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Are cXCR4/IgG-expressing plasma cells associated with human gastrointestinal tissue inflammation?

These findings suggest that regardless of the underlying disease, the presence of CXCR4(+)/IgG(+) PCs in the gut is a strong yet localized indicator of intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, our findings suggest that CXCR4(+)/IgG(+) PCs might play a role in immune cell homeostasis during inflammatory processes of the gut.

The results of this study indicate that a liquid formula supplemented with selenium as selenate is successful at maintaining selenium concentrations within normal range, as well as significantly increasing plasma selenium levels compared with nonsupplementation.

Are circulating tumor cells associated with diffuse spread in stage IV colorectal cancer patients?

CRC patients with diffuse metastases have the highest number of CTCs, in contrast to limited metastases to the liver or lungs. Future studies should correlate CTCs with recurrence patterns in patients with resected CRC lung or liver metastases to investigate whether CTCs represent micrometastatic disease causing early relapses.

Human bladder cancer cells infected by microRNA- 29c adenovirus can transport microRNA-29c via exosomes. Moreover, exosome-derived microRNA29c induces apoptosis in bladder cancer cells by down-regulating BCL-2 and MCL-1.

Is memory B-cell depletion a feature of HIV-2 infection even in the absence of detectable viremia?

These first data regarding B-cell imbalances during HIV-2 infection show that, irrespective of viremia, prolonged HIV infection leads to irreversible damage of memory B-cell homeostasis.

This is the first report of calcineurin implication in Glucantime(®) drug resistance of field (natural) isolate of L. infantum. Downregulation of calcineurin could protect parasites from antimonial-induced apoptosis.

Is red blood cell transfusion associated with infection and extracerebral complications after subarachnoid hemorrhage?

These data suggest that RBCTs are associated with medical complications after SAH. However, the data do not infer causation, and further study is necessary to better define the indications for transfusion after SAH.

Patients who receive living-related liver transplantation due to inherited metabolic diseases are prone to higher oxidative stress, complement activity, and serum transforming growth factor-ß1.

Does dexamethasone but not tacrolimus suppress TNF-α-induced thymic stromal lymphopoietin expression in lesional keratinocytes of atopic dermatitis model?

Dexamethasone but not tacrolimus suppresses the TSLP expression induced by TNF-α in lesional keratinocytes of AD model. Our observations uncover the unreported functional difference between topical glucocorticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors in cutaneous inflammatory diseases.

Circulating Ang-2, a putative marker and potential mediator of accelerated atherosclerosis, is inversely related to GFR and increases with advanced CKD. The correlation between Ang-2 and ADMA points towards the hypothesis that the ADMA-driven NO deficiency might trigger Ang-2 release and account for the Ang-2 increase in CKD patients.

Do preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and fibrinogen level in patients distinguish between muscle-invasive bladder cancer and non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer?

The data obtained in this study suggested that 67.1% of Ta-T1 tumors were likely to be invasive if the NLR was >2.01 and 58% were likely to be invasive if the fibrinogen level was >3.17 g/L. When we used both the NLR and fibrinogen level to distinguish between the MIBC and NMIBC, sensitivity was found to be 86%, and specificity was 42%.

Though primitive, these results suggest that, similar to the "drug likeness" for small chemicals, their binding partners, drug targets, also display shared features which are reflected in their sequences and can be captured by statistical learning approaches. Further research on how to accurately and interpretably measure the likeness of protein being a drug target is promising. Inspired by the progress of "drug likeness" studies, advances in protein descriptors, statistical learning algorithms and more comprehensive and accurate gold-standard data set from disease biology research may help to further define the "drug-target likeness" property of proteins.

Does high macrophage infiltration along the tumor front correlate with improved survival in colon cancer?

In conclusion, our data indicate that a dense macrophage infiltration at the tumor front positively influences prognosis in colon cancer and that the degree of cell-to-cell contact may influence the balance between protumorigenic and antitumorigenic properties of macrophages.

Matrilysin expression could be an important marker of activity and could be used for the prediction of subsequent transformation in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Is deletion of a 5-cM region at chromosome 8p23 associated with a spectrum of congenital heart defects?

Haploinsufficiency for a gene between WI-8327 and D8S1825 is critical for heart development. A causal relationship does not seem to exist between GATA4 and ANGPT2 haploinsufficiency and CHDs.

Vabrasio has a good diagnostic reliability with respect to endometrial cancer, but has some shortcomings due to insufficient sampling for diagnosis.

Diabetes services in the UK: fourth national survey; are we meeting NSF standards and NICE guidelines?

The survey shows continuing improvements in organisational structure of services for children with diabetes but serious deficiencies remain. Publication and dissemination of the results of the previous surveys may have been associated with these improvements and similar recurrent service review may be applicable to services for other chronic childhood conditions.

Dural venous sinus stenting for patients with IIH does not affect the immediate or long-term patency of the VOL and is not associated with intracranial complications.

Does stabilization of influenza vaccine enhance protection by microneedle delivery in the mouse skin?

The functional integrity of hemagglutinin is associated with inducing improved protective immunity against influenza. Simple microneedle influenza vaccination in the skin produced superior protection compared to conventional intramuscular immunization. This approach is likely to be applicable to other vaccines too.

Our results are consistent with experimental evidence that ozonation in combination with chlorination decreases the concentration of trihalomethane in treated water and eliminates some of the mutagenicity of raw water.

Do systems approach to childhood and adolescent obesity prevention and treatment in a managed care organization?

A systems thinking approach to obesity prevention and treatment in youth has great potential. In a MCO setting, such an approach may be implemented, since integrated health care delivery systems may allow a common process to be established that can bring together all key stakeholders.

These results demonstrate a critical role for MMP3 in motor endplate remodeling, and reveal a potential target for therapeutic intervention to prevent motor endplate degradation following nerve injury.

Does [ Adenoviral-mediated expression of PTEN cDNA induce apoptosis in endometrial carcinoma cells ]?

The recombinant Ad-PTEN vector is constructed successfully and the expression of specific PTEN is steady in RL95-2 cell line. The expression of PTEN induces RL95-2 cells to apoptosis. PTEN gene may be a novel therapeutic target in endometrial carcinoma.

These results suggest that MEIB may be of therapeutic value for treating oral cancer and that its mechanism of action occurs through AMPK and t-Bid.

Are increased number of circulating exosomes and their microRNA cargos potential novel biomarkers in alcoholic hepatitis?

Elevated level of EVs/exosomes and exosome-associated miRNA signature could serve as potential diagnostic markers for AH. In addition to the biomarker diagnostic capabilities, these findings may facilitate development of novel strategies for diagnostics, monitoring, and therapeutics of AH.

Acutely cyclophosphamide treatment results in a greater frank bladder inflammation model in mice than protamine sulfate. However, cholinergic signaling can inhibit inflammation by either mechanism of induced bladder injury. Interleukin-6 gene expression is present and it can be regulated by afferent neuronal signaling even in the absence of observed histological changes in acute bladder inflammatory models.

Does family history of suicidal behavior predict impulsive-aggressive behavior levels in psychiatric outpatients?

Retrospective design and family-history methodology; Limited sample; Contagion and imitation effects could not be assessed based on available data.

These results suggest that CCK(B) and CCK(A) receptors modulate the development and the expression of behavioral sensitization to AMPH, respectively.

Can we predict spontaneous capsule passage after retention?

Our large-scale study suggests that retention occurs infrequently during capsule endoscopy. Moreover, a retained capsule might indicate the best intervention for the offending pathology, or it may spontaneously pass in the long run, particularly in patients with less small bowel stricture.

Baseline HRQL is a statistically significant predictor of survival for patients with advanced lung cancer. When used along with traditional clinical factors, patient-reported baseline HRQL assessment using the FACT-G provides additional prognostic information to the patient and clinician.

Quantification of intradiscal pressures below thoracolumbar spinal fusion constructs: is there evidence to support "saving a level"?

Unfused caudal lumbar discs experienced increased IDPs with increasing length of instrumentation, most notably at the subjacent discs closest to the LIV.

There is a trend towards a lower vascular thrombosis rate and a better long-term graft survival in EBK transplants. These transplants will remain a technical challenge for the surgeon and EBK transplants should remain the technique of choice for donors of 5 years and lesser.

Do plasma von Willebrand factor levels predict in-hospital survival in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure?

vWF levels are markedly elevated, correlate with organ failure, and predict in-hospital survival in ACLF patients. This data provides a mechanistic basis for postulating that vWF-reducing treatments such as plasma exchange may benefit ACLF patients.

Individuals with MR have lower rates of many chronic conditions, compared with other Medicaid recipients. This finding should reduce concerns among family physicians that treatment of this special population involves higher rates of chronic illness.

Does repair of motor nerve gaps with sensory nerve inhibit regeneration in rats?

Reconstruction of tibial nerve defects with nerve grafts of motor versus sensory origin enhanced nerve regeneration independent of cable number in a rodent model. Preferential nerve regeneration through motor nerve grafts may also promote functional recovery with potential implications for clinical nerve reconstruction.

The mortality in Polish children with ESRD is 74-fold higher than that of the general pediatric population. Infections, followed by cardiovascular complications, constitute the main causes of mortality in children subjected to RRT. The risk of death is the highest among children who started RRT at a younger age and in those subjected to long-term dialysis treatment.

Do patients with rheumatoid arthritis have higher levels of mannan-binding lectin than their first-degree relatives and unrelated controls?

Patients with RA had markedly higher MBL levels than their close relatives and controls, indicating that high MBL may predispose to RA. As MBL has been shown to bind potential arthritogenic agents including modified immunoglobulins, cellular debris, and microorganisms, our findings suggest that high MBL could trigger complement mediated inflammation within joints.

Decreased EF measured during coronary angiography is a strong independent predictor of all-cause mortality over a period of 10 years.

Does feeding alter arterial oxygen saturation in patients with acute stroke?

Eating a meal was associated with a small fall in median SaO(2) among stroke and elderly patients, but only in stroke patients did this persist for at least 10 minutes after eating. A quarter of stroke patients had episodes in which the SaO(2) fell to</=90% saturation (ie, hypoxemia) during or after eating, although this rarely coincided exactly with swallowing and was more common in patients who also experienced desaturation during the baseline recordings. Further studies are required to establish whether these changes are clinically important.

Children with diabetes presenting with DKA more frequently had a medical encounter before diagnosis compared with children with diabetes without DKA. These data have important implications for enhancing public and physician awareness of diabetes in children.

Does thoracic radiation therapy improve the overall survival of patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer with distant metastasis?

The addition of TRT to ChT improved the OS of patients with ED-SCLC. Furthermore, receiving ≥4 cycles of ChT and TRT were independent, favorable prognostic factors for OS.

In our experience, retrograde double-J stenting seems more reliable than antegrade stenting for pediatric pyeloplasty, with greater success and lower complication rates.

Do the medical treatment reduces the rate of surgical treatment in suspected cases of chronic prostatitis before prostatectomy?

It seems that chronic prostatitis is a factor which is often accompanied by BPH and affects the progression and pathology of the disease. The risk of acute urinary retention is more frequent in patients with chronic inflammation than in those who lack. In the future, related clinical trials with the relationship between the intraprostatic inflammation and BPH treatment are necessary and should include more cases and longer period of follow-up for these studies.

A high-intensity treadmill training program improves cardiovascular fitness and gait in older adults with chronic stroke.

Do traces of copper ions deplete glutathione in human hepatoma cell cultures with low cysteine content?

Glutathione synthesis in hepatoma cell cultures is probably more sensitive to a low cysteine level than HeLa cell cultures, and the presence of copper ions further decreases the availability of cysteine probably by increasing the disulfide binding to cysteine residues in extracellular proteins, which causes a further decrease of total glutathione.

These results demonstrate that renal resistance to ANP in CBDL rats is accompanied by heightened activity of PDE5, which is due largely to an increase in PDE5 protein. Other PDEs could contribute only a minor part to the enhanced cGMP hydrolysis observed in kidneys of CBDL rats. This PDE5-dependent ANP resistance may represent an important contributor to the sodium retention of liver disease.

Does melatonin repress Metastasis in Her2-Postive Human Breast Cancer Cells by Suppressing RSK2 Expression?

Melatonin inhibition of Rsk2 represses the metastatic phenotype in breast cancer cells suppressing EMT or inhibiting other mechanisms that promote metastasis; disruption of the melatonin signal may promote metastatic progression in breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 14(11); 1159-69. ©2016 AACR.

We concluded that structural reduction of cell number and degenerative alterations in the molecular composition of the extracellular matrix in valve tissue is the main cause of early graft failure in this series. The use of cryopreserved pulmonary homografts in the systemic circulation is therefore not advised.

Does chinese herbal medicine for miscarriage affect decidual micro-environment and fetal growth?

JLFC01 improves gestation by inhibiting decidual inflammation, enhancing angiogenesis and promoting fetal growth.

These results indicate that PCOOH can elicit several angiogenic responses.

Is secukinumab treatment in rheumatoid arthritis associated with incremental benefit in the clinical outcomes and HRQoL improvements that exceed minimally important thresholds?

Results of this study show considerable agreement between minimal thresholds of improvement established for PROs and clinical outcome measures used in RA treatment studies and provide thresholds to be considered in gauging the importance of a treatment effect that goes beyond what is considered as minimally important for PRO measures.

Blood transfusion is confirmed as an independent predictor of mortality, ICU admission, ICU LOS, and hospital LOS in trauma after controlling for severity of shock by admission base deficit, lactate, shock index, and anemia. The use of other hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying resuscitation fluids (such as human or bovine hemoglobin substitutes) in the acute postinjury period warrants further investigation.

Does severe anemia caused by dose-dense paclitaxel-Carboplatin combination therapy have an effect on the survival of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer?

The difference in progression-free survival between patients with epithelial ovarian cancer with and those without severe anemia during TC was not statistically significant, but for patients receiving dose-dense TC, severe anemia seems to have prognostic relevance. Prospective trials are needed to investigate whether the optimal management of chemotherapy-induced anemia, including appropriate use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, would further improve the survival of patients with ovarian cancer receiving dose-dense TC.

In the presence of low glucose concentrations, insulin stimulates the beta-adrenergic signalling system through the IRS-1/PI3-K pathway. However, in the presence of high glucose concentrations, the effect of insulin is switched to an inhibitory one, through the MAPK pathway. Our finding suggests that high glucose concentrations modify the cross-talk between insulin and the beta-adrenergic signalling systems in VSMC.

Do development of myotendinous-like junctions that anchor cardiac valves requires fibromodulin and lumican?

The postnatal assembly of the collagen-rich ECM in regions where cardiac valves anchor, that we have designated 'myotendinous-like junctions' (MTLJ) requires the SLRPs FMOD and LUM. Moreover, FMOD and LUM may facilitate mesenchymal cell differentiation in late stages of cardiac valve development. Developmental Dynamics 245:1029-1042, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Noscapine and D should be further tested in animal models because of their potential and already-present clinical applicability.

Can early computed tomography angiography after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair predict the need for reintervention in patients with type II endoleak?

Early CTA can predict the future need for reintervention in patients with type II endoleak. Therefore, treatment decision should be based not only on aneurysm enlargement alone but also on other imaging characteristics.

Prevalence of AF was in keeping with previous estimates. The proportion of patients with AF receiving warfarin therapy appears to be increasing. In the moderate risk group, there was a tendency to use more warfarin in the younger age groups compared to the elderly. It was in the moderate and low risk groups that there was still evidence of deviation from published guidelines.

Do selenium and zinc protect brain mitochondrial antioxidants and electron transport chain enzymes following postnatal protein malnutrition?

The study showed that Se and Zn might be beneficial in protecting mitochondrial antioxidants and ETC enzymes against protein malnutrition induced oxidative stress.

In patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, ADMA might be a novel risk factor of CI-AKI.

Do subjective assessment of cochlear implant users ' signal-to-noise ratio requirements for different levels of wireless device usability?

The results for the CI users in terms of both preferred levels for wireless and cordless phone communication and signal-to-noise requirements closely paralleled the corresponding results for hearing aid users from the previous study, and showed no significant differences between the microphone and telecoil modes of use. Signal-to-noise requirements were directly related to the participants' noise audibility threshold and were independent of noise type when appropriate noise-measurement weighting was applied. Extending the investigation to include noncontinuous interfering noises and forms of radiofrequency interference other than additive audiofrequency noise could be areas of future study.

We show that adiponectin mediates Rho/ROCK-dependent actin cytoskeleton remodeling to increase glucose uptake and metabolism via APPL1 signaling.

Patent foramen ovale and ischemic stroke in young people: statistical association or causal relation?

The causal relation between PFO and cryptogenic IS in the young population is highly probable. This fact should be considered in the therapeutic decision.

GPC3 is a sensitive marker for AFP-producing GC and its hepatoid component and is therefore useful to identify this aggressive subgroup of GC.

Does iPD meta-analysis show no effect of LC-PUFA supplementation on infant growth at 18 months?

Our IPD meta-analysis shows no evidence that LC-PUFA supplementation affects children's growth at 18 months of age.

The therapy of bleeding trauma patients has changed in Germany during the recent years toward more aggressive coagulation support. This development continues although grades of evidence are still low regarding most of the changes reported in our study. Randomized controlled trials are needed with respect to blood component therapy using predefined ratios and to the administration of hemostatic drugs commonly used for the severely injured.

Does the FAAH inhibitor URB597 efficiently reduce tyrosine hydroxylase expression through CB₁- and FAAH-independent mechanisms?

While confirming the implication of endocannabinoids on the modulation of TH, we provide strong evidence for additional physiologically relevant off-target effects of URB597. In light of the numerous preclinical studies involving URB597, particularly in anxiety and depression, the existence of non-CB₁ and non-FAAH mediated influences of URB597 on key enzymes of the catecholaminergic transmission system should be taken into account when interpreting the data.

The laparoscopic approach for various renal pathologies was quickly established with a rapid increase in the number of laparoscopic procedures.

Does prothrombin fragment 1+2 is associate with carotid intima-media thickness in subjects free of clinical cardiovascular disease?

In a population sample of adults without clinically overt atherosclerotic disease, the plasma levels of F1+2 were significantly associated with carotid IMT, suggesting a relationship between thrombin generation and the development atherosclerosis.

Our data strongly suggest that good control of BP after biopsies and anemia at the biopsy play pivotal roles in the prognosis and survival of patients with diabetic glomerulosclerosis.

Does interplay of endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases modulate the vascular response to ischaemia-reperfusion in the rabbit lung?

Ischaemia-reperfusion up-regulates inducible nitric oxide synthesis and/activity, which coincides with reduced endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity as suggested by its uncoupling and may contribute to ischaemia-reperfusion-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction.

YGJ and iYGJ inhibited liver angiogenesis in cirrhotic mice treated with CCl4 by inhibiting the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway, suggesting that anti-angiogenic effects of YGJ and iYGJ are associated with improving the hepatic hypoxic microenvironment.

Is hyperfibrinogenemia associated with specific histocytological composition and complications of atherosclerotic carotid plaques in patients affected by transient ischemic attacks?

The results of the present study add to the evidence that hyperfibrinogenemia, independently of other risk factors, is associated with a specific histological composition of carotid atherosclerotic plaques that predisposes them to rupture and thrombosis.

Patient and graft survival after pancreas transplantation are superior in higher volume centers. High volume centers have good results, even though they transplant organs with the highest PDRI.

Does review of Bioptic Gleason Scores by Central Pathologist modify the Risk Classification in Prostate Cancer?

Review of bioptic GSs by central pathologists affected discrepancies in risk classification in patients with PCa.

Age is more strongly associated with IGT than with HOMA-IR or IFG in non-diabetic European populations.

Does `` Task-oriented '' exercise improve hamstring strength and spastic reflexes in chronic stroke patients?

These findings provide evidence that progressive treadmill aerobic exercise training improves volitional torque and torque/time generation and reduces reflexive torque/time production in the hemiparetic limb. Strength changes associated with improved functional mobility in chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors after treadmill training will be reported in future articles.

A diminished aortic wall medial thickness may be linked to aortic dissection. High-resolution imaging techniques in the future may lead to the morphological assessment of aortic medial wall thickness in vivo becoming a reality which, in theory, could provide a more refined risk prognostication for acute aortic dissection.

Are frequent deletion and methylation in SH3GL2 and CDKN2A loci associated with early- and late-onset breast carcinoma?

The molecular mechanisms involving CDKN2A inactivation seem to follow similar pathway in the pathogenesis of both age groups of BC while significant association of SH3GL2 with CDKN2A might play a synergistic role in the development of group A.

Application of BH4 improves myocardial, endothelial and pulmonary function after cardiopulmonary bypass with hypothermic cardiac arrest. The observed protective effects indicate that BH4 could be a novel therapeutic option in the treatment of ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Is methionine synthase polymorphism A2756G associated with susceptibility for thromboembolic events and altered B vitamin/thiol metabolism?

. A2756G-MS may protect against a thromboembolic event. The role of Hcy remains unclear.

Our results support the model of long-range interactions of hERalpha with the promoter-bound cofactor SP1 residing at the promoter of hERalpha target genes. FOX motifs co-occur with hERalpha motifs along responsive genes. Importantly we show that the spatial arrangement of sites near the start sites and within the full transcript is important in determining response to estrogen signaling.

Does panobinostat reduce hypoxia-induced cisplatin resistance of non-small cell lung carcinoma cells via HIF-1α destabilization?

Here we show that hypoxia-induced cisplatin resistance can be overcome by combining cisplatin with panobinostat, a potent HDAC inhibitor. These findings may contribute to the development of a new therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.

Among a population with GFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2), a mild decrease in GFR over a 5-year follow-up period was associated with an increase in hemoglobin levels.

Can a health forecasting service offer COPD patients a novel way to manage their condition?

Patients found the automated interactive calling, combined with a health risk forecast, both viable and useful, welcoming the information and tools it offered. In many cases, it added to patients' understanding of their illness and promoted better self-management. Future research should focus on the potential impact of the service in terms of health outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Light-sheet Bayesian microscopy opens up broad new possibilities of probing nanometer-scale nuclear structures and real-time sub-cellular processes and other previously difficult-to-access intracellular regions of living cells at the single-molecule, and single cell level.

Do chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients have a high risk of Merkel-cell polyomavirus DNA-positive Merkel-cell carcinoma?

We conclude that patients diagnosed with CLL have a substantially increased risk for MCC, and vice versa. Merkel-cell polyomavirus DNA is frequently present in MCCs that occur in CLL patients. Immunosuppression related with CLL and viral infection might explain the association between CLL and MCC.

Expanded natural Tregs determined the cytotoxic pathways of virus-specific effector CD8⁺ T cells during the acute phase of retroviral infection.

Does knee flexion after total knee arthroplasty reduce blood loss?

Knee flexion at 90° after TKA, associated with the intraoperative use of tranexamic, acid is an effective method to reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusion. The routine use of the present protocol is effective in reducing social costs and length of hospitalization of TKA procedures.

The addition of intravenous sedoanalgesia improved the VAS scores of pain and discomfort, compared to patients operated under only local urethral anaesthesia. This may offer patients safer anaesthesia and shorter operative times with equilavent results in selected patients.

Does caffeic acid phenethyl ester protect lung alveolar epithelial cells from cigarette smoke-induced damage?

CAPE may potentially represent a new therapeutic option in the prevention of CS-induced lung damages.

The results of this study clearly show that APOE alleles and genotypes are associated with risk of developing schizophrenia and early age of onset in Saudis.

Does intact muscle compartment exposed to botulinum toxin type A show compromised intermuscular mechanical interaction?

Use of BTX-A diminishes EMFT. It may be relevant clinically that BTX-A compromises intermuscular mechanical interaction, as recent studies have shown that such an interaction plays a role in the abnormal mechanics of spastic muscle.

Statin pretreatment in patients with acute LAA appears to be associated with better early outcomes regarding neurologic improvement, disability, survival, and stroke recurrence.

Response to tricyclic antidepressants: independent of gender?

Tricyclic antidepressant response is independent of gender.

Although new infant walkers are not sold in Canada, injuries associated with their use continue. An aggressive public education campaign discouraging infant walker use and an incentive driven recall campaign to retrieve circulating walkers are seen as complimentary preventive strategies. A similar approach should be considered in other countries that choose to regulate infant walkers.

Is concentration of antibodies against Porphyromonas gingivalis increased before the onset of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Anti-P. gingivalis antibody concentrations were significantly increased in RA patients compared with controls, and were detectable years before onset of symptoms of RA, supporting an aetiological role for P. gingivalis in the development of RA.

Despite the potent osteoclast inhibiting effects of the bone-targeted agents in current clinical use, we have likely maximized their ability to inhibit SREs and must in turn focus on minimizing their potential toxicity. The future will likely involve more novel treatment strategies as well as the development of new agents. The current 'one size fits all' approach for the management of breast cancer bone metastases will be replaced by 'tailored' treatment for each individual patient as we usher in the era of 'personalized medicine.' In addition, new bone-targeted agents (e.g., sclerostin inhibitors) and combinations will continue to be explored, as will the evaluation of the bone-targeting properties of more conventional non-osteoclast targeting therapies.

Does surgeon subjective nerve sparing score predict recovery time of erectile function following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy?

The subjective NSS can reflect NS degree for each side based on the visual cues. Regression model can be used to help inform the patient about the time to postoperative potency regain, which is an important patient concern following RARP.

In this large data set, there was a close inverse correlation between SB and BD in critically ill or septic patients. The predictive equation explains 83% of the variability for BD values. A prospective study comparing SB to BD and lactate could confirm SB as a useful marker of resuscitation.

Does efficient inhibition of human telomerase activity by antisense oligonucleotides sensitize cancer cells to radiotherapy?

These findings suggest that an ASODN-based strategy may be used to develop telomerase inhibitors, which can efficiently sensitize radiotherapy.

Men with SP had a unique baseline Doppler ultrasound waveform, with a low PR waveform and an elevated, variable cavernosal artery velocity. We propose that this may be the sonographic manifestation of a reduced, fluctuating smooth muscle tone and that PDU may have a role for diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of SP.

Is a history of allergies associated with reduced risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma?

There is an inverse association between history of allergies to dust, pollen, or mold and OSCC. Whether the inverse association involves heightened immune surveillance, increased immune response to HPV or other antigen, or other carcinogenic mechanism remains to be determined in more definitive studies.

Our data support an early role for mitochondria-derived ROIs in stimulation of IL-8 release from colonocytes by toxin A. ROI generation is independent of Rho inactivation and involves nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB before release of IL-8.

Is digital rectal examination in primary care important for early detection of prostate cancer : a retrospective cohort analysis study?

DRE is a key part of the assessment for prostate cancer. It can independently identify patients at risk of prostate cancer, with a substantial proportion of these having clinically significant disease requiring treatment. This study reinforces the importance of DRE in the primary care setting in the assessment for prostate cancer. An abnormal DRE, even in the setting of a normal PSA level, necessitates referral.

Higher apoE levels may confer higher PON-1 activity. The relationship of PON-I activity with total plasma apoE is apparently abrogated in MetS.

Are disadvantaged and underrepresented minority applicants more likely to apply to the program in medical education-health equity?

URM students and students from disadvantaged backgrounds were more likely to be interested in a curriculum designed to train them to work with underserved communities. These results suggest that PRIME-HEq, or similarly focused programs, may influence URM and disadvantaged students' application decisions.

Our results suggest that splintage of the reduced elbow for 2 weeks enhances patient comfort and does not adversely affect the eventual outcome. Splintage for over 3 weeks may result in worse function.

Do human umbilical vein endothelial cells support interleukin-3- and interleukin-5-induced eosinophil differentiation from cord blood CD34+ cells?

These results indicate that several cytokines including GM-CSF and SCF from HUVEC promote IL-3- and IL-5-induced eosinophil differentiation from CD34+ cells.

These results suggest that the sAC/PKA axis plays a key role in the oxysterol-induced apoptosis of VSMC by controlling mitochondrial Bax translocation and ROS formation and that cytosolic sAC, rather than the mitochondrial pool, is involved in the apoptotic mechanism.

Are non-selective beta-blockers associated with serious infections in veterans with cirrhosis?

The use of non-selective beta-blockers in U.S. veterans is not associated with an increased rate of serious infections in compensated or decompensated cirrhosis.

Breast cancer OS, DFS, and LRR were not affected by type of anesthesia in our institution. This result differs from that of the only prior published clinical report on this topic and does not provide clinical corroboration of the basic science studies that suggest oncologic benefits to LRA.

Are low antioxidant vitamin intakes associated with increases in adverse effects of chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

A large percentage of children undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia have inadequate intakes of antioxidants and vitamin A. Lower intakes of antioxidants are associated with increases in the adverse side effects of chemotherapy.

This study validates the clinical relevance of strict adherence to WHO criteria in the diagnosis of ET and provides important information on survival, disease complication rates, and prognostic factors in strictly WHO-defined ET and early/prefibrotic PMF.

Are clonidine and ketanserin both effective treatment for postanesthetic shivering?

Clonidine (150 micrograms) and ketanserin (10 mg) both are effective treatment for postanesthetic shivering. The effect of clonidine on shivering is dose-dependent: whereas 37.5 micrograms had no effect, 75 micrograms clonidine stopped shivering within 5 min.

Perioperative plasma volume expansion with colloid during cardiac surgery, guided by esophageal Doppler measurement of cardiac stroke volume, reduced the incidence of gut mucosal hypoperfusion. This group of patients also had an improved outcome when compared with controls.

Does contrast echocardiography clarify uninterpretable wall motion in intensive care unit patients?

CE should be used in all ICU patients with suboptimal transthoracic echocardiograms.

Despite the association of depression care plans with patient disability improvement, inadequate compliance to evidence-based DCM was found. Medicare and HHC agencies must ensure compliance to DCM, including follow-up depression assessment for patients with positive screens.

Does problem-solving skills appraisal mediate hardiness and suicidal ideation among malaysian undergraduate students?

These findings underline the importance of studying mediating processes that explain how hardiness affects suicidal ideation.

The present findings provide evidences of systematic administration of cationic liposome-encapsulated Ad-PEDF in pulmonary metastatic melanoma mice model, and show an encouraging therapeutic effect for further exploration and application of more complexes based on liposome-encapsulated adenovirus for more cancers.

Do evaluation of a sphere-templated polymeric scaffold as a subcutaneous implant?

Sphere-templated poly(HEMA) implanted as a subcutaneous tissue scaffold stimulates a minimal inflammatory response and supports cellular infiltration, collagen formation, and neovascularization. Because of its tightly controlled porous structure, poly-(HEMA) appears to induce less scar-type ingrowth compared with HDPPE.

if validated in further studies, our findings may be a basis for investigations of cancer-specific alterations in histone modifications in the circulation.

Postoperative complications: does intensive care unit staff nursing make a difference?

Within the range of ICU nurse staffing levels present in Maryland hospitals, decreased nurse staffing was significantly associated with an increased risk of complications in patients undergoing abdominal aortic surgery.

Colonic diverticular disease in a multiracial Asian patient population has an ethnic predilection and is predominantly right-sided.

Can previous diagnostic examinations prevent preoperative angiographic assessment of the internal mammary perforators for (micro)surgical use?

Previously performed diagnostic CT scans and MRI scans that included the parasternal region usually allow sufficient preoperative assessment of the internal mammary perforators for reconstructive procedures. We advocate re-assessment of such previous examinations before ordering additional angiography. Additionally, we suggest to include the parasternal region in diagnostic scans.

These findings indicate that it may be possible to identify individuals at risk of functional impairments, and emphasizes the importance of effective treatment programs targeting EF.

Does sivelestat reduce reperfusion injury of lungs harvested from endotoxin-primed rats by inhibition of neutrophil-mediated inflammation?

We conclude that sivelestat could reduce lung injury after transplantation by inhibiting the deleterious burst of inflammatory reactions that are initiated by reperfusion of the lungs from endotoxin-primed rats.

The HEMR system enabled the audit of experiences with colonoscopy in our institution. Our results are broadly compatible with the international literature and with a number of guidelines. The development of an electronic record system is a major advance, as it enables meaningful benchmarking and the generation of accurate procedural logbooks.

Does ghrelin inhibit oligodendrocyte cell death by attenuating microglial activation?

Ghrelin inhibits oligodendrocyte cell death by decreasing proNGF and ROS production as well as p38MAPK and JNK activation in activated microglia as an anti-inflammatory hormone.

In LQTS-affected individuals these mutations would be predicted to result in a diminution of the cardiac I(Ks) current, subsequent prolongation of cardiac repolarization, and an increased risk of arrhythmias.

Does optic nerve sheath diameter change with patient position?

Optic nerve sheath diameter measurement by ultrasound does not significantly change with Trendelenburg's or reverse Trendelenburg's position in comparison with the supine position in healthy individuals.

We found that hypoglycemia (glucose<71 mg/dL) and hyperglycemia (glucose>140 mg/dL) were associated with increased risk of complications, whereas greater complexity of the glucose time series was associated with mortality.

Does physiological testosterone retard cardiomyocyte aging in Tfm mice via androgen receptor-independent pathway?

Physiological testosterone replacement can delay cardiomyocyte aging in Tfm mice, an effect that is independent of the AR pathway and in part conversion to estradiol.

Maternal sTNFR2 and adiponectin are independently related to both maternal blood pressure and infant's birthweight in uncomplicated pregnancy. The contributions of the TNF-alpha system and adiponectin to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and fetal growth merit further studies.

Does simultaneous transcriptional profiling of Leishmania major and its murine macrophage host cell reveal insights into host-pathogen interactions?

The gene expression patterns identified in this work yield signatures that characterize multiple developmental stages of L. major parasites and the coordinated response of Leishmania-infected macrophages in the real-time setting of a dual biological system. This comprehensive dataset offers a clearer and more sensitive picture of the interplay between host and parasite during intracellular infection, providing additional insights into how pathogens are able to evade host defenses and modulate the biological functions of the cell in order to survive in the mammalian environment.

There was neuropsychological improvement after the surgery, which occurred mainly in the children from group II. More interaction among health professionals is necessary when diagnosing and following up similar cases.

Is rituximab-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against neoplastic B cells stimulated strongly by interleukin-2?

Primary leukemic cells are more resistant than cell lines to rituximab- and NK cell-mediated ADCC but short-term exposure to IL-2 or long-term expansion of NK cells in vitro may provide effective tools to improve the therapeutic activity of rituximab.

The results indicate significantly elevated levels of HBD-2 in patients with IBS compared with HCs and similar to those with active UC. The results support an activation of the mucosal innate defense system toward a proinflammatory response in IBS patients in the absence of macroscopic signs of inflammation.

Do in vitro assessment of the marginal and internal fits of interim implant restorations fabricated with different methods?

ADL was superior to the other 2 fabrication methods. However, all 3 methods were suitable because they produced a marginal fit which was within the clinically acceptable range.

Penile defect caused by devastating electrical burn should be repaired with a suitable flap after necrotic tissues are removed with dressing change. To repair affected penis with necrosis of a small part of cavernous body and/or corpus spongiosum, or combined with urethra defects, local flaps from scrotum or abdominal wall or hinge-like flap from scrotum should be employed. To repair those with necrosis of a large part or the whole of corpus spongiosum combined with urethra defects, hinge-like skin flaps from abdominal wall or prelaminated flaps from forearm should be employed. In patients with necrosis of a large part of cavernous body and corpus spongiosum combined with urethra defect, or total loss of penis, free forearm flaps should be employed to reconstruct penis.

Is the Hierarchy of Loss in Functional Ability Evident in Midlife?

This study presents evidence of the hierarchy of loss in a younger population than previously observed suggesting that targeted interventions to prevent functional decline should not be delayed until old age.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with previous ipsilateral upper abdominal surgery is feasible and safe, with comparable outcomes to those without previous relevant surgery, including contralateral upper abdominal surgery.

Does validation of the French version of the marijuana craving questionnaire ( MCQ ) generate a two-factor model?

Validation of the FMCQ-SF generated a two-factor model, different from the four-factor solution generated in English language studies. Considering that craving plays an important role in withdrawal and relapse, this questionnaire should be useful for French-language addiction professionals.

Despite higher BMI Z-scores in 2008, differences in cardiometabolic indicators between 1999 and 2008 were small and may not be clinically meaningful. Surveillance to closely monitor trends in cardiometabolic indicators in Canadian youth is needed.

Does duration of streptozotocin-induced diabetes differentially affect p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase ( MAPK ) phosphorylation in renal and vascular dysfunction?

The study provides evidence that diabetes produces vascular and renal dysfunction with a profound effect on signaling mechanisms at later stage of diabetes.

According to our results, a macroscopically inconspicuous appendix may be left in situ in patients undergoing laparoscopy for suspected appendicitis. However, this conclusion is based on a small number of patients and larger series are mandatory.

Is a lack of disgust something to fear?

Greater responsiveness to fear with hippocampal activation in patients perhaps reflects recollection of traumatic events associated with past experiences of illness or simply the use of a more mnemonic (hippocampal) as opposed to affective (amygdala) approach when performing the task. It is possible that in bipolar disorder, prefrontal-subcortical network dysfunction that relegates neural processing to limbic regions is impaired and that clinically euthymic bipolar patients, although able to accurately and effectively identify emotions such as fear and disgust, are limited in their ability to interpret their salience. The implications of these findings are discussed.

The prophylactic effect of ephedrine to counteract the hypotensive effect of propofol induction of anesthesia was investigated in three groups of elderly female patients given 0.1 or 0.2 mg of ephedrine or placebo before induction. Both ephedrine doses markedly attenuated, but neither of them abolished, the decrease in blood pressure.

Does repeat trigeminal nerve radiosurgery for refractory cluster headache fail to provide long-term pain relief?

Repeat radiosurgery of the trigeminal nerve fails to provide long-term pain relief for MRCH. Given the reported failures of initial and repeat radiosurgery for MRCH, trigeminal nerve radiosurgery should not be offered for MRCH.

Postanesthetic shivering appears significantly more frequently and intensively after TIVA with propofol and remifentanil compared with an inhalative anesthesia with fentanyl and desflurane.

Are allosensitized humans at no greater risk of humoral rejection of GT-KO pig organs than other humans?

More than half of the healthy humans tested had cytotoxic antibodies to GT-KO PBMC, but allosensitized patients will be at no greater risk of rejecting a pig xenograft by a humoral mechanism.

The experience of hearing another bird singing alters the profile of miRNAs in the auditory forebrain of zebra finches. The response involves both known conserved miRNAs and novel miRNAs described so far only in the zebra finch, including a novel sex-linked, song-responsive miRNA. These results indicate that miRNAs are likely to contribute to the unique behavioural biology of learned song communication in songbirds.

Do dNA methylation and gene expression profiles show novel regulatory pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma?

A genome-wide DNA methylation approach merged with array-based gene expression profiles allowed identifying a number of novel, epigenetically regulated candidate tumor-suppressor genes in alcohol-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. Retinol metabolism genes and SHMT1 are also epigenetically regulated through promoter DNA methylation in alcohol-associated HCC. Due to the reversibility of epigenetic mechanisms by environmental/nutritional factors, these findings may open up to novel interventional strategies for hepatocarcinogenesis prevention in HCC related to alcohol, a modifiable dietary component.

Br-DIF-1 accelerated the differentiation, induced by 1% DMSO, of P19CL6 cells into spontaneously beating cardiomyocyte-like cells, partly by enhancing the expression of the T-type Ca(2+) channel gene.

Do neuroectodermal antigens persist in benign and malignant salivary gland tumor cultures?

This model cell system containing proliferative cells from several tumor types is consistent with a stem-cell theory of salivary gland tumor origin. Our data were not consistent with the bicellular or multicellular theory. We hypothesize a neuroectodermal origin for this group of apparently heterogeneous tumors. These cultured cells will be valuable for in-depth investigation of the loss of proliferation controls in benign and malignant tumors of the salivary gland.

Adalimumab demonstrated sustained maintenance of clinical remission, improvements in quality of life and reductions in hospitalization during long-term treatment for CD, with no new safety concerns identified.

Does longer previous smoking abstinence relate to successful breastfeeding initiation among underserved smokers?

Maternal smokers' previous success at smoking abstinence may increase the likelihood of successful breastfeeding initiation. To improve prenatal health education for maternal smokers with low education levels, researchers should explore the utility of merging smoking cessation and postpartum relapse prevention advice within the context of lactation counseling to maximize success of smokers' efforts to initiate breastfeeding.

This study found obesity to be associated with poor semen quality and altered reproductive hormonal profile. Weight loss may potentially lead to improvement in semen quality. Whether the improvement is a result of the reduction in body weight per se or improved lifestyles remains unknown.

Does cordycepin/Hydroxyurea synergy allow low dosage efficacy of cordycepin in MOLT-4 leukemia cells?

HU was identified as a promising potential alternative for anti-cancer therapy with cordycepin, thus eliminating the need for the toxic deoxycoformycin.

rs6147150 may be associated with HCC risk, in part through let-7c-mediated regulation, and may be involved in the pathogenesis of HCC in Chinese populations.

Inguinal hernia: obligatory indication for elective surgery?

Plug and patch repair of unilateral inguinal hernia improves quality of life with a very low rate of procedural complications. Regarding freedom from pain, vitality, and physical activity there is significant improvement as compared to preoperatively. Therefore inguinal hernia repair should be intended in all elective cases and plug and patch repair appears as an excellent technique to improve quality of life.

This study confirms a detrimental effect of intrauterine tobacco smoke exposure on childhood lung function but no strong evidence of modification by maternal genotype for important antioxidant genes. Adverse effects of fetal exposure to tobacco smoke on the respiratory health of children may be mediated by pathways other than oxidative stress.

Is rituximab therapy effective for posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders after solid organ transplantation : results of a phase II trial?

Single-agent rituximab may offer a response and survival advantage in patients with PTLD. Further evaluation of rituximab in these disorders, potentially in combination with other therapies, is warranted.

The findings suggest that calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation contributes to a beneficial reduction of VAT. This trial is registered at clinicaltrial.gov as NCT00386672, NCT01363115.

Does -1195 A/G promoter variants of the cyclooxygenase-2 gene increase the risk of pain occurrence in endometriotic women?

These findings suggest that the -1195 A/G on the promoter region of COX-2 gene may increase the risk of pain occurrence in EM women, possibly by affecting the rate of gene expression, especially in patients with the pain phenotype.

We conclude that heterozygous mutations of LHX1 might be one cause of the MRKH syndrome in a subgroup of patients.

Low-grade-/high-grade-synovitis: synovitis-score as a gold standard?

The proposed synovitis score enables stratification of chronic synovitis into low-grade (score 2-4) and high-grade (score>4), which is correlated to the nature of the disease (low-grade to non-rheumatic, high-grade to rheumatic), and it therefore contributes to the diagnosis of rheumatic and non-rheumatic joint diseases.

Partners experienced similar levels of depression but higher levels of anxiety compared with ICD patients. Personality was an important explanatory factor of distress in both ICD patients and their partners. Research is now warranted to investigate the implications of this finding for the clinical course of ICD patients, as Type D personality has been associated with adverse prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease.

Breech presentation: is there a difference in eye movement patterns compared with cephalic presentation in the human fetus at term?

Eye movement pattern, in direction, of term fetuses persisting in breech presentation run on a different in-utero developmental course of neural control from those in cephalic fetuses.

MEKK-1 mediates cytokine-induced JNK- and NF-kappaB activation, and this event is necessary for iNOS expression and cell death.

Academic time at a level 1 trauma center: no resident, no problem?

Few trauma activations occur during PET. New trauma activations can be staffed safely by trauma activations and APPs. However, there could be some delays in transferring patients to appropriate disposition. Additional study is required to determine the effect of PET on existing trauma inpatients.

Our findings provide compelling evidence that MSC-CMT inhibits EAC through COX2-dependent multiple antiallergic mechanisms and support the use of MSC-CMT as a novel strategy for treating allergic conjunctivitis.

Is a normal stress SPECT scan an effective gatekeeper for coronary angiography?

Stress SPECT is an effective gatekeeper for coronary angiography. The annual overall mortality rate for patients with normal images was 1.9%. Only 1.3% of patients with normal images were referred for early angiography.

This study provided important insight into blood vessel formation and repair in ischemic diseases for ECFC-based cell therapy.

Is exposure to maternal gestational diabetes associated with higher cardiovascular responses to stress in adolescent indians?

Maternal diabetes during pregnancy is associated with higher cardiosympathetic stress responses in the offspring, which may contribute to their higher cardiovascular disease risk. Further research may confirm stress-response programming as a predictor of cardiovascular risk in OGDM.

In the rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia, inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme with non-hypotensive doses of enalapril has the benefit of improving neurological activity, reducing cerebral infarction, brain swelling and edema of acute ischemic stroke. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that central renin-angiotensin system may participate in ischemic/reperfusion injury of the cerebral cortex.

Does genexol inhibit primary tumour growth and metastases in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma?

Genexol proved to be an effective treatment for gemcitabine-resistant PDA. These data combined with the successful clinical use of genexol in Phase II trials of other malignancies suggests it maybe an effective treatment for pancreatic cancer, specifically for those patients resistant to gemcitabine.

It is important to recognize comorbid PDs when assessing working-age persons experiencing depression.

Is hyponatremia independent of osteoporosis associated with fracture occurrence?

Mild hyponatremia may be a readily identifiable and potentially modifiable risk factor for fracture.

Oral lichen planus demonstrated overexpression of cdk4 and p16, but not cdk6, suggesting that epithelial cells in OLP are in the hyperproliferative state and in cell arrest. Altered expression of cdk4 and p16 provides evidence of the malignant potential in OLP.

Does oral administration of avocado soybean unsaponifiables ( ASU ) reduce ischemic damage in the rat hippocampus?

The present findings suggest that ASU could decrease oxidative stress and apoptotic changes in ischemic rat hippocampus. Dietary supplementation of ASU may be beneficial to prevent or ameliorate ischemic cerebral vascular disease.

In measuring vertical VOR gain with vHIT the horizontal gaze angle should be aligned with the canal plane under test.

Is soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid predictive for ventilator-associated pneumonia?

The results imply that the sTREM-1 assay in BALF may not be discriminative for VAP.

Evaluating the presence of this phenomenon in the different practice settings is recommended, to improve patient satisfaction and subsequently the quality of care.

Does increased glycemic variability in patients with elevated preoperative HbA1C predict adverse outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting surgery?

Postoperative glycemic variability is associated with MAEs after cardiac surgery. Glycemic variability is only measured when the patient leaves the intensive care unit, and there is no opportunity to intervene earlier. Preoperative HbA1C identifies risk for postoperative glycemic variability and may provide a more rational guide for targeting measures to reduce variability.

Three-dimensional QCA provides accurate and precise vessel diameter assessments. Length assessments are consistently longer than two-dimensional measures and are significantly less affected by foreshortened projections.

Do eccentric gaze direction in patients with central field loss?

This is a study on bEGD behavior in a large population of patients with bilateral central scotomas. The bEGD was guided by the gaze of the better-seeing eye. The preference for a bEGD to the right differs from findings of previous studies. Review of the literature suggests that not only the ocular pathology but also the method of investigation is most likely to influence the observed EGD. Most studies evaluated the location of the preferred retinal locus using a monocular technique; this may not reflect an individual's actual binocular behavior as it relates to activities of daily living.

Iatrogenic prescription opioid dependence may be a risk factor for less successful long-term work and health outcomes, even after detoxification from opioids as part of an interdisciplinary functional rehabilitation program. Chronic prescription opioid dependence in this patient population is also associated with a significantly higher prevalence of comorbid psychiatric conditions, both axis I and II.

Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes after surgical repair of complete proximal hamstring ruptures: does the tendon heal?

The current findings indicate that surgical repair of complete hamstring ruptures provides reliable pain relief, good functional outcomes, high satisfaction rates, and excellent healing rates (MRI) but does not fully restore hamstring function and sports activity to preinjury levels.

These results contradict the hypothesis assuming a relationship between H. pylori infection and the sequence of phenomena leading to gastric carcinoma.

Does bAFF receptor deficiency reduce the development of atherosclerosis in mice -- brief report?

BAFF-R deficiency in mice selectively alters mature B2 cell-dependent cellular and humoral immune responses and limits the development of atherosclerosis.

The study adds to the evidence that a multipronged approach that includes collaborating with professionals linked to immigrant communities, such as MIs and BSS, could be an effective method of disaster information dissemination. Working with MIs and BSS as part of a wider dissemination strategy would promote a community-based interpersonal flow of information that would contribute to LEP community's trust in the message.

Does heavy Smoking be More Strongly Associated with General Unhealthy Lifestyle than Obesity and Underweight?

Unhealthy general lifestyle was associated with both heavy smoking and BMI extremes, but we observed a stronger association for heavy smoking. Future smoking prevention measures should pay attention to improvement of general lifestyle and co-occurrence with obesity and underweight.

Double arterial phase CT with multidetector CT showed no significant improvement in effectiveness compared with single late arterial phase CT used alone for detecting hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma in the cirrhotic liver.

Do mandatory reporting laws deter patients from seeking medical care?

Only rarely did mandatory reporting laws appear to adversely affect a patient's decisions to seek medical care in this study. The benefits of mandatory reporting must be measured to assure that they justify deterrence to a small minority of patients.

Despite low levels of current involvement, many optometrists were keen to receive training on smoking cessation topics. We suggest that there are untapped opportunities to develop brief interventions to promote smoking cessation services in community optometry settings.

Is a specific oncological scoring system better at predicting the prognosis of cancer patients admitted for an acute medical complication in an intensive care unit than general gravity scores?

Gravity scores were the single independent predictors for hospital mortality, and ICM was equivalent to APACHE II and SAPS II.

Although in most patients the esophagus is uniformly hypersensitive, in some either the smooth muscle or the striated muscle segment can be hypersensitive. If considering balloon distention at only one level, we recommend balloon placement at 10 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter because of a higher yield of hypersensitivity.

Is house dust mite exposure in asthmatic and healthy children : the difference carpeting?

Low HDM concentrations are a general finding in Dutch dwellings in the present generation of children. We observed a higher cleaning frequency, and more smooth floor coverings in bedrooms of asthmatic children than of healthy children, yet HDM concentrations were not significantly different. The latter can be explained by the observation that only 40% of the asthmatic children had smooth floor coverings in their bedrooms. Smooth floor coverings contain less fine dust and lower concentrations of Der p I and Der p II than carpeted floors.

The approach used in this study differentiated it from other economic evaluations and can be applied for the economic evaluation of other health interventions not available in healthcare systems. This study is important not only for researchers conducting future HIV vaccine research but also for policy decision makers who, in the future, will consider vaccine adoption.