bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intranasal exposure to uranium results in direct transfer to the brain along olfactory nerve bundles
Authors: Ibanez Chrystelle , Suhard David , Tessier Christine , Delissen Olivia , Lestaevel Philippe , Dublineau Isabelle , Gourmelon Patrick 
Published: May 2013

AimsUranium olfactory uptake after intranasal exposure raises some concerns for people potentially exposed to airborne radionuclide contamination as the brain could be a direct target for these contaminants. A model of nasal instillation was used to elucidate the transport mechanisms of uranium to the brain and to map its localization.MethodsIncreasing concentrations of depleted uranium containing solutions were instilled in the nasal cavity of adult male rats. Uranium concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) 4 h after instillation. Olfactory neuroepithelium cytoarchitecture was studied using immunohistochemistry experiments. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) microscopy was performed to localize uranium in the olfactory system.ResultsICP‐MS analyses showed a frontal accumulation of uranium in the olfactory bulbs associated with a smaller increase in more caudal brain regions (frontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum). Uranium concentrations in the olfactory bulbs do not reach a saturation point. Olfactory nerve bundle integrity is not affected by uranium as revealed by immunohistochemistry. SIMS microscopy allowed us to show that uranium localization is mainly restricted to the olfactory neuroepithelium and around olfactory nerve bundles. It is subsequently detected in the olfactory nerve layer of the olfactory bulb.DiscussionThese results suggest the existence of a transcellular passage from the mucosa to the perineural space around axon bundles. Uranium bypasses the blood brain barrier and is conveyed to the brain via the cerebrospinal fluid along the olfactory nerve. Future studies might need to integrate this new contamination route to assess uranium neurotoxicity after nasal exposure.
Intraspecific variation of a desert shrub species in phenotypic plasticity in response to sand burial
Authors: Xu Liang , Huber Heidrun , During Heinjo J. , Dong Ming , Anten Niels P. R. 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Shoot elongation is one of the main plastic responses of plants to burial, a ubiquitous stress factor in dry ecosystems. Yet, intraspecific variation in this response to burial and the extent to which this variation is functionally coordinated with variation in other trait responses are largely unknown.

We subjected seedlings of the shrub Caragana intermedia from 18 maternal parents (i.e. different half‐sib families) to repeated partial burial to investigate how burial affects shoot growth, stem mechanical traits and associated plasticity.

Burial increased both stem elongation and diameter growth of plants, but decreased biomass production. Half‐sib families had different rates of shoot elongation, and differed in their response to burial with respect to biomechanical stem properties. Across half‐sib families, the magnitude of these responses in mechanical traits was positively correlated with the magnitude of the stem elongation response.

These results indicate that plasticity in different stem traits in response to sand burial and intraspecific variation therein are functionally coordinated with respect to mechanical stability. The results emphasize the importance of considering functionally coordinated traits when analyzing phenotypic plasticity in plants.
Appropriateness of blood product transfusion in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) department of a tertiary hospital in West Africa
Authors: Osei E. N. , Odoi A. T. , Owusu‐Ofori S. , Allain J.‐P. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundMisuse of blood by clinicians has been suggested as an explanation for blood shortages in sub‐Saharan Africa, although this idea is based on little evidence. This study evaluated whether routine halving (restricted) of blood requests was justified.Study design and methodsOn alternate days for 3 months in 2011–2012, restricted or full blood product supply [whole blood (WB), red cell concentrate (RCC)] was provided to the Obstetrics & Gynaecology department (O&G). Patient age, haemoglobin (Hb) level pre‐ and post‐transfusion, clinical condition, blood products request and supply, transfused and returned, clinical outcome were collated.ResultsFive hundred and nineteen patients (249 restricted and 270 full supply) received 1001 blood products (94·6% WB, 6·4% RCC). Clinical conditions were severe peri‐partum bleeding (72·4%) requiring emergency transfusion (82%) whilst 27·6% of total transfusion was for anaemia, 18% being moderate (8–10 g dL−1). Pre‐transfusion Hb level was <6 g dL−1 in 36·7%, 6–8 g dL−1 29·1% and ≥8 g dL−1 in 33·2% of cases. Fifty‐five percent of the transfused blood was stored ≤1 week. Restricted supply triggered requests for additional blood in 40% of cases compared to 10% of cases in full supply mode. Both for restricted or full supply, blood requested and units transfused/patient were similar (restricted 2·3 and 2·1 unit patient−1 and full 2·9 and 2·3 unit patient−1, respectively). Fatal clinical outcome was 3·1% evenly distributed between supply modes and transfusion reactions 0·8%.ConclusionsO&G clinicians order blood according to clinical need and transfuse 85% of the products supplied. Product supply did not significantly affect use although the appropriateness of transfusion was difficult to assess.
The role of lipid metabolism in the acquisition of desiccation tolerance in Craterostigma plantagineum: a comparative approach
Authors: Gasulla Francisco , vom Dorp Katharina , Dombrink Isabel , Zähringer Ulrich , Gisch Nicolas , Dörmann Peter , Bartels Dorothea 
Published: May 2013

SummaryDehydration leads to different physiological and biochemical responses in plants. We analysed the lipid composition and the expression of genes involved in lipid biosynthesis in the desiccation‐tolerant plant Craterostigma plantagineum. A comparative approach was carried out with Lindernia brevidens (desiccation tolerant) and two desiccation‐sensitive species, Lindernia subracemosa and Arabidopsis thaliana. In C. plantagineum the total lipid content remained constant while the lipid composition underwent major changes during desiccation. The most prominent change was the removal of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) from the thylakoids. Analysis of molecular species composition revealed that around 50% of 36:x (number of carbons in the acyl chains: number of double bonds) MGDG was hydrolysed and diacylglycerol (DAG) used for phospholipid synthesis, while another MGDG fraction was converted into digalactosyldiacylglycerol via the DGD1/DGD2 pathway and subsequently into oligogalactolipids by SFR2. 36:x‐DAG was also employed for the synthesis of triacylglycerol. Phosphatidic acid (PA) increased in C. plantagineum, L. brevidens, and L. subracemosa, in agreement with a role of PA as an intermediate of lipid turnover and of phospholipase D in signalling during desiccation. 34:x‐DAG, presumably derived from de novo assembly, was converted into phosphatidylinositol (PI) in C. plantagineum and L. brevidens, but not in desiccation‐sensitive plants, suggesting that PI is involved in acquisition of desiccation tolerance. The accumulation of oligogalactolipids and PI in the chloroplast and extraplastidial membranes, respectively, increases the concentration of hydroxyl groups and enhances the ratio of bilayer‐ to non‐bilayer‐forming lipids, thus contributing to protein and membrane stabilization.
Fibrinogen concentrate in dilutional coagulopathy: a dose study in pigs
Authors: Martini Judith , Maisch Sonja , Pilshofer Lisa , Streif Werner , Martini Wenjun , Fries Dietmar 
Published: May 2013

Dilutional coagulopathy can be reversed with fibrinogen concentrate. Effects of different fibrinogen dosages on clot function are not defined; high doses may increase the risk of thromboemboembolism. This study investigated the effect of six fibrinogen dosages on coagulation profile and blood loss in coagulopathic pigs.Forty‐two pigs underwent a 60% hemodilution (HD) with hydroxyethylstarch (HES 130/0.4). After a standardized bone injury, animals randomly received 37.5, 75, 150, 300, 450 or 600 mg/kg fibrinogen (FGTW, LFB) or 500 ml of saline. Four hours later, a standardized liver injury was performed. Animals were then observed for two hours or until death. Blood loss was measured after death; Hemodynamic and coagulation parameters (thromboelastometry) were measured at baseline (BL), after HD, 15’, 1, 2, 4 hours after fibrinogen administration and 2 hours after liver injury or right before the animals’ death. Occurrence of thrombosis was examined in histological slides of internal organs. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.Doses of 150 mg/kg fibrinogen and higher reversed dilutional coagulopathy: Maximum clot firmness (MCF) was decreased after hemodilution (36 ± 3 mm vs. 65 ± 4 mm at BL, p < 0.05) and returned to BL after fibrinogen administration (69 ± 5 mm). Blood loss was significantly decreased with increased fibrinogen dosages: 42 ± 19 (sham), 34 ± 14 (75 mg/kg), 29 ± 13 (150 mg/kg), 28 ± 10 ml/kgbw (600 mg/kg).Fibrinogen (150‐600 mg/kg) normalized clot firmness and decreased blood loss. No signs of hypercoagulability or thromboembolism were detected after high dosages.
A prospective study on dinghy sailors’ training habits and injury incidence with a comparison between elite sailor and club sailor during a 12-month period
Authors: Bøymo-Having Lena , Grävare Magnus , Grävare Silbernagel Karin 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundSailing is an Olympic sport practiced by both men and women of all ages. Despite being a popular sport, we have found no prospective studies investigating the injury incidence and training quantity such as found for other sports. The purpose of this study was to do an inventory over dinghy sailors’ training habits, injury incidence and type of injury.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, 45 sailors (17 women and 28 men), age 17–31 years, were included. 24 sailors belonged to the SWE Sailing Team and 21 were club sailors. All the participants kept a training diary, and once a month for 12 months they reported their training and injuries through a web-based questionnaire. Each time a sailor reported an injury, they were contacted by the researchers and an injury form was completed.ResultsThe SWE Sailing Team performed significantly (p=0.006) more physical training than the club sailor. There was no significant difference (p=0.7) in hours of sail training. A total of 144 injuries were reported. The most common injury location was the knee (19%), followed by the lower leg (13%) and shoulder (12%). 30% of the injuries occurred during physical training, 17% during sail training and 12% during sail racing.ConclusionsThe most common injury location was the knee. The largest proportion of injuries occurred during physical training and unspecified activities. The least number of injuries occurred during sail racing. The injury location was different between the older more experienced sailor (more upper extremity injuries) compared with the younger sailors (more trunk injuries).
Case–control and prospective studies of dietary α-linolenic acid intake and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis
Authors: Carleton Amanda J , Sievenpiper John L , de Souza Russell , McKeown-Eyssen Gail , Jenkins David J A 
Published: May 2013

Objectiveα-Linolenic acid (ALA) is considered to be a cardioprotective nutrient; however, some epidemiological studies have suggested that dietary ALA intake increases the risk of prostate cancer. The main objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of case–control and prospective studies investigating the association between dietary ALA intake and prostate cancer risk.DesignA systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by searching MEDLINE and EMBASE for relevant prospective and case–control studies.Included studiesWe included all prospective cohort, case–control, nested case-cohort and nested case–control studies that investigated the effect of dietary ALA intake on the incidence (or diagnosis) of prostate cancer and provided relative risk (RR), HR or OR estimates.Primary outcome measureData were pooled using the generic inverse variance method with a random effects model from studies that compared the highest ALA quantile with the lowest ALA quantile. Risk estimates were expressed as RR with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was assessed by χ2and quantified by I2.ResultsData from five prospective and seven case–control studies were pooled. The overall RR estimate showed ALA intake to be positively but non-significantly associated with prostate cancer risk (1.08 (0.90 to 1.29), p=0.40; I2=85%), but the interpretation was complicated by evidence of heterogeneity not explained by study design. A weak, non-significant protective effect of ALA intake on prostate cancer risk in the prospective studies became significant (0.91 (0.83 to 0.99), p=0.02) without evidence of heterogeneity (I2=8%, p=0.35) on removal of one study during sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsThis analysis failed to confirm an association between dietary ALA intake and prostate cancer risk. Larger and longer observational and interventional studies are needed to define the role of ALA and prostate cancer.
Nocturnal sweating—a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea: the Icelandic sleep apnoea cohort
Authors: Arnardottir Erna Sif , Janson Christer , Bjornsdottir Erla , Benediktsdottir Bryndis , Juliusson Sigurdur , Kuna Samuel T , Pack Allan I , Gislason Thorarinn 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence and characteristics of frequent nocturnal sweating in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients compared with the general population and evaluate the possible changes with positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment. Nocturnal sweating can be very bothersome to the patient and bed partner.DesignCase–control and longitudinal cohort study.SettingLandspitali—The National University Hospital, Iceland.ParticipantsThe Icelandic Sleep Apnea Cohort consisted of 822 untreated patients with OSA, referred for treatment with PAP. Of these, 700 patients were also assessed at a 2-year follow-up. The control group consisted of 703 randomly selected subjects from the general population.InterventionPAP therapy in the OSA cohort.Main outcome measuresSubjective reporting of nocturnal sweating on a frequency scale of 1–5: (1) never or very seldom, (2) less than once a week, (3) once to twice a week, (4) 3–5 times a week and (5) every night or almost every night. Full PAP treatment was defined objectively as the use for ≥4 h/day and ≥5 days/week.ResultsFrequent nocturnal sweating (≥3× a week) was reported by 30.6% of male and 33.3% of female OSA patients compared with 9.3% of men and 12.4% of women in the general population (p<0.001). This difference remained significant after adjustment for demographic factors. Nocturnal sweating was related to younger age, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, sleepiness and insomnia symptoms. The prevalence of frequent nocturnal sweating decreased with full PAP treatment (from 33.2% to 11.5%, p<0.003 compared with the change in non-users).ConclusionsThe prevalence of frequent nocturnal sweating was threefold higher in untreated OSA patients than in the general population and decreased to general population levels with successful PAP therapy. Practitioners should consider the possibility of OSA in their patients who complain of nocturnal sweating.
Identification and Selective Degradation of Neopeptide-Containing Truncated Mutant Proteins in the Tumors with High Microsatellite Instability
Authors: Kim Won Kyu , Park Misun , Park Minhee , Kim Yun Ji , Shin Nara , Kim Hyun Ki , You Kwon Tae , Kim Hoguen 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Purpose: Frameshift mutations in coding mononucleotide repeats (cMNR) are common in tumors with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H). These mutations generate mRNAs containing abnormal coding sequences and premature termination codons (PTC). Normally, mRNAs containing PTCs are degraded by nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). However, mRNAs containing PTCs located in the last exon are not subject to degradation by NMD (NMD-irrelevant). This study aimed to discover whether genes with frameshift mutations in the last exon generate truncated mutant proteins.
Experimental Design: We identified 66 genes containing cMNRs in the last exon by bioinformatic analysis. We found frequent insertion/deletion mutations in the cMNRs of 29 genes in 10 MSI-H cancer cell lines and in the cMNRs of 3 genes in 19 MSI-H cancer tissues. We selected 7 genes (TTK, TCF7L2, MARCKS, ASTE1, INO80E, CYHR1, and EBPL) for mutant mRNA expression analysis and 3 genes (TTK, TCF7L2, and MARCKS) for mutant protein expression analysis.
Results: The PTC-containing NMD-irrelevant mRNAs from mutated genes were not degraded. However, only faint amounts of endogenous mutant TTK and TCF7L2 were detected, and we failed to detect endogenous mutant MARCKS. By polysome analysis, we showed that mRNAs from genomic mutant MARCKS constructs are normally translated. After inhibiting 3 protein degradation pathways, we found that only inhibition of the proteasomal pathway facilitated the rescue of endogenous mutant TTK, TCF7L2, and MARCKS.
Conclusions: Our findings indicate that cancer cells scavenge potentially harmful neopeptide-containing mutant proteins derived from NMD-irrelevant abnormal mRNAs via the ubiquitin–proteasome system, and these mutant proteins may be important substrates for tumor-specific antigens. Clin Cancer Res; 19(13); 3369–82. ©2013 AACR.
Preoperative Serum Albumin Levels Predict 1-Year Postoperative Survival of Patients Undergoing Heart Transplantation
Authors: Kato Tomoko S. , Cheema Faisal H. , Yang Jonathan , Kawano Yumeko , Takayama Hiroo , Naka Yoshifumi , Farr Maryjane , Lederer David J. , Baldwin Matthew R. , Jin Zhezhen , Homma Shunichi , Mancini Donna M. , Schulze P. Christian 
Published: May 2013

Background—
Serum albumin concentration has been recognized as a marker of nutrition, severity of inflammation, and hepatic function in patients with various chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of pretransplant serum albumin concentration on post-transplant outcome in heart transplant recipients.

Methods and Results—

Preoperative laboratory variables, including albumin concentration and donor-related information, were obtained from 822 consecutive patients undergoing heart transplant at Columbia University Medical Center between 1999 and 2010. The association between pretransplant albumin concentration and post-transplant 1-year survival was analyzed. Available data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (n=13 671) were also analyzed to evaluate the impact of preoperative albumin levels on post-transplant outcome. In our cohort, multivariable analysis revealed that preoperative albumin (mg/dL; hazard ratio, 0.46;
P
<0.0001) and preoperative total bilirubin (mg/dL; hazard ratio, 1.26;
P
=0.0002) were associated with post-transplant 1-year mortality. This implied that for every 1 mg/dL increase in albumin concentration, the post-transplant 1-year mortality rate decreased by 54%. The Kaplan–Meier analysis based on our patients cohort and the United Network for Organ Sharing dataset showed lower survival rate at 1-year post-transplant in patients with albumin levels ≤3.5 mg/dL compared with those with >3.5 mg/dL (our patients, 91.3 versus 72.4%;
P
<0.0001; United Network for Organ Sharing, 88.4 versus 84.8%;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—
Pretransplant serum albumin concentration is a strong prognostic marker for post-transplant survival in heart transplant recipients.
Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Events in Older Patients With Myocardial Infarction Prescribed Intensive-Dose and Moderate-Dose Statins
Authors: Ko Dennis T. , Wijeysundera Harindra C. , Jackevicius Cynthia A. , Yousef Altayyeb , Wang Julie , Tu Jack V. 
Published: May 2013

Background—
Practice guidelines recommend intensive-dose statins for patients with acute coronary syndrome, but recent data about the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus have raised concerns about its use. Our main objective was to evaluate the association between intensive statin therapy and new-onset diabetes mellitus in patients with myocardial infarction and to evaluate the association of intensive statin therapy with long-term adverse clinical outcomes.

Methods and Results—

A propensity score–matched cohort was created consisting of 17 080 patients with myocardial infarction aged >65 years old, hospitalized in Ontario, Canada, from 2004 to 2010. Clinical outcomes were compared in patients prescribed intensive-dose versus moderate-dose statins at hospital discharge. At 5 years, 13.6% of patients receiving intensive-dose statins and 13.0% of patients receiving moderate-dose statins had new-onset diabetes, which was not significantly different (
P
=0.19). By contrast, the 5-year rate of death or acute coronary syndrome was significantly lower at 44.8% in the intensive-dose statin group compared with 46.5% in the moderate-dose group (
P
=0.044). The reduction in combined clinical outcome was driven mainly by a significantly lower rate of acute coronary syndrome (
P
=0.039) associated with intensive-dose statins. No significant difference in mortality rates (34.8% in both groups) was observed between the treatment groups during the study period (
P
=0.89).

Conclusions—
In older patients with myocardial infarction, we found intensive-dose statin therapy to be effective in reducing repeat hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome. The rate of new-onset diabetes mellitus at long term was not significantly different between intensive-dose and moderate-dose statins.
Contemporary Use of Prasugrel in Clinical Practice
Authors: Sandhu Amneet , Seth Milan , Dixon Simon , Share David , Wohns David , LaLonde Thomas , Moscucci Mauro , Riba Arthur L. , Grossman Michael , Gurm Hitinder S. 
Published: May 2013

Background—
Prasugrel is a recently approved thienopyridine for use in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. There are no data on contemporary use of prasugrel in routine clinical practice.

Methods and Results—
We assessed the patterns of prasugrel use among 55 821 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and were discharged alive from January 2010 to December 2011 at 44 hospitals participating in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium. Potential inappropriate therapy was defined as use in patients who had a history of cerebrovascular disease, weighed <60 kg, or were aged ≥75 years old. Clopidogrel was prescribed to 83% (n=46 574) and 17% (n=9247) of patients received prasugrel on hospital discharge. A steady, linear increase in prasugrel use was seen during the study period, with discharge prescription increasing from 8.4% in quarter 1 of 2010 to 22.3% in quarter 4 of 2011. Of the total cohort, 69.1% of patients presented with acute coronary syndrome, and in this group, 17.2% received prasugrel. Among patients prescribed prasugrel, 28.3% (n=2614) received the medication for indications outside of acute coronary syndromes. One or more known contraindications to the drug were present in 6% to 10% of patients discharged on this agent.

Conclusions—
There has been a steady increase in the use of prasugrel with the drug being used in ≈22% of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention by study end. Prasugrel use in patients with known contraindications is not uncommon and may be a suitable target for focused quality improvement efforts.