bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cesarean delivery may increase the risk of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Maghzi Amir-Hadi , Etemadifar Masoud , Heshmat-Ghahdarijani Kiyan , Nonahal Safieh , Minagar Alireza , Moradi Vahab 
Published: October 2011

Background: Prenatal and perinatal factors are believed to contribute to the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: This study was designed to evaluate whether mode of delivery (vaginal versus cesarean section), as a perinatal factor, affects susceptibility to MS. Methods: MS patients were recruited from the MS registry of Isfahan Multiple Sclerosis Society (IMSS) and were compared with their healthy siblings. Data regarding mode of delivery, birth order, and gestation week of birth were obtained through a specially designed questionnaire. Preterm or post term deliveries were excluded. We used conditional logistic regression statistics and adjusted for gender and birth order. Results: This study included 1349 participants (449 MS patients and 900 controls). Subjects who were born by cesarean section had significant risk of MS (odds ratio, OR = 2.51; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.43–4.41; p = 0.001). There was significant MS risk for females who were born by cesarean section (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.30–5.58; p = 0.008), but not for males (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 0.90–5.63; p = 0.082). The mean age at onset was lower in MS patients born by cesarean section (24.58 ± 6.33) compared with that of patients born by vaginal delivery (27.59 ± 7.97; p = 0.041). There was no significant difference between the two groups for birth order ( p = 0.417). Conclusion: Our results suggest that those born by vaginal delivery are at a lower risk of subsequent MS. These preliminary findings will need to be addressed in a much larger and preferably prospective study.
The relationship between walking, manual dexterity, cognition and activity/participation in persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kierkegaard Marie , Einarsson Ulrika , Gottberg Kristina , von Koch Lena , Holmqvist Lotta Widén 
Published: October 2011

Background: Multiple sclerosis has a vast impact on health, but the relationship between walking, manual dexterity, cognition and activity/participation is unclear. Objective: The specific aims were to explore the discriminative ability of measures of walking, manual dexterity and cognition, and to identify cut-off values in these measures, for prediction of independence in personal and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) and activity/participation in social and lifestyle activities. Methods: Data from 164 persons with multiple sclerosis were collected during home visits with the following measures: the 2 × 5 m walk test, the Nine-hole Peg Test, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the Katz Personal and Instrumental ADL Indexes, and the Frenchay Activities Index (measuring frequency in social and lifestyle activities). Results: The 2 × 5 m walk test and the Nine-hole Peg Test had high and better discriminative and predictive ability than the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Cut-off values were identified. The accuracy of predictions was increased above all by combining the 2 × 5 m walk test and the Nine-hole Peg Test. Conclusion: The proposed cut-off values in the 2 × 5 m walk test and the Nine-hole Peg Test may be used as indicators of functioning and to identify persons risking activity limitations and participation restrictions. However, further studies are needed to confirm the usefulness in clinical practice.
The association of ACE I/D gene polymorphism with severe carotid atherosclerosis in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Kolaković Ana , Živković Maja , Radak Djordje , Djurić Tamara , Končar Igor , Davidović Lazar , Dinčić Dragan , Alavantić Dragan , Stanković Aleksandra 
Published: October 2011

Introduction: The ACE I/D polymorphism was mostly investigated in association with intima-media thickness, rarely with severe atherosclerotic phenotype. Materials and methods: We investigated the association of I/D polymorphism with severe carotid atherosclerosis (CA) (stenosis > 70%) in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. The 504 patients subjected to endarterectomy and 492 healthy controls from a population in Serbia were investigated as a case-control study. Results: The univariate logistic regression analysis revealed ACE DD as a significant risk factor for severe CA (odds ratio [OR] = 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–1.7, p = 0.04). After adjustment for the common risk factors (age, hypertension, smoking, and HDL) ACE was no longer significant. However, we found a significant independent influence of DD genotype on plaque presence in a normotensive subgroup of patients (OR 1.8, CI 1.2–3.0, p = 0.01, corrected for multiple testing). In symptomatic patients D allele carriers were significantly more frequent compared with asymptomatic patients (OR 1.6 CI 1.0–2.6, p = 0.05). Conclusions: Our data suggests that ACE I/D is not an independent risk factor for severe CA. On the other hand, a significant independent genetic influence of ACE I/D appeared in normotensive and symptomatic patients with severe CA. This should be considered in further research toward resolving the complex genetic background of severe CA phenotype.
Mediated Density: The Indirect Relationship between U.S. State Public Policy and PACs
Authors: Benz Jennifer , Kirkland Justin H. , Gray Virginia , Lowery David , Sykes Jennifer , Deason Mary 
Published: October 2011

AbstractHow does the demand for lobbying reflected by government policy activity influence the use of lobbying strategies and tactics? The authors examine this question by assessing how the complexity of the policy space affects the political action committee (PAC) system. They hypothesize that the complexity of the policy space indirectly affects the size and activity of the PAC system through its direct effect on interest organization density. The authors test this hypothesis within the health sector using a unique data set that connects individual interest organizations registered to lobby U.S. state legislatures with active PACs in the state. It appears that social, economic, and political measures of policy space complexity influence the size of the lobbying community, which in turn influences the size and activity of the PAC community.
Are the arts an effective setting for promoting health messages?
Authors: Mills Christina , Knuiman Matthew , Rosenberg Michael , Wood Lisa , Ferguson Renee 
Published: October 2011

Aim: Individuals can contribute to their own well-being through the adoption of positive health behaviours and the avoidance of negative health behaviours. The promotion of health messages is a cognitive strategy used to influence the adoption of health-enhancing behaviours. Since 1991, arts organizations have been sponsored by the Western Australian Health Promotion Foundation (Healthway) to promote anti-smoking, safe alcohol consumption, physical activity, sun protection and nutrition messages to the general population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of arts sponsorship to promote health messages and therefore gauge the effectiveness of the arts as a communication channel to promote health to the general population. Methods: A secondary analysis of the Healthway Survey of Community Recreation and Health data was conducted. The data were collected via a telephone survey of Western Australian adults aged 16–69 years. Overall, 1997 respondents participated in this study, a response rate of 59%. The analysis included a descriptive investigation, followed by logistic regression analyses of message awareness by those engaged and not engaged in the arts for sponsored anti-smoking, safe alcohol consumption, physical activity, sun protection and nutrition messages. Results: Overall, 68% of those surveyed were classified as engaged in the arts, either as a participant, attendee or member of an arts organization. In general, those engaged in the arts were significantly more likely to recall health messages relating to physical activity (adjusted OR = 1.9), sun protection (OR = 1.8) nutrition (OR = 1.5), safe alcohol consumption (OR = 1.5) and anti-smoking (adjusted OR = 1.3) than those not engaged in the arts. Conclusions: Findings from this study suggest the arts have merit beyond intrinsic artistic value and are a viable means of promoting health messages to the general population.
Prospective measurement of Epstein-Barr virus–DNA in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type
Authors: Suzuki Ritsuro , Yamaguchi Motoko , Izutsu Koji , Yamamoto Go , Takada Kenzo , Harabuchi Yasuaki , Isobe Yasushi , Gomyo Hiroshi , Koike Tadashi , Okamoto Masataka , Hyo Rie , Suzumiya Junji , Nakamura Shigeo , Kawa Keisei , Oshimi Kazuo ,   the NK-cell Tumor Study Group
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–DNA was prospectively analyzed in plasma and mononuclear cells (MNCs) from peripheral blood in patients with extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, to evaluate the clinical significance for diagnosis, monitoring the tumor burden, and prognostication. Thirty-three patients were enrolled, and 32 were evaluable. Pretreatment plasma and MNC EBV-DNA was detectable in 14 (range, 50-71 000 copies/mL) and 6 patients (range, 20-780 copies/μg DNA), respectively, and both were well correlated (r = 0.8741, P < .0001). Detectable plasma EBV-DNA was associated with higher clinical stage (P = .02), presence of B symptoms (P = .02), worse performance status (P = .02), and higher serum soluble IL-2 receptor level (P < .0001). Twenty-two patients attained complete response. Plasma EBV-DNA level was significantly higher in nonresponders than in responders (mean, 16 472 vs 2 645 copies/mL; P = .02). Multivariate analysis showed clinical stage (hazard ratio, 9.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.8%-45.0%) and pretreatment plasma EBV-DNA (hazard ratio, 10.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.3%-87.0%) were significant prognostic factors. Three-year overall survival of plasma EBV-DNA positive and negative patients was 42.9% and 94.4%, respectively (P = .0009). Plasma was a preferable sample for this purpose in NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, and EBV-DNA level was a good indicator for response and overall survival.
Effect of the down-regulation of the high Grain Protein Content (GPC) genes on the wheat transcriptome during monocarpic senescence
Authors: Cantu Dario , Pearce Stephen P , Distelfeld Assaf , Christiansen Michael W , Uauy Cristobal , Akhunov Eduard , Fahima Tzion , Dubcovsky Jorge 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Increasing the nutrient concentration of wheat grains is important to ameliorate nutritional deficiencies in many parts of the world. Proteins and nutrients in the wheat grain are largely derived from the remobilization of degraded leaf molecules during monocarpic senescence. The down-regulation of the NAC transcription factor Grain Protein Content (GPC) in transgenic wheat plants delays senescence (>3 weeks) and reduces the concentration of protein, Zn and Fe in the grain (>30%), linking senescence and nutrient remobilization.
Based on the early and rapid up-regulation of GPC in wheat flag leaves after anthesis, we hypothesized that this transcription factor is an early regulator of monocarpic senescence. To test this hypothesis, we used high-throughput mRNA-seq technologies to characterize the effect of the GPC down-regulation on the wheat flag-leaf transcriptome 12 days after anthesis. At this early stage of senescence GPC transcript levels are significantly lower in transgenic GPC-RNAi plants than in the wild type, but there are still no visible phenotypic differences between genotypes.

Results
We generated 1.4 million 454 reads from early senescing flag leaves (average ~350 nt) and assembled 1.2 million into 30,497 contigs that were used as a reference to map 145 million Illumina reads from three wild type and four GPC-RNAi plants. Following normalization and statistical testing, we identified a set of 691 genes differentially regulated by GPC (431 ≥ 2-fold change). Transcript level ratios between transgenic and wild type plants showed a high correlation (R = 0.83) between qRT-PCR and Illumina results, providing independent validation of the mRNA-seq approach. A set of differentially expressed genes were analyzed across an early senescence time-course.

Conclusions
Monocarpic senescence is an active process characterized by large-scale changes in gene expression which begins considerably before the appearance of visual symptoms of senescence. The mRNA-seq approach used here was able to detect small differences in transcript levels during the early stages of senescence. This resulted in an extensive list of GPC-regulated genes, which includes transporters, hormone regulated genes, and transcription factors. These GPC-regulated genes, particularly those up-regulated during senescence, provide valuable entry points to dissect the early stages of monocarpic senescence and nutrient remobilization in wheat.
High MafB expression following burn augments monocyte commitment and inhibits DC differentiation in hemopoietic progenitors
Authors: Howell Kirstin , Posluszny Joseph , He Li K , Szilagyi Andrea , Halerz John , Gamelli Richard L , Shankar Ravi , Muthu Kuzhali 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT
We have previously shown that perturbed bone marrow progenitor development promotes hyporesponsive monocytes following experimental burn sepsis. Clinical and experimental sepsis is associated with monocyte deactivation and depletion of mDCs. Decrease in circulating DCs is reported in burn patients who develop sepsis. In our 15% TBSA scald burn model, we demonstrate a significant reduction in the circulating MHC-II+ population and mDCs (Gr1negCD11b+CD11c+) with a corresponding decrease in bone marrow MHC-II+ cells and mDCs for up to 14 days following burn. We explored the underlying mechanism(s) that regulate bone marrow development of monocytes and DCs following burn injury. We found a robust bone marrow response with a significant increase in multipotential HSCs (LSK) and bipotential GMPs following burn injury. GMPs from burn mice exhibit a significant reduction in GATA-1, which is essential for DC development, but express high levels of MafB and M-CSFRs, both associated with monocyte production. GMPs obtained from burn mice differentiated 1.7 times more into Mφ and 1.6-fold less into DCs compared with sham. Monocytes and DCs expressed 50% less MHC-II in burn versus sham. Increased monocyte commitment in burn GMPs was a result of high MafB and M-CSFR expressions. Transient silencing of MafB (siRNA) in GMP-derived monocytes from burn mice partially restored DC differentiation deficits and increased GATA-1 expression. We provide evidence that high MafB following burn plays an inhibitory role in monocyte-derived DC differentiation by regulating M-CSFR and GATA-1 expressions.
Effects of anxiety on the long-term course of depressive disorders
Authors: Coryell William , Fiedorowicz Jess G. , Solomon David , Leon Andrew C. , Rice John P. , Keller Martin B. 
Published: October 2011

BackgroundIt is well established that the presence of prominent anxiety within depressive episodes portends poorer outcomes. Important questions remain as to which anxiety features are important to outcome and how sustained their prognostic effects are over time.AimsTo examine the relative prognostic importance of specific anxiety features and to determine whether their effects persist over decades and apply to both unipolar and bipolar conditions.MethodParticipants with unipolar (n = 476) or bipolar (n = 335) depressive disorders were intensively followed for a mean of 16.7 years (s.d. = 8.5).ResultsThe number and severity of anxiety symptoms, but not the presence of pre-existing anxiety disorders, showed a robust and continuous relationship to the subsequent time spent in depressive episodes in both unipolar and bipolar depressive disorder. The strength of this relationship changed little over five successive 5-year periods.ConclusionsThe severity of current anxiety symptoms within depressive episodes correlates strongly with the persistence of subsequent depressive symptoms and this relationship is stable over decades.
Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: an important differential diagnosis in psychosis
Authors: Barry Helen , Hardiman Orla , Healy Daniel G. , Keogan Mary , Moroney Joan , Molnar Peter P. , Cotter David R. , Murphy Kieran C. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryWe present four cases of confirmed anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis; three presented initially with serious psychiatric symptoms and the other developed significant psychiatric symptoms during the initial phase of illness. Brain biopsy findings of one patient are also described. Psychiatrists should consider anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in patients presenting with psychosis and additional features of dyskinesias, seizures and catatonia, particularly where there is no previous history of psychiatric disorder.
Pricing Kernels with Stochastic Skewness and Volatility Risk
Authors: Chabi-Yo Fousseni 
Published: October 2011

I derive pricing kernels in which the market volatility is endogenously determined. Using the Taylor expansion series of the representative investor's marginal utility, I show that the price of market volatility risk is restricted by the investor's risk aversion and skewness preference. The risk aversion is estimated to be between two and five and is significant. The price of the market volatility is negative. Consistent with economic theory, I find that the pricing kernel decreases in the market index return and increases in market volatility. The projection of the estimated pricing kernel onto a polynomial function of the market return produces puzzling behaviors, which can be observed in the pricing kernel and absolute risk aversion functions. The inclusion of additional terms in the Taylor expansion series of the investor's marginal utility produces a pricing kernel function of market stochastic volatility, stochastic skewness, and stochastic kurtosis. The prices of risk of these moments are restricted by the investor's risk aversion, skewness preference, and kurtosis preference. The prices of risk of these moments should not be confused with the price of risk of powers of the market return, such as coskewness and cokurtosis. This paper was accepted by Wei Xiong, finance.
Sequential Sampling with Economics of Selection Procedures
Authors: Chick Stephen E. , Frazier Peter 
Published: October 2011

Sequential sampling problems arise in stochastic simulation and many other applications. Sampling is used to infer the unknown performance of several alternatives before one alternative is selected as best. This paper presents new economically motivated fully sequential sampling procedures to solve such problems, called economics of selection procedures. The optimal procedure is derived for comparing a known standard with one alternative whose unknown reward is inferred with sampling. That result motivates heuristics when multiple alternatives have unknown rewards. The resulting procedures are more effective in numerical experiments than any previously proposed procedure of which we are aware and are easily implemented. The key driver of the improvement is the use of dynamic programming to model sequential sampling as an option to learn before selecting an alternative. It accounts for the expected benefit of adaptive stopping policies for sampling, rather than of one-stage policies, as is common in the literature. This paper was accepted by Assaf Zeevi, stochastic models and simulation.
From “Clinical Proteomics” to “Clinical Chemistry Proteomics”: considerations using quantitative mass-spectrometry as a model approach
Authors: Lehmann Sylvain , Poinot Pauline , Tiers Laurent , Junot Christophe , Becher François , Hirtz Christophe 
Published: October 2011

AbstractClinical Proteomics biomarker discovery programs lead to the selection of putative new biomarkers of human pathologies. Following an initial discovery phase, validation of these candidates in larger populations is a major task that recently started relying upon the use of mass spectrometry approaches, especially in cases where classical immune-detection methods were lacking. Thanks to highly sensitive spectrometers, adapted measurement methods like selective reaction monitoring (SRM) and various pre-fractionation methods, the quantitative detection of protein/peptide biomarkers in low concentrations is now feasible from complex biological fluids. This possibility leads to the use of similar methodologies in clinical biology laboratories, within a new proteomic field that we shall name “Clinical Chemistry Proteomics” (CCP). Such evolution of Clinical Proteomics adds important constraints with regards to the in vitro diagnostic (IVD) application. As measured values of analytes will be used to diagnose, follow-up and adapt patient treatment on a routine basis; medical utility, robustness, reference materials and clinical feasibility are among the new issues of CCP to consider.
Overestimating the Effect of Complementarity on Skill Demand
Authors: Kovak Brian K. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Many recent studies estimate cost function parameters to measure the influence of capital-skill complementarity on changes in skill demand. This paper argues that standard cost function estimates assuming quasi-fixed capital systematically overestimate the effect of complementarity when subject to skill-biased technological change. While previous work has considered bias due to measurement error or general endogeneity concerns, this paper shows that upward bias results directly from cost minimizing behavior. I also develop a novel instrumental variables strategy based on the tax treatment of capital to more accurately measure the effect of complementarity. Although somewhat imprecise, the IV results support the model's prediction that the standard approach overestimates the effect of complementarity.
PTPN2, a Candidate Gene for Type 1 Diabetes, Modulates Pancreatic β-Cell Apoptosis via Regulation of the BH3-Only Protein Bim
Authors: Santin Izortze , Moore Fabrice , Colli Maikel L. , Gurzov Esteban N. , Marselli Lorella , Marchetti Piero , Eizirik Decio L. 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE
Genome-wide association studies allowed the identification of several associations between specific loci and type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the mechanisms by which most candidate genes predispose to T1D remain unclear. We presently evaluated the mechanisms by which PTPN2, a candidate gene for T1D, modulates β-cell apoptosis after exposure to type I and II interferons (IFNs), cytokines that contribute to β-cell loss in early T1D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Small interfering RNAs were used to inhibit PTPN2, STAT1, Bim, and Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) expression. Cell death was assessed by Hoechst and propidium iodide staining. BAX translocation, Bim phosphorylation, cytochrome c release, and caspases 9 and 3 activation were measured by Western blot or immunofluorescence.

RESULTS
PTPN2 knockdown exacerbated type I IFN–induced apoptosis in INS-1E, primary rat, and human β-cells. PTPN2 silencing and exposure to type I and II IFNs induced BAX translocation to the mitochondria, cytochrome c release, and caspase 3 activation. There was also an increase in Bim phosphorylation that was at least in part regulated by JNK1. Of note, both Bim and JNK1 knockdown protected β-cells against IFN-induced apoptosis in PTPN2-silenced cells.

CONCLUSIONS
The present findings suggest that local IFN production may interact with a genetic factor (PTPN2) to induce aberrant proapoptotic activity of the BH3-only protein Bim, resulting in increased β-cell apoptosis via JNK activation and the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. This is the first indication of a direct interaction between a candidate gene for T1D and the activation of a specific downstream proapoptotic pathway in β-cells.