bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in FGF12, VCL, CX43 and VAX1in Brazilian patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate
Authors: de Aquino Sibele Nascimento , Messetti Ana Camila , Bagordakis Elizabete , Martelli-Júnior Hercílio , Swerts Mario Sergio Oliveira , Graner Edgard , Coletta Ricardo D 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundNonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is the most common orofacial birth defect with a wide range prevalence among different populations. Previous association studies with populations from Europe and Asia have identified putative susceptibility markers for NSCL/P in fibroblast growth factor 12 (FGF12), vinculin (VCL), connexin 43 (CX43) and in a region close to the ventral anterior homeobox 1 (VAX1) gene. However, there have thus far been no studies of these markers in NSCL/P Brazilian patients, and as the genetic ancestry of the Brazilian population is highly varied, the predisposition to those disease markers can be different.MethodsHerein we conducted a structured association study conditioned on the individual ancestry proportions to determine the role of 16 polymorphic markers within those genes in 300 patients with NSCL/P and 385 unaffected controls.ResultsNone of the alleles and genotypes showed association with NSCL/P, though there was a significant association of the haplotype formed byVAX1rs10787760, rs6585429 and rs1871345 polymorphisms with NSCL/P that did not persist Bonferroni correction for multiple tests.ConclusionsOur results are consistent with a lack of involvement ofFGF12,VCLandCX43variants with NSCL/P pathogenesis in Brazilian patients. Furthermore, the higher frequency of a haplotype ofVAX1with NSCL/P patients suggests a low penetrant gene for oral cleft, and warrants further studies.
Opinions on Kampo and reasons for using it – results from a cross-sectional survey in three Japanese clinics
Authors: Hottenbacher Lydia , Weißhuhn Thorolf ER , Watanabe Kenji , Seki Takashi , Ostermann Julia , Witt Claudia M 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Traditional Japanese Medicine (Kampo) is often used in Japan, but very little data on its users are available. We investigated who uses Kampo, the reasons and opinions for its use.

Methods
Questionnaire survey in three Japanese outpatient clinics offering Kampo in different settings: Kampo only, Kampo and traditional Chinese medicine, Kampo and Western medicine. Before seeing the doctor, patients were asked about socio-demographic data, medical history, experience with Kampo, general health-related opinions and behaviours, opinions about Western medicine and Kampo, and reasons for Kampo utilization. Descriptive statistics and predictors for Kampo use were calculated.

Results
A total of 354 questionnaires were completed. Participants were 50.97 ± 15.60 (mean ± SD) years of age, 68% were female. Of all patients, 73% (n = 202) were using Kampo currently and 84% (297) had taken Kampo before. Questions on general health-related opinions and behaviour revealed a strong environmental awareness. The most frequent indications for earlier Kampo use were: common cold (36%), gastrointestinal complaints (30%), oversensitivity to cold (“Hi’e-sho”; 29%), stress/anxiety (21%), and shoulder stiffness (20%). Kampo users suffered more often from chronic illnesses (OR 2.88 [1.48-5.58]). Beliefs in underlying philosophy (Wu Xing (adjusted OR 3.08, [1.11-8.55]), Ying and Yang (OR 2.57 [1.15-5.73], a holistic way of seeing the patient (OR 2.17 [1.53-3.08]), and in Kampo efficacy (OR 2.62 [1.66-4.13]) were positively associated with Kampo use. So was, interestingly, conviction of the efficacy of Western medicine (OR 1.87 [1.28-2.74]). Half of the patients had a general preference for a combination of Kampo and Western treatment.

Conclusions
Most patients visiting a clinic that also provided Kampo had previous experience with Kampo. Usage was associated with beliefs in philosophical Kampo concepts and its efficacy.
Neck circumference as an independent predictive contributor to cardio-metabolic syndrome
Authors: Zhou Jing-ya , Ge Hui , Zhu Ming-fan , Wang Li-jun , Chen Li , Tan Yao-zong , Chen Yu-ming , Zhu Hui-lian 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe predictive potentials of neck circumference (NC) for cardio-metabolic risks remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate whether NC independently contributes to the prediction of cardio-metabolic risks beyond body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist to hip ratio (WHpR) in a large Chinese population.MethodsA total of 4201 participants (2508 men and 1693 women) aged 20-85 were recruited from the Health Examination Centre between May 2009 and April 2010, anthropometric indices, biochemical and clinical parameters were measured. Receiver operating characteristic, partial correlation and logistic regression analyses were employed to evaluate the association of the anthropometric indices to cardio-metabolic risks separately by gender.ResultsNeck circumference was positively correlated with SBP and DBP (r=0.250 and 0.261), fasting blood glucose (FBP) (r=0.177), TG (r=0.240), TC (r=0.143) and LDL-C (r=0.088) and negatively correlated with HDL-C (r=-0.202) in males (all P<0.01). Similar results were found in females with the exception of TC. The AUCs of NC for metabolic abnormalities ranged from 0.558 (Increased LDL-C) to 0.683 (MS-rf) in men and 0.596 (Increased LDL-C) to 0.703 (MS-rf) in women (P<0.01). The NC of ≥37 cm for men and ≥33 cm for women were the best cut-off points for metabolic syndrome. The adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of NC in men and women respectively were 1.29 (1.12-1.48) and 1.44 (1.20-1.72) for metabolic syndrome risk factors (MS-rf), 1.15 (1.01-1.32) and 1.22 (1.03-1.46) for high BP, 1.16 (1.02-1.33) and 1.42 (1.18-1.71) for increased TG, and 1.26 (1.06-1.50) and 1.32 (1.06-1.65) for increased FBP; the adjusted OR of NC in women for decreased HDL-C was 1.29 (1.10-1.51).ConclusionsNeck circumference was significantly associated with cardio-metabolic risk factors and independently contributed to the prediction of cardio-metabolic risks beyond the classical anthropometric indices in adults of China.
CpG island hypermethylation-associated silencing of microRNAs promotes human endometrial cancer
Authors: Li Bi-Lan , Lu Wen , Lu Cong , Qu Jun-jie , Yang Ting-ting , Yan Qin , Wan Xiao-ping 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy, but the molecular events involved in the development and progression of EC remain unclear. This study aimed to explore epigenetic modification of genes and miRNAs involved in EC development.

Methods
Ishikawa and AN3CA cells were treated with 5’-Aza-2-deoxycytidine or histone deacetylase inhibitor. The expression of miRNAs and related genes were detected by PCR and Western blot. Promoter methylation was detected by bisulfite specific PCR sequencing. The proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion of EC cells were evaluated by MTT, soft agar assay, flow cytometry, wound healing and invasion assay, respectively.

Results
Aberrant expression of miRNAs including miR-200b, miR-130a/b, miR-625 and miR-222 was associated with tumorigenesis and metastasis in endometrial cancer. Silencing of miR-130b induced E-cadherin expression, while ectopic expression of miR-130b and knockdown of DICER1 increased the expression of Vimentin, zeb2, N-cadherin, Twist and Snail in EC cells. Furthermore, 5’-Aza-2-deoxycytidine and Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of EC cells, accompanied by reduced MMP secretion.

Conclusions
Our study provides the first description of epigenetic modification of epithelial mesenchymal transition associated genes and miRNAs in EC cells, which are extensively involved in the regulation of gene expression and subsequent accumulation of malignant features of EC cells.
MicroRNA-146 inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion through IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Xie Yu-Feng , Shu Rong , Jiang Shao-Yun , Liu Da-Li , Ni Jing , Zhang Xiu-Li 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Although various microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate immune and inflammatory responses, the function of miRNAs in periodontitis has not been clearly illuminated. In this study, we measured miRNA-146 (miRNA-146a and miRNA-146b-5p) expression and explored its regulatory function in the inflammatory response in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs).

Methods
miRNA-146a and miRNA-146b-5p expression was measured by performing real-time polymerase chain reaction in HGFs after Porphyromonas gingivalis (p.g) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. After the HGFs were transfected with miRNA-146a and miRNA-146b-5p inhibitor, the expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Meanwhile, IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) were detected by western blot and quantitative PCR. A luciferase assay was used to detect whether miRNA-146 could directly bind to the 3’-UTR of IRAK1.

Results
The expression levels of miRNA-146a and miRNA-146b-5p significantly increased in the P.g LPS-stimulated HGFs compared to the non-stimulated HGFs. The inhibition of miRNA-146a and miRNA-146b-5p resulted in increased IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α secretion. The mRNA and protein levels of IRAK1, but not TRAF6, also increased. We further found that miRNA-146a and miRNA-146b-5p directly bound to the IRAK1 3’-UTR.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that miRNA-146 inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion through IRAK1 in HGFs, which indicates that miRNA-146 functions as a negative regulator of periodontal inflammation.
First-principles theoretical study of hydrolysis of stepped and kinked Ga-terminated GaN surfaces
Authors: Oue Mari , Inagaki Kouji , Yamauchi Kazuto , Morikawa Yoshitada 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
We have investigated the initial stage of hydrolysis process of Ga-terminated GaN surfaces by using first-principles theoretical calculations. We found that the activation barrier of H2O dissociation at the kinked site of the Ga-terminated GaN surface is about 0.8 eV, which is significantly lower than that at the stepped site of about 1.2 eV. This is consistent with the experimental observation where a step-terrace structure is observed after the etching process of Ga-terminated GaN surfaces with catalyst-referred etching method. Detailed analysis on the nature of the chemical interaction uring the hydrolysis processes will be discussed.
Studies of single-walled carbon nanotubes-induced hepatotoxicity by NMR-based metabonomics of rat blood plasma and liver extracts
Authors: Lin Bencheng , Zhang Huashan , Lin Zhiqing , Fang Yanjun , Tian Lei , Yang Honglian , Yan Jun , Liu Huanliang , Zhang Wei , Xi Zhuge 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The toxicological effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were investigated after intratracheal instillation in male Wistar rats over a 15-day period using metabonomic analysis of 1H (nuclear magnetic resonance) NMR spectra of blood plasma and liver tissue extracts. Concurrent liver histopathology examinations and plasma clinical chemistry analyses were also performed. Significant changes were observed in clinical chemistry features, including alkaline phosphatase, total protein, and total cholesterol, and in liver pathology, suggesting that SWCNTs clearly have hepatotoxicity in the rat. 1H NMR spectra and pattern recognition analyses from nanomaterial-treated rats showed remarkable differences in the excretion of lactate, trimethylamine oxide, bilineurin, phosphocholine, amylaceum, and glycogen. Indications of amino acid metabolism impairment were supported by increased lactate concentrations and decreased alanine concentrations in plasma. The rise in plasma and liver tissue extract concentrations of choline and phosphocholine, together with decreased lipids and lipoproteins, after SWCNTs treatment indicated a disruption of membrane fluidity caused by lipid peroxidation. Energy, amino acid, and fat metabolism appeared to be affected by SWCNTs exposure. Clinical chemistry and metabonomic approaches clearly indicated liver injury, which might have been associated with an indirect mechanism involving nanomaterial-induced oxidative stress.
Development of novel catalytically active polymer-metal-nanocomposites based on activated foams and textile fibers
Authors: Domènech Berta , Ziegler Kharla K , Carrillo Fernando , Muñoz Maria , Muraviev Dimitri N , Macanás Jorge 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we report the intermatrix synthesis of Ag nanoparticles in different polymeric matrices such as polyurethane foams and polyacrylonitrile or polyamide fibers. To apply this technique, the polymer must bear functional groups able to bind and retain the nanoparticle ion precursors while ions should diffuse through the matrix. Taking into account the nature of some of the chosen matrices, it was essential to try to activate the support material to obtain an acceptable value of ion exchange capacity. To evaluate the catalytic activity of the developed nanocomposites, a model catalytic reaction was carried out in batch experiments: the reduction of p-nitrophenol by sodium borohydride.
One-qubit quantum gates in a circular graphene quantum dot: genetic algorithm approach
Authors: Amparán Gibrán , Rojas Fernando , Pérez-Garrido Antonio 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The aim of this work was to design and control, using genetic algorithm (GA) for parameter optimization, one-charge-qubit quantum logic gates σ
x, σ
y, and σ
z, using two bound states as a qubit space, of circular graphene quantum dots in a homogeneous magnetic field. The method employed for the proposed gate implementation is through the quantum dynamic control of the qubit subspace with an oscillating electric field and an onsite (inside the quantum dot) gate voltage pulse with amplitude and time width modulation which introduce relative phases and transitions between states. Our results show that we can obtain values of fitness or gate fidelity close to 1, avoiding the leakage probability to higher states. The system evolution, for the gate operation, is presented with the dynamics of the probability density, as well as a visualization of the current of the pseudospin, characteristic of a graphene structure. Therefore, we conclude that is possible to use the states of the graphene quantum dot (selecting the dot size and magnetic field) to design and control the qubit subspace, with these two time-dependent interactions, to obtain the optimal parameters for a good gate fidelity using GA.
Personalized medicine in psychiatry: problems and promises
Authors: Ozomaro Uzoezi , Wahlestedt Claes , Nemeroff Charles B 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe central theme of personalized medicine is the premise that an individual’s unique physiologic characteristics play a significant role in both disease vulnerability and in response to specific therapies. The major goals of personalized medicine are therefore to predict an individual’s susceptibility to developing an illness, achieve accurate diagnosis, and optimize the most efficient and favorable response to treatment. The goal of achieving personalized medicine in psychiatry is a laudable one, because its attainment should be associated with a marked reduction in morbidity and mortality. In this review, we summarize an illustrative selection of studies that are laying the foundation towards personalizing medicine in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. In addition, we present emerging applications that are likely to advance personalized medicine in psychiatry, with an emphasis on novel biomarkers and neuroimaging.
Efficacy and safety of active negative pressure peritoneal therapy for reducing the systemic inflammatory response after damage control laparotomy (the Intra-peritoneal Vacuum Trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Roberts Derek J , Jenne Craig N , Ball Chad G , Tiruta Corina , Léger Caroline , Xiao Zhengwen , Faris Peter D , McBeth Paul B , Doig Christopher J , Skinner Christine R , Ruddell Stacy G , Kubes Paul , Kirkpatrick Andrew W 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundDamage control laparotomy, or abbreviated initial laparotomy followed by temporary abdominal closure (TAC), intensive care unit resuscitation, and planned re-laparotomy, is frequently used to manage intra-abdominal bleeding and contamination among critically ill or injured adults. Animal data suggest that TAC techniques that employ negative pressure to the peritoneal cavity may reduce the systemic inflammatory response and associated organ injury. The primary objective of this study is to determine if use of a TAC dressing that affords active negative pressure peritoneal therapy, the ABThera Open Abdomen Negative Pressure Therapy System, reduces the extent of the systemic inflammatory response after damage control laparotomy for intra-abdominal sepsis or injury as compared to a commonly used TAC method that provides potentially less efficient peritoneal negative pressure, the Barker’s vacuum pack.Methods/DesignThe Intra-peritoneal Vacuum Trial will be a single-center, randomized controlled trial. Adults will be intraoperatively allocated to TAC with either the ABThera or Barker’s vacuum pack after the decision has been made by the attending surgeon to perform a damage control laparotomy. The study will use variable block size randomization. On study days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 28, blood will be collected. Whenever possible, peritoneal fluid will also be collected at these time points from the patient’s abdomen or TAC device. Luminex technology will be used to quantify the concentrations of 65 mediators relevant to the inflammatory response in peritoneal fluid and plasma. The primary endpoint is the difference in the plasma concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 at 24 and 48 h after TAC dressing application. Secondary endpoints include the differential effects of these dressings on the systemic concentration of other pro-inflammatory cytokines, collective peritoneal and systemic inflammatory mediator profiles, postoperative fluid balance, intra-abdominal pressure, and several patient-important outcomes, including organ dysfunction measures and mortality.DiscussionResults from this study will improve understanding of the effect of active negative pressure peritoneal therapy after damage control laparotomy on the inflammatory response. It will also gather necessary pilot information needed to inform design of a multicenter trial comparing clinical outcomes among patients randomized to TAC with the ABTheraversusBarker’s vacuum pack.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifierhttp://www.clicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01355094
Ultra-early tranexamic acid after subarachnoid hemorrhage (ULTRA): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Germans Menno R , Post René , Coert Bert A , Rinkel Gabriël JE , Vandertop W Peter , Verbaan Dagmar 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
A frequent complication in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is recurrent bleeding from the aneurysm. The risk is highest within the first 6 hours after the initial hemorrhage. Securing the aneurysm within this timeframe is difficult owing to logistical delays. The rate of recurrent bleeding can also be reduced by ultra-early administration of antifibrinolytics, which probably improves functional outcome. The aim of this study is to investigate whether ultra-early and short-term administration of the antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid (TXA), as add-on to standard SAH management, leads to better functional outcome.

Methods/Design
This is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label trial with blinded endpoint (PROBE) assessment. Adult patients with the diagnosis of non-traumatic SAH, as proven by computed tomography (CT) within 24 hours after the onset of headache, will be randomly assigned to the treatment group or the control group. Patients in the treatment group will receive standard treatment with the addition of a bolus of TXA (1 g intravenously) immediately after randomization, followed by continuous infusion of 1 g per 8 hours until the start of aneurysm treatment, or a maximum of 24 hours after the start of medication. Patients in the control group will receive standard treatment without TXA. The primary outcome measure is favorable functional outcome, defined as a score of 0 to 3 on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), at 6 months after SAH. Primary outcome will be determined by a trial nurse blinded for treatment allocation. We aim to include 950 patients in 3 years.

Discussion
The strengths of this study are: 1. the ultra-early and short-term administration of TXA, resulting in a lower dose as compared to previous studies, which should reduce the risk for delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), an important risk factor in the long-term treatment with antifibrinolytics; 2. the power calculation is based on functional outcome and calculated with use of recent study results of our own population, supported by data from prominent studies; and 3. the participation of several specialized SAH centers, and their referring hospitals, in the Netherlands with comparative treatment protocols.

Trial registration
Nederlands Trial Register (Dutch Trial Registry) number NTR3272
Treatment provider is most predictive of ED dismissal in minimally-injured trauma patients: a retrospective review
Authors: Hunt Diane L S , Berg Gina M , Zackula Rosalee E , Ekengren Francie H , Lippoldt Diana , Ablah Elizabeth , Wetta Ruth 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Secondary triage protocols have been described in the literature as physiologic (first-tier) criteria and mechanism-related (second-tier) criteria to determine the level of trauma activation. There is debate as to the efficiency of triage decisions based on mechanism of injury which may result in overtriage and overuse of limited trauma resources. Our institution developed and implemented an advanced three-tier trauma alert system in which stable patients presenting with blunt traumatic mechanism of injury would be evaluated by the emergency department (ED) physician rather than the trauma surgeon. The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACSCOT) requires that operational changes be monitored and evaluated for patient safety and performance. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the process, as well as outcomes, of patient care pre and post implementation of the new triage protocol. The secondary aim was to determine predictor variables that were associated with ED dismissal.

Methods
A retrospective blinded pre/post process change implementation explicit chart review was conducted to compare process and outcomes of minimally injured trauma patients who were field triaged by mechanism of injury. Generalized linear modeling was performed to determine which predictor variables were associated with ED dismissal.

Results
There were no significant differences in minutes to physician evaluation, CT scan, OR/ICU disposition, readmission rates, safety or quality. Significant differences only occurred in time to chest x-ray, length of stay in ED, and ED dismissal rates. Trauma surgeon and ED physician patient groups did not differ on ISS, age, or sex. The only significant predictor for ED dismissal was treatment provider, with ED physicians 3.6 times more likely to dismiss the patient from the emergency department.

Conclusions
ED physicians provided compble care as measured by safety, timeliness, and quality in minimally-injured patients triaged to our trauma center based only on mechanism of injury. Moreover, ED physicians were more likely to dismiss patients from the ED. A three-tiered internal triaging protocol can redirect resource usage to reduce the burden on the trauma service. This may be increasingly beneficial in trauma models in which the trauma surgeons also serve as critical care intensivists.