bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The recent economic recession and self-rated health in Estonia, Lithuania and Finland: a comparative cross-sectional study in 2004–2010
Authors: Reile Rainer , Helakorpi Satu , Klumbiene Jurate , Tekkel Mare , Leinsalu Mall 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundThe late-2000s financial crisis had a severe impact on the national economies on a global scale. In Europe, the Baltic countries were among those most affected with more than a 20% decrease in per capita gross domestic product in 2008–2009. In this study, we explored the effects of economic recession on self-rated health in Estonia and Lithuania using Finland, a neighbouring Nordic welfare state, as a point of reference.MethodsNationally representative cross-sectional data for Estonia (n=10 966), Lithuania (n=7249) and Finland (n=11 602) for 2004–2010 were analysed for changes in age-standardised prevalence rates of less-than-good self-rated health and changes in health inequalities using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of less-than-good self-rated health increased slightly (albeit not statistically significantly) in all countries during 2008–2010. This was in sharp contrast to the statistically significant decline in the prevalence of less-than-good health in 2004–2008 in Estonia and Lithuania. Health disparities were larger in Estonia and Lithuania when compared to Finland, but decreased in 2008–2010 (in men only). In Finland, both the prevalence of less-than-good health and health disparities remained fairly stable throughout the period.ConclusionsDespite the rapid economic downturn, the short-term health effects in Estonia and Lithuania did not differ from those in Finland, although the recession years marked the end of the previous positive trend in self-rated health. The reduction in health disparities during the recession indicates that different socioeconomic groups were affected disproportionately; however, the reasons for this require further research.
Increased usage of special educational services by children born to mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid antibodies
Authors: Marder Wendy , Romero Vivian C , Ganser Martha A , Hyzy Margaret A , Gordon Caroline , McCune W J , Somers Emily C 
Published: July 2014

IntroductionSurveys of long-term health and developmental outcomes of children born to mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have suggested an increase in learning disabilities among these children. We performed this observational study to investigate the relationship between maternal autoantibodies and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) in maternal lupus patients and neurocognitive development among their offspring.MethodsSLE mothers with at least one live birth postlupus diagnosis were enrolled. Data on maternal medical/obstetric history and children's perinatal/medical history were collected by structured interview and medical record reviews. The primary outcome was requirement for special educational (SE) services, a proxy for developmental delays. Multiple logistic regression modelling was used to examine associations between APS and autoantibodies with SE usage, accounting for SLE disease severity and potential confounders.ResultsData on 38 mothers and 60 offspring were analysed: SE service usage was reported for 15 of 60 (25%) offspring. Maternal APS history was significantly associated with increased use of SE services among offspring, including after adjustment for lupus anticoagulant (LA) positivity and potential confounders (OR 5.5–9.4 for delays age ≥2; p<0.05). The presence of LA, but not other antiphospholipid antibodies, was also associated with increased SE services usage.ConclusionsMaternal APS and LA were independently associated with increased usage of special educational services among offspring of women with SLE.
Invariant Approximation Results via Common Fixed Point Theorems for Generalized Weak Contraction Maps
Authors: Rathee Savita , Kumar Anil , Tas Kenan 
Published: July 2014

A common fixed point theorem for generalizedφ,ϕ,L f,g-weak contraction in a metric space is established. As an application, some common fixed point results in normed linear spaces are obtained. We also study some results on best approximation via common fixed point theorems. Our result improves some results from the existing literature. Some illustrative examples to highlight the realized improvements are also furnished.
Kinase Domain Activation of FGFR2 Yields High-Grade Lung Adenocarcinoma Sensitive to a Pan-FGFR Inhibitor in a Mouse Model of NSCLC
Authors: Tchaicha Jeremy H. , Akbay Esra A. , Altabef Abigail , Mikse Oliver R. , Kikuchi Eiki , Rhee Kevin , Liao Rachel G. , Bronson Roderick T. , Sholl Lynette M. , Meyerson Matthew , Hammerman Peter S. , Wong Kwok-Kin 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Somatic mutations in FGFR2 are present in 4% to 5% of patients diagnosed with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Amplification and mutations in FGFR genes have been identified in patients with NSCLCs, and clinical trials are testing the efficacy of anti-FGFR therapies. FGFR2 and other FGFR kinase family gene alterations have been found in both lung squamous cell carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma, although mouse models of FGFR-driven lung cancers have not been reported. Here, we generated a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of NSCLC driven by a kinase domain mutation in FGFR2. Combined with p53 ablation, primary grade 3/4 adenocarcinoma was induced in the lung epithelial compartment exhibiting locally invasive and pleiotropic tendencies largely made up of multinucleated cells. Tumors were acutely sensitive to pan-FGFR inhibition. This is the first FGFR2-driven lung cancer GEMM, which can be applied across different cancer indications in a preclinical setting. Cancer Res; 74(17); 4676–84. ©2014 AACR.
miR149 Functions as a Tumor Suppressor by Controlling Breast Epithelial Cell Migration and Invasion
Authors: Bischoff Annabell , Huck Bettina , Keller Bettina , Strotbek Michaela , Schmid Simone , Boerries Melanie , Busch Hauke , Müller Dafne , Olayioye Monilola A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDeregulated molecular signaling pathways are responsible for the altered adhesive, migratory, and invasive properties of cancer cells. The different breast cancer subtypes are characterized by the expression of distinct miRNAs, short non-coding RNAs that posttranscriptionally modulate the expression of entire gene networks. Profiling studies have revealed downregulation of miR149 in basal breast cancer. Here, we show that miR149 expression severely impairs cell spreading, migration, and invasion of basal-like breast cancer cells. We identify signaling molecules, including the small GTPases Rap1a and Rap1b, downstream of integrin receptors as miR149 targets, providing an explanation for the defective Src and Rac activation during cell adhesion and spreading upon miR149 expression. Suppression of cell spreading by miR149 could be rescued, at least in part, by expression of constitutively active Rac. Finally, we demonstrate that increased miR149 levels block lung colonization in vivo. On the basis of our findings, we propose that miR149 downregulation in basal breast cancer facilitates the metastatic dissemination of tumor cells by supporting aberrant Rac activation. Cancer Res; 74(18); 5256–65. ©2014 AACR.
The Effect of Metformin on Mortality Following Cancer among Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Lega Iliana C. , Shah Prakesh S. , Margel David , Beyene Joseph , Rochon Paula A. , Lipscombe Lorraine L. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Diabetes may be a risk factor for cancer and is associated with worse cancer outcomes. Metformin may reduce cancer risk; however, its effect on mortality following cancer remains less clear. EMBASE and Medline were searched through February 10, 2014, for studies reporting an adjusted risk estimate for the effect of metformin therapy on mortality following cancer among diabetic patients. Random-effects models were used to obtain summary HR for the association between metformin and all-cause and cancer-specific mortality. Twenty-one observational studies were meta-analyzed in the primary analysis. Metformin was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality [HR, 0.73; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.64–0.83] and cancer-specific mortality (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62–0.88). Subgroup analyses by cancer site showed a significant reduction in mortality for colon cancer (four studies, HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.56–0.76) but not for breast and prostate cancers. Observational studies indicate that metformin exposure at cancer diagnosis may be associated with a reduction in mortality. However, these findings need to be interpreted with caution as methodologic limitations of individual studies may have introduced biases in these findings. Our results emphasize the need for well-designed studies to further understand the relationship between metformin and survival following cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(10); 1974–84. ©2014 AACR.
Selective Inhibition of rDNA Transcription by a Small-Molecule Peptide That Targets the Interface between RNA Polymerase I and Rrn3
Authors: Rothblum Katrina , Hu Qiyue , Penrod Yvonne , Rothblum Lawrence I. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The interface between the polymerase I–associated factor Rrn3 and the 43-kDa subunit of RNA polymerase I is essential to the recruitment of Pol I to the preinitiation complex on the rDNA promoter. In silico analysis identified an evolutionarily conserved 22 amino acid peptide within rpa43 that is both necessary and sufficient to mediate the interaction between rpa43 and Rrn3. This peptide inhibited rDNA transcription in vitro, while a control peptide did not. To determine the effect of the peptide in cultured cells, the peptide was coupled to the HIV TAT peptide to facilitate transduction into cells. The wild-type peptide, but not control peptides, inhibited Pol I transcription and cell division. In addition, the peptide induced cell death, consistent with other observations that “nucleolar stress” results in the death of tumor cells. The 22mer is a small-molecule inhibitor of rDNA transcription that is specific for the interaction between Rrn3 and rpa43, as such it represents an original way to interfere with cell growth.
Implications: These results demonstrate a potentially novel pharmaceutical target for the therapeutic treatment of cancer cells. Mol Cancer Res; 12(11); 1586–96. ©2014 AACR.
Insights into the role of thrombin in the pathogenesis of recurrent ischaemia after acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Weitz Jeffrey 
Published: July 2014

SummaryAcute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a medical emergency. Patients who survive the initial event remain at risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. In most cases, ACS is triggered by thrombosis after rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. Key to thrombus formation at this site is the generation of thrombin, which not only converts fibrinogen to fibrin but also serves as a potent platelet agonist and induces platelet aggregation at the site of vascular injury. Although dual antiplatelet therapy is more effective for the prevention of recurrent events than aspirin alone after ACS, there remains an approximately 10 % risk of recurrent ischaemic events at one year. Recent studies have evaluated whether the addition of an anticoagulant to antiplatelet therapy reduces the risk of recurrent ischaemia after an ACS event. Rivaroxaban, an oral factor Xa inhibitor, attenuates thrombin generation. When used in conjunction with dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with stabilised ACS, rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily significantly reduced the risk of the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke compared with placebo. Although it increased the risk of bleeding, rivaroxaban was associated with a reduction in mortality; a finding that supports the use of a dual-pathway approach that combines anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy. This review explores the pathophysiology of ACS to provide perspective on the results of recent clinical trials with novel oral anticoagulants for ACS and to identify their potential role in this setting.
Neurovascular Coupling in Pregnancy and the Risk of Preeclampsia
Authors: Janzarik Wibke G. , Ehmann Renata , Ehlers Elena , Allignol Arthur , Mayer Sebastian , Gabriel Boris , Weiller Cornelius , Prömpeler Heinrich , Reinhard Matthias 
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose—
This study investigated whether a short testing of neurovascular coupling during midterm pregnancy could identify women at risk for subsequent preeclampsia.

Methods—
Transcranial Doppler sonography of the posterior cerebral artery during a brief visual stimulation was analyzed in 68 women at midterm pregnancy, the primary clinical end point was preeclampsia.

Results—
Women with bilateral notching of the uterine arteries showed an exaggerated visually evoked blood flow increase and longer time-to-peak. Neurovascular coupling was not significantly associated with the occurrence of preeclampsia.

Conclusions—
Neurovascular coupling was altered in women with impaired uteroplacentar vasoregulation but not a significant predictor of preeclampsia.
Rigorous patient-prosthesis matching of Perimount Magna aortic bioprosthesis
Authors: Nakamura Hiromasa , Yamaguchi Hiroki , Takagaki Masami , Kadowaki Tasuku , Nakao Tatsuya , Amano Atsushi 
Published: July 2014

Background Severe patient-prosthesis mismatch, defined as effective orifice area index ≤0.65 cm2 m−2, has demonstrated poor long-term survival after aortic valve replacement. Reported rates of severe mismatch involving the Perimount Magna aortic bioprosthesis range from 4% to 20% in patients with a small annulus. Methods Between June 2008 and August 2011, 251 patients (mean age 70.5 ± 10.2 years; mean body surface area 1.55 ± 0.19 m2) underwent aortic valve replacement with a Perimount Magna bioprosthesis, with or without concomitant procedures. We performed our procedure with rigorous patient-prosthesis matching to implant a valve appropriately sized to each patient, and carried out annular enlargement when a 19-mm valve did not fit. The bioprosthetic performance was evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography predischarge and at 1 and 2 years after surgery. Results Overall hospital mortality was 1.6%. Only 5 (2.0%) patients required annular enlargement. The mean follow-up period was 19.1 ± 10.7 months with a 98.4% completion rate. Predischarge data showed a mean effective orifice area index of 1.21 ± 0.20 cm2 m−2. Moderate mismatch, defined as effective orifice area index ≤0.85 cm2 m−2, developed in 4 (1.6%) patients. None developed severe mismatch. Data at 1 and 2 years showed only two cases of moderate mismatch; neither was severe. Conclusions Rigorous patient-prosthesis matching maximized the performance of the Perimount Magna, and no severe mismatch resulted in this Japanese population of aortic valve replacement patients.
Split bolus technique in polytrauma: a prospective study on scan protocols for trauma analysis
Authors: Beenen Ludo FM , Sierink Joanne C , Kolkman Saskia , Nio C Yung , Saltzherr Teun Peter , Dijkgraaf Marcel GW , Goslings J Carel 
Published: July 2014

Background For the evaluation of severely injured trauma patients a variety of total body computed tomography (CT) scanning protocols exist. Frequently multiple pass protocols are used. A split bolus contrast protocol can reduce the number of passes through the body, and thereby radiation exposure, in this relatively young and vitally threatened population. Purpose To evaluate three protocols for single pass total body scanning in 64-slice multidetector CT (MDCT) on optimal image quality. Material and Methods Three total body CT protocols were prospectively evaluated in three series of 10 consecutive trauma patients. In Group A unenhanced brain and cervical spine CT was followed by chest–abdomen–pelvis CT in portovenous phase after repositioning of the arms. Group B underwent brain CT followed without arm repositioning by a one-volume contrast CT from skull base to the pubic symphysis. Group C was identical to Group A, but the torso was scanned with a split bolus technique. Three radiologists independently evaluated protocol quality scores (5-point Likert scale), parenchymal and vascular enhancement and artifacts. Results Overall image quality was good (4.10) in Group A, more than satisfactory (3.38) in Group B, and nearly excellent (4.75) in Group C ( P < 0.001). Interfering artifacts were mostly reported in Group B in the liver and spleen. Conclusion In single pass total body CT scanning a split bolus technique reached the highest overall image quality compared to conventional total body CT and one-volume contrast CT.
Return to Play After Lateral Meniscectomy Compared With Medial Meniscectomy in Elite Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Nawabi Danyal H. , Cro Suzie , Hamid Imran P. , Williams Andy 
Published: July 2014

Background: Meniscectomy is frequently performed in elite soccer athletes to allow return to a high level of performance as early as possible. Although lateral meniscectomy is known to have more serious long-term sequelae than medial meniscectomy, little is known about the effect of lateral meniscectomy on the time to return to play during the early recovery phase in professional soccer players. Hypothesis: Lateral meniscectomy results in longer times to return to preinjury level of competition and a higher incidence of adverse outcomes compared with medial meniscectomy in elite professional soccer players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A single-surgeon database containing the injury history and operative details of elite soccer athletes from 2005 to 2009 was used to identify players who had undergone an isolated partial lateral or medial meniscectomy. The time to return to preinjury level of competition, the incidence of adverse events during early recovery, and the need for further arthroscopy were recorded. Time to return to play was analyzed by using the Kaplan-Meier method. A multivariate analysis was used to control for age, location of meniscectomy, percentage of meniscus excised, and type of tear. Results: Ninety soccer players were identified, of which 42 had a lateral meniscectomy and 48 had a medial meniscectomy. The median time to return to play, to the nearest week, was longer in the lateral group than the medial group (7 vs 5; P < .001). At all time points after surgery, the cumulative probability of returning to play was 5.99 times greater (95% confidence interval, 3.34-10.74; P < .001) after medial meniscectomy. More lateral meniscectomy cases experienced adverse events related to pain/swelling—29 (69%) vs 4 (8%) ( P < .001)—and required a second arthroscopy: 3 (7%) vs 0 ( P = .098). Conclusion: The time to return to preinjury level of competition is significantly longer after lateral than medial meniscectomy in elite professional soccer athletes. Lateral meniscectomy has a higher incidence of adverse events in the early recovery period, including pain/swelling and the need for further arthroscopy. It is also associated with a significantly lower rate of return to play. These findings form the basis of an important discussion that must be had with player and club before a lateral meniscectomy is performed in elite soccer athletes.
Thermo-sensitive liposomes loaded with doxorubicin and lysine modified single-walled carbon nanotubes as tumor-targeting drug delivery system
Authors: Zhu Xiali , Xie Yingxia , Zhang Yingjie , Huang Heqing , Huang Shengnan , Hou Lin , Zhang Huijuan , Li Zhi , Shi Jinjin , Zhang Zhenzhong 
Published: July 2014

This report focuses on the thermo-sensitive liposomes loaded with doxorubicin and lysine-modified single-walled carbon nanotube drug delivery system, which was designed to enhance the anti-tumor effect and reduce the side effects of doxorubicin. Doxorubicin-lysine/single-walled carbon nanotube-thermo-sensitive liposomes was prepared by reverse-phase evaporation method, the mean particle size was 232.0 ± 5.6 nm, and drug entrapment efficiency was 86.5 ± 3.7%. The drug release test showed that doxorubicin released more quickly at 42℃ than at 37℃. Compared with free doxorubicin, doxorubicin-lysine/single-walled carbon nanotube-thermo-sensitive liposomes could efficiently cross the cell membranes and afford higher anti-tumor efficacy on the human hepatic carcinoma cell line (SMMC-7721) cells in vitro. For in vivo experiments, the relative tumor volumes of the sarcomaia 180-bearing mice in thermo-sensitive liposomes group and doxorubicin group were significantly smaller than those of N.S. group. Meanwhile, the combination of near-infrared laser irradiation at 808 nm significantly enhanced the tumor growth inhibition both on SMMC-7721 cells and the sarcomaia 180-bearing mice. The quality of life such as body weight, mental state, food and water intake of sarcomaia 180 tumor-bearing mice treated with doxorubicin-lysine/single-walled carbon nanotube-thermo-sensitive liposomes were much higher than those treated with doxorubicin. In conclusion, doxorubicin-lysine/single-walled carbon nanotube-thermo-sensitive liposomes combined with near-infrared laser irradiation at 808 nm may potentially provide viable clinical strategies for targeting delivery of anti-cancer drugs.
Maternal Reported Indicators and Causes of Insufficient Milk Supply
Authors: Lou Zixin , Zeng Guo , Huang Lujiao , Wang Yu , Zhou Lan , Kavanagh Katherine F. 
Published: July 2014

Background: Although the breastfeeding initiation rate is high in China, exclusivity is low. Not having enough breast milk has been frequently reported as a reason for supplementing and weaning. Objective: The objective was to explore maternal perception of indicators and causes of self-reported insufficient milk supply (IMS) among a sample of southwestern Chinese mothers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted in a hospital in Chengdu, China. Results: The majority of mothers were of Han ethnicity and primiparous. Most initiated breastfeeding (n = 325, 95.3%). Among mothers who had weaned by the time of questionnaire completion, more than half (n = 52) reported IMS as a reason, and 53.8% of these mothers reported this occurring during the first 2 days postpartum. Mothers often identified IMS by using less sensitive indicators of adequate intake such as receiving a hungry look from the infant after nursing (34.6%) and not feeling the presence of milk (28.8%). More sensitive indicators of adequate intake, such as the number of wet/soiled diapers, were not reported. More than a third of mothers (39.2%) could not express a reason for the occurrence of IMS. Among those who identified reasons, nearly one-fourth of mothers attributed IMS, at least partially, to dietary factors such as poor appetite (23.5%). Conclusion: Self-reported IMS appears to be a common barrier to breastfeeding continuation among this sample of Chinese mothers. Culturally appropriate intervention, designed to inform mothers how to correctly identify and address IMS, might be an effective strategy to support optimal infant-feeding behaviors in China.