bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AGT M235T variant is not associated with risk of cancer
Authors: Lin Jianjun , Chen Jiayu , Liu Chibo 
Published: July 2013

Objective The angiotensinogen ( AGT) gene has been considered to be implicated in the development of cancer. However, the results have been inconsistent. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to clarify the association of AGT M235T variant with cancer risk. Methods Published literature from PubMed and Embase were retrieved. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a fixed- or random-effects model. Results A total of seven articles including eight studies (3639 cancer cases and 6684 controls) for AGT M235T variant were included. The present meta-analysis showed that AGT M235T variant was marginally associated with cancer risk under dominant model (OR=1.12, 95% CI=1.02–1.24). However, the positive association was not stable after sensitivity analysis. Further subgroup analysis by cancer type did not suggest any association of AGT M235T variant with various cancers (all p>0.05). Conclusion The present meta-analysis demonstrated that AGT M235T variant was not associated with risk of all cancer or various cancers. Further well-designed studies with large sample size should be conducted to confirm or refute the non-significant association.
Complications to Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage and Predictors of Spinal Cord Ischemia in Patients With Aortic Disease Undergoing Advanced Endovascular Therapy
Authors: Mehmedagic Irma , Resch Timothy , Acosta Stefan 
Published: July 2013

Objective: To study the complications after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage and predictors of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) after advanced endovascular therapy with CSF drainage for complex aortic disease. Methods: Between 2009 and 2012, 88 attempts of CSF drainage insertions/84 operations/83 patients, of the 658 operations for aortoiliac diseases, were performed. Results: Indications for therapy were aortic dissection (n = 13) and aortic aneurysm (n = 70), of whom 38 had thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). In all, 10 had ruptured aorta. The CSF drainages were inserted preoperatively (n = 75) and postoperatively (n = 9). In all, 14 CSF drainages were nonfunctioning. The SCI was present in 29 patients, transient/permanent in 12/17. Intraoperative circulatory instability ( P = .001) and operation for TAAA, type II ( P = .036), were associated with SCI. Meningitis (n = 1), epidural (n = 1), and subdural (n = 2) hematoma and needle-mediated paresis in 1 leg (n = 1) occurred after CSF drainage. Conclusions: Complication to CSF drainage occurred too frequently in this selected group of patients with high rate of SCI.
Surface CD107a/LAMP-1 protects natural killer cells from degranulation-associated damage
Authors: Cohnen André , Chiang Samuel C. , Stojanovic Ana , Schmidt Hendrik , Claus Maren , Saftig Paul , Janßen Ottmar , Cerwenka Adelheid , Bryceson Yenan T. , Watzl Carsten 
Published: July 2013

Key PointsCD107a protects cytotoxic lymphocytes from damage during degranulation. Interference with CD107a expression can cause the death of cytotoxic lymphocytes during degranulation.
RARα2 expression confers myeloma stem cell features
Authors: Yang Ye , Shi Jumei , Tolomelli Giulia , Xu Hongwei , Xia Jiliang , Wang He , Zhou Wen , Zhou Yi , Das Satyabrata , Gu Zhimin , Levasseur Dana , Zhan Fenghuang , Tricot Guido 
Published: July 2013

Key Points
RARα2 activates Wnt and hedgehog pathways in maintaining myeloma stem cell features and drug resistance.
Significance of minimal residual disease before myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for AML in first and second complete remission
Authors: Walter Roland B. , Buckley Sarah A. , Pagel John M. , Wood Brent L. , Storer Barry E. , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Fang Min , Gyurkocza Boglarka , Delaney Colleen , Radich Jerald P. , Estey Elihu H. , Appelbaum Frederick R. 
Published: July 2013

Key Points
The negative impact of pre-HCT flow cytometrically determined MRD is similar for AML in CR1 and CR2. Even minute levels of MRD (≤0.1%) are associated with adverse outcome.
Metabolic syndrome and incidence of asthma in adults: the HUNT study
Authors: Brumpton Ben Michael , Camargo Carlos Arturo , Romundstad Pål Richard , Langhammer Arnulf , Chen Yue , Mai Xiao-Mei 
Published: July 2013

Obesity is a risk factor for incident asthma in adults, and obesity is a major component of metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to explore the associations of metabolic syndrome and its components with the cumulative incidence of asthma in adults.We conducted a prospective cohort study of participants who were asthma-free at baseline (n = 23 191) in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study from 1995 to 2008. Baseline metabolic syndrome was categorised using the definition of the Joint Interim Statement from several international organisations. Incident asthma was self-reported at follow-up, which averaged 11 years.Metabolic syndrome was a risk factor for incident asthma (adjusted OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.31–1.87). This association was consistent in sensitivity analyses using a stricter asthma definition (adjusted OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.13–1.79). Among the components of metabolic syndrome, two remained associated with incident asthma after mutual adjustment for the other metabolic components: high waist circumference (adjusted OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.36–1.94) and elevated glucose or diabetes (adjusted OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.01–2.04).Metabolic syndrome and two of its components (high waist circumference and elevated glucose or diabetes) were associated with an increased risk of incident asthma in adults.
Risk factors for respiratory failure in pneumococcal pneumonia: the importance of pneumococcal serotypes
Authors: Burgos Joaquín , Luján Manel , Larrosa Maria Nieves , Fontanals Dionísia , Bermudo Guadalupe , Planes Ana Maria , Puig Mireia , Rello Jordi , Falcó Vicenç , Pahissa Albert 
Published: July 2013

Pneumococcal serotypes are one of the main determinants of pneumococcal disease severity; however, data about their implication in respiratory failure are scarce.We conducted an observational study of adults hospitalised with invasive pneumococcal pneumonia to describe the host- and pathogen-related factors associated with respiratory failure.Of 1258 adults with invasive pneumococcal disease, 615 (48.9%) had respiratory failure at presentation. Patients with respiratory failure were older (62.1 yearsversus55.4 years, p<0.001) and had a greater proportion of comorbid conditions. They also had a greater proportion of septic shock (41.7%versus6.1%, p<0.001), required admission to the intensive care unit more often (38.4%versus4.2%, p<0.001) and had a higher mortality (25.5%versus3.5%, p<0.001). After adjustment, independent risk factors for respiratory failure were: age >50 years (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.15–2.3), chronic lung disease (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.1–2.15), chronic heart disease (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.01–2.22) and infection caused by serotypes 3 (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.23–3.16), 19A (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.14–4.42) and 19F (OR 3.55, 95% CI 1.22–10.28).In conclusion, respiratory failure is a frequent complication of pneumococcal pneumonia and causes high morbidity and mortality. Pneumococcal serotypes 3, 19A and 19F are the main risk factors for this complication.
It’s the adherence, stupid (that determines asthma control in preschool children)!
Authors: Klok Ted , Kaptein Adrian A. , Duiverman Eric J. , Brand Paul L. 
Published: July 2013

Although guideline-based asthma care and adherence to inhaled corticosteroids are predictors of asthma control, the role of adherence in maintaining long-term asthma control is largely unknown. This study was designed to explore the relationship between adherence to inhaled corticosteroids and long-term asthma control in young children with asthma.In this observational study, 81 2–6-year-old asthmatic children, using inhaled corticosteroids, closely followed-up in a programme with extensive self-management training, were enrolled. Adherence was measured daily for 12 months using Smartinhaler (Nexus6 Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand) devices. Long-term asthma control was assessed by parents and physicians and included clinical assessment, an asthma control questionnaire and lung function measurement. We examined the association of adherence to asthma control, adjusting for seasonal influences and clinical characteristics.Median (interquartile range) adherence was 87% (70–94%), and 64 (79%) children had well-controlled asthma throughout follow-up. Adherence >80% was associated with better asthma control, and we found no important confounders of this association. Children with persistent mild symptoms had lower adherence rates (p=0.028).Guideline-based asthma care was associated with good asthma control in most children. Adherence to inhaled corticosteroids was an independent strong predictor of long-term asthma control, with highest levels of asthma control found in children with adherence >80% of doses prescribed.
Volumetric computed tomography screening for lung cancer: three rounds of the NELSON trial
Authors: Horeweg Nanda , van der Aalst Carlijn M. , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn , Zhao Yingru , Xie Xueqian , Scholten Ernst Th. , Mali Willem , Thunnissen Erik , Weenink Carla , Groen Harry J.M. , Lammers Jan-Willem J. , Nackaerts Kristiaan , van Rosmalen Joost , Oudkerk Matthijs , de Koning Harry J. 
Published: July 2013

Several medical associations recommended lung cancer screening by low-dose computed tomography scanning for high-risk groups. Counselling of the candidates on the potential harms and benefits and their lung cancer risk is a prerequisite for screening.In the NELSON trial, screenings are considered positive for (part) solid lung nodules with a volume >500 mm3and for (part) solid or nonsolid nodules with a volume-doubling time <400 days. For this study, the performance of the NELSON strategy in three screening rounds was evaluated and risk calculations were made for a follow-up period of 5.5 years.458 (6%) of the 7582 participants screened had a positive screen result and 200 (2.6%) were diagnosed with lung cancer. The positive screenings had a predictive value of 40.6% and only 1.2% of all scan results were false-positive. In a period of 5.5 years, the risk of screen-detected lung cancer strongly depends on the result of the first scan: 1.0% after a negative baseline result, 5.7% after an indeterminate baseline and 48.3% after a positive baseline.The screening strategy yielded few positive and false-positive scans with a reasonable positive predictive value. The 5.5-year lung cancer risk calculations aid clinicians in counselling candidates for lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography.
Oxidative stress disruption of receptor-mediated calcium signaling mechanisms
Authors: Tang Tso-Hao , Chang Chiung-Tan , Wang Hsiu-Jen , Erickson Joshua D , Reichard Rhett A , Martin Alexis G , Shannon Erica K , Martin Adam L , Huang Yue-Wern , Aronstam Robert S 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Oxidative stress increases the cytosolic content of calcium in the cytoplasm through a combination of effects on calcium pumps, exchangers, channels and binding proteins. In this study, oxidative stress was produced by exposure to tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP); cell viability was assessed using a dye reduction assay; receptor binding was characterized using [3H]N-methylscopolamine ([3H]MS); and cytosolic and luminal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i and [Ca2+]L, respectively) were measured by fluorescent imaging.

Results
Activation of M3 muscarinic receptors induced a biphasic increase in [Ca2+]i: an initial, inositol trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated release of Ca2+ from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores followed by a sustained phase of Ca2+ entry (i.e., store-operated calcium entry; SOCE). Under non-cytotoxic conditions, tBHP increased resting [Ca2+]i; a 90 minute exposure to tBHP (0.5-10 mM ) increased [Ca2+]i from 26 to up to 127 nM and decreased [Ca2+]L by 55%. The initial response to 10 μM carbamylcholine was depressed by tBHP in the absence, but not the presence, of extracellular calcium. SOCE, however, was depressed in both the presence and absence of extracellular calcium. Acute exposure to tBHP did not block calcium influx through open SOCE channels. Activation of SOCE following thapsigargin-induced depletion of ER calcium was depressed by tBHP exposure. In calcium-free media, tBHP depressed both SOCE and the extent of thapsigargin-induced release of Ca2+ from the ER. M3 receptor binding parameters (ligand affinity, guanine nucleotide sensitivity, allosteric modulation) were not affected by exposure to tBHP.

Conclusions
Oxidative stress induced by tBHP affected several aspects of M3 receptor signaling pathway in CHO cells, including resting [Ca2+]i, [Ca2+]L, IP3 receptor mediated release of calcium from the ER, and calcium entry through the SOCE. tBHP had little effect on M3 receptor binding or G protein coupling. Thus, oxidative stress affects multiple aspects of calcium homeostasis and calcium dependent signaling.
Isoform-specific effects of ApoE on neurite outgrowth in Olfactory Epithelium culture
Authors: Hussain Aseem , Luong Minh , Pooley Apryl , Nathan Britto P 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) genotype is a major risk factor for developing late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Inheritance of apoE4 is also associated with impairments in olfactory function in early stages of AD. In this project we examined the effects of the three common isoforms of human apoE (apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4) on neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth in explant cultures of mouse olfactory epithelium (OE).

Results
The OE cultures derived from apoE-deficient/knockout (KO) mice have significantly fewer neurons with shorter neurite outgrowth than cultures from wild-type (WT) mice. Treatment of the apoE KO culture with either purified human apoE2 or with human apoE3 significantly increased neurite outgrowth. In contrast, treatment with apoE4 did not have an effect on neurite outgrowth. The differential effects of human apoE isoforms on neurite outgrowth were abolished by blocking the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) with lactoferrin and receptor-associated protein (RAP).

Conclusion
ApoE2 and apoE3 stimulate neurite outgrowth in OE cultures by interacting with the lipoprotein receptor, LRP. ApoE4, the isoform associated with AD, failed to promote neurite outgrowth, suggesting a potential mechanism whereby apoE4 may lead to olfactory dysfunction in AD patients.
An ancient process in a modern mollusc: early development of the shell in Lymnaea stagnalis
Authors: Hohagen Jennifer , Jackson Daniel J 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Background
The morphological variety displayed by the molluscan shell underlies much of the evolutionary success of this phylum. However, the broad diversity of shell forms, sizes, ornamentations and functions contrasts with a deep conservation of early cell movements associated with the initiation of shell construction. This process begins during early embryogenesis with a thickening of an ectodermal, ‘dorsal’ (opposite the blastopore) population of cells, which then invaginates into the blastocoel to form the shell gland. The shell gland evaginates to form the shell field, which then expands and further differentiates to eventually become the adult shell-secreting organ commonly known as the mantle. Despite the deep conservation of the early shell forming developmental program across molluscan classes, little is known about the fine-scale cellular or molecular processes that underlie molluscan shell development.

Results
Using modern imaging techniques we provide here a description of the morphogenesis of a gastropod shell gland and shell field using the pulmonate gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis as a model. We find supporting evidence for a hypothesis of molluscan shell gland specification proposed over 60 years ago, and present histochemical assays that can be used to identify a variety of larval shell stages and distinct cell populations in whole mounts.

Conclusions
By providing a detailed spatial and temporal map of cell movements and differentiation events during early shell development in L. stagnalis we have established a platform for future work aimed at elucidation of the molecular mechanisms and regulatory networks that underlie the evo-devo of the molluscan shell.
Exploring signatures of positive selection in pigmentation candidate genes in populations of East Asian ancestry
Authors: Hider Jessica L , Gittelman Rachel M , Shah Tapan , Edwards Melissa , Rosenbloom Arnold , Akey Joshua M , Parra Esteban J 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Currently, there is very limited knowledge about the genes involved in normal pigmentation variation in East Asian populations. We carried out a genome-wide scan of signatures of positive selection using the 1000 Genomes Phase I dataset, in order to identify pigmentation genes showing putative signatures of selective sweeps in East Asia. We applied a broad range of methods to detect signatures of selection including: 1) Tests designed to identify deviations of the Site Frequency Spectrum (SFS) from neutral expectations (Tajima’s D, Fay and Wu’s H and Fu and Li’s D* and F*), 2) Tests focused on the identification of high-frequency haplotypes with extended linkage disequilibrium (iHS and Rsb) and 3) Tests based on genetic differentiation between populations (LSBL). Based on the results obtained from a genome wide analysis of 25 kb windows, we constructed an empirical distribution for each statistic across all windows, and identified pigmentation genes that are outliers in the distribution.

Results
Our tests identified twenty genes that are relevant for pigmentation biology. Of these, eight genes (ATRN, EDAR, KLHL7, MITF, OCA2, TH, TMEM33 and TRPM1,) were extreme outliers (top 0.1% of the empirical distribution) for at least one statistic, and twelve genes (ADAM17, BNC2, CTSD, DCT, EGFR, LYST, MC1R, MLPH, OPRM1, PDIA6, PMEL (SILV) and TYRP1) were in the top 1% of the empirical distribution for at least one statistic. Additionally, eight of these genes (BNC2, EGFR, LYST, MC1R, OCA2, OPRM1, PMEL (SILV) and TYRP1) have been associated with pigmentary traits in association studies.

Conclusions
We identified a number of putative pigmentation genes showing extremely unusual patterns of genetic variation in East Asia. Most of these genes are outliers for different tests and/or different populations, and have already been described in previous scans for positive selection, providing strong support to the hypothesis that recent selective sweeps left a signature in these regions. However, it will be necessary to carry out association and functional studies to demonstrate the implication of these genes in normal pigmentation variation.
Determinants of sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mohammadi Khadijeh , Rahnama Parvin , Mohseni Sakineh Moayed , Sahraian Mohammad Ali , Montazeri Ali 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The aim of present study was to determine disease-related and psychological risk factors for sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods
This was a clinical-based study conducted from September 2009 to June 2010 in Tehran, Iran. A consecutive sample of female patients with MS was recruited from an outpatient clinic. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to evaluate sexual function. In addition neurological impairment was measured using the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed in order to examine the association between sexual dysfunction and independent variables.

Results
In all, 226 women participated in the study. Of these, 125 women (55.3%) met the criteria for sexual dysfunction. The mean age of participants was 35.7 years (SD = 8.07). The results obtained from multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the disease duration (OR for the disease duration of equal or greater than 9 years = 3.13, %95 CI = 1.29-7.57, P = 0.01), the disease course (OR for secondary progressive MS = 3.96, %95 CI = 1.55-10.10, P = 0.004) and the BDI score (OR = 1.11, %95 CI = 1.07-1.16, P < 0.001) were significant factors contributing to sexual dysfunction in these patients.

Conclusions
The findings from this study indicated that the duration and severity of the disease in addition to depression were the most significant factors that contributed to sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis. The burden of disease and sexual dysfunction suggests the need for further attention to this patient population.
A qualitative study exploring factors associated with mothers’ decisions to formula-feed their infants in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Authors: Bonia Kimberly , Twells Laurie , Halfyard Beth , Ludlow Valerie , Newhook Leigh Anne , Murphy-Goodridge Janet 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits. In 2010, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador had the lowest breastfeeding initiation rate (64.0%) in Canada. Formula feeding is associated with well-known health risks. Exclusive formula feeding is the “cultural norm” in some regions of the province. Women appear resistant to changing their infant feeding behaviors and remain committed to their decision to formula-feed. The primary aim of this qualitative study was to examine individual factors that shaped mothers’ decisions to formula-feed their infants. Nineteen mothers who were currently formula feeding their children participated in the study.

Methods
Qualitative research in the form of focus groups was conducted in three communities in the province in 2010. A thematic content analysis identified the main themes that influenced mothers’ decisions to formula-feed their infants.

Results
The main themes included issues concerning the support needed to breastfeed, the convenience associated with formula feeding, and the embarrassment surrounding breastfeeding in public.

Conclusions
These findings help to better understand why mothers choose formula feeding over breastfeeding and may help to inform the development of public health interventions targeted at this population of mothers.
Oseltamivir use and outcomes during the 2009 influenza A H1N1 pandemic in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Chia-Hung , Wang Jiun-Ling , Su Chia-Ping , Chuang Jen-Hsiang , Chang Chia-Hsuin , Lai Mei-Shu 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The Taiwan CDC provided free oseltamivir to all patients with influenza infections confirmed by rapid testing or who had clinical warning symptoms during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic in Taiwan. However, oseltamivir utilization patterns, cost, and outcomes among oseltamivir-treated patients remained unclear.

Method
A population-level, observational cohort study was conducted using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database from January to December 2009 to describe the use of oseltamivir.

Result
Prescription trend over weeks increased after a change in government policy and responded to the influenza virus activity. The overall prescription rate was 22.33 per 1000 persons, with the highest prescription rate of 116.5 for those aged 7–12 years, followed by 69.0 for those aged 13–18 years, while the lowest rate was 1.7 for those aged ≥ 65 years. As influenza virus activity increased, the number of prescriptions for those aged ≤18 years rose significantly, whereas no substantial change was observed for those aged ≥65 years. There were also regional variations in terms of oseltamivir utilization and influenza complication rates.

Conclusions
Oseltamivir was widely used in the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic in Taiwan, particularly in those aged 7–18 years. The number of prescriptions for oseltamivir increased with a change in government policy and with increasing cases of pandemic influenza. Further study is needed to examine whether there is an over- or under-use of anti-influenza drugs in different age groups or regions and to examine the current policy of public use of anti-influenza drugs to reduce influenza-associated morbidity and mortality.