bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of short-term exposure to fine particulate matter on emergency ambulance dispatches in Japan
Authors: Michikawa Takehiro , Ueda Kayo , Takeuchi Ayano , Kinoshita Makoto , Hayashi Hiromi , Ichinose Takamichi , Nitta Hiroshi 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundEvidence of an association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and morbidity is limited in Asia. We used a case-crossover design to evaluate the association between short-term exposure to PM2.5and emergency ambulance dispatches (as a proxy of acute health outcomes), and to calculate the extent to which a 10 μg/m3decrease in PM2.5concentrations would reduce the number of ambulance dispatches.MethodsWe used data on emergency ambulance dispatches in Fukuoka City, Japan between 2005 and 2010. Emergency ambulance services are publicly funded and cover the entire city. After excluding ambulance dispatches related to external injuries and pregnancy/childbirth, we analysed data on the remaining 176 123 dispatches. We also collected records of daily concentrations of PM2.5from one ambient air pollution monitoring station. ORs per 10 μg/m3increase in PM2.5were estimated using conditional logistic regression controlled for ambient temperature and relative humidity.ResultsDuring the study period, the average daily concentration of PM2.5was 20.3 μg/m3. Exposure to PM2.5was associated with emergency ambulance dispatches in general (lag0–1; OR=1.008 (95% CI 1.002 to 1.014)) and with dispatches due to respiratory diseases (lag0–1; OR=1.027 (1.007 to 1.048)). No association was observed for dispatches due to cardiovascular diseases. We estimated that a 10 μg/m3decrease in PM2.5concentrations would have led to approximately 260 (estimated range=70–460) fewer ambulance dispatches in Fukuoka for 2012.ConclusionsProviding further evidence on the short-term health effects of PM2.5exposure, we found that exposure was associated with an increased number of emergency ambulance dispatches. The effect was, however, relatively small.
Toward a secured automated test-data generator using S-Box
Authors: Bhasin Harsh , Kaur Harleen 
Published: September 2014

Automated test-data generation is a convoluted task. The quality of test cases generated determines the quality of the program under test. This paper proposes two major changes in the architecture of the automated test-data generator proposed in our earlier work. The new model of artificial-life-based test-data generation uses an s-box-based component.
The earlier paper used an artificial-life based component. The component that generated black box test cases has been replaced by an s-box-based component in this paper. The test cases generated have also been encrypted using a block cipher encryption system. The encryption of test cases makes the system less prone to intrusion. This work has been done to make the system secure and prevent attacks on the proposed system by accessing the test data. The proposed model has been implemented, tested and validated using an enterprise resource planning system.
Holo-Retinol–Binding Protein and Its Receptor STRA6 Drive Oncogenic Transformation
Authors: Berry Daniel C. , Levi Liraz , Noy Noa 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Vitamin A, retinol, circulates in blood bound to retinol-binding protein (RBP). At some tissues, RBP is recognized by STRA6, a plasma membrane protein that serves a dual role: it transports retinol from extracellular RBP into cells and it transduces a signaling cascade mediated by the Janus kinase JAK2 and the transcription factors STAT3 and STAT5. We show here that expression of RBP and STRA6 is markedly upregulated in human breast and colon tumors, that holo-RBP/STRA6 signaling promotes oncogenic properties, and that STRA6 expression is critical for tumor formation by colon carcinoma cells in vivo. The holo-RBP/STRA6 pathway also efficiently induces fibroblasts to undergo oncogenic transformation, rendering them highly tumorigenic. These data establish that holo-RBP and its receptor STRA6 are potent oncogenes and suggest that the pathway is a novel target for therapy of some human cancers. Cancer Res; 74(21); 6341–51. ©2014 AACR.
Use of a Urinary Sugars Biomarker to Assess Measurement Error in Self-Reported Sugars Intake in the Nutrition and Physical Activity Assessment Study (NPAAS)
Authors: Tasevska Natasha , Midthune Douglas , Tinker Lesley F. , Potischman Nancy , Lampe Johanna W. , Neuhouser Marian L. , Beasley Jeannette M. , Van Horn Linda , Prentice Ross L. , Kipnis Victor 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Background: Measurement error in self-reported sugars intake may be obscuring the association between sugars and cancer risk in nutritional epidemiologic studies.
Methods: We used 24-hour urinary sucrose and fructose as a predictive biomarker for total sugars, to assess measurement error in self-reported sugars intake. The Nutrition and Physical Activity Assessment Study (NPAAS) is a biomarker study within the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Observational Study that includes 450 postmenopausal women ages 60 to 91 years. Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ), four-day food records (4DFR), and three 24-hour dietary recalls (24HRs) were collected along with sugars and energy dietary biomarkers.
Results: Using the biomarker, we found self-reported sugars to be substantially and roughly equally misreported across the FFQ, 4DFR, and 24HR. All instruments were associated with considerable intake- and person-specific bias. Three 24HRs would provide the least attenuated risk estimate for sugars (attenuation factor, AF = 0.57), followed by FFQ (AF = 0.48) and 4DFR (AF = 0.32), in studies of energy-adjusted sugars and disease risk. In calibration models, self-reports explained little variation in true intake (5%–6% for absolute sugars and 7%–18% for sugars density). Adding participants' characteristics somewhat improved the percentage variation explained (16%–18% for absolute sugars and 29%–40% for sugars density).
Conclusions: None of the self-report instruments provided a good estimate of sugars intake, although overall 24HRs seemed to perform the best.
Impact: Assuming the calibrated sugars biomarker is unbiased, this analysis suggests that measuring the biomarker in a subsample of the study population for calibration purposes may be necessary for obtaining unbiased risk estimates in cancer association studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(12); 2874–83. ©2014 AACR.
Cancer Immunoprevention: A New Approach to Intercept Cancer Early
Authors: Umar Asad 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Cancer immunoprevention refers to the modulation of the host immune response to control the initiation or development of cancer. The significant role of host immunity in early tumorigenesis has only recently been confirmed, as a better understanding of the mechanisms, molecules and cells involved in tumor immunology have been elucidated over the past two decades. Of utmost importance, preclinical and clinical evidences have demonstrated that early neoplastic cells (transformed cells that initiate cancer formation) express antigens that allow the immune system to distinguish them from normal cells. Furthermore, recognition of the aberrant cell by the immune cells activates a complex interaction of mutual modulation between the immune cells, the tumor and the tumor microenvironment that may result not only in inhibition but also promotion of cancer. The deepening understanding of cancer-related immunologic processes, properties, and components has spawned exploration of more rational, mechanism-based immunologic strategies (using vaccines, antibodies, and immune modulators) for cancer prevention. This introduction to the Cancer Prevention Research immunoprevention series will attempt to review the basics of the immune response modulation as a basis for potential application to cancer immunoprevention strategies with an emphasis on vaccines. Recognizing the fast-paced research in immune response modulation, the series will cover current understandings and future directions of cancer immunoprevention research.
See all articles in this Cancer Prevention Research collection, “Cancer Immunoprevention Series.”
Cancer Prev Res; 7(11); 1067–71. ©2014 AACR.
Atorvastatin Reduces the Proadhesive and Prothrombotic Endothelial Cell Phenotype Induced by Cocaine and Plasma From Cocaine Consumers In Vitro
Authors: Sáez Claudia G. , Pereira-Flores Karla , Ebensperger Roberto , Panes Olga , Massardo Teresa , Hidalgo Patricia , Mezzano Diego , Pereira Jaime 
Published: September 2014

Objective—
Cocaine consumption is a risk factor for vascular ischemic complications. Although endothelial dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis have been observed in cocaine consumers, the mechanisms underlying their pathogenesis are not fully understood. This study aimed at identifying the effects of atorvastatin in relation to a proadhesive and prothrombotic phenotype induced by cocaine and plasma from chronic cocaine users on endothelial cells.

Approach and Results—
Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to either cocaine or platelet-free plasma (PFP) from chronic cocaine consumers in the presence or absence of 10 μmol/L of atorvastatin. Atorvastatin significantly reduced the enhanced platelet adhesion that was induced by cocaine and PFP from chronic cocaine consumers, as well as the release of the von Willebrand factor. Atorvastatin also avoided striking alterations on cell monolayer structure triggered by both stimuli and enhanced NO reduction because of cocaine stimulation through disrupting interactions between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and caveolin-1, thus increasing eNOS bioavailability. Cocaine-increased tissue factor–dependent procoagulant activity and reactive oxygen species generation were not counteracted by atorvastatin. Although monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels were not significantly higher than controls either under cocaine or PFP stimulation, atorvastatin completely avoided monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 release in both conditions. Platelets stimulated with cocaine or PFP did not express P-selectin, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, or CD40L and failed to adhere to resting human umbilical vein endothelial cell.

Conclusions—
Cocaine and patient plasma equally induced a proadhesive and prothrombotic phenotype in endothelial cells, except for von Willebrand Factor release, which was only induced by PFP from chronic cocaine consumers. Atorvastatin improved endothelial cell function by reducing cocaine-induced and PFP from chronic cocaine consumer–induced effects on platelet adhesion, cell architecture, and NO production.
Adolescent marijuana users have elevated risk-taking on the balloon analog risk task
Authors: Hanson Karen L , Thayer Rachel E , Tapert Susan F 
Published: September 2014

Objective: Adolescents who engage in regular marijuana use may have a higher propensity to take unsafe risks despite the possible negative consequences. We compared adolescents with a history of regular marijuana use to non-using teens on a behavioral measure of risk-taking. Given the involvement of the pre-frontal cortex in both risk-taking and executive functioning, we also examined whether risk-taking was associated with measures of executive functioning. Method: Fifty-eight demographically similar community youth (ages 17–20; 29% female), including 24 marijuana users and 34 non-using controls, completed the computerized Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART; Lejuez et al., 2002) and measures of substance use and executive function. Primary BART outcome measures included total number of popped balloons and average adjusted pumps (mean pumps excluding popped balloons). Results: Marijuana users had more popped balloons than controls ( p<0.05) but did not differ on average adjusted pumps. Using hierarchical multiple regression controlling for age, riskier BART performance (popped balloons) was predictive of past 18-month hard drug use (β=0.30; p<0.05). Having a higher number of popped balloons was also predictive of past 18-month marijuana use ( p<0.05), but age was a stronger predictor than marijuana use. Marijuana users performed worse on one test of executive functioning (psychomotor set-shifting, p<0.05), but this did not correlate with risk-taking. Conclusions: Our finding of elevated risk-taking among marijuana users is consistent with previous research that substance users may have impaired risk processing. Further, our results suggest that risk-taking is not always associated with executive dysfunction, implying the involvement of distinct neural subsystems.
Frequency of EGFR mutations in lung adenocarcinoma with malignant pleural effusion: Implication of cancer biological behaviour regulated by EGFR mutation
Authors: Zou JianYong , Bella Amos Ela , Chen ZhenGuang , Han XiangQian , Su ChunHua , Lei YiYan , Luo HongHe 
Published: September 2014

Objective A retrospective single-centre study to compare the clinical features of patients with lung adenocarcinoma with and without epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Methods Pretreatment medical records of patients with lung adenocarcinoma were reviewed. DNA was extracted from paraffin wax-embedded tumour tissue for analysis of EGFR mutations. Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) was diagnosed by cytopathological testing of pleural fluid. Results EGFR mutations (19-Del and L858R) were recorded in 81/283 patients (28.6%). MPE was found in 42/283 patients (14.8%). In patients with stage IV disease, the frequency of EGFR mutations was higher in those with MPE than in those without MPE. EGFR mutations were independently associated with female sex, no history of smoking and presence of MPE. Conclusions There was a positive association between EGFR mutation and the presence of MPE. EGFR mutations may play an important role in the formation of MPE.
Association between exposure to hepatitis B virus and chronic kidney disease in China
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Gong Yan , Dong Shengyong , Xiang Hang , Wu Qiang 
Published: September 2014

Objective Hospital-based, cross-sectional study to determine whether exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV) has an independent effect on the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods Han Chinese adults undergoing routine physical examinations were recruited. Blood was tested for the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, HBV surface antigen, and antibodies against HBV core antigen and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 or presence of albuminuria. Results The prevalence of HBV exposure was 42.1% (6 418/15 259 participants). There were no significant associations between HBV or HCV status and CKD, low eGFR or albuminuria. Conclusion There was no association between exposure to HBV and the risk of developing CKD in this Chinese study population.
Osteoarthritis of the Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint Associated With Hallux Valgus Deformity
Authors: Lee Kyung Tai , Park Young Uk , Jegal Hyuk , Young Ki Won , Kim Jin Su , Lim Seong Yeon 
Published: September 2014

Background: Hallux valgus is speculated to increase the load on the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, possibly inducing degenerative osteoarthritis. In addition, the severity of arthritis may be correlated with the severity of hallux valgus. This study evaluated the association of arthritis of the second MTP joint in hallux valgus patients and the relationship between arthritis of the second MTP joint and hallux valgus deformity. Methods: A total of 382 patients (509 feet) underwent surgery for symptomatic hallux valgus deformities by the 2 senior authors (KTL, YUP) from November 2011 to December 2012. A total of 54 patients (61 feet), all female, were included in the osteoarthritis (OA) group. The rest were assigned to the nonosteoarthritis (NOA) group. There were 328 patients (448 feet) consisting of 16 men and 432 women. Osteoarthritis patients were then evaluated and classified according to joint space narrowing (JSN) and osteophyte (OP) formation. A statistical analysis was conducted to compare the 2 groups in terms of their hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), hypermobility of the first metatarsal ray, the length of the second metatarsal bone, and the length ratio of the first and second metatarsal bones. Correlation coefficients were calculated to compare the severity of hallux valgus and the degree of osteoarthritis of the second MTP joint. Results: The IMA of the OA group was 16.2 ± 2.9 degrees, and that of the NOA group was 15.4 ± 3.3 degrees ( P = .034, Mann-Whitney U test). The DMAA of the OA group was 18.2 ± 8.3 degrees, and that of the NOA group was 16.1 ± 8.0 degrees ( P = .029, Mann-Whitney U test). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of the HVA, hypermobility, the length of the second metatarsal bone, and the length ratio of the second and first metatarsal bones. In the OA group, there was a positive correlation between the HVA and the degree of osteoarthritis (osteophyte formation) (ɣ = 0.278, P = .030). In addition, there was a positive correlation between the IMA and the degree of osteoarthritis (ɣ = 0.284 [JSN], 0.327 [OP] for the HVA, P = .026 [JSN], .010 [OP]). However, there was no significant difference between hypermobility and the degree of osteoarthritis ( P = .356 [JSN], .635 [OP], Mann-Whitney U test). Furthermore, there were no positive correlations between the DMAA, the length of the second metatarsal bone, and the metatarsal length ratio. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a positive correlation between HVA, IMA, and osteoarthritis of the second MTP joint. Other studies will be needed to determine the factors that are responsible for this correlation. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Public Opinion and Judicial Behavior in Direct Democracy Systems: Gay Rights in the American States
Authors: Lewis Daniel C. , Wood Frederick S. , Jacobsmeier Matthew L. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAlthough the U.S. judiciary is designed to be an independent and counter-majoritarian arbiter of the law, many states feature electoral institutions that may expose judges to public pressure. Scholars have demonstrated that judicial elections provide a clear link between public opinion and judicial decision making that may undermine the ability of courts to act in counter-majoritarian ways to protect minority rights. We extend this line of inquiry by examining whether direct democracy institutions have a similar effect of enhancing the impact of public opinion on judicial behavior and reducing the likelihood of judges voting in favor of minority rights. Empirical results from an analysis of gay rights cases in the American states from 1981 to 2004 provide evidence that direct democracy, in conjunction with electoral retention methods, significantly increases the effect of public opinion on judicial decisions.
Outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty After Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Steinhoff Amy K. , Bugbee William D. 
Published: September 2014

Background: Fresh osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is an effective treatment for osteochondral defects. Some patients require further surgical intervention, such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The effects of prior OCA transplantation on TKA outcomes are unknown. Purpose: This study evaluated TKA failure rates after long-term follow-up and identified factors that may have contributed to an inferior outcome. Its aims were to (1) assess if having a prior OCA transplantation would increase the surgical complications of the subsequent TKA, (2) measure the infection and failure rates following TKA, (3) ascertain subjective outcomes scores from patients with intact TKA at latest follow-up, and (4) identify potential factors that contributed to inferior outcomes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 35 patients who underwent TKA after OCA were identified. Pain, symptoms, function, and quality of life were evaluated using the Knee Society Function score and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Associations between outcomes scores versus total number of surgeries before TKA were assessed using Spearman correlation. Patient characteristics (age, sex, total OCA area, presentation of osteoarthritis, and number of surgeries before TKA) were calculated between failures and nonfailures. Results: For patients with TKA surviving at latest follow-up (n = 24), mean follow-up time was 9.2 ± 4.3 years after TKA and 16.1 ± 5.2 years after OCA. While TKA after OCA did not present a technical challenge in the operating room, there was a high failure rate (31.4%). Activities of daily living, as measured on KOOS, were negatively correlated with total number of surgeries before TKA (ρ2 = –0.5, P = .041). Patient age and number of surgeries before TKA influenced the failure rate, while sex and OCA area did not appear to be factors associated with inferior outcomes. Conclusion: Patients with multiple knee operations before TKA were more likely to experience functional limitations or TKA failure. The patients who experienced TKA failure were part of a challenging subset of young patients treated with numerous orthopaedic procedures, and while these patients had inferior results with TKA after OCA, the OCA transplantation extended the time before a TKA was required without adding surgical complications.
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Authors: Brodsky Robert A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractParoxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare bone marrow failure disorder that manifests with hemolytic anemia, thrombosis, and peripheral blood cytopenias. The absence of two glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins, CD55 and CD59, leads to uncontrolled complement activation that accounts for hemolysis and other PNH manifestations. GPI anchor protein deficiency is almost always due to somatic mutations in phosphatidylinositol glycan class A (PIGA), a gene involved in the first step of GPI anchor biosynthesis; however, alternative mutations that cause PNH have recently been discovered. In addition, hypomorphic germ-line PIGA mutations that do not cause PNH have been shown to be responsible for a condition known as multiple congenital anomalies-hypotonia-seizures syndrome 2. Eculizumab, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that inhibits terminal complement, is the treatment of choice for patients with severe manifestations of PNH. Bone marrow transplantation remains the only cure for PNH but should be reserved for patients with suboptimal response to eculizumab.
A phase 1/2 study of an adjuvanted varicella-zoster virus subunit vaccine in autologous hematopoietic cell transplant recipients
Authors: Stadtmauer Edward A. , Sullivan Keith M. , Marty Francisco M. , Dadwal Sanjeet S. , Papanicolaou Genovefa A. , Shea Thomas C. , Mossad Sherif B. , Andreadis Charalambos , Young Jo-Anne H. , Buadi Francis K. , El Idrissi Mohamed , Heineman Thomas C. , Berkowitz Elchonon M. 
Published: September 2014

Key PointsHCT recipients have increased susceptibility to herpes zoster, but live-attenuated vaccines are not appropriate for highly immunocompromised people. An adjuvanted subunit vaccine against herpes zoster elicits strong immune responses with an acceptable safety profile in adult autologous HCT recipients.