bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integration of ‘omics’ data in aging research: from biomarkers to systems biology
Authors: Zierer Jonas , Menni Cristina , Kastenmüller Gabi , Spector Tim D. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryAge is the strongest risk factor for many diseases including neurodegenerative disorders, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Due to increasing life expectancy and low birth rates, the incidence of age‐related diseases is increasing in industrialized countries. Therefore, understanding the relationship between diseases and aging and facilitating healthy aging are major goals in medical research. In the last decades, the dimension of biological data has drastically increased with high‐throughput technologies now measuring thousands of (epi) genetic, expression and metabolic variables. The most common and so far successful approach to the analysis of these data is the so‐called reductionist approach. It consists of separately testing each variable for association with the phenotype of interest such as age or age‐related disease. However, a large portion of the observed phenotypic variance remains unexplained and a comprehensive understanding of most complex phenotypes is lacking. Systems biology aims to integrate data from different experiments to gain an understanding of the system as a whole rather than focusing on individual factors. It thus allows deeper insights into the mechanisms of complex traits, which are caused by the joint influence of several, interacting changes in the biological system. In this review, we look at the current progress of applying omics technologies to identify biomarkers of aging. We then survey existing systems biology approaches that allow for an integration of different types of data and highlight the need for further developments in this area to improve epidemiologic investigations.
Alcohol Administration Increases Cocaine Craving But Not Cocaine Cue Attentional Bias
Authors: Marks Katherine R. , Pike Erika , Stoops William W. , Rush Craig R. 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundAlcohol consumption is a known antecedent to cocaine relapse. Through associative conditioning, it is hypothesized that alcohol increases incentive motivation for cocaine and thus the salience of cocaine‐related cues, which are important in maintaining drug‐taking behavior. Cocaine‐using individuals display a robust cocaine cue attentional bias as measured by fixation time during the visual probe task. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of alcohol administration on cocaine cue attentional bias using eye‐tracking technology to directly measure attentional allocation.MethodsTwenty current cocaine users completed a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, within‐subjects study that tested the effect of 3 doses of alcohol (0.00, 0.325, and 0.65 g/kg) on cocaine cue attentional bias using the visual probe task with eye‐tracking technology. The participant‐rated and physiological effects of alcohol were also assessed.ResultsParticipants displayed a robust cocaine cue attentional bias following both placebo and alcohol administration as measured by fixation time, but not response time. Alcohol administration did not influence cocaine cue attentional bias, but increased craving for cocaine in a dose‐dependent manner. Alcohol produced prototypic psychomotor and participant‐rated effects.ConclusionsAlcohol administration increases cocaine craving but not cocaine cue attentional bias. Alcohol‐induced cocaine craving suggests that alcohol increases incentive motivation for cocaine but not the salience of cocaine‐related cues.
The Spirituality of Africa: The First Encounter
Authors: Turner Edith 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe article shows some moving occasions during the first fieldwork of Victor Turner and myself in Africa during the 1950s. For instance, the Ndembu people would always give great welcomes to their returning kin after long absences. The scenes are etched on my mind as a blueprint for all welcomes. On their friends return, the villagers would immediately gather and sing the simple song, “You're back, you're back!” Why did the people so much value each other? In this village I was learning about communitas. The scenes were etched on my mind as a blueprint for all sociality. They were like the Hallelujah Chorus, Beethoven's Song of Joy, the Marseillaise, “When the Saints Come Marching In”—many anthems of praise. They were unconditionally directed, the song of what we came to know as communitas. We were intensely interested and enjoyed the rituals just as they did; only they were unfamiliar to us. For the people, they were everything.
Mandibular reconstruction: meta‐analysis of iliac‐ versus fibula‐free flaps
Authors: Lonie Sarah , Herle Pradyumna , Paddle Alenka , Pradhan Neelprada , Birch Theo , Shayan Ramin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundFree vascularized bone flaps are widely recognized as the optimal reconstruction for patients who undergo mandibular resection. The fibula‐free flap is currently considered the gold standard, workhorse flap for mandibular reconstruction. Although previous studies have analysed individual success of each flap type, few have compared iliac‐ and fibula‐free flaps.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was conducted in line with the PRISMA protocol searching the PubMed and EBSCO databases. Twenty‐four studies were included as per predetermined inclusion criteria. Double‐arm random effect meta‐analysis was conducted with STATA 12, and single‐arm meta‐analysis was conducted utilizing Meta‐XL.ResultsThe results of this meta‐analysis confirm that there is no significant difference in total flap loss between fibula‐ and iliac‐free flap reconstruction of mandibular defects. In terms of recipient site complication, there was a significantly higher risk of delayed healing and suture line breakdown in the iliac flap group (P = 0.05). Donor site complications showed a trend towards being higher in the fibula flap group. Osseointegrated dental implant loss in fibula flaps was higher than in iliac flaps (5.3% compared with 1.7%).ConclusionBoth iliac‐ and fibula‐free flaps should be considered for use in mandibular reconstruction. We suggest the iliac crest as the first choice for mandibular angle or body defects (better contour match) or also defects requiring greater soft‐tissue bulk for intra‐oral lining. The fibula flap is best when bony length is required such as in subtotal or total mandibulectomy.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy in women with chronic hypertension: a retrospective analysis of a national register
Authors: Broekhuijsen Kim , Ravelli Anita C.J. , Langenveld Josje , van Pampus Mariëlle G. , van den Berg Paul P. , Mol Ben W.J. , Franssen Maureen T.M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionPregnancies complicated by chronic hypertension are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. To assess whether planned early delivery might prevent some of these adverse outcomes, we studied maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy in women with chronic hypertension, including gestational‐age‐specific outcomes.Material and methodsWe performed a retrospective, population‐based cohort study, using data from the Netherlands Perinatal Register. We included women with chronic hypertension and normotensive controls who delivered a singleton without congenital anomalies in 2002–2007. We calculated crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI, compared delivery and ongoing pregnancy using moving averages, and used multiple Cox regression to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics and to examine adverse neonatal outcomes across subgroups of hypertensive disorder. Main outcome measures were composite adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.ResultsWe included 3457 (0.3%) women with chronic hypertension and 984 932 normotensive controls. Women with chronic hypertension had adverse maternal outcomes more often (28.7% vs. 6.6%, adjusted OR 5.7, 95% CI 5.3–6.2). Their offspring had an increased rate of neonatal morbidity (17.4% vs. 13.2%, adjusted OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.4) but not of severe adverse neonatal outcomes (2.5% vs. 2.2%, adjusted OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–1.0). The increased risk of adverse maternal outcomes for ongoing pregnancy remained stable around 17% at term. The risk of severe adverse neonatal outcomes for birth was at its lowest between 38 and 40 weeks, mainly in women with iatrogenic onset of delivery.ConclusionsWomen with chronic hypertension are at increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes compared with controls throughout pregnancy, including at term. Our results suggest that the optimal timing of delivery might be between 38 and 40 weeks of gestation, but prospective randomized studies should confirm this.
Informed choice about Down syndrome screening – effect of an eHealth tool: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Skjøth Mette M. , Draborg Eva , Lamont Ronald F. , Pedersen Claus D. , Hansen Helle P. , Ekstrøm Claus T. , Jørgensen Jan S. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an eHealth intervention (interactive website) on pregnant women's ability to make an informed choice about Down syndrome screening.Material and methodsThe study was designed as a randomized controlled trial with allocation to an intervention group and a control group in a ratio of 1:1. Subsequent subgroup analysis was conducted. Participants were recruited from 5 August 2013 to 25 April 2014 at Odense University Hospital, Denmark. Inclusion criteria were: pregnant women aged ≥18 years who were invited to participate in Down syndrome screening. Exclusion criteria were: high risk of abortion, psycho‐socially vulnerable women, late referral, inability to speak Danish and women declining to participate. The primary outcome was informed choice about Down syndrome screening. The Multidimensional Measure of Informed Choice was used to assess whether the choice was informed or uninformed.ResultsA total of 1150 participants were included in the study, of which 910 (79%) completed the questionnaire. Only a minority (30% of the women in the intervention group) actually used the website. There was no significant difference in the groups with respect to making an informed choice. The mean knowledge scores were significantly higher for those in the intervention group who used the intervention.ConclusionsAn interactive website with information about Down syndrome screening had no direct effect on making an informed choice. However, the majority of the pregnant women who used the website were satisfied with the website and would recommend it to others.
Learning about maternal death and grief in the profession: a pilot qualitative study
Authors: Cauldwell Matthew , Chappell Lucy C. , Murtagh Ged , Bewley Susan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to explore the impact of maternal death on maternity professionals, and their related professional and personal needs.Material and methodsA qualitative study comprising semi‐structured interviews in a UK inner‐city academic maternity unit with over 5000 deliveries annually. Purposive sampling was utilized and semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were performed with 14 healthcare professionals: four midwives, five doctors in training grades (trainees) and five consultant obstetricians. Identification of key themes was derived by textual analysis.ResultsFive main themes were identified: professional culture, organizational culture and external expectation; personal blame and debriefing; professional training; shaping the training; support and counseling. Maternal death has a major impact on professionals' feelings of grief, guilt and shame, which they are reluctant to talk about. Maternity professionals expressed a desire for training to prepare themselves to respond effectively in the event of maternal death. There was ambiguity about “debriefing” within a changing institutional culture.ConclusionsMaternal death is a devastating consequence of pregnancy. If these findings are replicated by interviewing a greater number and breadth of maternity professionals, then healthcare institutions need to develop appropriate training to prepare and help staff, which should improve the support they can give to the bereaved and to each other.
Serum anti‐Müllerian hormone in subfertile women
Authors: Somigliana Edgardo , Lattuada Debora , Colciaghi Barbara , Filippi Francesca , La Vecchia Irene , Tirelli Amedea , Baffero Giulia M. , Paffoni Alessio , Persico Nicola , Bolis Giorgio , Fedele Luigi 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe correlation between ovarian reserve and infertility remains unclear. Albeit poorly predictive of pregnancy success in in vitro fertilization cycles, serum anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been acknowledged as a surrogate measure of ovarian reserve and is commonly evaluated in women seeking pregnancy. Disentangling whether low serum AMH affects natural fecundity is clinically important, as this information helps physicians in providing appropriate counseling to women and may impact on management strategies.Material and methodsThis was a nested case‐control study from a prospective cohort of pregnant women undergoing first trimester screening for aneuploidies. Cases were subfertile women having tried to become pregnant for 12–24 months. Controls were subsequent age‐matched fertile women. Inclusion criteria for both cases and controls were: (i) age > 18 years, (ii) natural conception, (iii) regular menstrual cycles (24–35 days). We used quantitative detection of serum AMH and interviews with the women. The main outcome measure was the proportion of women with serum AMH < 1.1 ng/mL.ResultsSeventy‐six subfertile women and 76 matched fertile controls were selected. In the two study groups, there were 11 (15%) and 15 (20%) women with serum AMH < 1.1 ng/mL, respectively (p = 0.52). The crude odds ratio for subfertility in women with low serum AMH was 0.69 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29–1.62]. The adjusted odds ratio was 0.85 (95% CI 0.35–2.10). The median (interquartile range) serum concentration of AMH in subfertile and control women was 2.6 (range 1.6–4.0) and 2.8 (range 1.4–4.3) ng/mL, respectively (p = 0.91).ConclusionsLow serum AMH is not associated with female subfertility.
Early Assistance With Left Ventricular Assist Device Limits Left Ventricular Remodeling After Acute Myocardial Infarction in a Swine Model
Authors: Sun Xiaotian , Li Jun , Zhao Weipeng , Lu Shuyang , Guo Changfa , Lai Hao , Wang Chunsheng 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAlthough left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been commonly used for patients with cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), their effects on post‐AMI prognosis remain to be elucidated. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of an LVAD on left ventricular (LV) remodeling and function at the postinfarction stage in a swine model. AMI was induced by ligation of the circumflex artery or its branches for 120 min, followed by 120 min of reperfusion. In the assist group (n = 6), LVAD was initiated at 90 min after ischemia and was maintained for support until 120 min after reperfusion, whereas the control group (n = 6) received no support. LV pressure, volume, wall stress, and stroke work were all decreased by LVAD assistance at the ischemia and reperfusion stages, and blood pressure and cardiac output were maintained. All swine were studied 1 month after the procedure, and those in the assist group showed less increased end‐diastolic volumes (assist vs. control: 57.9 ± 6.6 vs. 79.0 ± 6.7 mL, P = 0.032) and sphericity (assist vs. control: 1.33 ± 0.16 vs. 1.51 ± 0.12, P = 0.01), as well as improved ejection fractions (assist vs. control: 59.0 ± 7.8 vs. 42.3 ± 6.0%, P = 0.002). Furthermore, despite a presence of a similar initial ischemic area, the percent of infarcted myocardium was reduced by 49.9% in the assist group (assist vs. control: 18.1 ± 4.8 vs. 35.3 ± 6.2%, P < 0.001). These results suggested that early assistance with an LVAD in AMI limited LV remodeling, preserved postinfarction systolic function, and improved the prognosis.
Fluid–Structure Interactions Analysis of Shear‐Induced Modulation of a Mesenchymal Stem Cell: An Image‐Based Study
Authors: Vaez Ghaemi Roza , Vahidi Bahman , Sabour Mohammad Hossein , Haghighipour Nooshin , Alihemmati Zakieh 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAlthough effects of biochemical modulation of stem cells have been widely investigated, only recent advances have been made in the identification of mechanical conditioning on cell signaling pathways. Experimental investigations quantifying the micromechanical environment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are challenging while computational approaches can predict their behavior due to in vitro stimulations. This study introduces a 3D cell‐specific finite element model simulating large deformations of MSCs. Here emphasizing cell mechanical modulation which represents the most challenging multiphysics phenomena in sub‐cellular level, we focused on an approach attempting to elicit unique responses of a cell under fluid flow. Fluorescent staining of MSCs was performed in order to visualize the MSC morphology and develop a geometrically accurate model of it based on a confocal 3D image. We developed a 3D model of a cell fixed in a microchannel under fluid flow and then solved the numerical model by fluid–structure interactions method. By imposing flow characteristics representative of vigorous in vitro conditions, the model predicts that the employed external flow induces significant localized effective stress in the nucleo‐cytoplasmic interface and average cell deformation of about 40%. Moreover, it can be concluded that a lower strain level is made in the cell by the oscillatory flow as compared with steady flow, while same ranges of effective stress are recorded inside the cell in both conditions. The deeper understanding provided by this study is beneficial for better design of single cell in vitro studies.
Pressure–Flow Experimental Performance of New Intravascular Blood Pump Designs for Fontan Patients
Authors: Chopski Steven G. , Fox Carson S. , Riddle Michelle L. , McKenna Kelli L. , Patel Jay P. , Rozolis John T. , Throckmorton Amy L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAn intravascular axial flow pump is being developed as a mechanical cavopulmonary assist device for adolescent and adult patients with dysfunctional Fontan physiology. Coupling computational modeling with experimental evaluation of prototypic designs, this study examined the hydraulic performance of 11 impeller prototypes with blade stagger or twist angles varying from 100 to 600 degrees. A refined range of twisted blade angles between 300 and 400 degrees with 20‐degree increments was then selected, and four additional geometries were constructed and hydraulically evaluated. The prototypes met performance expectations and produced 3–31 mm Hg for flow rates of 1–5 L/min for 6000–8000 rpm. A regression analysis was completed with all characteristic coefficients contributing significantly (P < 0.0001). This analysis revealed that the impeller with 400 degrees of blade twist outperformed the other designs. The findings of the numerical model for 300‐degree twisted case and the experimental results deviated within approximately 20%. In an effort to simplify the impeller geometry, this work advanced the design of this intravascular cavopulmonary assist device closer to preclinical animal testing.
Higher rates of metastatic disease may explain the declining trend in Swedish paediatric rhabdomyosarcoma survival rates
Authors: Lychou Sara E. , Gustafsson Göran G. , Ljungman Gustaf E. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimPositive outcomes for paediatric rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) were high in Sweden during the 1990s, but the last decade has seen decreasing trends in overall survival rates. We investigated the incidence, patient and disease characteristics, treatment and outcome of RMS to see whether any reason could be found for this decline.MethodsThis study included 210 children under the age of 15 who were diagnosed with RMS and whose details were recorded in the population‐based Swedish Childhood Cancer Registry from 1984 to 2010.ResultsThe overall annual incidence of RMS was 4.9 per million, and the 5‐year overall survival rates were 59 ± 7% in 1984–1989, 78 ± 5% in 1990–1999 and 71 ± 5% in 2000–2010. When patients with localised disease were analysed separately, there was no difference in the 5‐year survival rates between 1990 and 1999 (82 ± 5%) and 2000–2010 (81 ± 5%), but the outcome in 1984–1989 (53 ± 8%) was significantly worse. The prevalence of metastatic disease was unexpectedly high during 2000–2010 (28%, p = 0.010), compared to an overall mean of 18% for the whole study period.ConclusionOur results suggest that a higher rate of metastatic disease may explain the declining trend in overall survival rates in paediatric RMS in Sweden over the last decade.
Cataract after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in childhood
Authors: Teär Fahnehjelm Kristina , Törnquist Alba Lucia , Olsson Monica , Bäckström Ingrid , Andersson Grönlund Marita , Winiarski Jacek 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to study long‐term visual outcome and cataract development in children and adolescents after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in childhood.MethodsBest corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refraction and lens status were examined in a prospective study of 139 children and adolescents.ResultsIn total, 139 patients (58 female), median age 6.6 years at HSCT (range 0.4–17.5 years), were followed up for a median of 8.0 years (1–19.4 years). Median BCVA in the better eye was 1.0 decimal. Altogether 19 of 131 patients developed cataract requiring surgery, while 46 developed less prominent lens opacities and 66 had clear lenses at time of latest follow‐up. Patients conditioned with total body irradiation had a higher risk of developing lens opacities or cataract (p < 0.0001) as did patients with malignant disease, irrespective of irradiation treatment (p < 0.0001). Cumulative analysis showed that 50% of all patients had developed lens opacities/cataract after 10.2 years. Patients who ultimately needed cataract surgery developed cataract earlier than others (p = 0.006).ConclusionLens opacities or cataract were more common in children or adolescents with malignant disease and after conditioning with irradiation. Regular ophthalmological follow‐up is important after HSCT for early intervention to avoid amblyopia.
Analytical specificity and sensitivity of the novel dual‐target GeneProof Neisseria gonorrhoeae PCR kit for detection of N. gonorrhoeae
Authors: Golparian Daniel , Hellmark Bengt , Unemo Magnus 
Published: September 2015

Detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae relies increasingly on nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). The specificity of many gonococcal NAATs has been suboptimal and supplementary testing remains recommended in Europe and several additional countries. The novel dual‐target GeneProof Neisseria gonorrhoeae PCR kit, targeting porA pseudogene and 16S rRNA gene, showed a high specificity and sensitivity when isolates of non‐gonococcal Neisseria and related species (n = 144), and gonococci (n = 104) were tested. However, rare gonococcal porA mutants were only detected in the 16S rRNA gene target and two non‐gonococcal isolates showed a low‐level cross‐reactivity in the 16S rRNA gene target. The detection limit for both targets was 1.5 copies per reaction.