bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simple renal cysts and hypertension are associated with angiotensinogen (AGT) gene variant in Shiraz population (Iran)
Authors: Tabei SMB , Nariman A , Daliri K , Roozbeh J , Khezri A , Goodarzi HR , Lotfi M , Sefidbakht S , Entezam M 
Published: August 2013

Aim: To our knowledge, the relationship between simple renal cysts, hypertension and three significant genes of the renin-angiotensin system ( AGT, AT1R and ACE1) has not been studied. The present study was designed to search for possible relationships between these significant polymorphic components, hypertension and simple renal cysts in Shiraz province (Iran). Methods: A total of 160 participants were recruited from the Motahari Clinic at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The subjects were divided into four main groups. Detection of the ACE1 genotype was performed with a nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol. Two separate restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR assays were used to identify AGT and AT1R genotypes. Results: The allele frequency of AGT M235T differed significantly between group 1 (patients with simple renal cysts and hypertension) and normal individuals (p <0.05). There were no significant differences in frequency for the other genes ( ACE1 and AT1R). Conclusions: Our findings show a relationship between the AGT-TT genotype and hypertension in patients with both hypertension and simple renal cysts. This finding suggests an additive role for the AGT gene of the renin-angiotensin system in the process of hypertension and simple renal cysts formation. Future studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms through which this association is mediated.
Indoor artificial lighting: Prediction of the circadian effects of different spectral power distributions
Authors: Bellia L , Pedace A , Barbato G 
Published: August 2013

The study presented in this paper aims to evaluate if and how the environment affects the circadian impact of a light source by predicting circadian stimulus (CS) resulting from the exposure to different light scenes, using equations reported in studies by Rea et al. The main findings are: (1) Above 600 lx at eye level the increase of CS is little; (2) Between 50 lx and 200 lx at the eye level an increase of only 50 lx determines a significant increase of CS; (3) Light sources with correlated colour temperatures between 2900 K and 4200 K have similar impacts on the circadian system according to the calculation method used; (4) Even an almost neutral environment affects the circadian impact of a light source.
Comparison of the bronchodilator and systemic effects of AZD3199, an inhaled ultra-long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonist, with formoterol in patients with asthma
Authors: Bjermer Leif , Rosenborg Johan , Bengtsson Thomas , Lötvall Jan 
Published: August 2013

Objectives: Pharmacologically mediated bronchodilation is important in the management of asthma, and is primarily achieved with β2-agonists. Novel compounds should preferably have a longer duration of action and a better systemic side effect profile than established alternatives at comparable peak bronchodilation. This single-dose crossover study was conducted to investigate and compare with formoterol the bronchodilatory and systemic effects, tolerability and safety of AZD3199, a novel ultra-long-acting β2-agonist (uLABA). Methods: Patients with asthma ( n = 37) were randomized to receive AZD3199 (120, 480, 1920 µg), formoterol (9, 36 µg) or placebo inhaled via a Turbuhaler™. Bronchodilation was evaluated by maximum ( Emax) and average 22–26 h ( E22–26) forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Serum potassium was evaluated by minimum ( Emin) and 0–4 h average ( Eav) determined from serial measurements. AZD3199 and formoterol were compared on the basis of relative dose potency. Adverse events, clinical laboratory tests and physical examinations were markers for safety and tolerability, with plasma AZD3199 as the indicator of drug exposure. Results: All active treatments dose-dependently increased Emax and AZD3199 (480 and 1920 µg) and formoterol (36 µg) significantly increased E22–26 versus placebo. Relative dose potency between AZD3199 and formoterol was 50-fold on the microgram scale with respect to Emax and 11-fold with respect to E22–26. Small, dose-dependent effects on potassium, heart rate and QTc were seen after administration of AZD3199 compared with placebo. These well-known dose-related class effects of β2-agonists were mild. Notably, serum potassium suppression was less pronounced after AZD3199 compared with formoterol at similar bronchodilation. Overall, AZD3199 was well tolerated. Conclusions: AZD3199 480 µg and 1920 µg produced 24-hour bronchodilation. At comparable peak bronchodilator effect, AZD3199 was associated with a lower level of systemic side effects than formoterol. AZD3199 was well tolerated, with no safety concerns identified to preclude further investigation. ClinicalTrials.gov study identifier: NCT00736489
A systematic review of the correlates and management of nonpremature ejaculatory dysfunction in heterosexual men
Authors: Seyam Raouf 
Published: August 2013

Introduction: A better understanding of ejaculatory disorders has led to an increasing interest in nonpremature ejaculatory dysfunction (non-PE EjD). Current reviews on the subject use a symptom-based classification to describe ejaculatory dysfunction even when it is a single case report. While these reviews provide important information on the disorder, a clearer picture of the prevalence of non-PE EjD in relation to the community and various pathophysiologic states is needed. Objectives: The objective of this study was to provide a systematic review of studies of non-PE EjD excluding single case reports. Methods: A systematic review of Medline for terms including ejaculation, orgasm or hematospermia. Association with terms delay, pain or headache was made. The search was restricted to male gender and articles written in English. Abstracts were reviewed and those mainly concerned with premature ejaculation were excluded. Results: A total of 333 articles on non-PE EjD were identified. The condition was reported in community-based studies. In certain patient populations, non-PE EjD was commonly reported in association with antidepressant and antipsychotic treatments, in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, patients with lower urinary tract symptoms particularly in association with medical or surgical treatment, patients with retroperitoneal surgery and in patients with neurological diseases. Few articles were concerned with treatment options. Conclusion: There is a significant prevalence of non-PE EjD in the community and in association with particular disease states or as a side effect of medical or surgical interventions. There is a need to direct efforts to prevent and treat these conditions.
Dynamic Balance Performance and Noncontact Lower Extremity Injury in College Football Players
Authors: Butler Robert J. , Lehr Michael E. , Fink Michael L. , Kiesel Kyle B. , Plisky Phillip J. 
Published: August 2013

Background: Field expedient screening tools that can identify individuals at an elevated risk for injury are needed to minimize time loss in American football players. Previous research has suggested that poor dynamic balance may be associated with an elevated risk for injury in athletes; however, this has yet to be examined in college football players. Hypothesis: To determine if dynamic balance deficits are associated with an elevated risk of injury in collegiate football players. It was hypothesized that football players with lower performance and increased asymmetry in dynamic balance would be at an elevated risk for sustaining a noncontact lower extremity injury. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Fifty-nine collegiate American football players volunteered for this study. Demographic information, injury history, and dynamic balance testing performance were collected, and noncontact lower extremity injuries were recorded over the course of the season. Receiver operator characteristic curves were calculated based on performance on the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), including composite score and asymmetry, to determine the population-specific risk cut-off point. Relative risk was then calculated based on these variables, as well as previous injury. Results: A cut-off point of 89.6% composite score on the SEBT optimized the sensitivity (100%) and specificity (71.7%). A college football player who scored below 89.6% was 3.5 times more likely to get injured. Conclusion: Poor performance on the SEBT may be related to an increased risk for sustaining a noncontact lower extremity injury over the course of a competitive American football season. Clinical Relevance: College football players should be screened preseason using the SEBT to identify those at an elevated risk for injury based upon dynamic balance performance to implement injury mitigation strategies to this specific subgroup of athletes.
Disordered Eating, Menstrual Irregularity, and Musculoskeletal Injury in High School Athletes
Authors: Thein-Nissenbaum Jill M. , Carr Kathleen E. , Hetzel Scott , Dennison Emily 
Published: August 2013

Background: The female athlete triad is the interrelatedness of energy availability, menstrual function, and bone density. Currently, limited information about triad components and their relationship to musculoskeletal injury in the high school population exists. In addition, no study has specifically examined triad components and injury rate in high school oral contraceptive pill (OCP) users. Hypothesis: To compare the prevalence of disordered eating (DE), menstrual irregularity (MI), and musculoskeletal injury (INJ) among high school female athletes in OCP users and non-OCP users. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: The subject sample completed the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and Healthy Wisconsin High School Female Athletes Survey (HWHSFAS). Athletes were classified by OCP use and sport type. Results: Of the participants, 14.8% reported OCP use. There was no difference in MI and INJ among groups. The prevalence of DE was significantly higher among OCP users as compared with non-OCP users; OCP users were twice as likely to meet the criteria for DE (odds ratio [OR], 2.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-5.09). OCP users were over 5 times more likely to have a global score that met criteria for DE as compared with non-OCP users (OR, 5.36; 95% CI, 1.92-14.89). Conclusion: Although MI and INJ rates are similar among groups, there is a higher prevalence of DE among high school female athletes using OCPs as compared with non-OCP users. Clinical Relevance: Because OCP users may be menstruating, clinicians may fail to recognize the other triad components. However, DE exists in the menstruating OCP user. As such, clinicians should be vigilant when screening for triad components in high school OCP users, particularly DE.
Pharmacologic inhibition of PKCα and PKCθ prevents GVHD while preserving GVL activity in mice
Authors: Haarberg Kelley M. K. , Li Jun , Heinrichs Jessica , Wang Dapeng , Liu Chen , Bronk Crystina C. , Kaosaard Kane , Owyang Alexander M. , Holland Sacha , Masuda Esteban , Tso Kin , Blazar Bruce R. , Anasetti Claudio , Beg Amer A. , Yu Xue-Zhong 
Published: August 2013

Key PointsPKCα and PKCθ cooperate in T-cell alloresponses, which contribute to GVHD. Pharmacologic inhibition of PKCα and PKCθ prevents GVHD and largely preserves GVL responses.
Biomarkers for prediction of venous thromboembolism in cancer
Authors: Pabinger Ingrid , Thaler Johannes , Ay Cihan 
Published: August 2013

AbstractCancer patients are at increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The incidence among different groups of cancer patients varies considerably depending on clinical factors, the most important being tumor entity and stage. Biomarkers have been specifically investigated for their capacity of predicting venous thromboembolism (VTE) during the course of disease. Parameters of blood count analysis (elevated leukocyte and platelet count and decreased hemoglobin) have turned out to be useful in risk prediction. Associations between elevated levels and future VTE have been found for d-dimer, prothrombin fragment 1+2, and soluble P-selectin and also for clotting factor VIII and the thrombin generation potential. The results for tissue factor–bearing microparticles are heterogeneous: an association with occurrence of VTE in pancreatic cancer might be present, whereas in other cancer entities, such as glioblastoma, colorectal, or gastric carcinoma, this could not be confirmed. Risk assessment models were developed that include clinical and laboratory markers. In the high-risk categories, patient groups with up to a >20% VTE rate within 6 months can be identified. A further improvement in risk stratification would allow better identification of patients for primary VTE prevention using indirect or novel direct anticoagulants.
TLR stimulation initiates a CD39-based autoregulatory mechanism that limits macrophage inflammatory responses
Authors: Cohen Heather B. , Briggs Katharine T. , Marino John P. , Ravid Katya , Robson Simon C. , Mosser David M. 
Published: August 2013

Key PointsTLR-stimulated macrophages synthesize, release, and hydrolyze ATP via CD39 to regulate their own activation state. The loss of macrophage CD39 prevents regulatory macrophage development and leads to lethal inflammatory responses and septic shock in mice.
Do mass media campaigns improve physical activity? a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abioye Ajibola I , Hajifathalian Kaveh , Danaei Goodarz 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Mass media campaigns are frequently used to influence the health behaviors of various populations. There are currently no quantitative meta-analyses of the effect of mass media campaigns on physical activity in adults.

Methods
We searched six electronic databases from their inception to August 2012 and selected prospective studies that evaluated the effect of mass media campaigns on physical activity in adults. We excluded studies that did not have a proper control group or did not report the uncertainties of the effect estimates. Two reviewers independently screened the title/abstracts and full articles. We used random-effects models to pool effect estimates across studies for 3 selected outcomes.

Results
Nine prospective cohorts and before-after studies that followed-up 27,601 people over 8 weeks to 3 years met the inclusion criteria. Based on the pooled results from these studies, mass media campaigns had a significant effect on promoting moderate intensity walking (pooled relative risk (RR) from 3 studies=1.53, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.25 to 1.87), but did not help participants achieve sufficient levels of physical activity [4 studies pooled RR=1.02, 95% CI: 0.91 to 1.14)]. The apparent effect of media campaigns on reducing sedentary behavior (pooled RR=1.15, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.30) was lost when a relatively low-quality study with large effects was excluded in a sensitivity analysis. In subgroup analyses, campaigns that promoted physical activity as a ‘social norm’ seemed to be more effective in reducing sedentary behavior.

Conclusion
Mass media campaigns may promote walking but may not reduce sedentary behavior or lead to achieving recommended levels of overall physical activity. Further research is warranted on different campaign types and in low- and middle- income countries.
The venom-gland transcriptome of the eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) reveals high venom complexity in the intragenomic evolution of venoms
Authors: Margres Mark J , Aronow Karalyn , Loyacano Jacob , Rokyta Darin R 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Snake venom is shaped by the ecology and evolution of venomous species, and signals of positive selection in toxins have been consistently documented, reflecting the role of venoms as an ecologically critical phenotype. New World coral snakes (Elapidae) are represented by three genera and over 120 species and subspecies that are capable of causing significant human morbidity and mortality, yet coral-snake venom composition is poorly understood in comparison to that of Old World elapids. High-throughput sequencing is capable of identifying thousands of loci, while providing characterizations of expression patterns and the molecular evolutionary forces acting within the venom gland.

Results
We describe the de novo assembly and analysis of the venom-gland transcriptome of the eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius). We identified 1,950 nontoxin transcripts and 116 toxin transcripts. These transcripts accounted for 57.1% of the total reads, with toxins accounting for 45.8% of the total reads. Phospholipases A2 and three-finger toxins dominated expression, accounting for 86.0% of the toxin reads. A total of 15 toxin families were identified, revealing venom complexity previously unknown from New World coral snakes. Toxins exhibited high levels of heterozygosity relative to nontoxins, and overdominance may favor gene duplication leading to the fixation of advantageous alleles. Phospholipase A2 expression was uniformly distributed throughout the class while three-finger toxin expression was dominated by a handful of transcripts, and phylogenetic analyses indicate that toxin divergence may have occurred following speciation. Positive selection was detected in three of the four most diverse toxin classes, suggesting that venom diversification is driven by recurrent directional selection.

Conclusions
We describe the most complete characterization of an elapid venom gland to date. Toxin gene duplication may be driven by heterozygote advantage, as the frequency of polymorphic toxin loci was significantly higher than that of nontoxins. Diversification among toxins appeared to follow speciation reflecting species-specific adaptation, and this divergence may be directly related to dietary shifts and is suggestive of a coevolutionary arms race.
Leukocytosis and high hematocrit levels during abdominal attacks of hereditary angioedema
Authors: Ohsawa Isao , Nagamachi Seiji , Suzuki Hiyori , Honda Daisuke , Sato Nobuyuki , Ohi Hiroyuki , Horikoshi Satoshi , Tomino Yasuhiko 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
The diagnosis of hereditary angioedema (HAE) is often delayed due to the low awareness of this condition. In patients with undiagnosed HAE, abdominal symptoms often create the risk of unnecessary surgical operation and/or drug therapy. To explore the cause of misdiagnosis, we compared the laboratory findings of HAE patients under normal conditions with those during abdominal attacks.

Methods
Patient medical histories were analyzed and laboratory data at the first consultation with no symptoms and no medication were compared with those at visits to the emergency department during severe attacks.

Results
Fourteen HAE patients were enrolled. Initial HAE symptoms occurred at 20.2 ± 9.4 years of age. The correct diagnosis of HAE was made 22.7 ± 14.2 years after the initial symptoms. A common site of angioedema was the extremities. Half of the patients experienced a life-threatening laryngeal attack and/or severe abdominal pain. In the patients with severe abdominal pain, significant leukocytosis with neutrophilia along with increased levels of hematocrit were observed while levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) remained low. All severe attacks were alleviated with an infusion of C1-inhibitor concentrate.

Conclusions
Consideration of the likelihood of a HAE attack is important when patients present with acute abdominal pain and leukocytosis without elevation of CRP.
Use of genotyping based clustering to quantify recent tuberculosis transmission in Guadeloupe during a seven years period: analysis of risk factors and access to health care
Authors: Ferdinand Séverine , Millet Julie , Accipe Annick , Cassadou Sylvie , Chaud Pascal , Levy Maryse , Théodore Max , Rastogi Nalin 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
The present study aimed to characterize Mycobacterium tuberculosis population structure and to identify transmission chains and risk factors by prospective molecular typing in conjunction with conventional epidemiological investigations in the French overseas department of Guadeloupe.

Methods
The study included all the culture-positive TB cases (1 clinical isolate per patient; n = 129) diagnosed between a seven year period (April 4th, 1999 to December 31st, 2005). Prospective molecular typing was performed using spoligotyping and VNTRs, and a subset of 44 M. tuberculosis isolates found to be clustered was retrospectively typed using 12-loci MIRUs. Data were compared using the SITVIT2 database, followed by analysis of risk factors in function of clustering of the isolates and available demographic and socioeconomic data.

Results
The study sample was characterized by a majority of new cases (87.4%); a moderate proportion of drug-resistance (7.8%); a high level of immigration (51.2% foreign-born) originating from high TB/HIV incidence neighboring islands such as Haiti or Dominican Republic; lower socioeconomic conditions (70.7% of jobless, average income 824 EUR/month); and a significantly higher proportion of TB/HIV co-infected cases (38.2% vs. 8.5%; p < 0.001), and extrapulmonary disease (18.2% vs. 4.8%; p < 0.02) among migrants as compared to French patients. The study revealed an important delay in access to healthcare with a median delay of 74.5 days between the 1st symptoms and clinical suspicion of TB. Prospective molecular typing based on spoligotyping and 5-loci VNTRs showed that evolutionary recent Euro-American lineages predominated in Guadeloupe (91.5% of isolates). In conjunction with epidemiological data, it allowed to estimate a recent transmission rate of 18.6%, which was close to the rate of 16.7% estimated using retrospective 12-loci MIRU typing. Although a higher proportion of cases in older age-group were apparently linked to reactivation; univariate analysis of risk factors did not allow pinpointing specific risk factors for a patient to belong to a TB transmission group.

Conclusions
Ongoing TB transmission in the insular, low TB-incidence setting of Guadeloupe can be defined as follows: (i) a significant proportion of imported cases of the disease from neighboring islands; (ii) significantly higher TB/HIV coinfection among foreign-born cases; and, (iii) a higher proportion of cases affecting older age-group among French patients due to reactivation. This study emphasizes the need for universal typing using spoligotyping and 15-loci MIRUs in prospective studies.