bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ATM variants and cancer risk in breast cancer patients from Southern Finland
Authors: Tommiska Johanna , Jansen Laila , Kilpivaara Outi , Edvardsen Hege , Kristensen Vessela , Tamminen Anitta , Aittomäki Kristiina , Blomqvist Carl , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Nevanlinna Heli 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
Individuals heterozygous for germline ATM mutations have been reported to have an increased risk for breast cancer but the role for ATM genetic variants for breast cancer risk has remained unclear. Recently, a common ATM variant, ATMivs38 -8T>C in cis with the ATMex39 5557G>A (D1853N) variant, was suggested to associate with bilateral breast cancer among familial breast cancer patients from Northern Finland. We have here evaluated the 5557G>A and ivs38-8T>C variants in an extensive case-control association analysis. We also aimed to investigate whether there are other ATM mutations or variants contributing to breast cancer risk in our population.

Methods
Two common ATM variants, 5557G>A and ivs38-8T>C, previously suggested to associate with bilateral breast cancer, were genotyped in an extensive set of 786 familial and 884 unselected breast cancer cases as well as 708 healthy controls. We also screened the entire coding region and exon-intron boundaries of the ATM gene in 47 familial breast cancer patients and constructed haplotypes of the patients. The identified variants were also evaluated for increased breast cancer risk among additional breast cancer cases and controls.

Results
Neither of the two common variants, 5557G>A and ivs38-8T>C, nor any haplotype containing them, was significantly associated with breast cancer risk, bilateral breast cancer or multiple primary cancers in any of the patient groups or subgoups. Three rare missense alterations and one intronic change were each found in only one patient of over 250 familial patients studied and not among controls. The fourth missense alteration studied further was found with closely similar frequencies in over 600 familial cases and controls.

Conclusion
Altogether, our results suggest very minor effect, if any, of ATM genetic variants on familial breast cancer in Southern Finland. Our results do not support association of the 5557G>A or ivs38-8T>C variant with increased breast cancer risk or with bilateral breast cancer.
Predictors of patient satisfaction with hospital health care
Authors: Quintana José M , González Nerea , Bilbao Amaia , Aizpuru Felipe , Escobar Antonio , Esteban Cristóbal , San-Sebastián José Antonio , de-la-Sierra Emilio , Thompson Andrew 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Background
We used a validated inpatient satisfaction questionnaire to evaluate the health care received by patients admitted to several hospitals. This questionnaire was factored into distinct domains, creating a score for each to assist in the analysis.
We evaluated possible predictors of patient satisfaction in relation to socio-demographic variables, history of admission, and survey logistics.

Methods
Cross-sectional study of patients discharged from four acute care general hospitals. Random sample of 650 discharged patients from the medical and surgical wards of each hospital during February and March 2002. A total of 1,910 patients responded to the questionnaire (73.5%). Patient satisfaction was measured by a validated questionnaire with six domains: information, human care, comfort, visiting, intimacy, and cleanliness. Each domain was scored from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating higher levels of patient satisfaction.

Results
In the univariate analysis, age was related to all domains except visiting; gender to comfort, visiting, and intimacy; level of education to comfort and cleanliness; marital status to information, human care, intimacy, and cleanliness; length of hospital stay to visiting and cleanliness, and previous admissions to human care, comfort, and cleanliness. The timing of the response to the mailing and who completed the questionnaire were related to all variables except visiting and cleanliness. Multivariate analysis confirmed in most cases the previous findings and added additional correlations for level of education (visiting and intimacy) and marital status (comfort and visiting).

Conclusion
These results confirm the varying importance of some socio-demographic variables and length of stay, previous admission, the timing of response to the questionnaire, and who completed the questionnaire on some aspects of patient satisfaction after hospitalization. All these variables should be considered when evaluating patient satisfaction.
An examination of periodontal treatment and per member per month (PMPM) medical costs in an insured population
Authors: Albert David A , Sadowsky Donald , Papapanou Panos , Conicella Mary L , Ward Angela 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
Chronic medical conditions have been associated with periodontal disease. This study examined if periodontal treatment can contribute to changes in overall risk and medical expenditures for three chronic conditions [Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD)].

Methods
116,306 enrollees participating in a preferred provider organization (PPO) insurance plan with continuous dental and medical coverage between January 1, 2001 and December 30, 2002, exhibiting one of three chronic conditions (DM, CAD, or CVD) were examined. This study was a population-based retrospective cohort study. Aggregate costs for medical services were used as a proxy for overall disease burden. The cost for medical care was measured in Per Member Per Month (PMPM) dollars by aggregating all medical expenditures by diagnoses that corresponded to the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, (ICD-9) codebook. To control for differences in the overall disease burden of each group, a previously calculated retrospective risk score utilizing Symmetry Health Data Systems, Inc. Episode Risk Groups™ (ERGs) were utilized for DM, CAD or CVD diagnosis groups within distinct dental services groups including; periodontal treatment (periodontitis or gingivitis), dental maintenance services (DMS), other dental services, or to a no dental services group. The differences between group means were tested for statistical significance using log-transformed values of the individual total paid amounts.

Results
The DM, CAD and CVD condition groups who received periodontitis treatment incurred significantly higher PMPM medical costs than enrollees who received gingivitis treatment, DMS, other dental services, or no dental services (p < .001). DM, CAD, and CVD condition groups who received periodontitis treatment had significantly lower retrospective risk scores (ERGs) than enrollees who received gingivitis treatment, DMS, other dental services, or no dental services (p < .001).

Conclusion
This two-year retrospective examination of a large insurance company database revealed a possible association between periodontal treatment and PMPM medical costs. The findings suggest that periodontitis treatment (a proxy for the presence of periodontitis) has an impact on the PMPM medical costs for the three chronic conditions (DM, CAD, and CVD). Additional studies are indicated to examine if this relationship is maintained after adjusting for confounding factors such as smoking and SES.
Initiation of male sperm-transfer behavior in Caenorhabditis elegansrequires input from the ventral nerve cord
Authors: Schindelman Gary , Whittaker Allyson J , Thum Jian Yuan , Gharib Shahla , Sternberg Paul W 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background

The Caenorhabditis elegans male exhibits a stereotypic behavioral pattern when attempting to mate. This behavior has been divided into the following steps: response, backing, turning, vulva location, spicule insertion, and sperm transfer. We and others have begun in-depth analyses of all these steps in order to understand how complex behaviors are generated. Here we extend our understanding of the sperm-transfer step of male mating behavior.

Results

Based on observation of wild-type males and on genetic analysis, we have divided the sperm-transfer step of mating behavior into four sub-steps: initiation, release, continued transfer, and cessation. To begin to understand how these sub-steps of sperm transfer are regulated, we screened for ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS)-induced mutations that cause males to transfer sperm aberrantly. We isolated an allele of unc-18, a previously reported member of the Sec1/Munc-18 (SM) family of proteins that is necessary for regulated exocytosis in C. elegans motor neurons. Our allele, sy671, is defective in two distinct sub-steps of sperm transfer: initiation and continued transfer. By a series of transgenic site-of-action experiments, we found that motor neurons in the ventral nerve cord require UNC-18 for the initiation of sperm transfer, and that UNC-18 acts downstream or in parallel to the SPV sensory neurons in this process. In addition to this neuronal requirement, we found that non-neuronal expression of UNC-18, in the male gonad, is necessary for the continuation of sperm transfer.

Conclusion

Our division of sperm-transfer behavior into sub-steps has provided a framework for the further detailed analysis of sperm transfer and its integration with other aspects of mating behavior. By determining the site of action of UNC-18 in sperm-transfer behavior, and its relation to the SPV sensory neurons, we have further defined the cells and tissues involved in the generation of this behavior. We have shown both a neuronal and non-neuronal requirement for UNC-18 in distinct sub-steps of sperm-transfer behavior. The definition of circuit components is a crucial first step toward understanding how genes specify the neural circuit and hence the behavior.
Self‐reported Pain Scores in the Emergency Department: Lack of Association with Vital Signs
Authors: Marco Catherine A. , Plewa Michael C. , Buderer Nancy , Hymel Gregory , Cooper Jeffrey 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Background:
Some practitioners and investigators have presumed relationships between pain scores and heart rate, blood pressure, or respiratory rate. Previous literature has not adequately addressed the association of pain and vital signs.
Objectives:
To identify any association between self‐reported pain and heart rate, blood pressure, or respiratory rate.
Methods:
In this retrospective, observational study, emergency department patients older than 17 years of age presenting between May 2004 and April 2005 with verifiable painful diagnoses (including nephrolithiasis, myocardial infarction, small bowel obstruction, fracture, burn, crush injury, stab wound, amputation, corneal abrasion, and dislocation) were identified. Data were extracted from the hospital's database, including patients' age, gender, emergency department diagnosis, self‐reported pain score, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.
Results:
Among 1,063 subjects, the most common diagnoses were nephrolithiasis (25%; n= 267) and fracture (23%; n= 249). The mean (± SD) triage pain score was 7 (± 3). The mean (± SD) heart rate was 85 (± 16) beats/min, mean (± SD) systolic blood pressure was 141 (± 23) mm Hg, and mean (± SD) respiratory rate was 19 (± 3) breaths/min. There were no clinically significant differences in mean vital signs across the individual pain scores, as demonstrated by overlapping confidence intervals across pain scores.
Conclusions:
No clinically significant associations were identified between self‐reported triage pain scores and heart rate, blood pressure, or respiratory rate.
Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Exposure to Iodine 131 in the Ukrainian Cohort Study of Thyroid Cancer and Other Thyroid Diseases after the Chornobyl Accident: Results from the First Screening Cycle (1998–2000)
Authors: Tronko M. D. , Brenner A. V. , Olijnyk V. A. , Robbins J. , Epstein O. V. , McConnell R. J. , Bogdanova T. I. , Fink D. J. , Likhtarev I. A. , Lubin J. H. , Markov V. V. , Bouville A. C. , Terekhova G. M. , Zablotska L. B. , Shpak V. M. , Brill A. B. , Tereshchenko V. P. , Masnyk I. J. , Ron E. , Hatch M. , Howe G. R. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Context: Due to the Chornobyl accident, millions were exposed to radioactive isotopes of iodine and some received appreciable iodine 131 (131I) doses. A subsequent increase in thyroid cancer has been largely attributed to this exposure, but evidence concerning autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) remains inconclusive.
Objective: The objective of the study was to quantify risk of AIT after 131I exposure.
Design/Setting/Participants: Baseline data were collected from the first screening cycle (1998–2000) of a large cohort of radiation-exposed individuals (n = 12,240), residents of contaminated, iodine-deficient territories of Ukraine. Study individuals were under the age of 18 yr on April 26, 1986, and had thyroid radioactivity measurements made shortly after the accident.
Outcomes: AIT was defined a priori based on various combinations of elevated antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (ATPO), TSH, and clinical findings; elevated ATPO were considered to be an indicator of thyroid autoimmunity.
Results: No significant association was found between 131I thyroid dose estimates and AIT, but prevalence of elevated ATPO demonstrated a modest, significant association with 131I that was well described by several concave models. This relationship was apparent in individuals with moderately elevated ATPO and euthyroid, thyroid disease-free individuals.
Conclusions: Twelve to 14 yr after the Chornobyl accident, no radiation-related increase in prevalence of AIT was found in a large cohort study, the first in which 131I thyroid doses were estimated using individual radioactivity measurements. However, a dose-response relationship with ATPO prevalence raises the possibility that clinically important changes may occur over time. Thus, further follow-up and analysis of prospective data in this cohort are necessary.
Influence of Demographic Factors and Sport Type on Growth Hormone-Responsive Markers in Elite Athletes
Authors: Nelson A. E. , Howe C. J. , Nguyen T. V. , Leung K.-C. , Trout G. J. , Seibel M. J. , Baxter R. C. , Handelsman D. J. , Kazlauskas R. , Ho K. K. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractContext: GH-responsive markers of the IGF system and of collagen turnover hold promise as the basis of a GH doping test.Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), ethnicity, and sporting type on GH-responsive serum markers in a large cohort of elite athletes from different ethnic backgrounds.Design: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study.Participants: A total of 1103 elite athletes (699 males, 404 females), aged 22.2 ± 5.2 yr, from 12 countries and 10 major sporting categories participated in this study.Main Outcome Measures: Serum IGF-I, IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), acid labile subunit (ALS), and collagen markers [N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP)] were measured.Results: There was a significant negative correlation (r = −0.14 to −0.58, P &lt; 0.0005) between age and each of the GH-responsive markers. Serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and ALS were all lower (P &lt; 0.05), whereas the collagen markers PINP, ICTP, and PIIINP were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in men than in women. Multiple regression analysis indicated that age, gender, BMI, and ethnicity accounted for 23–54% of total between-subject variability of the markers. Age and gender cumulatively accounted for 91% of the attributable variation of IGF-I and more than 80% for PINP, ICTP, and PIIINP. Gender exerted the greatest effect on ALS (48%), and BMI accounted for less than 12% attributable variation for all markers. The influence of ethnicity was greatest for IGFBP-3 and ALS; however, for the other markers, it accounted for less than 6% attributable variation. Analysis of 995 athletes indicated that sporting type contributed 5–19% of attributable variation.Conclusions: Age and gender were major determinants of variability of GH-responsive markers except for IGFBP-3 and ALS. Ethnicity is unlikely to confound the validity of a GH doping test based on IGF-I and these collagen markers.
Proton Transfer in the Ground and Excited Electronic States of 4-Methyl-2,6-diformylphenol : Role of Alcoholic Solvents
Authors: Das Ranjan , Mitra Sivaprasad , Mukherjee Samaresh 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
The effect of alcohols on the proton-transfer processes in the ground and excited states of 4-methyl-2,6-diformylphenol (MFOH) has been investigated experimentally by steady state and time resolved emission spectroscopy. It is shown that the large Stokes-shifted fluorescence band in alcohols is due to the 4-methyl-2,6-diformylphenolate anion (MFO−), except in the case of 1-butanol. In 1-butanol the single broad fluorescence band observed in the visible region is assigned to the partially ionized species; the emission is found to depend on the excitation wavelength. Dual emission is observed only in the case of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE). At 77 K the emission spectrum is found to be contaminated with the phosphorescence spectrum. The spectral characteristics obtained reveal that MFOH in protic solvents exists in more than one structural form in both the ground and excited states.
ESR and ENDOR Studies of the 2-Methylbenzophenone Anion Radical: Unusual Spin Density Distribution due to a Sterical Hindrance by Methyl Substitution
Authors: Yamauchi Jun , Fujita Hideo 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Well-resolved ESR and ENDOR spectra of the 2-methylbenzophenone anion radical were observed at low temperature in DMF. The hyperfine coupling constant values obtained are consistent with each other, and indicate an unusual spin-density distribution in a molecule that is largely different from that of the pristine benzophenone anion radical. The most characteristic is the nonequivalency on the two ortho-positions of the phenyl ring. These findings are also discussed based on a comparison with the case of the 2-methylphenyl phenyl nitroxide, and a lack of a free rotation of the phenyl rings is concluded.
Solvent-Probe NMR Imaging of Low-Density Polyethylene Rods: A Layered Structure Formed during the Molding Process
Authors: Okazaki Masaharu , Toriyama Kazumi 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
The spatial inhomogenuity of a linear low-density polyethylene rod shaped with a metallic mold was clearly imaged by the solvent-probe NMR imaging technique. Images with T2 contrast were obtained using the T2-flash sequence, which reflects the spatially resolved mobility of the solvent molecules absorbed in the polymer. The NMR image was very much dependent on the thermal history both during and after the molding process. These results were interpreted with the aid of the nuclear relaxation parameters of the matrix polyethylene determined by the high-resolution solid state NMR technique. It is suggested that the solvent-probe NMR imaging technique provides valuable information concerning the micro structure (domain structure) and its spatial distribution of a crystalline polymer.
Solvent Extraction of Trivalent Yttrium, Holmium, and Erbium by Novel Types of Acidic Organophosphonates
Authors: Ohto Keisuke , Inoue Katsutoshi , Goto Masahiro , Nakashio Fumiyuki , Nagasaki Takeshi , Shinkai Seiji , Kago Tokihiro 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
New types of acidic organophosphonates, HR with different hydrophobic groups, were synthesized in order to investigate their extraction behavior for heavy rare earth elements (Y3+, Ho3+, and Er3+) from aqueous acidic chloride media. Their physicochemical properties, such as aggregation in an organic diluent and the acid dissociation constants (Ka) in the aqueous phase, were also examined. These rare earth elements were supposed to be extracted according to the stoichiometric relation,

This idea and the extraction equilibrium constants (Kex) for each metal ion were evaluated. Both the extraction equilibrium constants and the separation factors (β) between these metal ions were found to be greater than those of commercial extractants. The correlation between the extractability of heavy rare earth elements, the selectivity among these elements and the chemical structures of these extractants are discussed from a qualitative perspective.
A Seven-Coordinate Structure of Iron(II)–Ethylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetato Complex as Determined by X-Ray Crystal Analysis
Authors: Mizuta Tsutomu , Wang Jun , Miyoshi Katsuhiko 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
A single-crystal X-ray analysis has revealed that the FeII–edta complex, formulated as Na2[Fe(edta)(H2O)]·2NaClO4·6H2O, has a seven-coordinate structure close to a mono-capped trigonal prism (C2v-CTP). The crystal data are as follows: Orthorhombic, Pmnb, a = 11.404(1), b = 23.573(2), c = 9.915(1) Å, and Z = 4. In the complex anion, edta serves as a hexadentate ligand with its two N atoms at a unique edge and four O atoms at the corners of a quadrilateral face, which is capped with a water molecule. The presence of the labile water molecule in the first coordination sphere accounts for the kinetic lability of the FeII–edta complex, which has been frequently pointed out. A qualitative comparison of the molecular structures was made between the seven-coordinate FeII– and FeIII–edta complex anions. The steric and electronic requirements for seven-coordination are also discussed concerning the transition-metal edta complexes.
Mechanism of Azo Coupling Reactions: Part XXXVI. The Relationship between the Structure and the Catalytic Activity of Anionic Phase-Transfer Catalysts in Azo Coupling Reactions
Authors: Iwamoto Hidetoshi , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Murer Pius , Sonoda Takaaki , Zollinger Heinrich 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
A series of 15 sodium arenesulfonates containing alkyl, hydroxyl or methoxyl groups was investigated for the phase-transfer catalysis of the azo coupling reaction of the 4-methoxybenzenediazonium ion (1) with 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene (2) in a dichloromethane/water two-phase system, in which the yields, initial reaction rates and influence of the decomposition of the diazonium ion 1 were measured. The influence of counter anions on the partition coefficient (α) for the diazonium ion 1 in a dichloromethane/water system, and the effects of the solvent polarity and structure of counter anions on the reaction rates of the azo coupling of the diazonium ion 1 with N,N-dimethylaniline (4) and 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene (2) in organic solvents and in dichloromethane/water system, were investigated. The symmetrical structure of the tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate (TFPB) anion was proved to be an essential factor regarding the remarkably high α for the diazonium ion 1 ion-paired with TFPB. The looseness and tightness of ion pairs of highly desolvated diazonium ion 1 in a nonpolar organic media is one of the most significant factors concerning the reactivity of the diazonium ion 1 in a rate-limiting azo coupling with 4. In a reaction of the diazonium ion 1 with 2 in a dichloromethane/water system, however, the amount of saturated water and/or additives in the dichloromethane phase, which serves as a base for the rate-limiting deprotonation, becomes the most influential factor for an effective azo coupling reaction under phase-transfer catalysis conditions.