bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case control study of risk factors for frozen shoulder in China
Authors: Li Wei , Lu Nianzu , Xu Hongliang , Wang Huifang , Huang Jun 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimFrozen shoulder is a common self‐limiting regional skeletal problem of unclear pathogenesis. It usually has an insidious onset and follows a protracted course. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and related risk factors for frozen shoulder in Shanghai, China.MethodsWe performed a hospital‐based case‐control study involving 182 patients with pathologically diagnosed frozen shoulder and 196 patients hospitalized during the same time period with non‐shoulder related complaints who were recruited as controls. Information on potential risk factors was collected on both case and control groups through questionnaires and face‐to‐face interview. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsAmong the frozen shoulder patients, 24.2% had diabetes and 16.5% had history of shoulder trauma. Multivariate analysis suggested that diabetes and history of slight trauma were independent risk factors for the disease. The frozen shoulder patients also had a higher prevalence of thyroid disease, increased body mass index and cervical spondylosis than the controls. The incidence of frozen shoulder was higher in female compared to male patients. No significant difference was found in occupations, physical exercise, cholecystitis, history of surgical and ischemic heart disease between the frozen shoulder group and the control group.ConclusionsThe findings in the present study indicate that diabetes, history of slight shoulder trauma, thyroid disease, increased body mass index and cervical spondylosis are factors significantly associated with increased frozen shoulder risk among individuals within the area of Shanghai, China.
Can organic rice crops help conserve aquatic plants in southern Brazil wetlands?
Authors: Linke Maria G. , Godoy Robson S. , Rolon Ana S. , Maltchik Leonardo 
Published: January 2014

AbstractQuestionsAre organic rice crops better than convention crops for aquatic plant conservation? We tested three hypotheses: (1) richness, diversity and biomass of aquatic macrophytes are higher in organic rice fields than in conventional ones; (2) aquatic macrophyte species composition in organic rice fields is more similar to that of natural wetlands than to conventional rice fields; and (3) aquatic macrophyte richness, diversity, biomass and species composition in natural wetlands will differ from those of organic and conventional rice fields.LocationCoastal plain of southern Brazil.MethodsWe sampled macrophytes at four conventional crops, four organic crops and four natural intermittent wetlands. We sampled at six different times at each site throughout the rice cultivation cycle.ResultsA total of 55 species was recorded in natural wetlands and 36 species in rice fields, with 23 found in conventional crops and 27 found in organic crops. The richness, biomass and species composition of macrophytes was similar in the two rice production systems and lower than that of natural wetlands over the cultivation cycle studied. Species composition of natural wetlands differed from that of rice crops mainly through the presence of hydrophytes and rushes.ConclusionsSome macrophyte species used rice crops as a complementary habitat, but diversity was lower and composition was different from that of natural wetlands. Both conventional and organic systems negatively impacted macrophyte biodiversity. However, the similar richness and biomass of plants in organic and conventional crops indicated that natural techniques with less impact could be efficient in reducing undesirable plant diversity in agricultural systems.
A phase II, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, multi‐dose study of SRT2104, a SIRT1 activator, in subjects with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Baksi Arun , Kraydashenko Oleg , Zalevkaya Alsu , Stets Roman , Elliott Peter , Haddad Jonathan , Hoffmann Ethan , Vlasuk George P. , Jacobson Eric W. 
Published: January 2014

AimSRT2104 is a selective activator of SIRT1. In animal models, SRT2104 improves glucose homeostasis and increases insulin sensitivity. We evaluated the tolerability and pharmacokinetics of SRT2104, and its effects on glycaemic control, in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodType 2 diabetics with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 7.5% and ≤10.5%, fasting glucose ≥160 and ≤240 mg dl−1, and on stable doses of metformin were evenly randomized to placebo or SRT2104 0.25 g, 0.5 g, 1.0 g or 2.0 g, administered orally once daily for 28 days. Changes in fasting and post‐prandial glucose and insulin were analyzed.ResultsSafety evaluation found no major differences between groups in the frequency of adverse events. SRT2104 concentrations did not increase in a dose‐proportional fashion. Significant variability in exposure was observed. Treatment with SRT2104 did not lead to any consistent, dose‐related changes in glucose or insulin. Day 28 change from baseline (mean (SD)): fasting glucose (mmol l−1) = −1.17 (2.42), −1.11 (3.45), −0.52 (2.60), −0.97 (2.83) and −0.15 (2.38) for placebo, 0.25 g, 0.5 g, 1.0 g and 2.0 g, respectively. Day 28 change from baseline (mean (SD)): fasting insulin (mmol l−1) = 1.0 (51.66), 8.9 (95.04), −6.9 (41.45), 4.1 (57.16) and 15.2 (138.79) for placebo, 0.25 g, 0.5 g, 1.0 g and 2.0 g, respectively) Treatment with SRT2104 was associated with improvement in lipid profiles.ConclusionTreatment with SRT2104 for 28 days did not result in improved glucose or insulin control which is likely due to the observed pharmacokinetics which were not dose proportional and had large between subject variability.
Gene Expression Change in Human Dental Pulp Cells Exposed to a Low‐Level Toxic Concentration of Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate: An RNA‐seq Analysis
Authors: Cho Sung‐Geun , Lee Jin‐Woo , Heo Jung Sun , Kim Sun‐Young 
Published: January 2014

AbstractDental composite resin restoration for defective tooth may lead unpolymerized resin monomers to be leached into dental pulp tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the early gene expression change over time of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) treated with a low‐level toxic concentration of Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), a common dental resin monomer, by adopting the novel high‐throughput transcriptome analysis of RNA‐seq. The low‐level toxic concentration of TEGDMA was determined through MTT assays with serially diluted concentrations. After the HDPCs were exposed to TEGDMA for 6, 12, 24 or 48 hr, the total RNA of the samples was prepared for RNA‐seq. qRT‐PCR for several genes was performed for validation of RNA‐seq results. In the treated group, 1280 genes were differentially expressed compared with the control group. Five patterns of time‐series gene expression profiles were identified through k‐means clustering analysis. Angiogenesis, cell adhesion and migration, extracellular matrix organization, response to extracellular stimulus, inflammatory response and mineralization‐related process were major gene ontology terms in functional annotation clustering. HMOX1, OSGIN1, SMN2, SRXN1 AKR1C1, SPP1 and TOMM40L were highly up‐regulated genes, and WRAP53 and CCL2 were highly down‐regulated genes over time. qRT‐PCR for several genes exhibited a high level of agreement with RNA‐seq. TEGDMA induced the HDPCs to show massive and dynamic gene expression changes over time. The previously suggested toxic mechanism of TEGDMA was not only verified, but new genes whose functions have yet to be determined were also found.
Autologous stem cell transplantation for follicular lymphoma is of most benefit early in the disease course and can result in durable remissions, irrespective of prior rituximab exposure
Authors: Kothari Jaimal , Peggs Karl S. , Bird Antonia , Thomson Kirsty J. , Morris Emma , Virchis Andres E. , Lambert Jonathan , Goldstone Anthony H. , Linch David C. , Ardeshna Kirit M. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThe role of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and the optimal timing of such transplants in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) remains contentious. We present a single‐centre experience documenting the outcomes of 70 FL patients who underwent BEAM (carmustine, cytarabine, etopside, melphalan)‐conditioned ASCT between 1988 and 2009. With a median follow‐up of 6·8 years (0·1–19·2), the 7‐year overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) from the date of ASCT was 76% and 60%, respectively. A significant difference in OS was found when comparing the patients transplanted in first or second remission versus those transplanted in later remissions (P = 0·02) and this significance was maintained when OS was calculated from the date of diagnosis (P = 0·03). There was a plateau on the PFS curves for patients transplanted in either first or second remissions after 9·3 and 6·4 years respectively, suggesting that these groups may never relapse. No differences were seen in OS or PFS in those treated with rituximab prior to transplant versus those who were not. Our data shows that BEAM ASCT can be a highly effective treatment in patients with FL early in the disease course, and that a proportion of patients experience prolonged disease‐free survival and may be cured.
On the fate of sexual traits under asexuality
Authors: van der Kooi Casper J. , Schwander Tanja 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTEnvironmental shifts and life‐history changes may result in formerly adaptive traits becoming non‐functional or maladaptive. In the absence of pleiotropy and other constraints, such traits may decay as a consequence of neutral mutation accumulation or selective processes, highlighting the importance of natural selection for adaptations. A suite of traits are expected to lose their adaptive function in asexual organisms derived from sexual ancestors, and the many independent transitions to asexuality allow for comparative studies of parallel trait maintenanceversusdecay. In addition, because certain traits, notably male‐specific traits, are usually not exposed to selection under asexuality, their decay would have to occur as a consequence of drift. Selective processes could drive the decay of traits associated with costs, which may be the case for the majority of sexual traits expressed in females. We review the fate of male and female sexual traits in 93 animal lineages characterized by asexual reproduction, covering a broad taxon range including molluscs, arachnids, diplopods, crustaceans and eleven different hexapod orders. Many asexual lineages are still able occasionally to produce males. These asexually produced males are often largely or even fully functional, revealing that major developmental pathways can remain quiescent and functional over extended time periods. By contrast, for asexual females, there is a parallel and rapid decay of sexual traits, especially of traits related to mate attraction and location, as expected given the considerable costs often associated with the expression of these traits. The level of decay of female sexual traits, in addition to asexual females being unable to fertilize their eggs, would severely impede reversals to sexual reproduction, even in recently derived asexual lineages. More generally, the parallel maintenanceversusdecay of different trait types across diverse asexual lineages suggests that neutral traits display little or no decay even after extended periods under relaxed selection, while extensive decay for selected traits occurs extremely quickly. These patterns also highlight that adaptations can fix rapidly in natural populations of asexual organisms, in spite of their mode of reproduction.
In‐vitro evaluation of the tolerance of surgical instruments in templates for computer‐assisted guided implantology produced by 3‐D printing
Authors: Schneider David , Schober Florian , Grohmann Philipp , Hammerle Christoph H. F. , Jung Ronald E. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this in‐vitro study was to compare the tolerance of surgical instruments in surgical guides produced by 3‐D printing, without metal sleeves to a surgical guide with conventional metal sleeves from two different manufacturers.Materials and methodsLateral movements of drill tips caused by tolerance between the sleeve and drill key and between the drill key and the drill were recorded after application of a standardized force to the surgical instruments. Four groups were tested: Control 1 (C1): metal sleeve from commercially available surgical system 1; Test 1 (T1): 3‐D‐printed sleeve for surgical system 1; Control 2 (C2): metal sleeve from commercially available surgical system 2. Test 2 (T2): 3‐D‐printed sleeve for surgical system 2.ResultsThe mean total lateral movement was 0.75 mm (0.5–1.04 mm) in the C1 group and 0.91 mm (0.54–1.34 mm) in the C2 group. The mean amount of movement from tolerance between sleeve and drill‐guiding key was 0.31 mm (range 0.22–0.41 mm) in C1 and 0.42 mm (range 0.29–0.56 mm) in C2. This lateral movement was in mean reduced by 0.24 mm (32%) in T1 and by 0.39 mm (43%) in T2 group. This reduction was statistically significant in both groups (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe tolerance of surgical instruments and the lateral movements of the drills were significantly reduced by the use of 3‐D printing with reduced sleeve diameter. This reduction could improve the overall accuracy in computer‐assisted template‐guided implant dentistry. The lateral movement of the drill can be further reduced by using a shorter drill and a higher drill key. This can be considered during implant planning and CAD/CAM of surgical guides.
Smoking and the risk of peri‐implantitis. A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sgolastra Fabrizio , Petrucci Ambra , Severino Marco , Gatto Roberto , Monaco Annalisa 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess the role of smoking as a risk factor for peri‐implantitis.Material and methodsSix electronic databases and a manual search resulted in 5876 unique publications. After selection, only seven studies were included in the systematic review. Dichotomous data were expressed as risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A generic inverse variance statistical model was used. Due to the expected interstudy heterogeneity, a random effect model was used for both data types. Heterogeneity was assessed with the Cochrane χ2 and I2 tests. The pooled effect was considered significant for a P‐value <0.05.ResultsThe implant‐based meta‐analysis revealed a higher and significant risk of peri‐implantitis in smokers (RR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.34–3.29, P = 0.001) compared with nonsmokers, but the patient‐based meta‐analysis did not reveal any significant differences for risk of peri‐implantitis in smokers (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.78–1.75, P = 0.46). No evidence of significant heterogeneity was detected for the two analyses (χ2 = 0.64, P = 0.89; I2 = 0% and χ2 = 2.44, P = 0.30; I2 = 18%, respectively, for implant‐ and patient‐based meta‐analyses).ConclusionThere is little evidence that smoking is a risk factor for peri‐implantitis. However, given the low number of included studies, future studies are needed to confirm these results.
A randomised sham‐controlled trial to assess the long‐term effect of the Epley manoeuvre for treatment of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Bruintjes Tj.D. , Companjen J. , van der Zaag‐Loonen H.J. , van Benthem P.P.G. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate the long‐term efficacy of the Epley manoeuvre as a therapeutic procedure for posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.DesignRandomised, double‐blind, sham‐controlled trial.SettingA multidisciplinary dizziness unit in a non‐academic Hospital.ParticipantsForty‐four patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) with a duration of at least 1 month. Participants were randomised in two groups of 22 and treated with either the Epley manoeuvre or a sham manoeuvre and followed up for 1 year after treatment.Main outcome measuresConversion of a ‘positive’ Dix–Hallpike test to a ‘negative’ Dix–Hallpike test, impairments perceived by the dizziness assessed by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI).Statistical analysisAbsolute and relative risks were computed, and Fisher's exact test was used to compare the treatments.ResultsSix patients were lost to follow up (five in the sham group, one in the Epley group). The Epley procedure resulted in a treatment success in 20/22 patients (91%) after 12 months of follow‐up, whereas the sham procedure had a positive effect in 10/22 patients (46%; P = 0.001). The DHI was significantly lower in the Epley group at all follow‐up assessments (median scores 12 months 0 (0–51) versus 20 (0–76), P = 0.003).ConclusionThe Epley manoeuvre provides long‐term resolution of symptoms in patients with posterior canal BPPV.
Ratios derived from an array of standard haematological indices predict the oncological outcome in colon cancer
Authors: East J. M. , Hogan J. , Samaha G. , Medani M. , MacKerricher W. , Polinkevych S. , Walsh S. R. , Coffey J. C. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimThe interaction between inflammation and cancer is well established. Surrogate markers of systemic inflammation, such as the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), may be associated with the long‐term oncological outcome. The present study aimed to characterize the relationship between several ratios derived from haematological indices using a classification and regression tree analysis.MethodHaematological white‐cell ratios were established for all patients undergoing colonic cancer resection with curative intent (n = 436) in a regional cancer centre. The optimal ratios associated with overall survival (OS) were established in a training set (n = 386) using a classification and regression tree (CRT) technique. The association between ratios and OS was assessed in a separate test set (n = 50). Within the test set, two groups were generated based on each ratio (one group above and one group below the cut‐off value identified in the training set). The association between ratios and OS was assessed using a stepwise Cox proportional‐hazards regression model.ResultsThe following ratios, identified by the CRT, were associated with adverse OS in the test set: an NLR of ≥ 3.4 [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.4, P < 0.001]; and a white‐cell‐count/lymphocyte ratio (WLR) of ≥ 5.28 (HR = 4.1, P = 0.03).ConclusionThis is the first study to apply recursive partitioning in determining the relationship between haematological ratios and OS in colon cancer. Haematological ratios were predictive of oncological outcome.
What does this paper add to the literature?This study suggests an association between systemic inflammation and oncological outcome.
Impact of bowel cancer screening on the management of colorectal cancer
Authors: Hwang M.‐J. , Evans T. , Lawrence G. , Karandikar S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimThe National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NBCSP) was introduced in the West Midlands in 2006. Studies, including the UK Bowel Cancer Screening Pilot, have reported an 18% reduction in mortality. This regional study assesses the impact of screening on elective and emergency colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery.MethodData were extracted from the West Midlands cancer registration database for CRC diagnosed in residents of the West Midlands between 1998 and 2010. Screen‐detected cancers were identified by matching to the NBCSP database. Mode of admission and intervention was obtained by matching to Hospital Episode Statistics and the classification of Interventions and Procedures code.ResultsOf 42 082 patients diagnosed with CRC, 30 309 received surgical treatment. From 1998 to 2005, the number of patients who underwent emergency surgery increased from 4362 to 18 357, with the proportion each year remaining constant (23.85 ± 0.95% each year). In the screening age group (60–69 years) over the same period, emergency surgery was performed in 918 of 4831 patients (19.15 ± 1.65% each year). Following the introduction of screening, the emergency surgery rate decreased each year, reaching 16% (406/2520) in all patients and 12% (101/829) in the screening age group in 2010 (P < 0.001). These changes in emergency surgery were mirrored by increases in elective surgery.ConclusionThe NBCSP has had a positive impact on elective and emergency surgery for CRC in the West Midlands.
Gene–environment interaction in atopic diseases: a population‐based twin study of early‐life exposures
Authors: Kahr Niklas , Naeser Vibeke , Stensballe Lone Graff , Kyvik Kirsten Ohm , Skytthe Axel , Backer Vibeke , Bønnelykke Klaus , Thomsen Simon Francis 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIntroductionThe development of atopic diseases early in life suggests an important role of perinatal risk factors.ObjectivesTo study whether early‐life exposures modify the genetic influence on atopic diseases in a twin population.MethodsQuestionnaire data on atopic diseases from 850 monozygotic and 2279 like‐sex dizygotic twin pairs, 3–9 years of age, from the Danish Twin Registry were cross‐linked with data on prematurity, Cesarean section, maternal age at birth, parental cohabitation, season of birth and maternal smoking during pregnancy, from the Danish National Birth Registry. Significant predictors of atopic diseases were identified with logistic regression and subsequently tested for genetic effect modification using variance components analysis.ResultsAfter multivariable adjustment, prematurity (gestational age below 32 weeks) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.93, confidence interval (CI) = 1.45–2.56], Cesarean section (OR = 1.25, CI = 1.05–1.49) and maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR = 1.70, CI = 1.42–2.04) significantly influenced the risk of asthma, whereas none of the factors were significantly associated with atopic dermatitis and hay fever. Variance components analysis stratified by exposure status showed no significant change in the heritability of asthma according to the identified risk factors.ConclusionIn this population‐based study of children, there was no evidence of genetic effect modification of atopic diseases by several identified early‐life risk factors. The causal relationship between these risk factors and atopic diseases may therefore be mediated via mechanisms different from gene–environment interaction.