bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized pilot trial of a synbiotic dietary supplement in chronic HIV-1 infection
Authors: Schunter Marco , Chu Hiutung , Hayes Timothy L , McConnell Delandy , Crawford Sean S , Luciw Paul A , Bengmark Stig , Asmuth David M , Brown Jennifer , Bevins Charles L , Shacklett Barbara L , Critchfield J William 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Infection with HIV-1 results in marked immunologic insults and structural damage to the intestinal mucosa, including compromised barrier function. While the development of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been a major advancement in the treatment of HIV-1 infection, the need for novel complementary interventions to help restore intestinal structural and functional integrity remains unmet. Known properties of pre-, pro-, and synbiotics suggest that they may be useful tools in achieving this goal.

Methods
This was a 4-week parallel, placebo-controlled, randomized pilot trial in HIV-infected women on antiretroviral therapy. A synbiotic formulation (Synbiotic 2000®) containing 4 strains of probiotic bacteria (1010 each) plus 4 nondigestible, fermentable dietary fibers (2.5 g each) was provided each day, versus a fiber-only placebo formulation. The primary outcome was bacterial translocation. Secondary outcomes included the levels of supplemented bacteria in stool, the activation phenotype of peripheral T-cells and monocytes, and plasma levels of C-reactive protein and soluble CD14.

Results
Microbial translocation, as measured by plasma bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA concentration, was not altered by synbiotic treatment. In contrast, the synbiotic formulation resulted in significantly elevated levels of supplemented probiotic bacterial strains in stool, including L. plantarum and P. pentosaceus, with the colonization of these two species being positively correlated with each other. T-cell activation phenotype of peripheral blood lymphocytes showed modest changes in response to synbiotic exposure, with HLA-DR expression slightly elevated on a minor population of CD4+ T-cells which lack expression of HLA-DR or PD-1. In addition, CD38 expression on CD8+ T-cells was slightly lower in the fiber-only group. Plasma levels of soluble CD14 and C-reactive protein were unaffected by synbiotic treatment in this study.

Conclusions
Synbiotic treatment for 4 weeks can successfully augment the levels of probiotic species in the gut during chronic HIV-1 infection. Associated changes in microbial translocation appear to be absent, and markers of systemic immune activation appear largely unchanged. These findings may help inform future studies aimed at testing pre- and probiotic approaches to improve gut function and mucosal immunity in chronic HIV-1 infection.

Trial registration
Clinical Trials.gov: NCT00688311
Postprandial hyperglycemia and endothelial function in type 2 diabetes: focus on mitiglinide
Authors: Kitasato Lisa , Tojo Taiki , Hatakeyama Yuko , Kameda Ryo , Hashikata Takehiro , Yamaoka-Tojo Minako 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The risk of cardiovascular complication in a diabetes patient is similar to that in a nondiabetic patient with a history of myocardial infarction. Although intensive control of glycemia achieved by conventional antidiabetic agents decreases microvascular complications such as retinopathy and nephropathy, no marked effect has been reported on macrovascular complications or all-cause mortality. Evidence from VADT, ACCORD, and ADVANCE would suggest that glycemic control has little effect on macrovascular outcomes. Moreover, in the case of ACCORD, intensive glycemic control may be associated with an increased risk of mortality. There is sufficient evidence that suggests that postprandial hyperglycemia may be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in diabetes patients. However, there are no prospective clinical trials supporting the recommendation that lowering postprandial blood glucose leads to lower risk of cardiovascular outcomes. Mitiglinide is a short-acting insulinotropic agent used in type 2 diabetes treatment. It has a rapid stimulatory effect on insulin secretion and reduces postprandial plasma glucose level in patients with type 2 diabetes. Because of its short action time, it is unlikely to exert adverse effects related to hypoglycemia early in the morning and between meals. Mitiglinide reduces excess oxidative stress and inflammation, plays a cardioprotective role, and improves postprandial metabolic disorders. Moreover, mitiglinide add-on therapy with pioglitazone favorably affects the vascular endothelial function in type 2 diabetes patients. These data suggest that mitiglinide plays a potentially beneficial role in the improvement of postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes patients and can be used to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Although the results of long-term, randomized, placebo-controlled trials for determining the cardiovascular effects of mitiglinide on clinical outcomes are awaited, this review is aimed at summarizing substantial insights into this topic.
Associations between toenail arsenic concentration and dietary factors in a New Hampshire population
Authors: Gruber Joann F , Karagas Margaret R , Gilbert-Diamond Diane , Bagley Pamela J , Zens M Scot , Sayarath Vicki , Punshon Tracy , Morris J Steven , Cottingham Kathryn L 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Dietary factors such as folate, vitamin B12, protein, and methionine are important for the excretion of arsenic via one-carbon metabolism in undernourished populations exposed to high levels of arsenic via drinking water. However, the effects of dietary factors on toenail arsenic concentrations in well-nourished populations exposed to relatively low levels of water arsenic are unknown.

Methods
As part of a population-based case–control study of skin and bladder cancer from the USA, we evaluated relationships between consumption of dietary factors and arsenic concentrations in toenail clippings. Consumption of each dietary factor was determined from a validated food frequency questionnaire. We used general linear models to examine the associations between toenail arsenic and each dietary factor, taking into account potentially confounding effects.

Results
As expected, we found an inverse association between ln-transformed toenail arsenic and consumption of vitamin B12 (excluding supplements) and animal protein. Unexpectedly, there were also inverse associations with numerous dietary lipids (e.g., total fat, total animal fat, total vegetable fat, total monounsaturated fat, total polyunsaturated fat, and total saturated fat). Finally, increased toenail arsenic concentrations were associated with increased consumption of long chain n-3 fatty acids.

Conclusion
In a relatively well-nourished population exposed to relatively low levels of arsenic via water, consumption of certain dietary lipids may decrease toenail arsenic concentration, while long chain n-3 fatty acids may increase toenail arsenic concentration, possibly due to their association with arsenolipids in fish tissue.
Associations of built food environment with body mass index and waist circumference among youth with diabetes
Authors: Lamichhane Archana P , Puett Robin , Porter Dwayne E , Bottai Matteo , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J , Liese Angela D 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Youth with diabetes are at increased risk for obesity and cardiovascular disease complications. However, less is known about the influence of built food environment on health outcomes in this population. The aim of this study was to explore the associations of accessibility and availability of supermarkets and fast food outlets with Body Mass Index (BMI) z-score and waist circumference among youth with diabetes.

Methods
Information on residential location and adiposity measures (BMI z-score and waist circumference) for 845 youths with diabetes residing in South Carolina was obtained from the South Carolina site of the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study. Food outlets data obtained from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and InfoUSA were merged based on names and addresses of the outlets. The comprehensive data on franchised supermarket and fast food outlets was then used to construct three accessibility and availability measures around each youth’s residence.

Results
Increased number and density of chain supermarkets around residence location were associated with lower BMI z-score and waist circumference among youth with diabetes. For instance, for a female child of 10 years of age with height of 54.2 inches and weight of 70.4 pounds, lower supermarket density around residence location was associated with about 2.8–3.2 pounds higher weight, when compared to female child of same age, height and weight with highest supermarket density around residence location. Similarly, lower supermarket density around residence location was associated with a 3.5–3.7 centimeter higher waist circumference, when compared to residence location with the highest supermarket density. The associations of number and density of chain fast food outlets with adiposity measures, however, were not significant. No significant associations were observed between distance to the nearest supermarket and adiposity measures. However, contrary to our expectation, increased distance to the nearest fast food outlet was associated with higher BMI z-score, but not with waist circumference.

Conclusions
Food environments conducive to healthy eating may significantly influence health behaviors and outcomes. Efforts to increase the availability of supermarkets providing options/selections for health-promoting foods may significantly improve the dietary intake and reduce adiposity among youth with diabetes.
Hormone-replacement therapy influences gene expression profiles and is associated with breast-cancer prognosis: a cohort study
Authors: Hall Per , Ploner Alexander , Bjöhle Judith , Huang Fei , Lin Chin-Yo , Liu Edison T , Miller Lance D , Nordgren Hans , Pawitan Yudi , Shaw Peter , Skoog Lambert , Smeds Johanna , Wedrén Sara , Öhd John , Bergh Jonas 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Postmenopausal hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) increases breast-cancer risk. The influence of HRT on the biology of the primary tumor, however, is not well understood.

Methods
We obtained breast-cancer gene expression profiles using Affymetrix human genome U133A arrays. We examined the relationship between HRT-regulated gene profiles, tumor characteristics, and recurrence-free survival in 72 postmenopausal women.

Results
HRT use in patients with estrogen receptor (ER) protein positive tumors (n = 72) was associated with an altered regulation of 276 genes. Expression profiles based on these genes clustered ER-positive tumors into two molecular subclasses, one of which was associated with HRT use and had significantly better recurrence free survival despite lower ER levels. A comparison with external data suggested that gene regulation in tumors associated with HRT was negatively correlated with gene regulation induced by short-term estrogen exposure, but positively correlated with the effect of tamoxifen.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-menopausal HRT use is associated with a distinct gene expression profile related to better recurrence-free survival and lower ER protein levels. Tentatively, HRT-associated gene expression in tumors resembles the effect of tamoxifen exposure on MCF-7 cells.
The use of electronic collars for training domestic dogs: estimated prevalence, reasons and risk factors for use, and owner perceived success as compared to other training methods
Authors: Blackwell Emily J , Bolster Christine , Richards Gemma , Loftus Bethany A , Casey Rachel A 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe use of electronic training devices for dog training is controversial. The aims of this study were to give an indication of the extent to which dog owners use these devices in England, identify factors associated with their use, and compare owner report of outcomes. A convenience sample of dog owners in England was used to identify numbers using electronic training devices and identify reasons for use. Factors associated with use of remote e-collars only were determined by comparing dogs trained using these devices with two control populations matched for reason of use (recall / chasing problems). Comparison groups were: those using other ‘negative reinforcement / positive punishment’ training techniques, and those using ‘positive reinforcement / negative punishment’ based methods. A multinominal logistic regression model was used to compare factors between categories of training method. Owner reported success for use was compared using chi-squared analysis.ResultsFor England only, 3.3% (n = 133) owners reported using remote activated e-collars, 1.4% (n = 54) reported use of bark activated e-collars, and 0.9% (n = 36) reported using electronic boundary fences. In comparison with the e-collar group, owners using reward based training methods for recall / chasing were 2.8 times more likely to be female and 2.7 times less likely to have attended agility training. Owners using other aversive methods for recall / chasing were 2.8 times more likely to have attended puppy classes than those using e-collars. However, the model only explained 10% variance between groups. A significantly higher proportion of owners in the reward group reported training success than those in the e-collar group.ConclusionsIn conclusion, a fairly low proportion of owners select to use electronic training devices. For a population matched by reason for training method use, characteristics of dogs, including occurrence of undesired behaviours do not appear to distinguish between training methods. Rather, owner gender and attendance at training classes appear more important, although explaining a relatively small amount of variance between groups. More owners using reward based methods for recall / chasing report a successful outcome of training than those using e-collars.
Impact of whole-body computed tomography on mortality and surgical management of severe blunt trauma
Authors: Yeguiayan Jean-Michel , Yap Anabelle , Freysz Marc , Garrigue Delphine , Jacquot Claude , Martin Claude , Binquet Christine , Riou Bruno , Bonithon-Kopp Claire ,   the FIRST Study Group
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Introduction
The mortality benefit of whole-body computed tomography (CT) in early trauma management remains controversial and poorly understood. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of whole-body CT compared with selective CT on mortality and management of patients with severe blunt trauma.

Methods
The FIRST (French Intensive care Recorded in Severe Trauma) study is a multicenter cohort study on consecutive patients with severe blunt trauma requiring admission to intensive care units from university hospital trauma centers within the first 72 hours. Initial data were combined to construct a propensity score to receive whole-body CT and selective CT used in multivariable logistic regression models, and to calculate the probability of survival according to the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) for 1,950 patients. The main endpoint was 30-day mortality.

Results
In total, 1,696 patients out of 1,950 (87%) were given whole-body CT. The crude 30-day mortality rates were 16% among whole-body CT patients and 22% among selective CT patients (p = 0.02). A significant reduction in the mortality risk was observed among whole-body CT patients whatever the adjustment method (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.34-0.99 after adjustment for baseline characteristics and post-CT treatment). Compared to the TRISS predicted survival, survival significantly improved for whole-body CT patients but not for selective CT patients. The pattern of early surgical and medical procedures significantly differed between the two groups.

Conclusions
Diagnostic whole-body CT was associated with a significant reduction in 30-day mortality among patients with severe blunt trauma. Its use may be a global indicator of better management.
Selective Hydroxylation of Cyclohexene in Water as an Environment-friendly Solvent with Hydrogen Peroxide over Fe–Bipyridine Encapsulated in Y-type Zeolite
Authors: Yamaguchi Syuhei , Fukura Tomohiro , Fujita Chiharu , Yahiro Hidenori 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The selective hydroxylation of cyclohexene to 2-cyclohexen-1-ol with hydrogen peroxide in water was successfully achieved using [Fe(bpy)3]2+ complexes encapsulated into Y-type zeolite.
The First Example for Cyanation of Arylboronic Acids with Nontoxic and Inexpensive K4[Fe(CN)6]
Authors: Tian Xinzhe , Sun Yanpei , Dong Chuanhua , Zhang Kaixuan , Liang Tengfei , Zhang Yu , Hou Chaodong 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Nontoxic and inexpensive K4[Fe(CN)6] is first introduced as a cyanating agent to cyanation of arylboronic acids. The present method is simple, practical, and allowed a wide range of substrates including functionalized phenylboronic acids, 1-naphthylboronic acid as well as heterocyclic boronic acids to be smoothly converted into the corresponding products in moderate to high yields.
Photofuel Cells Using Allophane–Titania Nanocomposites
Authors: Nishikiori Hiromasa , Ito Masaaki , Setiawan Rudi Agus , Kikuchi Ayaka , Yamakami Tomohiko , Fujii Tsuneo 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Allophane–titania nanocomposite electrodes were prepared from titanium alkoxide sols dispersing the natural clay mineral allophane. Electrochemical measurements indicated that the oxidative degradation of glucose in the electrolyte enhanced the generation of electricity during UV irradiation. A higher short-circuit current was observed in the photofuel cell using the 0.10% allophane-containing titania electrode than that with the normal titania electrode. Allophane effectively adsorbed the glucose molecules and then transported them to the titania, on which their oxidation induced the electrogeneration.
Preparation of Nanosheets by Ultrasonic Exfoliation with the Aid of Surfactant Poly(vinylpyrrolidone)
Authors: Li Caixia , Lv Qing , Jiang Danyu , Zhang Lin , Xia Jinfeng , Li Qiang 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Using poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) as a stabilizing agent graphite nanosheets (GNs) and molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (MNs) were conveniently obtained under ultrasound treatment. The two kinds of obtained nanosheets were detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) and analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. UV–vis spectrophotometric measurement was performed to test their typical absorption peaks.
An Improved Method to Increase the Concentration of Graphene in Organic Solvent
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wen Jiqiu , Meng Xiaopeng , Yao Yadong , Yin Guangfu , Liao Xiaoming , Huang Zhongbing 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
We added an organic additive 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) and water to dimethylformamide (DMF) and exfoliated graphite therein to prepare graphene. When the content of AMP was 1.0 vol % and the content of water was 0.4 vol %, the dispersion of graphene was obtained at the concentration up to 0.3 mg mL−1, which was 50% higher than that obtained by directly exfoliating graphite in DMF for 24 h. At the same time, the graphene sheets maintained high quality with little impurity.
First trimester, second trimester, and integrated screening for Down's syndrome in China
Authors: Miao Zheng-You , Liu Xia , Shi Tong-Kun , Xu Ying , Song Qin-Hao , Tang Shao-Hua 
Published: June 2012

Objective To compare the effectiveness of first trimester, second trimester, and integrated screening for Down's syndrome. Setting Two prenatal diagnosis centres in China. Methods A total of 11,966 pregnant women (≥18 years) were screened over 21 months. First trimester screening (11–13 weeks) comprised measurement of serum free beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) and pregnancy-associated protein-A concentrations, and fetal nuchal translucency thickness. Second trimester screening (15–20 weeks) comprised measurement of β-hCG and alpha fetoprotein concentrations. Computer software was used to calculate the risk of carrying a Down's syndrome fetus. Results The overall incidence of Down's syndrome was 0.2% (23/11,966). When the false-positive rate was fixed at 5%, detection rates for first trimester, second trimester, and integrated screening were 73.9%, 69.6%, and 82.6%, respectively. When the false-positive rate was fixed at 3%, detection/sensitivity rates for first trimester, second trimester, and integrated screening were 65.2%, 56.5%, and 73.9%, respectively. Conclusions These findings suggest that integrated screening was the most effective means of screening for Down's syndrome in a Chinese population.
Recruitment methods employed in the National Lung Screening Trial
Authors: Marcus Pamela M , Lenz Suzanne , Sammons Donna , Black William , Garg Kavita 
Published: June 2012

Objectives To report participant recruitment experiences in a large, US randomized controlled trial (RCT) of lung cancer screening, with the aim of providing information that may be of use to researchers who wish to conduct similar future studies. Setting The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), an RCT that demonstrated a 20% lung cancer mortality reduction with low dose helical computed tomography screening, relative to single-view chest radiograph screening. Thirty-three US medical centres recruited 53,454 participants from August 2002 through April 2004. Methods After recruitment was completed, centre co-ordinators were asked to complete a questionnaire addressing the extent to which specific methods were used and, for each specific method, numbers enrolled and total cost of the effort. Cost per enrollee was calculated. Coordinators also were asked to report lessons learned. Results Twenty-two centres returned questionnaires. Use of recruitment method varied by centre. Among centres reporting number enrolled by method, about 19,000 participants were enrolled with direct mail, about 4200 with mass media, and about 1000 with community outreach. Cost per enrollee varied across centres but medians were (US)$101 (direct mail), $79 (mass media), and $4 (community outreach). Co-ordinators reported that it was important to know where to find persons likely to be eligible and interested, and how best to approach them. Conclusions Most NLST participants were recruited through direct mail, although median cost per participant was highest for that method.
The impact of media coverage of the Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Trial on English colorectal screening uptake
Authors: Lo Sh , Vart G , Snowball J , Halloran Sp , Wardle J , Von Wagner C 
Published: June 2012

Objective To assess the impact of media coverage of the UK Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Trial on colorectal screening uptake in England. Setting In April 2010, publication of the UK Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (FS) Trial results generated considerable media interest in both FS and colorectal cancer (CRC) generally. Methods We used routinely collected data from the south of England (excluding London) to analyse return of faecal occult blood test (FOBt) kits within 28 days of the invitation (early uptake) among 60–69 year olds, before (T1, n = 31,229), around the time of (T2, n = 39,571), and one month after (T3, n = 33,430) the FS publicity. Results FOBt uptake over the whole period was 58.2%, with 38.4% of the kits returned within 28 days (early uptake). Across the three time periods, early uptake was 35.8% at T1, 39.4% at T2, and 39.7% at T3. Multivariate regression controlling for age, gender and socioeconomic status confirmed that uptake was higher if people received the FOBt kit around the time of the media coverage (T2: odds ratio [OR] = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.13–1.20), or one month after (T3: OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.15–1.22) than before (T1). Sub-group analyses demonstrated that the impact was stronger among previous non-responders than among first-time invitees or previous responders (P < 0.001). Conclusion Media coverage of the FS Trial appeared to have a small but positive impact on FOBt screening uptake, especially among people who had previously abstained from screening.