bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Family with sequence similarity 3 gene family and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Yang Jichun , Guan Youfei 
Published: July 2013

AbstractgraphicNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises a disease spectrum ranging from simple steatosis (fatty liver) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis to fibrosis and cirrhosis. NAFLD has become the leading cause of chronic liver diseases as well as liver‐related morbidity and mortality worldwide. NAFLD is also associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, hyperlipidemia, and type2 diabetes. Insulin resistance in adipose tissues and the liver plays crucial roles in the progression of NAFLD. The family with sequence similarity 3 (FAM3) gene family is a cytokine‐like gene family with four members designated FAM3A, FAM3B, FAM3C, and FAM3D, respectively. Increasing evidence suggests that the FAM3 gene family members are involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. In particular, FAM3B, also called pancreatic‐derived factor, is an important regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism. In obesity status, increased expression and secretion of FAM3B in pancreatic islets and liver may induce lipid accumulation in the liver via the induction of hepatic insulin resistance and lipogenesis. FAM3A and FAM3D may also participate in the regulation of lipid and energy metabolism. In this brief review, we discussed the latest findings regarding the role of FAM3 gene family members, in particular FAM3B, in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.
Epidemiology of alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in China
Authors: Fan Jian‐Gao 
Published: July 2013

AbstractgraphicThe prevalence of patients presenting with fatty liver disease (FLD) in China has approximately doubled over the past two decades. At present, FLD, which is typically diagnosed by imaging, is highly prevalent (∼27% urban population) in China and is mainly related to obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the percentage of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) among patients with chronic liver diseases in clinic is increasing as well, and a synergetic effect exists between heavy alcohol drinking and obesity in ALD. Prevalence figures reveal regional variations, with a median prevalence of ALD and nonalcoholic FLD (NAFLD) of 4.5% and 15.0%, respectively. The prevalence of NAFLD in children is 2.1%, although the prevalence increases to 68.2% among obese children. With the increasing pandemic of obesity and MetS in the general population, China is likely to harbor an increasing reservoir of patients with FLD. The risk factors for FLD resemble to those of Caucasian counterparts, but the ethnic‐specific definitions of obesity and MetS are more useful in assessment of Chinese people. Therefore, FLD/NAFLD has become a most common chronic liver disease in China. Public health interventions are needed to halt the worldwide trend of obesity and alcohol abuse to ameliorate liver injury and to improve metabolic health.
Tumor microenviroment and hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis
Authors: Wang Hongyang , Chen Lei 
Published: July 2013

AbstractgraphicThe cross talk between tumor cells and the surrounding peritumoral stroma has been extensively studied as a dynamic system involving the processes of hepatocarcinogenesis, tumor invasion, and metastasis in recent few decades. Besides hepatocytes, liver tumor microenvironments are generally classified into cellular and noncellular components, including hepatic stellate cells, fibroblasts, immune, endothelial, mesenchymal stem cells, together with growth factors, cytokines, extracellular matrix, hormone as well as viruses et al. The noncellular components manipulate hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and metastasis by facilitating epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, increasing proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases, and regulating antitumor immunity, etc. Because the main cause of death in hepatocellular carcinoma patients is tumor progression with metastasis, a better understanding of the interplay between hepatocytes and their environment during tumor metastasis may be helpful for the discovery of novel molecular targets.
Relationship between xerostomia and salivary flow rates in HIV‐infected individuals
Authors: Nittayananta Wipawee , Chanowanna Nilnara , Pruphetkaew Nannapat , Nauntofte Birgitte 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between self‐reported xerostomia and salivary flow rates among HIV‐infected individuals.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed on 173 individuals (81 HIV‐infected individuals, mean age: 32 years, and 92 non‐HIV controls, mean age: 30 years). Subjective complaints of dry mouth, based on a self‐report of xerostomia questions, and dry mouth, based on a visual analogue scale (VAS), were recorded along with measurements of salivary flow rate of both unstimulated and wax‐stimulated whole saliva. The relationship between subjective responses to the xerostomia questions, the VAS of dry mouth, and objective measurements of salivary flow rates were analyzed.ResultsResponses to the questions—Do you carry water or a saliva substitute? and Have you had taste disturbance?—were significantly different between HIV‐infected and non‐HIV individuals (P < 0.05). Individuals' responses to questions concerning dry mouth were significantly correlated with a low unstimulated salivary flow rate. A significant correlation between the VAS of dry mouth and salivary flow rates was observed (P = 0.023).ConclusionsResponses to self‐reported xerostomia questions reflects low unstimulated salivary flow rates. Thus, questions concerning dry mouth might be useful tools to identify HIV‐infected individuals with hyposalivation, especially at a resting stage.
Mussel‐mimetic, bioadhesive polymers from plant‐derived materials
Authors: Hiraishi Noriko , Kaneko Daisaku , Taira Shu , Wang Siqian , Otsuki Masayuki , Tagami Junji 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimMussel‐mimetic, bioadhesive polymers are synthesized from plant‐derived sources. The strong adhesive action is caused by interactions between the catechol groups at the end of the polymer terminal chains and the substrate surface. Here, we present a preliminary study of the adhesion properties and a discussion of the adhesion mechanism.MethodsTwo bioadhesive polymers were synthesized from natural plant‐derived monomers by the transesterification of: (a) caffeic acid (3,4‐dihydroxycinnamic acid; DHCA) and p‐coumaric acid (4‐hydroxycinnamic acid; 4HCA) to produce poly(DHCA‐co‐4HCA); and (b) 4‐dihydroxyhydrocinnamic acid (DHHCA) and 3‐(3‐hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid (3HPPA) to produce poly(DHHCA‐co‐3HPPA). Thermoplastic poly(DHCA‐co‐4HCA) or poly(DHHCA‐co‐3HPPA) was placed between glass, carbon, steel, or bovine dentin substrates, and a lap shear adhesion test was conducted to compare them using conventional cyanoacrylate glue and epoxy resin.ResultsThe greatest adhesion for all tested substrates was exhibited by poly(DHHCA‐co‐3HPPA), followed by epoxy resin adhesive, poly(DHCA‐co‐4HCA), and cyanoacrylate adhesive. The adhesive strength of poly(DHHCA‐co‐3HPPA) was greater than 25.6 MPa for glass, 29.6 MPa for carbon, 15.7 MPa for steel, and 16.3 MPA for bovine dentin.ConclusionThe adhesion of poly(DHHCA‐co‐3HPPA) might be the strongest reported for a mussel‐mimic adhesive system, and could be a feasible alternative to petroleum adhesives.
Are people who still have their natural teeth willing to pay for mandibular two‐implant overdentures?
Authors: Srivastava Akanksha , Feine Jocelyne S. , Esfandiari Shahrokh 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimOral health in Canada and most developed and developing countries is funded by private payers, whose acceptance of treatment depends on their valuation of it. This study aims to determine how dentate individuals in Quebec, Canada, would value the benefits of mandibular two‐implant overdentures based on their willingness to pay (WTP) for the treatment, either directly or with insurance/government coverage.MethodsA total of 39 individuals (23–54 years) completed a Web‐based WTP survey that consisted of three cost scenarios: (a) out‐of‐pocket payment; (b) private dental insurance coverage; and (c) public funding through additional taxes. Variations in WTP amounts were measured using regression models.ResultsAmong respondents who were dentate or missing some teeth, average WTP out of pocket for implant overdentures was CAD$5419 for a 90% success rate. They were willing to pay an average CAD$169 as one‐time payment for private dental insurance, with a one in five chance of becoming edentate. WTP amounts increased substantially with the probability of success of implant overdenture therapy. The results of regression analyses were consistent with theoretical predictions for education level and income (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe results of this study, within its limitations, suggest that dentate individuals would be willing to pay a significant amount to receive mandibular two‐implant overdentures if and when they become edentate.
Outcomes of Latina Women in CenteringPregnancy Group Prenatal Care Compared With Individual Prenatal Care
Authors: Trudnak Tara E. , Arboleda Elizabeth , Kirby Russell S. , Perrin Karin 
Published: July 2013

IntroductionCenteringPregnancy is a client‐centered model of group prenatal care that brings women together into small groups to receive care through assessment, education, and support. As Spanish‐speaking CenteringPregnancy groups become more common, outcomes of Latinas who attend these groups must be assessed. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to compare pregnancy outcomes of Latina women who completed CenteringPregnancy in a public health clinic with women who completed individual care in the same clinic during the same time.MethodsMedical charts were reviewed retrospectively to examine differences in pregnancy outcomes and maternal factors in both prenatal care groups. Latina Spanish‐speaking women who completed CenteringPregnancy were matched with Latina Spanish‐speaking women who completed individual care within the same time frame. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine maternal and birth outcomes.ResultsA total of 487 patient charts were obtained for data collection (CenteringPregnancy n = 247, individual n = 240). No differences in low‐birth‐weight or preterm births were observed between the groups. Compared with women in individual care, women in CenteringPregnancy had higher odds of giving birth vaginally (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23‐5.36), attending prenatal care visits (aOR, 11.03; 95% CI, 4.53‐26.83), attending postpartum care visits (aOR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.20‐4.05), and feeding their infants formula only (aOR, 6.07; 95% CI, 2.57‐14.3). Women in CenteringPregnancy also had lower odds of gaining below the recommended amount of gestational weight (aOR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22‐0.78).DiscussionWomen in CenteringPregnancy had higher health care utilization, but there were no differences in preterm birth or low birth weight. Randomized studies are needed to eliminate selection bias.
Effects of CenteringPregnancy Group Prenatal Care on Breastfeeding Outcomes
Authors: Tanner‐Smith Emily E. , Steinka‐Fry Katarzyna T. , Lipsey Mark W. 
Published: July 2013

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of CenteringPregnancy group prenatal care on breastfeeding outcomes, relative to traditional prenatal care delivered in an individual format.MethodsA quasi‐experimental research design was conducted with 794 women receiving prenatal care delivered in a group or individual format at 4 sites in Tennessee. Propensity scores were used to create groups of women statistically matched on background demographics and medical history. Outcomes included breastfeeding at discharge and breastfeeding at postpartum follow‐up.ResultsCompared with the matched comparison group of women receiving prenatal care in an individual format, women in CenteringPregnancy group prenatal care had significantly higher odds of any breastfeeding at discharge (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32‐3.26; P < .001). Across the 4 sites, there were no consistent differences in the odds of any breastfeeding at follow‐up or exclusive breastfeeding at discharge or postpartum follow‐up.DiscussionCenteringPregnancy group prenatal care may have beneficial effects on initial rates of breastfeeding relative to individually delivered care. However, there is not sufficient evidence to conclude that CenteringPregnancy group prenatal care has robust effects on exclusive breastfeeding at discharge or postpartum follow‐up.
Successful outcome in a rare case of pregnancy with familial hypercholesterolemia and dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Singh Neeta , Goyal Manu , Kumar Sunesh , Roy Kallol Kumar 
Published: July 2013

AbstractFamilial hypercholesterolemia is a rare disorder characterized by high cholesterol levels and early cardiovascular disease. Early detection and treatment with statins and other hypolipidemic agents are effective in heterozygous patients. Low‐density lipoprotein apheresis and liver transplantation are treatment options in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. We report a case of a 27‐year‐old pregnant woman with familial hypercholesterolemia who presented with breathlessness and swelling in the joints. She had been taking statins previously, which were stopped and she had been put on low‐lipid and low‐residue diet to reduce the risk of acute coronary event and sudden intrauterine death. She was found to have dilated cardiomyopathy with 25% ejection fraction. At 36 weeks of gestation, we carried out cesarean section in view of poor biophysical profile. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a very rare disorder with only a few cases reported in the published work during pregnancy. Statins are contraindicated during pregnancy and diet modification remains the mainstay of therapy.
Rupture of renal artery aneurysm during the early post‐partum period
Authors: Nakamura Ryo , Koyama Shinsuke , Maeda Munehiro , Kobayashi Masaki , Tanaka Yusuke , Kubota Satoshi , Isobe Masanori , Shiki Yasuhiko 
Published: July 2013

AbstractRupture of renal artery aneurysm associated with pregnancy is an uncommon condition. It is known that almost all previously reported cases have occurred during pregnancy. We experienced a case of rupture of renal artery aneurysm during the early post‐partum period which was diagnosed by computed tomography and treated by angiographic embolization. To our knowledge, only two cases of rupture of renal artery aneurysm during the post‐partum period have been reported in the English‐language published work. An early diagnosis of rupture of renal artery aneurysm during the post‐partum period is very challenging because the clinical symptoms of this condition are acute abdominal, flank or back pain, which are relatively common signs caused by more common post‐partum complications. However, rupture of renal artery aneurysm is a life‐threatening emergency condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. The possibility of a rupture of renal artery aneurysm should be considered in any pregnant women with symptoms of an acute abdomen with hemorrhagic shock.
Time spatial labeling inversion pulse magnetic resonance angiography in pregnancy with adenomyosis
Authors: Yorifuji Takashi , Makino Shintaro , Yamamoto Yuka , Sugimura Motoi , Kuwatsuru Ryohei , Takeda Satoru 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTime spatial labeling inversion pulse (Time‐SLIP) is a non‐contrast magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) technique. No cases in which this technique was used during pregnancy have been reported. We report herein two cases with adenomyosis of the same size and location that underwent Time‐SLIP MRA during pregnancy. In case 1, the blood flow within the adenomyosis was poor, and the uterine blood flow toward the placenta was normal, resulting in no fetal growth restriction (FGR). In case 2, the blood flow within the adenomyosis was quite rich, and placental blood flow seemed decreased, resulting in severe FGR. As well as the Doppler ultrasonography, Time‐SLIP MRA was useful for evaluating uterine blood flow during pregnancy. This is the first report of the use of Time‐SLIP MRA during pregnancy.
Effect of extracorporeal magnetic energy stimulation on bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life in female patients with stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder
Authors: Lo Tsia‐Shu , Tseng Ling‐Hong , Lin Yi‐Hao , Liang Ching‐Chung , Lu Ching‐Yi , Pue Leng Boi 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of extracorporeal magnetic stimulation (EMS) for the treatment of bothersome and severe symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) in female patients.Material and MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on patients with SUI and OAB who were referred to EMS therapy. Successful treatment for the bothersome symptoms of OAB and SUI was defined as score ≤1 for questions 2 and 3 on the Urodynamic Distress Inventory‐6. The objective cure of SUI and OAB was defined as no urinary leakage during the cough stress test and any urgency, urge incontinence and voiding frequency of less than eight times per 24 h based on the 3‐day bladder diary, after the 9 weeks of treatment, respectively.ResultsNinety‐three patients with SUI or OAB underwent a 9‐week course of EMS at 20 min twice weekly. Seventy‐two (77%) patients completed EMS treatment. Geographical factor and poor economic status were two main factors for dropout. A total of 94.1% (32 of 34) and 86.8% (33 of 38) of subjects had successful treatment for the bothersome symptoms of OAB and SUI, respectively. In contrast, the cure rate for OAB and SUI was only 61.7% and 42.1%, respectively. There was also a significant improvement in both Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (bothersome on lower urinary tract symptoms) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form (quality of life) total score in both groups after EMS.ConclusionsEMS is a safe and effective alternative method for treating SUI and OAB. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long‐term efficacy.
Acute Ischemic Complications of PCI and CABG: Who Should Cover Whom for Coronary Revascularization?
Authors: COCKBURN JAMES , BLOWS LUCY , COHEN ANDREW , HOLMBERG STEVE , HYDE JONATHAN , LEWIS MICHAEL , TRIVEDI UDAY , HILDICK‐SMITH DAVID , DE BELDER ADAM 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIntroductionPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has historically required cardiothoracic backup in the event of ischemic complications. However, many complications occurring during PCI can now be effectively treated at the time of the indexed procedure. Equally, ischemic complications, which occur following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), which were previously treated medically or with reoperation, may now also be effectively treated by acute PCI.Aims and MethodsTo identify the rate, cause, treatment, and outcomes of ischemic complications from PCI or isolated CABG procedures undertaken from January 2004 to January 2011 where there was immediate crossover from PCI to CABG or vice versa, and to determine from the indexed revascularization procedure, whether or not the ischemic complications were rectified by either CABG with respect to PCI or PCI with respect to CABG.ResultsThree hundred fifty‐six PCI major ischemic complications were identified. Three hundred forty‐seven (97.5%) were rectified percutaneously and 9 (2.5%) required emergency CABG. The commonest reason for emergency CABG was occlusive dissection (n = 7). Of the 9 patients that underwent emergency CABG, 3 patients (33.3%) died. Forty CABG major ischemic complications were identified. Twenty‐seven (67.5%) were treated medically. Thirteen (32.5%) underwent diagnostic angiography. The etiology of the ischemia was found in all cases. Consequently, 2 underwent reoperation, one was treated medically, and 10 underwent acute PCI.ConclusionAcute coronary ischemia remains a small but significant complication of both PCI and CABG. Resolution of ischemia requires prompt diagnosis and early discussion between cardiothoracic surgeon and cardiac interventionalist to determine the safest and therefore most appropriate way to resolve the problem.
Serum albumin levels and 10‐year tooth loss in a 70‐year‐old population
Authors: Yoshihara A. , Iwasaki M. , Ogawa H. , Miyazaki H. 
Published: July 2013

SummarySerum albumin levels are a practical marker of general health status in the elderly and have been used to determine the severity of underlying diseases and the risk for death. This longitudinal study evaluated the relationship between serum albumin concentrations and tooth loss over 10 years in elderly subjects, after controlling for confounding factors. A sample of 554 dentate subjects among enrolled subjects (n = 600) was involved in this planned longitudinal study with follow‐up examinations after 5 and 10 years. At the 5‐year follow‐up, 373 (67·3%), subjects were available for re‐examination. In addition, 331 (59·7%) were available at the 10‐year follow‐up. Multiple Poisson regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the number of missing teeth over 5 or 10 years and serum albumin levels at baseline after adjusting for 10 variables: gender, serum markers levels at baseline, dental status, smoking habits and educational years and oral health behaviour. The number of missing teeth over 5 or 10 years was significantly negatively associated with serum albumin levels at baseline [incidence rate ratios (IRR) = 0·373, P < 0·0001 for 5 years; IRR = 0·570, P < 0·0001 for 10 years]. We conclude that elderly subjects with hypoalbuminemia are at high risk for 5‐ and 10‐year tooth loss.
Financing Higher Education in a Mobile World
Authors: DEMANGE GABRIELLE , FENGE ROBERT , UEBELMESSER SILKE 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis paper analyzes how integrated labor markets affect the financing of higher education. For this, we employ a general‐equilibrium model with overlapping generations and individuals who differ in their abilities. At the first stage, governments can choose the quality of education and the financing system. At the second stage, individuals make their education and migration decisions given the governmental framework for higher education and the mobility assumptions. In a closed economy and in the presence of imperfect credit markets, a mix of tax‐ and fee‐financing is optimal. In integrated labor markets, countries have an incentive to attract skilled workers and to free‐ride on education provided by other countries. When only skilled workers are mobile, there is a suboptimal shift from taxes to fees and the number of students is too low. When also students can migrate, there is a countervailing force such that maintaining the optimal financial mix becomes possible.