bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uroplakin II outperforms uroplakin III in diagnostically challenging settings
Authors: Smith Steven C , Mohanty Sambit K , Kunju Lakshmi P , Chang Elena , Chung Fai , Carvalho Jason C , Paner Gladel P , Hansel Donna E , Luthringer Daniel J , de Peralta‐Ventrurina Mariza N , Amin Mahul B 
Published: January 2014

AimsWe performed a head‐to‐head comparison of an antibody against uroplakin III (UP3) and a new uroplakin II (UP2) antibody that remains untested in diagnostically challenging settings.Methods and resultsWe immunostained high‐grade bladder neck carcinomas (n = 35), high‐grade upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UC) and renal carcinomas (n = 85), metastases of UC (n = 30) and a multicancer tissue microarray (n = 88) for UP3 and UP2, and scored staining intensity and proportion. UP3 showed membranous plaque‐like expression, while UP2 staining showed both membranous and cytoplasmic positivity. Significantly greater intensity (P = 0.003) and proportion (P = 0.03) of staining was noted for UP2 among bladder neck lesions, with UP2 staining showing greater sensitivity (63% versus 19%) and similar specificity (95% versus 100%) for UC over prostate carcinoma (P = 0.02). Among upper tract lesions, UP2 staining showed greater intensity and proportion than UP3 (both P < 0.001), including improved sensitivity (68% versus 23%) and equal specificity (both 100%) for UC (P = 0.006). Among UC metastases, UP2 staining showed greater intensity and proportion (both P < 0.001) with higher sensitivity (73% versus 37%, respectively, P = 0.001). Of 88 additional cases tested, no non‐urothelial cases stained for either UP.ConclusionsThe UP2 antibody outperforms the UP3 antibody, including in diagnostically challenging settings, and is a useful addition to the armamentarium of biomarkers for UC.
Epidemiological and clinical data of hospitalizations associated with respiratory syncytial virus infection in children under 5 years of age in Spain: FIVE multicenter study
Authors: Moreno‐Perez David , Calvo Cristina ,   Five Study Group
Published: January 2014

BackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important pathogen in lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in infants, but there are limited data concerning patients with underlying conditions and children older than 2 years of age.MethodsWe have designed a prospective observational multicenter national study performed in 26 Spanish hospitals (December 2011–March 2012). Investigational cases were defined as children with underlying chronic diseases and were compared with a group of previously healthy children (proportion 1:2). Clinical data were compared between the groups.ResultsA total of 1763 children hospitalized due to RSV infection during the inclusion period were analyzed. Of them, 225 cases and 460 healthy children were enrolled in the study. Underlying diseases observed were respiratory (64%), cardiovascular (25%), and neurologic (12%), as well as chromosomal abnormalities (7·5%), immunodeficiencies (6·7%), and inborn errors of metabolism (3·5%). Cases were statistically older than previously healthy children (average age: 16·3 versus 5·5 months). Cases experienced hypoxemia more frequently (P < 0·001), but patients with respiratory diseases required oxygen therapy more often (OR: 2·99; 95% CI: 1·03–8·65). Mechanical ventilation was used more in patients with cardiac diseases (OR: 3·0; 95% CI: 1·07–8·44) and in those with inborn errors of metabolism (OR: 12·27; 95% CI: 2·11–71·47). This subgroup showed a higher risk of admission to the PICU (OR: 6·7, 95% CI: 1·18–38·04). Diagnosis of pneumonia was more frequently found in cases (18·2% versus 9·3%; P < 0·01).ConclusionsA significant percentage of children with RSV infection have underlying diseases and the illness severity is higher than in healthy children.
Intermittent Atrial Tachycardia Promotes Repolarization Alternans and Conduction Slowing During Rapid Rates, and Increases Susceptibility to Atrial Fibrillation in a Free‐Behaving Sheep Model
Authors: MONIGATTI‐TENKORANG JOANNA , JOUSSET FLORIAN , PASCALE PATRIZIO , VESIN JEAN‐MARC , RUCHAT PATRICK , FROMER MARTIN , NARAYAN SANJIV M. , PRUVOT ETIENNE 
Published: January 2014

Repolarization Alternans and Atrial RemodelingIntroductionParoxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) may be triggered by intermittent atrial tachycardia, and ultimately lead to persistent AF. However, the mechanisms by which intermittent atrial tachycardia promotes sustained AF are not well understood.Methods and ResultsEight sheep were chronically implanted with 2 pacemakers for the recording of broadband right atrial unipolar electrograms, and for the delivery of electrophysiological stimulation protocols and intermittent right atrial tachycardia. Right atrial kinetics of activation recovery interval (ARI) as a surrogate for action potential duration, of conduction time and velocity, and of repolarization alternans were analyzed at incremental pacing rates during the remodeling process induced by weeks of intermittent atrial tachycardia until the development of sustained AF.Intermittent atrial tachycardia decreased ARI and blunted its rate adaptation, facilitated atrial capture, and slowed conduction at high rates, and increased susceptibility to pacing‐induced AF. In spite of blunted ARI rate adaptation, right atrial repolarization alternans was maintained during remodeling, and further increased in magnitude just before rapid pacing‐induced AF.ConclusionThis study suggests that weeks of intermittent right atrial tachycardia result in a gradual electrical remodeling favorable for wavebreaks and reentry that may facilitate fibrillation.
Comparison of Left Atrial Area Marked Ablated in Electroanatomical Maps with Scar in MRI
Authors: PARMAR BHRIGU R. , JARRETT TYLER R. , BURGON NATHAN S. , KHOLMOVSKI EUGENE G. , AKOUM NAZEM W. , HU NAN , MACLEOD ROB S. , MARROUCHE NASSIR F. , RANJAN RAVI 
Published: January 2014

Electroanatomic Map Overestimates the Ablated AreaBackgroundThree‐dimensional electroanatomic mapping (EAM) is routinely used to mark ablated areas during radiofrequency ablation. We hypothesized that, in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, EAM overestimates scar formation in the left atrium (LA) when compared to the scar seen on late‐gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (LGE‐MRI).Methods and ResultsOf the 235 patients who underwent initial ablation for AF at our institution between August 2011 and December 2012, we retrospectively identified 70 patients who had preprocedural magnetic resonance angiography merged with LA anatomy in EAM software and had a 3‐month postablation LGE‐MRI for assessment of scar. Ablated area was marked intraprocedurally using EAM software and quantified retrospectively. Scarred area was quantified in 3‐month postablation LGE‐MRI. The mean ablated area in EAM was 30.5 ± 7.5% of the LA endocardial surface and the mean scarred area in LGE‐MRI was 13.9 ± 5.9% (P < 0.001). This significant difference in the ablated area marked in the EAM and scar area in the LGE‐MRI was present for each of the 3 independent operators. Complete pulmonary vein (PV) encirclement representing electrical isolation was observed in 87.8% of the PVs in EAM as compared to only 37.4% in LGE‐MRI (P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn AF ablation, EAM significantly overestimates the resultant scar as assessed with a follow‐up LGE‐MRI.
Restarting the Cycle: Incidence and Predictors of First Acute Care Use After Nursing Home Discharge
Authors: Toles Mark , Anderson Ruth A. , Massing Mark , Naylor Mary D. , Jackson Eric , Peacock‐Hinton Sharon , Colón‐Emeric Cathleen 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo describe the time to first acute care use (e.g., emergency department (ED) use without hospitalization or rehospitalization) for older adults discharged to home after receiving postacute care in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs); to identify predictors of first acute care use.DesignRetrospective cohort study using administrative claims data.SettingSNFs providing postacute care for patients in North and South Carolina (N = 1,474).ParticipantsA cohort of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older (N = 55,980) who were hospitalized and then transferred to a SNF for postacute care and subsequently discharged home (January 1, 2010, to August 31, 2011).MeasurementsMedicare institutional claims data (Parts A and B) and Medicare enrollment data were used; facility‐level variables were obtained from CMS Nursing Home Compare. Survival from SNF discharge to first acute care use was explored. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to describe individual‐, home care–, and nursing facility–level predictors.ResultsAfter discharge from SNF to home, 22.1% of older adults had an episode of acute care use within 30 days, including 7.2% with an ED visit without hospitalization and 14.8% with a rehospitalization; 37.5% of older adults had their first acute care use within 90 days. Male sex, dual eligibility status, higher Charlson comorbidity score, certain primary diagnoses at index hospitalization (neoplasms and respiratory disease), and care in SNFs with for‐profit ownership or fewer licensed practical nurses hours per patient‐day were associated with greater likelihood of acute care use.ConclusionMedicare beneficiaries have a high use of acute care services after discharge from SNFs, and several factors associated with acute care use are potentially modifiable. Findings suggest the need for interventions to support beneficiaries as they transition from SNFs to home.
Anticholinergic Activity in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum in Individuals with Hip Fracture with and without Delirium
Authors: Watne Leiv Otto , Hall Roanna J. , Molden Espen , Ræder Johan , Frihagen Frede , MacLullich Alasdair M. J. , Juliebø Vibeke , Nyman Armika , Meagher David , Wyller Torgeir B. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo examine whether anticholinergic activity (AA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum is associated with risk of delirium in individuals with hip fracture.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTwo university hospitals in Oslo, Norway, and Edinburgh, UK.ParticipantsIndividuals admitted with acute hip fracture (N = 151).MeasurementsParticipants were assessed daily for delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method (preoperatively and postoperative days 1–5 (all) or until discharge (participants with delirium)). Prefracture cognitive function was assessed using the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). Serum was collected preoperatively and CSF at the onset of spinal anesthesia. AA in serum (SAA) and CSF samples was determined according to a muscarinic radio receptor bioassay. The association between AA measures and delirium was evaluated using logistic multivariate analyses.ResultsFifty‐two (54%) of the participants in Oslo and 20 (39%) in Edinburgh developed delirium. There was no statistically significant difference in AA between participants with and without delirium in Oslo (serum: 7.02 vs 6.08 pmol/mL, P = .54; CSF: 0.39 vs 0.48 pmol/mL, P = .26) or in Edinburgh (serum: 1.35 vs 1.62 pmol/mL, P = .76; CSF: 0.36 vs 0.31 pmol/mL, P = .93). Nor was there any difference in SAA (Oslo, P = .74; Edinburgh, P = .51) or CSF AA (Oslo, P = .21; Edinburgh, P = .93) when participants were subdivided into prevalent, incident, subsyndromal, and never delirium. Stratifying participants according to prefracture cognitive status (IQCODE) gave the same results.ConclusionThis is the first study of AA in CSF of individuals with and without delirium. The study does not support the hypothesis that central (CSF) or peripheral (serum) AA is an important mechanism of delirium in individuals with hip fracture.
Demographic Characteristics and Healthcare Use of Centenarians: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Rochon Paula A. , Gruneir Andrea , Wu Wei , Gill Sudeep S. , Bronskill Susan E. , Seitz Dallas P. , Bell Chaim M. , Fischer Hadas D. , Stephenson Anne L. , Wang Xuesong , Gershon Andrea S. , Anderson Geoffrey M. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo better understand how centenarians use the healthcare system as an important step toward improving their service delivery.DesignPopulation‐based retrospective cohort study using linked health administrative data.SettingOntario—Canada's largest province.ParticipantsAll individuals living in Ontario aged 65 and older on April 1 of each year between 1995 and 2010 were identified and divided into three age groups (65–84, 85–99, ≥100). A detailed description was obtained on 1,842 centenarians who were alive on April 1, 2010.MeasurementsSociodemographic characteristics and use of health services.ResultsThe number of centenarians increased from 1,069 in 1995 to 1,842 in 2010 (72.3%); 6.7% were aged 105 and older. Over the same period, the number of individuals aged 85 to 99 grew from 119,955 to 227,703 (89.8%). Women represented 85.3% of all centenarians and 89.4% of those aged 105 and older. Almost half of centenarians lived in the community (20.0% independently, 25.3% with publicly funded home care). Preventive drug therapies (bisphosphonates and statins) were frequently dispensed. In the preceding year, 18.2% were hospitalized and 26.6% were seen in an emergency department. More than 95% saw a primary care provider, and 5.3% saw a geriatrician.ConclusionThe number of centenarians in Ontario increased by more than 70% over the last 15 years, with even greater growth among older people who could soon become centenarians. Almost half of centenarians live in the community, most are women, and almost all receive care from a primary care physician.
Sulforaphane enhances proteasomal and autophagic activities in mice and is a potential therapeutic reagent for Huntington's disease
Authors: Liu Yanying , Hettinger Casey L. , Zhang Dong , Rezvani Khosrow , Wang Xuejun , Wang Hongmin 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is impaired in Huntington's disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. Sulforaphane, a naturally occurring compound, has been shown to stimulate UPS activity in cell cultures. To test whether sulforaphane enhances UPS function in vivo, we treated UPS function reporter mice ubiquitously expressing the green fluorescence protein (GFP) fused to a constitutive degradation signal that promotes its rapid degradation in the conditions of a healthy UPS. The modified GFP is termed GFP UPS reporter (GFPu). We found that both GFPu and ubiquitinated protein levels were significantly reduced and the three peptidase activities of the proteasome were increased in the brain and peripheral tissues of the mice. Interestingly, sulforaphane treatment also enhanced autophagy activity in the brain and the liver. To further examine whether sulforaphane promotes mutant huntingtin (mHtt) degradation, we treated Huntington's disease cells with sulforaphane and found that sulforaphane not only enhanced mHtt degradation but also reduced mHtt cytotoxicity. Sulforaphane‐mediated mHtt degradation was mainly through the UPS pathway as the presence of a proteasome inhibitor abolished this effect. Taken together, these data indicate that sulforaphane activates protein degradation machineries in both the brain and peripheral tissues and may be a therapeutic reagent for Huntington's disease and other intractable disorders.
image
Accumulation of mutant huntingtin (mHtt) protein causes Huntington's disease (HD). Sulforaphane (SFN), a naturally occurring compound, increased proteasome and autophagy activities in vivo and enhanced mHtt turnover and cell survival in HD cell models. SFN‐mediated mHtt degradation is mainly through the proteasome pathway. These data suggest that SFN can be a therapeutic reagent for treating HD and other intractable disorders.
Taxes, tax administrative burdens and new firm formation
Authors: Braunerhjelm Pontus , Eklund Johan E. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThis paper examines the tax administrative burden and its effect on new firm formation. It is well recognized that entrepreneurship and new firm formation are critical factors in determining economic growth and development. New firm entry into the marketplace enhances welfare in two distinct ways: 1) by promoting innovation, productivity and economic growth and 2) by increasing competition, which lowers prices and expands output. It is also well documented that barriers to entry reduce the likelihood that new firms will enter various sectors. We argue that the burden imposed by tax codes and tax compliance constitutes a barrier to entry that has been neglected in the previous literature. We use data from the World Bank to measure the administrative burden that the complexity of tax policy imposes on new firms. Additionally, we use a measure of new firm formation – entry density. Our data cover 118 countries over a period of six years. We find that the entry rate is significantly reduced by the tax administrative burden and that this effect is unrelated to general taxes on corporate profits and is robust to the inclusion of several important control variables.
Clinical and metabolic factors associated with development and regression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in nonobese subjects
Authors: Kim Nam Hoon , Kim Joo Hyung , Kim Yoon Jung , Yoo Hye Jin , Kim Hee Young , Seo Ji A , Kim Nan Hee , Choi Kyung Mook , Baik Sei Hyun , Choi Dong Seop , Kim Sin Gon 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsThe course of NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) and associated factors in nonobese subjects are not well established. We investigated contributing factors for the development and regression of NAFLD in nonobese Koreans, and whether they would differ from those of obese subjects.MethodsTwo thousand three hundred and seven adults aged over 18 years participated in this longitudinal observational study. The mean duration of follow‐up was 28.7 (±13.2) months. The participants were divided into two groups according to the baseline BMI (nonobese group: BMI <25 kg/m2, obese group: BMI ≥25 kg/m2). The presence or absence of NAFLD was assessed by abdominal ultrasonography.ResultsBody weight change was independently associated with both the development and regression of NAFLD in nonobese subjects as well as obese subjects. Among the subjects who developed NAFLD, the amount of weight change was higher in nonobese subjects compared to obese subjects (1.6 ± 3.9% vs 0.6 ± 4.2%, P = 0.022); and among those who showed regression of NAFLD, the amount of weight change was lower in nonobese subjects (−1.9 ± 4.0% vs −5.0 ± 4.6%, P < 0.001). Among all the components of metabolic syndrome, only high triglyceride levels (>150 mg/dl) at the baseline were significantly associated with both the development and regression of NAFLD in nonobese subjects (ORs, 1.54 (1.10–2.14), and 0.60 (0.38–0.96) respectively).ConclusionBody weight change and baseline triglyceride levels were strong indicators for the development and regression of NAFLD in a nonobese population.
The p53 mutation spectrum in hepatocellular carcinoma from Guangxi, China : role of chronic hepatitis B virus infection and aflatoxin B1 exposure
Authors: Qi Lu‐Nan , Bai Tao , Chen Zu‐Shun , Wu Fei‐Xiang , Chen Yuan‐Yuan , De Xiang Bang‐ , Peng Tao , Han Ze‐Guang , Li Le‐Qun 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackground & Aimsp53 is one of the most frequently mutated human tumour suppressor genes. Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induces p53 mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue. The aims of present study are to investigate the p53 mutation spectrum in HBV‐ and AFB1‐related hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Guangxi, China.MethodsTumour and adjacent liver tissue were collected from 397 HCC patients who were subdivided into HBV(+)/AFB1(+), HBV(+)/AFB1(−), HBV(−)/AFB1(+) and HBV(−)/AFB1(−) four groups. All 11 exons of the p53 gene were PCR‐amplified and sequenced. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the effect of mutations on the expression of p53 protein.Results and ConclusionsP53 mutations were detected in 223 HCC samples, 13 adjacent liver tissue samples and only 1 of 68 normal liver tissue samples. The mutation sites concentrated at exon 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and no mutation was detected in exon 1, 2, 3, 10 and 11. The most frequently occurring mutation was in codon 249 (R249S) in exon 7. Patients in the HBV(+)/AFB1(+) and HBV(−)/AFB1(+) groups had significantly higher mutation rates compared with patients in the HBV(+)/AFB1(−) and HBV(−)/AFB1(−) groups. P53 mutation status and HBV/AFB1 status were independent predictors of tumour recurrence after surgery. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that p53 gene mutations were correlated with the p53 expression. In Guangxi area, the significant association between AFB1‐induced p53 mutations and the expression of p53 protein suggest an important role for p53 mutations in carcinogenesis of HCC.
Female mating preferences and offspring survival: testing hypotheses on the genetic basis of mate choice in a wild lekking bird
Authors: Sardell Rebecca J. , Kempenaers Bart , DuVal Emily H. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIndirect benefits of mate choice result from increased offspring genetic quality and may be important drivers of female behaviour. ‘Good‐genes‐for‐viability’ models predict that females prefer mates of high additive genetic value, such that offspring survival should correlate with male attractiveness. Mate choice may also vary with genetic diversity (e.g. heterozygosity) or compatibility (e.g. relatedness), where the female's genotype influences choice. The relative importance of these nonexclusive hypotheses remains unclear. Leks offer an excellent opportunity to test their predictions, because lekking males provide no material benefits and choice is relatively unconstrained by social limitations. Using 12 years of data on lekking lance‐tailed manakins, Chiroxiphia lanceolata, we tested whether offspring survival correlated with patterns of mate choice. Offspring recruitment weakly increased with father attractiveness (measured as reproductive success, RS), suggesting attractive males provide, if anything, only minor benefits via offspring viability. Both male RS and offspring survival until fledging increased with male heterozygosity. However, despite parent–offspring correlation in heterozygosity, offspring survival was unrelated to its own or maternal heterozygosity or to parental relatedness, suggesting survival was not enhanced by heterozygosity per se. Instead, offspring survival benefits may reflect inheritance of specific alleles or nongenetic effects. Although inbreeding depression in male RS should select for inbreeding avoidance, mates were not less related than expected under random mating. Although mate heterozygosity and relatedness were correlated, selection on mate choice for heterozygosity appeared stronger than that for relatedness and may be the primary mechanism maintaining genetic variation in this system despite directional sexual selection.