bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D levels in relation to body mass index: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Saneei P. , Salehi‐Abargouei A. , Esmaillzadeh A. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBackgroundAlthough several cross‐sectional studies have investigated serum vitamin D levels in relation to body mass index (BMI), findings are inconsistent.ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta‐analysis of published cross‐sectional data was conducted to summarize the evidence on the link between serum vitamin D levels and BMI in adults.MethodsPubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus and Google scholar database were searched to May 2012 for all relevant published papers. We found 34 articles that reported the correlation coefficients between serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and BMI in apparently healthy adults (>18 years). The primary analysis was done on these 34 papers that reported 37 correlation coefficients. To find the source of between‐study heterogeneity, our secondary analysis was confined to eight studies that had used random sampling method and reported the correlations for the whole population.ResultsOur meta‐analysis on 34 relevant papers revealed an overall significant inverse, but weak, association between serum 25(OH)D levels and BMI (Fisher's Z = −0.15, 95% CI: −0.19, −0.11) with a significant heterogeneity between studies. In the subgroup analysis based on gender and study location (East vs. West), the inverse associations were significant in both genders (male: Fisher's Z = −0.11, 95% CI: −0.14, −0.08 and female: −0.14, 95% CI: −0.21, −0.08) and both study locations (East: −0.09, 95% CI: −0.14, −0.04 and West: −0.23, 95% CI: −0.31, −0.17). In the subgroup analysis based on developmental status of countries, the weak inverse association remained significant in developed countries (−0.17, 95% CI: −0.21, −0.14), but not in developing nations (−0.10, 95% CI: −0.20, 0.01). Using meta‐regression, we found that latitude (P = 0.91) or longitude (P = 0.2) of cities did not significantly contribute to the computed effect sizes. When we restricted our analysis to eight selected studies that used random sampling method, we reached the same findings. In this analysis, gender and developmental status of countries explained the between‐study heterogeneity.ConclusionThere is a significant inverse weak correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and BMI in adult population, except for women living in developing countries. Further research particularly in developing countries and populations living near the equator is needed.
Percutaneous Extraction of ePTFE‐Coated ICD Leads: A Single Center Comparative Experience
Authors: KOHUT ANDREW R. , GRAMMES JON , SCHULZE CHRISTOPHER M. , AL‐BATAINEH MOHAMMAD , YESENOSKY GEORGE A. , HORROW JAY C. , KUTALEK STEVEN P. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundPercutaneous extraction of standard implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator leads is often complicated by ingrowth of fibrotic tissue into the shocking coils. Leads with GORE™ expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) coating (W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Newark, DE, USA) designed to inhibit fibrosis are in use, but clinical data regarding their extraction are lacking. The study's purpose was to examine the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of percutaneous extraction involving defibrillator leads coated with ePTFE.MethodsWe analyzed our database to identify all percutaneously extracted leads with ePTFE‐coated shocking coils. Lead and procedure characteristics were compared to a cohort of noncoated leads of similar implant duration.ResultsOne hundred fifty‐six leads were extracted from 145 patients; 57 ePTFE‐coated leads, with a mean implant duration of 621 days, were extracted and compared to 99 noncoated leads, with a mean implant duration of 763 days (P = 0.0641). Mean extraction time was 5 minutes for coated leads versus 9.75 minutes for noncoated leads (P = 0.0001). Extraction time of less than 1 minute was more frequent with coated leads (61% vs 35%, P = 0.0025). Adjunct extraction tools were required less frequently with coated leads than noncoated leads (39% vs 63%, P = 0.0071). There was no fibrosis where ePTFE covered the shocking coils. Alternatively, 23 of 99 (23%) noncoated leads demonstrated fibrosis adherent to the shock coil. There were no procedure‐related complications in either group.ConclusionsCompared to noncoated leads, ePTFE‐coated leads are associated with shorter extraction times and are less likely to require extraction tools for removal. The difference is likely related to the absence of fibrosis over the ePTFE‐coated high‐energy coils.
Acquired Protein Energy Malnutrition in Glutaric Acidemia
Authors: Ma Liqiao , Savory Stephanie , Agim Nnenna G. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe report a case of acquired protein energy malnutrition with associated zinc deficiency in an 18‐month‐old boy with type 1 glutaric acidemia. Physical examination findings included generalized nonpitting edema, widespread desquamative plaques, and sparse hair with a reddish tinge. Laboratory abnormalities included low levels of zinc, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, and iron. A review of skin manifestations of nutritional deficiencies, specifically kwashiorkor, is presented, as well as the relatively new entity called acrodermatitis dysmetabolica.
Diverging Racial Trends in Neonatal Infantile Hemangioma Diagnoses, 1979–2006
Authors: Amrock Stephen M. , Weitzman Michael 
Published: January 2013

AbstractNationally representative historical trends in neonatal infantile hemangioma (IH) diagnosis have not been previously assessed. Using the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS), trends in IH diagnoses were assessed according to race and sex. Findings confirmed prior research that female and white newborns are more likely to be diagnosed with IH, and a statistically significant increase in IH diagnoses was observed in white, but not in nonwhite, infants.
Conversational Implicatures (and How to Spot Them)
Authors: Blome‐Tillmann Michael 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIn everyday conversations we often convey information that goes above and beyond what we strictly speaking say: exaggeration and irony are obvious examples. H.P. Grice introduced the technical notion of a conversational implicature in systematizing the phenomenon of meaning one thing by saying something else. In introducing the notion, Grice drew a line between what is said, which he understood as being closely related to the conventional meaning of the words uttered, and what is conversationally implicated, which can be inferred from the fact that an utterance has been made in context. Since Grice’s seminal work, conversational implicatures have become one of the major research areas in pragmatics. This article introduces the notion of a conversational implicature, discusses some of the key issues that lie at the heart of the recent debate, and explicates tests that allow us to reliably distinguish between semantic entailments and conventional implicatures on the one hand and conversational implicatures on the other.
What price fairness when security is at stake? Police legitimacy in South Africa
Authors: Bradford Ben , Huq Aziz , Jackson Jonathan , Roberts Benjamin 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe legitimacy of legal authorities – particularly the police – is central to the state's ability to function in a normatively justifiable and effective manner. Studies, mostly conducted in the US and UK, regularly find that procedural justice is the most important antecedent of police legitimacy, with judgments about other aspects of police behavior – notably, about effectiveness – appearing less relevant. But this idea has received only sporadic testing in less cohesive societies where social order is more tenuous, resources to sustain it scarcer, and the position of the police is less secure. This paper considers whether the link between process fairness and legitimacy holds in the challenging context of present day South Africa. In a high crime and socially divided society, do people still emphasize procedural fairness or are they more interested in instrumental effectiveness? How is the legitimacy of the police influenced by the wider problems faced by the South African state? We find procedural fairness judgments play a key role, but also that South Africans place greater emphasis on police effectiveness (and concerns about crime). Police legitimacy is, furthermore, associated with citizens' judgments about the wider success and trustworthiness of the state.
Myoelectrical Activity and Muscle Morphology in a Rat Model of Myofascial Trigger Points Induced by Blunt Trauma to the Vastus Medialis
Authors: Huang Qiang-Min , Ye Gang , Zhao Zhen-Yan , Lv Jiao-Jiao , Tang Li 
Published: January 2013

Objectives To explore myoelectrical activity and muscle morphology of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in an injury model of rats. Methods A total of 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (group A) and model group (group B). A blunt striking injury and eccentric exercise were applied to the vastus medialis (VM) of rats in group B for 8 weeks. Later, the palpable taut band (TB), local twitch response, myoelectrical activities and morphology in the two groups were examined. Results An average of 2.5 (30/12) palpable TBs were detected in the VM in group B compared with none in group A. The MTrPs had two types of abnormal potential. Their amplitudes were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.01) but their durations showed no significant differences. A series of reflex contractions appeared in groups A and B in response to external stimulation to the ear. Their amplitude and duration in group B were significantly lower than those in group A. A series of lower fibrillation potentials repeatedly occurred in model MTrPs in group B. The morphology of MTrPs showed abnormal muscle fibres with large round or ellipse shapes in cross-section and enlarged tapering shapes in longitudinal section. Conclusions Active MTrPs can be provoked by repeated blunt injury. Active MTrPs are a group of muscle fibres with abnormal shapes and abnormal myoelectrical potentials. External stimulation provokes low-voltage responses in MTrPs, which is different from the response of normal muscle fibres.
Prevention of fall-related injuries in 7-year-old to 12-year-old children: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nauta Joske , Knol Dirk L , Adriaensens Lize , Klein Wolt Karin , van Mechelen Willem , Verhagen Evert A L M 
Published: January 2013

IntroductionTo counteract the recently observed increase in forearm fractures in children worldwide, an educational programme to improve fall skills was developed. In this 8-week programme children learned basic martial arts falling techniques in their physical education classes. In this study, the effectiveness of this educational programme to improve fall skills was evaluated.MethodsA cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in 33 primary schools. The intervention group received the educational programme to improve falling skills during their physical education (PE) classes whereas the control group received their regular PE curriculum. At baseline (October 2009) and follow-up (May 2010), a questionnaire was completed by the children about their physical activity behaviours. Furthermore, fall-related injuries were registered continuously during an entire school-year.ResultsA total of 36 incident injuries was reported in the intervention group, equalling an injury incidence density (IID) of 0.14 fall-related injuries per 1000 h of physical activity (95% CI 0.09 to 0.18). In contrast, 96 injuries were reported by the control group corresponding to an IID of 0.26 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.32). However, because intracluster correlation was high (ICC=0.46), differences in injury incidence were not statistically significant. When activity level was taken into account, a trend was shown suggesting that the ‘falling is a sport’ programme was effective in decreasing falling-related injury risk, but only in the least active children.Discussion and conclusionAlthough results did not reach significance because of strong clustering effects, a trend was found suggesting that a school-based educational programme to improve falling skills may be more beneficial for the prevention of falling-related injuries in children with low levels of habitual physical activity.
Movie making as a cognitive distraction for paediatric patients receiving radiotherapy treatment: qualitative interview study
Authors: Shrimpton Bradley J M , Willis David J , Tongs Cáthal D , Rolfo Aldo G 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesTo establish the outcomes achieved by using an innovative movie-making programme designed to reduce fear of radiotherapy among paediatric patients.DesignQualitative descriptive evaluation based on semistructured, qualitative interviews with purposeful sampling and thematic analysis.SettingTertiary Cancer Centre.Participants20 parents of paediatric patients who had produced a movie of their radiation therapy experience and were in a follow-up phase of cancer management.ResultsParticipants attributed a broad range of outcomes to the movie-making program. These included that the programme had helped reduce anxiety and distress exhibited by paediatric patients and contributed to a willingness to receive treatment. Other outcomes were that the completed movies had been used in school reintegration and for maintaining social connections.ConclusionsAllowing children to create a video of their experience of radiotherapy provided a range of benefits to paediatric patients that varied according to their needs. For some patients, movie-making offered a valuable medium for overcoming fear of the unknown as well as increasing understanding of treatment processes. For others, the development of a personalised video offered an important cognitive/attentional distraction through engaging with an age-appropriate activity. Together these outcomes helped children maintain self-control and a positive outlook.
Recognising the importance of ‘family time-out’ in consultations: an exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Korfage Ida J , Audrey Suzanne , Hak Tony , Blazeby Jane M , Abel Julian , Campbell Rona 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesPatients are often accompanied by family or companions during consultations, but little is known about how this might influence the process. We explored how the presence of a companion in a consultation contributes to communication and the decision-making process.DesignObservational study.SettingA teaching hospital and a district general hospital in south-west England.Participants31 patients and their physicians were observed during consultations in which decisions to undergo palliative chemotherapy were made. Each patient was accompanied by at least one companion.Outcome measuresCommunication patterns between physicians, patients and companions.ResultsIn addition to standard patient/physician interactions, patients and companions were often found to discuss medical information and exchange opinions between themselves without the physician actively participating. We called these instances ‘family time-out’. On the occasion of disagreement between patients and companions about preferred treatment options, physicians and patients were able to agree the decision while acknowledging the differences in opinion.ConclusionsInstances of ‘family time-out’ may contribute to better consultation outcomes because they are understood and supported by the patient's social system. This study highlights the potentially important role of exchanges between patients and companions during consultations and how physicians may benefit from observation of such exchanges. We recommend testing the value of making space for family time-out during consultations. Also, we recommend further study into the medical ethics of family time-out. While the focus here is on palliative chemotherapy, this finding has implications for other consultations, particularly those involving difficult treatment decisions.
Transcription Factor YY1 Contributes to Tumor Growth by Stabilizing Hypoxia Factor HIF-1α in a p53-Independent Manner
Authors: Wu Shourong , Kasim Vivi , Kano Mitsunobu R. , Tanaka Sayaka , Ohba Shinsuke , Miura Yutaka , Miyata Kanjiro , Liu Xueying , Matsuhashi Ako , Chung Ung-il , Yang Li , Kataoka Kazunori , Nishiyama Nobuhiro , Miyagishi Makoto 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
In response to hypoxic stress, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is a critical transcription factor regulating fundamental cellular processes, and its elevated expression level and activity are associated with poor outcomes in most malignancies. The transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is an important negative regulator of the tumor suppressor factor p53. However, the role of YY1 under tumor hypoxic condition is poorly understood. Herein, we show that inhibition of YY1 reduced the accumulation of HIF-1α and its activity under hypoxic condition, and consequently downregulated the expression of HIF-1α target genes. Interestingly, our results revealed that the downregulation of HIF-1α by inhibiting YY1 is p53-independent. Functionally, the in vivo experiments revealed that inhibition of YY1 significantly suppressed growth of metastatic cancer cells and lung colonization and also attenuated angiogenesis in a p53-null tumor. Collectively, our findings unraveled a novel mechanism by which YY1 inhibition disrupts hypoxia-stimulated HIF-1α stabilization in a p53-independent manner. Therefore, YY1 inhibition could be considered as a potential tumor therapeutic strategy to give consistent clinical outcomes independent of p53 status. Cancer Res; 73(6); 1787–99. ©2012 AACR.
Earlier Detection of Breast Cancer with Ultrasound Molecular Imaging in a Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Bachawal Sunitha V. , Jensen Kristin C. , Lutz Amelie M. , Gambhir Sanjiv S. , Tranquart Francois , Tian Lu , Willmann Jürgen K. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
While there is an increasing role of ultrasound for breast cancer screening in patients with dense breast, conventional anatomical ultrasound lacks sensitivity and specificity for early breast cancer detection. In this study, we assessed the potential of ultrasound molecular imaging using clinically translatable vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2 (VEGFR2)-targeted microbubbles (MBVEGFR2) to improve the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in earlier detection of breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in a transgenic mouse model [FVB/N-Tg(MMTV-PyMT)634Mul]. In vivo binding specificity studies (n = 26 tumors) showed that ultrasound imaging signal was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.001) using MBVEGFR2 than nontargeted microbubbles and imaging signal significantly decreased (P &lt; 0.001) by blocking antibodies. Ultrasound molecular imaging signal significantly increased (P &lt; 0.001) when breast tissue (n = 315 glands) progressed from normal [1.65 ± 0.17 arbitrary units (a.u.)] to hyperplasia (4.21 ± 1.16), DCIS (15.95 ± 1.31), and invasive cancer (78.1 ± 6.31) and highly correlated with ex vivo VEGFR2 expression [R2 = 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.72–0.91; P &lt; 0.001]. At an imaging signal threshold of 4.6 a.u., ultrasound molecular imaging differentiated benign from malignant entities with a sensitivity of 84% (95% CI, 78–88) and specificity of 89% (95% CI, 81–94). In a prospective screening trail (n = 63 glands), diagnostic performance of detecting DCIS and breast cancer was assessed and two independent readers correctly diagnosed malignant disease in more than 95% of cases and highly agreed between each other [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.98; 95% CI, 97–99]. These results suggest that VEGFR2-targeted ultrasound molecular imaging allows highly accurate detection of DCIS and breast cancer in transgenic mice and may be a promising approach for early breast cancer detection in women. Cancer Res; 73(6); 1689–98. ©2012 AACR.
HLA-Restricted CTL That Are Specific for the Immune Checkpoint Ligand PD-L1 Occur with High Frequency in Cancer Patients
Authors: Munir Shamaila , Andersen Gitte Holmen , Met Özcan , Donia Marco , Frøsig Thomas Mørch , Larsen Stine Kiaer , Klausen Tobias Wirenfeldt , Svane Inge Marie , Andersen Mads Hald 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPD-L1 (CD274) contributes to functional exhaustion of T cells and limits immune responses in patients with cancer. In this study, we report the identification of an human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2–restricted epitope from PD-L1, and we describe natural, cytolytic T-cell reactivity against PD-L1 in the peripheral blood of patients with cancer and healthy individuals. Notably, PD-L1–specific T cells were able not only to recognize and kill tumor cells but also PD-L1–expressing dendritic cells in a PD-L1–dependent manner, insofar as PD-L1 ablation rescued dendritic cells from killing. Furthermore, by incubating nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells with long peptides from PD-L1, we found that PD-L1 was rapidly internalized, processed, and cross-presented by HLA-A2 on the cell surface. Apparently, this cross-presentation was TAP-independent, as it was conducted not only by B cells but in addition by TAP-deficient T2-cells. This is intriguing, as soluble PD-L1 has been detected in the sera from patients with cancer. PD-L1–specific CTL may boost immunity by the killing of immunosuppressive tumor cells as well as regulatory cells. However, PD-L1–specific CTLs may as well suppress immunity by the elimination of normal immune cells especially PD-L1 expressing mature dendritic cells. Cancer Res; 73(6); 1764–76. ©2012 AACR.
Phenotypic Profiling of DPYD Variations Relevant to 5-Fluorouracil Sensitivity Using Real-time Cellular Analysis and In Vitro Measurement of Enzyme Activity
Authors: Offer Steven M. , Wegner Natalie J. , Fossum Croix , Wang Kangsheng , Diasio Robert B. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
In the 45 years since its development, the pyrimidine analog 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has become an integral component of many cancer treatments, most notably for the management of colorectal cancer. An appreciable fraction of patients who receive 5-FU suffer severe adverse toxicities, which in extreme cases may result in death. Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD, encoded by DPYD) rapidly degrades 85% of administered 5-FU, and as such, limits the amount of drug available for conversion into active metabolites. Clinical studies have suggested that genetic variations in DPYD increase the risk for 5-FU toxicity, however, there is not a clear consensus about which variations are relevant predictors. In the present study, DPYD variants were expressed in mammalian cells, and the enzymatic activity of expressed protein was determined relative to wild-type (WT). Relative sensitivity to 5-FU for cells expressing DPYD variations was also measured. The DPYD*2A variant (exon 14 deletion caused by IVS14+1G&gt;A) was confirmed to be catalytically inactive. Compared with WT, two variants, S534N and C29R, showed significantly higher enzymatic activity. Cells expressing S534N were more resistant to 5-FU–mediated toxicity compared with cells expressing WT DPYD. These findings support the hypothesis that selected DPYD alleles are protective against severe 5-FU toxicity, and, as a consequence, may decrease the effectiveness of 5-FU an antitumor drug in carriers. In addition, this study shows a method that may be useful for phenotyping other genetic variations in pharmacologically relevant pathways. Cancer Res; 73(6); 1958–68. ©2013 AACR.