bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Swiss neighbourhood index of socioeconomic position: development and association with mortality
Authors: Panczak Radoslaw , Galobardes Bruna , Voorpostel Marieke , Spoerri Adrian , Zwahlen Marcel , Egger Matthias ,   for the Swiss National Cohort and the Swiss Household Panel
Published: June 2012

BackgroundArea-based measures of socioeconomic position (SEP) suitable for epidemiological research are lacking in Switzerland. The authors developed the Swiss neighbourhood index of SEP (Swiss-SEP).MethodsNeighbourhoods of 50 households with overlapping boundaries were defined using Census 2000 and road network data. Median rent per square metre, proportion households headed by a person with primary education or less, proportion headed by a person in manual or unskilled occupation and the mean number of persons per room were analysed in principle component analysis. The authors compared the index with independent income data and examined associations with mortality from 2001 to 2008.Results1.27 million overlapping neighbourhoods were defined. Education, occupation and housing variables had loadings of 0.578, 0.570 and 0.362, respectively, and median rent had a loading of −0.459. Mean yearly equivalised income of households increased from SFr42 000 to SFr72 000 between deciles of neighbourhoods with lowest and highest SEP. Comparing deciles of neighbourhoods with lowest to highest SEP, the age- and sex-adjusted HR was 1.38 (95% CI 1.36 to 1.41) for all-cause mortality, 1.83 (95% CI 1.71 to 1.95) for lung cancer, 1.48 (95% CI 1.44 to 1.51) for cardiovascular diseases, 2.42 (95% CI 1.94 to 3.01) for traffic accidents, 0.93 (95% CI 0.85 to 1.02) for breast cancer and 0.86 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.95) for suicide.ConclusionsDeveloped using a novel approach to define neighbourhoods, the Swiss-SEP index was strongly associated with household income and some causes of death. It will be useful for clinical- and population-based studies, where individual-level socioeconomic data are often missing, and to investigate the effects on health of the socioeconomic characteristics of a place.
Repeat infection with gonorrhoea in Sheffield, UK: predictable and preventable?
Authors: Hughes Gwenda , Nichols Tom , Peters Lindsey , Bell Gill , Leong Geraldine , Kinghorn George 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundRepeat infection with gonorrhoea may contribute significantly to infection persistence and health service workload. The authors investigated whether repeat infection is associated with particular subgroups who may benefit from tailored interventions.MethodsData on gonorrhoea diagnoses between 2004 and 2008 were obtained from Sheffield sexually transmitted infection clinic. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to estimate the percentage of patients with repeat diagnoses within a year, and a Cox proportional hazard model was used to investigate associated risk factors.ResultsOf 1650 patients diagnosed with gonorrhoea, 7.7% (95% CI 6.5% to 9.1%) had a repeat diagnosis within 1 year. Men who have sex with men under 30, teenage heterosexuals, black Caribbeans, people living in deprived areas and those diagnosed in 2004 were most likely to re-present. Of those patients (53%) providing additional behavioural data, repeat diagnosis was more common in those reporting prior history of gonorrhoea, any previous sexually transmitted infection diagnoses, two or more partners in the past 3 months and a high-risk partner in the past year. In an adjusted analysis, repeat diagnosis was independently associated with being a young man who has sex with men, living in a deprived area, a history of gonorrhoea and being diagnosed in 2004 but was most strongly associated with non-completion of behavioural data forms.ConclusionsGroups most at risk of repeat infection with gonorrhoea are highly predictable but are disinclined to provide detailed information on their sexual behaviour. Care pathways including targeted and intensive one-to-one risk reduction counselling, effective partner notification and offers of re-testing could deliver considerable public health benefit.
ON THE LARGE-t ELASTIC SCATTERING AT $\sqrt{s} = 7~{\rm TeV}$
Authors: TROSHIN S. M. , TYURIN N. E. 
Published: June 2012

We discuss discrimination of the scattering mechanisms on the basis of functional dependencies of the large-t elastic scattering suggested by the recent data from the TOTEM experiment. It is shown that Orear exponent is in a better agreement with the data than the power-like dependence used by the TOTEM. This implies that the collective dynamics is dominating over the point-like mechanism related to the scattering of the proton constituents. We also emphasize that vanishing of the helicity-flip amplitudes contributions at the LHC energies would result in appearance of the dip–bump structures at higher values of transferred momenta.
S100P-Derived RAGE Antagonistic Peptide Reduces Tumor Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Arumugam Thiruvengadam , Ramachandran Vijaya , Gomez Sobeyda B. , Schmidt Ann M. , Logsdon Craig D. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Purpose: The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) contributes to multiple pathologies, including diabetes, arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Despite the obvious need, no RAGE inhibitors are in common clinical use. Therefore, we developed a novel small RAGE antagonist peptide (RAP) that blocks activation by multiple ligands.
Experimental Design: RAGE and its ligands were visualized by immunohistochemical analysis of human pancreatic tissues, and siRNA was used to analyze their functions. Interactions between RAGE and S100P, S100A4, and HMGB-1 were measured by ELISA. Three S100P-derived small antagonistic peptides were designed, synthesized, and tested for inhibition of RAGE binding. The effects of the peptide blockers on NFκB-luciferase reporter activity was used to assess effects on RAGE-mediated signaling. The most effective peptide was tested on glioma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) models.
Results: Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the expression of RAGE and its ligands S100P, S100A4, and HMGB-1 in human PDAC. siRNA silencing of RAGE or its ligands reduced the growth and migration of PDAC cells in vitro. The most effective RAP inhibited the interaction of S100P, S100A4, and HMGB-1 with RAGE at micromolar concentrations. RAP also reduced the ability of the ligands to stimulate RAGE activation of NFκB in cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, systemic in vivo administration of RAP reduced the growth and metastasis of pancreatic tumors and also inhibited glioma tumor growth.
Conclusion: RAP shows promise as a tool for the investigation of RAGE function and as an in vivo treatment for RAGE-related disorders. Clin Cancer Res; 18(16); 4356–64. ©2012 AACR.
Rare Cancer Trial Design: Lessons from FDA Approvals
Authors: Gaddipati Himabindu , Liu Ke , Pariser Anne , Pazdur Richard 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
A systematic analysis of clinical trials supporting rare cancer drug approvals may identify concepts and terms that can inform the effective design of prospective clinical trials for rare cancers. In this article, using annual incidence ≤6 of 100,000 individuals to define “rare cancer,” we identified clinical trials for rare cancers, supporting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug approvals for rare cancer indications between December 1987 and May 2011. We characterized each selected trial for study design, sample size, primary efficacy endpoints, and statistical comparisons. We also profiled trials with regard to type of submission, review designation, and approval type. Our results indicated that, of 99 trials that supported the approvals of 45 drugs for 68 rare cancer indications, one third of these trials were randomized; 69% of approvals relied on objective response rate as the primary efficacy endpoint; and 63% were based on a single trial. Drugs granted accelerated approval appeared more likely to be associated with postmarketing safety findings, relative to drugs approved under the regular approval. Data collected across clinical trials were robust: Use of different lower incidence rates in analyzing these trials did not have effects on trial characteristics. The absolute number of drug approvals for rare cancer indications increased markedly over time. We concluded that one third of clinical trials supporting drug approvals for rare cancer indications were randomized, affirming the feasibility and value of randomized trial design to evaluate drugs for rare cancers. Postmarketing safety data may relate to trial design and approval type. An operational definition of “rare cancer” can be useful for the analysis of trial data and for the path toward harmonizing the terminology in the area of clinical research on rare cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 18(19); 5172–8. ©2012 AACR.
Patterns of Use of Perioperative Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Drenger Benjamin , Fontes Manuel L. , Miao Yinghui , Mathew Joseph P. , Gozal Yaacov , Aronson Solomon , Dietzel Cynthia , Mangano Dennis T. ,   the Multicenter Study of Perioperative Ischemia Research Group
Published: June 2012

Background—
Despite proven benefit in ambulatory patients with ischemic heart disease, the pattern of use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) in coronary artery bypass graft surgery has been erratic and controversial.

Methods and Results—

This is a prospective observational study of 4224 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The cohort included 1838 patients receiving ACEI therapy before surgery and 2386 (56.5%) without ACEI exposure. Postoperatively, the pattern of ACEI use yielded 4 groups: continuation, 915 (21.7%); withdrawal, 923 (21.8%); addition, 343 (8.1%); and no ACEI, 2043 (48.4%). Continuous treatment with ACEI versus no ACEI was associated with substantive reductions of risk of nonfatal events (adjusted odds ratio for the composite outcome, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.52–0.91;
P
=0.009) and a cardiovascular event (odds ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.46–0.88;
P
=0.006). Addition of ACEI de novo postoperatively compared with no ACEI therapy was also associated with a significant reduction of risk of composite outcome (odds ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.38–0.84;
P
=0.004) and a cardiovascular event (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.40–0.97;
P
=0.04). On the other hand, continuous treatment of ACEI versus withdrawal of ACEI was associated with decreased risk of the composite outcome (odds ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.38–0.66;
P
<0.001), as well as a decrease in cardiac and renal events (
P
<0.001 and
P
=0.005, respectively). No differences in in-hospital mortality and cerebral events were noted.

Conclusions—
Our study suggests that withdrawal of ACEI treatment after coronary artery bypass graft surgery is associated with nonfatal in-hospital ischemic events. Furthermore, continuation of ACEI or de novo ACEI therapy early after cardiac surgery is associated with improved in-hospital outcomes.
Influenza Vaccination and Major Adverse Vascular Events in High-Risk Patients
Authors: Johnstone Jennie , Loeb Mark , Teo Koon K. , Gao Peggy , Dyal Leanne , Liu Lisheng , Avezum Alvaro , Cardona-Munoz Ernesto , Sleight Peter , Fagard Robert , Yusuf Salim 
Published: June 2012

Background—
We sought to determine the association between influenza vaccination and major adverse vascular events because the association remains uncertain.

Methods and Results—
A total of 31 546 participants were enrolled from 40 countries. Eligibility included age ≥55 years and known vascular disease. The primary outcome was a composite of death resulting from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction, or stroke during 4 influenza seasons (2003–2007). Influenza vaccination was associated with a lower risk of the outcome during 3 influenza seasons (defined using World Health Organization FluNet reports): 2004 to 2005 (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50–0.77), 2005 to 2006 (adjusted OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.53–0.91), and 2006 to 2007 (adjusted OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.42–0.65), the same years that circulating influenza matched the vaccine antigen. In 2003 to 2004, there was an incomplete match between circulating influenza and the vaccine antigen, and there was no association between influenza vaccination and the outcome (adjusted OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.73–1.27). However, tests of potential biases in the analyses revealed associations between influenza vaccination and outcome during noninfluenza seasons except 2003 to 2004. The summary ORs in the influenza season (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.58–0.74]) and noninfluenza season (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.57–0.76) were almost identical. The reduction in risk of noncardiovascular death associated with the influenza vaccine ranged from 73% to 79%.

Conclusion—
Although initial analyses suggest that influenza vaccination was associated with reduced risk of major adverse vascular events during influenza seasons when the influenza vaccine matched the circulating virus, sensitivity analyses revealed that risk of bias remained. A randomized trial is needed to definitively address this question.
Childhood Physical, Environmental, and Genetic Predictors of Adult Hypertension
Authors: Juhola Jonna , Oikonen Mervi , Magnussen Costan G. , Mikkilä Vera , Siitonen Niina , Jokinen Eero , Laitinen Tomi , Würtz Peter , Gidding Samuel S. , Taittonen Leena , Seppälä Ilkka , Jula Antti , Kähönen Mika , Hutri-Kähönen Nina , Lehtimäki Terho , Viikari Jorma S.A. , Juonala Markus , Raitakari Olli T. 
Published: June 2012

Background—
Hypertension is a major modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. The present longitudinal study aimed to examine the best combination of childhood physical and environmental factors to predict adult hypertension and furthermore whether newly identified genetic variants for blood pressure increase the prediction of adult hypertension.

Methods and Results—

The study cohort included 2625 individuals from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study who were followed up for 21 to 27 years since baseline (1980; age, 3–18 years). In addition to dietary factors and biomarkers related to blood pressure, we examined whether a genetic risk score based on 29 newly identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms enhances the prediction of adult hypertension. Hypertension in adulthood was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mm Hg or medication for the condition. Independent childhood risk factors for adult hypertension included the individual's own blood pressure (
P
<0.0001), parental hypertension (
P
<0.0001), childhood overweight/obesity (
P
=0.005), low parental occupational status (
P
=0.003), and high genetic risk score (
P
<0.0001). Risk assessment based on childhood overweight/obesity status, parental hypertension, and parental occupational status was superior in predicting hypertension compared with the approach using only data on childhood blood pressure levels (C statistics, 0.718 versus 0.733;
P
=0.0007). Inclusion of both parental hypertension history and data on novel genetic variants for hypertension further improved the C statistics (0.742;
P
=0.015).

Conclusions—
Prediction of adult hypertension was enhanced by taking into account known physical and environmental childhood risk factors, family history of hypertension, and novel genetic variants. A multifactorial approach may be useful in identifying children at high risk for adult hypertension.
Neural Interaction between Spatial Domain and Spatial Reference Frame in Parietal–Occipital Junction
Authors: Chen Qi , Weidner Ralph , Weiss Peter H. , Marshall John C. , Fink Gereon R. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
On the basis of double dissociations in clinical symptoms of patients with unilateral visuospatial neglect, neuropsychological research distinguishes between different spatial domains (near vs. far) and different spatial reference frames (egocentric vs. allocentric). In this fMRI study, we investigated the neural interaction between spatial domains and spatial reference frames by constructing a virtual three-dimensional world and asking participants to perform either allocentric or egocentric judgments on an object located in either near or far space. Our results suggest that the parietal–occipital junction (POJ) not only shows a preference for near-space processing but is also involved in the neural interaction between spatial domains and spatial reference frames. Two dissociable streams of visual processing exist in the human brain: a ventral perception-related stream and a dorsal action-related stream. Consistent with the perception–action model, both far-space processing and allocentric judgments draw upon the ventral stream whereas both near-space processing and egocentric judgments draw upon the dorsal stream. POJ showed higher neural activity during allocentric judgments (ventral) in near space (dorsal) and egocentric judgments (dorsal) in far space (ventral) as compared with egocentric judgments (dorsal) in near space (dorsal) and allocentric judgments (ventral) in far space (ventral). Because representations in the dorsal and ventral streams need to interact during allocentric judgments (ventral) in near space (dorsal) and egocentric judgments (dorsal) in far space (ventral), our results imply that POJ is involved in the neural interaction between the two streams. Further evidence for the suggested role of POJ as a neural interface between the dorsal and ventral streams is provided by functional connectivity analysis.
Convergent Connectivity and Graded Specialization in the Rostral Human Temporal Lobe as Revealed by Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Probabilistic Tractography
Authors: Binney Richard J. , Parker Geoffrey J. M. , Lambon Ralph Matthew A. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
In recent years, multiple independent neuroscience investigations have implicated critical roles for the rostral temporal lobe in auditory and visual perception, language, and semantic memory. Although arising in the context of different cognitive functions, most of these suggest that there is a gradual convergence of sensory information in the temporal lobe that culminates in modality- and perceptually invariant representations at the most rostral aspect. Currently, however, too little is known regarding connectivity within the human temporal lobe to be sure of exactly how and where convergence occurs; existing hypotheses are primarily derived on the basis of cross-species generalizations from invasive nonhuman primate studies, the validity of which is unclear, especially where language function is concerned. In this study, we map the connectivity of the human rostral temporal lobe in vivo for the first time using diffusion-weighted imaging probabilistic tractography. The results indicate that convergence of sensory information in the temporal lobe is in fact a graded process that occurs along both its longitudinal and lateral axes and culminates in the most rostral limits. We highlight the consistency of our results with those of prior functional neuroimaging, computational modeling, and patient studies. By going beyond simple fasciculus reconstruction, we systematically explored the connectivity of specific temporal lobe areas to frontal and parietal language regions. In contrast to the graded within-temporal lobe connectivity, this intertemporal connectivity was found to dissociate across caudal, mid, and rostral subregions. Furthermore, we identified a basal rostral temporal region with very limited connectivity to areas outside the temporal lobe, which aligns with recent evidence that this subregion underpins the extraction of modality- and context-invariant semantic representations.
Neuronal Correlates of Multiple Top–Down Signals during Covert Tracking of Moving Objects in Macaque Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Matsushima Ayano , Tanaka Masaki 
Published: June 2012

AbstractResistance to distraction is a key component of executive functions and is strongly linked to the prefrontal cortex. Recent evidence suggests that neural mechanisms exist for selective suppression of task-irrelevant information. However, neuronal signals related to selective suppression have not yet been identified, whereas nonselective surround suppression, which results from attentional enhancement for relevant stimuli, has been well documented. This study examined single neuron activities in the lateral PFC when monkeys covertly tracked one of randomly moving objects. Although many neurons responded to the target, we also found a group of neurons that exhibited a selective response to the distractor that was visually identical to the target. Because most neurons were insensitive to an additional distractor that explicitly differed in color from the target, the brain seemed to monitor the distractor only when necessary to maintain internal object segregation. Our results suggest that the lateral PFC might provide at least two top–down signals during covert object tracking: one for enhancement of visual processing for the target and the other for selective suppression of visual processing for the distractor. These signals might work together to discriminate objects, thereby regulating both the sensitivity and specificity of target choice during covert object tracking.
Sino‐Nasal Characteristics in Asthmatic Patients
Authors: Thorstensen Wenche Moe , Bugten Vegard , Sue‐Chu Malcolm , Fossland Nils Petter Wold , Romundstad Pål Richard , Steinsvåg Sverre Karmhus 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveThe Unified Airways Hypothesis suggests an involvement of the upper airways in asthma. We aimed to evaluate the association between subjective sino‐nasal complaints, nasal air flow, and sino‐nasal quality of life (QOL) in patients with asthma compared with nonasthmatic subjects.Study DesignCase‐control study.SettingA tertiary referral center.Subjects and MethodsSymptoms, quality of life, and nasal airflow were assessed in 91 asthmatics and 95 nonasthmatic controls with Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0‐100), Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐20), and Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF), respectively. Asthma and allergy status were assessed by Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and skin prick test or specific IgE.ResultsAsthmatic patients (men/women, 37/54; mean age, 43.7 years; range, 19‐64 years) reported significantly more nasal obstruction (mean VAS, 37 mm; SD = 26, 95% CI, 32‐43 vs 9 mm, SD = 11, 95% CI, 7‐11, P <. 001) and lower sino‐nasal quality of life (mean SNOT‐20, 1.3; SD = 0.8, 95% CI, 1.1‐1.5 vs 0.4, SD = 0.5, 95% CI, 0.3‐0.5, P <. 001) than controls (men/women, 42/53; mean age, 43.8 years; range, 20‐65 years). PNIF was significantly lower in asthmatic patients than controls (mean PNIF, 84 l/min; SD = 24, 95% CI, 79‐89 vs 100 l/min SD = 24, 95% CI, 95‐105, P <. 001).ConclusionBoth allergic and nonallergic asthma were associated with increased sino‐nasal symptoms, reduced sino‐nasal QOL, and reduced inspiratory nasal air flow compared to controls. This provides further evidence of the clinical importance of the upper airway in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of asthma patients beyond the scope of allergy.