bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a national cross-sectional cohort study
Authors: Kim Jinhee , Lee Jin Hwa , Kim Yuri , Kim Kyungjoo , Oh Yeon-Mok , Yoo Kwang Ha , Rhee Chin Kook , Yoon Hyoung Kyu , Kim Young Sam , Park Yong Bum , Lee Sei Won , Lee Sang Do 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common causes of chronic cough and a potential risk factor for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of GERD in patients with COPD and association between GERD and COPD exacerbation.

Methods
Data were collected from the National Health Insurance Database of Korea. The subjects were 40 years old and older, who had COPD as primary or secondary diagnosis codes and utilized health care resource to receive prescriptions of COPD medication at least twice in 2009. Univariate logistic regression was performed to understand the relationship between COPD and GERD, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with adjustment for several confounding factors.

Results
The prevalence of GERD in COPD patients was 28% (39,987/141,057). Old age, female gender, medical aid insurance type, hospitalization, and emergency room (ER) visit were associated with GERD. Most of COPD medications except inhaled muscarinic antagonists were associated with GERD. The logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of GERD was associated with increased risk of hospitalization (OR 1.54, CI 1.50 to 1.58, p<0.001) and frequent ER visits (OR 1.55, CI 1.48 to 1.62, p<0.001).

Conclusions
The prevalence of GERD in patients with COPD was high. Old age, female gender, medical aid insurance type, and many COPD medications except inhaled muscarinic antagonists were associated with GERD. The presence of GERD was associated with COPD exacerbation.
Mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction modulates metalloproteases -1, -3 and -13 in human normal chondrocytes in culture
Authors: Cillero-Pastor Berta , Rego-Pérez Ignacio , Oreiro Natividad , Fernandez-Lopez Carlos , Blanco Francisco J 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Mitochondrion has an important role in the osteoarthritis (OA) pathology. We have previously demonstrated that the alteration of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) contributes to the inflammatory response of the chondrocyte. However its implication in the process of cartilage destruction is not well understood yet. In this study we have investigated the relationship between the MRC dysfunction and the regulation of metalloproteases (MMPs) in human normal chondrocytes in culture.

Methods
Human normal chondrocytes were isolated from human knees obtained form autopsies of donors without previous history of rheumatic disease. Rotenone, 3-Nitropropionic acid (NPA), Antimycin A (AA), Sodium azide and Oligomycin were used to inhibit the activity of the mitochondrial complexes I, II, III, IV and V respectively. The mRNA expression of MMPs -1, -3 and -13 was studied by real time PCR. The intracellular presence of MMP proteins was evaluated by western blot. The liberation of these proteins to the extracellular media was evaluated by ELISA. The presence of proteoglycans in tissue was performed with tolouidin blue and safranin/fast green. Immunohistochemistry was used for evaluating MMPs on tissue.

Results
Firstly, cells were treated with the inhibitors of the MRC for 24 hours and mRNA expression was evaluated. An up regulation of MMP-1 and -3 mRNA levels was observed after the treatment with Oligomycin 5 and 100 μg/ml (inhibitor of the complex V) for 24 hours. MMP-13 mRNA expression was reduced after the incubation with AA 20 and 60 μg/ml (inhibitor of complex III) and Oligomycin. Results were validated at protein level observing an increase in the intracellular levels of MMP-1 and -3 after Oligomycin 25 μg/ml stimulation [(15.20±8.46 and 4.59±1.83 vs. basal=1, respectively (n=4; *P<0.05)]. However, AA and Oligomycin reduced the intracellular levels of the MMP-13 protein (0.70±0.16 and 0.3±0.24, respectively vs. basal=1). In order to know whether the MRC dysfunction had an effect on the liberation of MMPs, their levels were evaluated in the supernatants. After 36 hours of stimulation, values were: MMP-1=18.06±10.35 with Oligomycin 25 μg/ml vs. basal=1, and MMP-3=8.49±4.32 with Oligomycin 5 μg/ml vs. basal=1 (n=5; *P<0.05). MMP-13 levels in the supernatants were reduced after AA 60 μg/ml treatment (0.50±0.13 vs. basal=1) and Oligomycin 25 μg/ml (0.41±0.14 vs. basal=1); (n=5; *P<0.05). The treatment of explants with Oligomycin, showed an increase in the positivity of MMP-1 and -3. Explants stimulated with AA or Oligomycin revealed a decrease in MMP-13 expression. Proteoglycan staining demonstrated a reduction of proteoglycan levels in the tissues treated with Oligomycin.

Conclusions
These results reveal that MRC dysfunction modulates the MMPs expression in human normal chondrocytes demonstrating its role in the regulation of the cartilage destruction.
Signet-ring cell carcinoma of the breast: a case report
Authors: Li Xing , Feng Yan-fen , Wei Wei-dong , Liu Peng , Xie Ze-ming , Wang Jin , Xie Xiao-ming 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) can arise from virtually all organs. However, primary SRCC of the breast is very rare. Until 2003, SRCC was placed under ‘mucin-producing carcinomas’ and separated from other carcinomas by the World Health Organization (WHO). To date, only a few cases have been reported. A case of a 46-year-old woman with primary SRCC of the breast is presented in this report. The patient underwent a right modified radical mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection. Characteristic features and differential diagnosis of this tumor are discussed in the light of pertinent literature.
Detection of EGFR mutations in circulating free DNA by PNA-mediated PCR clamping
Authors: Kim Hye-Ryoun , Lee Sung Yong , Hyun Dae-Sung , Lee Min Ki , Lee Hyun-Kyung , Choi Chang-Min , Yang Sei-Hoon , Kim Young-Chul , Lee Yong Chul , Kim Sun Young , Jang Seung Hun , Lee Jae Cheol , Lee Kye Young 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-activating mutations are major determinants in predicting the tumor response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Noninvasive test for the detection of EGFR mutations is required, especially in NSCLC patients from whom tissue is not available. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of detection of EGFR mutations in free DNA circulating in plasma.

Methods
Plasma samples of 60 patients with partial response to gefitinib were analyzed to detect EGFR-activating mutations in exons 19 and 21. Forty (66.7%) of patients had tumor EGFR mutation results. EGFR mutations in plasma were detected using the peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-mediated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) clamping method. All clinical data and plasma samples were obtained from 11 centers of the Korean Molecular Lung Cancer Group (KMLCG).

Results
Of the 60 patients, 39 were female and the median age was 62.5 years. Forty-three patients never smoked, 53 had adenocarcinomas, and seven had other histologic types. EGFR-activating mutation was detected in plasma of 10 cases (exon 19 deletion in seven and exon 21 L858R point mutation in three). It could not be found in plasma after treatment for 2 months. When only patients with confirmed EGFR mutation in tumor were analyzed, 17% (6 of 35) of them showed positive plasma EGFR mutation and the mutation type was completely matched with that in tumor. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical parameters between patients with EGFR mutations in plasma and those without EGFR mutations.

Conclusions
The detection rate of EGFR mutations from plasma was not so high despite highly sensitive EGFR mutation test suggesting that more advances in detection methods and further exploration of characteristics of circulating free DNA are required.
Sedation in French intensive care units: a survey of clinical practice
Authors:   The SRLF Trial Group
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Sedation is used frequently for patients in intensive care units who require mechanical ventilation, but oversedation is one of the main side effects. Different strategies have been proposed to prevent oversedation. The extent to which these strategies have been adopted by intensivists is unknown.

Methods
We developed a six-section questionnaire that covered the drugs used, modalities of drug administration, use of sedation scales and procedural pain scales, use of written local procedures, and targeted objectives of consciousness. In November 2011, the questionnaire was sent to 1,078 intensivists identified from the French ICU Society (SRLF) database.

Results
The questionnaire was returned by 195 intensivists (response rate 18.1%), representing 135 of the 282 ICUs (47.8%) listed in the French ICU society (SRLF) database. The analysis showed that midazolam and sufentanil are the most frequently used hypnotics and opioids, respectively, administered in continuous intravenous (IV) infusions. IV boluses of hypnotics without subsequent continuous IV infusion are used occasionally (in <25% of patients) by 65% of intensivists. Anxiolytic benzodiazepines (e.g., clorazepam, alprazolam), hydroxyzine, and typical neuroleptics, via either an enteral or IV route, are used occasionally by two thirds of respondents. The existence of a written, local sedation management procedure in the ICU is reported by 55% of respondents, 54% of whom declare that they use it routinely. Written local sedation procedures mainly rely on titration of continuous IV hypnotics (90% of the sedation procedures); less frequently, sedation procedures describe alternative approaches to prevent oversedation, including daily interruption of continuous IV hypnotic infusion, hypnotic boluses with no subsequent continuous IV infusion, or the use of nonhypnotic drugs. Among the responding intensivists, 98% consider eye opening, either spontaneously or after light physical stimulation, a reasonable target consciousness level in patients with no severe respiratory failure or intracranial hypertension.

Conclusions
Despite a low individual response rate, the respondents to our survey represent almost half of the ICUs in the French SRLF database. The presence of a written local sedation procedure, a cornerstone of preventing oversedation, is reported by only half of respondents; when present, it is used in for a limited number of patients. Sedation procedures mainly rely on titration of continuous IV hypnotics, but other strategies to limit oversedation also are included in sedation procedures. French intensivists no longer consider severely altered consciousness a sedation objective for most patients.
Comparative mortality risks of antipsychotic medications in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Gerhard T. , Huybrechts K. , Olfson M. , Schneeweiss S. , Bobo W. V. , Doraiswamy P. M. , Devanand D. P. , Lucas J. A. , Huang C. , Malka E. S. , Levin R. , Crystal S. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundAll antipsychotic medications carry warnings of increased mortality for older adults, but little is known about comparative mortality risks between individual agents.AimsTo estimate the comparative mortality risks of commonly prescribed antipsychotic agents in older people living in the community.MethodA retrospective, claims-based cohort study was conducted of people over 65 years old living in the community who had been newly prescribed risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, haloperidol, aripiprazole or ziprasidone (n = 136 393). Propensity score-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models assessed the 180-day mortality risk of each antipsychotic compared with risperidone.ResultsRisperidone, olanzapine and haloperidol showed a dose–response relation in mortality risk. After controlling for propensity score and dose, mortality risk was found to be increased for haloperidol (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.18, 95% CI 1.06–1.33) and decreased for quetiapine (HR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.73–0.89) and olanzapine (HR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.74–0.90).ConclusionsSignificant variation in mortality risk across commonly prescribed antipsychotics suggests that antipsychotic selection and dosing may affect survival of older people living in the community.
Changes in Circulating MicroRNAs Are Associated With Childhood Obesity
Authors: Prats-Puig Anna , Ortega Francisco J. , Mercader Josep M. , Moreno-Navarrete José M. , Moreno María , Bonet Nuria , Ricart Wifredo , López-Bermejo Abel , Fernández-Real José M. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Context:
Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are valuable biomarkers of metabolic diseases and potential therapeutic targets in this field.

Objective:
Our objective was to define the circulating pattern of miRNAs in childhood obesity.

Design, Settings, and Main Outcome Measure:
The genome-wide circulating miRNA profile was assessed by RT-PCR in 10 boys (5 lean and 5 obese children). The most relevant miRNAs were cross-sectionally validated in 85 lean versus 40 obese children (63 boys and 62 girls) and longitudinally evaluated in samples from the same children when they were ∼7 and ∼10 years old (23 boys and 22 girls).

Results:
The cross-sectional validation study disclosed that 15 specific circulating miRNAs were significantly deregulated in prepubertal obesity, including the decreased miR-221 and miR-28-3p and increased concentrations in plasma of miR-486-5p, miR-486-3p, miR-142-3p, miR-130b, and miR-423-5p (all P &lt; .0001). The circulating concentration of these miRNAs was significantly associated with body mass index and other measures of obesity such as percent fat mass, waist, regional fat distribution and with laboratory parameters such as homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, high-molecular-weight adiponectin, C-reactive protein, and circulating lipids in concordance with anthropometric associations. Plasma concentrations of 10 of these circulating miRNAs changed significantly and differently during the 3-year follow-up in children who increased or decreased their normalized weight.

Conclusion:
This study provides the first evidence that circulating miRNAs are deregulated in prepubertal obese children. Thus, the very early detection of an abnormal circulating miRNA profile may be a promising strategy to identify obese children who may suffer from metabolic abnormalities.
Whole-Transcriptome Profiling of Thyroid Nodules Identifies Expression-Based Signatures for Accurate Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Wiseman Sam M. , Haddad Zaid , Walker Blair , Vergara Ismael A. , Sierocinski Thomas , Crisan Anamaria , Ghadessi Mercedeh , Dao Phuong , Zimmermann Benedikt , Triche Timothy J. , Erho Nicholas , Davicioni Elai 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Purpose:
Due to the limitations of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) cytopathology, many individuals who present with thyroid nodules eventually undergo thyroid surgery to diagnose thyroid cancer. The objective of this study was to use whole-transcriptome profiling to develop and validate a genomic classifier that significantly improves the accuracy of preoperative thyroid cancer diagnosis.

Materials and Methods:
Nucleic acids were extracted and amplified for microarray expression analysis on the Affymetrix Human Exon 1.0 ST GeneChips from 1-mm-diameter formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded thyroid tumor tissue cores. A training group of 60 thyroidectomy specimens (30 cancers and 30 benign lesions) were used to assess differential expression and for subsequent generation of a genomic classifier. The classifier was validated in a blinded fashion on a group of 31 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded thyroid FNAB specimens.

Results:
Expression profiles of the 57 thyroidectomy training and 31 FNAB validation specimens that passed a series of quality control steps were analyzed. A genomic classifier composed of 249 markers that corresponded to 154 genes, had an overall validated accuracy of 90.0% in the 31 patient FNAB specimens and had positive and negative predictive values of 100% and 85.7%, respectively. The majority of the identified markers that made up the classifier represented non-protein-encoding RNAs.

Conclusions:
Whole-transcriptome profiling of thyroid nodule surgical specimens allowed for the development of a genomic classifier that improved the accuracy of preoperative thyroid cancer FNAB diagnosis.
Central Diabetes Insipidus: A Previously Unreported Side Effect of Temozolomide
Authors: Faje Alexander T. , Nachtigall Lisa , Wexler Deborah , Miller Karen K. , Klibanski Anne , Makimura Hideo 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Context:
Temozolomide (TMZ) is an alkylating agent primarily used to treat tumors of the central nervous system. We describe 2 patients with apparent TMZ-induced central diabetes insipidus. Using our institution's Research Patient Database Registry, we identified 3 additional potential cases of TMZ-induced diabetes insipidus among a group of 1545 patients treated with TMZ.

Case Presentations:
A 53-year-old male with an oligoastrocytoma and a 38-year-old male with an oligodendroglioma each developed symptoms of polydipsia and polyuria approximately 2 months after the initiation of TMZ. Laboratory analyses demonstrated hypernatremia and urinary concentrating defects, consistent with the presence of diabetes insipidus, and the patients were successfully treated with desmopressin acetate. Desmopressin acetate was withdrawn after the discontinuation of TMZ, and diabetes insipidus did not recur. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary and hypothalamus was unremarkable apart from the absence of a posterior pituitary bright spot in both of the cases. Anterior pituitary function tests were normal in both cases. Using the Research Patient Database Registry database, we identified the 2 index cases and 3 additional potential cases of diabetes insipidus for an estimated prevalence of 0.3% (5 cases of diabetes insipidus per 1545 patients prescribed TMZ).

Conclusions:
Central diabetes insipidus is a rare but reversible side effect of treatment with TMZ.
Rotational diffusion of particles in turbulence
Authors: Meyer Colin R. , Byron Margaret L. , Variano Evan A. 
Published: August 2013

Lay AbstractIn aquatic environments, particles (e.g., sediment or microorganisms) tend to rotate as they move. For example, rotation is an important component of a microorganism's motion and search for food. Using two simple shapes, a sphere and a prolate ellipsoid (i.e., a football), we examined how shape affects rotation. To isolate the effects of rotation from the effects of settling, we made near neutrally buoyant particles (same density as water). We generated turbulence in a laboratory water tank and introduced hundreds of particles, one shape at a time. While the particles were tumbling in the flow, we measured their rotation by using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (SPIV), a technique that uses a laser to light up tracers embedded in the particles and then takes photos in rapid succession to compute the point velocities inside the particle. Since every part of the body rotates at the same angular speed, we determined all components of the angular velocity from the velocities inside the particles. A series of SPIV images showed how rotation of the particle changes over time in the turbulence. Using the average of many different sets of images, we modeled the change in particle rotation over time as a random walk through the range of possible rotations. We found that ellipsoidal and spherical particles rotated with the same characteristic time, unaffected by shape difference. From this we concluded that the large scales of turbulence govern rotation, rather than the small scales; large eddies, which are unable to differentiate between spheres and ellipsoids, determine rotation.
Superphenalenyl: Theoretical Design of a π-Conjugated Planar Hydrocarbon Radical
Authors: Ikabata Yasuhiro , Akiba Kin-ya , Nakai Hiromi 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
We propose “superphenalenyl” as a novel π-conjugated planar hydrocarbon radical. Theoretical calculation was performed to evaluate its stability compared to phenalenyl and trioxotriangulene. The result of spin distribution and reaction energy supports its high stability. Molecular properties of this radical are also discussed based on orbital energies.
The rat model of femur fracture for bone and mineral research
Authors: Aurégan J-C. , Coyle R. M. , Danoff J. R. , Burky R. E. , Akelina Y. , Rosenwasser M. P. 
Published: August 2013

Objectives One commonly used rat fracture model for bone and mineral research is a closed mid-shaft femur fracture as described by Bonnarens in 1984. Initially, this model was believed to create very reproducible fractures. However, there have been frequent reports of comminution and varying rates of complication. Given the importance of precise anticipation of those characteristics in laboratory research, we aimed to precisely estimate the rate of comminution, its importance and its effect on the amount of soft callus created. Furthermore, we aimed to precisely report the rate of complications such as death and infection. Methods We tested a rat model of femoral fracture on 84 rats based on Bonnarens’ original description. We used a proximal approach with trochanterotomy to insert the pin, a drop tower to create the fracture and a high-resolution fluoroscopic imager to detect the comminution. We weighed the soft callus on day seven and compared the soft callus parameters with the comminution status. Results The mean operating time was 34.8 minutes (sd 9.8). The fracture was usable (transverse, mid-shaft, without significant comminution and with displacement < 1 mm) in 74 animals (88%). Of these 74 usable fractures, slight comminution was detected in 47 (63%). In 50 animals who underwent callus manipulation, slight comminution (n = 32) was statistically correlated to the amount of early callus created (r = 0.35, p = 0.015). Two complications occurred: one death and one deep infection. Conclusions We propose an accurate description of comminution and complications in order to improve experiments on rat femur fracture model in the field of laboratory research. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:149–54.
Evaluation of the N Latex free light chain assay in the diagnosis and monitoring of AL amyloidosis
Authors: Mollee Peter , Tate Jill , Pretorius Carel J. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background: We compared a novel assay for free light chain (FLC) quantitation based on monoclonal antibodies (N-Latex, Siemens, Germany) to the established polyclonal antibody-based assay (Freelite™, The Binding Site, UK) in AL amyloidosis.

Methods: Sixty-two diagnostic samples were analysed on a BNII nephelometer, 32 of which also had a post-treatment sample.

Results: In the diagnostic samples: for AL of κ type, the median involved FLC (iFLC) was significantly lower by the N-Latex assay (289 vs. 667 mg/L, p=0.0002) whereas for λ AL the values were similar (148 vs. 161 mg/L, p=0.84). Measurable disease, defined as a difference between involved and uninvolved FLC (dFLC) >50 mg/L was present in 82% by the N-Latex assay compared to 89% by the Freelite™ assay. For diagnostic sensitivity, the FLC ratio was normal in 21% (95% CI 12%–33%) and 15% (95% CI 7%–26%) of patients by the N-Latex and Freelite™ assays, respectively. The combination of serum and urine immunofixation electrophoresis with either FLC assay allowed identification of the amyloidogenic clone in 98% producing comparable sensitivity. For the monitoring samples the median reduction in dFLC was 68% for the N-Latex assay and 77% for the Freelite™ assay (p=0.04). This led to some differences in assigning response categories. Partial response as assigned by both assays predicted overall survival (N-Latex p=0.0015, Freelite™ p=0.022).

Conclusions: There are differences between FLC as measured by the N-Latex and Freelite™ assays, but overall the two assays have similar diagnostic sensitivity. Disease response calculated by both assays predicts survival but more clinical validation is required.