bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The comparison of thrombocytosis and platelet-lymphocyte ratio as potential prognostic markers in colorectal cancer
Authors: Krzystanek Marcin , Jósa Valéria , Dede Kristóf , Ágoston Emese , Szász Marcell , Sinkó Dániel , Szarvas Viktor , Salamon Ferenc , Eklund Aron Charles , Szállási Zoltán , Jakab Ferenc , Baranyai Zsolt 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe aim of the present study was to analyse the preoperative platelet count and the platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) of different stages and with hepatic metastasis of CRC (mCRC) and to compare these factors as potential prognostic markers. Clinicopathological data of 10 years were collected retrospectively from 336 patients with CRC and 118 patients with mCRC. Both in the CRC and the mCRC group overall survival (OS) was significantly worse in patients who had elevated platelet count (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.2, p < 0.001 and HR = 2.9, p = 0.018, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that elevated platelet count was an independent prognostic factor of CRC (HR = 1.7, p = 0.035) and mCRC (HR = 3.1, p = 0.017). Disease-free survival (DFS) was significantly worse in patients with elevated platelet count in the CRC group (HR = 2.0, p = 0.011). In the multivariate analysis the PLR was not a prognostic factor in either of the two cohorts (HR = 0.92, p < 0.001 and HR = 0.89, p = 0.789, respectively). The platelet count is a valuable prognostic marker for the survival in patients both with CRC and mCRC while the PLR is not prognostic in either group.
G-Protein–Coupled Receptor 91 and Succinate Are Key Contributors in Neonatal Postcerebral Hypoxia-Ischemia Recovery
Authors: Hamel David , Sanchez Melanie , Duhamel François , Roy Olivier , Honoré Jean-Claude , Noueihed Baraa , Zhou Tianwei , Nadeau-Vallée Mathieu , Hou Xin , Lavoie Jean-Claude , Mitchell Grant , Mamer Orval A. , Chemtob Sylvain 
Published: November 2013

Objective—
Prompt post–hypoxia-ischemia (HI) revascularization has been suggested to improve outcome in adults and newborn subjects. Other than hypoxia-inducible factor, sensors of metabolic demand remain largely unknown. During HI, anaerobic respiration is arrested resulting in accumulation of carbohydrate metabolic intermediates. As such succinate readily increases, exerting its biological effects via a specific receptor, G-protein–coupled receptor (GPR) 91. We postulate that succinate/GPR91 enhances post-HI vascularization and reduces infarct size in a model of newborn HI brain injury.

Approach and Results—

The Rice–Vannucci model of neonatal HI was used. Succinate was measured by mass spectrometry, and microvascular density was evaluated by quantification of lectin-stained cryosection. Gene expression was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Succinate levels rapidly increased in the penumbral region of brain infarcts. GPR91 was foremost localized not only in neurons but also in astrocytes. Microvascular density increased at 96 hours after injury in wild-type animals; it was diminished in GPR91-null mice leading to an increased infarct size. Stimulation with succinate led to an increase in growth factors implicated in angiogenesis only in wild-type mice. To explain the mode of action of succinate/GPR91, we investigated the role of prostaglandin E
2
–prostaglandin E receptor 4, previously proposed in neural angiogenesis. Succinate-induced vascular endothelial growth factor expression was abrogated by a cyclooxygenase inhibitor and a selective prostaglandin E receptor 4 antagonist. This antagonist also abolished succinate-induced neovascularization.

Conclusions—

We uncover a dominant metabolic sensor responsible for post-HI neurovascular adaptation, notably succinate/GPR91, acting via prostaglandin E
2
–prostaglandin E receptor 4 to govern expression of major angiogenic factors. We propose that pharmacological intervention targeting GPR91 could improve post-HI brain recovery.
Novel Tubulin Antagonist Pretubulysin Displays Antivascular Properties In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Kretzschmann Verena K. , Gellrich Donata , Ullrich Angelika , Zahler Stefan , Vollmar Angelika M. , Kazmaier Uli , Fürst Robert 
Published: November 2013

Objective—
Pretubulysin (PT) is a novel, synthetically accessible myxobacterial compound that acts as a tubulin-depolymerizing agent and inhibits cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, PT was found to attenuate tumor angiogenesis. Here, we hypothesized that PT could exert antivascular activities on existing tumor vessels.

Approach and Results—
We aimed to characterize the antivascular effects of PT and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms in endothelial cells. In vitro, PT rapidly induced endothelial hyperpermeability and a concentration-dependent disassembly of established endothelial tubes on Matrigel and in an ex vivo aortic ring model. It disrupted endothelial cell junctions and triggered F-actin stress fiber formation and cell contraction by the RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase pathway without causing cell death. In vivo, using a hamster dorsal skinfold chamber preparation, PT significantly decreased blood flow and vessel diameter in hamster A-Mel-3 amelanotic melanoma tumors but not in the neighboring healthy tissue. In a second tumor model using mice with subcutaneous murine B16 melanoma tumors, a single dose of PT (10 mg/kg) caused a shut down of tumor blood flow and a strong central tumor cell necrosis within 24 hours. Repeated PT administration significantly decelerates tumor growth and seems to be well tolerated.

Conclusions—
In summary, we could show for the first time that the antitumor effect of PT is, at least in part, mediated via its antivascular activities on existing tumor vessels.
Prognostic Effect of High-Sensitive Troponin T Assessment in Elderly Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Gravning Jørgen , Askevold Erik T. , Nymo Ståle H. , Ueland Thor , Wikstrand John , McMurray John J.V. , Aukrust Pål , Gullestad Lars , Kjekshus John 
Published: November 2013

Background—
The incremental prognostic value of high-sensitive troponin T (hs-cTnT) in heart failure (HF) beyond that of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and amino-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide is debated. We examined the prognostic value of hs-cTnT in a subgroup of patients from the Controlled Rosuvastatin Multinational Trial in HF (CORONA) study.

Methods and Results—

Hs-cTnT as a risk factor for the primary end point (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke; n=356), as well as all-cause mortality (n=366), cardiovascular mortality (n=299), and the composite of cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization from worsening of HF (n=465), was investigated in 1245 patients (≥60 years; New York Heart Association [NYHA] class II–IV, ischemic systolic HF) randomly assigned to 10 mg rosuvastatin or placebo. In multivariable analyses, adjusting for left ventricular ejection fraction, NYHA class, age, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, sex, intermittent claudication, heart rate, estimated glomerular filtration rate, apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-1 ratio, amino-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and hs-cTnT (both dichotomized according to the 99th percentile and as a continuous variable) was associated with all end points (primary end point: hazard ratio, 1.87 and 1.51, respectively, per SD change;
P
<0.001; all other end points: hazard ratio, 1.39–1.70). However, improved discrimination as assessed by C-statistics was only seen for the primary end point and all-cause mortality.

Conclusions—
Elevated hs-cTnT levels provide strong and independent prognostic information in older patients with chronic ischemic HF.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00206310.
Safety of Percutaneous Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure: An Unselected Multicenter Population Experience
Authors: El‐Said Howaida G. , Bratincsak Andras , Foerster Susan R. , Murphy Joshua J. , Vincent Julie , Holzer Ralf , Porras Diego , Moore John , Bergersen Lisa 
Published: November 2013

Background

The technique and safety of transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (
PDA
) closure have evolved during the past 20 years. We sought to report a multicenter experience of
PDA
closure with a focus on the rate of adverse events (
AE
) and a review of institutional practice differences.

Methods and Results

Outcome data on transcatheter
PDA
closure were collected at 8 centers prospectively using a multicenter registry (Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Project on Outcome Registry). Between February 2007 and June 2010, 496
PDA
closures were recorded using a device in 338 (68%) or coils in 158 (32%). Most patients had an isolated
PDA
(90%). Fifty percent of patients were between 6 months and 3 years old, with only 40 patients (8%) <6 months old. Median minimum
PDA
diameter was 2.5 mm (range 1 to 12 mm;
IQR
2 to 3 mm) for device closure and 1 mm (range 0.5 to 6 mm;
IQR
1 to 2 mm) for coil closure (
P
<0.001). A device rather than coil was used in patients <3 years, weight <11 kg, and with a
PDA
minimum diameter >2 mm (all
P
<0.001). Three of 8 centers exclusively used a device for
PDA
s with a diameter >1.5 mm. In 9% of cases (n=46), an
AE
occurred; however, only 11 (2%) were classified as high severity. Younger age was associated with a higher
AE
rate. Coil‐related
AE
s were more common than device‐related
AE
s (10% versus 2%,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

PDA
closure in the present era has a very low rate of complications, although these are higher in younger children. Technical intervention‐related events were more common in coil procedures compared with device procedures. For
PDA
s ≤2.5 mm in diameter, institutional differences in preference for device versus coil exist.
Immigration, generational status and health literacy in Canada
Authors: Ng Edward , Omariba D Walter R 
Published: November 2013

Background: Immigrants, a fast-growing population in Canada, score below the national average in health literacy, but the reasons behind the low scores are largely unknown. Also, there is a need to understand the long-term impact of immigration by examining health literacy by generational status. Objective: To examine health literacy differentials in Canada, comparing immigrants and non-immigrants; as well as immigrant sub-groups by their region of origin, recency of arrival and generational status. Methods: A cross-sectional multi-stage representative sample of 22,818 respondents from the Canadian component of the 2003 International Adult Literacy and Skills survey. Data were collected in the home of each respondent. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression in this study. Results: Fewer immigrants (24%) than non-immigrants (44%) had the requisite health literacy level. After controlling for selected factors, health literacy was still significantly lower for immigrants compared to non-immigrants (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.37 – 0.70). For the immigrant sub-groups and by generations, initial differences that were observed, disappeared after controlling for selected factors. Overall, health literacy was associated with economic, education, and literacy-related factors, but the association with literacy practices at home and at work was stronger for the immigrants than the non-immigrants. Conclusion: Education and literacy practices at home and at work are important determinants of the population’s health literacy; however, education is more likely to be associated with acquisition, while literacy practices are more likely associated with maintenance of health literacy. This adds to our understanding of the factors associated with health literacy, by immigrant and generational status, and shows how different segments of the population in Canada process health information.
Supervised training and home-based rehabilitation in patients with stabilized ankylosing spondylitis on TNF inhibitor treatment: a controlled clinical trial with a 12-month follow-up
Authors: Masiero Stefano , Poli Patrizia , Bonaldo Lara , Pigatto Maurizia , Ramonda Roberta , Lubrano Ennio , Punzi Leonardo , Maffulli Nicola 
Published: November 2013

Objective: To assess the 12-month’s follow-up effects on pain, mobility, and physical function outcomes of a supervised training and home-based rehabilitation for ankylosing spondylitis patients stabilized with TNF-inhibitor therapy. Design: Controlled clinical trial (sequentially determined allocation) with 12-months’ follow-up. Setting: Patients’ homes. Subjects: A total of 69 subjects were allocated to either a rehabilitation programme (rehabilitation group, n = 22), an educational-behavioural programme (educational group, n = 24), and to neither programme (control group, n = 23). Interventions: Rehabilitation programme included supervised training and home exercises (stretching, strengthening, aerobic, chest, and spine/hip joint flexibility exercises); educational-behavioural programme included information on ankylosing spondylitis, pain and stress mechanisms, and control. Main measures: Spinal pain intensity, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, chest expansion, and cervical and lumbar spine active range of motion measured by a pocket goniometer. Results: At baseline, the three groups exhibited comparable demographic characteristics and basal evaluations. Intra-group changes in the rehabilitation group from baseline to 12 months yielded statistically significant gains ( p < 0.05) for all outcomes. At 12-months follow-up, compared with the control and educational-behavioural, the rehabilitation group exhibited significant differences in chest expansion ( p = 0.001 and p < 0.001), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index ( p = 0.012 and p = 0.050), and in some goniometric measurements as cervical rotation ( p = 0.007 and p = 0.014), toraco-lumbar rotation ( p = 0.009 and p = 0.050), and total cervical movements ( p = 0.009 and p = 0.001). Conclusion: In comparison with the educational-behavioural programme or no intervention, supervised training and home exercises improved long-term outcome in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Femoral Radiographic Landmarks for Popliteus Tendon Reconstruction and Repair
Authors: Fok August W.M. , Kuang Guan Ming , Yau W.P. 
Published: November 2013

Background: Although the popliteus muscle-tendon complex is one of the most important structures in controlling posterolateral rotatory stability of the knee, not much literature has been reported concerning the use of femoral radiographic landmarks of the popliteus tendon in repair and reconstruction. Hypothesis: By using standardized radiographic techniques, the femoral insertion of the popliteus tendon could be more precisely determined by the Blumensaat line than by the extension line of the posterior cortex. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Ten fresh-frozen human knees were dissected, and the popliteus tendon was exposed. After identification of the femoral insertion site of the popliteus tendon, the insertion’s center was indicated with a radiographic marker. True lateral radiographs of the distal femur were taken, and the digital radiographic images were analyzed by 2 independent observers. Results: The femoral insertion site of the popliteus tendon was found to be a mean 47.5% ± 5.2% across the width of the femoral condyle, 60.7% ± 7.8% along the perpendicular bisector of the Blumensaat line, 0.3 ± 1.7 mm posterior to the extension line of the posterior femoral cortex, and 20.5 ± 3.8 mm distal to the perpendicular line at the Blumensaat point. The variance from the mean point by using the Blumensaat line as a reference was significantly smaller than by using the extension line of the posterior cortex (mean, 2.6 vs 3.6 mm; P = .044). Conclusion: A reproducible anatomic and radiographic reference point for the femoral insertion of the popliteus tendon can be determined using standardized radiographic techniques and can be more precisely determined by the Blumensaat line compared with the extension line of the posterior femoral cortex. Clinical Relevance: This radiographic information provides an adjunctive tool for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative assessments of surgical repair and reconstruction of the popliteus tendon.
The aftermath of foot and mouth in the UK: Post-crisis change and Europeanisation
Authors: Connolly John 
Published: November 2013

This article assesses the aftermath of the 2001 UK foot and mouth crisis in the context of Europeanisation. Informed by significant elite interviews with British politicians and senior officials in the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Cabinet Office, and the European Commission, the article shows that the 2001 foot and mouth crisis led to an enthused approach by UK policy-makers to reforming the EU legislative framework governing future outbreaks but that this was unmatched by a problematic policy implementation process – despite the impact of a crisis. The article concludes that the twin conceptual bases of Boin et al.’s categorisations of change and Europeanisation are important lenses for studying the aftermath of the foot and mouth crisis.
Influence of Smoking Cigarettes on Cerebral Blood Flow Parameters
Authors: Kochanowicz Jan , Lewko Jolanta , Rutkowski Robert , Turek Grzegorz , Sieskiewicz Andrzej , Lyson Tomasz , Mariak Zenon 
Published: November 2013

Introduction: While chronic cigarette smoking can lead to increased risk of stroke, the acute effects of smoking have not been established. We studied the changes in blood flow parameters in the major cerebral arteries caused by smoking one cigarette. Method: Using transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCS), we studied the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), posterior cerebral artery (PCA), and the internal carotid artery (ICA) of 36 healthy male volunteers before and after they smoked one cigarette. Results: Blood flow velocity increased to a different degree in all but one of the arteries examined after participants smoked a single cigarette: The end diastolic velocity increased significantly by 7.8% in the PCA, 8% in the ACA, and 14.4% in the MCA. The peak systolic velocity increased significantly by 7.5% in the MCA. Blood flow velocity remained unchanged in the ICA only. Blood pressure and heart rate increased as did the flow velocity ratio for the MCA/ICA. The pulsatility index decreased after smoking from 0.92 ± 0.13 to 0.87 ± 0.14 in the MCA, 0.93 ± 0.15 to 0.87 ± 0.13 in the ACA, and 0.95 ± 0.17 to 0.89 ± 0.16 in the PCA. Conclusions: The results suggest that the direct effect of smoking on cerebral circulation includes peripheral vasodilatation with possible constriction of the main trunk of the basal cerebral arteries.
Nutritional status of children under 5 years of age in the Brazilian Western Amazon before and after the Interoceanic highway paving: a population-based study
Authors: Ramalho Alanderson A , Mantovani Saulo AS , Delfino Breno M , Pereira Thasciany M , Martins Antonio C , Oliart-Guzmán Humberto , Brãna Athos M , Branco Fernando LCC , Campos Rhanderson G , Guimarães Andréia S , Araújo Thiago S , Oliveira Cristieli SM , Codeço Cláudia T , Muniz Pascoal T , da Silva-Nunes Mônica 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of undernutrition, overweight and associated factors, before and after the implementation of the Interoceanic Highway.

Methods
A population-based cross-sectional study on children under 5 years of age was conducted in the municipality of Assis Brasil, AC, Brazil, in 2003 and 2010. Prevalence of undernutrition was observed by using height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ) and adopting a cut-off point equal to or lower than a -2 Z-score. Overweight prevalence was defined by a cut-off point equal to or greater than a +2 Z-score of the WHZ index. Z-scores were calculated relative to WHO 2006 reference data. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to the children’s guardians, investigating family socio-economic and demographic characteristics, morbidities, access to services and child care. Associated factors were identified by hierarchical multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results
The prevalence of low HAZ (undernutrition) was 7.0% in 2003 and 12.2% in 2010. The prevalence of high WHZ (overweight) was 1.0% and 6.6% for 2003 and 2010, respectively. It was not possible to adjust the multiple model for the year 2003. The factors associated with low HAZ in 2010 were: wealth index, the situation of living with biological parents, maternal height and presence of open sewage, whereas the factors associated with a high WHZ in the same year were: child’s age, mother’s time of residence in the location, mother’s body mass index.

Conclusions
Overweight increase within this undernutrition scenario reveals that the process of nutritional transition began in this Amazonian city only in the last decade, and therefore, it is delayed when compared to overweight in other parts of Brazil. Such nutritional transition in Assis Brasil may have been facilitated by the construction of the Interoceanic Highway.
Coupled coincidence point theorems for α-ψ-contractive type mappings in partially ordered metric spaces
Authors: Kaushik Preeti , Kumar Sanjay , Kumam Poom 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the notion of α-ψ-contractions and

(
α
)

-admissibility for a pair of mappings. In fact, our theorem is a generalization of the result of Mursaleen et al. (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2012, doi:10.1186/1687-1812-2012-228). At the end, we shall provide an example in support of our main result.

MSC:47H10, 54H25, 34B15.