bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary Biomarkers of Meat Consumption
Authors: Cross Amanda J. , Major Jacqueline M. , Sinha Rashmi 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Background: Meat intake has been positively associated with incidence and mortality of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and several different cancers, in observational studies by using self-report methods of dietary assessment; however, these dietary assessment methods are subject to measurement error. One method to circumvent such errors is the use of biomarkers of dietary intake, but currently there are no accepted biomarkers for meat intake.
Methods: We investigated four analytes (creatinine, taurine, 1-methylhistidine, and 3-methylhistidine) specifically found in meat and excreted in urine. Twenty-four–hour urine samples were collected from 17 individuals on controlled diets containing varying levels of meat: vegetarian (0 g/d), low red meat (60 g/d), medium red meat (120 g/d), and high red meat (420 g/d), as part of two randomized crossover feeding studies.
Results: When compared with the low red meat diet or the vegetarian diet, the urinary levels of all four analytes were significantly higher in urine samples collected after 15 days of a high red meat diet (P &lt; 0.0001). Only urinary 1-methylhistidine and 3-methylhistidine were statistically significantly different for every diet type, increasing as the amount of meat in the diet increased (P &lt; 0.01 for 1-methylhistidine and P &lt; 0.05 for 3-methylhistidine). Furthermore, urinary excretion of 1-methylhistidine and 3-methylhistidine elevated with increasing meat intake in every individual.
Conclusion: Urinary 1-methylhistidine and 3-methylhistidine may be good biomarkers of meat intake.
Impact: To determine the public health impact of red meat on cancer risk, biomarkers are crucial to estimate true intake; these potential biomarkers should be further investigated in free-living populations. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(6); 1107–11. ©2011 AACR.
Anatomic Localization and Autonomic Modulation of Atrioventricular Junctional Rhythm in Failing Human Hearts
Authors: Fedorov Vadim V. , Ambrosi Christina M. , Kostecki Geran , Hucker William J. , Glukhov Alexey V. , Wuskell Joseph P. , Loew Leslie M. , Moazami Nader , Efimov Igor R. 
Published: June 2011

Background—
The structure-function relationship in the atrioventricular junction (AVJ) of various animal species has been investigated in detail; however, less is known about the human AVJ. In this study, we performed high-resolution optical mapping of the human AVJ (n=6) to define its pacemaker properties and response to autonomic stimulation.

Methods and Results—
Isolated, coronary-perfused AVJ preparations from failing human hearts (n=6, 53±6 years) were optically mapped using the near-infrared, voltage-sensitive dye, di-4-ANBDQBS, with isoproterenol (1 μmol/L) and acetylcholine (1 μmol/L). An algorithm detecting multiple components of optical action potentials was used to reconstruct multilayered intramural AVJ activation and to identify specialized slow and fast conduction pathways (SP and FP). The anatomic origin and propagation of pacemaker activity was verified by histology. Spontaneous AVJ rhythms of 29±11 bpm (n=6) originated in the nodal-His region (n=3) and/or the proximal His bundle (n=4). Isoproterenol accelerated the AVJ rhythm to 69±12 bpm (n=5); shifted the leading pacemaker to the transitional cell regions near the FP and SP (n=4) and/or coronary sinus (n=2); and triggered reentrant arrhythmias (n=2). Acetylcholine (n=4) decreased the AVJ rhythm to 18±4 bpm; slowed FP/SP conduction leading to block between the AVJ and atrium; and shifted the pacemaker to either the transitional cell region or the nodal-His region (bifocal activation).

Conclusions—
We have demonstrated that the AVJ pacemaker in failing human hearts is located in the nodal-His region or His bundle regions and can be modified with autonomic stimulation. Moreover, we found that both the FP and SP are involved in anterograde and retrograde conduction.
The analysis of shielding gases in laser–arc hybrid welding processes
Authors: Kah P , Salminen A , Martikainen J 
Published: June 2011

Acceptable quality laser–arc hybrid welds can be produced with many different process gas compositions, but if the objective is high productivity, low gas costs, a reliable process, and the best quality, the shielding gas composition makes a remarkable difference in the laser–arc hybrid welding of steels. The present paper mostly concentrates on the welding of steel. The gas type used in such processes has a significant influence upon plasma formation, process stability, and the weld bead shape. In this paper, different process gases have been studied in various laser–arc hybrid welding processes. The aim of the review is to assess the influence of shielding gases in the production of a weld. It was concluded from the study that for the constant combination of the laser beam and arc sources, there should be an optimal combination and composition of types of shielding gases. The flowrate of the shielding gas must change the laser-induced plasma plume in order to attain a high coupling coefficient between the laser and the material. The study is based on a critical literature analysis of the results from a variety of studies carried out by several research groups. The effects of parameters and set-up are detailed in the analysis, which especially assesses the economic feasibility and quality management factors.
Does thermoregulatory behavior maximize reproductive fitness of natural isolates of Caenorhabditis elegans?
Authors: Anderson Jennifer L , Albergotti Lori , Ellebracht Barbara , Huey Raymond B , Phillips Patrick C 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundA central premise of physiological ecology is that an animal's preferred body temperature should correspond closely with the temperature maximizing performance and Darwinian fitness. Testing this co-adaptational hypothesis has been problematic for several reasons. First, reproductive fitness is the appropriate measure, but is difficult to measure in most animals. Second, no single fitness measure applies to all demographic situations, complicating interpretations. Here we test the co-adaptation hypothesis by studying an organism (Caenorhabditis elegans) in which both fitness and thermal preference can be reliably measured.ResultsWe find that natural isolates ofC. elegansdisplay a range of mean thermal preferences and also vary in their thermal sensitivities for fitness. Hot-seeking isolates CB4854 and CB4857 prefer temperatures that favor population growth rate (r), whereas the cold-seeking isolate CB4856 prefers temperatures that favor Lifetime Reproductive Success (LRS).ConclusionsCorrelations between fitness and thermal preference in natural isolates ofC. elegansare driven primarily by isolate-specific differences in thermal preference. If these differences are the result of natural selection, then this suggests that the appropriate measure of fitness for use in evolutionary ecology studies might differ even within species, depending on the unique ecological and evolutionary history of each population.
The interplay between surfaces and soluble factors define the immunologic and angiogenic properties of myeloid dendritic cells
Authors: Sprague Leslee , Muccioli Maria , Pate Michelle , Meles Evan , McGinty John , Nandigam Harika , Venkatesh Amritha K , Gu Ming-yu , Mansfield Kristen , Rutowski Andrew , Omosebi Omowaleola , Courreges Maria C , Benencia Fabian 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen presenting cells capable of inducing specific immune responses against microbial infections, transplant antigens, or tumors. Interestingly, microenvironment conditions such as those present in tumor settings might induce a DC phenotype that is poorly immunogenic and with the capability of promoting angiogenesis. We hypothesize that this plasticity may be caused not only by the action of specific cytokines or growth factors but also by the properties of the surfaces with which they interact, such as extracellular matrix (ECM) components.

Results
Herewith we studied the effect of different surfaces and soluble factors on the biology of DCs. To accomplish this, we cultured murine myeloid(m) DCs on surfaces coated with fibronectin, collagen I, gelatin, and Matrigel using poly-D-lysine and polystyrene as non-biological surfaces. Further, we cultured these cells in the presence of regular DC medium (RPMI 10% FBS) or commercially available endothelial medium (EGM-2). We determined that mDCs could be kept in culture up to 3 weeks in these conditions, but only in the presence of GM-CSF. We were able to determine that long-term DC cultures produce an array of angiogenic factors, and that some of these cultures still retain the capability to induce T cell responses.

Conclusions
Altogether these data indicate that in order to design DC-based vaccines or treatments focused on changing the phenotype of DCs associated with diseases such as cancer or atherosclerosis, it becomes necessary to fully investigate the microenvironment in which these cells are present or will be delivered.
Trends in chlamydia and gonorrhea positivity among heterosexual men and men who have sex with men attending a large urban sexual health service in Australia, 2002-2009
Authors: Vodstrcil Lenka A , Fairley Christopher K , Fehler Glenda , Leslie David , Walker Jennifer , Bradshaw Catriona S , Hocking Jane S 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
To determine whether chlamydia positivity among heterosexual men (MSW) and chlamydia and gonorrhea positivity among men who have sex with men (MSM), are changing.

Methods
Computerized records for men attending a large sexual health clinic between 2002 and 2009 were analyzed. Chlamydia and gonorrhea positivity were calculated and logistic regression used to assess changes over time.

Results
17769 MSW and 8328 MSM tested for chlamydia and 7133 MSM tested for gonorrhea. In MSW, 7.37% (95% CI: 6.99-7.77) were chlamydia positive; the odds of chlamydia positivity increased by 4% per year (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01-1.07; p = 0.02) after main risk factors were adjusted for. In MSM, 3.70% (95% CI: 3.30-4.14) were urethral chlamydia positive and 5.36% (95% CI: 4.82-5.96) were anal chlamydia positive; positivity could not be shown to have changed over time. In MSM, 3.05% (95% CI: 2.63-3.53) tested anal gonorrhea positive and 1.83% (95% CI: 1.53-2.18) tested pharyngeal gonorrhea positive. Univariate analysis found the odds of anal gonorrhea positivity had decreased (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.87-1.00; p = 0.05), but adjusting for main risk factors resulted in no change. Urethral gonorrhea cases in MSM as a percentage of all MSM tested for gonorrhea also fell (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
These data suggest that chlamydia prevalence in MSW is rising and chlamydia and gonorrhea prevalence among MSM is stable or declining. High STI testing rates among MSM in Australia may explain differences in STI trends between MSM and MSW.
Primary care utilisation patterns among an urban immigrant population in the Spanish National Health System
Authors: Calderón-Larrañaga Amaia , Gimeno-Feliu Luis A , Macipe-Costa Rosa , Poblador-Plou Beatriz , Bordonaba-Bosque Daniel , Prados-Torres Alexandra 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
There is evidence suggesting that the use of health services is lower among immigrants after adjusting for age and sex. This study takes a step forward to compare primary care (PC) utilisation patterns between immigrants and the native population with regard to their morbidity burden.

Methods
This retrospective, observational study looked at 69,067 individuals representing the entire population assigned to three urban PC centres in the city of Zaragoza (Aragon, Spain). Poisson models were applied to determine the number of annual PC consultations per individual based on immigration status. All models were first adjusted for age and sex and then for age, sex and case mix (ACG System®).

Results
The age and sex adjusted mean number of total annual consultations was lower among the immigrant population (children: IRR = 0.79, p < 0.05; adults: IRR = 0.73, p < 0.05). After adjusting for morbidity burden, this difference decreased among children (IRR = 0.94, p < 0.05) and disappeared among adults (IRR = 1.00). Further analysis considering the PC health service and type of visit revealed higher usage of routine diagnostic tests among immigrant children (IRR = 1.77, p < 0.05) and a higher usage of emergency services among the immigrant adult population (IRR = 1.2, p < 0.05) after adjusting for age, sex and case mix.

Conclusions
Although immigrants make lower use of PC services than the native population after adjusting the consultation rate for age and sex, these differences decrease significantly when considering their morbidity burden. These results reinforce the 'healthy migration effect' and discount the existence of differences in PC utilisation patterns between the immigrant and native populations in Spain.
Weight Watchers on prescription: An observational study of weight change among adults referred to Weight Watchers by the NHS
Authors: Ahern Amy L , Olson Ashley D , Aston Louise M , Jebb Susan A 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
The scale of overweight and obesity in the UK places a considerable burden on the NHS. In some areas the NHS has formed partnerships with commercial companies to offer weight management services, but there has been little evaluation of these schemes.
This study is an independent audit of the Weight Watchers NHS Referral scheme and evaluates the weight change of obese and overweight adults referred to Weight Watchers (WW) by the NHS.

Method
Data was obtained from the WW NHS Referral Scheme database for 29,326 referral courses started after 2nd April 2007 and ending before 6th October 2009 [90% female; median age 49 years (IQR 38 - 61 years); median BMI 35.1 kg/m2 (IQR 31.8 - 39.5 kg/m2). Participants received vouchers (funded by the PCT following referral by a healthcare professional) to attend 12 WW meetings. Body weight was measured at WW meetings and relayed to the central database.

Results
Median weight change for all referrals was -2.8 kg [IQR -5.9 - -0.7 kg] representing -3.1% initial weight. 33% of all courses resulted in loss of ≥5% initial weight. 54% of courses were completed. Median weight change for those completing a first course was -5.4 kg [IQR -7.8 - -3.1 kg] or -5.6% of initial weight. 57% lost ≥5% initial weight.

Conclusions
A third of all patients who were referred to WW through the WW NHS Referral Scheme and started a 12 session course achieved ≥5% weight loss, which is usually associated with clinical benefits. This is the largest audit of NHS referral to a commercial weight loss programme in the UK and results are comparable with other options for weight loss available through primary care.
Prevalence and risk factors of childhood allergic diseases in eight metropolitan cities in China: A multicenter study
Authors: Li Fei , Zhou Yingchun , Li Shenghui , Jiang Fan , Jin Xingming , Yan Chonghuai , Tian Ying , Zhang Yiwen , Tong Shilu , Shen Xiaoming 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Several studies conducted during the past two decades suggested increasing trend of childhood allergic diseases in China. However, few studies have provided detailed description of geographic variation and explored risk factors of these diseases. This study investigated the pattern and risk factors of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in eight metropolitan cities in China.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey during November-December 2005 in eight metropolitan cities in China. A total of 23791 children aged 6-13 years participated in this survey. Questions from the standard questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC) were used to examine the pattern of current asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the risk factors for childhood allergies.

Results
The average prevalence of childhood asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema across the eight cities was 3∙3% (95% Confidence interval (CI): 3∙1%, 3∙6%), 9∙8% (95% CI: 9∙4%, 10∙2%) and 5∙5% (95% CI: 5∙2%, 5∙8%), respectively. Factors related to lifestyle, mental health and socio-economic status were found to be associated with the prevalence of childhood allergies. These risk factors were unevenly distributed across cities and disproportionately affected the local prevalence.

Conclusions
There was apparent geographic variation of childhood allergies in China. Socio-environmental factors had strong impacts on the prevalence of childhood allergies; but these impacts differed across regions. Thus public health policies should specifically target at the local risk factors for each individual area.
Interactions between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 Vpr expression and innate immunity influence neurovirulence
Authors: Na Hong , Acharjee Shaona , Jones Gareth , Vivithanaporn Pornpun , Noorbakhsh Farshid , McFarlane Nicola , Maingat Ferdinand , Ballanyi Klaus , Pardo Carlos A , Cohen Éric A , Power Christopher 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundViral diversity and abundance are defining properties of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1's biology and pathogenicity. Despite the increasing availability of antiretroviral therapy, HIV-associated dementia (HAD) continues to be a devastating consequence of HIV-1 infection of the brain although the underlying disease mechanisms remain uncertain. Herein, molecular diversity within the HIV-1 non-structural gene, Vpr, was examined in RNA sequences derived from brain and blood of HIV/AIDS patients with or without HIV-associated dementia (HAD) together with the ensuing pathobiological effects.ResultsCloned brain- and blood-derived full lengthvpralleles revealed that amino acid residue 77 within the brain-derived alleles distinguished HAD (77Q) from non-demented (ND) HIV/AIDS patients (77R) (p< 0.05) althoughvprtranscripts were more frequently detected in HAD brains (p< 0.05). Full length HIV-1 clones encoding the 77R-ND residue induced higherIFN-α,MX1andBST-2transcript levels in human glia relative to the 77Q-HAD encoding virus (p< 0.05) but both viruses exhibited similar levels of gene expression and replication. Myeloid cells transfected with 77Q-(pVpr77Q-HAD), 77R (pVpr77R-ND) or Vpr null (pVpr(-))-containing vectors showed that the pVpr77R-NDvector induced higher levels of immune gene expression (p< 0.05) and increased neurotoxicity (p< 0.05). Vpr peptides (amino acids 70-96) containing the 77Q-HAD or 77R-ND motifs induced similar levels of cytosolic calcium activation when exposed to human neurons. Human glia exposed to the 77R-ND peptide activated higher transcript levels ofIFN-α,MX1,PRKRAandBST-2relative to 77Q-HAD peptide (p< 0.05). The Vpr 77R-ND peptide was also more neurotoxic in a concentration-dependent manner when exposed to human neurons (p< 0.05). Stereotaxic implantation of full length Vpr, 77Q-HAD or 77R-ND peptides into the basal ganglia of mice revealed that full length Vpr and the 77R-ND peptide caused greater neurobehavioral deficits and neuronal injury compared with 77Q-HAD peptide-implanted animals (p< 0.05).ConclusionsThese observations underscored the potent neuropathogenic properties of Vpr but also indicated viral diversity modulates innate neuroimmunity and neurodegeneration.
Systemic Epstein-Barr-virus-positive T cell lymphoproliferative childhood disease in a 22-year-old Caucasian man: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Tabanelli Valentina , Agostinelli Claudio , Sabattini Elena , Gazzola Anna , Bacci Francesco , Capria Saveria , Mannu Claudia , Righi Simona , Sista Maria Teresa , Meloni Giovanna , Pileri Stefano A , Piccaluga Pier Paolo 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Systemic Epstein-Barr-virus-positive T cell lymphoproliferative disease of childhood is an extremely rare disorder, characterized by clonal proliferation of Epstein-Barr-virus-infected T cells with an activated cytotoxic phenotype. The disease is more frequent in Asia and South America, with only few cases reported in Western countries. A prompt diagnosis, though often difficult, is a necessity due to the very aggressive clinical course of the disease.

Case presentation
We report the clinicopathological features of fulminant T cell lymphoproliferative disease that arose in the setting of acute primary Epstein-Barr virus infection. Our patient, a 23-year-old man, presented to our facility with persisting fever, hepatosplenomegaly and severe pancytopenia. On bone marrow biopsy, an abundant lymphoid infiltrate was observed. Immunophenotypic and molecular studies revealed that the atypical lymphoid cells displayed a CD8+, Epstein-Barr-encoded-RNA-positive T cell phenotype with clonal rearrangement of the T cell receptor genes, the final diagnosis being systemic Epstein-Barr-virus-positive T cell lymphoproliferative disease. On reviewing the literature we found only 14 similar cases, all presenting with very aggressive clinical courses and requiring extensive phenotyping and molecular techniques for final diagnosis.

Conclusion
Though extremely rare, this disease can occur in Europe, and a comprehensive diagnostic approach is thus recommended in all case of Epstein-Barr-virus-positive lymphoproliferative disorders. Unfortunately, at present no specific treatment is available; however, prompt administration of anti- Epstein-Barr virus treatment and rapid attempts to control the hemophagocytic syndrome are indicated.
Relation between mean arterial pressure and renal function in the early phase of shock: a prospective, explorative cohort study
Authors: Badin Julie , Boulain Thierry , Ehrmann Stephan , Skarzynski Marie , Bretagnol Anne , Buret Jennifer , Benzekri-Lefevre Dalila , Mercier Emmanuelle , Runge Isabelle , Garot Denis , Mathonnet Armelle , Dequin Pierre-François , Perrotin Dominique 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Because of disturbed renal autoregulation, patients experiencing hypotension-induced renal insult might need higher levels of mean arterial pressure (MAP) than the 65 mmHg recommended level in order to avoid the progression of acute kidney insufficiency (AKI).

Methods
In 217 patients with sustained hypotension, enrolled and followed prospectively, we compared the evolution of the mean arterial pressure (MAP) during the first 24 hours between patients who will show AKI 72 hours after inclusion (AKIh72) and patients who will not. AKIh72 was defined as the need of renal replacement therapy or "Injury" or "Failure" classes of the 5-stage RIFLE classification (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, End-stage renal disease) for acute kidney insufficiency using the creatinine and urine output criteria. This comparison was performed in four different subgroups of patients according to the presence or not of AKI at the sixth hour after inclusion (AKIh6 as defined as a serum creatinine level above 1.5 times baseline value within the first six hours) and the presence or not of septic shock at inclusion.The ability of MAP averaged over H6 to H24 to predict AKIh72 was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and compared between groups.

Results
The MAP averaged over H6 to H24 or over H12 to H24 was significantly lower in patients who showed AKIh72 than in those who did not, only in septic shock patients with AKIh6, whereas no link was found between MAP and AKIh72 in the three others subgroups of patients. In patients with septic shock plus AKIh6, MAP averaged over H6 to H24 or over H12 to H24 had an AUC of 0.83 (0.72 to 0.92) or 0.84 (0.72 to 0.92), respectively, to predict AKIh72 . In these patients, the best level of MAP to prevent AKIh72 was between 72 and 82 mmHg.

Conclusions
MAP about 72 to 82 mmHg could be necessary to avoid acute kidney insufficiency in patients with septic shock and initial renal function impairment.