bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive Molecular Screening for Oral Precancer in Fanconi Anemia Patients
Authors: Smetsers Stephanie E. , Velleuer Eunike , Dietrich Ralf , Wu Thijs , Brink Arjen , Buijze Marijke , Deeg Dorly J.H. , Soulier Jean , Leemans C. René , Braakhuis Boudewijn J.M. , Brakenhoff Ruud H. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
LOH at chromosome arms 3p, 9p, 11q, and 17p are well-established oncogenetic aberrations in oral precancerous lesions and promising biomarkers to monitor the development of oral cancer. Noninvasive LOH screening of brushed oral cells is a preferable method for precancer detection in patients at increased risk for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), such as patients with Fanconi anemia. We determined the prevalence of LOH in brushed samples of the oral epithelium of 141 patients with Fanconi anemia and 144 aged subjects, and studied the association between LOH and HNSCC. LOH was present in 14 (9.9%) nontransplanted patients with Fanconi anemia, whereas LOH was not detected in a low-risk group (n = 50, &gt;58 years, nonsmoking/nonalcohol history) and a group with somewhat increased HNSCC risk (n = 94, &gt;58 years, heavy smoking/excessive alcohol use); Fisher exact test, P = 0.023 and P = 0.001, respectively. Most frequent genetic alteration was LOH at 9p. Age was a significant predictor of LOH (OR, 1.13, P = 0.001). Five patients with Fanconi anemia developed HNSCC during the study at a median age of 39.6 years (range, 24.8–53.7). LOH was significantly associated with HNSCC (Fisher exact test, P = 0.000). Unexpectedly, the LOH assay could not be used for transplanted patients with Fanconi anemia because donor DNA in brushed oral epithelium, most likely from donor leukocytes present in the oral cavity, disturbed the analysis. Noninvasive screening using a LOH assay on brushed samples of the oral epithelium has a promising outlook in patients with Fanconi anemia. However, assays need to be adapted in case of stem cell transplantation, because of contaminating donor DNA. Cancer Prev Res; 8(11); 1102–11. ©2015 AACR.
Time Course of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Teuwen Christophe P. , Ramdjan Tanwier T.T.K. , Götte Marco , Brundel Bianca J.J.M. , Evertz Reinder , Vriend Joris W.J. , Molhoek Sander G. , Dorman Henderikus G.R. , van Opstal Jurren M. , Konings Thelma C. , van der Voort Pepijn , Delacretaz Etienne , Houck Charlotte , Yaksh Ameeta , Jansz Luca. J. , Witsenburg Maarten , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W. , Triedman John K. , Bogers Ad J.J.C. , de Groot Natasja M.S. 
Published: August 2015

Background—
The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is rising in the aging patients with congenital heart defects (CHD). However, studies reporting on AF in patients with CHD are scarce. The aim of this multicenter study was to examine in a large cohort of patients with a variety of CHD: (1) the age of onset and initial treatment of AF, coexistence of atrial tachyarrhythmia and (2) progression of paroxysmal to (long-standing) persistent/permanent AF during long-term follow-up.

Methods and Results—
Patients (n=199) with 15 different CHD and documented AF episodes were studied. AF developed at 49±17 years. Regular atrial tachycardia (AT) coexisting with AF occurred in 65 (33%) patients; 65% initially presented with regular AT. At the end of a follow-up period of 5 (0–24) years, the ECG showed AF in 81 patients (41%). In a subgroup of 114 patients, deterioration from paroxysm of AF to (long-standing) persistent/permanent AF was observed in 29 patients (26%) after only 3 (0–18) years of the first AF episode. Cerebrovascular accidents/transient ischemic attacks occurred in 26 patients (13%), although a substantial number (n=16) occurred before the first documented AF episode.

Conclusions—
Age at development of AF in patients with CHD is relatively young compared with the patients without CHD. Coexistence of episodes of AF and regular AT occurred in a considerable number of patients; most of them initially presented with regular AT. The fast and frequent progression from paroxysmal to (long-standing) persistent or permanent AF episodes justifies close follow-up and early, aggressive therapy of both AT and AF.
Elevated Plasma Marinobufagenin, An Endogenous Cardiotonic Steroid, Is Associated With Right Ventricular Dysfunction and Nitrative Stress in Heart Failure
Authors: Kennedy David J. , Shrestha Kevin , Sheehey Brendan , Li Xinmin S. , Guggilam Anuradha , Wu Yuping , Finucan Michael , Gabi Alaa , Medert Charles M. , Westfall Kristen , Borowski Allen , Fedorova Olga , Bagrov Alexei Y. , Tang W.H. Wilson 
Published: August 2015

Background—
Plasma levels of cardiotonic steroids are elevated in volume-expanded states, such as chronic kidney disease, but the role of these natriuretic hormones in subjects with heart failure (HF) is unclear. We sought to determine the prognostic role of the cardiotonic steroids marinobufagenin (MBG) in HF, particularly in relation to long-term outcomes.

Methods and Results—

We first measured plasma MBG levels and performed comprehensive clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic assessment in 245 patients with HF. All-cause mortality, cardiac transplantation, and HF hospitalization were tracked for 5 years. In our study cohort, median (interquartile range) MBG was 583 (383–812) pM. Higher MBG was associated with higher myeloperoxidase (
r
=0.42,
P
<0.0001), B-type natriuretic peptide (
r
=0.25,
P
=0.001), and asymmetrical dimethylarginine (
r
=0.32,
P
<0.001). Elevated levels of MBG were associated with measures of worse right ventricular function (RV
s
′,
r
=−0.39,
P
<0.0001) and predicted increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes (MBG≥574 pmol/L: hazard ratio 1.58 [1.10–2.31],
P
=0.014) even after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic pathogenesis. In mice, a left anterior descending coronary artery ligation model of HF lead to increases in MBG, whereas infusion of MBG into mice for 4 weeks lead to significant increases in myeloperoxidase, asymmetrical dimethylarginine, and cardiac fibrosis.

Conclusions—
In the setting of HF, elevated plasma levels of MBG are associated with right ventricular dysfunction and predict worse long-term clinical outcomes in multivariable models adjusting for established clinical and biochemical risk factors. Infusion of MBG seems to directly contribute to increased nitrative stress and cardiac fibrosis.
Risk of Cardiomyopathy in Younger Persons With a Family History of Death from Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ranthe Mattis F. , Carstensen Lisbeth , Øyen Nina , Jensen Morten K. , Axelsson Anna , Wohlfahrt Jan , Melbye Mads , Bundgaard Henning , Boyd Heather A. 
Published: August 2015

Background—
Recommendations for presymptomatic screening of relatives of cardiomyopathy patients are based on findings from tertiary centers. Cardiomyopathy inheritance patterns are fairly well understood, but how cardiomyopathy in younger persons (<50 years) aggregates in families at the population level is unclear. In a nationwide cohort, we examined the risk of cardiomyopathy by family history of premature death (<60 years) from cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—
By linking Danish national register data, we constructed a cohort of 3.9 million persons born from 1950 to 2008. We ascertained family history of premature (<60 years) death from cardiomyopathy or other conditions, and cohort members were followed from 1977 to 2008 for cardiomyopathy diagnosed at <50 years. We identified 3890 cardiomyopathies in 89 million person-years of follow-up. Using Poisson regression, we estimated incidence rate ratios for cardiomyopathy by family history of premature death. Premature cardiomyopathy deaths in first- and second-degree relatives were associated with 29- and 6-fold increases in the rate of cardiomyopathy, respectively. If the first-degree relative died aged <35 years, the rate of cardiomyopathy increased 100-fold; given ≥2 premature deaths in first-degree relatives, the rate increased more than 400-fold. In contrast, a family history of premature death from other cardiac or noncardiac conditions increased the rate of cardiomyopathy 3-fold at most.

Conclusions—
A family history of premature cardiomyopathy death was associated with an increase in risk of cardiomyopathy ranging from 6- to 400-fold, depending on age, kinship, gender and number of affected family members. Our general population-based results support recommendations for presymptomatic screening of relatives of cardiomyopathy patients.
Sex‐Specific Effects of Adiponectin on Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness and Incident Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Persson Jonas , Strawbridge Rona J. , McLeod Olga , Gertow Karl , Silveira Angela , Baldassarre Damiano , Van Zuydam Natalie , Shah Sonia , Fava Cristiano , Gustafsson Stefan , Veglia Fabrizio , Sennblad Bengt , Larsson Malin , Sabater‐Lleal Maria , Leander Karin , Gigante Bruna , Tabak Adam , Kivimaki Mika , Kauhanen Jussi , Rauramaa Rainer , Smit Andries J. , Mannarino Elmo , Giral Philippe , Humphries Steve E. , Tremoli Elena , de Faire Ulf , Lind Lars , Ingelsson Erik , Hedblad Bo , Melander Olle , Kumari Meena , Hingorani Aroon , Morris Andrew D. , Palmer Colin N. A. , Lundman Pia , Öhrvik John , Söderberg Stefan , Hamsten Anders ,   the IMPROVE Study Group
Published: August 2015

Background

Plasma adiponectin levels have previously been inversely associated with carotid intima‐media thickness (
IMT
), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. In this study, we used a sex‐stratified Mendelian randomization approach to investigate whether adiponectin has a causal protective influence on
IMT
.

Methods and Results

Baseline plasma adiponectin concentration was tested for association with baseline
IMT
,
IMT
progression over 30 months, and occurrence of cardiovascular events within 3 years in 3430 participants (women, n=1777; men, n=1653) with high cardiovascular risk but no prevalent disease. Plasma adiponectin levels were inversely associated with baseline mean bifurcation
IMT
after adjustment for established risk factors (β=−0.018,
P
<0.001) in men but not in women (β=−0.006,
P
=0.185;
P
for interaction=0.061). Adiponectin levels were inversely associated with progression of mean common carotid
IMT
in men (β=−0.0022,
P
=0.047), whereas no association was seen in women (0.0007,
P
=0.475;
P
for interaction=0.018). Moreover, we observed that adiponectin levels were inversely associated with coronary events in women (hazard ratio 0.57, 95%
CI
0.37 to 0.87) but not in men (hazard ratio 0.82, 95%
CI
0.54 to 1.25). A gene score of adiponectin‐raising alleles in 6 loci, reported recently in a large multi‐ethnic meta‐analysis, was inversely associated with baseline mean bifurcation
IMT
in men (β=−0.0008,
P
=0.004) but not in women (β=−0.0003,
P
=0.522;
P
for interaction=0.007).

Conclusions
This report provides some evidence for adiponectin protecting against atherosclerosis, with effects being confined to men; however, compared with established cardiovascular risk factors, the effect of plasma adiponectin was modest. Further investigation involving mechanistic studies is warranted.
Effect of Structural Differences in Collagen Sponge Scaffolds on Tracheal Epithelium Regeneration
Authors: Nakaegawa Yuta , Nakamura Ryosuke , Tada Yasuhiro , Nomoto Yukio , Imaizumi Mitsuyoshi , Suzuki Ryo , Nakamura Tatsuo , Omori Koichi 
Published: August 2015

Objective: We developed an in situ regeneration-inducible artificial trachea composed of a porcine collagen sponge and polypropylene framework and used it for tracheal reconstruction. In the present study, collagen sponges with different structures were prepared from various concentrations of collagen solutions, and their effect on the regeneration of tracheal epithelium was examined. Methods: Collagen sponges were prepared from type I and III collagen solutions. The structures of the sponges were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Artificial tracheae, which were formed using the collagen sponges with different structures, were implanted into rabbits, and regeneration of the tracheal epithelium on the artificial tracheae was evaluated by SEM analysis and histological examination. Results: The SEM analysis showed that collagen sponges prepared from 0.5% and 1.0% collagen solutions had a porous structure. However, the sponges prepared from a 1.5% collagen solution had a nonporous structure. After implantation of artificial tracheae prepared from 0.5% and 1.0% collagen solutions, their luminal surfaces were mostly covered with epithelium within 14 days. However, epithelial reorganization occurred later on artificial tracheae prepared from the 1.5% collagen solution. Conclusion: Collagen sponges with a porous structure are suitable for regeneration of the tracheal epithelium in our artificial trachea.
Deep brain stimulation for depression: Scientific issues and future directions
Authors: Mosley Philip E , Marsh Rodney , Carter Adrian 
Published: August 2015

Objective: Deep brain stimulation is an experimental intervention for treatment-resistant depression. Open trials have shown a sustained response to chronic stimulation in many subjects. However, two recent randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials failed to replicate these results. This article is a conceptual paper examining potential explanations for these discrepant findings. Method: We conducted a systematic review of the published studies obtained from PubMed and PsycINFO. Studies were selected if they directly examined the impact of deep brain stimulation on depressive symptoms. We excluded case reports and papers re-describing the same cohort of patients. We compared them with data from the placebo-controlled trials, available from Clinicaltrials.gov and abstracts of the American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. We supplemented our investigation by reviewing additional publications by the major groups undertaking deep brain stimulation for mood disorders. Results: We selected 10 open studies reporting on eight cohorts of patients using four different operative targets. All published studies reported positive results. This was not replicated in data available from the randomised, placebo-controlled trials. Many studies reported suicide or suicide attempts in the postoperative period. Conclusion: We consider the placebo effect, the pattern of network activation, surgical candidacy and design of a blinded trial including the length of a crossover period. We suggest a greater focus on selecting patients with melancholia. We anticipate that methodological refinements may facilitate further investigation of this technology for intractable depression. We conclude by noting the psychiatric adverse events that have been reported in the literature to date, as these will also influence the design of future trials of deep brain stimulation for depression.
Are older adults receiving evidence-based advice to prevent falls post-discharge from hospital?
Authors: Lee Den-Ching A , Brown Ted , Stolwyk Rene , O’Connor Daniel W , Haines Terry P 
Published: August 2015

Background: Older adults experience a high rate of falls when they transition to community-living following discharge from hospital. Objectives: To describe the proportion of older adults who could recall having discussed falls and falls prevention strategies with a health professional within 6 months following discharge from hospital. To describe the recalled content of these discussions and the strategies recommended and/or undertaken to prevent falls. Methods: Prospective cohort study of 155 older adults surveyed prior to discharge from hospital, of whom 123 were followed up at month 3 and/or month 6 in the community post-discharge. Participants were recruited from three Australian hospitals. Questionnaires captured predictive factors that may predispose to a fall and data related to the objectives being examined. Results: Of the 123 participants who had at least one follow-up, 54 reported discussing falls with a health professional (49 discussed falls with their general practitioners). Of the 54 participants who recalled having a discussion, 33 commented that they were asked whether they had fallen over. Only six discussed interventions to prevent falls. However, 44 stated that they attempted a total of 53 strategies to prevent falls post-discharge. Of these strategies, 40 had an absence of evidence of effectiveness, 11 had evidence of effectiveness, while two had either evidence of no benefit/harm or evidence of harm for the prevention of falls. In all, 53 participants reported falling post-discharge, but 42% of them did not recall discussing falls with their health professional. Conclusion: There is considerable scope for health professionals, especially general practitioners, to increase the frequency with which they discuss falls and evidence-based interventions to prevent falls in this population.
Sustained Attention in Auditory and Visual Monitoring Tasks
Authors: Arrabito G. Robert , Ho Geoffrey , Aghaei Behzad , Burns Catherine , Hou Ming 
Published: August 2015

Objective: Performance and mental workload were observed for the administration of a rest break or exogenous vibrotactile signals in auditory and visual monitoring tasks. Background: Sustained attention is mentally demanding. Techniques are required to improve observer performance in vigilance tasks. Method: Participants ( N = 150) monitored an auditory or a visual display for changes in signal duration in a 40-min watch. During the watch, participants were administered a rest break or exogenous vibrotactile signals. Results: Detection accuracy was significantly greater in the auditory than in the visual modality. A short rest break restored detection accuracy in both sensory modalities following deterioration in performance. Participants experienced significantly lower mental workload when monitoring auditory than visual signals, and a rest break significantly reduced mental workload in both sensory modalities. Exogenous vibrotactile signals had no beneficial effects on performance, or mental workload. Conclusion: A rest break can restore performance in auditory and visual vigilance tasks. Although sensory differences in vigilance tasks have been studied, this study is the initial effort to investigate the effects of a rest break countermeasure in both auditory and visual vigilance tasks, and it is also the initial effort to explore the effects of the intervention of a rest break on the perceived mental workload of auditory and visual vigilance tasks. Further research is warranted to determine exact characteristics of effective exogenous vibrotactile signals in vigilance tasks. Application: Potential applications of this research include procedures for decreasing the temporal decline in observer performance and the high mental workload imposed by vigilance tasks.
Legal Dualism and the Bipolar State
Authors: Santos Cecília MacDowell 
Published: August 2015

The Brazilian state has contradictory laws, policies and practices with regard to the rights of indigenous peoples. Despite the adoption of a democratic Brazilian constitution in 1988 that incorporated a multicultural conception of indigenous rights and the subsequent ratification of new international norms of human rights for indigenous peoples, the practices of the courts and of the various sectors of the state reflect a legal cultural dualism and a “bipolar” state. The case of the Xucuru people sent to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights shows the conflicts between legal and political cultures characterized, on one hand, by an individualistic and colonial approach to indigenous civil rights and, on the other hand, a collectivist and multicultural perspective on the human rights of indigenous peoples. O Estado brasileiro possui leis, políticas e práticas contraditórias em relação aos direi-tos indígenas. Apesar da nova constituição democrática de 1988 ter incorporado uma concepção multicultural dos direitos indígenas e de o Estado ter ratificado normas internacionais de direitos humanos dos povos indígenas, as práticas dos tribunais e de vários setores do Estado refletem uma situação de dualismo da cultura jurídica e um Estado “bipolar.” O caso do povo Xucuru encaminhado à Comissão Interamericana de Direitos Humanos demonstra os conflitos entre culturas jurídicas e políticas caracterizadas, de um lado, por uma abordagem individualista e colonial dos direitos civis dos indígenas, e, de outro lado, por uma perspectiva coletivista e multicultural dos direitos humanos dos povos indígenas.
Validation of the Full and Short-Form Self-Help Involvement Scale Against the Rasch Measurement Model
Authors: Conrad Karen M. , Conrad Kendon J. , Passetti Lora L. , Funk Rodney R. , Dennis Michael L. 
Published: August 2015

Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are one of the nation’s most costly problems in terms of dollars, disability, and death. Self-help programs are among the varied recovery support options available to address SUD, and evaluation of these programs depends on good measurement. There exists an unmet need for a psychometrically sound, brief, efficient measure of self-help involvement for individuals with SUD that is valid across different substances and age-groups. Methods: Using data from 2,101 persons presenting for SUD treatment, the full 21-item Global Appraisal of Individual Needs Self-Help Involvement Scale (SHIS) and a newly developed 11-item short-form version were validated against the Rasch measurement model and each other. Differential item functioning (DIF) was assessed by primary substance and age. Results: Both versions met Rasch psychometric criteria. The full scale had minor misfit with no DIF for alcohol, marijuana, or opioids but a few instances of DIF for amphetamine and cocaine users as well as for age, in that youth tended to endorse several easier items more frequently than did adults. The 11-item short form had neither misfit nor DIF by substance and only minor DIF by age was highly correlated with the full version and was relatively more efficient. Criterion-related validity was supported for both. Conclusions: Both the long and short versions of SHIS are psychometrically sound measures of a more comprehensive conceptualization of self-help involvement for SUDs that can be used as part of an in-depth assessment or as a short measure that lessens respondent burden.