bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased Serum Interleukin-34 in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Li Zhenglong , Jin Daoqun , Wu Yongbo , Zhang Kai , Hu Peng , Cao Xuemin , Chen Zhiqiang 
Published: February 2013

Objective: This study investigated levels of interleukin (IL)-34, a proinflammatory cytokine, in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Following coronary artery angiography, 91 patients with CAD (including stable and unstable angina pectoris) were divided into two groups, the CAD group (coronary artery stenosis ≥ 50%) and the control group (coronary artery stenosis < 50%). Serum levels of factors including IL-34 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. Results: IL-34 and hs- CRP levels were significantly higher in the CAD group than in the control group (191.3 ± 17.9 pg/ml versus 125.4 ± 14.8 pg/ml and 3.08 ± 1.81 mg/ml versus 1.42 ± 1.01 mg/ml, respectively), with a significantly positive correlation between IL-34 and hs-CRP levels in the CAD group. Multiple regression analysis showed that IL-34 and hs-CRP levels were independent predictors of CAD (IL-34: odds ratio [OR] 2.073, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.419, 2.672; hs-CRP: OR 1.878, 95% CI 1.172, 2.531). Conclusions: IL-34 levels were significantly increased in patients with CAD, and positively correlated with hs- CRP levels, suggesting that IL-34 may be an independent predictor of CAD.
Human Skin Fibroblast Telomeres are Shortened after Ultraviolet Irradiation
Authors: Ma H-M , Liu W , Zhang P , Yuan X-Y 
Published: February 2013

Objective: Telomere length was used as a biomarker of cell senescence to explore the role of telomere shortening in photoageing induced by ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Methods: Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine telomere length in cultured human fibroblasts of different generations and after exposure to UVA at doses up to 10 000 mJ/cm2. Twoway analysis of variance was used to determine whether passaging or UVA was the main factor contributing to telomere shortening. Results: In nonirradiated cells, telomere length was inversely related to cell generation number. In fibroblasts exposed to UVA at a dose of 1000 or 10 000 mJ/cm2, telomere length was significantly shorter than that of nonirradiated controls and was negatively related to UVA dose. Conclusions: Telomere length and subsequent cell viability may be affected by UVA irradiation. DNA damage caused by UVA irradiation may initiate the photoageing process and telomeres may be a useful new target for attempts to prevent photoageing.
Circulating Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products is Inversely Correlated to Oxidized Low-density Lipoproteins in Asymptomatic Subjects
Authors: Kotani K , Caccavello R , Taniguchi N , Gugliucci A 
Published: February 2013

Objective: There is growing evidence that circulating soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) exerts antiatherogenic effects as a decoy receptor that abolishes RAGE signalling. A previous study reported that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) can be one of the RAGE ligands. The present cross-sectional study investigated the clinical association between sRAGE and oxLDL in humans. Methods: Serum levels of the conventional atherosclerotic risk factors, sRAGE and malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) were analysed in asymptomatic subjects; MDA- LDL was measured as a biomarker of oxLDL. Results: Mean serum levels of sRAGE and MDA-LDL were 1101 ng/l and 57.6 IU/l, respectively, in 33 subjects of mean age 65 years. Simple linear regression analysis showed a significant inverse correlation between sRAGE and MDA-LDL. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis confirmed MDA-LDL to be independently, significantly and inversely correlated with sRAGE. Conclusions: An independent, significant and inverse correlation was shown to exist between circulating levels of sRAGE and oxLDL (MDA-LDL), which suggests that part of the antiatherosclerotic effects of sRAGE may be related to oxLDL quenching.
Topographical Distribution Pattern of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Across the Cervix
Authors: He G , Li H , Lin H , Bian M , Wang Y , Sun A , Li M 
Published: February 2013

Objective: The distribution of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) lesions across the cervix was determined. Methods: A total of 575 women whose pathological diagnosis after cervical conization was confirmed as CIN were studied; 146 had low-grade CIN and 429 had high-grade CIN. CIN lesion location on the cervix was recorded using 12-h clock face notation. Results: In both groups, 12 o'clock was the most common and 2 o'clock the least common lesion location. The most severe lesions were most often located at 8 o'clock and 7 o'clock, in the low- and high-grade groups, respectively. The 2 o'clock site was the least frequent site for the most severe lesion in both groups. Lesions were found more frequently on the posterior lip of the cervix than on the anterior lip, and on the right side of the cervix than on the left side, in both groups. Conclusions: The distribution of CIN lesions is not randomly distributed across the cervix. The 12, 8 and 7 o'clock sites, and the posterior lip and right side of the cervix, should be targeted during colposcopy-directed biopsy of patients with CIN lesions as this may improve diagnostic accuracy.
Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Patients with Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Wua Z , Linga Z , Shao F , Sheng J , Li L 
Published: February 2013

Objective: Patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (AoCLF) are prone to various infections, including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). This retrospective study investigated the relationship between AoCLF and IPA in a large patient cohort. Methods: Twenty-nine out of 470 patients with AoCLF, who were diagnosed with definite or probable IPA by clinical and laboratory parameters and were treated with voriconazole, were analysed for predisposing factors for IPA and clinical outcome. Results: Imaging findings, such as the halo sign and increased white blood cell count, contributed to the early diagnosis of IPA. Patients with AoCLF and IPA experienced fever, cough and chest pain and, despite treatment with antifungal therapy, most (25/29 patients) died within 7 days. Possible risk factors for IPA included prolonged antibiotic therapy and dexamethasone exposure. Conclusions: AoCLF with prolonged antibiotic therapy and dexamethasone exposure carries a high risk for IPA. AoCLF patients with IPA involved in this study exhibited fever, cough, chest pain and increased white blood cell count, and their imaging findings were useful for the early diagnosis of IPA.
Long-term Results of Thoracoscopic Thymectomy for Thymoma without Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Chung JW , Kim HR , Kim DK , Chun MS , Kim YH , Park S-I , Kim S-R , Lee DH 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To compare the feasibility and safety of thoracoscopic thymectomy with conventional sternotomy thymectomy for thymoma without myasthenia gravis. Methods: Data from 70 patients diagnosed with thymoma, who underwent thoracoscopic thymectomy ( n = 25, Group T) or sternotomy thymectomy ( n = 45, Group S) between March 2002 and March 2008, were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Mean follow-up durations were 78.0 ± 21.9 months and 70.0 ± 23.6 months in Groups T and S, respectively. No deaths occurred in Group T; seven deaths occurred in Group S, all > 1 month post follow-up. Durations of chest intubation and hospitalization were significantly shorter in Group T than in Group S. No significant between-group difference in the incidence of operative complications was observed. Tumour recurrence-free rates at 5 and 7 years postsurgery were 96% (both years) in Group T and 95% (both years) in Group S. Conclusions: Long-term follow-up indicates that thoracoscopic thymectomy for thymoma without myasthenia gravis is effective and is well tolerated, and associated with low rates of operative complications and recurrence.
Overweight, Obesity and Thyroid Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis of Cohort Studies
Authors: Zhao Zg , Guo Xg , Ba Cx , Wang W , Yang Yy , Wang J , Cao Hy 
Published: February 2013

Objective: This meta-analysis examined the relationship between excess body weight or body mass index (BMI) and risk of thyroid cancer. METHODS: PubMed®, MEDLINE®, EMBASE™ and Academic Search™ Premier databases were searched to identify cohort studies examining the effect of being overweight or obese on the risk of thyroid cancer. RESULTS: The inclusion criteria were met by seven cohort studies (total number of thyroid cancer cases, 5154). The pooled relative risk (RR) of thyroid cancer was 1.13 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04, 1.22) for overweight. Obesity was also linked with increased thyroid cancer risk in males and females, the strength of the association increasing with increasing BMI. The combined RR of thyroid cancer was 1.18 (95% CI 1.11, 1.25) for excess body weight (overweight and obesity combined). Being overweight was associated with a significant increase in thyroid cancer risk among non-Asians, but not among Asians. Overweight, obesity and excess body weight were all associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma risk. CONCLUSIONS: The association between overweight/ obesity/excess body weight and thyroid cancer risk was confirmed.
Mesothelin Promotes Invasion and Metastasis in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Y , Wang L , Li D , Wang Hb , Chen Qf 
Published: February 2013

Objective: The presence of mesothelin (encoded by the mesothelin [MSLN] gene) in breast cancer is associated with tumour infiltration of the lymph node. This study evaluated whether MSLN overexpression promotes breast cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis. Methods: This study evaluated the effects of overexpression of MSLN on extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 levels, and the invasiveness and angiogenesis of the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 in vitro, and on MCF-7-derived tumour development in vivo. Results: MSLN overexpression significantly increased ERK1/2 and MMP-9 protein levels and activity, and the invasive and angiogenic capability of MCF-7 cells, in vitro. Inhibition of ERK1/2 suppressed MMP-9 and the invasive and angiogenic capability of MSLN overexpressing MCF-7 cells. MSLN overexpression also increased MCF-7-derived tumour metastasis in vivo. Conclusion: MSLN overexpression promoted the invasive potential of MCF-7 cells through ERK1/2-dependent upregulation of MMP-9; this association may have contributed to metastasis of MCF-7 cells in vivo. Mesothelin may be a useful biomarker for cancer progression and a novel therapeutic or chemopreventive target in human breast cancer.
Protein Kinase B Phosphorylation Correlates with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A and Microvessel Density in Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Xd , Chen Hx , Guan Rn , Lei Yp , Shu X , Zhu Y , Lv Nh 
Published: February 2013

Objective: The signalling molecule protein kinase B (Akt) modulates many cellular processes. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling pathways play important roles in tumour angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the role of phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) in angiogenesis and its correlation with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A in gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods: Tumour tissue and matched healthy gastric mucosa were obtained from patients undergoing surgical resection of gastric adenocarcinoma. Akt and pAkt were detected via Western blotting. VEGF-A, pAkt and CD34 were examined by immunohistochemistry. Results: Akt and pAkt protein levels were significantly higher in gastric cancer tissue than in normal tissue (n = 48 patients). Positive VEGF-A immuno -staining was significantly associated with pAkt immunostaining. Microvessel density was correlated with both VEGF-A and pAkt positivity. Conclusions: Phosphorylated Akt and VEGF-A are involved in angiogenesis of gastric adenocarcinoma, and Akt activation may contribute to angiogenesis via VEGF-A upregulation. The PI3K/Akt/VEGF signalling pathway may be involved in gastric adenocarcinoma.
Prediction of Newly Developed Acute Renal Failure using Serum Phosphorus Concentrations after Living-donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Hong Sh , Park Co , Park Cs 
Published: February 2013

Objective: This retrospective study investigated the predictive role of serum phosphorus concentration for acute renal failure (ARF), defined by the Risk Injury Failure Loss End-stage kidney disease (RIFLE) criteria, after living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Methods: Perioperative factors, including serum phosphorus concentrations, in LDLT recipients without pre-existing renal dysfunction were retrospectively analysed and compared between patients with or without post-LDLT ARF. Results: A total of 45 patients out of 350 (12.9%) met the RIFLE ARF criteria and experienced significantly higher postoperative mortality, longer intensive care unit stay and more frequent graft dysfunction than those patients without post-LDLT ARF. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that a serum phosphorus concentration ≥ 4.5 mg/dl on postoperative day 1 (relative risk [RR] 5.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.56, 11.03), a preoperative model for end-stage liver disease score = 20 points (RR 4.17, 95% CI 2.04, 8.52), and packed red blood cell transfusion ≥ 10 units (RR 2.55, 95% CI 1.13, 5.88) were independent risk factors for post-LDLT ARF. Conclusions: Hyper -phosphataemia on postoperative day 1 could be an early and simple indicator of ARF occurrence after LDLT.
Effects of Chronic Caffeine Administration on Blood Glucose Levels and on Glucose Tolerance in Healthy and Diabetic Rats
Authors: Urzúa Z , Trujillo X , Huerta M , Trujillo-Hernández B , Ríos-Silva M , Onetti C , Ortiz-Mesina M , Sánchez-Pastor E 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To analyse the effect of chronic caffeine use on risk reduction and prognosis of diabetes mellitus. Methods: In this 60-day study, five groups of 11 healthy male Wistar rats were selected to receive one of four doses (37.5, 56.2, 75.0 or 93.0 mg/kg per day) of caffeine orally or no caffeine (control). The effect of caffeine on glycaemia and glucose tolerance was evaluated. After 15 days, each group was treated with 60 mg/kg of streptozotocine to induce diabetes mellitus, and glycaemia and glucose tolerance were assessed for a further 45 days. Results: In nondiabetic rats, caffeine had no effect on blood glucose. Compared with controls, the fasting blood glucose levels declined significantly in two caffeine-treated groups (93.0 mg/kg per day and 56.2 mg/kg per day) during the first 15 days following diabetes induction. Glucose tolerance was significantly improved 120 min after glucose loading in all caffeine-treated groups. The mean ± SE halfmaximal effective concentration of caffeine was 35.79 ± 2.44 mg/dl. Conclusions: Blood glucose levels decreased, and glucose tolerance improved, in diabetic rats administered increasing doses of caffeine.
Relationship between Changes in Components Associated with Metabolic Syndrome and Disappearance, or Remission, of Metabolic Syndrome during 1 Year
Authors: Chang H-C , Horng J-T , Chau T-T , Chen Y-W , Hsieh C-F , Chang C-W , Hsiao T-M 
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVES: Prior research has focused on the relationship between weight change and incidence of metabolic syndrome. Change in body mass index (BMI), components of metabolic syndrome and metabolic syndrome status were investigated over 1 year of follow-up. Methods: Subjects with metabolic syndrome from a community health screening project were recruited. Logistic regression was used to analyse the disappearance or remission of metabolic syndrome during 1 year according to changes in BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Results: The study included 490 subjects with metabolic syndrome. After 1 year, metabolic syndrome had disappeared in 30.0% (147/490) of subjects. Decreased triglycerides, blood pressure and HDL-C were significantly associated with the 1-year disappearance of metabolic syndrome, whereas BMI, waist circumference and FPG levels were not. Conclusions: Short-term weight reduction has no impact on the status of metabolic syndrome. The disappearance of metabolic syndrome was common during a 1-year follow-up. This finding might impact on the treatment and management of people with metabolic syndrome.
Anatomical Investigations for Appropriate Needle Positioning for Thoracic Paravertebral Blockade inChildren
Authors: Yoo SH , Lee DH , Moon DE , Song HK , Jang Y , Kim JB 
Published: February 2013

Objective: Clinicians hesitate to perform thoracic paravertebral blockade (TPVB) in children due to the potential high risk of adverse effects. No paediatric anatomical guidelines for TPVB exist. This study aimed to estimate the appropriate depth and distance for safe needle positioning in children. Methods: The depth (D) from the skin to the paravertebral space and the distance (A) from the spinous process to the needle entry point on the skin were measured using chest computed tomography (CT) in children aged between 1 and 9 years. Correlations between age, gender, weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and each of the anatomical measurements were analysed. Results: Each measurement correlated significantly with age, weight and height, but not with BMI (n = 373 children). Measurements A and D could be calculated by: A = 13.56 + (0.33 × age [years]) + (0.06 × weight [kg]) + 0.47 × (gender [female = 0, male = 1]); and D = 17.49 - (0.35 × age [years]) + (0.55 × weight [kg]). Conclusion: These anatomical guidelines for TPVB are recommended to help prevent anaesthetic complications such as pneumothorax, when ultra -sonography and CT are unavailable.
Comparison of the Detection of Influenza A and B Viruses by Different Methods
Authors: Özdemir M , Yavru S , Baysal B 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To investigate the detection of influenza viruses by three different methods. Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from patients with influenza symptoms and examined for influenza A and B viruses using a rapid antigen test, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and a shell vial cell culture test. Results: Using the shell vial cell culture test, the rapid antigen test and the multiplex PCR test in 130 patients, 31 (23.8%), 24 (18.5%) and 24 (18.5%) samples, respectively, were positive for influenza A and 10 (7.7%), nine (6.9%) and four (3.1%) samples, respectively, were positive for influenza B. Compared with the shell vial test, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the rapid antigen test were 77.4%, 93.3%, 80.0% and 93.1%, respectively, for influenza A, and 90.0%, 95.8%, 64.2% and 99.1%, respectively, for influenza B. The corresponding values for the multiplex PCR test were 77.4%, 95.9%, 85.7% and 93.1%, respectively, for influenza A, and 40.0%, 97.5%, 57.1% and 95.1%, respectively, for influenza B. Conclusions: The multiplex PCR test and the rapid antigen test are both effective in the detection of influenza A and B viruses.
Predictors and Consequences of In-Hospital Formula Supplementation for Healthy Breastfeeding Newborns
Authors: Parry Jane E. , Ip Dennis K. M. , Chau Patsy Y. K. , Wu Kendra M. , Tarrant Marie 
Published: February 2013

Background: Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months, the use of breast milk substitutes is widespread around the world. Objectives: To describe the patterns of infant formula supplementation among healthy breastfeeding newborns, to identify factors contributing to in-hospital formula supplementation, and to assess the dose-response relationship between the amount of in-hospital formula supplementation and the duration of any breastfeeding. Methods: A sample of 1246 breastfeeding mother–infant pairs was recruited from 4 public hospitals in Hong Kong and followed prospectively for 12 months or until weaned. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with in-hospital supplementation. Cox regression analysis was used to explore the impact of in-hospital supplementation on breastfeeding duration. Results: Of the total, 82.5% of newborns were supplemented in the hospital; one-half received formula within 5 hours of birth. Assisted vaginal delivery (odds ratio [OR] = 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03, 4.15), cesarean section (OR = 3.45, 95% CI 1.75, 6.80), and higher birth weight (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.12, 2.18) were positively associated with in-hospital formula supplementation, whereas initiating breastfeeding in the delivery room (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.33, 0.89) was associated with decreased likelihood of in-hospital supplementation. Any infant formula in the first 48 hours was associated with a shorter duration of breastfeeding (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.51, 95% CI 1.27, 1.80), but there was no dose-response effect. Conclusion: In-hospital formula supplementation is common in Hong Kong hospitals and appears to be detrimental to breastfeeding duration. Continued efforts should be made to avoid the provision of infant formula to breastfeeding babies while in the hospital unless medically indicated.
A taxonomy of psychology standards and training, and their relevance for psychiatrists
Authors: Hunt Caroline , Hyde Judy 
Published: February 2013

Objective: The aim of the article is to describe the current standards for psychology registration and pathways to training that operate in Australia today, to compare these with international requirements, and to discuss how they relate to the work and training of psychiatrists. Conclusion: The standards and training for practice in psychology involve multiple pathways that are not straightforward for the public or other health practitioners to understand. Most developed nations other than Australia require higher entry requirements into the profession. New national standards set by the Psychology Board of Australia, such as endorsed areas of practice, will lead to greater consistency in standards and make the task of referring to psychologists with the appropriate competencies more straightforward, allowing for greater collaboration between clinical psychology and psychiatry practitioners.
Developing a Global Perspective: A Crucial “Changing of Our Minds”
Authors: Weathersby Rita 
Published: February 2013

For all the contradiction of the present-day world, for all the diversity of social and political systems in it, and for all the different choices made by the nations in different times, this world is never-the-less one whole. We are all passengers aboard one ship, the Earth, and we must not allow it to be wrecked. There will be no second Noah's Ark. -Mikhail Gorbachev, Perestroika (1987, p. 12)