bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of growth arrest-specific protein 6 and Axl molecules in the left internal mammary artery of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Lee Chien-Hsing , Shieh Yi-Shing , Tsai Chien-Sung , Hung Yi-Jen , Tsai Yi-Ting , Lin Chih-Yuan 
Published: February 2014

AimsStudies have demonstrated that using a left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft yields excellent long-term results in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) gene and its receptor, Axl, are crucial in vascular haemostasis and atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to determine the expression of Gas6 and Axl molecules in the aorta and LIMA in patients undergoing CABG.MethodsPlasma and tissue specimens were collected from 19 patients undergoing elective CABG. The expression of the Gas6 and Axl in the injured aorta and LIMA was examined using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), real-time RT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemical staining.ResultsIn CABG patients, the mRNA, immunoreactivity and protein expressions of the Gas6 and Axl were considerably higher in the LIMA than those in the aorta. Further analysis revealed that the expression of the Gas6 positively correlated with that of Axl in the LIMA and aorta. The plasma Gas6 level was considerably and positively correlated with the expression of Gas6 protein in the LIMA and aorta.ConclusionsThe present study discovered that the higher expression of Gas6/Axl pathway components in the LIMA compared with that in the aorta may partly explain the less frequent atherosclerotic events involving the LIMA compared with other arteries. Moreover, Gas6 may play a critical and protective role in human vascular biology.
How much do soldiers know about the morphine they carry on operations? A questionnaire study of knowledge and understanding of the morphine auto-injector on Op HERRICK 17
Authors: Nelson Sarah C , Wedgwood J T A 
Published: February 2014

IntroductionMorphine auto-injectors are issued to all British soldiers on operations in Afghanistan who deploy forward of Camp Bastion, the main British base. Previous studies have reviewed the effectiveness of various pre-hospital analgesics, but there is no record of the knowledge and confidence of the relatively medically untrained soldiers who carry and use intramuscular morphine on the battlefield. The aim of this study was to assess soldiers’ knowledge and confidence of the morphine auto-injector with a view to guiding further training.MethodsStructured questionnaire distributed to soldiers in two patrol bases in Helmand Province during Op HERRICK 17.Results232 questionnaires were completed by a range of ranks and trades. 100% had received mandatory training on the auto-injector and over 70% had received more advanced training. Confidence in using the auto-injector was high, with 47% rating their confidence level as 10/10. Overall, factual knowledge was good with the mean score for the questionnaire being 7.9/10; 95% of respondents knew how to document the use of morphine and 79% knew when a second dose could safely be administered. Some misunderstanding of contraindications was revealed: 9% of answers were incorrect, and 47% wrongly answered that administering morphine to a patient changes the triage category.ConclusionsThe majority of soldiers received far more than the minimum required training on the use of the morphine auto-injector. Confidence in using the device is high and generally knowledge is good. The authors suggest that deployed medical personnel in forward locations maintain regular training to soldiers on the morphine auto-injector in order to ensure that casualties receive analgesia appropriately and promptly.
TRAP1 Regulates Proliferation, Mitochondrial Function, and Has Prognostic Significance in NSCLC
Authors: Agorreta Jackeline , Hu Jianting , Liu Dongxia , Delia Domenico , Turley Helen , Ferguson David JP. , Iborra Francisco , Pajares María J. , Larrayoz Marta , Zudaire Isabel , Pio Ruben , Montuenga Luis M. , Harris Adrian L. , Gatter Kevin , Pezzella Francesco 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The TNF receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1) is a mitochondrial HSP that has been related to drug resistance and protection from apoptosis in colorectal and prostate cancer. Here, the effect of TRAP1 ablation on cell proliferation, survival, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function was determined in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, the prognostic value of TRAP1 was evaluated in patients with NSCLC. These results demonstrate that TRAP1 knockdown reduces cell growth and clonogenic cell survival. Moreover, TRAP1 downregulation impairs mitochondrial functions such as ATP production and mitochondrial membrane potential as measured by TMRM (tetramethylrhodamine methylester) uptake, but it does not affect mitochondrial density or mitochondrial morphology. The effect of TRAP1 silencing on apoptosis, analyzed by flow cytometry and immunoblot expression (cleaved PARP, caspase-9, and caspase-3) was cell line and context dependent. Finally, the prognostic potential of TRAP1 expression in NSCLC was ascertained via immunohistochemical analysis which revealed that high TRAP1 expression was associated with increased risk of disease recurrence (univariate analysis, P = 0.008; multivariate analysis, HR: 2.554; 95% confidence interval, 1.085–6.012; P = 0.03). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that TRAP1 impacts the viability of NSCLC cells, and that its expression is prognostic in NSCLC.
Implications: TRAP1 controls NSCLC proliferation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function, and its status has prognostic potential in NSCLC. Mol Cancer Res; 12(5); 660–9. ©2014 AACR.
Postprocedural Aortic Regurgitation in Balloon-Expandable and Self-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Procedures
Authors: Van Belle Eric , Juthier Françis , Susen Sophie , Vincentelli André , Iung Bernard , Dallongeville Jean , Eltchaninoff Hélène , Laskar Marc , Leprince Pascal , Lievre Michel , Banfi Carlo , Auffray Jean-Luc , Delhaye Cedric , Donzeau-Gouge Patrick , Chevreul Karine , Fajadet Jean , Leguerrier Alain , Prat Alain , Gilard Martine , Teiger Emmanuel 
Published: February 2014

Background—
Significant postprocedural aortic regurgitation (AR) is observed in 10% to 20% of cases after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The prognostic value and the predictors of such a complication in balloon-expandable (BE) and self-expandable (SE) TAVR remain unclear.

Methods and Results—

TAVR was performed in 3195 consecutive patients at 34 hospitals. Postprocedural transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 2769 (92%) patients of the eligible population, and these patients constituted the study group. Median follow-up was 306 days (Q1–Q3=178–490). BE and SE devices were implanted in 67.6% (n=1872) and 32.4% (n=897). Delivery was femoral (75.3%) or nonfemoral (24.7%). A postprocedural AR≥grade 2 was observed in 15.8% and was more frequent in SE (21.5%) than in BE-TAVR (13.0%,
P
=0.0001). Extensive multivariable analysis confirmed that the use of a SE device was one of the most powerful independent predictors of postprocedural AR≥grade 2. For BE-TAVR, 8 independent predictors of postprocedural AR≥grade 2 were identified including femoral delivery (
P
=0.04), larger aortic annulus (
P
=0.0004), and smaller prosthesis diameter (
P
=0.0001). For SE-TAVR, 2 independent predictors were identified including femoral delivery(
P
=0.0001). Aortic annulus and prosthesis diameter were not predictors of postprocedural AR for SE-TAVR. A postprocedural AR≥grade 2, but not a postprocedural AR=grade 1, was a strong independent predictor of 1-year mortality for BE (hazard ratio=2.50;
P
=0.0001) and SE-TAVR (hazard ratio=2.11;
P
=0.0001). Although postprocedural AR≥grade 2 was well tolerated in patients with AR≥grade 2 at baseline (1-year mortality=7%), it was associated with a very high mortality in other subgroups: renal failure (43%), AR<grade 2 at baseline (31%), low transaortic gradient (35%), or nonfemoral delivery (45%).

Conclusions—
Postprocedural AR≥grade 2 was observed in 15.8% of successful TAVR and was the strongest independent predictor of 1-year mortality. The use of the SE device was a powerful independent predictor of postprocedural AR≥grade 2.
Jewish Reception of Twelver Shīʿī kalām: A Copy of al-Sharīf al-Murtaḍā’s Kitāb al-Dhakhīra in the Abraham Firkovitch Collection, St. Petersburg
Authors: Schmidtke Sabine 
Published: February 2014

‭Among the numerous kalām works by the Imāmī al-Sharīf al-Murtaḍā (d. 436/1044), his Kitāb al-Mulakhkhaṣ and his Kitāb al-Dhakhīra are his most comprehensive writings in this discipline. The relation between the two works and their respective transmission is discussed. The Kitāb al-Dhakhīra is also incompletely preserved in the transcription of the Karaite scholar ʿĀlī b. Sulaymān al-Maqdisī, completed in Fusṭāṭ in Rajab 472/December 1079-January 1080 (National Library of Russia, St. Petersburg, Ms. RNL Arab. 111). The codex is described in detail, and its implications for our knowledge of the transmission of the work are analyzed.‬
Presenting quality data to vulnerable groups: charts, summaries or behavioral economic nudges?
Authors: Elbel Brian , Gillespie Colleen , Raven Maria C 
Published: February 2014

Objectives Despite the increased focus on health care consumers’ active choice, not enough is known about how to best facilitate the choice process. We sought to assess methods of improving this process for vulnerable consumers in the United States by testing alternatives that emphasize insights from behavioral economics, or ‘nudges’. Methods We performed a hypothetical choice experiment where subjects were randomized to one of five experimental conditions and asked to choose a health center (location where they would receive all their care). The conditions presented the same information about health centers in different ways, including graphically as a chart, via written summary and using behavioral economics, ‘nudging’ consumers toward particular choices. We hypothesized that these ‘nudges’ might help simplify the choice process. Our primary outcomes focused on the health center chosen and whether consumers were willing to accept ‘nudges’. Results We found that consumer choice was influenced by the method of presentation and the majority of consumers accepted the health center they were ‘nudged’ towards. Conclusions Consumers were accepting of choices grounded in insights from behavioral economics and further consideration should be given to their role in patient choice.
Women’s accounts of help-seeking in early rheumatoid arthritis from symptom onset to diagnosis
Authors: Townsend Anne , Backman Catherine L , Adam Paul , Li Linda C 
Published: February 2014

Background As interest in gender and health grows, the notion that women are more likely than men to consult doctors is increasingly undermined as more complex understandings of help seeking and gender emerge. While men’s reluctance to seek help is associated with practices of masculinities, there has been less consideration of women’s help-seeking practices. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that predominantly affects women and requires prompt treatment but considerable patient-based delays persist along the care pathway. This paper examines women’s accounts of help seeking in early RA from symptom onset to diagnosis. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews with 37 women with RA <12 months in Canada. Analysis was based on a constant comparison, thematic approach informed by narrative analysis. Results The women’s accounts featured masculine practices associated with men’s help-seeking. The women presented such behaviours as relational, e.g. rooted in family socialisation and a determination to maintain roles and ‘normal’ life. Discussion Our findings raise questions about how far notions of gender operate to differentiate men and women’s help seeking and may indicate more similarities than differences. Recognising this has implications for policy and practice initiatives for both men and women.
How we treat sickle hepatopathy and liver transplantation in adults
Authors: Gardner Kate , Suddle Abid , Kane Pauline , O’Grady John , Heaton Nigel , Bomford Adrian , Thein Swee Lay 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) has evolved into a debilitating disorder with emerging end-organ damage. One of the organs affected is the liver, causing “sickle hepatopathy,” an umbrella term for a variety of acute and chronic pathologies. Prevalence of liver dysfunction in SCD is unknown, with estimates of 10%. Dominant etiologies include gallstones, hepatic sequestration, viral hepatitis, and sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis (SCIC). In addition, causes of liver disease outside SCD must be identified and managed. SCIC is an uncommon, severe subtype, with outcome of its acute form having vastly improved with exchange blood transfusion (EBT). In its chronic form, there is limited evidence for EBT programs as a therapeutic option. Liver transplantation may have a role in a subset of patients with minimal SCD-related other organ damage. In the transplantation setting, EBT is important to maintain a low hemoglobin S fraction peri- and posttransplantation. Liver dysfunction in SCD is likely to escalate as life span increases and patients incur incremental transfusional iron overload. Future work must concentrate on not only investigating the underlying pathogenesis, but also identifying in whom and when to intervene with the 2 treatment modalities available: EBT and liver transplantation.
Oscillatory behavior of solutions of third-order delay and advanced dynamic equations
Authors: Adıvar Murat , Akın Elvan , Higgins Raegan 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we consider oscillation criteria for certain third-order delay and advanced dynamic equations on unbounded time scales. A time scale "Equation missing" is a nonempty closed subset of the real numbers. Examples will be given to illustrate some of the results.

MSC:34N05, 39A10, 39A21.
Association between serum uric acid levels and cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals
Authors: Qin Li , Yang Zhen , Gu Hongxia , Lu Shuai , Shi Qun , Xing Yin , Li Xiaoyong , Li Rui , Ning Guang , Su Qing 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundA link between uric acid (UA) levels and cardiovascular diseases has been previously reported. However, its importance as a risk factor is still controversial. This study sought to determine whether elevated serum uric acid levels are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals.MethodsWe conducted a population-based cross-sectional study in Shanghai, with a total of 8510 participants aged ≥40 years. The CVD included diagnosed coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. MetS was defined according to the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for Asian Americans.ResultsUric acid levels were positively associated with BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, glycohemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, postprandial 2-hour plasma glucose (all P < 0.05), and negatively associated with HDL-cholesterol (P < 0.001). The prevalence of CVD significantly increased with increasing quartiles of UA in those without MetS group (p trend < 0.001), but not necessarily increased in those with MetS. After adjustment for metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular risk factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that odds ratios (OR) for CHD, stroke, and CVD in those in the fourth quartiles were 2.34 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.73 to 3.45), 2.18 (95% CI 1.86 to 3.28), and 2.16 (95% CI 1.80 to 3.29), respectively, compared with those in the first quartile of UA.ConclusionsElevated serum uric acid level was associated with CVD, independent of conventional cardiovascular disease risk factors and metabolic syndrome.
Antimicrobial resistance of bacterial enteropathogens isolated from stools in Madagascar
Authors: Randrianirina Frederique , Ratsima Elisoa Hariniana , Ramparany Lova , Randremanana Rindra , Rakotonirina Hanitra Clara , Andriamanantena Tahiry , Rakotomanana Fanjasoa , Rajatonirina Soatiana , Richard Vincent , Talarmin Antoine 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Diarrheal diseases are a major public health problem in developing countries, and are one of the main causes of hospital admissions in Madagascar. The Pasteur Institute of Madagascar undertook a study to determine the prevalence and the pathogenicity of bacterial, viral and protozoal enteropathogens in diarrheal and non-diarrheal stools of children aged less than 5 years in Madagascar. We present here the results of the analysis of antimicrobial susceptibility of the bacteria isolated during this study.

Methods
The study was conducted in the community setting in 14 districts of Madagascar from October 2008 to May 2009. Conventional methods and PCR were used to identify the bacteria; antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using an agar diffusion method for enterobacteriaceae and MICs were measured by an agar dilution method for Campylobacter sp. In addition to the strains isolated during this study, Salmonella sp and Shigella sp isolated at the Pasteur Institute of Madagascar from 2005 to 2009 were included in the analysis to increase the power of the study.

Results
Twenty-nine strains of Salmonella sp, 35 strains of Shigella sp, 195 strains of diarrheagenic E. coli, 203 strains of C. jejuni and 71 strains of C. coli isolated in the community setting were tested for antibiotic resistance. Fifty-five strains of Salmonella sp and 129 strains of Shigella sp isolated from patients referred to the Pasteur Institute of Madagascar were also included in the study. Many E. coli and Shigella isolates (around 80%) but fewer Salmonella isolates were resistant to ampicillin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. A small proportion of strains of each species were resistant to ciprofloxacin and only 3% of E. coli strains presented a resistance to third generation cephalosporins due to the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. The resistance of Campylobacter sp to ampicillin was the most prevalent, whereas less than 5% of isolates were resistant to each of the other antibiotics.

Conclusion
The highest prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was to ampicillin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Antibiotic treatment is not recommended for children with diarrhea in Madagascar and the emphasis should be placed on oral rehydration.
Propionibacterium acnesprosthetic valve endocarditis with abscess formation: a case report
Authors: Kurz Mario , Kaufmann Beat A , Baddour Larry M , Widmer Andreas F 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Endocarditis due to Propionibacterium acnes is a rare disease. Scant data on treatment of these infections is available and is based on case reports only. If the disease is complicated by abscess formation, surgical intervention combined with an antibiotic therapy might improve clinical outcome. In some cases, cardiac surgeons are reluctant to perform surgery, since they consider the intervention as high risk. Therefore, a conservative therapy is required, with little, if any evidence to choose the optimal antibiotic. We report the first case of a successfully treated patient with P. acnes prosthetic valve endocarditis without surgery.

Case presentation
We report the case of a 29-year-old patient with a prosthetic valve endocarditis and composite graft infection with abscess formation of the left ventricular outflow tract due to P. acnes. Since cardiac surgery was considered as high risk, the patient was treated intravenously with ceftriaxone 2 g qd and rifampin 600 mg bid for 7 weeks and was switched to an oral therapy with levofloxacin 500 mg bid and rifampin 600 mg bid for an additional 6 months. Two sets of blood cultures collected six weeks after completion of treatment remained negative. The patient is considered to be cured based on absence of clinical signs and symptoms, normal laboratory parameters, negative radiology scans and negative blood cultures, determined at site visits over two years after completion of treatment.

Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the first successfully managed patient with P. acnes prosthetic valve endocarditis with abscess formation of the left ventricular outflow tract who was treated with antibiotics alone without a surgical intervention. A six month treatment with a rifampin and levofloxacin combination was chosen, based on the excellent activity against stationary-phase and adherent bacteria.
A retrospective analysis of hand tapping as a longitudinal marker of disease progression in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Collins Lucy M , Lazic Stanley E , Barker Roger A 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Current clinical assessments of motor function in Huntington’s Disease (HD) rely on subjective ratings such as the Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating scale (UHDRS). The ability to track disease progression using simple, objective, inexpensive, and robust measures would be beneficial.

Methods
One objective measure of motor performance is hand-tapping. Over the last 14 years we have routinely collected, using a simple device, the number of taps made by the right and left hand over 30 seconds in HD patients attending our NHS clinics.

Results
Here we report on a longitudinal cohort of 237 patients, which includes patients at all stages of the disease on a wide range of drug therapies. Hand tapping in these patients declines linearly at a rate of 5.1 taps per year (p < 0.0001; 95% CI = 3.8 to 6.3 taps), and for each additional year of age patients could perform 0.9 fewer taps (main effect of age: p = 0.0007; 95% CI = 0.4 to 1.4). Individual trajectories can vary widely around this average rate of decline, and much of this variation could be attributed to CAG repeat length. Genotype information was available for a subset of 151 patients, and for each additional repeat, patients could perform 5.6 fewer taps (p < 0.0001; 95% CI = 3.3 to 8.0 taps), and progressed at a faster rate of 0.45 fewer taps per year (CAG by time interaction: p = 0.008; 95% CI = 0.12 to 0.78 taps). In addition, for each unit decrease in Total Functional Capacity (TFC) within individuals, the number of taps decreased by 6.3 (95% CI = 5.4 to 7.1, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions
Hand tapping is a simple, robust, and reliable marker of disease progression. As such, this simple motor task could be a useful tool by which to assess disease progression as well therapies designed to slow it down.