bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Evaluation of the Sinonasal Outcome Test‐16 and Activity Impairment Assessment in Acute Bacterial Sinusitis
Authors: Quadri Nuz , Lloyd Andrew , Keating Karen N. , Nafees Beenish , Piccirillo Jay , Wild Diane 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo validate the Sinonasal Outcome Test‐16 and Activity Impairment Assessment in patients with acute bacterial sinusitis.Study DesignData were used from a phase III clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin 400 mg once daily for 5 consecutive days in the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis. The psychometric properties and factor structure of the 2 measures were assessed.SettingParticipants were given the measures to self‐complete using either a telephone voice response system or a paper‐and‐pencil format.Subjects and MethodsThree hundred seventy‐four patients with acute bacterial sinusitis were used in the analysis. Patients received either a placebo or 400 mg moxifloxacin once daily. Patients were then reviewed at test of cure and follow‐up. All analyses were conducted on a combined sample of placebo and active treatment patients.ResultsThe Sinonasal Outcome Test‐16 was associated with minimal missing data at baseline but a higher proportion by test of cure. There was no evidence of floor or ceiling effects and no significant skew. The Activity Impairment Assessment also had low missing data at baseline and no obvious floor or ceiling effects, but the data were not normally distributed. Both measures had good internal consistency. Convergent and divergent validity as well as sensitivity and the minimally important difference are also reported.ConclusionThe measures both have good psychometric properties and are suitable for use with patients with acute bacterial sinusitis. Both instruments are sensitive. The minimal important difference estimates for the Sinonasal Outcome Test‐16 are quite high but are similar to estimates reported previously.
Intensity of factor VIII treatment and inhibitor development in children with severe hemophilia A: the RODIN study
Authors: Gouw Samantha C. , van den Berg H. Marijke , Fischer Kathelijn , Auerswald Günter , Carcao Manuel , Chalmers Elizabeth , Chambost Hervé , Kurnik Karin , Liesner Ri , Petrini Pia , Platokouki Helen , Altisent Carmen , Oldenburg Johannes , Nolan Beatrice , Garrido Rosario Pérez , Mancuso M. Elisa , Rafowicz Anne , Williams Mike , Clausen Niels , Middelburg Rutger A. , Ljung Rolf , van der Bom Johanna G. 
Published: April 2013

Key Points
High-dose intensive factor VIII treatment increases the risk for inhibitor development in patients with severe hemophilia A. In patients with severe hemophilia A, factor VIII prophylaxis decreases inhibitor risk, especially in patients with low-risk F8 mutations.
Impact of GC content on gene expression pattern in chicken
Authors: Rao You Sheng , Chai Xue Wen , Wang Zhang Feng , Nie Qing Hua , Zhang Xi Quan 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
GC content varies greatly between different genomic regions in many eukaryotes. In order to determine whether this organization named isochore organization influences gene expression patterns, the relationship between GC content and gene expression has been investigated in man and mouse. However, to date, this question is still a matter for debate. Among the avian species, chicken (Gallus gallus) is the best studied representative with a complete genome sequence. The distinctive features and organization of its sequence make it a good model to explore important issues in genome structure and evolution.

Methods
Only nuclear genes with complete information on protein-coding sequence with no evidence of multiple-splicing forms were included in this study. Chicken protein coding sequences, complete mRNA sequences (or full length cDNA sequences), and 5′ untranslated region sequences (5′ UTR) were downloaded from Ensembl and chicken expression data originated from a previous work. Three indices i.e. expression level, expression breadth and maximum expression level were used to measure the expression pattern of a given gene. CpG islands were identified using hgTables of the UCSC Genome Browser. Correlation analysis between variables was performed by SAS Proprietary Software Release 8.1.

Results
In chicken, the GC content of 5′ UTR is significantly and positively correlated with expression level, expression breadth, and maximum expression level, whereas that of coding sequences and introns and at the third coding position are negatively correlated with expression level and expression breadth, and not correlated with maximum expression level. These significant trends are independent of recombination rate, chromosome size and gene density. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that GC content in genes could explain approximately 10% of the variation in gene expression.

Conclusions
GC content is significantly associated with gene expression pattern and could be one of the important regulation factors in the chicken genome.
Prevalence and correlates of depression among chronic kidney disease patients in Taiwan
Authors: Chiang Hsin-Hung , Livneh Hanoch , Yen Mei-Ling , Li Tsai-Chung , Tsai Tzung-Yi 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disease that causes a permanent impairment of renal function and premature mortality. The associated prognosis may result in serious psychological distress to the affected individual. However, there are limited data on the psychological correlates, and in particular depression, in Chinese CKD patients. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of depression, as well as the influence of other psychosocial factors on depression, among Taiwanese CKD patients.

Methods
We used a cross-sectional research design to recruit 270 CKD patients who were not undergoing dialysis treatment at a hospital in southern Taiwan during 2011. The structured questionnaire used in this study gathered information on respondent demographic and disease characteristics, and information obtained from the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire. Factors associated with depression were examined by a multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results
The crude and age-standardized prevalence of depression were 22.6% and 20.6%, respectively. Those who had sleep disturbances, reported having no religious beliefs, followed no regular exercise regimen, and were diagnosed with stage III or above CKD demonstrated a significantly higher risk of depression.

Conclusion
Our findings are beneficial to healthcare providers, as they identify both the prevalence of depression and several of its correlates. By identifying CKD patients with a higher risk of depression, healthcare providers may be better able to ensure the provision of appropriate rehabilitation to this population.
Type of arteriovenous vascular access and association with patency and mortality
Authors: Ocak Gürbey , Rotmans Joris I , Vossen Carla Y , Rosendaal Frits R , Krediet Raymond T , Boeschoten Elisabeth W , Dekker Friedo W , Verduijn Marion 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
There are only a few risk factors known for primary patency loss in patients with an arteriovenous graft or fistula. Furthermore, a limited number of studies have investigated the association between arteriovenous access modality and primary patency loss and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for patency loss and to investigate the association between graft versus fistula use and outcomes (patency loss and mortality).

Methods
We prospectively followed 919 incident hemodialysis patients and calculated hazard ratios (HRs) for putative risk factors of primary patency loss using Cox regression. Furthermore, HRs were calculated to study the association between graft versus fistula use and two-year primary patency loss and two-year mortality.

Results
Cardiovascular disease, prior catheter use, lowest tertile of albumin, highest tertile of hsCRP, and lowest tertile of fetuin-A were associated with primary patency loss in both patients with grafts and fistulas. Increased age, female sex, and diabetes mellitus were only associated with primary patency loss in patients with a fistula. We did not observe an association between primary patency loss and BMI, residual GFR, levels of calcium, phosphorus, and total cholesterol. Furthermore, graft use as compared with fistula use was associated with an 1.4-fold (95% CI 1.0-1.9) increased risk of primary patency loss and with an 1.5-fold(95% CI 1.0-2.2) increased mortality risk.

Conclusion
Cardiovascular disease, prior catheter use, albumin, hsCRP, and fetuin-A are risk factors for patency loss. Graft use as compared with fistula use was associated with an increased risk of patency loss and mortality.
Radiation mitigating properties of the lignan component in flaxseed
Authors: Pietrofesa Ralph , Turowski Jason , Tyagi Sonia , Dukes Floyd , Arguiri Evguenia , Busch Theresa M , Gallagher-Colombo Shannon M , Solomides Charalambos C , Cengel Keith A , Christofidou-Solomidou Melpo 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Wholegrain flaxseed (FS), and its lignan component (FLC) consisting mainly of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), have potent lung radioprotective properties while not abrogating the efficacy of radiotherapy. However, while the whole grain was recently shown to also have potent mitigating properties in a thoracic radiation pneumonopathy model, the bioactive component in the grain responsible for the mitigation of lung damage was never identified. Lungs may be exposed to radiation therapeutically for thoracic malignancies or incidentally following detonation of a radiological dispersion device. This could potentially lead to pulmonary inflammation, oxidative tissue injury, and fibrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the radiation mitigating effects of FLC in a mouse model of radiation pneumonopathy.

Methods
We evaluated FLC-supplemented diets containing SDG lignan levels comparable to those in 10% and 20% whole grain diets. 10% or 20% FLC diets as compared to an isocaloric control diet (0% FLC) were given to mice (C57/BL6) (n=15-30 mice/group) at 24, 48, or 72-hours after single-dose (13.5 Gy) thoracic x-ray treatment (XRT). Mice were evaluated 4 months post-XRT for blood oxygenation, lung inflammation, fibrosis, cytokine and oxidative damage levels, and survival.

Results
FLC significantly mitigated radiation-related animal death. Specifically, mice fed 0% FLC demonstrated 36.7% survival 4 months post-XRT compared to 60–73.3% survival in mice fed 10%-20% FLC initiated 24–72 hours post-XRT. FLC also mitigated radiation-induced lung fibrosis whereby 10% FLC initiated 24-hours post-XRT significantly decreased fibrosis as compared to mice fed control diet while the corresponding TGF-beta1 levels detected immunohistochemically were also decreased. Additionally, 10-20% FLC initiated at any time point post radiation exposure, mitigated radiation-induced lung injury evidenced by decreased bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) protein and inflammatory cytokine/chemokine release at 16 weeks post-XRT. Importantly, neutrophilic and overall inflammatory cell infiltrate in airways and levels of nitrotyrosine and malondialdehyde (protein and lipid oxidation, respectively) were also mitigated by the lignan diet.

Conclusions
Dietary FLC given early post-XRT mitigated radiation effects by decreasing inflammation, lung injury and eventual fibrosis while improving survival. FLC may be a useful agent, mitigating adverse effects of radiation in individuals exposed to incidental radiation, inhaled radioisotopes or even after the initiation of radiation therapy to treat malignancy.
Lithography-free fabrication of silicon nanowire and nanohole arrays by metal-assisted chemical etching
Authors: Liu Ruiyuan , Zhang Fute , Con Celal , Cui Bo , Sun Baoquan 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
We demonstrated a novel, simple, and low-cost method to fabricate silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays and silicon nanohole (SiNH) arrays based on thin silver (Ag) film dewetting process combined with metal-assisted chemical etching. Ag mesh with holes and semispherical Ag nanoparticles can be prepared by simple thermal annealing of Ag thin film on a silicon substrate. Both the diameter and the distribution of mesh holes as well as the nanoparticles can be manipulated by the film thickness and the annealing temperature. The silicon underneath Ag coverage was etched off with the catalysis of metal in an aqueous solution containing HF and an oxidant, which form silicon nanostructures (either SiNW or SiNH arrays). The morphologies of the corresponding etched SiNW and SiNH arrays matched well with that of Ag holes and nanoparticles. This novel method allows lithography-free fabrication of the SiNW and SiNH arrays with control of the size and distribution.
Biologic therapy for autoimmune diseases: an update
Authors: Rosman Ziv , Shoenfeld Yehuda , Zandman-Goddard Gisele 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Biologic therapies for rheumatologic diseases, which are targeted at molecules involved in the mechanisms of the immune system, provide an alternative to the existing treatment methods of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and other immunosuppressive medications. However, the current drawbacks of biologic therapies, including the inconvenience of intravenous administration, the high costs of these drugs, and the adverse events associated with them, prevent their wide use as first-line medications. This review provides an update of the recent literature on the new biologic therapies available. The review concentrates on nine drugs: tocilizumab, rituximab, ofatumumab, belimumab, epratuzumab, abatacept, golimumab, certolizumab, and sifalimumab, which are used as therapies for rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, or vasculitis.
Detailed analysis of metagenome datasets obtained from biogas-producing microbial communities residing in biogas reactors does not indicate the presence of putative pathogenic microorganisms
Authors: Eikmeyer Felix G , Rademacher Antje , Hanreich Angelika , Hennig Magdalena , Jaenicke Sebastian , Maus Irena , Wibberg Daniel , Zakrzewski Martha , Pühler Alfred , Klocke Michael , Schlüter Andreas 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
In recent years biogas plants in Germany have been supposed to be involved in amplification and dissemination of pathogenic bacteria causing severe infections in humans and animals. In particular, biogas plants are discussed to contribute to the spreading of Escherichia coli infections in humans or chronic botulism in cattle caused by Clostridium botulinum. Metagenome datasets of microbial communities from an agricultural biogas plant as well as from anaerobic lab-scale digesters operating at different temperatures and conditions were analyzed for the presence of putative pathogenic bacteria and virulence determinants by various bioinformatic approaches.

Results
All datasets featured a low abundance of reads that were taxonomically assigned to the genus Escherichia or further selected genera comprising pathogenic species. Higher numbers of reads were taxonomically assigned to the genus Clostridium. However, only very few sequences were predicted to originate from pathogenic clostridial species. Moreover, mapping of metagenome reads to complete genome sequences of selected pathogenic bacteria revealed that not the pathogenic species itself, but only species that are more or less related to pathogenic ones are present in the fermentation samples analyzed. Likewise, known virulence determinants could hardly be detected. Only a marginal number of reads showed similarity to sequences described in the Microbial Virulence Database MvirDB such as those encoding protein toxins, virulence proteins or antibiotic resistance determinants.

Conclusions
Findings of this first study of metagenomic sequence reads of biogas producing microbial communities suggest that the risk of dissemination of pathogenic bacteria by application of digestates from biogas fermentations as fertilizers is low, because obtained results do not indicate the presence of putative pathogenic microorganisms in the samples analyzed.
Effect of triflumuron, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, on Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus under laboratory conditions
Authors: Belinato Thiago Affonso , Martins Ademir Jesus , Lima José Bento Pereira , Valle Denise 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Resistance to traditional insecticides represents a threat to the control of disease vectors. The insect growth regulators (IGR) are a potential alternative to control mosquitoes, including resistant populations. The chitin synthesis inhibitors (CSI) are IGRs, which interfere with the insect molting process and represent one major class of compounds against Aedes aegypti populations resistant to the larvicide organophosphate temephos. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of the CSI triflumuron on Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes albopictus and against several Ae. aegypti field populations.

Methods
The efficacy of triflumuron, against Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. albopictus was evaluated with laboratory strains through dose–response assays. Additionaly, this CSI was tested against seven Ae. aegypti field populations exhibiting distinct resistance levels to both temephos and the pyrethroid deltamethrin. Aedes aegypti populations were exposed to both a dose that inhibits 99% of the adult emergence of mosquitoes from the susceptible reference strain, Rockefeller, (EI99 = 3.95 μg/L) and the diagnostic dose (DD), corresponding to twice the EI99.

Results
Our results indicate that triflumuron was effective in emergence inhibition (EI) of Cx. quinquefasciatus (EI50= 5.28 μg/L; EI90= 12.47 μg/L) and Ae. albopictus (EI50= 1.59 μg/L; EI90= 2.63 μg/L). Triflumuron was also effective against seven Ae. aegypti Brazilian populations resistant to both temephos and deltamethrin. Exposure of all the Ae. aegypti populations to the triflumuron EI99 of the susceptible reference strain, Rockefeller, resulted in complete inhibition of adult emergence, suggesting no cross-resistance among traditional insecticides and this CSI. However, a positive correlation between temephos resistance and tolerance to triflumuron was observed.

Conclusion
The results suggest that triflumuron represents a potential tool for the control of disease vectors in public health. Nevertheless, they point to the need of constant monitoring of the susceptibility status of vector populations to CSIs.
SOX7 is down-regulated in lung cancer
Authors: Hayano Takahide , Garg Manoj , Yin Dong , Sudo Makoto , Kawamata Norihiko , Shi Shuo , Chien Wenwen , Ding Ling-wen , Leong Geraldine , Mori Seiichi , Xie Dong , Tan Patrick , Koeffler H Phillip 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
SOX7 is a transcription factor belonging to the SOX family. Its role in lung cancer is unknown.

Methods
In this study, whole genomic copy number analysis was performed on a series of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and samples from individuals with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations using a SNP-Chip platform. SOX7 was measured in NSCLC samples and cell lines, and forced expressed in one of these lines.

Results
A notable surprise was that the numerous copy number (CN) changes observed in samples of Asian, non-smoking EGFR mutant NSCLC were nearly the same as those CN alterations seen in a large collection of NSCLC from The Cancer Genome Atlas which is presumably composed of predominantly Caucasians who often smoked. However, four regions had CN changes fairly unique to the Asian EGFR mutant group. We also examined CN changes in NSCLC lines. The SOX7 gene was homozygously deleted in one (HCC2935) of 10 NSCLC cell lines and heterozygously deleted in two other NSCLC lines. Expression of SOX7 was significantly downregulated in NSCLC cell lines (8/10, 80%) and a large collection of NSCLC samples compared to matched normal lung (57/62, 92%, p= 0.0006). Forced-expression of SOX7 in NSCLC cell lines markedly reduced their cell growth and enhanced their apoptosis.

Conclusion
These data suggest that SOX7 is a novel tumor suppressor gene silenced in the majority of NSCLC samples.
Implications in the difference of anti-Mi-2 and -p155/140 autoantibody prevalence in two dermatomyositis cohorts from Mexico City and Guadalajara
Authors: Petri Marcelo H , Satoh Minoru , Martin-Marquez Beatriz T , Vargas-Ramírez Raul , Jara Luis J , Saavedra Miguel A , Cruz-Gonzalez Claudia , Andrade-Ortega Lilia , Vera-Lastra Olga , Salazar-Páramo Mario , Prieto-Parra Rosa E , Gonzalez-Lopez Laura , Gamez-Nava Jorge I , Ramírez-Sánchez Hermes U , Chan Jason YF , Ross Steven J , Chan Edward KL , Vázquez-Del Mercado Mónica 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Autoantibodies and clinical manifestations in polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) are affected by both genetic and environmental factors. The high prevalence of DM and anti-Mi-2 in Central America is thought to be associated with the high UV index of the area. The prevalences of autoantibodies and the clinical manifestations of PM/DM were evaluated comparing two cohorts in Mexico.

Methods
Ninety-five Mexican patients with PM/DM (66 DM, 29 PM; 67 Mexico City, 28 Guadalajara) were studied. Autoantibodies were characterized by immunoprecipitation using 35S-methionine labeled K562 cell extract. Clinical information was obtained from medical records.

Results
DM represented 69% of PM/DM and anti-Mi-2 was the most common autoantibody (35%), followed by anti-p155/140 (11%); however, anti-Jo-1 was only 4%. The autoantibody profile in adult-onset DM in Mexico City versus Guadalajara showed striking differences: anti-Mi-2 was 59% versus 12% (P = 0.0012) whereas anti-p155/140 was 9% versus 35% (P = 0.02), respectively. A strong association of anti-Mi-2 with DM was confirmed and when clinical features of anti-Mi-2 (+) DM (n = 30) versus anti-Mi-2 (-) DM (n = 36) were compared, the shawl sign (86% versus 64%, P < 0.05) was more common in the anti-Mi-2 (+) group (P = 0.0001). Levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were higher in those who were anti-Mi-2 (+) but they responded well to therapy.

Conclusions
Anti-Mi-2 has a high prevalence in Mexican DM and is associated with the shawl sign and high CPK. The prevalence of anti-Mi-2 and anti-p155/140 was significantly different in Mexico City versus Guadalajara, which have a similar UV index. This suggests roles of factors other than UV in anti-Mi-2 antibody production.