bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of socioeconomic deprivation on outcomes in pancreas transplantation
Authors: Khalid Usman , Laftsidis Prodromos , Chapman Dawn , Stephens Michael R. , Asderakis Argiris 
Published: February 2015

AbstractSocioeconomic deprivation is an important factor in determining poor health and is associated with a higher prevalence of many chronic diseases including diabetes and renal failure, with poorer outcomes of their treatments.The influence of deprivation on outcomes following pancreas transplantation has not previously been reported.The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation was used to assess the influence of socioeconomic deprivation on outcomes for 119 consecutive pancreas transplant recipients from a single center in the United Kingdom, transplanted between 2004 and 2013. Outcomes measured were rate of acute rejection and graft survival.Thirty‐five (29.4%) patients experienced at least one episode of acute rejection following their transplant. Rejection rates in least deprived were 37% and most deprived 24% (p = 0.29). Within the individual domains, rejection rate was higher for the “physical environment” domain (least deprived 40% vs. most deprived 17% (p = 0.053). Five‐year graft survival for least and most deprived groups was 75% and 88%, respectively (log‐rank test p‐value 0.24).This study has not demonstrated any significant differences in outcomes following pancreas transplantation in Wales in relation to socioeconomic deprivation with the exception possibly of the “physical environment” domain. Further studies with larger patient population or concentrating on physical environment deprivation would be of interest.
Challenges, successes and patterns of enrolment in the INSIGHT Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial
Authors: Grarup J , Rappoport C , Engen NW , Carey C , Hudson F , Denning E , Sharma S , Florence E , Vjecha MJ ,   International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials (INSIGHT) START Study Group
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of this report is to describe the challenges, successes and patterns of enrolment in the Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) study.MethodsSTART is a collaboration of many partners with central coordination provided by the protocol team, the statistical and data management centre (SDMC), the International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials (INSIGHT) network leadership, international coordinating centres and site coordinating centres. The SDMC prepared reports on study accrual, baseline characteristics and site performance that allowed monitoring of enrolment and data quality and helped to ensure the successful enrolment of this large international trial. We describe the pattern of enrolment and challenges faced during the enrolment period of the trial.ResultsAn initial pilot phase began in April 2009 and established feasibility of accrual at 101 sites. In August 2010, funding approval for an expanded definitive phase led to the successful accrual of 4688 participants from 215 sites in 35 countries by December 2013. Challenges to accrual included regulatory delays (e.g. national/local ethics approval and drug importation approval) and logistical obstacles (e.g. execution of contracts with pharmaceutical companies, setting up of a central drug repository and translation of participant materials). The personal engagement of investigators, strong central study coordination, and frequent and transparent communication with site investigators, community members and participants were key contributing factors to this success.ConclusionsAccrual into START was completed in a timely fashion despite multiple challenges. This success was attributable to the efforts of site investigators committed to maintaining study equipoise, transparent and responsive study coordination, and community involvement in problem‐solving.
Kidney disease in antiretroviral‐naïve HIV‐positive adults with high CD4 counts: prevalence and predictors of kidney disease at enrolment in the INSIGHT Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial
Authors: Achhra AC , Mocroft A , Ross MJ , Ryom L , Lucas GM , Furrer H , Neuhaus J , Somboonwit C , Kelly M , Gatell JM , Wyatt CM ,   International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials (INSIGHT) START Study Group
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesHIV infection has been associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Little is known about the prevalence of CKD in individuals with high CD4 cell counts prior to initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We sought to address this knowledge gap.MethodsWe describe the prevalence of CKD among 4637 ART‐naïve adults (mean age 36.8 years) with CD4 cell counts > 500 cells/μL at enrolment in the Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) study. CKD was defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or dipstick urine protein ≥ 1+. Logistic regression was used to identify baseline characteristics associated with CKD.ResultsAmong 286 [6.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.5%, 6.9%] participants with CKD, the majority had isolated proteinuria. A total of 268 participants had urine protein ≥ 1+, including 41 with urine protein ≥ 2+. Only 22 participants (0.5%) had an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, including four who also had proteinuria. Baseline characteristics independently associated with CKD included diabetes [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.73; 95% CI 1.05, 2.85], hypertension (aOR 1.82; 95% CI 1.38, 2.38), and race/ethnicity (aOR 0.59; 95% CI 0.37, 0.93 for Hispanic vs. white).ConclusionsWe observed a low prevalence of CKD associated with traditional CKD risk factors among ART‐naïve clinical trial participants with CD4 cell counts > 500 cells/μL.
Factors associated with neurocognitive test performance at baseline: a substudy of the INSIGHT Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial
Authors: Wright EJ , Grund B , Cysique LA , Robertson KR , Brew BJ , Collins G , Shlay JC , Winston A , Read TRH , Price RW ,   International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials (INSIGHT) START Study Group
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesWe describe neuropsychological test performance (NP) in antiretroviral treatment (ART)‐naïve HIV‐positive individuals with CD4 cell counts above 500 cells/μL.MethodsIn a neurology substudy of the International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials (INSIGHT) Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) study, eight neurocognitive tests were administered. The primary measure of NP was the quantitative NP z‐score (QNPZ‐8), the average of the z‐scores for the eight tests. Associations of baseline factors with QNPZ‐8 scores were assessed by multiple regression. Mild neurocognitive impairment (NCI) was defined as z‐scores < −1 in at least two of six cognitive domains.ResultsA total of 608 participants had a median age of 34 years; 11% were women and 15% were black; the median time since HIV diagnosis was 0.9 years; the median CD4 cell count was 633 cells/μL; 19.9% had mild NCI. Better NP was independently associated with younger age, being white, higher body mass index (0.10 per 10 kg/m2 higher), and higher haematocrit percentage (0.19 per 10% higher). Worse NP was associated with longer time since HIV diagnosis (‐0.17 per 10 years), diabetes (‐0.29) and higher Framingham risk score (‐0.15 per 10 points higher). QNPZ‐8 scores differed significantly between geographical locations, with the lowest scores in Brazil and Argentina/Chile.ConclusionsThis is the largest study of NP in ART‐naïve HIV‐positive adults with CD4 counts > 500 cells/μL. Demographic factors and diabetes were most strongly associated with NP. Unmeasured educational/sociocultural factors may explain geographical differences. Poorer NP was independently associated with longer time since HIV diagnosis, suggesting that untreated HIV infection might deleteriously affect NP, but the effect was small.
Assessment of arterial elasticity among HIV‐positive participants with high CD4 cell counts: a substudy of the INSIGHT Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial
Authors: Baker JV , Engen NW , Huppler Hullsiek K , Stephan C , Jain MK , Munderi P , Pett S , Duprez D ,   International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials (INSIGHT) START Study Group
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesBoth HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) may increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Assessments of vascular function and structure can be used to study the pathogenesis and progression of CVD, including the effects of ART and other interventions. The objective of this report is to understand methods to assess vascular (dys)function and report our experience in the Arterial Elasticity Substudy in the Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial.MethodsWe review literature and analyze baseline data from the Arterial Elasticity Substudy, which estimated vascular (dys)function through analysis of the diastolic blood pressure (BP) waveform. Linear regression was used to study cross‐sectional associations between baseline clinical factors and small or large arterial elasticity.ResultsArterial elasticity measurement was chosen for its improved measurement reproducibility over other methodologies and the potential of small arterial elasticity to predict clinical risk. Analysis of baseline data demonstrates that small artery elasticity is impaired (lower) with older age and differs by race and between geographical regions. No HIV‐specific factors studied remained significantly associated with arterial elasticity in multivariate models.ConclusionsLongitudinal analyses in this substudy will provide essential randomized data with which to study the effects of early ART initiation on the progression of vascular disease among a diverse global population. When combined with future biomarker analyses and clinical outcomes in START, these findings will expand our understanding of the pathogenesis of HIV‐related CVD.
Metal oxide‐coating PMMA or Talc as a new IR blocker inhibits IR‐induced decrease of collagens in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Nam J.‐J. , Lee K.‐E. , Kim Y. J. 
Published: February 2015

SynopsisObjectivesThe purpose of this study was whether P/M or T/M inhibits IR‐induced decrease of collagens in human dermal fibroblasts, using P/M or T/M blocked near‐IR (NIR) transmittance significantly in spectrophotometer measurement.MethodsAs metal oxides are effective inorganic molecules for intercepting IR radiation, we have developed metal oxide‐coating PMMA (P/M) or Talc (T/M) as a new IR blocker. Inhibitory effect of the new IR blocker on collagen degradation was measured by gene and protein expressions of procollagens and MMPs, respectively, in IR‐irradiated Hs68 cell line.ResultsUsing P/M or T/M inhibited IR‐induced increases of MMP‐1, MMP‐3 and MMP‐9, and IR‐induced decreases of type 1 and 4 procollagen in a dose‐dependent manner in dermal fibroblasts. In addition, using both P/M and T/M blocked the increase of cell media temperature induced by IR lamp.ConclusionThe results suggest that P/M or T/M can inhibit decrease of collagens by blocking IR‐induced heat transmission in human dermal fibroblasts.
17‐AAG suppresses growth and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells via regulation of the LATS1/YAP pathway
Authors: Ye Xiang‐Yun , Luo Qing‐Quan , Xu Yun‐Hua , Tang Nai‐Wang , Niu Xiao‐Min , Li Zi‐Ming , Shen Sheng‐Ping , Lu Shun , Chen Zhi‐Wei 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe large tumour suppressor 1 (LATS1) signalling network has been proved to be an essential regulator within the cell, participating in multiple cellular phenotypes. However, it is unclear concerning the clinical significance of LATS1 and the regulatory mechanisms of 17‐Allylamino‐17‐ demethoxygeldanamycin (17‐AAG) in lung adenocarcinoma (LAC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation of LATS1 and yes‐associated protein (YAP) expression with clinicopathological characteristics in LAC patients, and the effects of 17‐AAG on biological behaviours of LAC cells. Subcutaneous LAC tumour models were further established to observe the tumour growth in nude mice. The results showed that the positive expression of LATS1 was significantly lowered (26.7% versus 68.0%, P < 0.001), while that of YAP was elevated (76.0% versus 56.0%, P = 0.03) in LAC tissues compared to the adjacent non‐cancerous tissues; LAST1 expression was negatively correlated with YAP expression (r = 0.432, P < 0.001) and lymphatic invasion of the tumour (P = 0.015). In addition, 17‐AAG inhibited proliferation and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis and cycle arrest in LAC cells together with increased expression of E‐cadherin and p‐LATS1, and decreased expression of YAP and connective tissue growth factor. Tumour volumes and weight were much smaller in 17‐AAG‐treated groups than those in untreated group (P < 0.01). Taken together, our findings indicate that decreased expression of LATS1 is associated with lymphatic invasion of LAC, and 17‐AAG suppresses growth and invasion of LAC cells via regulation of the LATS1/YAP pathway in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that we may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of human LAC.
Commentary: Physical health outcomes and health care have improved so much, so why is child mental health getting worse? Or is it? A commentary on Collishaw (2015)
Authors: Verhulst Frank 
Published: February 2015

The frequency of problems in children and adolescents varies between times within populations in the same geographical area. It has often been suggested that problems in children and adolescents have increased and that present‐day youth fare less well than youth in the past. These concerns are fed by the assumed negative impact of societal change on individual development. It has been 20 years since (Rutter and Smith, 1995. Psychosocial disorders in young people: Time trends and their causes. Chicester: Wiley) published their findings on child and adolescent problem behaviors that occur at different points in time in western societies in the latter part of the 20th century. They concluded that, despite a lack of rigorous epidemiological data, there was some evidence for a secular increase in adolescents’ conduct problems, substance abuse, depression and suicide. Fergusson argued that factors implied by Rutter and Smith as risks for adjustment problems, such as changes in social, economic, educational, family and other structures associated with child rearing and child development, may equally well lead to positive developments. He argued that increasing social diversity may lead to increasing variability in adolescent adjustment patterns with on the one end increasing numbers of young people showing psychopathology (as was shown by Rutter and Smith) and on the other end increasing numbers of young people who show responsible prosocial behaviors. However, there were no data available to test the possibility that social change has had both positive and detrimental effects for adolescents. Rutter and Smith's review also made clear that there were numerous methodological obstacles hampering firm conclusions about secular changes in rates of disorder that may well reflect changes in diagnostic criteria, use of mental health services, or record keeping such as police or suicide records. Twenty years ago, few epidemiological comparisons were available in which changes in problems in representative samples of children and adolescents from western societies at different points in time were assessed with similar standardized procedures. This situation has changed drastically over the last couple of years. In the current Annual Research Review, Collishaw gives an impressively thorough overview of studies published over the last two decades on secular trends in child and adolescent mental health with an emphasis on studies that compare rates of child and adolescent problems over time in one geographically defined population. The review also raises a number of issues related to existing time‐trend research worth mentioning…
Oral mixing ability and cognition in elderly persons with dementia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Weijenberg R. A. F. , Lobbezoo F. , Visscher C. M. , Scherder E. J. A. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryMasticatory performance has been positively associated with cognitive ability in both animals and healthy humans. We hypothesised that there would also be a positive correlation between masticatory performance and cognition in older persons suffering from dementia. Older persons suffering from dementia (n = 114) and receiving institutionalised care were studied in a cross‐sectional design. The assessments included masticatory performance, which was measured objectively with a two‐colour gum mixing ability test, and cognition, which was assessed with a multidomain neuropsychological test battery. Significant relationships were observed between masticatory performance and general cognition and between masticatory performance and verbal fluency. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the correlation with general cognition was influenced by the scores for dependency in activities of daily living. The association between verbal fluency and masticatory performance was not significantly affected by secondary variables. An unexpected limitation of this study was the high dropout rate for the mixing ability test. The clinical implications of these findings are profound; care professionals should endeavour to maintain and stimulate mastication in older persons with dementia in an attempt to preserve cognition.
Histiocytic Sarcoma with Central Nervous System Involvement in Dogs: 19 Cases (2006–2012)
Authors: Mariani C.L. , Jennings M.K. , Olby N.J. , Borst L.B. , Brown J.C. , Robertson I.D. , Seiler G.S. , MacKillop E. 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundReports of histiocytic sarcoma (HS) involving the central nervous system (CNS) are sparse and consist mainly of case reports describing 1–3 animals.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to report the signalments, clinical signs, clinicopathologic and diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, and outcome of a series of dogs withHSandCNSinvolvement.AnimalsNineteen dogs withHSexamined at veterinary referral hospitals.MethodsRetrospective case series. Medical records were reviewed and cases with a histopathological diagnosis ofCNS HSwere included in the study. Diagnostic imaging studies of theCNSwere evaluated and histopathologic samples were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis.ResultsRetrievers andPembrokeWelshCorgis were overrepresented in this cohort of dogs. Tumors involved the brain in 14 dogs and the spinal cord in 5. In 4 dogs,HSwas part of a disseminated, multiorgan process whereas it appeared confined to theCNSin 15 dogs. Diagnostic imaging had variable appearances although extraaxial masses predominated in the brain. There was meningeal enhancement in all dogs that was often profound and remote from the primary mass lesion. Pleocytosis was present in all dogs withCSFevaluation. Median survival was 3 days.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceBreed predispositions appear to vary from reports ofHSin other organ systems. Some unique imaging and clinicopathologic characteristics, particularly brain herniation, profound meningeal enhancement, and pleocytosis in combination with 1 or more mass lesions, might help to differentiate this neoplasm from others involving theCNS, although this requires further study.
Can light intensity cause shifts in natural product and bacterial profiles of the sponge Aplysina aerophoba?
Authors: Sacristán‐Soriano Oriol , Banaigs Bernard , Becerro Mikel A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe potential role of microbial consortia on sponge chemistry is well known. However, how environmental factors affect microbial and chemical profiles and how these shifts affect the sponge holobiont are far from being understood. This study experimentally investigated the effect of light on both the concentration of secondary metabolites and the bacterial assemblages of the sponge Aplysina aerophoba. We quantified major brominated alkaloids (BAs) using a high‐performance liquid chromatography system coupled with a UV‐detector and analysed sponge‐associated bacteria using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. We identified distinct chemical and bacterial profiles between the ectosome and the choanosome of A. aerophoba. The abundance of most secondary metabolites increased regardless of the illumination regime. We found that the probability of occurrence of three microbial phylotypes (operational taxonomic units 84, 86 and 87) was strongly associated with increasing concentrations of three brominated compounds (aerophobin‐1, aplysinamisin‐1 and isofistularin‐3). Although the role of these bacteria remains uninvestigated, these associations between natural products and specific microbial phylotypes outline further hypotheses that will improve our understanding of the organization and functioning of these complex host–symbiont interactions.
Geoecohydrological mechanisms couple soil and leaf water dynamics and facilitate species coexistence in shallow soils of a tropical semiarid mixed forest
Authors: Rodríguez‐Robles Ulises , Arredondo J. Tulio , Huber‐Sannwald Elisabeth , Vargas Rodrigo 
Published: February 2015

Summary

Trees growing on shallow rocky soils must have exceptional adaptations when underlying weathered bedrock has no deep fractures for water storage. Under semiarid conditions, hydrology of shallow soils is expected to decouple from plant hydrology, as soils dry out as a result of rapid evaporation and competition for water increases between coexisting tree species.

Gas exchange and plant–water relations were monitored for 15 months for Pinus cembroides and Quercus potosina tree species in a tropical semiarid forest growing on c. 20‐cm‐deep soils over impermeable volcanic bedrock.

Soil and leaf water potential maintained a relatively constant offset throughout the year in spite of high intra‐annual fluctuations reaching up to 5 MPa. Thus, hydrology of shallow soils did not decouple from hydrology of trees even in the driest period. A combination of redistribution mechanisms of water stored in weathered bedrock and hypodermic flow accessible to oak provided the source of water supply to shallow soils, where most of the actively growing roots occurred.

This study demonstrates a unique geoecohydrological mechanism that maintains a tightly coupled hydrology between shallow rocky soils and trees, as well as species coexistence in this mixed forest, where oak facilitates water access to pine.