 1.23 nmol/L, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that serum salusin-β levels were independently associated with the presence of CAD (odds ratio, 1.439; 95% confidence interval, 1.176–1.760; P < 0.01). Serum salusin-β levels were positively correlated with the coronary atherosclerosis index score (r = 0.316, P < 0.001). Conclusions Serum salusin-β levels were associated with the presence and severity of CAD. Salusin-β in serum might serve as a potential biomarker for reflecting the development and progression of CAD. Therapeutic treatment by inhibiting salusin-β interaction to prevent CAD warrants further investigation.
Is High Weight Status Associated with Pediatric Forearm Fractures Requiring Anatomic Reduction?
Authors: Ryan Leticia Manning , Teach Stephen J. , Ezeibe Uchenna , Lall Ambika , Wood Rachel , Chamberlain James M. 
Published: October 2015

Background High weight status is associated with increased forearm fracture risk but its relationship to severity of fracture has not been evaluated. We compared the epidemiology of children's forearm fractures treated with fracture reduction to those not treated with reduction, hypothesizing that high weight status would be significantly associated with need for reduction. Methods This is a case-control study including Washington, DC children, ages 2 to 17 years, treated for isolated forearm fractures in an urban, tertiary care pediatric emergency department from 2003 to 2006. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were conducted to compare patients with forearm fracture reductions to nonintervention controls. Results Of 888 forearm fractures, 330 (37.2%) required reduction (cases) whereas 558 (64.8%) did not (controls). Cases were more likely than controls to be male [adjusted odds ratio, 1.67 (95% confidence interval, 1.11–2.50)] and to have experienced a more severe mechanism of trauma [adjusted odds ratio, 2.11 (95% confidence interval, 1.14–3.90)]. The groups did not differ in weight status, age, or race/ethnicity. Conclusions The need for reduction among children with forearm fractures is significantly associated with male sex and major mechanisms of trauma but not with high weight status. Strategies to reduce severe forearm fractures should focus on preventing major mechanisms of trauma.
Persistence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women with Previous Preeclampsia: A Long-term Follow-up Study
Authors: Aykas Fatma , Solak Yalcin , Erden Abdulsamet , Bulut Kadir , Dogan Selcuk , Sarli Bahadır , Acmaz Gokhan , Afsar Baris , Siriopol Dimitrie , Covic Adrian , Sharma Shailendra , Johnson Richard J. , Kanbay Mehmet 
Published: October 2015

Background Preeclampsia is a cardiovascular (CV) disease risk factor, and lifestyle modifications are recommended. It was suggested that preeclampsia may increase the prevalence of various CV disease risk factors such as metabolic syndrome, hypertension, insulin resistance, microalbuminuria, and endothelial dysfunction, among others. Here, we investigate the role of serum uric acid in preeclampsia in the development of CV complications. Materials and Methods This was an observational case-control study that compared women with history of preeclampsia (n = 25) with age-matched controls with uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 20) who were followed for at least 5 years. Measurements included clinical and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, ultrasound-measured flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), microalbuminuria, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and serum uric acid, as well as clinical and demographic features. Cardiovascular disease risk factors were compared in women with and without previous preeclampsia. Results At the time of index gestation, preeclamptic women had higher serum uric acid values (4.36 ± 0.61 vs 2.27 ± 0.38 mg/dL, P < 0.001). Five years after pregnancy, the patients who had preeclampsia were more likely to have hypertension and had higher serum uric acid levels, higher microalbuminuria and CIMT levels, and lower FMD values than did the patients who did not have preeclampsia. The 2 groups were similar with regard to various ambulatory blood pressure parameters. Univariate associates of FMD were history of preeclampsia and the current hypertension status. Microalbuminuria correlated with gestational uric acid levels (coefficient of correlation of 0.40, P = 0.01 for FMD and coefficient of correlation of 0.37, P = 0.01 for CIMT, respectively). Conclusions Preeclampsia might be a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular risk factors at least 5 years after index pregnancy. Serum uric acid and microalbuminuria may be mechanistic mediators of heightened risk, along with impaired endothelial function in preeclampsia.
Aminopeptidase N Activity Predicts 5-Year Survival in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Sanz Begoña , Perez Itxaro , Beitia Maider , Errarte Peio , Fernández Ainhoa , Blanco Lorena , Estalella Itziar , Loizate Alberto , Irazusta Jon , López José I. , Larrinaga Gorka 
Published: October 2015

Background Aminopeptidase N (APN; EC 3.4.11.2) is a membrane dimeric metallopeptidase involved in differentiation, development, and proliferative processes of several tissues. Recent studies have demonstrated the increased expression and activity of this enzyme in several cancers. However, there are no available data about the impact of this peptidase in the biological aggressiveness and the survival of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods The activity and mRNA expression of APN in tumor tissue (n = 81) and plasma (n = 40) of patients with CRC of low and high grades and stages were prospectively analyzed by fluorimetric and quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction methods. Data obtained in adenoma and CRC were compared with those from the surrounding normal mucosa. Classic clinical and pathological parameters were stratified following APN data and analyzed for 5-year survival. Results mRNA levels of APN ( ANPEP) were lower in colorectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas than in the surrounding uninvolved mucosa (Kruskal-Wallis, P < 0.001). Aminopeptidase N activity in CRC tissue was higher in patients with better overall survival (log-rank P < 0.05, Cox analysis P < 0.05). By contrast, higher plasmatic APN activity correlated with worse overall survival (log-rank P < 0.01, Cox analysis P < 0.05). Conclusions Aminopeptidase N activity in tissue and plasma from CRC patients is an independent prognostic factor of 5-year survival. The determination of APN activity levels in the plasma may be a safe, minimally invasive, and inexpensive way to define the aggressiveness of CRC in daily practice.
Six-Week Oral Guanidinoacetic Acid Administration Improves Muscular Performance in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Ostojic Sergej M. , Stojanovic Marko D. , Hoffman Jay R. 
Published: October 2015

Background Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), a natural precursor of creatine, is a new promising dietary supplement, yet its performance-enhancing effect, if any, has yet to be established. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental GAA on muscle strength, anaerobic performance, and aerobic performance in healthy men and women. Method The study enrolled 48 young participants (age, 22.3 ± 1.5 years; height, 176.4 ± 10.0 cm; weight, 71.9 ± 14.3 kg), who received oral doses of GAA (1.2, 2.4, or 4.8 g/d) for 6 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Results Significant differences were observed between treatment groups for handgrip strength among participants receiving 1.2 g of GAA per day and 2.4 g of GAA per day, as compared with placebo ( P < 0.05). In addition, muscle endurance expressed as the change from baseline in repetitions performed in the bench press exercise was significantly greater in the 1.2 g/d dose of GAA ( P = 0.01) and the 4.8 g/d dose ( P = 0.01) compared with placebo. No dose-response differences were found between trials. Conclusions Results from this preliminary study indicate that supplemental GAA ingested in young individuals can improve exercise performance, even at low doses (1.2 g/d).
Dopamine-Induced Changes in Serum Erythropoietin and Creatinine Clearance Reflect Risk Factors for Progression of IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Sulikowska Beata , Johnson Richard J. , Wiechecka-Korenkiewicz Joanna , Korenkiewicz Jadwiga , Marszalek Andrzej , Odrowaz-Sypniewska Grazyna , Manitius Jacek 
Published: October 2015

Introduction The infusion of low-dose dopamine is normally associated with an increase in creatinine clearance, thereby allowing one to assess renal functional reserve. Increased renal blood flow is also associated with a reduction in erythropoietin (EPO) levels. Objectives We evaluated the use of dopamine infusion in subjects with IgA nephropathy to determine if these functional changes correlate with risk factors for progression and compared this to the renal biopsy findings. Patients and Methods Changes in creatinine clearance and EPO levels were determined in 46 non-nephrotic IgA patients with relative preserved renal function after the infusion of low dose dopamine. Control subjects (n = 15) were evaluated using similar protocols. Results Subjects with IgA nephropathy could be separated into those who showed a fall in EPO levels (n = 24) and those who showed no change or a rise in EPO levels (n = 22). Subjects showing the expected fall in EPO demonstrated a higher increase in creatinine clearance, similar to that observed in control subjects. Most importantly, subjects who showed a fall in EPO had less proteinuria, less N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase excretion, lower serum uric acid, blood pressure, and less features of metabolic syndrome despite similar inflammation and fibrosis on biopsy as compared to the others. Conclusions A decrease in EPO in response to dopamine is associated with a clinical phenotype that is less likely to develop progressive renal disease. These studies suggest that a fall in EPO in response to dopamine likely reflects preserved tubulointerstitial function that cannot be assessed by renal biopsy alone.
Prediction by Low Plasma HbA1c of Mortality, Cardiac and Noncardiac Disease Risk: Modulation by Diabetic Status and Sex
Authors: Altay Servet , Onat Altan , Karadeniz Yusuf , Özpamuk-Karadeniz Fatma , Can Günay 
Published: October 2015

Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of HbA1c for risk of overall mortality or a composite endpoint of death and nonfatal events. Methods Logistic regression retrospectively assessed the longitudinal association of measured HbA1c with outcome in 746 middle-aged adults, recruited from a tertiary health center and stratified to absence or presence of type 2 diabetes, using the recent American Diabetes Association criteria. Results A total of 70 deaths and additional incident nonfatal events in 82 cases were recorded at a median of 3.1-year follow-up. Multivariable linear regression revealed among nondiabetic individuals HbA1c to be significantly associated—independent of fasted glucose—inversely with triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, distinct from the diabetic sample. Sex and diabetes status differed in baseline HbA1c values with respect to the development of outcome. Nondiabetic men who subsequently died exhibited significantly lower HbA1c, as did men and women with incident coronary heart disease. Similar difference was observed for incident hypothyroidism and nondiabetic subjects developing malignancy. In logistic regression analysis, adjusted for sex, age, and fasting glucose, each 0.7% (SD, 1) decrement of baseline HbA1c predicted the composite endpoint in the nondiabetic sample (risk estimates, 1.49%; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–2.04), but not in the diabetic sample, whereas overall mortality in the whole sample was increased (risk estimates, 1.51%; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–2.17). Conclusions Inverse association of HbA1c with adverse outcomes in men and nondiabetic people indicates the involvement of HbA1c levels in autoimmune activation. The weaker inverse association with prevalent diabetes and in women is consistent with the operation of more pronounced confounding autoimmune processes.