bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the causes and clinical characteristics of jejunoileal hemorrhage in China: a multicenter 10 year retrospective survey
Authors: Jiang Da-lei , Liu Hui-ya , Yuan Yong , Sui Jian-chao , Jing Chang-chun , Jiang Kai-tong , Wang Qing-cai , Yuan Sheng-an , Chen Hai-ying , Gao Yan-jing 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
A retrospective study was performed to assess the causes, diagnostic methods for, and clinical features of, jejunoileal hemorrhage in Shandong province, China and to derive recommendations for management of this condition from these data.

Methods
We performed a retrospective systematic collection of data from between January 1999 and December 2008 in seven cities in Shandong province, China, identified 72 patients with jejunoileal hemorrhage and analyzed the relevant clinical data.

Results
Overall, tumors were the most common cause of jejunoileal hemorrhage (42 patients, 58.3%). The causes of this condition were significantly different (P < 0.05) in male and female patients. In male patients, the commonest factors were tumor (52.2%), enteritis (17.4%) and angiopathy (15.2%). However, in female patients, tumors accounted for a greater proportion of cases (18/26, 69.2%). In 38 cases (52.8%) the diagnosis was made by intraoperative enteroscopy or laparotomy, in 14 by capsule endoscopy and in the remainder by radiological methods. The most frequent presentation was melena (62.7%), followed by maroon stools (26.9%) and hematochezia (9.0%). Of the 72 patients,laparotomy is the main treatment method.

Conclusion
Tumor, enteritis and angiopathy and diverticular disease are the most common causes of jejunoileal hemorrhage in Shandong province, China. The main clinical manifestations are bloody stools, most commonly in the form of melena, with or without abdominal pain. We recommend that female patients over the age of 40 with jejunoileal hemorrhage accompanied by abdominal pain should undergo urgent further assessment because of the strong probability of jejunoileal tumor.
Short hairpin RNA targeting 2B gene of coxsackievirus B3 exhibits potential antiviral effects both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Yao Hailan , Zhang Yangde , He Feng , Wang Caihong , Xiao Zonghui , Zou Jizhen , Wang Fang , Liu Zhewei 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Coxsackievirus B3 is an important infectious agent of viral myocarditis, pancreatitis and aseptic meningitis, but there are no specific antiviral therapeutic reagents in clinical use. RNA interference-based technology has been developed to prevent the viral infection.

Methods
To evaluate the impact of RNA interference on viral replication, cytopathogenicity and animal survival, short hairpin RNAs targeting the viral 2B region (shRNA-2B) expressed by a recombinant vector (pGCL-2B) or a recombinant lentivirus (Lenti-2B) were tansfected in HeLa cells or transduced in mice infected with CVB3.

Results
ShRNA-2B exhibited a significant effect on inhibition of viral production in HeLa cells. Furthermore, shRNA-2B improved mouse survival rate, reduced the viral tissues titers and attenuated tissue damage compared with those of the shRNA-NC treated control group. Lenti-2B displayed more effective role in inhibition of viral replication than pGCL-2B in vivo.

Conclusions
Coxsackievirus B3 2B is an effective target of gene silencing against coxsackievirus B3 infection, suggesting that shRNA-2B is a potential agent for further development into a treatment for enterviral diseases.
Estrogen receptor alpha gene polymorphisms and risk of HBV-related acute liver failure in the Chinese population
Authors: Yan Zehui , Tan Wenting , Dan Yunjie , Zhao Wenli , Deng Chunqing , Wang Yuming , Deng Guohong 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
The sexual dimorphism of hepatitis B virus (HBV) -related liver diseases is related with estrogen and its receptors. Recent reports indicate that abnormal expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) may be a hallmark for the progression of liver disease and HBV carriers presenting variant ESR1 have an extremely aggressive clinical course. Here we examine whether the ESR1 polymorphisms or its haplotypes are related to HBV-related acute liver failure (ALF) risk among chronic HBV carriers in a Chinese population.

Methods
A total of 1216 unrelated Han Chinese HBV carriers were recruited in this hospital-based case–control study, including 359 HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers affected with ALF and 857 asymptomatic HBsAg carriers. Two ESR1 haplotype tagging polymorphisms, c.30 T > C (rs2077647) and c.453-397 T > C (rs2234693), were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay.

Results
We observed a significantly increased susceptibility to HBV-ALF associated with the c.30 C allele (P = 8.65 × 10-4), c.453-397 C allele (5.37 × 10-4) and [c.30 C; c.453-397 C] haplotype (Dominant model, P =0.0004, odds ratio = 1.53, 95% CI 1.23 ~ 1.96) compared with the T alleles and [c.30 T; c.453-397 T] haplotype of c.30 T > C and c.453-397 T > C polymorphisms, respectively.

Conclusions
Our study suggests that [c.30 C; c.453-397 C] hapotype may be a risk factor for genetic susceptibility to HBV-related ALF in the Chinese population. It also emphasizes the importance of ESR1 in the pathophysiology of HBV-related ALF on the population level.
Could albumin level explain the higher mortality in hemodialysis patients with pulmonary hypertension?
Authors: Yoo Hugo Hyung Bok , Martin Luis Cuadrado , Kochi Ana Claudia , Rodrigues-Telini Lidiane Silva , Barretti Pasqual , Caramori Jacqueline Teixeira , Matsubara Beatriz Bojikian , Zannati-Bazan Silméia Garcia , da Silva Franco Roberto Jorge , Queluz Thais Thomaz 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in hemodialysis is still unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with the presence of PH in chronic hemodialysis patients and to verify whether these factors might explain the highest mortality among them.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of hemodialysis patients who started treatment from August 2001 to October 2007 and were followed up until April 2011 in a Brazilian referral medical school. According to the results of echocardiography examination, patients were allocated in two groups: those with PH and those without PH. Clinical parameters, site and type of vascular access, bioimpedance, and laboratorial findings were compared between the groups and a logistic regression model was elaborated. Actuarial survival curves were constructed and hazard risk to death was evaluated by Cox regression analysis.ResultsPH > 35 mmHg was found in 23 (30.6%) of the 75 patients studied. The groups differed in extracellular water, ventricular thickness, left atrium diameter, and ventricular filling. In a univariate analysis, extracellular water was associated with PH (relative risk = 1.194; 95% CI of 1.006 – 1.416; p = 0.042); nevertheless, in a multiple model, only left atrium enlargement was independently associated with PH (relative risk =1.172; 95% CI of 1.010 – 1.359; p = 0.036). PH (hazard risk = 3.008; 95% CI of 1.285 – 7.043; p = 0.011) and age (hazard risk of 1.034 per year of age; 95% CI of 1.000 – 7.068; p = 0.047) were significantly associated with mortality in a multiple Cox regression analysis. However, when albumin was taken in account the only statistically significant association was between albumin level and mortality (hazard risk = 0.342 per g/dL; 95% CI of 0.119 – 0.984; p = 0.047) while the presence of PH lost its statistical significance (p = 0.184). Mortality was higher in patients with PH (47.8% vs 25%) who also had a statistically worse survival after the sixth year of follow up.ConclusionsPH in hemodialysis patients is associated with parameters of volume overload that sheds light on its pathophysiology. Mortality is higher in hemodialysis patients with PH and the low albumin level can explain this association.
A case of rapidly progressive IgA nephropathy in a patient with exacerbation of Crohn’s disease
Authors: Choi Ji-Young , Yu Chung Hoon , Jung Hee-Yeon , Jung Min Kyu , Kim Yong-Jin , Cho Jang-Hee , Kim Chan-Duck , Kim Yong-Lim , Park Sun-Hee 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundIgA nephropathy has been reported as a renal involvement in Crohn’s disease. Crescentic IgA nephropathy, which accounts for fewer than 5% of cases of IgA nephropathy, has a poorer prognosis than other forms of crescentic glomerulonephritis. We recently experienced a case of rapidly progressive IgA nephropathy concurrent with exacerbation of Crohn’s disease.Case presentationAn 18-year-old male diagnosed with Crohn’s disease underwent a hemicolectomy 2 years prior previously. He had maintained a state of Crohn’s disease remission with 5-aminosalicylic acid treatment. Four months prior to referral to the nephrology clinic, he experienced non-bloody diarrhea. He simultaneously developed proteinuria and microscopic hematuria with deterioration of renal function. Based on renal biopsy findings, the patient was diagnosed with crescentic IgA nephropathy. Immunostaining for interleukin-17 in renal tissue and previous exacerbated colonic ulcers was positive. Steroid pulse therapy was administered, followed by high-dose glucocorticoid and oral cyclophosphamide therapy. The patient’s renal function recovered and his gastrointestinal symptoms were alleviated.ConclusionsWe report a case of crescentic IgA nephropathy presenting with exacerbation of Crohn’s disease, and present a review of the literature focusing on the pathophysiologic relationship between these two conditions.
Assessment of visual disability using visual evoked potentials
Authors: Jeon Jihoon , Oh Seiyul , Kyung Sungeun 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study is to validate the use of visual evoked potential (VEP) to objectively quantify visual acuity in normal and amblyopic patients, and determine if it is possible to predict visual acuity in disability assessment to register visual pathway lesions.

Methods
A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients diagnosed with normal vision, unilateral amblyopia, optic neuritis, and visual disability who visited the university medical center for registration from March 2007 to October 2009. The study included 20 normal subjects (20 right eyes: 10 females, 10 males, ages 9–42 years), 18 unilateral amblyopic patients (18 amblyopic eyes, ages 19–36 years), 19 optic neuritis patients (19 eyes: ages 9–71 years), and 10 patients with visual disability having visual pathway lesions. Amplitude and latencies were analyzed and correlations with visual acuity (logMAR) were derived from 20 normal and 18 amblyopic subjects. Correlation of VEP amplitude and visual acuity (logMAR) of 19 optic neuritis patients confirmed relationships between visual acuity and amplitude. We calculated the objective visual acuity (logMAR) of 16 eyes from 10 patients to diagnose the presence or absence of visual disability using relations derived from 20 normal and 18 amblyopic eyes.

Results
Linear regression analyses between amplitude of pattern visual evoked potentials and visual acuity (logMAR) of 38 eyes from normal (right eyes) and amblyopic (amblyopic eyes) subjects were significant [y = −0.072x + 1.22, x: VEP amplitude, y: visual acuity (logMAR)]. There were no significant differences between visual acuity prediction values, which substituted amplitude values of 19 eyes with optic neuritis into function. We calculated the objective visual acuity of 16 eyes of 10 patients to diagnose the presence or absence of visual disability using relations of y = −0.072x + 1.22 (−0.072). This resulted in a prediction reference of visual acuity associated with malingering vs. real disability in a range >5.77 μV. The results could be useful, especially in cases of no obvious pale disc with trauma.

Conclusions
Visual acuity quantification using absolute value of amplitude in pattern visual evoked potentials was useful in confirming subjective visual acuity for cutoff values >5.77 μV in disability evaluation to discriminate the malingering from real disability.
Tumor budding as a risk factor of lymph node metastasis in submucosal invasive T1 colorectal carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Kye Bong-Hyeon , Jung Ji-Han , Kim Hyung-Jin , Kang Se-Goo , Cho Hyeon-Min , Kim Jun-Gi 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
This study was designed to identify risk factors for lymph node metastasis of early stage colorectal cancer, which was confirmed to a carcinoma that invaded the submucosa after radical resection.

Methods
In total, 55 patients revealing submucosal invasive colorectal carcinoma on pathology who underwent curative radical resection at the Department of Surgery, St. Vincent’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea from January 2007 to September 2010 were evaluated retrospectively. Tumor size, depth of submucosal invasion, histologic grade, lymphovascular invasion, tumor budding, and microacinar structure were reviewed by a single pathologist. Student t-test for continuous variables and Chi-square test for categorical variables were used for comparing the clinicopathological features between two groups (whether lymph node involvement existed or not). Continuous variables are expressed as the mean ± standard error while statistical significance is accepted at P < 0.05.

Results
The mean age of 55 patients (34 males and 21 females) was 61.2 ± 9.6 years (range, 43–83). Histologically, eight (14.5%) patients had metastatic lymph node. In the univariate analysis, tumor budding (P = 0.047) was the only factor that was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis. Also, the tumor budding had a sensitivity of 83.3%, a specificity of 60.5%, and a negative predictive value of 0.958 for lymph node metastasis in submucosal invasive T1 colorectal cancer.

Conclusions
The tumor budding seems to have a high sensitivity (83.3%), acceptable specificity (60.5%), and a high negative predictive value (0.958). A close examination of pathologic finding including tumor budding should be performed in order to manage early CRC properly.
Remarkable stability in patterns of blood-stage gene expression during episodes of non-lethal Plasmodium yoelii malaria
Authors: Cernetich-Ott Amy , Daly Thomas M , Vaidya Akhil B , Bergman Lawrence W , Burns James M 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundMicroarray studies using in vitro cultures of synchronized, blood-stagePlasmodium falciparummalaria parasites have revealed a ‘just-in-time’ cascade of gene expression with some indication that these transcriptional patterns remain stable even in the presence of external stressors. However, direct analysis of transcription inP. falciparumblood-stage parasites obtained from the blood of infected patients suggests that parasite gene expression may be modulated by factors present in the in vivo environment of the host. The aim of this study was to examine changes in gene expression of the rodent malaria parasite,Plasmodium yoelii17X, while varying the in vivo setting of replication.MethodsUsingP. yoelii17X parasites replicating in vivo, differential gene expression in parasites isolated from individual mice, from independent infections, during ascending, peak and descending parasitaemia and in the presence and absence of host antibody responses was examined usingP. yoeliiDNA microarrays. A genome-wide analysis to identify coordinated changes in groups of genes associated with specific biological pathways was a primary focus, although an analysis of the expression patterns of two multi-gene families inP. yoelii, theyirandpyst-afamilies, was also completed.ResultsAcross experimental conditions, transcription was surprisingly stable with little evidence for distinct transcriptional states or for consistent changes in specific pathways. Differential gene expression was greatest when comparing differences due to parasite load and/or host cell availability. However, the number of differentially expressed genes was generally low. Of genes that were differentially expressed, many involved biologically diverse pathways. There was little to no differential expression of members of theyirandpyst-amultigene families that encode polymorphic proteins associated with the membrane of infected erythrocytes. However, a relatively large number of these genes were expressed during blood-stage infection regardless of experimental condition.ConclusionsTaken together, these results indicate that 1)P. yoeliigene expression remains stable in the presence of a changing host environment, and 2) concurrent expression of a large number of the polymorphicyirandpyst-agenes, rather than differential expression in response to specific host factors, may in itself limit the effectiveness of host immune responses.
Comparison between integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound and 64-slice multi-detector row computed tomography for tissue characterization and volumetric assessment of coronary plaques
Authors: Yamaki Takahiko , Kawasaki Masanori , Jang Ik-Kyung , Raffel Owen Christopher , Ishihara Yoshiyuki , Okubo Munenori , Kubota Tomoki , Hattori Arihiro , Nishigaki Kazuhiko , Takemura Genzou , Fujiwara Hisayoshi , Minatoguchi Shinya 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to determine the cut-off values of Hounsfield units (HU) for the discrimination of plaque components and to evaluate the feasibility of measurement of the volume of plaque components using multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT).

Methods
Coronary lesions (125 lesions in 125 patients) were visualized by both integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound (IB-IVUS) and 64-slice MDCT at the same site. The IB values were used as a gold standard to determine the cut off values of HU for the discrimination of plaque components.

Results
Plaques were classified as lipid pool (n =50), fibrosis (n =65) or calcification (n =35) by IB-IVUS. The HU of lipid pool, fibrosis and calcification were 18 ± 18 HU (−19 to 58 HU), 95 ± 24 HU (46 to 154 HU) and 378 ± 99 HU (188 to 605 HU), respectively. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a threshold of 50 HU was the optimal cutoff values to discriminate lipid pool from fibrosis. Lipid volume measured by MDCT was correlated with that measured by IB-IVUS (r =0.66, p <0.001), whereas fibrous volume was not (r =0.21, p =0.059).

Conclusion
Lipid volume measured by MDCT was moderately correlated with that measured by IB-IVUS. MDCT may be useful for volumetric assessment of the lipid volume of coronary plaques, whereas the assessment of fibrosis volume was unstable.
Addition of low dose hCG to rFSh benefits older women during ovarian stimulation for IVF
Authors: Gomaa Hala , Casper Robert F , Esfandiari Navid , Chang Paul , Bentov Yaakov 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
To compare the outcome of IVF cycles in women receiving controlled ovarian stimulation with recFSH or recFSH plus low dose hCG.

Methods
A retrospective case control study, performed at a private practice affiliated with an academic institute. Patients were infertile women who were treated with IVF/ICSI and controlled ovarian stimulation in a long GnRH agonist protocol using either low dose hCG in addition to recFSH [N = 88] or recFSH alone [N = 99]. Primary outcomes were mean FSH dose, number of mature eggs, number of fertilized eggs, and serum levels of estradiol. Secondary outcomes were endometrial thickness, cycle cancellations and pregnancy rates.

Results
A significant increase in number of mature and fertilized eggs was observed in women over 40 years of age using low dose hCG in addition to recFSH. The estradiol level was significantly higher on the day of hCG administration and the serum level of FSH on cycle day 7 and on the day of hCG administration were lower.

Conclusion
Addition of low dose hCG to recFSH compared with recFSH alone significantly modified cycle characteristics in patients >/= 40 years and could be of potential benefit for IVF cycles in older infertile women.
Correlates of physical activity in a population-based sample of kidney cancer survivors: an application of the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Trinh Linda , Plotnikoff Ronald C , Rhodes Ryan E , North Scott , Courneya Kerry S 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Over half of kidney cancer survivors (KCS) are completely inactive and only a quarter are meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines. This highlights the need to identify and understand the determinants of PA in this understudied population. The purpose of this study is to determine the social cognitive correlates of PA intention and behavior in KCS using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).

Methods
All 1,985 KCS diagnosed between 1996 and 2010 in Alberta, Canada were mailed a self-report survey that consisted of the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire and standard TPB items for intention, planning, perceived behavioral control (PBC), affective and instrumental attitudes, and descriptive and injunctive norms. Standard demographic and medical variables were also collected.

Results
Completed surveys were received from 703 of 1,654 (43%) eligible KCS. The TPB was tested using structural equation modelling and demonstrated an adequate-to-good fit to the data [χ² = 256.88, p < .001; TLI = 0.97; CFI = 0.98; RMSEA = 0.06, 90% CI = 0.05-0.06].
There were significant pathways to PA from PBC (ß = 0.18, p = 0.02), planning (ß = 0.22, p < 0.01), and intention (ß = 0.31, p < 0.01); and to planning from intention (ß = 0.81, p < 0.01). In addition, there were significant model pathways to intention from instrumental attitude (ß = 0.28, p = 0.03), descriptive norm (ß = 0.09, p = 0.01), and PBC (ß = 0.52, p < 0.01). Overall, the TPB accounted for 69%, 63%, and 42% of the variance in intention, planning and PA, respectively.

Conclusion
The TPB appears to be a useful model for explaining PA in KCS. All TPB constructs except injunctive norm and affective attitude were useful for explaining intention with PBC emerging as the largest correlate. Developing PA interventions based on the TPB may be effective in promoting PA in KCS and may lead to important improvements in health.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus gag and protease: partners in resistance
Authors: Fun Axel , Wensing Annemarie MJ , Verheyen Jens , Nijhuis Monique 
Published: August 2012

AbstractHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) maturation plays an essential role in the viral life cycle by enabling the generation of mature infectious virus particles through proteolytic processing of the viral Gag and GagPol precursor proteins. An impaired polyprotein processing results in the production of non-infectious virus particles. Consequently, particle maturation is an excellent drug target as exemplified by inhibitors specifically targeting the viral protease (protease inhibitors; PIs) and the experimental class of maturation inhibitors that target the precursor Gag and GagPol polyproteins. Considering the different target sites of the two drug classes, direct cross-resistance may seem unlikely. However, coevolution of protease and its substrate Gag during PI exposure has been observed bothin vivoandin vitro. This review addresses in detail all mutations in Gag that are selected under PI pressure. We evaluate how polymorphisms and mutations in Gag affect PI therapy, an aspect of PI resistance that is currently not included in standard genotypic PI resistance testing. In addition, we consider the consequences of Gag mutations for the development and positioning of future maturation inhibitors.