bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ZnS nanoarchitectures induced dysfunction of vascular endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Han Lei , Su Le , Chen Dagui , Zhang ShangLi , Zhang Yun , Zhao BaoXiang , Zhao Jing , Miao JunYing 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTZnS nanoarchitectures have been intensively investigated recently because of their applications in optoelectronics and adsorption capacity. The potential hazard of ZnS nanoarchitectures is not well known. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of ZnS nanoarchitectures on vascular endothelial cell (VEC) in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that ZnS could inhibit human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation at 50 and 200 μg/mL. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species productions were increased, which was companied with the decrease in caveolin‐1 level. The endothelium of the aortic root was damaged and the NO levels in serum were elevated in the mice treated with 5 or 10 mg/kg ZnS for 3 and 6 days, but the body could repair the damage. The data suggested that the high concentration of ZnS could induce dysfunction of VECs through decreasing caveolin‐1 and elevation of the eNOS activity and thus present toxicity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 755–768, 2015.
Endometrial vascularity is lower in pregnancies with pregnancy‐induced hypertension or small‐for‐gestational‐age fetus in live birth after in‐vitro fertilization
Authors: Lai C. W. S. , Yung S. S. F. , Ng E. H. Y. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess the relationship between endometrial/subendometrial vascularity and the risk of pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) or small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) fetuses in women who had a live birth following in‐vitro fertilization (IVF).MethodsThis was a retrospective study of women who had a live birth after IVF from November 2002 to December 2004. Only women with a singleton pregnancy (n = 104) were included for analysis. Three‐dimensional ultrasound measurement with power Doppler of the endometrial and subendometrial regions was performed on the day of oocyte retrieval in stimulated IVF cycles or on luteinizing hormone surge + 1 day in frozen–thawed embryo transfer cycles to measure the endometrial volume and the vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) of the endometrial and subendometrial regions. Pregnancy outcomes were also reviewed.ResultsEight women (7.7%) had PIH or an SGA fetus. Women in the PIH/SGA group had significantly lower endometrial VI (0.504 vs 1.051; P = 0.023) and VFI (0.121 vs 0.253; P = 0.023) than those in the non‐PIH/SGA group. However endometrial FI was significantly higher in the PIH/SGA group (23.04 vs 22.71; P = 0.028). There were no significant differences in subendometrial indices between the two groups.ConclusionWomen who had a live birth following IVF and whose pregnancy was complicated by PIH or an SGA fetus had significantly lower endometrial vascularity in terms of VI and VFI than did women without PIH or SGA. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Adrenal Metastectomy is Safe in Selected Patients
Authors: Romero Arenas Minerva Angelica , Sui Dawen , Grubbs Elizabeth G. , Lee Jeffrey E. , Perrier Nancy D. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe benefit of adrenalectomy (ADX) for adrenal metastasis is not established. We evaluated outcomes after ADX for patients with adrenal metastasis.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the records of 90 patients who underwent ADX for metastatic disease. Overall survival (OS) after ADX was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Clinical factors were evaluated for associations with OS using a Cox regression model, and with operative factors using the Wilcoxon two‐sample or Fisher’s exact test.ResultsThe most common primary tumor types were melanoma (35, 39 %) and lung cancer (32, 35 %). A total of 49 (54 %) patients had isolated adrenal metastasis; 55 (61 %) underwent laparoscopic resection (LADX). Median OS was 2.46 years (range < 1 month–15 years), and 5‐year survival rate was 38 % (6 % standard error). Most patients experienced disease progression (56, 62 %) despite achieving disease‐free status following ADX (78, 86 %). When compared with the open approach, LADX was associated with smaller tumor size, as well as reduced blood loss, operative time, and length of stay (all p < 0.0001), and no difference in OS (p = 0.4122) or complications (p = 1). Isolated adrenal bed recurrence was similar in LADX (N = 3, 5 %) and open ADX (N = 2, 6 %) (p = 1), and did not affect OS (p = 0.2). Larger tumors were associated with shorter median OS (p = 0.0014).ConclusionsADX for metastasis can be safely performed in selected patients. Some patients with adrenal metastasis achieve prolonged survival following ADX. Compared with an open approach, LADX has no measurable oncologic disadvantage, minimizes morbidity, and should be considered when tumor characteristics permit.
“A Community with Diversity of Culture, Wealth, Resources, and Living Experiences”: Defining Neighborhood in an Unincorporated Community
Authors: Fernández Jesica Siham , Langhout Regina Day 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTo obtain a better understanding of how people living in an unincorporated region define their neighborhood, a long‐term photovoice project was conducted. Thirty‐one photovoice sessions and eight structured interviews were coded and analyzed to assess participants’ neighborhood definitions. Participant's difficulties in identifying the geographic, physical and demographic characteristics of their neighborhood led them to use social interactions, place‐mediated values, and civic engagement to define neighborhood.
Early body weight loss during concurrent chemo‐radiotherapy for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Op den Kamp Céline M. H. , De Ruysscher Dirk K. M. , van den Heuvel Marieke , Elferink Meike , Houben Ruud M. A. , Oberije Cary J. G. , Bootsma Gerben P. , Geraedts Wiel H. , Pitz Cordula C. M. , Langen Ramon C. , Wouters Emiel F. M. , Schols Annemie M. W. J. , Dingemans Anne‐Marie C. 
Published: January 2014

Background and purposeRadiation‐esophagitis and weight loss are fre.uently observed toxicities in patients treated with concurrent chemo‐radiotherapy (CT‐RT) for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and might be related. The purpose was to investigate whether weight loss already starts early after initiation of CT‐RT and precedes radiation‐esophagitis.Materials and methodsIn a retrospective cohort, weight and esophagitis grade ≥2 were assessed during the first weeks of (CT‐)RT in patients treated with concurrent (n = 102) or sequential (n = 92) therapy. In a prospective validation study, data on body weight, esophagitis grade ≥2, nutritional intake and muscle strength were obtained before, during and following CT‐RT.ResultsIn the retrospective cohort, early weight loss was observed in concurrently treated patients (p = 0.002), independent of esophagitis ≥ grade 2. Early weight loss was also observed in the prospective cohort (p = 0.003) and was not accompanied by decreases in nutritional intake. In addition lower limb muscle strength rapidly declined (p = 0.042). In the later weeks of treatment, further body weight loss occurred (p < 0.001) despite increased nutritional supplementation and body weight was only partly recovered after 4 weeks post CT‐RT (p = 0.003).ConclusionsWeight loss during concurrent CT‐RT for NSCLC starts early and prior to onset of esophagitis, re.uiring timely and intense nutritional rehabilitation.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13539‐013‐0127‐5) contains supplementary material.
The Determinants of Chemical Input Use in Agriculture: A Dynamic Analysis of the Wine Grape–Growing Sector in France
Authors: Aubert Magali , Enjolras Geoffroy 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis article examines the determinants of chemical consumption by French winegrowers on an individual basis. We introduce criteria relating to the structure of vineyards and the financial situation of the winegrowers. Using data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN-RICA) for the period 2002–2007 from an annual sample of 607 winegrowers, we study the different factors that encourage winegrowers to use chemical inputs to protect or increase the yield of their vines. Drawing on transversal and longitudinal analyses, we illustrate the benefits derived from differentiating the demand for inputs according to their classification: pesticides or fertilizers. Climatic variables, physical size, and turnover all act as driving forces in the decision to use chemical inputs. We show that taking out crop insurance functions as a substitute for inputs and observe a double moral hazard effect: Winegrowers who increase their insurance coverage reduce their consumption of inputs the most and receive greater compensation; among insured winegrowers, those who use the most inputs make the most claims. As wine grape growing is a consistent activity conducted over a long period, we observe permanence in patterns of use of chemical inputs. (JEL Classifications: Q12, Q13, Q14)
Shortened stapedius tendon: a rare cause of conductive hearing loss
Authors: Zawawi F , Varshney R , Schloss M D 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIntroduction:Anomalies of the stapedius tendon have been reported to cause conductive hearing loss; in theory, such anomalies limit the movement of the stapes.Objectives:To demonstrate a rare cause of conductive hearing loss resulting from anomaly of the stapedius tendon and to compare the clinical findings of this patient to other stapedius tendon anomalies reported in the literature.Method:Case report of a single case of shortened stapedius tendon and a review of the English literature on stapedius tendon anomalies.Results:This is a case report of a 15-year-old boy with shortened stapedius tendon causing unilateral hearing loss, accompanied by a review of the literature. Contrary to other reported cases, this patient did not have an ossified tendon, but rather an extremely short tendon. The boy regained normal hearing following excision of the stapedius tendon.Conclusion:A shortened stapedius tendon is a very rare diagnosis, yet it should be considered as a possible cause of conductive hearing loss.
Clinicopathological features of mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: Yamazaki K , Ohta H , Shodo R , Matsuyama H , Takahashi S 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjective:We aimed to examine the clinical usefulness of a new World Health Organization classification scheme for salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and to identify the factors most strongly associated with prognosis and outcome.Methods:The clinicopathological features of 45 patients who received treatment for mucoepidermoid carcinoma between 1986 and 2010 were retrospectively investigated.Results:The overall disease-specific 5-year survival rate was 81.8 per cent. The rate for patients with low-grade tumours (92.5 per cent) was significantly higher than that for patients with intermediate or high-grade tumours (52.2 per cent). Univariate analysis revealed that five factors were significantly associated with five-year survival: age, tumour stage classification, lymph node status, histological grade and treatment method. Four factors were significant in multivariate analysis: age, sex, tumour stage classification and lymph node status.Conclusion:The new World Health Organization classification was useful in predicting disease progression in patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Patients with high-grade tumours or other prognostic factors positively associated with disease progression should be carefully evaluated and monitored.
Neural correlates of inhibitory control and visual processing in youths with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a counting Stroop functional MRI study
Authors: Fan L.-Y. , Gau S. S.-F. , Chou T.-L. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundDespite evidence of inhibitory control and visual processing impairment in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), knowledge about its corresponding alterations in the brain is still evolving. The current study used counting Stroop functional MRI and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) to investigate if brain activation of inhibitory control and visual processing would differ in youths with ADHD relative to neurotypical youths.MethodWe assessed 25 youths with ADHD [mean age 10.9 (s.d. = 2.2) years] and 23 age-, gender- and IQ-matched neurotypical youths [mean age 11.2 (s.d. = 2.9) years]. The participants were assessed by using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, third edition, and two tests from the CANTAB: rapid visual information processing (RVP) and pattern recognition memory (PRM) outside the scanner.ResultsYouths with ADHD showed more activation than neurotypical youths in the right inferior frontal gyrus [Brodmann area (BA) 45] and anterior cingulate cortex, which were correlated with poorer performance on the RVP test in the CANTAB. In contrast, youths with ADHD showed less activation than neurotypical youths in the left superior parietal lobule (BA 5/7), which was correlated with the percentage of correct responses on the PRM test in the CANTAB.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that youths with ADHD might need more inhibitory control to suppress interference between number and meaning and may involve less visual processing to process the numbers in the counting Stroop task than neurotypical youths.
COMPARATIVE COST-EFFECTIVENESS MODELS FOR THE TREATMENT OF MULTIPLE MYELOMA
Authors: Cooper Keith , Picot Joanna , Bryant Jackie , Clegg Andrew 
Published: January 2014

Objectives: To compare cost effectiveness models for the first-line treatment of multiple myeloma, and explore the differences between the models’ structure, parameters, assumptions and results.Methods: Three cost effectiveness models for the treatment of multiple myeloma, were compared that had been developed to inform resource allocation in the UK for the chemotherapy regimens bortezomib, melphalan and prednisolone (BMP); and melphalan, prednisolone and thalidomide (MPT) versus melphalan and prednisolone (MP). The models used alternative approaches and assumptions to estimate the overall survival and progression-free survival for each of the interventions. Through the use of sensitivity analyses, the most influential parameters and assumptions of each of the models were identified.Results: The models developed by the manufacturers gave conflicting results, with each manufacturer favouring their drug. The differences between the model results were determined by two parameters: the hazard ratio for overall survival for MPT vs. MP and the cost of bortezomib.Conclusions: Using models developed for assessing treatments for multiple myeloma we demonstrated that it was feasible to compare models, which then aided decision makers in making reimbursement decisions.
Geochemistry of the 1100 Ma intrusive rocks from the Ahlmannryggen region, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica
Authors: Riley Teal R. , Millar Ian L. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe recognition of a Mesoproterozoic large igneous province (LIP) across large parts of southern Africa has been strengthened by recent geochronology, geochemistry and petrology. The c. 1100 Ma Umkondo province has been recognized across parts of Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique where tholeiitic sills, dykes and rare lava flows have been correlated into a single magmatic province emplaced in the interval 1108–1112 Ma. The extension of the province into the Dronning Maud Land region of Antarctica has been suggested by several workers, but detailed analyses of geochemistry and petrogenesis are lacking, as are comparative studies. This study investigates 25 dykes and sills of the Borgmassivet intrusions which include several of the major diorite sills of the province, up to 300 m in thickness. The dykes and sills are also considered to be c. 1100 Ma and they were emplaced, in part, synchronously with the Ritscherflya Supergroup sedimentary sequence. The Borgmassivet intrusions are characterized by geochemical signatures that suggest the magmas were either extensively contaminated by continental crust or derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle source, where the enrichment was related to earlier subduction. The limited geochemical range of the Borgmassivet and Umkondo intrusions are probably not consistent with significant levels of crustal contamination. Furthermore, the trace element ratios indicate a source in the sub-lithospheric mantle, followed by gabbroic fractionation and interaction with lithospheric wall rocks.
Cervical Spine Fractures in Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture After Low-Level Fall: An Opportunity to Refine Prehospital Spinal Immobilization Guidelines?
Authors: Boland Lori L. , Satterlee Paul A. , Jansen Paul R. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundConventional prehospital spine-assessment approaches based on low index of suspicion and mechanism of injury (MOI) result in the liberal application of spinal immobilization in trauma patients. A painful distracting injury (DI), such as a suspected hip fracture, historically has been a sufficient condition for immobilization, even in an elderly patient who suffers a simple fall from standing and exhibits no other risk factors for spinal injury. Because the elderly are at increased risk of hip fracture from low-level falls, and are also particularly susceptible to the discomfort and morbidity associated with immobilization, the prevalence of cervical spine (c-spine) fracture in this patient population was examined.MethodsHospital billing records were used to identify all cases of traumatic femur fracture in Minnesota (USA) in 2010-2011. Concurrent diagnosis and external cause codes were used to estimate the prevalence of c-spine fracture by age and MOI.ResultsAmong 1,394 patients with femur fracture, 23 (1.7%) had a c-spine fracture. When the MOI was a fall from standing or sitting height and the patient age was ≥65, the prevalence dropped to 0.4% (2/565). The prevalence was similar when the definition of hip fracture additionally included pelvis fractures (0.5%; 11/2,441). Eight of the 11 patients with c-spine fracture had diagnosis codes indicative of criteria other than the DI that likely would have resulted in immobilization (eg, head injury and compromised mental status).ConclusionsC-spine fracture is extremely rare in elderly patients who sustain hip fracture as a result of a low-level fall, and appears to be accompanied frequently by other known predictors of spinal injury besides DI. More research is needed to determine whether conservative use of spinal immobilization may be warranted in elderly patients with hip fracture after low-level falls when the only criteria for immobilization is the distracting hip injury.BolandLL,SatterleePA,JansenPR.Cervical spine fractures in elderly patients with hip fracture after low-level fall: an opportunity to refine prehospital spinal immobilization guidelines?Prehosp Disaster Med.2014;29(1):1-4.
The economic power of the Golden Rice opposition
Authors: Wesseler Justus , Zilberman David 
Published: January 2014

AbstractVitamin A enriched rice (Golden Rice) is a cost-efficient solution that can substantially reduce health costs. Despite Golden Rice being available since early 2000, this rice has not been introduced in any country. Governments must perceive additional costs that overcompensate the benefits of the technology to explain the delay in approval. We develop a real option model including irreversibility and uncertainty about perceived costs and arrival of new information to explain a delay in approval. The model has been applied to the case of India. Results show the annual perceived costs have to be at least US$199 million per year approximately for the last decade to explain the delay in approval of the technology. This is an indicator of the economic power of the opposition towards Golden Rice resulting in about 1.4 million life years lost over the past decade in India.
Optimising the selection of food items for FFQs using Mixed Integer Linear Programming
Authors: Gerdessen Johanna C , Souverein Olga W , van ‘t Veer Pieter , de Vries Jeanne HM 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo support the selection of food items for FFQs in such a way that the amount of information on all relevant nutrients is maximised while the food list is as short as possible.DesignSelection of the most informative food items to be included in FFQs was modelled as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model. The methodology was demonstrated for an FFQ with interest in energy, total protein, total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, total carbohydrates, mono- and disaccharides, dietary fibre and potassium.ResultsThe food lists generated by the MILP model have good performance in terms of length, coverage and R2 (explained variance) of all nutrients. MILP-generated food lists were 32–40 % shorter than a benchmark food list, whereas their quality in terms of R2 was similar to that of the benchmark.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the MILP model makes the selection process faster, more standardised and transparent, and is especially helpful in coping with multiple nutrients. The complexity of the method does not increase with increasing number of nutrients. The generated food lists appear either shorter or provide more information than a food list generated without the MILP model.
Total body water measurement using the 2H dilution technique for the assessment of body composition of Kuwaiti children
Authors: Al-Ati Tareq , Preston Tom , Al-Hooti Suad , Al-Hamad Nawal , Al-Ghanim Jameela , Al-Khulifi Fatima , Al-Lahou Badreya , Al-Othman Amani , Davidsson Lena 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe 2H dilution technique is the reference method to estimate total body water for body composition assessment. The aims of the present study were to establish the total body water technique at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and assess body composition of Kuwaiti children.DesignThe isotope ratio mass spectrometer was calibrated with defined international reference water standards. A non-random sampling approach was used to recruit a convenience sample of Kuwaiti children. A dose of 2H2O, 1–3 g, was consumed after an overnight fast and 2H enrichment in baseline and post-dose urine samples was measured. Total body water was calculated and used to estimate fat-free mass. Fat mass was estimated as body weight minus fat-free mass.SettingThe total body water study was implemented in primary schools.SubjectsSeventy-five boys and eighty-three girls (7–9 years).ResultsMeasurements of the isotope ratio mass spectrometer were confirmed to be accurate and precise. Children were classified as normal weight, overweight or obese according to the WHO based on BMI-for-age Z-scores. Normal-weight and overweight girls had significantly higher percentage body fat (median (range): 32·4 % (24·7–39·3 %) and 38·3 % (29·3–44·2 %), respectively) compared with boys (median (range): 26·5 % (14·2–37·1 %) and 34·6 % (29·9–40·2 %), respectively). No gender difference was found in obese children (median 46·5 % v. 45·6 %).ConclusionsThe establishment of a state-of-the-art stable isotope laboratory for assessment of body composition provides an opportunity to explore a wide range of applications to better understand the relationship between body size, body composition and risk of developing non-communicable diseases in Kuwait.