bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between oxcarbazepine-induced maculopapular eruption and HLA-B alleles in a Northern Han Chinese population
Authors: Lv Yu-Dan , Min Fu-Li , Liao Wei-Ping , He Na , Zeng Tao , Ma Di-Hui , Shi Yi-Wu 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
We investigated the association between oxcarbazepine (OXC)-induced maculopapular eruption (MPE) and HLA-B alleles in a northern Han Chinese population, and conducted an analysis of clinical risk factors for OXC-MPE.

Methods
Forty-two northern Han Chinese patients who had been treated with OXC in Changchun, China were genotyped. Among them were 14 cases with OXC-induced MPE; the remaining 28 were OXC-tolerant. The HLA-B allele frequencies of the normal control group were found in the Allele Frequency Net Database. Polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer( PCR-SSP )was used for HLA-B*1502 testing and direct sequencing for four-digit genotype determination.

Results
Four-digit allele sequencing showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of the HLA-B*1502 allele between the OXC-MPE and OXC-tolerant controls (3.6% versus 7.5%, OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.04–3.40, P = 0.65), as well as between OXC-MPE and normal controls (3.6% versus 2.4%, OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 0.20–11.73, P = 0.49). However, a significant difference in the frequency of HLA-B*3802 alleles was found between the MPE group and normal controls (10.7% versus 1.9%, OR = 6.329, 95% CI = 1.783-22.460, P = 0.018). There was no significant difference in terms of age, gender, or final OXC dose between the OXC-MPE and OXC-tolerant groups.

Conclusions
There was no significant association between OXC-MPE and HLA-B*1502 in the northern Han Chinese population in our study. Instead, HLA-B*3802 was found to be a potential risk factor for OXC-MPE.
The cysteinyl leukotriene 2 receptor contributes to all-transretinoic acid-induced differentiation of colon cancer cells
Authors: Bengtsson Astrid M , Jönsson Gunilla , Magnusson Cecilia , Salim Tavga , Axelsson Cecilia , Sjölander Anita 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundCysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) are potent pro-inflammatory mediators that are increased in samples from patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Individuals with IBDs have enhanced susceptibility to colon carcinogenesis. In colorectal cancer, the balance between the pro-mitogenic cysteinyl leukotriene 1 receptor (CysLT1R) and the differentiation-promoting cysteinyl leukotriene 2 receptor (CysLT2R) is lost. Further, our previous data indicate that patients with high CysLT1R and low CysLT2R expression have a poor prognosis. In this study, we examined whether the balance between CysLT1R and CysLT2R could be restored by treatment with the cancer chemopreventive agent all-transretinoic acid (ATRA).MethodsTo determine the effect of ATRA on CysLT2R promoter activation, mRNA level, and protein level, we performed luciferase gene reporter assays, real-time polymerase chain reactions, and Western blots in colon cancer cell lines under various conditions.ResultsATRA treatment induces CysLT2R mRNA and protein expression without affecting CysLT1R levels. Experiments using siRNA and mutant cell lines indicate that the up-regulation is retinoic acid receptor (RAR) dependent. Interestingly, ATRA also up-regulates mRNA expression of leukotriene C4synthase, the enzyme responsible for the production of the ligand for CysLT2R. Importantly, ATRA-induced differentiation of colorectal cancer cells as shown by increased expression of MUC-2 and production of alkaline phosphatase, both of which could be reduced by a CysLT2R-specific inhibitor.ConclusionsThis study identifies a novel mechanism of action for ATRA in colorectal cancer cell differentiation and demonstrates that retinoids can have anti-tumorigenic effects through their action on the cysteinyl leukotriene pathway.
Association between variations in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene and pancreatic cancer risk: a case–control study in Japan
Authors: Lin Yingsong , Ueda Junko , Yagyu Kiyoko , Ishii Hiroshi , Ueno Makoto , Egawa Naoto , Nakao Haruhisa , Mori Mitsuru , Matsuo Keitaro , Kikuchi Shogo 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
It is clear that genetic variations in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene affect body mass index and the risk of obesity. Given the mounting evidence showing a positive association between obesity and pancreatic cancer, this study aimed to investigate the relation between variants in the FTO gene, obesity and pancreatic cancer risk.

Methods
We conducted a hospital-based case–control study in Japan to investigate whether genetic variations in the FTO gene were associated with pancreatic cancer risk. We genotyped rs9939609 in the FTO gene of 360 cases and 400 control subjects. An unconditional logistic model was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between rs9939609 and pancreatic cancer risk.

Results
The minor allele frequency of rs9939609 was 0.18 among control subjects. BMI was not associated with pancreatic cancer risk. Compared with individuals with the common homozygous TT genotype, those with the heterozygous TA genotype and the minor homozygous AA genotype had a 48% (OR=1.48; 95%CI: 1.07–2.04), and 66% increased risk (OR=1.66; 95%CI: 0.70–3.90), respectively, of pancreatic cancer after adjustment for sex, age, body mass index, cigarette smoking and history of diabetes. The per-allele OR was 1.41 (95%CI: 1.07–1.85). There were no significant interactions between TA/AA genotypes and body mass index.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that rs9939609 in the FTO gene is associated with pancreatic cancer risk in Japanese subjects, possibly through a mechanism that is independent of obesity. Further investigation and replication of our results is required in other independent samples.
Influenza vaccination coverage rates among adults before and after the 2009 influenza pandemic and the reasons for non-vaccination in Beijing, China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wu Shuangsheng , Yang Peng , Li Haiyue , Ma Chunna , Zhang Yi , Wang Quanyi 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
To optimize the vaccination coverage rates in the general population, the status of coverage rates and the reasons for non-vaccination need to be understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the changes in influenza vaccination coverage rates in the general population before and after the 2009 influenza pandemic (2008/2009, 2009/2010, and 2010/2011 seasons), and to determine the reasons for non-vaccination.

Methods
In January 2011 we conducted a multi-stage sampling, retrospective, cross-sectional survey of individuals in Beijing who were ≥ 18 years of age using self-administered, anonymous questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographics (gender, age, educational level, and residential district name); history of influenza vaccination in the 2008/2009, 2009/2010, and 2010/2011 seasons; and reasons for non-vaccination in all three seasons. The main outcome was the vaccination coverage rate and vaccination frequency. Differences among the subgroups were tested using a Pearson’s chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine possible determinants of influenza vaccination uptake.

Results
A total of 13002 respondents completed the questionnaires. The vaccination coverage rates were 16.9% in 2008/2009, 21.8% in 2009/2010, and 16.7% in 2010/2011. Compared to 2008/2009 and 2010/2011, the higher rate in 2009/2010 was statistically significant (χ
2=138.96, p<0.001), and no significant difference existed between 2008/2009 and 2010/2011 (χ
2=1.296, p=0.255). Overall, 9.4% of the respondents received vaccinations in all three seasons, whereas 70% of the respondents did not get a vaccination during the same period. Based on multivariate analysis, older age and higher level of education were independently associated with increased odds of reporting vaccination in 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. Among participants who reported no influenza vaccinations over the previous three seasons, the most commonly reported reason for non-vaccination was ‘I don’t think I am very likely to catch the flu’ (49.3%).

Conclusions
Within the general population of Beijing the vaccination coverage rates were relatively low and did not change significantly after the influenza pandemic. The perception of not expecting to contract influenza was the predominant barrier to influenza vaccination. Further measures are needed to improve influenza vaccination coverage.
Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst occurring 21 years after ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement: a case report
Authors: Tamura Atsumi , Shida Dai , Tsutsumi Kyosuke 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement is an established procedure for the treatment of hydrocephalus of diverse etiologies in children and adults. Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst, which is potentially life threatening, is a rare complication and usually occurs during childhood. However, with increasing longevity following successful treatment, it can also occur in adults.

Case presentation
Here we describe a 22-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital because of diffuse abdominal distention. A VPS was placed 21 years earlier to treat hydrocephalus secondary to spina bifida. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a homogeneous low-density fluid collection adjacent to the VPS catheter tip, causing stomach obstruction. Thus a peritoneal pseudocyst around VPS was suspected and emergency laparotomy was performed. The large mass was localized in the left upper abdomen between the stomach and mesentery of the transverse colon, exactly at the omental bursa. The cystic mass was opened and 1500 ml of clear fluid was drained; the distal end of the VPS was repositioned outside the mass. Thus, an abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst as a complication of VPS was diagnosed.

Conclusion
Gastroenterological surgeons should be aware of this possible complication, and this complication should be considered during differential diagnosis of an acute abdomen complaint.
Spatial cross-correlation modeling for propagation channels in indoor distributed antenna systems
Authors: Tian Li , Yin Xuefeng , Zhou Xu , Zuo Quan 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In this contribution, the spatial cross-correlation of composite channels in a distributed antenna system (DAS) is studied for the case that a nine-antenna DAS is deployed in an indoor environment. As few measurement data of DAS propagation channels are available, the propagation graph modeling based on the electromagnetic wave reverberation theory is used to generate the synthetic impulse responses (IRs) for the composite channels induced by the different groups of antennas in the DAS. The simulations take into account the geographic parameters of the environment, the cluttering scatterers, the realistic visibility conditions, as well as the flexible locations for the antennas, and the user equipment. The uncorrelated scattering assumption is proved to be valid by using the real measurement data from the indoor environments. Based on this assumption, narrowband channel cross-correlation is computed by integrating the small-scale fading cross-correlation within the same delay bins in two channel IRs. The characteristics of the cross-correlation in four cases with different antenna grouping are investigated for the nine-antenna DAS. Part of the modeling results are shown to be consistent with the empirical counterparts for specific DAS constellations calculated using the real measurement data.
A decoding-based fusion rule for cooperative spectrum sensing with nonorthogonal transmission of local decisions
Authors: Bokharaiee Simin , Nguyen Ha H , Shwedyk Ed 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Cooperative spectrum sensing in cognitive radio (CR) networks is studied in which each CR performs energy detection to obtain a binary decision on the absence/presence of the primary user. The problem of interest is how to efficiently report and combine the local decisions to/at the fusion center under fading channels. In order to reduce the required transmission bandwidth in the reporting phase, the paper examines nonorthogonal transmission of local decisions by means of on-off keying. Proposed and analyzed is a novel decoding-based fusion rule that essentially performs in three steps: (1) estimating minimum mean-square error of the transmitted information from cognitive radios, (2) making hard decisions of the transmitted bits based on the estimated information, and (3) combining the hard decisions in a linear manner. Simulation results support the theoretical analysis and show that the added complexity of the decoding-based fusion rule leads to a considerable performance gain over the simpler energy-based fusion rule when the reporting links are reasonably strong.
Ascl1b and Neurod1, instead of Neurog3, control pancreatic endocrine cell fate in zebrafish
Authors: Flasse Lydie C , Pirson Justine L , Stern David G , Von Berg Virginie , Manfroid Isabelle , Peers Bernard , Voz Marianne L 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
NEUROG3 is a key regulator of pancreatic endocrine cell differentiation in mouse, essential for the generation of all mature hormone producing cells. It is repressed by Notch signaling that prevents pancreatic cell differentiation by maintaining precursors in an undifferentiated state.

Results
We show that, in zebrafish, neurog3 is not expressed in the pancreas and null neurog3 mutant embryos do not display any apparent endocrine defects. The control of endocrine cell fate is instead fulfilled by two basic helix-loop-helix factors, Ascl1b and Neurod1, that are both repressed by Notch signaling. ascl1b is transiently expressed in the mid-trunk endoderm just after gastrulation and is required for the generation of the first pancreatic endocrine precursor cells. Neurod1 is expressed afterwards in the pancreatic anlagen and pursues the endocrine cell differentiation program initiated by Ascl1b. Their complementary role in endocrine differentiation of the dorsal bud is demonstrated by the loss of all hormone-secreting cells following their simultaneous inactivation. This defect is due to a blockage of the initiation of endocrine cell differentiation.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that NEUROG3 is not the unique pancreatic endocrine cell fate determinant in vertebrates. A general survey of endocrine cell fate determinants in the whole digestive system among vertebrates indicates that they all belong to the ARP/ASCL family but not necessarily to the Neurog3 subfamily. The identity of the ARP/ASCL factor involved depends not only on the organ but also on the species. One could, therefore, consider differentiating stem cells into insulin-producing cells without the involvement of NEUROG3 but via another ARP/ASCL factor.
Expression of calpain-calpastatin system (CCS) member proteins in human lymphocytes of young and elderly individuals; pilot baseline data for the CALPACENT project
Authors: Mikosik Anna , Foerster Jerzy , Jasiulewicz Aleksandra , Frąckowiak Joanna , Colonna-Romano Giuseppina , Bulati Matteo , Buffa Silvio , Martorana Adriana , Caruso Calogero , Bryl Ewa , Witkowski Jacek M 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundUbiquitous system of regulatory, calcium-dependent, cytoplasmic proteases – calpains – and their endogenous inhibitor – calpastatin – is implicated in the proteolytic regulation of activation, proliferation, and apoptosis of many cell types. However, it has not been thoroughly studied in resting and activated human lymphocytes yet, especially in relation to the subjects’ ageing process. The CALPACENT project is an international (Polish-Italian) project aiming at verifying the hypothesis of the role of calpains in the function of peripheral blood immune cells of Polish (Pomeranian) and Italian (Sicilian) centenarians, apparently relatively preserved in comparison to the general elderly population. In this preliminary report we aimed at establishing and comparing the baseline levels of expression of μ- and m-calpain and calpastatin in various, phenotypically defined, populations of human peripheral blood lymphocytes for healthy elderly Sicilians and Poles, as compared to these values observed in young cohort.ResultsWe have found significant differences in the expression of both μ- and m-calpain as well as calpastatin between various populations of peripheral blood lymphocytes (CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+), both between the age groups compared and within them. Interestingly, significantly higher amounts of μ- and m-calpains but not of calpastatin could be demonstrated in the CD4+CD28- and CD8+CD28-lymphocytes of old subjects (but not in the cells of young individuals), as compared to their CD28+counterparts. Finally, decreased expression of both calpains in the elderly T cells is not related to the accumulation of effector/memory (CD45RO+) cells in the latter, as the expression of both calpains does not differ significantly between the naïve and memory T cells, while is significantly lower for elderly lymphocytes if both populations are taken separately.ConclusionsObserved differences in the amounts of CCS member proteins between various populations of lymphocytes of young and elderly subjects may participate in the impaired proliferative activity of these cells in the elderly.
Genome-wide Association Study of Sensory Disturbances in the Inferior Alveolar Nerve after Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy
Authors: Kobayashi Daisuke , Nishizawa Daisuke , Takasaki Yoshito , Kasai Shinya , Kakizawa Takashi , Ikeda Kazutaka , Fukuda Ken-ichi 
Published: July 2013

Background Bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) is a common orthognatic surgical procedure. Sensory disturbances in the inferior alveolar nerve, including hypoesthesia and dysesthesia, are frequently observed after BSSRO, even without distinct nerve injury. The mechanisms that underlie individual differences in the vulnerability to sensory disturbances have not yet been elucidated. Methods The present study investigated the relationships between genetic polymorphisms and the vulnerability to sensory disturbances after BSSRO in a genome-wide association study (GWAS). A total of 304 and 303 patients who underwent BSSRO were included in the analyses of hypoesthesia and dysesthesia, respectively. Hypoesthesia was evaluated using the tactile test 1 week after surgery. Dysesthesia was evaluated by interview 4 weeks after surgery. Whole-genome genotyping was conducted using Illumina BeadChips including approximately 300,000 polymorphism markers. Results Hypoesthesia and dysesthesia occurred in 51 (16.8%) and 149 (49.2%) subjects, respectively. Significant associations were not observed between the clinical data (i.e., age, sex, body weight, body height, loss of blood volume, migration length of bone fragments, nerve exposure, duration of anesthesia, and duration of surgery) and the frequencies of hypoesthesia and dysesthesia. Significant associations were found between hypoesthesia and the rs502281 polymorphism (recessive model: combined X2 = 24.72, nominal P = 6.633 × 10−7), between hypoesthesia and the rs2063640 polymorphism (recessive model: combined X2 = 23.07, nominal P = 1.563 × 10−6), and between dysesthesia and the nonsynonymous rs2677879 polymorphism (trend model: combined X2 = 16.56, nomina P = 4.722 × 10−5; dominant model: combined X2 = 16.31, nominal P = 5.369 × 10−5). The rs502281 and rs2063640 polymorphisms were located in the flanking region of the ARID1B and ZPLD1 genes on chromosomes 6 and 3, whose official names are “AT rich interactive domain 1B (SW11 -like)” and “zona pellucida-like domain containing 1”, respectively. The rs2677879 polymorphism is located in the METTL4 gene on chromosome 18, whose official name is “methyltransferase like 4”. Conclusions The GWAS of sensory disturbances after BSSRO revealed associations between genetic polymorphisms located in the flanking region of the ARID1B and ZPLD1 genes and hypoesthesia and between a nonsynonymous genetic polymorphism in the METTL4 gene and dysesthesia.
The Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: van der Hoeven Erik JRJ , Schonewille Wouter J , Vos Jan Albert , Algra Ale , Audebert Heinrich J , Berge Eivind , Ciccone Alfonso , Mazighi Mikael , Michel Patrik , Muir Keith W , Obach Víctor , Puetz Volker , Wijman Cristanne AC , Zini Andrea , Kappelle Jaap L 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Despite recent advances in acute stroke treatment, basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is associated with a death or disability rate of close to 70%. Randomised trials have shown the safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) given within 4.5 h and have shown promising results of intra-arterial thrombolysis given within 6 h of symptom onset of acute ischaemic stroke, but these results do not directly apply to patients with an acute BAO because only few, if any, of these patients were included in randomised acute stroke trials.
Recently the results of the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS), a prospective registry of patients with acute symptomatic BAO challenged the often-held assumption that intra-arterial treatment (IAT) is superior to IVT. Our observations in the BASICS registry underscore that we continue to lack a proven treatment modality for patients with an acute BAO and that current clinical practice varies widely.

Design
BASICS is a randomised controlled, multicentre, open label, phase III intervention trial with blinded outcome assessment, investigating the efficacy and safety of additional IAT after IVT in patients with BAO. The trial targets to include 750 patients, aged 18 to 85 years, with CT angiography or MR angiography confirmed BAO treated with IVT. Patients will be randomised between additional IAT followed by optimal medical care versus optimal medical care alone. IVT has to be initiated within 4.5 h from estimated time of BAO and IAT within 6 h. The primary outcome parameter will be favourable outcome at day 90 defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–3.

Discussion
The BASICS registry was observational and has all the limitations of a non-randomised study. As the IAT approach becomes increasingly available and frequently utilised an adequately powered randomised controlled phase III trial investigating the added value of this therapy in patients with an acute symptomatic BAO is needed (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01717755).