bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of research questionnaires in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in England: impact on screening uptake
Authors: Watson Joanna , Shaw Keith , MacGregor Maria , Smith Steve , Halloran Stephen , Patnick Julietta , Beral Valerie , Green Jane ,   on behalf of the Bowel Screening Follow-up Study Investigators and Collaborators
Published: November 2013

Background The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in England offers biennial screening to those aged 60-74 using a faecal occult blood test (FOBt) sent by post. Data from this national clinical programme can also be used for research. Awareness of the impact of such studies on screening participation is important. Aims To investigate the effect on screening uptake of adding a research questionnaire to the postal screening invitation. Methods People invited for screening in 2008–10 in two areas of England were randomized to receive or not to receive an additional research study questionnaire, consent form and study information, either with their test kit or 2-3 days later. Uptake of screening was examined in relation to study mailings. Results Among 11,579 people invited for screening by the Midlands and North West Bowel Cancer Screening Hub, screening uptake was significantly lower in those who received study documents with their FOBt kit than in those who did not (48.6% vs 53.5% respectively: p < 0.001). The reduction in uptake was similar in men and women, and was greater in people living in more deprived areas. Among a further 36,195 people invited for screening by the Midlands and North West and Southern Hubs, sending study documents by separate mailing 2–3 days after the FOBt kit did not affect screening uptake (uptake with and without additional study mailing: Midlands and North West, 56.7% and 56.2% respectively, p = 0.6; Southern, 52.0% and 51.4% respectively, p = 0.5). Conclusions Researchers planning studies that include contact with potential participants within the NHS Bowel Cancer and similar screening programmes should be aware of the potential impact on uptake.
Predictors of dyspnoea prevalence: results from the BOLD study
Authors: Grønseth Rune , Vollmer William M. , Hardie Jon A. , Ólafsdóttir Inga Sif , Lamprecht Bernd , Buist A. Sonia , Gnatiuc Louisa , Gulsvik Amund , Johannessen Ane , Enright Paul 
Published: November 2013

Dyspnoea is a cardinal symptom for cardiorespiratory diseases. No study has assessed worldwide variation in dyspnoea prevalence or predictors of dyspnoea.We used cross-sectional data from population-based samples in 15 countries of the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study to estimate prevalence of dyspnoea in the full sample, as well as in ana prioridefined low-risk group (few risk factors or dyspnoea-associated diseases). Dyspnoea was defined by the modified Medical Research Council questions. We used ordered logistic regression analysis to study the association of dyspnoea with site, sex, age, education, smoking habits, low/high body mass index, self-reported disease and spirometry results.Of the 9484 participants, 27% reported any dyspnoea. In the low-risk subsample (n=4329), 16% reported some dyspnoea. In multivariate analyses, all covariates were correlated to dyspnoea, but only 13% of dyspnoea variation was explained. Females reported more dyspnoea than males (odds ratio ∼2.1). When forced vital capacity fell below 60% of predicted, dyspnoea was much more likely.There was considerable geographical variation in dyspnoea, even when we adjusted for known risk factors and spirometry results. We were only able to explain 13% of dyspnoea variation.
The distribution of COPD in UK general practice using the new GOLD classification
Authors: Haughney John , Gruffydd-Jones Kevin , Roberts June , Lee Amanda J , Hardwell Alison , McGarvey Lorcan 
Published: November 2013

The new Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2011 document recommends a combined assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on current symptoms and future risk.A large database of primary-care COPD patients across the UK was used to determine COPD distribution and characteristics according to the new GOLD classification. 80 general practices provided patients with a Read code diagnosis of COPD. Electronic and hand searches of patient medical records were undertaken, optimising data capture.Data for 9219 COPD patients were collected. For the 6283 patients with both forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and modified Medical Research Council scores (mean±sdage 69.2±10.6 years, body mass index 27.3±6.2 kg·m−2), GOLD 2011 group distributions were: A (low risk and fewer symptoms) 36.1%, B (low risk and more symptoms) 19.1%, C (high risk and fewer symptoms) 19.6% and D (high risk and more symptoms) 25.3%. This is in contrast with GOLD 2007 stage classification: I (mild) 17.1%, II (moderate) 52.2%, III (severe) 25.5% and IV (very severe) 5.2%. 20% of patients with FEV1≥50% predicted had more than two exacerbations in the previous 12 months. 70% of patients with FEV1<50% pred had fewer than two exacerbations in the previous 12 months.This database, representative of UK primary-care COPD patients, identified greater proportions of patients in the mildest and most severe categories upon comparing 2011versus2007 GOLD classifications. Discordance between airflow limitation severity and exacerbation risk was observed.
Processed meat consumption and lung function: modification by antioxidants and smoking
Authors: Okubo Hitomi , Shaheen Seif O. , Ntani Georgia , Jameson Karen A. , Syddall Holly E. , Aihie Sayer Avan , Dennison Elaine M. , Cooper Cyrus , Robinson Sian M. ,   the Hertfordshire Cohort Study Group
Published: November 2013

Unhealthy dietary patterns are associated with poor lung function. It is not known whether this is due to low consumption of antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables, or is a consequence of higher intakes of harmful dietary constituents, such as processed meat.We examined the individual and combined associations of processed meat, fruit and vegetable consumption and dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with lung function among 1551 males and 1391 females in the UK in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study. Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.After controlling for confounders, processed meat consumption was negatively associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC ratio in males and females, while fruit and vegetable consumption and dietary TAC were positively associated with FEV1and FVC, but not FEV1/FVC ratio. In males, the negative association between processed meat consumption and FEV1was more marked in those who had low fruit and vegetable consumption (p=0.035 for interaction), and low dietary TAC (p=0.025 for interaction). The deficit in FEV1/FVC associated with processed meat consumption was larger in males who smoked (p=0.022 for interaction).Higher processed meat consumption is associated with poorer lung function, especially in males who have lower fruit and vegetable consumption or dietary TAC, and among current smokers.
Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis associated with air pollution exposure
Authors: Johannson Kerri A. , Vittinghoff Eric , Lee Kiyoung , Balmes John R. , Ji Wonjun , Kaplan Gilaad G. , Kim Dong Soon , Collard Harold R. 
Published: November 2013

Acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are associated with high mortality and are of unknown cause. The effect of air pollution on exacerbations of interstitial lung disease is unknown. This study aims to define the association of air pollution exposure with acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and corresponding air pollution data were identified from a longitudinal cohort. Air pollution exposures were assigned to each patient for ozone, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide based on geo-coded residential addresses. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association of air pollution exposures and acute exacerbations.Acute exacerbation was significantly associated with antecedent 6-week increases in mean level, maximum level and number of exceedances above accepted standards of ozone (hazard ratio (HR) 1.57, 95% CI 1.09–2.24; HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.11–1.82; and HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.17–1.94, respectively) and nitrogen dioxide (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.04–1.91; HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.01–1.59; and HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10–1.31, respectively).Increased ozone and nitrogen dioxide exposure over the preceding 6 weeks was associated with an increased risk of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, suggesting that air pollution may contribute to the development of this clinically meaningful event.
Pharmacological inhibition of GSK-3 in a guinea pig model of LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation: II. Effects on skeletal muscle atrophy
Authors: Verhees Koen JP , Pansters Nicholas AM , Baarsma Hoeke A , Remels Alexander HV , Haegens Astrid , de Theije Chiel C , Schols Annemie MWJ , Gosens Reinoud , Langen Ramon CJ 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is accompanied by pulmonary inflammation and associated with extra-pulmonary manifestations, including skeletal muscle atrophy. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) has been implicated in the regulation of muscle protein- and myonuclear turnover; two crucial processes that determine muscle mass. In the present study we investigated the effect of the selective GSK-3 inhibitor SB216763 on muscle mass in a guinea pig model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary inflammation-associated muscle atrophy.

Methods
Guinea pigs were pretreated with either intranasally instilled SB216763 or corresponding vehicle prior to each LPS/saline challenge twice weekly. Pulmonary inflammation was confirmed and indices of muscle mass were determined after 12 weeks. Additionally, cultured skeletal muscle cells were incubated with tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) or glucocorticoids (GCs) to model the systemic effects of pulmonary inflammation on myogenesis, in the presence or absence of GSK-3 inhibitors.

Results
Repeated LPS instillation induced muscle atrophy based on muscle weight and muscle fiber cross sectional area. Intriguingly, GSK-3 inhibition using SB216763 prevented the LPS-induced muscle mass decreases and myofiber atrophy. Indices of protein turnover signaling were unaltered in guinea pig muscle. Interestingly, inhibition of myogenesis of cultured muscle cells by TNF-α or synthetic GCs was prevented by GSK-3 inhibitors.

Conclusions
In a guinea pig model of LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation, GSK-3 inhibition prevents skeletal muscle atrophy without affecting pulmonary inflammation. Resistance to inflammation- or GC-induced impairment of myogenic differentiation, imposed by GSK-3 inhibition, suggests that sustained myogenesis may contribute to muscle mass maintenance despite persistent pulmonary inflammation. Collectively, these results warrant further exploration of GSK-3 as a potential novel drug target to prevent or reverse muscle wasting in COPD.
How does gender influence the recognition of cardiovascular risk and adherence to self-care recommendations?: a study in polish primary care
Authors: Szymczyk Ireneusz , Wojtyna Ewa , Lukas Witold , Kępa Joanna , Pawlikowska Teresa 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Studies have shown a correlation between gender and an ability to change lifestyle to reduce the risk of disease. However, the results of these studies are ambiguous, especially where a healthy lifestyle is concerned. Additionally, health behaviors are strongly modified by culture and the environment. Psychological factors also substantially affect engagement with disease-related lifestyle interventions. This study aimed to examine whether there are differences between men and women in the frequency of health care behavior for the purpose of reducing cardiovascular risk (CVR), as well as cognitive appraisal of this type of risk. We also aimed to identify the psychological predictors of engaging in recommended behavior for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease after providing information about this risk in men and women.

Methods
A total of 134 consecutive eligible patients in a family practice entered a longitudinal study. At initial consultation, the individual’s CVR and associated health burden was examined, and preventive measures were recommended by the physician. Self-care behavior, cognitive appraisal of risk, and coping styles were then assessed using psychological questionnaires. Six months after the initial data collection, the frequency of subjects’ self-care behavior was examined.

Results
We found an increase in health care behavior after providing information regarding the rate of CVR in both sexes; this increase was greater for women than for men. Women followed self-care guidelines more often than men, particularly for preventive measures and dietary advice. Women were more inclined to recognize their CVR as a challenge. Coping style, cognitive appraisal, age, level of health behaviors at baseline and CVR values accounted for 48% of the variance in adherence to self-care guidelines in women and it was 52% in men. In women, total risk of CVD values were most important, while in men, cognitive appraisal of harm/loss was most important.

Conclusions
Different predictors of acquisition of health behavior are encountered in men and women. Our results suggest that gender-adjusted motivation models influencing the recognition process need to be considered to optimize compliance in patients with CVR.
FGF-23 associated with the progression of coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Ozkok Abdullah , Kekik Cigdem , Karahan Gonca Emel , Sakaci Tamer , Ozel Alper , Unsal Abdulkadir , Yildiz Alaattin 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Disordered mineral metabolism is implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is the main regulator of phosphate metabolism. In this prospective study, we aimed to investigate the association of serum FGF-23 with progression of coronary artery calcification in HD patients.

Methods
Seventy-four HD patients (36 male/38 female, mean age: 52 ± 14 years) were included. Serum FGF-23 levels were measured by ELISA. Coronary artery calcification score (CACS) was measured twice with one year interval. Patients were grouped as progressive (PG) (36 patients-48%) and non-progressive (NPG).

Results
Age, serum phosphorus, baseline and first year CACS were found to be significantly higher in the PG compared to NPG group. Serum FGF-23 levels were significantly higher in PG [155 (80–468) vs 147 (82–234), p = 0.04]. Patients were divided into two groups according to baseline CACS (low group, CACS ≤ 30; high group, CACS > 30). Serum FGF-23 levels were significantly correlated with the progression of CACS (ΔCACS) in the low baseline CACS group (r = 0.51, p = 0.006), but this association was not found in high baseline CACS group (r = 0.11, p = 0.44). In logistic regression analysis for predicting the PG patients; serum FGF-23, phosphorus levels and baseline CACS were retained as significant factors in the model.

Conclusions
Serum FGF-23 was found to be related to progression of CACS independent of serum phosphorus levels. FGF-23 may play a major role in the progression of vascular calcification especially at the early stages of calcification process in HD patients.
Branch retinal artery occlusion following radiation therapy to the head and neck: a case report
Authors: Jiang Helen , Stem Maxwell S , Finkelstein Jerome I 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have established that radiation to the head and neck leads to atherosclerosis and stenosis of the carotid artery and subsequent increased stroke risk, but the ophthalmic sequella following cervical irradiation is less well-defined.

Case presentation
We present a single case of branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) in a 55 year-old Caucasian male seen at the University of Michigan in 2008 following unilateral head and neck radiation.

Conclusion
This case demonstrates that patients receiving radiation to the head and neck may be at increased risk for developing a BRAO secondary to atherosclerotic changes of vessels adjacent to the radiation target. Given this risk, it may be reasonable to obtain carotid artery imaging in patients with a history of cervical radiation who present with sudden or transient visual field defects, even in the absence of other conventional risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Antidepressant-like activity of turmerone in behavioral despair tests in mice
Authors: Liao Jung-Chun , Tsai Jen-Chieh , Liu Chia-Yu , Huang Hui-Chi , Wu Lung-Yuan , Peng Wen-Huang 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-depressive activity of turmerone after one-week administration by using a mouse forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST).

Methods
Animals were divided into four groups (n = 10 /group): control (0.9% saline), the three doses of turmerone (1.25, 2.5, 5.0 mg/kg) for one-week treatment. To assess the effect of turmerone on locomotor activity, mice were evaluated in the open-field paradigm. Forced swimming test (FST) and Tail suspension test (TST) were used to take as a measure of antidepressant activity. The probable mechanisms of action of the anti-depressive effect of turmerone was also investigated by measuring the activity of monoamine oxidase-A and corticosterone levels in the blood and the levels of monoamines in the cortex, striatum, hippocampus and hypothalamus of the mice.

Results
Turmerone (2.5, 5.0 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the immobility time of mice in both the FST and TST, but it did not significantly affect the ambulatory and total movements of mice. However, hyperactivity might explain the results. In addition, turmerone decreased the corticosterone level in the blood while it increased the levels of 5-HT in cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, the level of NE in striatum and hippocampus, the levels of MHPG and DOPAC in hypothalamus, the level of 5-HIAA in striatum, and the level of DA in striatum, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. Turmerone (2.5, 5.0 mg/kg) decreased the activity of MAO-A in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of mouse brain.

Conclusions
After one-week administration, turmerone produced antidepressant-like effects. The mechanisms of action of anti-depressive effect of turmerone seemed to involve an increase of the monoamines level decreasing the MAO-A activity and the stress of mice.
Distinct roles of NK cells in viral immunity during different phases of acute Friend retrovirus infection
Authors: Littwitz Elisabeth , Francois Sandra , Dittmer Ulf , Gibbert Kathrin 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn many virus infections natural killer (NK) cells are critical for the rapid containment of virus replication. Polymorphisms in NK cell receptors as well as viral escape from NK cell responses are associated with pathogenesis and viral loads in HIV-infected individuals, emphasizing their importance in retroviral immunity. In contrast, NK cells of LCMV-infected mice dampened virus-specific T cell responses resulting in impaired virus control. Thus, the exact role of NK cells during different phases of viral infections remains elusive. In this study we characterized the NK cell response at different time points of an acute retroviral infection by using the Friend retrovirus (FV) mouse model.FindingsDepletion of NK1.1+cells during the initial phase of FV infection (3 to 4 days post infection) resulted in increased viral loads, which correlated with enhanced target cell killing and elevated NK cell effector functions. At days 7 to 15 post infection, NK and NKT cells did not contribute to anti-retroviral immunity. In the transition phase between acute and chronic infection (30 days post infection), NK and NKT cells exhibited an inhibitory role and their depletion resulted in reduced viral loads and significantly improved FV-specific CD8+T cell responses.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate an opposed activity of NK cells during retroviral infection. They were protective in the initial phase of infection, when adaptive T cell responses were not yet detectable, but were dispensable for viral immunity after T cell expansion. At later time points they exhibited regulatory functions in inhibiting virus-specific CD8+T cell responses.
Nonstructural protein P7-2 encoded by Rice black-streaked dwarf virus interacts with SKP1, a core subunit of SCF ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Wang Qian , Tao Tao , Han Yanhong , Chen Xiangru , Fan Zaifeng , Li Dawei , Yu Jialin , Han Chenggui 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background

Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV), a member of the genus Fijivirus within the family Reoviridae, causes severe damage to cereal crops in South East Asia. The protein P7-2, encoded by the second open reading frame of segment S7, is conserved among most plant-infecting fijiviruses, but its function is still obscure.

Results
In this study, P7-2 was used as bait in two-hybrid screens of a cDNA library expressing Zea mays proteins. It was found that there is a strong interaction between P7-2 and Z. mays SKP1 (SKP1Maize), a core subunit of the multicomponent SCF (SKP1/Cullin1/F-box/Rbx1) E3 ubiquitin ligase. The interaction was then confirmed in leaf epidermal cells of Nicotiana benthamiana by bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay. Further investigations indicated that P7-2 also interacts with SKP1 proteins from other plants, including Arabidopsis thaliana, N. benthamiana,Oryza sativa and Saccharum sinense. The C-terminal fragment of SKP1Maize (residues 97–176) and the middle fragment of P7-2 (residues 79–214) are necessary to sustain the interaction, while the C-terminal putative α-helix domain spanning residues 214–295 of P7-2 greatly facilitates the interaction. Agrobacterium-mediated transient suppression assay showed that P7-2 has no obvious activity to suppress local RNA silencing.

Conclusions
Taken together, our results indicated that RBSDV P7-2 can interact with SKP1 proteins from different plants. This is the first report linking a Fijivirus protein to a component of the ubiquitin proteasome system. P7-2 might be a potential F-box protein encoded by RBSDV and involved in the plant-virus interaction through ubiquitination pathway.
Horizontal acquisition and a broad biodistribution typify simian foamy virus infection in a cohort of Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Hood Simon , Mitchell Jane L , Sethi Meera , Almond Neil M , Cutler Keith L , Rose Nicola J 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Foamy viruses are non-pathogenic in vivo and naturally infect all species of non-human primates (NHP). Simian foamy viruses (SFV) are highly prevalent in both free ranging and captive NHP but few longitudinal studies have been performed to assess the prevalence and biodistribution of SFV within captive NHP.

Method
LTR and pol gene along with Gag antibody detection were undertaken to identify infection in a cohort of over 80 captive macaques.

Results
The prevalence of SFV was between 64% and 94% in different groups. Access to 23 dam-infant pairs allowed us to reveal horizontal transfer as the dominant route of SFV transmission in our cohort. Further, analysis of SFV from a range of tissues and blood revealed that macaques as young as six months old can be infected and that proviral biodistribution increases with age.

Conclusions
These are the first data of this type for a captive cohort of cynomolgus macaques.