bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased disease activity, severity and autoantibody positivity in rheumatoid arthritis patients with co‐existent bronchiectasis
Authors: Perry Elizabeth , Eggleton Paul , De Soyza Anthony , Hutchinson David , Kelly Clive 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimPatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and co‐existent bronchiectasis (BRRA) have a five‐fold increased mortality compared to rheumatoid arthritis alone. Yet previous studies have found no difference in clinical and serological markers of RA disease severity between BRRA patients and RA alone. However, RA disease activity measures such as Disease Activity Score of 28 joints – C‐reactive protein (DAS28‐CRP) and anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti‐CCP) have not been studied, so we assessed these parameters in patients with BRRA and RA alone.MethodsBRRA patients (n = 53) had high‐resolution computed tomography proven bronchiectasis without any interstitial lung disease and ≥ 2 respiratory infections/year. RA alone patients (n = 50) had no clinical or radiological evidence of lung disease. DAS28‐CRP, rheumatoid factor (immunoglobulin M) and anti‐CCP were measured in all patients, together with detailed clinical and radiology records.ResultsIn BRRA, bronchiectasis predated RA in 58% of patients. BRRA patients had higher DAS28 scores (3.51 vs. 2.59), higher levels of anti‐CCP (89% vs. 46%) and rheumatoid factor (79% vs. 52%) (P = 0.003) compared to RA alone. Where hand and foot radiology findings were recorded, 29/37 BRRA (78%) and 13/30 (43%) RA alone had evidence of erosive change (P = 0.003). There were no significant differences between groups in smoking history or disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug/biologic therapy.ConclusionsIncreased levels of RA disease activity, severity and RA autoantibodies are demonstrated in patients with RA and co‐existent bronchiectasis compared to patients with RA alone, despite lower tobacco exposure. This study demonstrates that BRRA is a more severe systemic disease than RA alone.
Are general practitioners well informed about fibromyalgia?
Authors: Kianmehr Nahid , Haghighi Anousheh , Bidari Ali , Sharafian Ardekani Yaser , Karimi Mohammad Ali 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimFibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common rheumatologic disorder characterized by easy fatigability, widespread musculoskeletal pain and sleep disorder. In spite of its high prevalence, general practitioners, as primary care providers, seem to have inadequate knowledge about FMS. This study aimed to assess Iranian general practitioners' knowledge about FMS and its treatment.MethodA detailed questionnaire (including items on signs and symptoms, diagnostic criteria and treatment) was completed by 190 general practitioners (54.7% male; mean age: 41 years). Data analysis was performed with SPSS for Windows 15.0 and awareness about all aspects of FMS was reported as percentages.ResultsAbout one‐third (30%) of the participants had seen at least one case of FMS during their practice. Most subjects (62.7%) claimed to know 1–6 tender points. Only 3.2% knew 16–18 points. The common proposed symptoms of FMS were widespread pain (72.6%), excessive fatigue (72.6%), weakness (60.5%), sleep disorder (36.3%), anxiety (34.7%) and depression (34.2%). Wrong symptoms including elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein, arthritis, joint swelling, weight loss and abnormal radiologic findings were selected by 27.9%, 18.9%, 14.7%, 12.6% and 2.1% of the physicians, respectively. Moreover, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressant and pregabalin were identified as treatment options for FMS by, respectively, 45.8%, 22.1% and 15.3% of the participants. Finally, 52.1% and 23.7% of the subjects incorrectly considered nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids as treatment modalities for FMS.ConclusionIranian general practitioners are not well informed about FMS. Therefore, FMS should be specifically integrated in continuing medical education programs and undergraduate medical training curriculum.
Identification and characterisation of alternative transcriptional variants of PDGFRL in two lines of commercial poultry
Authors: McDerment N. A. , Hocking P. M. , Dunn I. C. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) family of genes and their receptors are involved in angiogenesis and steroid hormone production. A putative member of the family, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐like (PDGFRL), has been implicated in steroid‐based feedback mechanisms within the chicken reproductive system. Three potential variants of PDGFRL were identified in the chicken, supported by in silico prediction and EST sequencing. The three potential transcripts have been further verified and the 5′ terminal regions sequenced in this research. The sum of expression of all three transcripts in broiler breeders (the parents of broiler chickens) has been shown to be consistent with total expression of the gene. However, cumulative expression of the three transcripts in a range of tissues in egg layers was significantly short of total expression, indicating the existence of potential additional variants. Two additional variants were subsequently identified in egg layer cerebellum tissue and the 5′ terminal regions sequenced. Sequence analysis of the three initial variants suggests that only one variant, which was the most abundant in broiler breeders and the majority of egg layer tissues, had a functional signal peptide. Although 5′ RACE identified two additional transcripts in egg layers, the most likely protein translations indicated that these variants possessed no functional signal peptide, suggesting that, if they have a function, it is not a traditional one.
Genome‐wide association QTL mapping for teat number in a purebred population of Duroc pigs
Authors: Arakawa A. , Okumura N. , Taniguchi M. , Hayashi T. , Hirose K. , Fukawa K. , Ito T. , Matsumoto T. , Uenishi H. , Mikawa S. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBecause of increasing litter size in Western pig breeds, additional teats are desirable to increase the capacity for nursing offspring. We applied genome‐wide SNP markers to detect QTL regions that affect teat number in a Duroc population. We phenotyped 1024 animals for total teat number. A total of 36 588 SNPs on autosomes were used in the analysis. The estimated heritability for teat number was 0.34 ± 0.05 on the basis of a genomic relationship matrix constructed from all SNP markers. Using a BayesC method, we identified a total of 18 QTL regions that affected teat number in Duroc pigs; 9 of the 18 regions were newly detected.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: coffee consumption and the risk of gallstone disease
Authors: Zhang Y.‐P. , Li W.‐Q. , Sun Y.‐L. , Zhu R.‐T. , Wang W.‐J. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBackgroundEpidemiologic evidence on coffee consumption reducing the risk of gallstone disease has been contradictory.AimTo perform a meta‐analysis of observational studies, to investigate an association and dose–response of coffee consumption with gallstone disease.MethodsWe used PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify all published studies before June 2015. A random‐effects model was used to compute a pooled relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsOne case–control study and five prospective cohort studies (with seven cohorts) involving 227 749 participants and 11 477 gallstone disease cases were included. Coffee consumption was significantly associated with a reduced risk of gallstone disease (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.89; I2 = 35.9%), based on prospective studies; specifically, we observed an inverse relation in females, but not in males. The case–control study did not reveal any association between coffee and gallstone disease (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.53). In a dose–response analysis, the RR of gallstone disease was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.91 to 1.00; P = 0.049) per 1 cup/day of coffee consumption. A significant nonlinear dose–response association was also identified (P for nonlinearity = 0.0106). For people who drank 2, 4 and 6 cups of coffee per day, the estimated RRs of gallstone disease were 0.89 (95% CI, 0.79 to 0.99), 0.81 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.92) and 0.75 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.88), respectively, compared with the lowest level drinkers.ConclusionThis study suggests that coffee consumption is related to a significantly decreased risk of gallstone disease.
Natural learning case study archives
Authors: Lawler Robert W. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractNatural Learning Case Study Archives (NLCSA) is a research facility for those interested in using case study analysis to deepen their understanding of common sense knowledge and natural learning (how the mind interacts with everyday experiences to develop common sense knowledge). The database comprises three case study corpora based on experiences with three of the author's children. Each corpus contains recorded materials (originally videotaped, now digitized), text observations and interpretations of some of those materials.
Long‐term outcomes for newly‐diagnosed multiple myeloma patients treated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and bortezomib: final results of CALGB (Alliance) 10301, a multicentre phase II study
Authors: Voorhees Peter M. , Orlowski Robert Z. , Mulkey Flora , Watson Peter , Geyer Susan , Sanford Ben L. , Bennett Elizabeth , Chanan‐Khan Asher A. , Bloomfield Clara D. , Larson Richard A. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryLong‐term outcomes and updated clinical efficacy and safety data were evaluated for newly‐diagnosed multiple myeloma patients treated on a phase II study of bortezomib and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PegLD). Out of 61 patients, the overall response rate was 57% and the near‐complete/complete response rate was 7%. Patients aged ≥65 years old had a higher incidence of treatment‐related ≥Grade 3 non‐haematological toxicity (80% vs. 51%, P = 0·020). Median overall survival was 5·6 years and negatively impacted by the presence of International Staging System stage III disease, underscoring the need for novel treatment strategies for this group of patients.
How Economic Downturns Affect Children's Development: An Interdisciplinary Perspective on Pathways of Influence
Authors: Gassman‐Pines Anna , Gibson‐Davis Christina M. , Ananat Elizabeth O. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTo understand how economic downturns affect children's development, scholars have concentrated on how parents’ loss of a job affects children's well‐being, but have largely ignored the potential effects of downturns on children whose parents remain employed. In this article, we review research across disciplines to demonstrate that economic downturns should be conceptualized as a community‐level event that affects all children in a community, not just those whose parents have lost jobs. We focus on three mechanisms linking downturns to children's developmental outcomes: structural changes to communities, the economic and psychological effects on individuals who are continuously employed, and the strain of job loss on social networks. We conclude by discussing ongoing research and looking at implications for public policy.
Timing of fluoride intake and dental fluorosis on late‐erupting permanent teeth
Authors: Bhagavatula Pradeep , Levy Steven M. , Broffitt Barbara , Weber‐Gasparoni Karin , Warren John J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveVery few studies have examined the relationship between timing of fluoride intake and development of dental fluorosis on late‐erupting permanent teeth using period‐specific fluoride intake information. This study examined this relationship using longitudinal fluoride intake information from the Iowa Fluoride Study.MethodsParticipants’ fluoride exposure and intake (birth to 10 years of age) from water, beverages, selected food products, dietary fluoride supplements, and fluoride toothpaste was collected using questionnaires sent to parents at 3‐ and 4‐ month intervals from birth to 48 months of age and every 6 months thereafter. Three trained and calibrated examiners used the Fluorosis Risk Index (FRI) categories to assess 16 late‐erupting teeth among 465 study participants. A tooth was defined as having definitive fluorosis if any of the zones on that tooth had an FRI score of 2 or 3. Participants with questionable fluorosis were excluded from analyses. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the importance of fluoride intake during different time periods.ResultsMost dental fluorosis in the study population was mild, with only four subjects (1%) having severe fluorosis (FRI Score 3). The overall prevalence of dental fluorosis was 27.8%. Logistic regression analyses showed that fluoride intake from each of the individual years from age 2 to 8 plays an important role in determining the risk of dental fluorosis for most late‐erupting permanent teeth. The strongest association for fluorosis on the late‐erupting permanent teeth was with fluoride intake during the sixth year of life.ConclusionLate‐erupting teeth may be susceptible to fluorosis for an extended period from about age 2 to 8. Although not as visually prominent as the maxillary central incisors, some of the late‐erupting teeth are esthetically important and this should be taken into consideration when making recommendations about dosing of fluoride intake.
The effect of gender and genetic polymorphisms on matrix metalloprotease (MMP) and tissue inhibitor (TIMP) plasma levels in different infectious and non-infectious conditions
Authors: Collazos J , Asensi V , Martin G , Montes A H , Suárez-Zarracina T , Valle-Garay E 
Published: July 2015

Summary
Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are increased in different infections due to their role in controlling immune responses and are regulated by tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). Different MMP promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) induce changes in MMP genes, mRNA and protein expression. Gender might also modify MMP plasma levels. In order to determine the weight of these variables on MMP secretion we studied MMP-1, -2, -3, -8, -9, -10, -13 and TIMP-1, -2, -4 plasma levels in 90 patients with severe bacterial sepsis, 102 with anti-retroviral (ARV)-treated HIV monoinfection, 111 with ARV-treated HIV–hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection and 86 non-infected controls (45 stroke and 41 trauma patients). MMP-1(-1607 1G/2G), MMP-3(-1612 5A/6A), MMP-8(-799C/T), MMP-9(-1562 C/T) and MMP-13(-77A/G) SNPs were genotyped. MMP-3 plasma levels were significantly higher in men than in women in each diagnostic group, and MMP-3 SNP allele 6A carriers also had higher levels than allele 5A carriers, an effect that was magnified by sepsis. Independent predictors of higher MMP-3 levels were male gender (P = 0·0001), MMP-3(-1612 5A/6A) SNP (P = 0·001), higher levels of TIMP-4 (P = 0·004) and MMP-8 (P = 0·006) and lower levels of MMP-1 (P = 0·03) by multivariate analysis. No strong associations with gender or SNPs were observed for other MMPs or TIMPs. In conclusion, male gender and MMP-3(-1612 5A/6A) 6A allele carriage increased MMP-3 plasma levels significantly, especially in patients with severe bacterial sepsis. This confounding gender effect needs to be addressed when evaluating MMP-3 plasma levels in any infectious or non-infectious condition.
MicroRNAs predict and modulate responses to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yu Xin , Li Zheng , Yu Jun , Chan Matthew T. V. , Wu William K. K. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer‐related death globally. Chemotherapy regimens consisting of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in combination with either oxaliplatin or irinotecan are the first‐line options for treatment of metastatic CRC. However, primary or acquired resistance to these chemotherapeutics is a major clinical challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post‐transcriptionally. miRNAs play important roles in many cancer‐related processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion, and their dysregulation is implicated in colorectal tumourigenesis. Pertinent to chemotherapy, increasing evidence has revealed that miRNAs can be directly linked to chemosensitivity in CRC. In this review, we summarize current evidence concerning the role of miRNAs in prediction and modulation of cellular responses to 5‐FU, oxaliplatin and irinotecan in CRC. We also discuss the possible targets and intracellular pathways involved in these processes.
Impact of Foreign Bank Presence on Foreign Direct Investment in China
Authors: Ongena Steven , Qi Shusen , Qin Fengming 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe analyze the impact of foreign bank presence on foreign direct investment (FDI) in China. The connection between the two could be particularly relevant for an emerging economy like China because the supply of financial services provided by banks may act as a constraining factor. Foreign bank presence may then enable and foster FDI and not simply result from it. Our estimates demonstrate that FDI across regions in China is increasing in the existing network of regional branches of foreign banks, which itself is driven (and, therefore, instrumented) by the timing of the regional phasing out of the local limits for foreign banks on local currency business. The effect of foreign bank presence on FDI is particularly strong for some specific sectors (farming, manufacturing, construction, transportation, wholesale/retail trade and real estate) if those sectors are strongly represented in the source economies.
Impact of diabetes on healthcare costs in a population‐based cohort: a cost analysis
Authors: Rosella L. C. , Lebenbaum M. , Fitzpatrick T. , O'Reilly D. , Wang J. , Booth G. L. , Stukel T. A. , Wodchis W. P. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsTo estimate the healthcare costs attributable to diabetes in Ontario, Canada using a propensity‐matched control design and health administrative data from the perspective of a single‐payer healthcare system.MethodsIncident diabetes cases among adults in Ontario were identified from the Ontario Diabetes Database between 2004 and 2012 and matched 1:3 to control subjects without diabetes identified in health administrative databases on the basis of sociodemographics and propensity score. Using a comprehensive source of administrative databases, direct per‐person costs (Canadian dollars 2012) were calculated. A cost analysis was performed to calculate the attributable costs of diabetes; i.e. the difference of costs between patients with diabetes and control subjects without diabetes.ResultsThe study sample included 699 042 incident diabetes cases. The costs attributable to diabetes were greatest in the year after diagnosis [C$3,785 (95% CI 3708, 3862) per person for women and C$3,826 (95% CI 3751, 3901) for men], increasing substantially for older age groups and patients who died during follow‐up. After accounting for baseline comorbidities, attributable costs were primarily incurred through inpatient acute hospitalizations, physician visits and prescription medications and assistive devices.ConclusionsThe excess healthcare costs attributable to diabetes are substantial and pose a significant clinical and public health challenge. This burden is an important consideration for decision‐makers, particularly given increasing concern over the sustainability of the healthcare system, aging population structure and increasing prevalence of diabetic risk factors, such as obesity.
Prognostic value of RV isovolumic acceleration and tissue strain in moderate HFrEF
Authors: Sciatti Edoardo , Vizzardi Enrico , Bonadei Ivano , Curnis Antonio , D'Aloia Antonio , Metra Marco 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundRight ventricular (RV) dysfunction in heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is associated with a poorer prognosis. No studies to date have investigated the prognostic utility of RV isovolumic acceleration (IVA) measured at tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in HF. RV strain instead has been already correlated to a poorer prognosis in these patients. We aimed to assess the predictive value of both parameters in this context.Materials and methodsSixty patients enrolled, NYHA II–III. Everyone underwent echocardiographic examination including TDI and strain analysis. Adverse event was defined as cardiovascular death or rehospitalization.ResultsFollow‐up was 32 ± 13 months. Sixteen patients (26·7%) had an adverse event. IVA and RV strain were significantly lower in these patients. At logistic regression, they were both related to adverse event and their receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve predictive (area under ROC 0·916 and 0·952, respectively). Kaplan–Meier survival curves were significantly worse for both parameters inferior to their respective means (P < 0·001 for both). Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed their better utility than tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC) or S’ at TDI.Conclusionsour study demonstrated a useful prognostic role of RV strain and IVA, which are parameters of subclinical RV impairment. Patients with low values may benefit from a more aggressive therapy and a closer follow‐up.
Relationships between parasitism, bumblebee foraging behaviour, and pollination service to Trifolium pratense flowers
Authors: GILLESPIE SANDRA D. , CARRERO KAYLA , ADLER LYNN S. 
Published: July 2015

1. Parasite effects on host behaviour frequently alter their hosts' trophic interactions. There are many compelling examples of such effects in herbivore‐based trophic interactions, but less attention has been paid to how parasite effects on host behaviour can alter mutualistic interactions.2. Pollination mutualisms depend greatly on pollinator behaviour, and many pollinators are attacked by a wide range of parasites and parasitoids.3. To investigate whether parasites affect pollination service via changes in host behaviour, natural variation in conopid fly parasitism was used to investigate the relationship between infection and Bombus impatiens Cresson behaviour foraging on arrays of Trifolium pretense L. flowers in the laboratory. The consequences of infection for seed set and seed mass were also examined.4. Conopid parasitism was not related to any measured behavioural response; however, flowers visited by conopid‐parasitised bees set significantly heavier seeds than those visited by unparasitised bees. Larger bees were more likely to be parasitised, but the relationship between parasitism and seed set still held after accounting for body size.5. The present results demonstrate that parasitoids may have positive impacts on per‐visit pollination, but, because larger bees were more frequently parasitised, parasitism could also affect pollination by removing the largest pollinators from the population.