bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced expression of farnesoid X receptor in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kumagai Arisa , Fukushima Junichi , Takikawa Hajime , Fukuda Toshio , Fukusato Toshio 
Published: January 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and cell lines and evaluate its clinicopathological significance.MethodsExpression levels of FXR protein and mRNA in hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (SC), and HCC cells in human liver, HCC tissues and cultured cell lines were analyzed using immunohistochemical methods, western blotting (WB), and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR). The relationship between FXR expression and clinicopathological parameters was also investigated.ResultsImmunoreactivity for FXR was observed in nuclei of hepatocytes, SC and HCC cells. The intensity of nuclear FXR positive staining was comparable or increased in tumor cells of all HCC tissues when compared with hepatocytes of non‐tumorous liver tissues of the same patients as well as in comparison with metastatic colon cancers. A significant level of FXR expression in four of six human HCC cell lines was also confirmed, while it was undetectable in three cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. However, FXR protein and mRNA levels in HCC tissues determined by WB and qRT–PCR were lower than those in non‐tumorous liver tissues because of the high level of FXR expression in SC nuclei as detected by immunohistochemical double stain. Statistically significant relationships between FXR immunostaining intensity and high Ki‐67 labeling indices or a history of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in HCC patients were also disclosed.ConclusionContrary to previous reports, preserved or enhanced expression levels of nuclear FXR were detected in HCC, indicating that FXR may play significant roles in the biological behavior of HCC.
Mixed-methods research in pharmacy practice: recommendations for quality reporting (part 2)
Authors: Hadi Muhammad Abdul , Alldred David Phillip , Closs S José , Briggs Michelle 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
This is the second of two papers that explore the use of mixed-methods research in pharmacy practice. This paper discusses the rationale, applications, limitations and challenges of conducting mixed-methods research. As with other research methods, the choice of mixed-methods should always be justified because not all research questions require a mixed-methods approach. Mixed-methods research is particularly suitable when one dataset may be inadequate in answering the research question, an explanation of initial results is required, generalizability of qualitative findings is desired or broader and deeper understanding of a research problem is necessary. Mixed-methods research has its own challenges and limitations, which should be considered carefully while designing the study. There is a need to improve the quality of reporting of mixed-methods research. A framework for reporting mixed-methods research is proposed, for researchers and reviewers, with the intention of improving its quality. Pharmacy practice research can benefit from research that uses both ‘numbers’ (quantitative) and ‘words’ (qualitative) to develop a strong evidence base to support pharmacy-led services.
Correlating perceived arrhythmia symptoms and quality of life in an older population with heart failure: a prospective, single centre, urban clinic study
Authors: Hickey Kathleen T , Reiffel James , Sciacca Robert R , Whang William , Biviano Angelo , Baumeister Maurita , Castillo Carmen , Talathothi Jyothi , Garan Hasan 
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectivesTo determine the relationship between quality of life and perceived self‐reported symptoms in an older, ambulatory, urban population living with heart failure.BackgroundWhile arrhythmias in older individuals with heart failure are well documented, the association between perceived arrhythmia symptoms and quality of life is not well‐defined.DesignProspective, cross‐sectional single‐centre study.MethodsA single‐centre, prospective study was conducted with heart failure patients recruited from an urban outpatient cardiology clinic in the United States. Fifty‐seven patients completed a baseline quality of life survey with 42 of these completing the six‐month follow‐up survey. Quality of life was evaluated with the SF‐36v2™ and frequency of symptoms with the Atrial Fibrillation Severity Scale. Subjects wore an auto triggered cardiac loop monitor (LifeStar AF Express®) for two weeks to document arrhythmias. Data analysis utilised Spearman's rank correlation and logistic regression.ResultsBaseline and six‐month quality of life measures did not correlate with recorded arrhythmias. However, perceptions of diminished general health correlated significantly with symptoms of exercise intolerance, lightheadedness/dizziness, palpitations and chest pain/pressure. By multivariable logistic regression, more severe perceived episodes, symptoms of exercise intolerance and lightheadedness/dizziness were independently associated with diminished quality of life.ConclusionQuality of life was significantly worse in patients with perceptions of severe arrhythmic episodes and in those with symptoms of dizziness and exercise intolerance.Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings of this study indicate that symptomatic heart failure patients suffer from poor quality of life and that interventions are needed to improve quality of life and decrease symptom severity. Nurses who care for heart failure patients play an essential role in symptom evaluation and management and could significantly improve overall quality of life in these patients by carefully evaluating symptomatology and testing interventions and educational programmes aimed at improving quality of life.
Histological Estimation of Age at Death from the Compact Bone of Burned and Unburned Human Ribs
Authors: Absolonova Karolina , Veleminsky Petr , Dobisikova Miluse , Beran Michal , Zocova Jarmila 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis study describes the estimation of age at death from the compact bone of burned and unburned human ribs. Bone samples came from individuals of known age, sex, and cause of death. Each bone was divided into four sections; three sections were burned at 700, 800, and 1000°C. Undecalcified, unstained ground cross sections were photographed, and 28 variables were analyzed in the bones using SigmaScan Pro 5. Age‐related as well as heat‐induced microstructural changes were found. These changes were often very similar and made estimating the age at death difficult in the burned bones. Differences between the sexes were found in some variables, caused by both aging and also by the different behavior of some variables during burning. Regression equations were developed to estimate age at death for unburned bones (r² = 0.579 and 0.707), bones burned at 700°C (r² = 0.453 and 0.501), and 800°C (r² = 0.334 and 0.340).
Constraint Annealing of HfO2 Films on Silicon Substrate: Suppression of Si Outward Emission
Authors: Shih Chuan‐Feng , Hsiao Chu‐Yun , Chen Bo‐Cun , Hsiao Yu‐Chih , Leu Ching‐Chich 
Published: January 2013

Flexural tensile and compressive constraints were applied mechanically to the 7.5 nm thick HfO2 films on Si substrates to investigate the influences of stress on the Si outward emission behavior in Si/HfO2 during annealing. The constraint stress inhibited further growth of the interfacial layer (IL) between HfO2 and Si, suppressing the IL‐growth‐induced Si outward emission. This fact was associated with atomic rearrangement that was induced during constrained annealing, resulting in the formation of a robust HfO2 layer with low oxygen vacancy. Such an HfO2 layer effectively suppressed the inward diffusion of oxygen, the IL growth and the Si out‐diffusion.
Higher Degree of Left Atrial Structural Remodeling in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
Authors: AKKAYA MEHMET , HIGUCHI KOJI , KOOPMANN MATTHIAS , DAMAL KAVITHA , BURGON NATHAN S. , KHOLMOVSKI EUGENE , McGANN CHRIS , MARROUCHE NASSIR 
Published: January 2013

LV Systolic Dysfunction is Related to LA‐SRM in AF PatientsBackgroundCatheter ablation significantly improves the left ventricular (LV) function in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and LV systolic dysfunction. In this study, we compared the degree of left atrial structural remodeling (LA‐SRM) in patients with normal versus reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF). We also studied the impact of LA‐SRM on LVEF improvement in patients undergoing ablation of AF.Method and ResultsWe categorized 384 patients into 2 groups based on their cardiac function: reduced LVEF group (LVEF ≤50%; n = 105) and normal LVEF group (LVEF > 50%; n = 279). LVEF was determined prior and mean 8 ± 3 months after catheter ablation for AF. Percentage of LA‐SRM was quantified using LGE‐MRI and patients were classified into 4 groups based on the amount of structural remodeling in their LA wall: minimal ≤ 5%, mild = 5–20%, moderate = 20–35%, and extensive ≥ 35%. The average preablation LA‐SRM (21.5 ± 13.2% vs 15.4 ± 10.0%; P < 0.001) was significantly higher in reduced LVEF group than normal LVEF group. Among the 105 patients with reduced LVEF, while there was a modest 11.7 ± 8.4% average increase in LVEF following ablation, the greatest increase was seen in patients with less extensive LA‐SRM (minimal = 19.3 ± 5.1%, n = 3, P = 0.02 and mild = 16.6 ± 9.9%, n = 48, P < 0.001). Patients with moderate and extensive fibrosis had an average EF improvement of 8.7 ± 11.1% and 2.8 ± 6.4%, respectively (n = 39, P < 0.001 and n = 15, P = 0.11, respectively).ConclusionPatients with LV systolic dysfunction displayed a comparatively greater LA‐SRM than patients with normal LVEF. Patients with lesser LA‐SRM experienced a greater improvement in LVEF after catheter ablation for AF.
Endothelial reconstitution by CD34+ progenitors derived from baboon embryonic stem cells
Authors: Shi Qiang , Schatten Gerald , Hodara Vida , Simerly Calvin , VandeBerg John L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIn this study, we used a large non‐human primate model, the baboon, to establish a step‐wise protocol to generate CD34+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and to demonstrate their reparative effects. Baboon ESCs were sequentially differentiated from embryoid body cultures for 9 days and then were specified into EPCs by culturing them in monolayer for 12 days. The resulting EPCs expressed CD34, CXCR4 and UEA‐1, but neither CD31 nor CD117. The EPCs were able to form intact lumen structures when seeded on Matrigel, took up Dil‐LDL, and responded to TNF‐α. Angioblasts specified in EGM‐2 medium and ECGS medium had 6.41 ± 1.16% (n = 3) and 9.32 ± 3.73% CD34+ cells (n = 3). The efficiency of generating CD34+ EPCs did not differ significantly from ECGS to EGM‐2 culture media, however, angioblasts specified in ECGS medium expressed a higher percentage of CD34+/CXCR4+ cells (3.49 ± 1.32%, n = 3) than those specified in EGM‐2 medium (0.49 ± 0.52%, n = 3). To observe their reparative capacity, we purified CD34+ progenitors after specification by EGM‐2 medium; inoculated fluorescently labelled CD34+ EPCs into an arterial segment denuded of endothelium in an ex vivo system. After 14 days of ex vivo culture, the grafted cells had attached and integrated to the denuded surface; in addition, they had matured further and expressed terminally differentiated endothelial markers including CD31 and CD146. In conclusion, we have proved that specified CD34+ EPCs are promising therapeutic agents for repairing damaged vasculature.
MicroRNA‐126 regulates the induction and function of CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells through PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Qin Andong , Wen Zhenke , Zhou Ya , Li Ying , Li Yongju , Luo Junmin , Ren Tao , Xu Lin 
Published: January 2013

AbstractRecent evidence showed that limited activation of PI3K/Akt pathway was critical for induction and function sustainment of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we reported that miR‐126 was expressed in mouse and human Tregs. Further study showed that silencing of miR‐126 using miR‐126 antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) could significantly reduce the induction of Tregs in vitro. Furthermore, miR‐126 silencing could obviously reduce the expression of Foxp3 on Tregs, which was accompanied by decreased expression of CTLA‐4 and GITR, as well as IL‐10 and TGF‐β, and impair its suppressive function. Mechanistic evidence showed that silencing of miR‐126 enhanced the expression of its target p85β and subsequently altered the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway, which was ultimately responsible for reduced induction and suppressive function of Tregs. Finally, we further revealed that miR‐126 silencing could impair the suppressive function of Tregs in vivo and endow effectively antitumour effect of CD8+T cells in adoptive cell transfer assay using a murine breast cancer model. Therefore, our study showed that miR‐126 could act as fine‐tuner in regulation of PI3K‐Akt pathway transduction in the induction and sustained suppressive function of Tregs and provided a novel insight into the development of therapeutic strategies for promoting T‐cell immunity by regulating Tregs through targeting specific miRNAs.
Gender‐specific association of the interleukin 18 gene with symptomatic gallstone disease
Authors: Shih Shou‐Chuan , Yang Horng‐Woei , Chang Tzu‐Yang , Wang Horng‐Yuan , Hu Kuang‐Chun , Chang Ching‐Wei , Chang Chen‐Wang , Hung Chien‐Yuan , Lin Marie , Chan Hui‐Wen , Lin Wen‐Shan , Chang Shih‐Chuan , Lee Yann‐Jinn 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground and AimSymptomatic gallstone disease (SGSD) induced several inflammatory responses and affected extrahepatic bile ducts. Although the pathology and environmental risk factors of gallstone disease are well documented, immune or inflammatory responses in SGSD development are still inconclusive. Interleukin 18 (IL18) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in immune, infectious, and inflammatory diseases because of the induction of interferon‐γ. In this study, we investigated whether polymorphisms of the IL18 gene were associated with SGSD susceptibility.MethodsGenomic DNA was isolated from the whole blood samples of 445 patients with SGSD and 1121 gallstone‐free controls. The IL18 rs549908T>G, rs5744247C>G, rs187238G>C, rs1946518T>G, and rs360719A>G polymorphisms were genotyped using predeveloped TaqMan allelic discrimination assay.ResultsWe found IL18 rs5744247G allele conferred protection against SGSD in female patients (odds ratio = 0.75, corrected P‐value = 0.015). Haplotype analysis revealed that TGGTA protected females from SGSD development (odds ratio = 0.75, corrected P‐value = 0.02).ConclusionsBased on our findings, IL18 rs5744247C>G polymorphism could be a potential genetic marker to predict SGSD susceptibility in Han Chinese women.
Interferon treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C complicated with chronic renal failure receiving hemodialysis
Authors: Kojima Akira , Kakizaki Satoru , Hosonuma Ken‐ichi , Yamazaki Yuichi , Horiguchi Norio , Sato Ken , Kitahara Tokuyuki , Mori Masatomo 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsThe Japan Society for Dialysis Therapy established “Guidelines for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Dialysis Patients.” We evaluated the status of HCV infection and the treatment of hemodialysis patients in Gunma prefecture.MethodsQuestionnaires concerning the infection rate, recognition of the guidelines, and treatment status were sent to all 64 hospitals/clinics that had hemodialysis systems in Gunma prefecture. The hepatitis C virus‐infected hemodialysis patients who received pegylated interferon (peg‐IFN) were analyzed at Gunma University Hospital.ResultsThe positive rate for hepatitis C virus antibody was 256/2582 hemodialysis patients (9.9%). The positive rate varied between institutions (range 0–40.0%; median 9.0%). All institutes recognized the establishment of the guidelines. Conventional or peg‐IFN treatment was being given at 37.5% of the institutions. The other 62.5% institutions answered that they intended to provide the treatment in the future if collaboration with a hepatologist could be arranged. The most common answers regarding the indication for IFN treatment were as follows: few complications, under 60 years of age, more than 10 years of survival expected on hemodialysis. Eighteen patients received peg‐IFN treatment. The sustained virological response rate of all patients was 33.3%, 0% in 1b/high viral titer, 50% in genotype 2, and 100% in genotype 2/low viral titer. The sustained virological response rate was worse in the patients with 1b/high viral load and diabetic nephropathy (P < 0.05).ConclusionsRecognition of the publication of the guidelines was high. However, the number of patients treated with peg‐IFN was still low. Further enlightenment and cooperation between hemodialysis teams and hepatologists are therefore needed.
Relationship Between Mean Corpuscular Volume and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults
Authors: Gamaldo Alyssa A. , Ferrucci Luigi , Rifkind Joseph , Longo Dan L. , Zonderman Alan B. 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesTo examine the relationship between erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and cognitive performance over time.DesignLongitudinal.SettingSample from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA).ParticipantsEight hundred twenty‐seven participants from the BLSA (mean age 67, range 50–96).MeasurementsMean corpuscular volume and several other blood indices were measured, including hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, white blood cell count, albumin, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Cognitive performance was examined using neuropsychological measures of visual memory, verbal memory, language, attention, executive function, and global mental status.ResultsHigh MCV levels were significantly associated with lower global mental status even after adjusting for potential confounders. High MCV levels were also significantly associated with high rates of decline on tasks of global mental status, long delay memory, and attention, even after adjusting for potential confounders.ConclusionThe findings confirm a previous observation that larger erythrocytes in older adults are associated with poorer cognitive function. Anemia and inflammation do not appear to explain the relationship between MCV and cognition. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms behind this association.
Long‐term urinary catheter users self‐care practices and problems
Authors: Wilde Mary H , McDonald Margaret V , Brasch Judith , McMahon James M , Fairbanks Eileen , Shah Shivani , Tang Wan , Scheid Eileen 
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectivesTo characterise a sample of 202 adult community‐living long‐term indwelling urinary catheter users, to describe self‐care practices and catheter problems, and to explore relationships among demographics, catheter practices and problems.BackgroundLong‐term urinary catheter users have not been well studied, and persons using the device indefinitely for persistent urinary retention are likely to have different patterns of catheter practices and problems.DesignThe study was a cross‐sectional descriptive and exploratory analysis.MethodsHome interviews were conducted with catheter users who provided information by self‐reported recall over the previous two months. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and tests of association between demographics, catheter practices and catheter problems.ResultsThe sample was widely diverse in age (19–96 years), race and medical diagnosis. Urethral catheters were used slightly more often (56%) than suprapubic (44%), for a mean of six years (SD 7 years). Many persons were highly disabled, with 60% having difficulty in bathing, dressing, toileting and getting out of the bed; 19% also required assistance in eating. A high percentage of catheter problems were reported with: 43% experiencing leakage (bypassing of urine), 31% having had a urinary tract infection, 24% blockage of the catheter, 23% catheter‐associated pain and 12% accidental dislodgment of the catheter. Treatments of catheter‐related problems contributed to additional health care utilisation, including extra nurse or clinic visits, trips to the emergency department or hospitalisation. Symptoms of catheter‐associated urinary tract infections were most often related to changes in the colour or character of urine or generalised symptoms.ConclusionsCatheter‐related problems contribute to excess morbidity and health care utilisation and costs.Relevance to clinical practiceMore research is needed in how to minimise catheter‐associated problems in long‐term catheter users. Information from this study could help inform the development of interventions in this population.
Pals, Problems, and Personality: The Moderating Role of Personality in the Longitudinal Association Between Adolescents’ and Best Friends’ Delinquency
Authors: Yu Rongqin , Branje Susan , Keijsers Loes , Koot Hans M. , Meeus Wim 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe examined the potential moderating role of Block's personality types (i.e., overcontrollers, undercontrollers, and resilients) on the longitudinal associations between adolescents’ and their best friends’ delinquency. Across three annual waves, 497 Dutch adolescents (283 boys, MAge = 13 years at Wave 1) and their best friends reported on their delinquent behaviors. Adolescents’ three personality types were obtained by latent class growth analysis on their annual reports on Big Five personality. A three‐group cross‐lagged panel analysis was performed on three waves of data. Delinquency of overcontrollers was predicted by their best friends’ delinquency, whereas delinquency of undercontrollers and resilients was not. Delinquency of undercontrollers and resilients predicted their best friends’ delinquency, but overcontrollers’ delinquency did not. These findings suggest that personality may play an important role in adolescents’ susceptibility to the influence of friends’ delinquency, as well as in youths’ ability to influence friends through their own delinquency.
A Clinical Phenotype of Adverse Response to Biventricular Pacing: A Case Series
Authors: LIM HOONG SERN 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundBiventricular pacing is an established therapy for patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and prolonged QRS duration. However, there are few reports on the adverse effects of biventricular pacing.MethodsThree patients who deteriorated rapidly following biventricular pacing (heart transplantation/ventricular assist device within 3 months of device implantation) were identified. The clinical, echocardiographic, and functional characteristics before and after device implantation were evaluated. The acute hemodynamic effects of biventricular pacing were assessed by cardiac catheterization.ResultsPreimplant assessment showed biventricular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, and relatively narrow QRS duration. The time from device implantation to assessment was 62, 58, and 42 days. All three patients developed right bundle branch block (RBBB)‐type QRS morphology, deterioration in right ventricular (RV) function, and functional capacity in association with rapid clinical decline. Acutely, biventricular pacing resulted in higher right atrial pressure, pulmonary wedge pressure, lower cardiac output, and RV stroke work in all three patients.ConclusionsA phenotype of adverse response to biventricular pacing is characterized by relatively narrow QRS duration, RV dysfunction, and pulmonary hypertension. Clinical decline is rapid and associated with the development of RBBB‐type morphology, worsening of pulmonary hemodynamics, and RV dysfunction with biventricular pacing.