bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resection of colorectal liver metastases in the elderly: does age matter?
Authors: Cook E. J. , Welsh F. K. S. , Chandrakumaran K. , John T. G. , Rees M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim  Despite the incidence of colorectal cancer increasing with age the proportion of patients undergoing surgery for colorectal liver metastases decreases dramatically in the elderly. Is this referral or selection bias justified?Method  A prospective database of resection for colorectal liver metastases at a single centre was retrospectively analysed to compare the outcome in patients aged ≥ 75 years (group E) with those aged < 75 years (group Y). Data were analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method with Cox regression modelling.Results  Of 1443 resections, 151 (10.5%) in group E were compared with 1292 (89.5%) in group Y. The two groups were matched apart from higher American Society of Anesthesiology scores (P = 0.001) and less use of chemotherapy (P = 0.01) in the elderly. Perioperative morbidity and 90‐day mortality were higher in the elderly compared with the younger group (32.5%vs 21.2%, P = 0.02, and 7.3%vs 1.3%, P = 0.001). In the last 5 years, mortality in the elderly improved and was no longer significantly different from that of the younger patients [n = 2/76 (2.6%) vs n = 9/559 (1.6%); P = 0.063]. The 5‐year survival was similar in groups E and Y for cancer‐specific (41.4%vs 41.6%, P = 0.917), overall (37.0%vs 38.2%) and median (44.1 months vs 43.6 months, P = 0.697) survival respectively.Conclusion  In the elderly liver resection for metastatic disease can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity with as good a prospect of survival as for younger patients.
Diagnostic accuracy of narrow‐band imaging for the differentiation of neoplastic from non‐neoplastic colorectal polyps: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu L. , Li Y. , Li Z. , Cao Y. , Gao F. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim  Narrow‐band imaging (NBI) is a novel imaging technology that makes the superficial vasculature of gastrointestinal mucosa visible. However, the real accuracy for the differentiation of neoplastic from non‐neoplastic polyps by NBI for the colorectum is still unknown.Method  A meta‐analysis was carried out of studies which assessed the precision of NBI in the diagnosis of colorectal neoplastic polyps. Searches included PubMed and Embase and two reviewers independently assessed their quality with a modified version of the quadas and stard tools. The study pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under the curve (AUC).Results  There were 11 relevant original papers which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.92 (95% CI 0.90–0.93) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.81–0.86) respectively. The AUC for NBI was 0.95 [SE 0.01; DOR 53.72 (95% CI 35.66–80.92)]. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.92 (95% CI 0.90–0.94) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.78–0.84) with magnification, and 0.91 (95% CI 0.88–0.93) and 0.86 (95% CI 0.82–0.89) without magnification. For the mucosal pattern sensitivity and specificity were 0.90 (95% CI 0.85–0.940) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.82–0.93), and for vascular pattern intensity they were 0.92 (95% CI 0.90–0.94) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.83–0.91).Conclusion  Narrow‐band imaging, with or without magnification, has a high diagnostic precision for colorectal neoplastic polyps using either vascular pattern intensity or mucosal pattern assessment as the measure.
Haemoglobin A1c cut‐off point to identify a high risk group of future diabetes: results from the Omiya MA Cohort Study
Authors: Kato M. , Noda M. , Suga H. , Nakamura T. , Matsumoto M. , Kanazawa Y. ,   for the Omiya MA Cohort Study Group
Published: January 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 905–910 (2012)AbstractAims  Using the HbA1c level to define diabetes has several advantages and these advantages also apply to define a high‐risk group. However, the risk of diabetes increases as HbA1c increases and a certain degree of arbitrariness in the cut‐off for the high risk group is unavoidable. The aim of this study was to determine the HbA1c cut‐off for defining a high‐risk group that corresponds to the fasting plasma glucose cut‐off by comparing the risk of diabetes against the fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels in the Japanese population.Methods  A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from annual health examinations performed in Omiya city. A total of 11 271 subjects between the ages of 40 and 79 years without diabetes at baseline were followed for up to 7 years. According to the new diagnostic criteria, diabetes was defined as an fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 7 mmol/l or an HbA1c level ≥ 48 mmol/mol (≥ 6.5%) or a self‐report. The HbA1c cut‐off corresponding to the fasting plasma glucose cut‐off was determined using the incidence, hazard ratio, and a receiver operating characteristic analysis.Results  Eight hundred and sixty subjects developed diabetes. The incidence, hazard ratio, and receiver operating characteristic analysis all indicated that an HbA1c cut‐off of 39 mmol/mol (5.7%) corresponded to an fasting plasma glucose level of 5.6 mmol/l.Conclusions  Our results suggested that the HbA1c cut‐off for high‐risk of diabetes should be 39 mmol/mol (5.7%), consistent with the American Diabetes Association recommendation. Further research is needed to determine whether our results are applicable to other populations.
The risk of overall mortality in patients with Type 2 diabetes receiving different combinations of sulfonylureas and metformin: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Pantalone K. M. , Kattan M. W. , Yu C. , Wells B. J. , Arrigain S. , Nutter B. , Jain A. , Atreja A. , Zimmerman R. S. 
Published: January 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1029–1035 (2012)AbstractAims  Sulfonylureas have been shown to increase mortality when used in combination with metformin. This may not be a class effect of sulfonylureas, but rather secondary to differences in properties inherent to the individual sulfonylureas (hypoglycaemic risk, sulfonylurea receptor selectivity and effects on myocardial ischemic preconditioning). The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of overall mortality in patients with Type 2 diabetes treated with different combinations of sulfonylureas and metformin.Methods  A retrospective cohort study was conducted using an academic health center enterprise‐wide electronic health record system to identify 7320 patients with Type 2 diabetes (3768 initiators of glyburide (glibenclamide) and metformin, 2277 initiators of glipizide and metformin and 1275 initiators of glimepiride and metformin), ≥ 18 years of age and not on insulin or a non‐insulin injectable at baseline. The patients were followed for mortality by documentation in the electronic health record and Social Security Death Index. Multivariable Cox models with propensity analysis were used to compare cohorts.Results  No statistically significant difference in overall mortality risk was observed among the different combinations of sulfonylureas and metformin: glimepiride and metformin vs. glipizide and metformin (HR 1.03; 95% CI 0.89–1.20), glimepiride and metformin vs. glyburide (glibenclamide) and metformin (HR 1.08; 95% CI 0.90–1.30), or with glipizide and metformin vs. glyburide (glibenclamide) and metformin (HR 1.05; 95% CI 0.95–1.15).Conclusions  Our results did not identify an increased mortality risk among the different combinations of sulfonylureas and metformin, suggesting that overall mortality is not substantially influenced by the choice of sulfonylurea.
Synergistic inhibitory effect of nicotine plus oral contraceptive on mitochondrial complex‐IV is mediated by estrogen receptor‐β in female rats
Authors: Raval Ami P. , Dave Kunjan R. , Saul Isabel , Gonzalez Gabriel J , Diaz Francisca 
Published: January 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 157–167.AbstractChronic nicotine and oral contraceptive (NOC) exposure caused significant loss of hippocampal membrane‐bound estrogen receptor‐beta (ER‐β) in female rats compared with exposure to nicotine alone. Mitochondrial ER‐β regulates estrogen‐mediated mitochondrial structure and function; therefore, investigating the impact of NOC on mitochondrial ER‐β and its function could help delineate the harmful synergism between nicotine and OC. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that NOC‐induced loss of mitochondrial ER‐β alters the oxidative phosphorylation system protein levels and mitochondrial respiratory function. This hypothesis was tested in hippocampal mitochondria isolated from female rats exposed to saline, nicotine, OC or NOC for 16 days. NOC decreased the mitochondrial ER‐β protein levels and reduced oxygen consumption and complex IV (CIV) activity by 34% and 26% compared with saline‐ or nicotine‐administered groups, respectively. We also observed significantly low protein levels of all mitochondrial‐encoded CIV subunits after NOC as compared with the nicotine or saline groups. Similarly, the silencing of ER‐β reduced the phosphorylation of cyclic‐AMP response element binding protein, and also reduced levels of CIV mitochondrial‐encoded subunits after estrogen stimulation. Overall, these results suggest that mitochondrial ER‐β loss is responsible for mitochondrial malfunction after NOC.
Declines in Employer‐Sponsored Insurance between 2000 and 2008: Examining the Components of Coverage by Firm Size
Authors: Vistnes Jessica , Zawacki Alice , Simon Kosali , Taylor Amy 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveTo examine trends in employer‐sponsored health insurance coverage rates and its associated components between 2000 and 2008, to provide a baseline for later evaluations of the Affordable Care Act, and to provide information to policy makers as they design the implementation details of the law.Data SourcesPrivate sector employer data from the 2000, 2001, and 2008 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey‐Insurance Component (MEPS‐IC).Study DesignWe examine time trends in employer offer, eligibility, and take‐up rates. We add a new dimension to the literature by examining dependent coverage and decomposing its trends. We investigate heterogeneity in trends by firm size.Data CollectionThe MEPS‐IC is an annual survey, sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. The MEPS‐IC obtains information on establishment characteristics, whether an establishment offers health insurance, and details on up to four plans.Principal FindingsWe find that coverage rates for workers declined in both small and large firms. In small firms, coverage declined due to a drop in both offer and take‐up rates. In the largest firms, offer rates were stable and the decline was due to falling take‐up rates. In addition, enrollment shifted toward single coverage and away from dependent coverage in both small and large firms. For small firms, this shift was due to declining offer and take‐up rates for dependent coverage. In large firms, offers of dependent coverage were stable but take‐up rates dropped. Within the category of dependent coverage, the availability of employee‐plus‐one plans increased in all firm size categories, but take‐up rates for these plans declined in small firms.
Deployment of a Mixed‐Mode Data Collection Strategy Does Not Reduce Nonresponse Bias in a General Population Health Survey
Authors: Beebe Timothy J. , McAlpine Donna D. , Ziegenfuss Jeanette Y. , Jenkins Sarah , Haas Lindsey , Davern Michael E. 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveTo assess nonresponse bias in a mixed‐mode general population health survey.Data SourcesSecondary analysis of linked survey sample frame and administrative data, including demographic and health‐related information.Study DesignThe survey was administered by mail with telephone follow‐up to nonrespondents after two mailings. To determine whether an additional mail contact or mode switch reduced nonresponse bias, we compared all respondents (N = 3,437) to respondents from each mailing and telephone respondents to the sample frame (N = 6,716).Principal FindingsSwitching modes did not minimize the under‐representation of younger people, nonwhites, those with congestive heart failure, high users of office‐based services, and low‐utilizers of the emergency room but did reduce the over‐representation of older adults.ConclusionsMultiple contact and mixed‐mode surveys may increase response rates, but they do not necessarily reduce nonresponse bias.
Fasitibant chloride, a kinin B2 receptor antagonist, and dexamethasone interact to inhibit carrageenan‐induced inflammatory arthritis in rats
Authors: Valenti Claudio , Giuliani Sandro , Cialdai Cecilia , Tramontana Manuela , Maggi Carlo Alberto 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Bradykinin, through the kinin B2 receptor, is involved in inflammatory processes related to arthropathies. B2 receptor antagonists inhibited carrageenan‐induced arthritis in rats in synergy with anti‐inflammatory steroids. The mechanism(s) underlying this drug interaction was investigated.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Drugs inhibiting inflammatory mediators released by carrageenan were injected, alone or in combination, into the knee joint of pentobarbital anaesthetized rats 30 min before intra‐articular administration of carrageenan. Their effects on the carrageenan‐induced inflammatory responses (joint pain, oedema and neutrophil recruitment) and release of inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and the chemokine GRO/CINC‐1), were assessed after 6 h.KEY RESULTS The combination of fasitibant chloride (MEN16132) and dexamethasone was more effective than each drug administered alone in inhibiting knee joint inflammation and release of inflammatory mediators. Fasitibant chloride, MK571, atenolol, des‐Arg9‐[Leu8]‐bradykinin (B2 receptor, leukotriene, catecholamine and B1 receptor antagonists, respectively) and dexketoprofen (COX inhibitor), reduced joint pain and, except for the latter, also diminished joint oedema. A combination of drugs inhibiting joint pain (fasitibant chloride, des‐Arg9‐[Leu8]‐bradykinin, dexketoprofen, MK571 and atenolol) and oedema (fasitibant chloride, des‐Arg9‐[Leu8]‐bradykinin, MK571 and atenolol) abolished the respective inflammatory response, producing inhibition comparable with that achieved with the combination of fasitibant chloride and dexamethasone. MK571 alone was able to block neutrophil recruitment.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Bradykinin‐mediated inflammatory responses to intra‐articular carrageenan were not controlled by steroids, which were not capable of preventing bradykinin effects either by direct activation of the B2 receptor, or through the indirect effects mediated by release of eicosanoids and cytokines.
Pharmacological dissection of Kv7.1 channels in systemic and pulmonary arteries
Authors: Chadha Preet S , Zunke Friederike , Davis Alison J , Jepps Thomas A , Linders Joannes TM , Schwake Michael , Towart Rob , Greenwood Iain A 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim of this study was to characterize the functional impact of KCNQ1‐encoded voltage‐dependent potassium channels (Kv7.1) in the vasculature.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Mesenteric arteries, intrapulmonary arteries and thoracic aortae were isolated from adult rats. Kv7.1 channel expression was established by fluorescence immunocytochemistry. Wire myography determined functionality of these channels in response to selective blockers and activators. Xenopus oocytes expressing Kv7.1 channels were used to assess the effectiveness of selective Kv7.1 channel blockers.KEY RESULTS Kv7.1 channels were identified in arterial myocytes by immunocytochemistry. Kv7.1 blockers HMR1556, L‐768,673 (10 µM) and JNJ39490282 (JNJ282; 1 µM) had no contractile effects in arteries, whereas the pan‐Kv7 channel blocker linopirdine (10 µM) evoked robust contractions. Application of two compounds purported to activate Kv7.1 channels, L‐364 373 (R‐L3) and mefenamic acid, relaxed mesenteric arteries preconstricted by methoxamine. These responses were reversed by HMR1556 or L‐768,673 but not JNJ282. Similar effects were observed in the thoracic aorta and intrapulmonary arteries.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In contrast to previous assumptions, Kv7.1 channels expressed in arterial myocytes are functional ion channels. Although these channels do not appear to contribute to resting vascular tone, Kv7.1 activators were effective vasorelaxants.
Toward a prophylaxis against fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: induction of antibody‐mediated immune suppression and prevention of severe clinical complications in a murine model
Authors: Tiller Heidi , Killie Mette Kjaer , Chen Pingguo , Eksteen Mariana , Husebekk Anne , Skogen Bjorn , Kjeldsen‐Kragh Jens , Ni Heyu 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a severe bleeding disorder caused by maternal antibody–mediated destruction of fetal or neonatal platelets (PLTs). Results from our recent large screening study suggest that the pathophysiology of FNAIT is more similar to hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) than previously thought. Immunization against HPA‐1a might therefore be preventable by a prophylactic regimen of inducing antibody‐mediated immune suppression (AMIS), which has been documented to be a useful prophylaxis against HDFN. This preclinical proof‐of‐concept study investigated whether passive administration of anti‐β3 integrin could induce AMIS and thereby prevent clinical complications of FNAIT.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A murine model of FNAIT using β3 integrin (GPIIIa)‐deficient (β3−/−) mice was employed for this study. AMIS in β3−/− mice was induced by intravenous administration of human anti‐HPA‐1a immunoglobulin G or murine anti‐β3 antisera given as prophylaxis after transfusion of HPA‐1a–positive human PLTs or murine wild‐type PLTs, respectively.RESULTS: AMIS against both human and murine PLT antigens was induced using this prophylactic approach, reducing the amount of maternal PLT antibodies by up to 90%. Neonatal PLT counts were significantly increased and pregnancy outcome was improved in a dose‐dependent manner. The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage, miscarriage, and dead‐born pups in mice receiving high‐dose prophylaxis was reduced to that of normal controls. We also observed that the severity of thrombocytopenia inversely correlated with birth weight.CONCLUSION: This work conceptually proves that prophylactic administration of PLT antibodies induces AMIS and prevents poor pregnancy outcome in FNAIT.
Lung Sound Patterns Help to Distinguish Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Asthma Exacerbations
Authors: Wang Zhen , Xiong Ying Xia 
Published: January 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:79–84 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineAbstractObjectives:  Although congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma patients typically present with abnormal auscultatory findings on lung examination, respiratory sounds are not normally subjected to rigorous analysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate in detail the distribution of respiratory sound intensity in CHF, COPD, and asthma patients during acute exacerbation.Methods:  Respiratory sounds throughout the respiratory cycle were captured and displayed using an acoustic‐based imaging technique. Breath sound distribution was mapped to create a gray‐scale sequence of two‐dimensional images based on intensity of sound (vibration). Consecutive CHF (n = 22), COPD (n = 19), and asthma (n = 18) patients were imaged at the time of presentation to the emergency department (ED). Twenty healthy subjects were also enrolled as a comparison group. Geographical area of the images and respiratory sound patterns were quantitatively analyzed.Results:  In healthy volunteers and COPD patients, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) geographical areas of the vibration energy images were similar, at 75.6 (IQR = 6.0) and 75.8 (IQR = 10.8) kilopixels, respectively (p > 0.05). Compared to healthy volunteers and COPD patients, areas for CHF and asthma patients were smaller, at 66.9 (IQR = 9.9) and 53.9 (IQR = 15.6) kilopixels, respectively (p < 0.05). The geographic area ratios between the left and right lungs for healthy volunteers and CHF and COPD patients were 1.0 (IQR = 0.2), 1.0 (IQR = 0.2), and 1.0 (IQR = 0.1), respectively. Compared to healthy volunteers, the geographic area ratio between the left and right lungs for asthma patients was 0.5 (IQR = 0.4; p < 0.05). In healthy volunteers and CHF patients, the ratios of vibration energy values at peak inspiration and expiration (peak I/E ratio) were 4.6 (IQR = 4.4) and 4.7 (IQR = 3.5). In marked contrast, the peak I/E ratios of COPD and asthma patients were 3.4 (= 2.1) and 0.1 (IQR = 0.3; p < 0.05), respectively.Conclusions:  The pilot data generated in this study support the concept that relative differences in respiratory sound intensity may be useful in distinguishing acute dyspnea caused by CHF, COPD, or asthma.
Material attrition and bone micromorphology after conventional and ultrasonic implant site preparation
Authors: Rashad Ashkan , Sadr‐Eshkevari Pooyan , Weuster Markus , Schmitz Inge , Prochnow Nora , Maurer Peter 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectivesLittle is known about the recently introduced ultrasonic implant site preparation. The purpose of this study was to compare material attrition and micromorphological changes after ultrasonic and conventional implant site preparations.Material and methodsImplant site preparations were performed on fresh bovine ribs using one conventional (Straumann, Freiburg, Germany) and two ultrasonic (Piezosurgery®; Mectron Medical Technology, Carasco, Italy and Variosurg®; NSK, Tochigi, Japan) systems with sufficient saline irrigation. Sections were examined by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) was performed to evaluate the metal attrition within the bone and the irrigation fluid.ResultsESEM: After conventional osteotomy, partially destroyed trabecular structures of the cancellous bone that were loaded with debris were observed, whereas after ultrasonic implant site preparations, the anatomic structures were preserved. EDX: None of the implant site preparation methods resulted in metal deposits in the adjacent bone structures. However, within the irrigation liquid, there was significantly higher metal attrition with ultrasonic osteotomy (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001 for Mectron and NSK, respectively). Whereas for Straumann system used, 15.5% of the SEM/EDX findings were drill‐origin metals, this percentage increased to 37.3% and 37.9% with the application of Mectron and NSK, respectively.ConclusionsUltrasonic implant site preparation is associated with the preservation of bone microarchitecture and with the increased attrition of metal particles. Therefore, copious irrigation seems to be even more essential for ultrasonic implant site preparation than for the conventional method.