bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of iron indices and type 2 diabetes: a meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Orban Ester , Schwab Sigrid , Thorand Barbara , Huth Cornelia 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe literature on the role of body iron status in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in humans is inconsistent. We aimed to assess the association between iron indices and T2D by a meta‐analysis of previously published studies. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and EMBASE. Observational studies on the association of ferritin (when controlled for age and sex), transferrin saturation, soluble transferrin receptor and transferrin with T2D were included. Pooled association estimates were calculated using a random effects model. Forty‐six eligible studies were identified. The pooled multivariable adjusted relative risks of T2D in the highest versus lowest quartile of ferritin levels were significantly elevated in both cross‐sectional as well as prospective studies and after restriction to inflammation‐adjusted studies [overall: 1.67 (95%CI 1.41‐1.99)]. The mean difference indicated 43.54 ng/mL (95%CI 28.14‐58.94) higher ferritin levels in type 2 diabetic individuals. The relative risk for a transferrin saturation ≥50% was 1.59 (95%CI 1.28‐1.97), the mean difference was −1.92% [95%CI −2.99‐(−0.85)]. Study‐specific results of soluble transferrin receptor and transferrin levels were extremely heterogeneous. Ferritin and clinically elevated transferrin saturation were strongly associated with an increased risk of T2D, overall and in prospective studies. Ferritin was also significantly associated after multivariable adjustment including inflammation. Thus, the current evidence hints at a causal effect; however, publication bias and unmeasured confounding cannot be excluded. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence of constant diversification punctuated by a mass extinction in the African cycads
Authors: Yessoufou Kowiyou , Bamigboye Samuel O. , Daru Barnabas H. , van der Bank Michelle 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe recent evidence that extant cycads are not living fossils triggered a renewed search for a better understanding of their evolutionary history. In this study, we investigated the evolutionary diversification history of the genusEncephalartos, a monophyletic cycad endemic to Africa. We found an antisigmoidal pattern with a plateau and punctual explosive radiation. This pattern is typical of a constant radiation with mass extinction. The rate shift that we found may therefore be a result of a rapid recolonization of niches that have been emptied owing to mass extinction. Because the explosive radiation occurred during the transition Pliocene–Pleistocene, we argued that the processes might have been climatically mediated.
Acorns containing deeper plumule survive better: how white oaks counter embryo excision by rodents
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Dong Zhong , Yi Xianfeng , Bartlow Andrew W 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSeveral squirrel species excise the embryo of acorns of most white oak species to arrest germination for long‐term storage. However, it is not clear how these acorns counter embryo excision and survive in the arms race of coevolution. In this study, we simulated the embryo excision behavior of squirrels by removing 4 mm of cotyledon from the apical end of white oak acorns differing in embryo depths to investigate the effects of embryo excision on acorn germination and seedling performance of white oak species. The embryo depth in the cotyledons was significantly different among white oak acorns, with Quercus mongolica containing the embryo most deeply in the acorns. We found that artificial embryo excision significantly decreased acorn germination rates of Quercus variabilis, Quercus acutissima, Quercus aliena, Quercus aliena var. acutiserrata, Quercus serrata. var. brevipetiolata but not Q. mongolica. Artificial embryo excision exerted significant negative impacts on seedling performance of all oak species except Quercus aliena. Our study demonstrates the role of embryo depth of acorns in countering embryo excision by squirrels and may explain the fact that squirrels do not perform embryo excision in acorns of Q. mongolica with deeper embryos. This apparent adaptation of acorns sheds light on the coevolutionary dynamics between oaks and their seed predators.
No evidence for size‐assortative mating in the wild despite mutual mate choice in sex‐role‐reversed pipefishes
Authors: Mobley Kenyon B. , Abou Chakra Maria , Jones Adam G. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSize‐assortative mating is a nonrandom association of body size between members of mating pairs and is expected to be common in species with mutual preferences for body size. In this study, we investigated whether there is direct evidence for size‐assortative mating in two species of pipefishes,Syngnathus floridaeandS. typhle, that share the characteristics of male pregnancy, sex‐role reversal, and a polygynandrous mating system. We take advantage of microsatellite‐based “genetic‐capture” techniques to match wild‐caught females with female genotypes reconstructed from broods of pregnant males and use these data to explore patterns of size‐assortative mating in these species. We also develop a simulation model to explore how positive, negative, and antagonistic preferences of each sex for body size affect size‐assortative mating. Contrary to expectations, we were unable to find any evidence of size‐assortative mating in either species at different geographic locations or at different sampling times. Furthermore, two traits that potentially confer a fitness advantage in terms of reproductive success, female mating order and number of eggs transferred per female, do not affect pairing patterns in the wild. Results from model simulations demonstrate that strong mating preferences are unlikely to explain the observed patterns of mating in the studied populations. Our study shows that individual mating preferences, as ascertained by laboratory‐based mating trials, can be decoupled from realized patterns of mating in the wild, and therefore, field studies are also necessary to determine actual patterns of mate choice in nature. We conclude that this disconnect between preferences and assortative mating is likely due to ecological constraints and multiple mating that may limit mate choice in natural populations.
The effect of exercise on behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: the EVIDEM‐E randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Lowery David , Cerga‐Pashoja Arlinda , Iliffe Steve , Thuné‐Boyle Ingela , Griffin Mark , Lee James , Bailey Alex , Bhattacharya Rahul , Warner James 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a simple dyadic (person with dementia and their main carer) exercise regimen as a therapy for the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.MethodA two arm, pragmatic, randomised, controlled, single‐blind, parallel‐group trial of a dyadic exercise regimen (individually tailored walking regimen designed to become progressively intensive and last between 20–30 min, at least five times per week).Community‐dwelling individuals with ICD‐10 confirmed dementia with the following: clinically significant behavioural and psychological symptoms, a carer willing and able to co‐participate in the exercise regimen, and no physical conditions or symptoms that would preclude exercise participation were invited by mental health or primary care services into the study.ResultsOne hundred and thirty‐one dyads were recruited to this study. There was no significant difference in Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms as measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory at week 12 between the group receiving the dyadic exercise regimen and those that did not (adjusted difference in means (intervention minus control) = −1.53, p = 0.6, 95% CI [−7.37, 4.32]). There was a significant between‐group difference in caregiver's burden as measured by the Zarit Caregiver Burden Inventory at week 12 (OR = 0.18, p = 0.01, CI [0.05, 0.69]) favouring the exercise group.ConclusionsThis study found that regular simple exercise does not appear to improve the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, but did seem to attenuate caregiver burden. Further study to improve exercise uptake are needed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Comparison of Outpatient Healthcare Expenditures Between Public and Private Medical Institutions in Urban China: An Instrumental Variable Approach
Authors: Xu Judy , Liu Gordon , Deng Guoying , Li Lin , Xiong Xianjun , Basu Kisalaya 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe growth of healthcare expenditure provokes constant comments and discussions, as countries battle the issues on cost containment and cost effectiveness. Prior to 1978, medical institutions in China were either state‐owned or were collective public hospitals. Since 1978, China has been trying to rebuild its healthcare system, which was destroyed during the ‘cultural revolution’, allowing private medical institutions to deliver healthcare services. As a result, private medical institutions have grown from 0% to 28.57% between 1978 and 2010. In this context, we compare outpatient healthcare expenditures between public and private medical institutions. The central problem of this comparison is that the choice of medical institution is endogenous. So we apply an instrumental variable (IV) framework utilizing geographic information (whether the closest medical institution is private) as the instrument while controlling for severity of health and other relevant confounding factors. Using China's Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance Survey 2008–2010, we found that there is no difference in expenditure between public and private medical institutions when IV framework is used. Our econometric tests suggest that our IV model is specified appropriately. However, the ordinary least square model, which is inconsistent in the presence of endogenous regressor(s), reveals that public medical institutions are more expensive. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Value‐Based Differential Pricing: Efficient Prices for Drugs in a Global Context
Authors: Danzon Patricia , Towse Adrian , Mestre‐Ferrandiz Jorge 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis paper analyzes pharmaceutical pricing between and within countries to achieve second‐best static and dynamic efficiency. We distinguish countries with and without universal insurance, because insurance undermines patients' price sensitivity, potentially leading to prices above second‐best efficient levels. In countries with universal insurance, if each payer unilaterally sets an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) threshold based on its citizens' willingness‐to‐pay for health; manufacturers price to that ICER threshold; and payers limit reimbursement to patients for whom a drug is cost‐effective at that price and ICER, then the resulting price levels and use within each country and price differentials across countries are roughly consistent with second‐best static and dynamic efficiency. These value‐based prices are expected to differ cross‐nationally with per capita income and be broadly consistent with Ramsey optimal prices. Countries without comprehensive insurance avoid its distorting effects on prices but also lack financial protection and affordability for the poor. Improving pricing efficiency in these self‐pay countries includes improving regulation and consumer information about product quality and enabling firms to price discriminate within and between countries. © 2013 The Authors. Health Economics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Pretreatment neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio as predictor of survival for patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Jin Ying , Ye Xiao , He Chunxiao , Zhang Beibei , Zhang Yiping 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe outcomes of patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) differ between individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on survival in patients with metastatic NPC.MethodsA total of 229 patients with disseminated NPC were evaluated. The effects of pretreatment peripheral blood neutrophil, lymphocyte, and NLR on survival were examined using the proportional hazards regression model to estimate hazard ratio (HR). The relationship between short‐term treatment efficacy and pretreatment NLR was analyzed using the chi‐square test.ResultsThe pretreatment elevated neutrophil count (p = .020), percentage of neutrophil (p < .001), and NLR (p = .002) were statistically significantly associated with a poor prognosis. The cutoff value selected for NLR was 3.6. The median survival time was 15.3 months for the high‐NLR group and was 23.5 months for the low‐NLR group (p < .001).ConclusionNLR is a prognosticator in patients with metastatic NPC. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 69–75, 2015
From Nef‐Isocyanide Adducts toward Functionalized 5‐Iminothiazolidines Containing Polarized CC Bonds
Authors: Yavari Issa , Pashazadeh Ramin , Hosseinpour Reza , Ghanbari Ehsan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAn efficient synthesis of alkyl 5‐(alkylimino)‐3‐aryl(alkyl)‐2‐(dicyanomethylene)‐4‐hydroxythiazolidine‐4‐carboxylates, containing polarized CC bonds, via reaction of malononitrile, arylisothiocyanates, and the Nef‐isocyanide adducts, under basic conditions, is described.
Increased IL-6 Expression in Osteoclasts Is Necessary But Not Sufficient for the Development of Paget's Disease of Bone
Authors: Teramachi Jumpei , Zhou Hua , Subler Mark A , Kitagawa Yukiko , Galson Deborah L , Dempster David W , Windle Jolene J , Kurihara Noriyoshi , Roodman G David 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

Measles virus nucleocapsid protein (MVNP) expression in osteoclasts (OCLs) and mutation of the SQSTM1 (p62) gene contribute to the increased OCL activity in Paget's disease (PD). OCLs expressing MVNP display many of the features of PD OCLs. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) production is essential for the pagetic phenotype, because transgenic mice with MVNP targeted to OCLs develop pagetic OCLs and lesions, but this phenotype is absent when MVNP mice are bred to IL-6–/– mice. In contrast, mutant p62 expression in OCL precursors promotes receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) hyperresponsivity and increased OCL production, but OCLs that form have normal morphology, are not hyperresponsive to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3), nor produce elevated levels of IL-6. We previously generated p62P394L knock-in mice (p62KI) and found that although OCL numbers were increased, the mice did not develop pagetic lesions. However, mice expressing both MVNP and p62KI developed more exuberant pagetic lesions than mice expressing MVNP alone. To examine the role of elevated IL-6 in PD and determine if MVNP mediates its effects primarily through elevation of IL-6, we generated transgenic mice that overexpress IL-6 driven by the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) promoter (TIL-6 mice) and produce IL-6 at levels comparable to MVNP mice. These were crossed with p62KI mice to determine whether IL-6 overexpression cooperates with mutant p62 to produce pagetic lesions. OCL precursors from p62KI/TIL-6 mice formed greater numbers of OCLs than either p62KI or TIL-6 OCL precursors in response to 1,25-(OH)2D3. Histomorphometric analysis of bones from p62KI/TIL-6 mice revealed increased OCL numbers per bone surface area compared to wild-type (WT) mice. However, micro-quantitative CT (µQCT) analysis did not reveal significant differences between p62KI/TIL-6 and WT mice, and no pagetic OCLs or lesions were detected in vivo. Thus, increased IL-6 expression in OCLs from p62KI mice contributes to increased responsivity to 1,25-(OH)2D3 and increased OCL numbers, but is not sufficient to induce Paget's-like OCLs or bone lesions in vivo. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Three‐dimensional saline infusion vaginography for sonographic assessment of the anterior vaginal wall and pelvic floor descent
Authors: Rotenberg Ohad , Greston Wilma Markus , Dar Pe'er 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTUltrasound has been recognized as an important tool for pelvic floor evaluation. A main limitation of the two‐dimensional transvaginal examination is in delineation of the posterior vaginal compartment and its relation to the cervix. We describe the use of three‐dimensional saline infusion vaginography as a complementary technique for the assessment of the vaginal wall and pelvic floor descent. We present several cases that demonstrate the advantages of this technique in overcoming the limitations inherent in current approaches. The improved imaging obtained by this technique enabled us to measure pelvic floor parameters and assist in evaluating pelvic floor dysfunction. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:150–155, 2014
EUROPEAN TRAINING AND RESEARCH IN PERITONEAL DIALYSIS: SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES, TRAINING, IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT OF THE PROGRAMME
Authors: Foster Tom L. , Ferrantelli Evelina , van Wier‐van der Schaaf Tanja , Beelen Robert H.J. 
Published: December 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundPeritoneal dialysis (PD) offers many advantages over hospital‐based haemodialysis, including better quality of life. Despite this, there is a general under‐utilisation of PD in Europe, which, to some extent, can be attributed to a lack of knowledge and education amongst renal clinicians and nurses.ObjectivesThe specific aim of the European Training and Research in Peritoneal Dialysis (EuTRiPD) programme is to address this lack of knowledge, to develop a minimum of five biomarkers that allow the prediction of outcome in PD and three therapeutic treatments to improve outcome in PD.ApproachEuTRiPD is a EU‐wide consortium with clinical, academic and commercial partners set up to address this knowledge gap. By training through research and close collaboration between academic and commercial entities we hope to improve the outcome and uptake of PD. It is the goal of EuTRiPD to improve the currently hampered diagnostic therapeutic developments in renal replacement therapy (RRT) and structure existing high‐quality PD‐related research across Europe.ConclusionIt is hoped that EuTRiPD can and will have a significant impact on socio‐economic and scientific aspects of PD. It is the aim for EuTRiPD to boost the uptake of PD throughout Europe by making PD the obvious choice for patients.
A refined understanding of the paleoenvironmental history recorded at the Okanagan Centre section, an MIS 4 stratotype, south‐central British Columbia, Canada
Authors: LESEMANN JEROME‐ETIENNE , BRENNAND TRACY A. , LIAN OLAV B. , SANBORN PAUL 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThe Okanagan Centre section is the stratotype for marine oxygen isotope stage (MIS) 4 sediments (Okanagan Centre Drift) in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada. Previous work suggested that these sediments record two glacial and two interglacial cycles. This study reports on detailed sedimentological and geochronological investigations of lithostratigraphic units comprising the Okanagan Centre sequence, revealing successive deposition of subaqueous and subaerial outwash, a subglacial till and glaciolacustrine sediments during MIS 4. A limiting optical age of 113 ± 8 ka defines the base of this sequence. Sedimentological, paleopedological, optical dating and tephrochronological data from sediments near the middle of the sequence reveal soil development (MIS 3) in eolian sediments deposited on a river terrace overlying a deglaciated surface. Within these sediments, identification of Mt. St. Helens set C tephra suggest sedimentation between 50 and 35k 14C a BP. Optical dating corroborates the tephrochronology and suggests that this surface formed after ∼52 ± 7 ka. The record of MIS 2 glaciation is restricted to deglaciation, and overlies MIS 3 sediments above an unconformity possibly related to regional subglacial meltwater erosion. Eolian sediments containing Mt Mazama set O tephra (∼7.62k cal a BP) cap the sequence.
The clinical implications of integrating additional prognostic factors into the TNM
Authors: Henson Donald Earl. , Schwartz Arnold M. , Chen Dechang , Wu Dengyuan 
Published: December 2013

Background and ObjectivesThe management of solid tumors is governed by host and tumor factors that traditionally have incorporated TNM staging with additional pathologic, biologic, and clinical host factors. Beyond the anatomic‐based TNM, increasingly new prognostic and predictive factors are being discovered that have important survival and treatment implications. However, because the TNM is based on a “bin” model, additional prognostic factors would rapidly overwhelm the current system. This communication demonstrates the clinical implications and improved patient prognosis derived from a new algorithmic model based on clustering analysis.MethodsA new algorithm is described that integrates additional factors into the TNM and calculates survival.ResultsThe results indicate that additional factors can be integrated into the TNM staging system providing additional patient stratification without changing the TNM definitions. Adding prognostic factors to traditional TNM staging increases substratification of given stages and identifies and separates favorable and unfavorable clinical outcomes for specific TNM stages.ConclusionIntegration of additional prognostic factors into the TNM by a clustering algorithm can change the stratification of patient outcome. This may guide the clinician to select a more rational management program based on the additional factors and improve cohort selection for clinical trials. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:391–394. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of cell free BIRC5 mRNA as a serum diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Zhang Xin , Wang Lili , Zheng Guixi , Du Lutao , Yang Yongmei , Dong Zhaogang , Liu Yimin , Qu Ailin , Wang Chuanxin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundBIRC5 (Survivin), a key member of inhibitor of apoptosis family, has been shown in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis and progress. This study investigated the expression levels of cell free BIRC5 mRNA in serum of CRC and assess its diagnostic and prognostic potential.MethodsLevels of cell free BIRC5 mRNA were detected by reverse transcription quantitative real‐time PCR in serum of 92 CRC patients and 60 healthy volunteers.ResultsCell free BIRC5 mRNA levels were significantly increased in serum of CRC (P < 0.001), and significantly correlated with tumor differentiation (P = 0.035), regional lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001) and TNM stage (P < 0.001). ROC curve demonstrated an optimal cut‐off value of 0.128, providing a sensitivity of 84.8% and a specificity of 80.0% for discriminating CRC from controls. The area under the ROC curve for BIRC5 mRNA was significantly larger than that for CEA (0.855 vs. 0.691, P < 0.001). Furthermore, a significantly higher diagnosis capability was showed when combined BIRC5 mRNA and CEA. High serum BIRC5 mRNA expression has a lower OS, compared with low group (36.4% vs. 73.3%, P = 0.022), and was an independent prognostic factor for CRC.ConclusionSerum cell free BIRC5 mRNA is a promising non‐invasive biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:574–579. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.