bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breast Cancer Cell Apoptosis with Phytoestrogens Is Dependent on an Estrogen-Deprived State
Authors: Obiorah Ifeyinwa E. , Fan Ping , Jordan V. Craig 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPhytoestrogens have been investigated as natural alternatives to hormone replacement therapy and their potential as chemopreventive agents. We investigated the effects of equol, genistein, and coumestrol on cell growth in fully estrogenized MCF7 cells, simulating the perimenopausal state, and long-term estrogen-deprived MCF7:5C cells, which simulate the postmenopausal state of a woman after years of estrogen deprivation, and compared the effects with that of steroidal estrogens: 17β estradiol (E2) and equilin present in conjugated equine estrogen. Steroidal and phytoestrogens induce proliferation of MCF7 cells at physiologic concentrations but inhibit the growth and induce apoptosis of MCF7:5C cells. Although steroidal and phytoestrogens induce estrogen-responsive genes, their antiproliferative and apoptotic effects are mediated through the estrogen receptor. Knockdown of ERα using siRNA blocks all estrogen-induced apoptosis and growth inhibition. Phytoestrogens induce endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammatory response stress–related genes in a comparable manner as the steroidal estrogens. Inhibition of inflammation using dexamethasone blocked both steroidal- and phytoestrogen-induced apoptosis and growth inhibition as well as their ability to induce apoptotic genes. Together, this suggests that phytoestrogens can potentially be used as chemopreventive agents in older postmenopausal women but caution should be exercised when used in conjunction with steroidal anti-inflammatory agents due to their antiapoptotic effects. Cancer Prev Res; 7(9); 939–49. ©2014 AACR.
Perceptual Assimilation and Discrimination of Non-Native Vowel Contrasts
Authors: Tyler Michael D. , Best Catherine T. , Faber Alice , Levitt Andrea G. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Research on language-specific tuning in speech perception has focused mainly on consonants, while that on non-native vowel perception has failed to address whether the same principles apply. Therefore, non-native vowel perception was investigated here in light of relevant theoretical models: the Perceptual Assimilation Model (PAM) and the Natural Referent Vowel (NRV) framework. American-English speakers completed discrimination and native language assimilation (categorization and goodness rating) tests on six nonnative vowel contrasts. Discrimination was consistent with PAM assimilation types, but asymmetries predicted by NRV were only observed for single-category assimilations, suggesting that perceptual assimilation might modulate the effects of vowel peripherality on non-native vowel perception. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Noninducibility in Postinfarction Ventricular Tachycardia as an End Point for Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation and Its Effects on Outcomes
Authors: Ghanbari Hamid , Baser Kazim , Yokokawa Miki , Stevenson William , Della Bella Paolo , Vergara Pasquale , Deneke Thomas , Kuck Karl-Heinz , Kottkamp Hans , Fei She , Morady Fred , Bogun Frank 
Published: May 2014

Background—
Although ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation is a widely used therapy for patients with VT, the ideal end points for this procedure are not well defined. We performed a meta-analysis of the published literature to assess the predictive value of noninducibility of postinfarction VT for long-term outcomes after VT ablation.

Methods and Results—

We performed a systematic review of MEDLINE (1950–2013), EMBASE (1988–2013), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Fourth Quarter, 2012), and reports presented at scientific meetings (1994–2013). Randomized controlled trials, case–control, and cohort studies of VT ablation were included. Outcomes reported in eligible studies were freedom from VT/ventricular fibrillation and all-cause mortality. Of the 3895 studies evaluated, we identified 8 cohort studies enrolling 928 patients for the meta-analysis. Noninducibility after VT ablation was associated with a significant increase in arrhythmia-free survival compared with partial success (odds ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.84;
P
=0.009) or failed ablation procedure (odds ratio, 0.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.06–0.18;
P
<0.001). There was also a significant reduction in all-cause mortality if patients were noninducible after VT ablation compared with patients with partial success (odds ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.36–0.98;
P
=0.04) or failed ablation (odds ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.10–0.99;
P
=0.049).

Conclusions—
Noninducibility of VT after VT ablation is associated with improved arrhythmia-free survival and all-cause mortality.
Postextrasystolic Blood Pressure Potentiation Predicts Poor Outcome of Cardiac Patients
Authors: Sinnecker Daniel , Dirschinger Ralf J. , Barthel Petra , Müller Alexander , Morley‐Davies Adrian , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Dommasch Michael , Huster Katharina M. , Hasenfuss Gerd , Laugwitz Karl‐Ludwig , Malik Marek , Schmidt Georg 
Published: June 2014

Background
Postextrasystolic blood pressure potentiation (PESP), the pulse wave augmentation after an extrasystolic beat, is typically enhanced in heart failure (HF) patients. This study prospectively tested the association of PESP and mortality in cardiac patients.

Methods and Results
Consecutive patients (n=941; mean age, 61 years; 19% female) presenting with acute myocardial infarction were enrolled between May 2000 and March 2005 and followed up until August 2010. The main study outcome was 5‐year all‐cause mortality. Patients underwent noninvasive 30‐minute recordings of ECG and continuous blood pressure. PESP presence was based on the ratio between the first postectopic pulse wave amplitude and the mean of the subsequent 9 pulse wave amplitudes. A ratio above 1 was prospectively defined as PESP present. Ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) suitable for PESP quantification were present in recordings of 220 patients. PESP was present in 62 of these patients. Patients without suitable VPCs were classified as PESP absent.

During the follow‐up, 72 patients died. Among the 220 patients in whom PESP was measurable, 27 died. Under univariable analysis, PESP was a significant predictor of death (
P
<0.001) as were GRACE score (
P
<0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (
P
<0.001), and the number of recorded VPCs (
P
<0.001). Under multivariable analysis, PESP (
P
<0.001), GRACE score (
P
<0.001), and LVEF (
P
=0.001) were independently associated with outcome. The combination of PESP presence and LVEF ≤35% identified a subgroup of patients with a particularly high mortality of 46.7%. Separate validation reproduced the finding in an unrelated population of 146 HF patients.

Conclusions
PESP, which likely reflects abnormalities of myocardial calcium cycling, predicts the mortality risk in postinfarction patients.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
ClinicalTrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00196274.
Abnormal Center–Periphery Gradient in Spatial Attention in Simultanagnosia
Authors: Balslev Daniela , Odoj Bartholomaeus , Rennig Johannes , Karnath Hans-Otto 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Patients suffering from simultanagnosia cannot perceive more than one object at a time. The underlying mechanism is incompletely understood. One hypothesis is that simultanagnosia reflects “tunnel vision,” a constricted attention window around gaze, which precludes the grouping of individual objects. Although this idea has a long history in neuropsychology, the question whether the patients indeed have an abnormal attention gradient around the gaze has so far not been addressed. Here we tested this hypothesis in two simultanagnosia patients with bilateral parieto-occipital lesions and two control groups, with and without brain damage. We assessed the participants' ability to discriminate letters presented briefly at fixation with and without a peripheral distractor or in the visual periphery, with or without a foveal distractor. A constricted span of attention around gaze would predict an increased susceptibility to foveated versus peripheral distractors. Contrary to this prediction and unlike both control groups, the patients' ability to discriminate the target decreased more in the presence of peripheral compared with foveated distractors. Thus, the attentional spotlight in simultanagnosia does not fall on foveated objects as previously assumed, but rather abnormally highlights the periphery. Furthermore, we found the same center–periphery gradient in the patients' ability to recognize multiple objects. They detected multiple, but not single objects more accurately in the periphery than at fixation. These results suggest that an abnormal allocation of attention around the gaze can disrupt the grouping of individual objects into an integrated visual scene.
Aerobic Fitness Predicts Relational Memory but Not Item Memory Performance in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Baym Carol L. , Khan Naiman A. , Pence Ari , Raine Lauren B. , Hillman Charles H. , Cohen Neal J. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Health factors such as an active lifestyle and aerobic fitness have long been linked to decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other adverse health outcomes. Only more recently have researchers begun to investigate the relationship between aerobic fitness and memory function. Based on recent findings in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience showing that the hippocampus might be especially sensitive to the effects of exercise and fitness, the current study assessed hippocampal-dependent relational memory and non-hippocampal-dependent item memory in young adults across a range of aerobic fitness levels. Aerobic fitness was assessed using a graded exercise test to measure oxygen consumption during maximal exercise (VO2max), and relational and item memory were assessed using behavioral and eye movement measures. Behavioral results indicated that aerobic fitness was positively correlated with relational memory performance but not item memory performance, suggesting that the beneficial effects of aerobic fitness selectively affect hippocampal function and not that of the surrounding medial temporal lobe cortex. Eye movement results further supported the specificity of this fitness effect to hippocampal function, in that aerobic fitness predicted disproportionate preferential viewing of previously studied relational associations but not of previously viewed items. Potential mechanisms underlying this pattern of results, including neurogenesis, are discussed.
The pharmacokinetic profile, tolerability and safety of the iodinated, non-ionic, dimeric contrast medium Iosimenol 340 injection in healthy human subjects
Authors: Meurer Karoline , Kelsch Bettina , Hogstrom Barry 
Published: June 2014

Background Iosimenol 340 injection is a new isotonic iodinated contrast medium for X-ray angiography. Purpose To investigate the pharmacokinetics and biotransformation, tolerability, and safety of Iosimenol 340 in healthy human subjects. Material and Methods Twenty-four subjects were enrolled and randomized to receive either Iosimenol 340 (0.5, 1.5 or 3.0 mL/kg) or placebo (0.9% saline). In each dosing group, six subjects received Iosimenol 340 and two subjects received placebo. Safety was assessed by physical examination, vital signs, electrocardiography, and laboratory tests. Adverse events were recorded throughout the study up to 14 days after dosing. Blood samples were collected from 10 min before until 48 h after the start of dosing and urine samples were collected from 15 min before until 96 h after the start of dosing. Iosimenol was quantified in plasma and urine by measuring iodine concentrations with X-ray fluorescence. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to assess iosimenol biotransformation. Results Mean half-lives (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) of iosimenol were 0.17 ± 0.08 h (10.2 ± 4.8 min) and 2.01 ± 0.32 h for distribution and terminal elimination phases, respectively. The apparent volume of distribution was 0.27 ± 0.05 L/kg, indicating distribution to the extracellular fluid volume. Iosimenol was excreted within 24 h without any sign of metabolic transformation. Thirty-two adverse events were observed in 14 subjects. All were mild or moderate, and were transient in nature. Conclusion Iosimenol was not metabolized, had a distribution volume corresponding to the extracellular space, and was rapidly excreted through the kidneys by glomerular filtration. The area under the plasma concentration curve and the peak plasma concentration was proportional to dose, while clearance was independent of dose. Iosimenol 340 was well tolerated.
Systemic lupus erythematosus impairs memory cognitive tests not affected by depression
Authors: Calderón J , Flores P , Babul M , Aguirre JM , Slachevsky A , Padilla O , Scoriels L , Henríquez C , Cárcamo C , Bravo-Zehnder M , González A , Massardo L 
Published: May 2014

Objective Our aim was to assess the contribution of depression to cognitive impairment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Clinical features, education, age, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were evaluated in 82 patients with SLE and 22 healthy controls, all Chilean women. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB eclipseTM) assessing attention, spatial memory, and learning and executive function domains was applied. Cognitive deficit definition: a cut-off for definite impairment was defined as a score below -2 standard deviations in at least one outcome measure in two or more domains. ANCOVA with stepwise selection evaluated influences of health status (SLE or control), age, education, and HADS depression and anxiety scores on cognitive outcomes. To avoid overfitting, a shrinkage method was performed. Also, adjusted p-values for multiple comparisons were obtained. Results Cognitive deficit affected 16 (20%) patients, and no controls ( p = 0.039). Median HADS depression score in SLE patients was 6 (range 0–19) and in controls was 0 (0–19), p < 0.001). ANCOVA and shrinkage models showed that worse cognitive performance in sustained attention and spatial working memory tests was explained by the presence of SLE but not depression, whereas depression only affected a measure of executive function (I/ED Stages completed). Conclusion Depression has a limited role in cognitive impairment in SLE. Impairments in sustained attention and spatial working memory are distinctly influenced by yet-unknown disease-intrinsic factors.
Ligand exchange on gold nanoparticles for drug delivery and enhanced therapeutic index evaluated in acute myeloid leukemia models
Authors: Egusa Shunji , Ebrahem Quteba , Mahfouz Reda Z , Saunthararajah Yogen 
Published: May 2014

Cancer chemotherapy is typically toxic. This problem could be addressed by using differences between cancer and normal cells for controlled delivery of drugs to cancer cells. One such difference is the ubiquitously elevated glutathione expression in cancer cells. We report a simple and versatile synthesis of water-soluble gold nanoparticles passivated with amine-containing molecules, which allow for controlled drug release via ligand exchange with bio-available glutathione. Taking methotrexate-passivated gold nanoparticles (Au:MTX) as an example, drug delivery and controlled release via glutathione-mediated ligand exchange was evaluated. Furthermore, the possibility of using Au:MTX to improve therapeutic index in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) models was examined in vitro and in vivo. Au:MTX exhibited cancer selectivity in vitro. Au:MTX had an elevated potency toward an AML cell line THP-1 in a dosage range of 1–5 nM, and therefore an enhanced delivery of drug, whereas normal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) growth was minimally affected by Au:MTX and MTX treatments within the same range of dosage. In vivo efficacy and safety of Au:MTX was evaluated in a murine xenotransplant model of primary human AML. Au:MTX treatment, compared to control groups including MTX-only and Au nanoparticle-only treatments, produced better leukemia suppression without added toxicity, indicating an enhanced therapeutic index.
Blood spotlight on Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Delprat Christine , Aricò Maurizio 
Published: June 2014

AbstractLangerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease affecting people of any age, with widely variable clinical manifestations and different outcomes. The precise chain of events driving lesional granuloma formation has remained elusive for many years. There is evidence for inherited predisposition to and derangement of apoptosis and inflammation in lesional dendritic cells. Recently somatic BRAFV600E mutation in myeloid precursor dendritic cells was associated with the more aggressive form of the disease, although the same mutation in a more differentiated dendritic cell might drive a less aggressive disease. Whether this picture convincingly put LCH in the field of myeloid neoplasm remains to be determined. Altogether, these findings suggest that future therapeutic strategy might incorporate a screening of this genetic mutation for high-risk patients potentially suitable for target therapy.
The feeding practices and structure questionnaire: construction and initial validation in a sample of Australian first-time mothers and their 2-year olds
Authors: Jansen Elena , Mallan Kimberley M , Nicholson Jan M , Daniels Lynne A 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundEarly feeding practices lay the foundation for children’s eating habits and weight gain. Questionnaires are available to assess parental feeding but overlapping and inconsistent items, subscales and terminology limit conceptual clarity and between study comparisons. Our aim was to consolidate a range of existing items into a parsimonious and conceptually robust questionnaire for assessing feeding practices with very young children (<3 years).MethodsData were from 462 mothers and children (age 21–27 months) from the NOURISH trial. Items from five questionnaires and two study-specific items were submitted toa prioriitem selection, allocation and verification, before theoretically-derived factors were tested using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Construct validity of the new factors was examined by correlating these with child eating behaviours and weight.ResultsFollowing expert review 10 factors were specified. Of these, 9 factors (40 items) showed acceptable model fit and internal reliability (Cronbach’s α: 0.61-0.89). Four factors reflected non-responsive feeding practices: ‘Distrust in Appetite’, ‘Reward for Behaviour’, ‘Reward for Eating’, and ‘Persuasive Feeding’. Five factors reflected structure of the meal environment and limits: ‘Structured Meal Setting’, ‘Structured Meal Timing’, ‘Family Meal Setting’, ‘Overt Restriction’ and ‘Covert Restriction’. Feeding practices generally showed the expected pattern of associations with child eating behaviours but none with weight.ConclusionThe Feeding Practices and Structure Questionnaire (FPSQ) provides a new reliable and valid measure of parental feeding practices, specifically maternal responsiveness to children’s hunger/satiety signals facilitated by routine and structure in feeding. Further validation in more diverse samples is required.
Observation of linear and quadratic magnetic field-dependence of magneto-photocurrents in InAs/GaSb superlattice
Authors: Li Yuan , Liu Yu , Jiang Chongyun , Zhu Laipan , Qin Xudong , Gao Hansong , Ma Wenquan , Guo Xiaolu , Zhang Yanhua , Chen Yonghai 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
We experimentally studied the magneto-photocurrents generated by direct interband transition in InAs/GaSb type II superlattice. By varying the magnetic field direction, we observed that an in-plane magnetic field induces a photocurrent linearly proportional to the magnetic field; however, a magnetic field tilted to the sample plane induces a photocurrent presenting quadratic magnetic field dependence. The magneto-photocurrents in both conditions are insensitive to the polarization state of the incident light. Theoretical models involving excitation, relaxation and Hall effect are utilized to explain the experimental results.
Comparison and correlation of candidal colonization in diabetic patients and normal individuals
Authors: Pallavan Bakthavatchalam , Ramesh Venkatapathy , Dhanasekaran Balamurali Pennagaram , Oza Nirima , indu Sudip , Govindarajan Vasupradha 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Background
Diabetes mellitus is a common universal endocrine disorder with decreased host immunity towards infections. In these people the most common opportunistic infection is oral candidiasis. Oral candidiasis is most commonly caused by yeast like fungus Candida albicans. In healthy individuals these microorganisms are believed to be commensals but in diabetic patients, it forms severe colonization, even in the absence of any clinically evident oral candidiasis. This type of subclinical colonization can make them more prone to develop deeper mucosal colonization with further dissemination via blood. The aim of this study is to compare the frequency and severity of oral candidal colonization in diabetic patients with normal individuals through cytological method.

Methods
30 cases of diabetic patients and 30 cases of normal healthy individuals were examined to determine the oral candidal colonization through oral exfoliative cytological methods. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi - square test.

Results
A statistically significant increase in the candidal colonization was observed in diabetic patients as compared to normal individuals.

Conclusions
Oral exfoliative cytological method is an easy and effective chair side technique to assess the oral candidal colonization in the diabetic group.
Weighted-incidence syndromic combination antibiograms to guide empiric treatment of critical care infections: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Randhawa Varinder , Sarwar Syed , Walker Sandra , Elligsen Marion , Palmay Lesley , Daneman Nick 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Empiric antimicrobial selection for critical care infections must balance the need for timely adequate coverage with the resistance pressure exerted by broadspectrum agents. We estimated the potential of weighted incidence syndromic combination antibiograms (WISCAs) to improve time to adequate coverage for critical care infections. In contrast to traditional antibiograms, WISCAs display the likelihood of coverage for a specific infectious syndrome (rather than individual pathogens), and also take into account the potential for poly-microbial infections and the use of multi-drug regimens.

Methods
Cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) were identified over three years using stringent surveillance criteria. Based on the susceptibility profile of the culprit pathogens, we calculated the WISCA percentages of infections that would have been adequately covered by common antimicrobial(s). We then computed the excess percentage coverage offered by WISCA regimens compared to the actual antimicrobials administered to patients by 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h from culture collection.

Results
Among 163 patients with critical care infection, standard practice only resulted in adequate coverage of 35% of patients by 12 h, 52% by 24 h, and 75% by 48 h. No WISCA mono-therapy regimen offered greater than 85% adequate overall coverage for VAP and CRBSI. A wide range of dual therapy regimens would have conferred greater than 90% adequate coverage, with excess coverage estimated to be as high as +56%, +42% and +18% at 12 h, 24 h and 48 h, respectively. We did not detect a decrease in mortality associated with early adequate treatment, and so could not estimate potential downstream benefits.

Conclusions
WISCA-derived empiric antimicrobial regimens can be calculated for patients with intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections, and have the potential to reduce time to adequate treatment. Prospective research must confirm whether implementation of WISCA prescribing aids facilitate timely adequate treatment and improved ICU outcomes.