bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological variation of cardiac troponin T in patients with end-stage renal disease and in healthy individuals
Authors: Corte Zoraida , García Camino , Venta Rafael 
Published: July 2014

Background Serum cardiac troponin T concentrations are important predictors of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in end-stage renal disease. In patients with end-stage renal disease, assessment of serial results is essential to distinguish between a cardiovascular event and chronic elevation. We employed a high-sensitivity serum cardiac troponin T assay to evaluate the long-term biological variation in end-stage renal disease patients and in healthy individuals; these biological variation data were used to define the reference change value and the analytical goals. Methods Serum samples were collected from 18 end-stage renal disease patients in steady-state conditions, one per month for 6 months, and from 11 healthy volunteers at weekly intervals over 5 weeks. Biological variation data were derived using analysis of variance. Results Baseline serum cardiac troponin T concentrations in end-stage renal disease patients were above the 99th percentile of the healthy population and increased with duration of haemodialysis. For end-stage renal disease patients, within-subject (CVI) and between-subject (CVG) coefficients of variation were 14.7 and 77.8%, respectively, whereas these were 5.9 and 30.4%, respectively, for healthy individuals. The derived two-tailed and one-tailed reference change values were 44.1 and 37.1%, respectively, for end-stage renal disease patients, and 21.6 and 18.2% for healthy subjects. Conclusions For appropriate clinical management of end-stage renal disease patients in the context of a cardiovascular event, regular monitoring of serum cardiac troponin T concentrations could be important in order to allow future comparison through reference change value. Biological variation data in end-stage renal disease patients were significantly higher than for healthy individuals; therefore, the use of proper reference change value data is recommended. Moreover, the observed CVI values provide demanding imprecision goals for current technology.
Serum and synovial fluid chemokine ligand 2/monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 concentrations correlates with symptomatic severity in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Liang , Jiang Bao-En 
Published: July 2014

Objective Serum and synovial fluid (SF) chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2)/monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) concentrations have been identified to be increased in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. The scope of this study was to examine CCL2 concentrations in serum and SF of knee OA patients and to explore their association with patient-reported symptomatic severity. Method One hundred and sixty-one knee OA patients and 138 healthy controls were enrolled into the study from our hospital. We collected Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores from OA patients and measured CCL2 concentrations in serum and SF using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, and correlation between WOMAC scores and CCL2 concentrations were analysed. Results CCL2 concentrations in SF instead of serum were independently and positively associated with self-reported greater pain ( r = 0.460, P < 0.001) and physical disability ( r = 0.561, P < 0.001) in OA patients. Conclusion CCL2 in SF might serve as a novel and reliable biomarker for assessing symptomatic severity of OA.
Is there seasonal variation in symptom severity, uroflowmetry and frequency–volume chart parameters in men with lower urinary tract symptoms?
Authors: Cartwright Rufus , Mariappan Paramananthan , Turner Kevin J , Stewart Laurence H , Rajan Prabhakar 
Published: July 2014

Purpose There is a widely held perception that lower urinary tract symptoms may be exacerbated by cold weather. In this study, we examine the effect of seasonal variation in ambient temperatures on frequency–volume chart derivatives, symptom severity scores and uroflowmetry parameters in men with lower urinary tract symptom. Methods Between January 2000 and April 2004, men presenting with lower urinary tract symptom were prospectively recruited and assessed in Edinburgh, UK (55°52′N) with maritime temperate climates (Köppen classification Cfb). Local monthly temperatures were extracted from national meteorological records. Patients completed the International Prostate Symptom Score and 3-day frequency volume chart before undergoing free uroflowmetry with post-micturition volume measurement. Exclusion criteria were previous bladder outflow surgery and anti-cholinergic medication. Results Data on 296 patients were suitable for analysis. Mean age was 62.3 years (range, 26–90). Over the period of study, the coldest month was January (mean = 4.7℃) and the warmest month was August (mean = 15.8℃). There was no significant variation in either International Prostate Symptom Score symptom scores by season ( p > 0.05) or any frequency–volume chart parameters, with the exception on an increase in median actual nightly voids over the summer months ( p = 0.021). There was no significant correlation between maximal flow rate and post-micturition residual volumes and mean monthly temperatures ( p > 0.05). Conclusions Seasonal variation in nocturia, but not other frequency–volume parameters, symptom severity or uroflowmetry parameters, is significant in men with lower urinary tract symptom. Future work should consider the impact of seasonal variation in lower urinary tract symptoms in both sexes across a wider range of climates.
Tourism Satellite Accounts of India, 2009–10
Authors: Kolli Ramesh , Munjal Poonam , Sharma Amit 
Published: July 2014

Tourism is an increasingly popular global activity and contributes significantly to the GDP and employment of an economy. However, its contribution to an economy is difficult to quantify as it does not fall in the system of national accounts (SNA) due to the demand-driven nature of activity. Where core national accounts cannot provide the required information, SNA suggests the development of satellite accounts within the framework, concepts and definitions of SNA highlighting the particular aspect of the economy, which in this case is tourism. Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) is the most comprehensive way to measure the economic importance of tourism in national economies. This article presents a summary of the study on India’s second TSA for 2009–10. It reveals that tourism’s direct share in India’s GDP is around 3.7 per cent and in employment is 4.4 per cent. Taking the indirect effects into account, these shares escalate to 6.8 and 10.2 per cent, respectively. JEL Classification: L830, C670, D570
Differences in End-of-life Care Decision Making Between Patients With and Without Cancer
Authors: Park In Ki , Jun Hyun Jung , Park Sung Jae , Lim Ga Jin , Cho Sung-Ja , Song Aeran , Oh So Yeon 
Published: July 2014

Background: Most patients and families do not want invasive life-sustaining procedures when recovery is unlikely. We compared the clinical features of advance directives (ADs) of patients with and without cancer. Methods: The ADs were obtained from retrospectively reviewing electronic medical records of 699 consecutive patients who died from April 2011 to July 2012. Results: Patients with cancer were more likely to have written ADs: 265 (85.8%) patients with cancer and 277 (71.0%) noncancer patients ( P < .001). Significantly more noncancer patients were in the intensive care unit, indicating that they had received or were receiving invasive treatments. Noncancer patients requested life-sustaining treatment more frequently but symptom control less frequently than patients with cancer. Conclusion: Advance care planning in patients with incurable, noncancer disease is important to guarantee patient autonomy at the end of life.
Spontaneous Zone III rupture of the flexor tendons of the ulnar three digits in elderly Korean farmers
Authors: Lee G. J. , Kwak S. , Kim H. K. , Ha S. H. , Lee H. J. , Baek G. H. 
Published: July 2014

Spontaneous flexor tendon rupture is a rare condition and the aetiology is not clear. We report 12 elderly Korean farmers with spontaneous flexor tendon ruptures. We found the rupture in the dominant hand in ten patients. A rupture in the little finger was found in all 12 patients (seven with both flexor tendons ruptured and five with only the profundus ruptured), in the ring finger in four patients (the profundus ruptured in all and both flexor tendons in two patients), and in the middle finger a partial rupture of the profundus in one patient. The tendons were ruptured close to the hook of the hamate. Repetitive friction between the flexor tendons and the hamate hook may cause the ruptures. The hamate hook was excised and the ruptured profundus tendons were reconstructed with tendon transfers with quite favourable functional recovery at follow-up of 1 to 2 years. The ruptured superficialis tendons were not reconstructed. Level of Evidence IV
Development of a Real-Time Smartphone Solution for the Management of Women With or at High Risk of Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Mackillop Lucy , Loerup Lise , Bartlett Katy , Farmer Andrew , Gibson Oliver J. , Hirst Jane E. , Kenworthy Yvonne , Kevat Dev A. , Levy Jonathan C. , Tarassenko Lionel 
Published: July 2014

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as new onset or recognition of glucose intolerance in pregnancy. Evidence supports tight blood glucose regulation to prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Finger-prick blood glucose (BG) testing with frequent clinic review remains the most common method of managing diabetes in pregnancy. The prevalence of GDM is rising globally, pressuring resource-limited services. Objectives: We have developed an intuitive, interactive, reliable, and accurate management system to record BG measurements and deliver management of GDM remotely. Methods: Following an initial scoping phase, a prototype software application was developed using an Android smartphone with BG meter linkage via Bluetooth. A custom website was built for clinician review of the data transmitted by the smartphone. After system refinement, further evaluation was undertaken for usability and reliability in a 48-patient service development project. Results: Women used the system for an average of 13.1 weeks. In all, 19 686 BG measures were transmitted, 98.6% of which had a meal tag. A total of 466 text messages were transmitted. A mean of 30 BG readings per woman per week were transmitted, and 85% of women submitted the minimum requirement of 18 readings per week. Discussion: We have developed a novel, real-time, smartphone-based BG monitoring management system that allows clinician review of real-time patient-annotated BG results. Results indicate high usage and excellent compliance by women. Conclusion: Robust clinical, economic, and satisfaction evaluations are required. To address these requirements, we are currently conducting a randomized controlled pilot trial.
Examining the Relationship Between Pathologies of the Peroneal, Achilles, and Posterior Tibial Tendons
Authors: Galli Melissa M. , Protzman Nicole M. , Mandelker Eiran M. , Malhotra Amit D. , Wobst Garrett M. , Schwartz Edward , Brigido Stephen A. 
Published: July 2014

The hindfoot and ankle are dynamic structures to which the interplay of tendinous pathologies is scarcely understood. Five hundred consecutive ankle magnetic resonance imaging examinations, obtained between December 27, 2011 and April 9, 2013, were reviewed. Patients without a history of hindfoot or ankle trauma or lateral ankle pain were included. The 108 MRIs that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were then re-evaluated by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists. Of these, 55.56% demonstrated pathology of the Achilles tendon (AT), 44.44% demonstrated pathology of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT), 35.19% demonstrated pathology of the peroneus brevis (PB), and 37.96% demonstrated pathology of the peroneus longus (PL). In our asymptomatic patient population, 16 (14.81%) patients demonstrated concomitant pathology of the AT, PTT, and peroneal tendons. There were positive, moderate correlations between graded pathology of the AT and the PTT, rs(106) = 0.32, P = .001; the AT and PB, rs(106) = 0.38, P = 0.001; and the AT and PL, rs(106) = 0.46, P = .001. However, there were no statistically significant correlations between pathology of the PTT and PB, rs(106) = 0.17, P = .08, or the PTT and PL, rs(106) = 0.14, P = .15. These findings suggest an intimate relationship between the AT, PTT, and the peroneal tendons. These individual anatomic structures may have underappreciated functional relationships that could lead to future investigations. Level of Clinical Evidence: Level IV
PIM inhibitors target CD25-positive AML cells through concomitant suppression of STAT5 activation and degradation of MYC oncogene
Authors: Guo Zhuyan , Wang Anlai , Zhang Weidong , Levit Mikhail , Gao Qiang , Barberis Claude , Tabart Michel , Zhang Jingxin , Hoffmann Dietmar , Wiederschain Dmitri , Rocnik Jennifer , Sun Fangxian , Murtie Josh , Lengauer Christoph , Gross Stefan , Zhang Bailin , Cheng Hong , Patel Vinod , Schio Laurent , Adrian Francisco , Dorsch Marion , Garcia-Echeverria Carlos , Huang Shih-Min A. 
Published: July 2014

Key Points
CD25 is a predictive biomarker for sensitivity to PIM inhibitors in AML cells. PIM inhibitors may prolong overall/relapse-free survival through attenuating STAT5 activation and destabilizing MYC in CD25+ AML cells.
Autonomous growth and increased cytotoxicity of natural killer cells expressing membrane-bound interleukin-15
Authors: Imamura Masaru , Shook David , Kamiya Takahiro , Shimasaki Noriko , Chai Sally M. H. , Coustan-Smith Elaine , Imai Chihaya , Campana Dario 
Published: July 2014

Key PointsExpression of IL-15 in a membrane-bound form sustains NK cell survival and expansion in vitro and in vivo without exogenous cytokines. These NK cells have superior cytotoxicity against leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumor cells, supporting their clinical testing.
Genetic polymorphisms of vein wall remodeling in chronic venous disease: a narrative and systematic review
Authors: Bharath Vighnesh , Kahn Susan R. , Lazo-Langner Alejandro 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Chronic venous disease encompasses a spectrum of disorders caused by an abnormal venous system. They include chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, lipodermatosclerosis, postthrombotic syndrome, and venous ulceration. Some evidence suggests a genetic predisposition to chronic venous disease from gene polymorphisms associated mainly with vein wall remodeling. The literature exploring these polymorphisms has not been reviewed and compiled thus far. In this narrative and systematic review, we present the current evidence available on the role of polymorphisms in genes involved in vein wall remodeling and other pathways as contributors to chronic venous disease. We searched the EMBASE, Medline, and PubMed databases from inception to 2013 for basic science or clinical studies relating to genetic associations in chronic venous disease and obtained 38 relevant studies for this review. Important candidate genes/proteins include the matrix metalloproteinases (extracellular matrix degradation), vascular endothelial growth factors (angiogenesis and vessel wall integrity), FOXC2 (vascular development), hemochromatosis (involved in venous ulceration and iron absorption), and various types of collagen (contributors to vein wall strength). The data on associations between these genes/proteins and the postthrombotic syndrome are limited and additional studies are required. These associations might have future prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Randomized, phase 2 trial of low-dose cytarabine with or without volasertib in AML patients not suitable for induction therapy
Authors: Döhner Hartmut , Lübbert Michael , Fiedler Walter , Fouillard Loic , Haaland Alf , Brandwein Joseph M. , Lepretre Stephane , Reman Oumedaly , Turlure Pascal , Ottmann Oliver G. , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Krämer Alwin , Raffoux Emmanuel , Döhner Konstanze , Schlenk Richard F. , Voss Florian , Taube Tillmann , Fritsch Holger , Maertens Johan 
Published: July 2014

Key PointsVolasertib plus low-dose cytarabine increased the response rate and improved survival in AML patients ineligible for intensive treatment. Volasertib plus low-dose cytarabine resulted in responses across all AML genetic subgroups and had a clinically manageable safety profile.
Resolution of acute inflammation bridges the gap between innate and adaptive immunity
Authors: Newson Justine , Stables Melanie , Karra Efthimia , Arce-Vargas Frederick , Quezada Sergio , Motwani Madhur , Mack Matthias , Yona Simon , Audzevich Tatsiana , Gilroy Derek W. 
Published: July 2014

Key PointsResolving, but not hyperinflammatory stimuli create a microenvironment conducive for the optimal development of adaptive immunity. After onset and resolution, we introduce a third phase to acute inflammatory responses dominated by macrophages and lymphocytes.
Plasma metabonomics study on Chinese medicine syndrome evolution of heart failure rats caused by LAD ligation
Authors: Qiu Qi , Li Chun , Wang Yong , Xiao Cheng , Li Yu , Lin Yang , Wang Wei 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
Chinese medicine syndromes (Zheng) in many disease models are not clearly characterized or validated, and the concepts of Chinese medicine syndromes are confounding and controversial. Metabonomics has been applied to the evaluation and classification of the Chinese medicine syndromes both in clinical and nonclinical studies. In this study, we aim to investigate the evolution of the Chinese medicine syndrome in myocardial infarction induced heart failure and to confirm the feasibility of the Zheng classification by plasma metabonomics in a syndrome and disease combination animal model.

Methods
The heart failure (HF) model was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in Sprague–Dawley rats. The rats were divided into the following two groups: the HF model group (LAD ligation) and the sham operated group. GC-MS was used with pattern recognition technology and principal component analysis (PCA) to analyze the plasma samples at 4, 21 and 45 day after operation.

Results
It was determined that the period from 7 to 28 days was the stable time window of ischemic heart failure with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome (QDBS), and the qi deficiency syndrome occurred at 1 to 4 days and 45 to 60 days after operation. The results exhibited 5 plasma metabolite changes in the same trend at 4 and 21 day after the LAD operation, 7 at 21 and 45 day, and 2 at 4 and 45 day. No metabolite showed the same change at all of the 3 time points. At day 21 (the QDBS syndrome time point) after operation, 4 plasma metabolites showed the same trends with the results of our previous study on patients with the blood stasis syndrome.

Conclusions
The syndrome diagnosis is reliable in the HF rat model in this study. Plasma metabolites can provide a basis for the evaluation of Chinese medicine syndrome animal models.
Survival, healthcare resource use and costs among stage IV ER + breast cancer patients not receiving HER2 targeted therapy: a retrospective analysis of linked SEER-Medicare data
Authors: Lang Kathleen , Huang Huan , Sasane Medha , Federico Paly Victoria , Hao Yanni , Menzin Joseph 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
Few studies have evaluated survival, treatment, resource use, and costs among women with stage IV ER + breast cancer (BC) who did not receive HER2 targeted therapy.

Methods
Using linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) and Medicare data from 2006-2009, women aged 66+ years with an incident diagnosis of stage IV ER + BC (index date) in 2007 and no HER2 targeted therapy were identified. A comparison cohort without cancer was created from the SEER 5% Medicare sample and matched 1:1 to the study cohort based on age, sex, and race. All patients had continuous enrollment for a 12-month baseline period prior to index and were followed until the end of the study window, disenrollment, or death, whichever came first. Resource utilization and costs (by place of service, reported per patient per month, PPPM) were compared across cohorts. Treatment patterns including receipt of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, aromatase inhibitors (AI), and non-AI hormonal therapy were evaluated for study cohort patients with at least 2 months of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was also conducted.

Results
325 women with stage IV ER + BC without HER2 targeted therapy were identified and matched to 325 women without cancer. Mean age was 77 years for both cohorts, with average follow-up of 18 months for study patients and 26 months for comparison patients. Compared to the comparison cohort, study patients had significantly higher mortality (60.3% versus 31.1%, P < 0.001), shorter survival (survival at 36 months 28% vs. 62%) and higher resource utilization across all settings except for oral prescription drugs. Total PPPM healthcare costs were also significantly higher among study patients ($7,271 vs. $1,778, P < 0.001). Approximately 57% of study patients with 2+ months of follow-up received chemotherapy and over 62% received an AI during follow-up. Within 4 months of cancer diagnosis, surgery and radiation were received by 39% and 32% of study patients, respectively.

Conclusions
We found significant excess clinical and economic burden among women with stage IV ER + breast cancer who did not receive HER2 targeted therapy. Future studies with more precise and recent data are warranted to confirm and extend these results.
Magnetic field dependence of singlet oxygen generation by nanoporous silicon
Authors: Amonkosolpan Jamaree , Aliev Gazi N , Wolverson Daniel , Snow Paul A , Davies James John 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Energy transfer from photoexcited excitons localized in silicon nanoparticles to adsorbed oxygen molecules excites them to the reactive singlet spin state. This process has been studied experimentally as a function of nanoparticle size and applied external magnetic field as a test of the accepted understanding of this process in terms of the exchange coupling between the nano-Si exciton and the adsorbed O2 molecules.
Chemical composition, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Tunisian garlic (Allium sativum) essential oil and ethanol extract
Authors: Chekki Raja Zouari , Snoussi Ahmed , Hamrouni Imen , Bouzouita Nabiha 
Published: July 2014

Â The aim of the study is to establish some nutritional properties of garlic cultivated in Tunisia and to evaluate the antioxidant and the antimicrobial activites of its essential oil and ethanol extract. Tunisian garlic (Allium sativum) was characterized for moisture, ash and protein contents which were determined as 66%, 1.4% and 5.2% respectively. In addition, Fe (5.90 mg/kg), Cu (1.61 mg/kg), Mg (15 mg/kg) and P (140 mg/kg) were reported such as the major minerals in garlic. The fat profile of tunisian garlic was conducted, the main fatty acids identified were lauric acid (49.3%) and linoleic acid (20.4%). Essential oil obtained from A. sativum was analysed by capillary GCMS. Diallyl disulfide (49.1%) and diallyl trisulfide (30.38%) were the main components of the five identified components. The phenolic content of the ethanol extract are analysed for its phenolic profiles, colorimetric analysis revealed that the total phenols, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins contents were respectively 43.63 mg GA/g, 13.18 mg quercetin/g and 24.24 mg of catechin/g. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, essential oil presented the highest antioxidant activity compared to its ethanol extract. IC50 values observed for the essential oil and ethanol extract were 300 Î¼g/ml and 600 Î¼g/ml respectively. The essential oil and ethanol extract from raw garlic were tested for antimicrobial activity against seven microorganisms. The results showed that ethanol extract was active against all tested strains: Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica and Bacillus cereus.