bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin B6 status and interferon‐γ‐mediated immune activation in primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Christensen M. H. E. , Pedersen E. K. R. , Nordbø Y. , Varhaug J. E. , Midttun Ø. , Ueland P. M. , Nygård O. K. , Mellgren G. , Lien E. A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesPrimary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) has been associated with low‐grade inflammation and elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In inflammatory conditions, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) activity is enhanced and a decreased circulating concentration of vitamin B6 is often observed. Such changes in IFN‐γ activity or vitamin B6 levels have been associated with increased incidence of CVD. The aim of the study was to investigate systemic markers of IFN‐γ‐mediated immune activation, such as neopterin, the kynurenine‐to‐tryptophan ratio (KTR) and kynurenine pathway metabolites, as well as B6 vitamers in patients with PHPT.Design/subjectsA total of 57 patients with PHPT and a control group of 20 healthy blood donors were included in this study. PHPT patients who responded positively to parathyroidectomy were followed for 6 months. Forty‐three patients participated in the longitudinal study in which blood samples were taken at inclusion and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery.ResultsPlasma concentrations of the B6 vitamers pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP) (P = 0.007) and pyridoxal (P = 0.013) were significantly lower in the patient group compared to healthy control subjects. An increase in the KTR indicated that the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism was altered in PHPT patients (P = 0.015). During the initial 6 months after surgery, levels of PLP (P < 0.001) and anthranilic acid (P < 0.001) increased significantly, whereas neopterin decreased (P = 0.018).ConclusionsThe results of this study demonstrate altered levels of vitamin B6 and the KTR in PHPT patients, both of which may reflect cellular immune activation. These abnormalities should be considered in relation to the increased risk of CVD previously observed in patients with PHPT.
Deaths Among Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Down Syndrome
Authors: Miodrag, Nancy , Silverberg, Sophie E. , Urbano Richard C. , Hodapp Robert M. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundAlthough life expectancies in Down syndrome (DS) have doubled over the past 3–4 decades, there continue to be many early deaths. Yet, most research focuses on infant mortality or later adult deaths.Materials and MethodsIn this US study, hospital discharge and death records from the state of Tennessee were linked to examine 2046 hospitalized individuals with DS (85 died) in three age groups: children (1–9), adolescents (10–19) and young adults (20–29).ResultsMost deaths occurred to young adults, while children had the most hospitalizations. Leading causes of death were cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, and patients who died had longer hospital stays. Proportions of female deaths rose in young adulthood, and disproportionately more African Americans died at each age period.ConclusionMortality is high among young adults with DS. Special vigilance is needed for individuals with DS who are female, African American and in their 20s.
Nanoscale characterization of gold nanoparticles created by in situ reduction at a polymeric surface
Authors: DUTTA A. , CLUKAY C.J. , GRABILL C.N. , FREPPON D.J. , BHATTACHARYA A. , KUEBLER S.M. , HEINRICH H. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryTransmission Electron Microscopy is used as a quantitative method to measure the shapes, sizes and volumes of gold nanoparticles created at a polymeric surface by three different in situ synthesis methods. The atomic number contrast (Z‐contrast) imaging technique reveals nanoparticles which are formed on the surface of the polymer. However, with certain reducing agents, the gold nanoparticles are additionally found up to 20 nm below the polymer surface. In addition, plan‐view high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy images were statistically analyzed on one sample to measure the volume, height and effective diameter of the gold nanoparticles and their size distributions. Depth analysis from high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy micrographs also gives information on the dominant shape of the nanoparticles.
How our gut microbes influence our behaviour
Authors: Louis Petra , Flint Harry J 
Published: April 2013

SummaryIt is well established that gut bacteria help to maintain a healthy intestine by providing nutrients and guarding against pathogens. Recent evidence however suggests that their actions reach beyond the gut, as they appear to influence various aspects of host physiology, ranging from the regulation of food intake to behaviour and mood. Bacteria and their metabolites can interact with the host via routes involving the immune, nervous and endocrine system.
WHAT'S TO KNOW ABOUT THE CREDIBILITY OF EMPIRICAL ECONOMICS?
Authors: Ioannidis John , Doucouliagos Chris 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe scientific credibility of economics is itself a scientific question that can be addressed with both theoretical speculations and empirical data. In this review, we examine the major parameters that are expected to affect the credibility of empirical economics: sample size, magnitude of pursued effects, number and pre‐selection of tested relationships, flexibility and lack of standardization in designs, definitions, outcomes and analyses, financial and other interests and prejudices, and the multiplicity and fragmentation of efforts. We summarize and discuss the empirical evidence on the lack of a robust reproducibility culture in economics and business research, the prevalence of potential publication and other selective reporting biases, and other failures and biases in the market of scientific information. Overall, the credibility of the economics literature is likely to be modest or even low.
Private and Public Merger Waves
Authors: MAKSIMOVIC VOJISLAV , PHILLIPS GORDON , YANG LIU 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTWe document that public firms participate more than private firms as buyers and sellers of assets in merger waves and their participation is affected more by credit spreads and aggregate market valuation. Public firm acquisitions realize higher gains in productivity, particularly for on‐the‐wave acquisitions and when the acquirer's stock is liquid and highly valued. Our results are not driven solely by public firms' better access to capital. Using productivity data from early in the firm's life, we find that better private firms subsequently select to become public. Initial size and productivity predict asset purchases and sales 10 and more years later.
High‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T for detection of subtle abnormalities of cardiac phenotype in a general population of elderly individuals
Authors: Masson S. , Latini R. , Mureddu G. F. , Agabiti N. , Miceli M. , Cesaroni G. , Forastiere F. , Wienhues‐Thelen U.‐H. , Block D. , Zaugg C. , Vago T. , Boccanelli A. ,   on behalf of the investigators of the PREDICTOR study
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association between circulating cardiac biomarkers and minor abnormalities in cardiac phenotype [left ventricular (LV) mass and midwall fractional shortening (MFS)] in elderly individuals in a general population sample.Design and settingWe examined the relationship between plasma concentrations of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) or N‐terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and elevated LV mass (LV mass/body surface area >95 g m−2 for women and 115 g m−2 for men), reduced MFS (<15%) or isolated LV diastolic dysfunction in 1973 elderly subjects (mean age 73 ± 5 years, range 65–84) resident in the Lazio region of Italy and enrolled in the PREDICTOR study.ResultsOverall, 24.8% of subjects had elevated LV mass, and 30.4% had reduced MFS. Median [quartile 1–3] plasma concentrations of hs‐cTnT and NT‐proBNP were higher in individuals with elevated than those with normal LV mass: 6.6 [3.5–11.6] and 147 [64–296] ng L−1 vs. 4.6 [3.0–8.1] and 79 [41–151] ng L−1 respectively (P < 0.001). There was a graded increase in median hs‐cTnT concentrations across clinical categories of LV hypertrophy: 4.6 [3.0–8.1], 5.8 [3.1–10.2], 7.6 [3.8–13.7] and 8.4 [3.8–17.6] ng L−1 for subjects with normal LV mass and mild, moderate or severe LV hypertrophy respectively (P < 0.0001); hs‐cTnT also increased with increasing quartiles of MFS or grades of isolated LV diastolic dysfunction.ConclusionsWithin an extremely low range of concentrations, increased hs‐cTnT amongst community‐dwelling elderly subjects is associated with subtle alterations in cardiac phenotype, suggesting that minor injury to cardiac myocytes and subsequent release of troponin reflect subclinical pathophysiological LV deterioration in this population.
Syncope in patients with structural heart disease
Authors: Arnar David O. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSyncope is a common condition. It is frequently due to a benign cause, but may occasionally be due to a potentially life‐threatening disorder. The presence of structural heart disease in patients with syncope is associated with a poor prognosis and may be a predictor of sudden cardiac death. In patients who present with syncope, the presence of structural heart disease and primary electrophysiological disorders should be considered and further cardiac evaluation performed as indicated by the clinical history, physical examination and electrocardiographic findings.
Role of IL28B and inosine triphosphatase polymorphisms in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 6 infection
Authors: Seto W.‐K. , Tsang O. T.‐Y. , Liu K. , Chan J. M.‐C. , Wong D. K.‐H. , Fung J. , Lai C.‐L. , Yuen M.‐F. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryIL28B and inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) polymorphisms are able to predict treatment response and degree of ribavirin‐related anaemia, respectively, in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, their roles in the treatment of chronic HCV genotype 6 remain undetermined. Sixty patients who were infected with HCV genotype 6 were commenced on 48 weeks of combination pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy. Response to therapy, profiles of haemoglobin changes and platelet counts during therapy and their associations with IL28B rs8099917 and ITPA rs1127354 polymorphisms were analysed. The overall sustained virologic response (SVR) rate was 91.7%. 18 patients (30.0%) required a reduction in ribavirin dosage. The distribution of IL28B rs8099917 TT/TG genotypes and ITPA rs1127354 CC/CA genotypes were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. IL28B rs8099917 TT genotype, when compared to TG genotype, was significantly associated with an increased SVR rate (96.2% and 62.5%, respectively) and was the only clinical parameter that predicted SVR (P = 0.014). The same significant association was observed when analysing allelic frequencies (T vs G, P = 0.001). ITPA rs1127354 CA genotype, when compared to CC genotype, was associated with lesser degree of anaemia throughout therapy (P < 0.05 for all time points). ITPA polymorphisms showed no association with changes in platelet count throughout therapy (P > 0.05 for all time points) and was not associated with SVR (P = 0.640). In chronic HCV genotype 6 infection, IL28B polymorphisms were associated with response to therapy. ITPA polymorphisms influenced the degree of anaemia but not thrombocytopenia during therapy.
Genome Sequence of a Novel Reassortant H3N2 Avian Influenza Virus from Domestic Mallard Ducks in Eastern China
Authors: Li Qunhui , Zhao Qingqing , Gu Min , Zhu Jie , Gu Xiaobing , Zhao Guo , Liu Qingtao , Wang Xiaoquan , Liu Xiaowen , Liu Xiufan 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT
The H3 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) can provide genes for human influenza virus through gene reassortment, which raises great concerns in terms of its potentia threat to human health. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a novel H3N2 AIV isolated from domestic ducks in the Jiangsu province of eastern China in 2004, which is a natural recombinant virus whose genes are derived from H3N8, H5N1, H5N2, H11N2, H4N6, and H1N1 AIVs. This genome will help to understand the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of H3N2 influenza virus in eastern China.
Meat Consumption and the Risk of Barrett's Esophagus in a Large Dutch Cohort
Authors: Keszei András P. , Schouten Leo J. , Driessen Ann L.C. , Huysentruyt Clément J.R. , Keulemans Yolande C.A. , van den Brandt Piet A. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Background: Increasing meat intake and its possible role in the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma raises the question whether meat consumption is associated with the premalignant lesion, Barrett's esophagus.
Methods: Associations between the risk of Barrett's esophagus and meat consumption, intake of N-nitrosodimethylamine, nitrite, and heme iron were examined in the Netherlands Cohort Study among 120,852 subjects aged 55 to 69 years in 1986. Exposure was measured on the basis of a 150-item food frequency questionnaire. After 16.3 years of follow-up, 447 Barrett's esophagus cases with specialized intestinal metaplasia and 3,919 subcohort members were analyzed in a case-cohort design.
Results: There was no association of any of the examined exposures with Barrett's risk in men or women. Results were similar in age-adjusted and fully adjusted models and in models excluding the first two years of follow-up.
Conclusions: Our results do not support a role of meat consumption and N-nitrosation related factors in the development of Barrett's esophagus.
Impact: The possible causal association between red meat intake and esophageal adenocarcinoma is unlikely to be mediated by mechanisms through the development of Barrett's esophagus. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(6); 1162–6. ©2013 AACR.
Endothelial Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: He Ming , Liang Xiao , He Lan , Wen Wen , Zhao Sijia , Wen Liang , Liu Yan , Shyy John Y.-J. , Yuan Zuyi 
Published: April 2013

Objective—
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are prone to atherosclerosis. We explored the role of elevated level of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1)–induced protein (MCPIP) in endothelial dysfunction associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Approach and Results—

The level of MCP-1 was elevated in sera from mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and was negatively correlated with endothelium-dependent vessel dilation. Aortas from CIA mice showed increased expression of MCPIP but decreased bioavailability of endothelial NO synthase–derived NO. Administering MCP-1 neutralizing antibody to CIA mice decreased the MCPIP level in aortas and alleviated endothelial dysfunction. In vitro, treating cultured vascular endothelial cells with MCP-1 or sera from CIA mice or rheumatoid arthritis patients increased the expression of MCPIP but inhibited endothelial NO synthase phosphorylation. These detrimental effects were reproduced in endothelial cells overexpressing MCPIP, with elevated redox stress. Small interfering RNA knockdown of MCPIP restored the endothelial NO synthase–derived NO bioavailability. Administering simvastatin to CIA mice ameliorated the endothelial dysfunction, with attendant decreased aortic level of MCPIP. The beneficial effect of the statin was mediated by inhibiting nuclear factor κB binding to the
MCPIP
gene enhancer.

Conclusions—
Increased MCPIP is found in rheumatoid arthritis leading to endothelial dysfunction. Statin treatment or MCP-1 neutralizing antibody administration antagonizes MCPIP expression, thereby attenuating the endothelial dysfunction.
The Antarctic Atmospheric Energy Budget. Part I: Climatology and Intraseasonal-to-Interannual Variability
Authors: Previdi Michael , Smith Karen L. , Polvani Lorenzo M. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The authors present a new, observationally based estimate of the atmospheric energy budget for the Antarctic polar cap (the region poleward of 70°S). This energy budget is constructed using state-of-the-art reanalysis products from ECMWF [the ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim)] and Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiative fluxes for the period 2001–10. The climatological mean Antarctic energy budget is characterized by an approximate balance between the TOA net outgoing radiation and the horizontal convergence of atmospheric energy transport, with the net surface energy flux and atmospheric energy storage generally being small in comparison. Variability in the energy budget on intraseasonal-to-interannual time scales bears a strong signature of the southern annular mode (SAM), with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) having a smaller impact. The energy budget framework is shown to be a useful alternative to the SAM for interpreting surface climate variability in the Antarctic region.
Signs of post-traumatic stress disorder in caregivers following an expected death: A qualitative study
Authors: Sanderson Christine , Lobb Elizabeth A , Mowll Jane , Butow Phyllis N , McGowan Naomi , Price Melanie A 
Published: April 2013

Background: Complications of grief are an important area of investigation with potential to improve the well-being of palliative care caregivers. There has been little study of the prevalence or significance of post-traumatic stress disorder for those bereaved after an expected death. Aim: To identify evidence suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in a population of bereaved caregivers of patients who have died of ovarian cancer. Design: Caregivers’ recollections of their end-of-life experiences were coded and analysed, using qualitative data obtained from interviews 6 months after the patient’s death. Setting/participants: Australian Ovarian Cancer Study–Quality of Life Study is a population-based epidemiological study using mixed methods to explore caregivers’ experiences following the expected death of a woman with ovarian cancer. Thirty-two caregivers from the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study–Quality of Life Study participated in semi-structured telephone interviews 6 months post-bereavement. Results: When describing the patient’s death at their 6-month interview, all interviewees used language consistent with some degree of shock and traumatisation. For the majority, there was also evidence suggesting resilience and resolution. However, a number of interviewees describe intrusive memories associated with physical sights and sounds that they witnessed at the deathbed. Conclusions: This exploratory study demonstrates the phenomenon of the ‘shocked caregiver’. If trauma symptoms are present in bereaved carers in palliative care, it has implications for palliative care provision. Given that trauma symptoms may be distinct from prolonged grief disorder, this may also have implications for provision of bereavement counselling. Further research into this phenomenon is required.
Case studies illustrating the management of trigeminal neuropathic pain using topical 5% lidocaine plasters
Authors: Khawaja Nadine , Yilmaz Zehra , Renton Tara 
Published: April 2013

Chronic trigeminal pain, with its severe related functional problems, is difficult to treat. Treatment is often empirically based on medications used for other chronic pain conditions. Systemic sodium channel and calcium channel blocking agents may cause a multitude of complications that are often poorly tolerated by the patient. Aim: The aim of this case report was to assess the efficacy of topical 5% lidocaine plasters in reducing pain and reducing adjuvant medication in patients with orofacial neuropathic pain. Method: Fourteen patients with chronic orofacial pain conditions referred to the oral surgery department were instructed to wear 5% lidocaine plasters for 12 hours each day over the painful area. The conditions included post-surgical neuropathy ( n = 10), multiple sclerosis-related pain ( n = 1), persistent idiopathic facial pain ( n = 1), Ramsay Hunt syndrome (post-herpetic neuralgia, n = 1) and trigeminal neuralgia ( n = 1). Data were collected on patient demographics, pain levels and medication. Results: Pain levels improved in 12 out of 14 patients. Nine patients had a reduction in adjuvant medication, two of whom completely stopped adjuvant treatment. Conclusion: This case series demonstrates that of the use of 5% lidocaine plasters may play a useful role in the management of chronic trigeminal pain. A suggested novel approach for the management of orofacial pain, for clinicians, is presented. Summary points Management of chronic orofacial pain continues to be a major challenge to the clinician. Patients are often placed on a multitude of medications in an attempt to alleviate pain without success. Topical 5% lidocaine plasters, currently used for the management of post-herpetic neuralgia, offer the option of locally targeting trigeminal pain without the multiple side-effects of systemic medication. This case series demonstrates that lidocaine plasters decrease verbal pain scores in extraoral, trigeminal and neuropathic pain, and reduce the use of other neuromodulatory agents in some, but not all, patients. The plasters should be considered as a useful adjuvant in the management of pain in these patients.
Transcriptional profile of P. syringaepv. phaseolicola NPS3121 at low temperature: Physiology of phytopathogenic bacteria
Authors: Arvizu-Gómez Jackeline Lizzeta , Hernández-Morales Alejandro , Aguilar Juan Ramiro Pacheco , Álvarez-Morales Ariel 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundLow temperatures play key roles in the development of most plant diseases, mainly because of their influence on the expression of various virulence factors in phytopathogenic bacteria. Thus far, studies regarding this environmental parameter have focused on specific themes and little is known about phytopathogenic bacteria physiology under these conditions. To obtain a global view regarding phytopathogenic bacteria strategies in response to physiologically relevant temperature changes, we used DNA microarray technology to compare the gene expression profile of the model bacterial pathogenP. syringaepv. phaseolicola NPS3121 grown at 18°C and 28°C.ResultsA total of 236 differentially regulated genes were identified, of which 133 were up-regulated and 103 were down-regulated at 18°C compared to 28°C. The majority of these genes are involved in pathogenicity and virulence processes. In general, the results of this study suggest that the expression profile obtained may be related to the fact that low temperatures induce oxidative stress in bacterial cells, which in turn influences the expression of iron metabolism genes. The expression also appears to be correlated with the profile expression obtained in genes related to motility, biofilm production, and the type III secretion system.ConclusionsFrom the data obtained in this study, we can begin to understand the strategies used by this phytopathogen during low temperature growth, which can occur in host interactions and disease development.