bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of aspirin in chemoprevention of esophageal adenocarcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sivarasan Nishanth , Smith Geoff 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo identify whether regular aspirin use protects against esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) and if so, the effect of the duration and frequency of drug exposure.MethodsStudies were selected from five journal/trial databases based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria; most notably, the provision of multivariate EA odds ratios (ORs) in those taking regular aspirin. A subgroup analysis was then performed by stratifying the results according to the frequency and duration of aspirin use. The reliability of these investigations was assessed by calculating study heterogeneity and observing any elements of publication bias.ResultsNine studies were selected for the main analysis, of which five were included in the frequency analysis and three assessed the duration of aspirin use. Data pooling revealed a statistically significant EA OR of 0.671 (95% CI 0.526–0.856, P = 0.001) among all aspirin users, suggesting a protective effect. The results for duration and frequency did not reach statistical significance but nonetheless suggested possible benefits of longer, more frequent drug regimens that may be statistically confirmed by studies of larger sample sizes. Funnel plots and statistical tests demonstrated a minimal impact of publication bias on our results.ConclusionAspirin use confers a significant protective effect against EA with a suggestion that the degree of protection may be increased by the longer duration and higher frequency of usage.
A 37‐year prospective study of neuroticism and extraversion in women followed from mid‐life to late life
Authors: Billstedt E. , Skoog I. , Duberstein P. , Marlow T. , Hällström T. , André M. , Lissner L. , Björkelund C. , Östling S. , Waern M. 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivePersonality traits are presumed to endure over time, but the literature regarding older age is sparse. Furthermore, interpretation may be hampered by the presence of dementia‐related personality changes. The aim was to study stability in neuroticism and extraversion in a population sample of women who were followed from mid‐life to late life.MethodA population‐based sample of women born in 1918, 1922 or 1930 was examined with the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) in 1968–1969. EPI was assessed after 37 years in 2005–2006 (n = 153). Data from an interim examination after 24 years were analysed for the subsample born in 1918 and 1922 (n = 75). Women who developed dementia at follow‐up examinations were excluded from the analyses.ResultsMean levels of neuroticism and extraversion were stable at both follow‐ups. Rank‐order and linear correlations between baseline and 37‐year follow‐up were moderate ranging between 0.49 and 0.69. Individual changes were observed, and only 25% of the variance in personality traits in 2005–2006 could be explained by traits in 1968–1969.ConclusionPersonality is stable at the population level, but there is significant individual variability. These changes could not be attributed to dementia. Research is needed to examine determinants of these changes, as well as their clinical implications.
Characterization of In Vitro Chlamydia muridarum Persistence and Utilization in an In Vivo Mouse Model of Chlamydia Vaccine
Authors: Carey Alison J. , Huston Wilhelmina M. , Cunningham Kelly A. , Hafner Louise M. , Timms Peter , Beagley Kenneth W. 
Published: February 2013

ProblemChlamydia trachomatis genital tract infections are easily treated with antibiotics; however, the majority of infections are asymptomatic and therefore untreated, highlighting the need for a vaccine. Because most infections are asymptomatic, vaccination could potentially be administered to individuals who may have an acute infection at that time. In such individuals, the effect of vaccination on the existing infection is unknown; however, one potential outcome could be the development of a persistent infection. In vitro chlamydial persistence has been well characterized in various strains; however, there have been no reported studies in C. muridarum.Method of StudyWe performed ultrastructural characterization and transcriptome analysis of selected genes. We then used the transcriptional profiles of the selected genes to examine whether intranasal immunization of mice during an active genital infection would induce persistence in the upper reproductive tract of female mice.Results and ConclusionsWe found that persistence developed in the oviducts of mice as a result of immunization. This is a significant finding, not only because it is the first time that C. muridarum persistence has been characterized in vitro, but also due to the fact that there is a minimal characterization of in vivo persistence of any chlamydial species. This highlights the importance of the timing of vaccination in individuals.
FcεRI stimulation promotes the differentiation of histamine receptor 1‐expressing inflammatory macrophages
Authors: Novak N. , Peng W. M. , Bieber T. , Akdis C. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundMonocyte differentiation into dendritic cells or macrophages and recruitment to peripheral organs in chronic inflammatory diseases are directed by allergen challenge via FcεRI as well as the nature of soluble factors in the microenvironment. High‐affinity receptor for IgE stimulation of effector cells results in the release of histamine, which acts on various histamine receptors (HR) 1‐4, expressed by immune cells.MethodsWe examined the effect of FcεRI stimulation of human monocytes on H1R expression and function of differentiating cells. The mRNA levels of H1R, H2R and histidine decarboxylase of differentiating cells were detected by quantitative real‐time PCR. Expression of CD1c, CD11c, CD68 and CD163 was detected by flow cytometry. Amount of histamine, IL‐6 and IL‐12p70 in the cell culture was measured with the help of cytometric bead arrays or ELISA assays. Numbers of H1R‐expressing macrophages were evaluated by immunofluorescence double staining of CD68 and H1R on human skin sections.ResultsWe demonstrated that FcεRI stimulation promotes the generation of H1R‐expressing macrophage‐like cells with enhanced histamine biosynthesis and H1R‐mediated proinflammatory properties. Supporting our in vitro findings, high numbers of H1R‐expressing CD68pos macrophages were detected in the dermis of atopic dermatitis (AD) skin lesions.ConclusionOur observations point to a close histamine‐/HR‐mediated activation of dermal macrophages, leading to modified cell differentiation and responsiveness via H1R, which might contribute to the aggravation of allergic skin inflammation in AD.
Early outcomes from a new regional programme for the surgical management of hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Orr Yishay , Leclair Karen , Jacobe Stephen , Badawi Nadia , Nicholson Ian A. , Chard Richard B. , Sholler Gary F. , Winlaw David S. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundEarly survival and quality of outcome after surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) are influenced by patient‐specific factors, the quality of surgery and perioperative care. Some skills are common to the care of other complex neonatal presentations but integrating this expertise is a key challenge for new programmes. We began offering surgery for HLHS from 2006 and provided a regional service from January 2009 and report early outcomes.MethodsProspectively collected data for neonates with HLHS undergoing surgical palliation from January 2006 until June 2011 were analysed. Standard definitions of high‐risk and standard‐risk presentations were utilized.ResultsThirty neonates underwent surgical palliation of HLHS with a modified Norwood procedure with an overall survival to stage II palliation of 80%. A total of 46.7% of our patients were categorized as high‐risk, mostly on the basis of low birth weight. Survival to stage II palliation was 100% in standard‐risk patients and 57.1% in the high‐risk group.ConclusionOutcomes for this new programme are comparable to reported outcomes demonstrating the feasibility of integrating a new complex procedure within an existing multidisciplinary unit handling large volumes of other complex neonatal work. Excellent outcomes can be achieved in standard‐risk patients. Outcomes in the high‐risk group may be improved by alternative approaches and rigorous case selection.
Prevalence of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae in healthy Swedish preschool children
Authors: Kaarme Johan , Molin Ylva , Olsen Björn , Melhus Åsa 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimThe objective was to determine the prevalence of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Enterobacteriaceae in faeces from healthy Swedish preschool children and to establish whether transmission took place between children in preschools.MethodsDiapers from children attending preschools in Uppsala city were collected during September to October 2010, and the faeces was cultured. Antibiotic profiles and carriage of CTX‐M, TEM, SHV and AmpC type enzymes were determined. PCR‐positive isolates were further characterized by sequencing and epidemiological typing. Statistics on antibiotic use and ESBL producers in paediatric patients at Uppsala University Hospital were extracted for comparison.ResultsA total of 313 stool specimens were obtained, representing 24.5% of all preschool children in Uppsala city. The carriage rate of ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae was 2.9% among these healthy children. The corresponding figure for patients in the same age group was 8.4%. Escherichia coli with CTX‐M type enzymes predominated, and only one E. coli isolate carried genes‐encoding CMY. CTX‐M‐producing E. coli isolates with identical genotypes were found in children with no familial relation at two different preschools.ConclusionsUsing diapers, the prevalence of ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae in children was quickly established, and, most likely, a transmission of ESBL‐producing E. coli was for the first time documented between children at the same preschool.
Delta‐6‐desaturase activity and arachidonic acid synthesis are increased in human breast cancer tissue
Authors: Pender‐Cudlip Marilla C. , Krag Karen J. , Martini David , Yu Jeanne , Guidi Anthony , Skinner Sandy S. , Zhang Yu , Qu Xiying , He Chengwei , Xu Yi , Qian Steven Y. , Kang Jing X. 
Published: February 2013

Omega‐6 (n‐6) arachidonic acid (AA) and its pro‐inflammatory metabolites, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), are known to promote tumorigenesis. Delta‐6 desaturase (D6D) is the rate‐limiting enzyme for converting n‐6 linoleic acid (LA) to AA. Our objective was to determine if AA synthesis, specifically D6D activity, and PGE2 levels are increased in cancerous breast tissue, and whether these variables differ between estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and negative (ER−) breast cancers. Gas chromatography was performed on surgical breast tissue samples collected from 69 women with breast cancer. Fifty‐four had ER+ breast cancer, and 15 had ER− breast cancer. Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry was used to determine PGE2 levels. Lipid analysis revealed higher levels of LA metabolites (C18:3 n‐6, C20:3 n‐6, and AA) in cancerous tissue than in adjacent noncancerous tissue (P < 0.01). The ratio of LA metabolites to LA, a measure of D6D activity, was increased in cancerous tissue, suggesting greater conversion of LA to AA (P < 0.001), and was higher in ER− than in ER+ patients, indicating genotype‐related trends. Similarly, PGE2 levels were increased in cancerous tissue, particularly in ER− patients. The results showed that the endogenous AA synthetic pathway, D6D activity, and PGE2 levels are increased in breast tumors, particularly those of the ER− genotype. These findings suggest that the AA synthetic pathway and the D6D enzyme in particular may be involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. The development of drugs and nutritional interventions to alter this pathway may provide new strategies for breast cancer prevention and treatment.
Serum butyrylcholinesterase and the risk of future type 2 diabetes: the Kansai Healthcare Study
Authors: Sato Kyoko Kogawa , Hayashi Tomoshige , Maeda Isseki , Koh Hideo , Harita Nobuko , Uehara Shinichiro , Onishi Yukiko , Oue Keiko , Nakamura Yoshiko , Endo Ginji , Kambe Hiroshi , Fukuda Kanji 
Published: February 2013

SummaryObjectiveButyrylcholinesterase is synthesized in the liver. The serum butyrylcholinesterase level has been cross‐sectionally reported to be higher in patients with diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, obesity and fatty liver than in those without them. It is not known whether serum butyrylcholinesterase is associated with the risk of future type 2 diabetes.DesignA prospective cohort study.ParticipantsA total of 8470 Japanese men aged 40–55 years without type 2 diabetes at baseline.MeasurementsType 2 diabetes was diagnosed if a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level was ≥7·0 mmol/l, if a HbA1c level was ≥6·5% or if participants were taking oral hypoglycaemic medication or insulin.ResultsDuring the 42 227 person‐years of follow‐up, 868 cases had developed type 2 diabetes. Serum butyrylcholinesterase was significantly positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), FPG, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) and triglycerides (TG), whereas negatively with high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. In Cox proportional hazards models, after adjusting for age, BMI, FPG, alcohol consumption, smoking habit, walk to work, regular leisure‐time physical activity and family history of diabetes, the highest quartile (398–806 IU/l) of serum butyrylcholinesterase increased the risk of type 2 diabetes compared with the lowest quartile (56–311 IU/l) [hazard ratio (HR) 1·41 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1·14–1·74)]. After further adjusting for ALT and GGT, this association remained [HR 1·40 (95% CI, 1·13–1·73)]. Furthermore, this association was significant independent of TG and HDL cholesterol.ConclusionsElevated serum butyrylcholinesterase was independently associated with an increased risk of future type 2 diabetes.
Once‐daily initiation of basal insulin as add‐on to metformin: a 26‐week, randomized, treat‐to‐target trial comparing insulin detemir with insulin glargine in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Meneghini L. , Kesavadev J. , Demissie M. , Nazeri A. , Hollander P. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTAimsThis study assessed the efficacy and safety of once‐daily insulin initiation using insulin detemir (detemir) or insulin glargine (glargine) added to existing metformin in type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsThis 26‐week, multinational, randomized, treat‐to‐target trial involved 457 insulin‐naïve adults with T2D (HbA1c 7–9%). Detemir or glargine was added to current metformin therapy [any second oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) discontinued] and titrated to a target fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≤90 mg/dl (≤5.0 mmol/l). Primary efficacy endpoint was change in HbA1c.ResultsMean (s.d.) HbA1c decreased with detemir and glargine by 0.48 and 0.74%‐points, respectively, to 7.48% (0.91%) and 7.13% (0.72%) [estimated between‐treatment difference, 0.30 (95% CI: 0.14–0.46)]. Non‐inferiority for detemir at the a priori level of 0.4%‐points was not established. The proportions of patients reaching HbA1c ≤ 7% at 26 weeks were 38% and 53% (p = 0.026) with detemir and glargine, respectively. FPG decreased ∼43.2 mg/dl (∼2.4 mmol/l) in both groups [non‐significant (NS)]. Treatment satisfaction was good for both insulins. Hypoglycaemia, which occurred infrequently, was observed less with detemir than glargine [rate ratio 0.73 (95% CI 0.54–0.98)]. The proportions of patients reaching HbA1c ≤ 7% without hypoglycaemia in the detemir and glargine groups were 32% and 38% (NS), respectively. Weight decreased with detemir [−0.49 (3.3) kg] and increased with glargine [+1.0 (3.1) kg] (95% CI for difference: −2.17 to −0.89 kg).ConclusionWhile both detemir and glargine, when added to metformin therapy, improved glycaemic control, glargine resulted in greater reductions in HbA1c, while detemir demonstrated less weight gain and hypoglycaemia.
Low serum fetuin A levels and incident stroke in patients with maintenance haemodialysis
Authors: Chen Hung‐Yuan , Chiu Yen‐Ling , Hsu Shih‐Ping , Pai Mei‐Fen , Yang Ju‐Yeh , Peng Yu‐Sen 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackground and objectivesFetuin A, a predictor of mortality in dialysis patients, is associated with vascular calcification and atherosclerosis in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Whether it predicts stroke remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association between fetuin A and incident stoke in maintenance HD patients.Design, setting, participants and measurementsThis is a prospective observational study. 238 prevalent HD patients (127 women and 111 men; mean age, 60 ± 12 years) were followed up for the occurrence of stroke for 55 months. Baseline circulating fetuin A levels, biochemical data and other markers of inflammation were measured. The major outcome was the occurrence of incident ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke.ResultsThirty one patients had incident strokes; an incidence of 38·4/1000 patient‐years (95% confidence interval (CI) 36·5–39·8/1000 patient‐years) on follow‐up. Patients in the lowest tertile of fetuin A concentration had highest risk to have incident stroke (P < 0·001, log‐rank test). By Cox proportional‐hazards regression, patients with higher fetuin A levels experienced lower incidence of stroke, hazard ratio (HR) of 0·89 (95% CI, 0·84–0·96), while those with higher mean arterial blood pressure had an HR of 1·19 (95% CI, 1·07–1·34) and those with higher calcium phosphate product (CaxP) had an HR of 1·39 (95% CI, 1·1–1·73) for having strokes. For patients without previous history of diabetes and cerebrovascular disease, fetuin A deficiency also predicts the occurrence of incident stroke.ConclusionsFetuin A deficiency is associated with a higher risk of incident stroke among prevalent HD patients.
A meta‐analysis of steady undulatory swimming
Authors: van Weerden J Fransje , Reid Daniel A P , Hemelrijk Charlotte K 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe mechanics underlying undulatory swimming are of great general interest, both to biologists and to engineers. Over the years, more data of the kinematics of undulatory swimming have been reported. At present, an integrative analysis is needed to determine which general relations hold between kinematic variables. We here perform such an analysis by means of a meta‐analysis. Using data of 27 species, we examine the relationships between the swimming speed and several kinematic variables, namely frequency and amplitude of the tail beat, length and speed of the propulsive wave, length of the body, the Reynolds number, the Strouhal number and the slip ratio U/V (between the forward swimming speed U and the rearward speed V of the propulsive wave). We present results in absolute units (cm) and in units relative to the length of the organism (total length, TL). Our data show several kinematic relations: the strongest influence on swimming speed is the speed of the propulsive wave, and the other variables (amplitude and frequency of the tail beat, length of the propulsive wave and length of the body) influence it more weakly (but significantly). In several cases, results differ when variables are expressed in different units (absolute or relative to length). Our data reveal significant differences between kinematics of swimming of shallow‐bodied and deep‐bodied individuals, with shallow‐bodied ones swimming with a shorter propulsive wave length and a higher Strouhal number. The slip ratio U/V and the Strouhal number appear to depend on the Reynolds number in a non‐linear manner.
Larvae of cryptic species of Anopheles gambiae respond differently to cues of predation risk
Authors: Roux Olivier , Diabaté Abdoulaye , Simard Frédéric 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Predation is a major evolutionary force driving speciation. Identifying the stimuli prompting anti‐predator responses is essential for unravelling the proximate mechanisms of anti‐predator adaptations and for understanding how predation impacts species diversification.
Here, we explore for the first time the divergence in the use of cues of predation risk by different incipient species of mosquitoes within the Anopheles gambiae complex. We examined the anti‐predator responses to various predation cues by the aquatic larvae of Anopheles arabiensis and the two molecular forms, M and S, of Anopheles gambiae s.s. sampled from wild populations in Burkina Faso naturally exposed to different predator densities.
The larvae altered their behaviour in response to various predation cues, shifting from the surface of the water to a less exposed location on the walls of the experimental arena. There were important differences in the use of predation cues between populations sharing the same larval development sites and, within the M form, related to predation pressure at their site of origin. Anopheles arabiensis larvae, which develop in small temporary waterbodies, relied only on physical cues signalling the presence of a predator to mount a vigilance response, whereas the sympatric larvae of the M and S forms of An. gambiae used both physical and chemical cues to fine‐tune their response. M‐form larvae, developing in permanent aquatic habitats with high densities of predators, responded chiefly to chemical stimuli ensuing from acute predation.
Our results suggest that predation might play a role as a disruptive selective force promoting ecological divergence within the An. gambiae complex and, more recently, between the M and S molecular forms. Notably, beyond interspecific differences in the use of predation cues, our study also documented phenotypic differences within the M form based on predation pressure at their site of origin, suggesting that a process of ecological divergence is generating species ‘forerunners’ within the An. gambiae complex in the wild.
Diatom microfossils from cretaceous and eocene sediments contain native silica precipitating long‐chain polyamines
Authors: Bridoux M. C. , Ingalls A. E. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractOrganic molecules from known biological sources (biomarkers) that are preserved over geological time are critical tools in the study of past conditions and events on earth. Polar molecules are typically recycled rapidly in marine environments and do not survive burial within aquatic sediments in unambiguously recognizable form. As such, geological biomarkers are formed almost exclusively from precursor biomolecules that have been altered, limiting their utility as paleoproxies. Here, we report that nitrogen‐rich aliphatic long‐chain polyamines (LCPAs), biosynthesized by diatoms in species‐specific assemblages for the precipitation of nanopatterned siliceous cell walls (frustules), are preserved unaltered in the oldest available diatom fossils dating to the Lower Cretaceous (early Albian, 115–110 Ma). We further show that the cumulative LCPA pool accounts for 60% of the total C and 80% of the total N preserved in the Cretaceous age sediments. We suggest that silica glass formation by diatoms constitutes an important preservation mechanism for source‐specific, polar biomolecules, protecting them indefinitely by encapsulation within the silicified frustule. LCPAs are a unique, source‐specific carbon and nitrogen archive of diatom biomass, offering a promising tool for reconstruction of global cycles of carbon and nitrogen over geological timescales.