bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels increases after hyperbaric oxygen therapy in diabetic patients
Authors: Yildiz Senol , Uzun Gunalp , Uz Omer , Ipcioglu Osman Metin , Kardesoglu Ejder , Ozcan Omer
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Diabetic patients receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy for non-healing lower extremity ulcers. Exposure to hyperbaric hyperoxia during hyperbaric oxygen therapy may affect cardiovascular functions by different mechanisms. Patients may experience serious problems such as pulmonary edema and death during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on cardiovascular functions in diabetic patients is not well documented. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has been suggested as powerful biochemical marker of cardiac function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on NT-proBNP levels in diabetic patients.

Methods: Twenty-five diabetic patients (19 male and 6 female, 64.7 ± 10.2 yr), who were planning to undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy for non-healing lower extremity ulcers, were prospectively enrolled into the study. All patients were evaluated with echocardiography before the study. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure of patients were measured, and venous blood samples were drawn from each patient for NT-proBNP analysis before and immediately after the hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Results: NT-proBNP levels increased from 815 ± 1096 pg/ml to 915 ± 1191 pg/ml after HBO2 therapy (P < 0.05). Heart rate and arterial blood pressure did not change with HBO2 therapy (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy induces considerable ventricular wall stress in diabetic patients. Care should be taken when a diabetic patient with cardiovascular disease is treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
CSCI/RCPSC HENRY FRIESEN LECTURE: Revolutionizing the practice of medicine through rapid (< 1h) DNA-based diagnostics
Authors: Bergeron Michel G
Published: May 2017

Twenty years ago, I dreamed of using DNA detection for speeding the microbiological identification of microorganisms from two days to less than one hour. This dream is slowly becoming a reality as we were the first to develop and put on the market real-time PCR assays, approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada, for the detection of several pathogens including Group B streptococci, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci and Clostridium difficile. Since 2000, my team and I have been interested to bring this laboratory revolution to the bedside, by developing a microfluidic centripetal device, a compact disc-like platform that, instead of reading music, reads DNA. This futuristic approach to the management of infectious diseases at point-of-care will undoubtedly necessitate a 'change in culture without culture'.
CSCI DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIST LECTURE: Chromatin remodeling: The interface between extrinsic cues and the genetic code?
Authors: Ezzat Shereen
Published: May 2017

The successful completion of the human genome project ushered a new era of hope and skepticism. However, the promise of finding the fundamental basis of human traits and diseases appears less than fulfilled. The original premise was that the DNA sequence of every gene would allow precise characterization of critical differences responsible for altered cellular functions. The characterization of intragenic mutations in cancers paved the way for early screening and the design of targeted therapies. However, it has also become evident that unmasking genetic codes alone cannot explain the diversity of disease phenotypes within a population. Further, classic genetics has not been able to explain the differences that have been observed among identical twins or even cloned animals. This new reality has re-ignited interest in the field of epigenetics. While traditionally defined as heritable changes that can alter gene expression without affecting the corresponding DNA sequence, this definition has come into question. The extent to which epigenetic change can also be acquired in response to chemical stimuli represents an exciting dimension in the “nature vs nurture” debate. In this review I will describe a series of studies in my laboratory that illustrate the significance of epigenetics and its potential clinical implications.
Primary hydatid disease in adductor muscles
Authors: Sarisoy Hasan Tahsin , Memisoglu Kaya , Tamer Gulden Sonmez , Sarlak Ahmet Yilmaz
Published: May 2017

Primary muscular Echinococcus infection is very rare without involvement of thoracic and abdominal organs. In this case a 31-year-old man who had a growing mass in the postero-medial part of his right thigh was examined. The mass was diagnosed as hydatid cyst using ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and serological tests. It was removed surgically and there has been no recurrence one year after the surgery.

The MRI imaging characteristics may differ depending on the life cycle stage of the parasite. In this case report, we discuss the imaging characteristics of the muscular hydatid cyst with special emphasis on the MRI findings. In regions where hydatidosis is endemic, a mass found in body muscles should be considered as a muscular hydatid cyst.
Developing a clinician-scientist career
Authors: Tai Isabella T
Published: May 2017

It was a pleasure and an honour to be invited to participate in this year’s CSCI symposium “Clinician Investigators: Pathway to Future Success”. Looking out into the audience, it was satisfying to see the room filled with so many trainees representing the various MD/PhD and CIP programs across Canada. As the first female graduate of University of Toronto’s MD/PhD program, it was also very encouraging to notice the large numbers of female trainees attending this conference. The following is a short synopsis of some key elements to consider as one transitions into a junior faculty position.
Challenges and rewards of the clinician scientist career path
Authors: Hare Greg MT
Published: May 2017

The pathway to a successful career as a Clinician Scientist has no shortage of challenges. However, most of those who embark upon this difficult journey are rewarded for their efforts. The following summarizes one perspective on how to manage the challenges and enjoy the rewards of a career as a Clinician Scientist.
Transitioning to independence: Pitfalls and practical tips
Authors: Taylor Valerie , MacQueen Glenda
Published: May 2017

Establishing an independent academic career is a lofty goal and junior physician-scientists have an especially complicated balancing act: caring for patients, conducting experiments and meeting regulatory requirements for human or animal subject research. This balancing act is often accompanied by teaching and administrative tasks, as well as the need to plan a coherent research program, obtain grant funding, and publish in scientific journals while, meanwhile, the clock is ticking. The effort requires a mix of scientific, technical, project management, and interpersonal skills. More intangibly, the path to independence requires flexibility, persistence, and self-confidence. Strong support from an academic institution, stronger support from a mentor and the ability to balance the many facets of both professional and personal responsibilities is essential. For those with such an inclination, successfully combining a clinical and research career can be quite rewarding but it is a career path that carries unique challenges and requires a specific skill set. This may explain why only 199 investigators have completed the clinical investigator programs designed to augment research training in medical residents in Canada since 1995.

Establishing productive independence is an achievable goal and while there exists no “template for success,” our experiences of the transition to new investigator, many of which are echoed by colleagues, may identify some of the necessary skills and resources.
Measuring skeletal muscle strength and endurance, from bench to bedside
Authors: Saey Didier , Troosters Thierry
Published: May 2017

Peripheral muscle dysfunction is a recognized and important systemic consequence of many chronic diseases. Peripheral muscle weakness is associated with excess utilization of health care recourses, morbidity and /or mortality in patients with COPD, congestive heart failure, liver and frail elderly. In the latter group, muscle weakness was associated with significant increase in falling and falling related injury. Exercise training does enhance skeletal muscle function and exercise performance. In addition, patients who start a training program with impaired skeletal muscle function may be more likely to respond adequately to an exercise training program. It is beyond the scope of the present review to discuss in detail the factors that may contribute to muscle dysfunction in chronic conditions. Clearly, muscle weakness is multi-factorial. Factors associated with skeletal muscle force are general factors (such as age, body weight, sex), disease related factors (such as inactivity) and disease specific factors (for example in COPD drug treatment, i.e. corticosteroid treatment, inflammation, oxidative stress and hypoxia have been shown to contribute to muscle dysfunction).

This review will focus on the different ways to assess skeletal muscle function in patients with chronic disease. More specifically, techniques to assess skeletal muscle strength, skeletal muscle endurance and skeletal muscle fatigue will be discussed. For the American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM) not only muscle strength but also muscle endurance are health- related fitness components. Loss in one of these muscle characteristics results in impaired muscle. Muscle function tests are very specific to the muscle group tested, the type of contraction, the velocity of muscle motion, the type of equipment and the joint range of motion. Results of any test are specific to the procedures used. Individuals should participate in familiarization sessions with the equipment, and adhere to a specific protocol in order to obtain a true and reliable score.

A change in one’s muscular fitness over time can be based on the absolute value of the external force (Newton (N)), but when comparisons are made between individuals, the values should be expressed as relative values (percentage of a predicted normal value). In both cases, caution must be taken in the interpretation of the result because the norms may not include a representative sample of the individual being measured, a standardized protocol may be absent, or the exact test being used may differ.
Pulmonary rehabilitation 2007: From bench to practice and back
Authors: Decramer Marc
Published: May 2017

COPD is a disease that is not confined to the airways and the lungs, but also produces systemic consequences. Muscle weakness is one of these. It is produced by a multitude of factors including deconditioning, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, nutritional imbalance, reduced anabolic status, systemic corticosteroids, hypoxemia, hypercapnia, electrolyte disturbances, cardiac failure. The most important factors appear to be inactivity and systemic inflammation. Inactivity was shown to be present in patients with COPD from early in the course of the disease on. Systemic inflammation was shown to be predominantly present during COPD exacerbations. IL-6 has the propensity to reduce muscle function in experimental animals. At present there is no evidence of local production of cytokines in the muscle in patients with COPD. Muscle weakness is also important in the clinical course of the disease as it is associated with exercise intolerance, reduced quality of life, enhanced utilization of health care resources and reduced survival.

Rehabilitation is the best treatment for muscle weakness and deconditioning in patients with COPD. Indeed, it is the intervention with the largest effect on health status and exercise capacity in these patients. Several factors that may enhance the effects of rehabilitation have been studied. These include: growth hormone/ IGF-I, anabolic steroids, clenbuterol, creatine, anti-cytokine treatment, erythropoietin, oxygen, non-invasive mechanical ventilation and electrical stimulation. Recently, the potential of protease-inhibitors in reversing deconditioning-induced muscle dysfunction was demonstrated. Adjuncts are potentially particularly useful in patients who do not respond to a rehabilitation programme. Analysis of large d-bases demonstrated that about one third of the patients does not respond to rehabilitation. A follow-up study suggests that decline in exercise capacity after a rehabilitation programme is particularly present in these patients and not in the patients with a clear initial response. A better understanding of the factors controlling the response to rehabilitation, may lead to significant advances in this field.
Differences in quality of life in rural and urban populations
Authors: Oguzturk Omer
Published: May 2017

Background and purpose: To examine the predictors of health related, quality of life in rural and urban populations.

Methods: Parents and grandparents of students from 20 randomly selected primary schools in urban and rural areas of Kirikkale, Turkey were questioned for health-related quality of life (HRQL) and psychological distress, using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) Health Survey and Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS), respectively, which were returned by their children.

Results: Of 13,225 parents and grandparents 12,270 returned the questionnaires, for an overall response rate of 92.7%. SF-12 physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary (MCS), and overall scores were lower in participants from rural than those from urban areas. Mean HADS overall score was higher in subjects from rural than those from urban areas (16.6±6.8 vs. 14.8±6.8, P=0.0001). A linear regression model showed associations between SF-12 overall, PCS, and MCS scores with HAD total score after adjusting for sex, age, BMI, smoking, income, and education.

Conclusions: Quality of life scores in subjects vary between areas. Psychological distress in subjects in rural areas may account for the poorer scores of quality of life in rural areas.
Krypton yellow laser for the treatment of macular hole in high myopia without retinal detachment
Authors: Cai Ji-Ping , Cheng Jin-Wei , Ma Xiao-Ye , Li Yu-Zhen , Li You , Wei Rui-Li
Published: May 2017

Purpose To evaluate the prophylactic effect of krypton yellow laser for the treatment of macular holes in high myopic eyes in order to reduce the risk of retinal detachment.

Methods Twenty-seven eyes of 27 patients with high myopia and macular holes were randomly assigned to two groups. Fifteen patients (group A, 15 eyes) were subject to laser photocoagulation around the hole margin along with an oral placebo (vitamin B1), while 12 patients (group B, 12 eyes) were only given the oral placebo (vitamin B1). The incident rate of retinal detachment due to macular hole and the mean best-corrected visual acuity of the two groups before and after treatment were measured. The data were statistically tested by X2 test and Student’s t test.

Results The incident rates of retina1 detachment in group A and group B were 20%(3/15) and 58.3%(7/12), respectively (X2=4.201, P0.05). The mean BCVA of group B on the initial examination was 24/200, while the mean BCVA at the final follow-up was 30/200 (P>0.05). No significant difference in initial visual acuity (P>0.05) or final visual acuity (P>0.05) was found between the two groups.

Conclusion Krypton yellow laser photocoagulation could reduce the incidence of retinal detachment due to a macular hole in high myopia with acceptable functional results in this study.
Neuropeptide Substance P induces mRNA expression and secretion of CXCL8 chemokine, and HDC in human umbilical cord blood mast cells
Authors: Castellani M L , Ciampoli C , Felaco M , Tetè S , Conti C M , Salini V , De Amicis D , Orso C , Antinolfi P L , Caraffa A , Cerulli G , Boscolo P , Theoharides T C , Conti P , Kempuraj D
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Mast cells play an important role in innate and acquired immunity and are thought to be the cellular origin of most proteases and cytokines. Substance P (SP) and its receptor, NK-1R, play critical roles in immune regulation in human and animal models of inflammation.

Methods: We used mature human cord blood mast cells (HCBMC) differentiated from cord blood CD34+ precursor activated with SP in culture.

Results: Our data indicate that Substance P strongly activates mature HCBMC in releasing CXCL8 expression and secretion (Control: 1.200 ± 1.0; SP: 4.10 ± 0.90; P < 0.01). Moreover, in a RT-PCR, HCBMC expressed CXCL8 mRNA after Substance P activation. Since calcium ionophore A23187 is a pharmacological activator that raises cytosolic free calcium ion concentraion and stimulates mast cells in the production and secretion of proinflammatory compounds, it was used as positive control. In addition, we found that HCBMCs generate the transcription of histidine decarboxylase (HDC), the enzyme responsible for the generation of histamine from histidine, after SP treatment. Since CXCL8 is a member of the CXC chemokine subfamily with potent chemotactic activity and is a primary inflammatory cytokine we conclude that our results, obtained from HCBMC cultures, a good and valid model in vitro, support the concept that the neurogenic system modulates inflammatory events by Substance P-mediated HCBMC chemokine CXCL8 release.

Conclusion: The expression, synthesis and release of CXCL8 suggest an increase of inflammatory process in vivo mediated by the recruitment and infiltration of inflammatory cells in inflamed tissues.
Is new science driving practice improvements and better patient outcomes? Applications for cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Myers Jonathan , Herbert William , Ribisl Paul , Franklin Barry
Published: May 2017

Evidence from many clinical trials in recent years suggests that a large “treatment gap” exists between recommended therapies and the care that patients actually receive. This gap has been particularly apparent in the area of primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. In this article, three areas are discussed in which new scientific advances have not been adequately translated to clinical practice. These include: 1) the most appropriate measures to define the risks associated with obesity; 2) the under-diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and its relation to cardiovascular risk; and 3) the use and misuse of the exercise test and other functional status tools to predict health outcomes. Each is discussed in terms of how they should be quantified, their contribution to the estimation of cardiovascular disease risk, their response to interventions, and implications for cardiac rehabilitation. Clinical cardiac rehabilitation programs can benefit from routinely including these measures, both for their value in stratifying risk and for their importance in quantifying program efficacy. Physicians and allied health professionals should expand their routine medical evaluations and coronary risk factor profiling to include these measures.
YIF Poster Awards 2008
Authors: CSCI Awards _
Published: May 2017

Award recipients from the Young Investigator Forum at the CSCI meeting in Toronto, September, 2008. The investigators were students from Canadian MD/PhD and Clinician Investigator Programs.
Serum IgA1 from patients with IgA nephropathy up-regulates integrin-linked kinase synthesis and inhibits adhesive capacity in podocytes through indirect pathways
Authors: Ye Zeng-chun , Wang Cheng , Tang Ying , Liu Xun , Peng Hui , Zhang Hui , Lou Tan-qi
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To investigate the influence of IgA1 isolated from IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients on integrin-linked kinase (ILK) synthesis and adhesive capacity of podocytes through indirect pathways.

Methods: IgA1 was isolated from healthy control or IgAN patients’ sera using jacalin affinity chromatography and S-200 chromatography. Podocytes were treated with medium from mesangial cells incubated with aggregated IgA1 (aIgA1, 100 ?g/ml), in the presence or absence of valsartan (10-5M) or neutralizing antibodies of tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF-?, 50 ng/ml). Adhesive capacity of podocytes was assessed by cell counting manually and hexosaminidase assay. Real-time PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression of ILK.

Results: Medium from mesangial cells incubated with aIgA1 from IgAN patients reduced podocyte adhesion to collagen compared with medium from mesangial cells incubated with control medium(RPMI-1640 with 0.5% FBS) (35.0±4.8% vs. 60.0±2.0%; P < 0.05). While medium from mesangial cells incubated with aIgA1 from IgAN patients upregulated ILK expression in podocytes at mRNA and protein levels compared with medium from mesangial cells without aIgA1 incubated (1.6-fold and 1.38-fold higher than control, respectively, P < 0.05). Defects in podocyte adhesion and up-regulation of ILK synthesis induced by medium from mesangial cells incubated with aIgA1 from IgAN patients can be partially reversed by the pre-treatment for 1 hour with valsartan(P < 0.05), while pre-treatment with neutralizing antibodies of TNF-? produced no protective effect on podocytes (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Serum IgA1 from IgAN patients may inhibit adhesive capacity and up-regulate ILK synthesis in podocytes through indirect pathways.
Inability of healthy subjects to deposit potassium during hypokinesia and potassium supplementation
Authors: Zorbas Yan G , Kakuris Kostas K , Federenko Yuri F , Deogenov Viktor A
Published: May 2017

Objective: To determine the effect of potassium (K+) supplementation and hypokinesia (HK; diminished movement) on muscle K+ content and K+ loss.

Methods: Studies were conducted on 40 healthy male volunteers during a pre-experimental period of 30 days and an experimental-period of 364 days. Volunteers were equally divided into four groups: unsupplemented control subjects (UCS), unsupplemented experimental subjects (UES), supplemented control subjects (SCS), and supplemented experimental subjects (SES). A daily supplement of 1.17 mmol potassium-chloride (KCl) per kg body weight was given to the subjects in the SCS and SES groups.

Results: Muscle K+ content decreased (P < 0.05), and plasma K+ concentration, and K+ loss in urine and feces increased (P < 0.05) in the SES and UES groups compared with their pre-experimental levels and the values in their respective control groups (SCS and UCS). Muscle K+ content decreased more (P < 0.05), and plasma K+ concentration and K+ loss in urine and feces increased more (P < 0.05) in the SES group than in the UES group.

Conclusion: Muscle K+ content is not decreased by the K+ deficient diet and K+ loss is not increased by the higher muscle K+ content in the body. Rather it is caused by the inability of the body to use K+ during HK and K+ supplementation.
Overexpression of CIRP may reduce testicular damage induced by cryptorchidism
Authors: Zhou Ke-Wen , Zheng Xin-Min , Yang Zhi-Wei , Zhang Lin , Chen Hai-Dan
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of overexpression of cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) on testicular damage induced by cryptorchidism.

Methods: Male BALB/c mice were made surgically cryptorchid and CIRP gene was transferred into the cryptorchid testis by in vivo electroporation. Seven or ten days after electroporation, the expression of CIRP, p53 and Fas mRNA and protein were analyzed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting, respectively. Meanwhile, Histopathological changes were observed by light microscope, and flow cytometry was used to detect testicular cell apoptosis.

Results: Testicular weights after transfection with pVAX1-CIRP or pVAX1 were 0.083±0.005 g and 0.065±0.004 g, respectively, on day 7(P < 0.05) and 0.078±0.004 g and 0.052±0.007 g, on day 10 (P < 0.05). Testicular cell apoptosis after transfection with pVAX1-CIRP or pVAX1 were 9.8±1.1 % and 20.7±1.3 %, respectively, on day 7 (P < 0.01) and 10.4±0.9 % and 27.5±1.2 %, on day 10 (P < 0.01). In addition, the expression of CIRP mRNA and protein in the testes transfected with pVAX1-CIRP were both increased (P < 0.05) at each indicated time point. Meanwhile, the expression of p53 was decreased on day 7 (P < 0.05) and Fas was decreased on day 10(P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Overexpression of CIRP may reduce testicular damage induced by cryptorchidism by down-regulating the levels of p53 and Fas.
Effects of GSM-like radiofrequency on distortion product otoacoustic emissions in pregnant adult rabbits
Authors: Budak Gürer G , Muluk Nuray Bayar , Öztürk Göknur Güler , Budak Bilgehan , Apan Alpaslan , Seyhan Nesrin , Sanli Cihat
Published: May 2017

Objectives: To determine the effects of 1800 MHz GSM-like Radiofrequency (RFR) on the cochlear functions of pregnant adult rabbits by Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs).

Methods: Eighteen 13-month-old pregnant and eighteen 13-month-old non-pregnant New Zealand White rabbits were studied. They were randomly divided into four groups. Nine pregnant rabbits (Group 2) and nine non-pregnant rabbits (Group 4) were exposed to 1800 MHz GSM-like RFR 15 min daily for 7 days. Nine pregnant (Group 1) and nine non-pregnant rabbits (Group 3) were not exposed to GSM like RFR. Cochlear functions were assessed by DPOAEs at 1.0-8.0 kHz.

Results: In all pregnant groups except 2.0 kHz, DPOAE amplitudes were not different in Group 2 and Group1. In Group 4, DPOAE amplitudes at 1.0-4.0 kHz (-1.68 dB SPL at 1.0 kHz, 3.05 dB SPL at 1.5 kHz, 2.96 dB SPL at 2.0 kHz, 1.30 dB SPL at 3.0 kHz and 12.22 dB SPL at 4.0 kHz) were lower than Group 3 (8.67 dB SPL at 1.0 kHz, 17.67 dB SPL at 1.5 kHz, 26.10 dB SPL at 2.0 kHz, 18.10 dB SPL at 3.0 kHz and 35.13 dB SPL at 4.0 kHz) (P < 0.0125). In the pregnant group, harmful effects of GSM-like RFR were less than in the non-pregnant group.

Conclusion: GSM-like RFR caused decreases in DPOAE amplitudes mainly in non-pregnant adult rabbits. Prolonged exposure may affect the DPOAE amplitude. Recommendations are given to prevent the potential hazardous effects of RF in humans.
Effect of Haishengsu on transplanted K562 and drug-resistant K562/ADM tumors: An experimental study
Authors: Liu Ji-Zhu , Yang Ming , Li Da-Peng , Zhang Bin , Chen Shou-Guo , Wang Chun-Bo , Li Guang-Yai , Wang Le-Xin
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of Haishengsu (HSS) on transplanted K562 and drug-resistant K562/ADM tumors.

Methods: Mice were inoculated subcutaneously with K562 and K562/ADM cells, respectively. Tumour-bearing animals were divided into HSS, adriamycin, combination therapy (adriamycin plus HSS) and placebo groups. The anti-tumour effect was assessed by tumour growth curve and tumour inhibitory rate (IR).

Results: In animals inoculated with K562 cells, the inhibitory rates of high (1800mg/kg) and medium (900mg/kg ) dose HSS groups were 100% and 96.4%, respectively, which was higher than that in the adriamycin (88.9%) or the combination therapy groups (85.8%, P < 0.05). The inhibitory rate in the low-dose HSS group (53.4%) was lower than in all other groups (P < 0.01). In mice inoculated with K562/ADM cells, the inhibitory rates in the high, medium and low dose HSS groups were 100%, 95.9%, and 44.1%, respectively. In the adriamycin group, the inhibitory rate was 23.07%, which was lower than in the HSS group (P < 0.01). Pathological examination of tumour tissues from HSS-treated animals showed extensive necrosis and bleeding.

Conclusions: Haishengsu inhibits the growth of transplanted K562 tumours in mice. It is also effective in suppressing the growth of drug-resistant K562/ADM tumors in this animal model.
Evaluation of metalloproteinase 2 and 9 levels and their inhibitors in combined dyslipidemia
Authors: Derosa Giuseppe , Maffioli Pamela , D’Angelo Angela , Salvadeo Sibilla AT , Ferrari Ilaria , Fogari Elena , Gravina Alessia , Mereu Roberto , Palumbo Ilaria , Randazzo Sabrina , Cicero Arrigo FG
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the distribution of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and their specific inhibitors in a sample of patients affected by mild dyslipidemia but not yet treated with antihyperlipidemic drugs.

Methods: One hundred and sixty-eight Caucasian patients aged ? 18 yr of either sex with combined dyslipidemia and who had never previously taken lipid-lowering medications were evaluated. As a control population, we enrolled 179 Caucasian healthy subjects, aged ? 18 yr of either sex. We evaluated body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), homeostasis model assessment (HOMA index), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (Tg), lipoprotein(a) Lp(a), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), homocysteine (Hct), fibrinogen (Fg), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), adiponectin (ADP), MMP-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2).

Results: TC, Tg, and LDL-C were higher (P < < 0.05, P < < 0.01 and P < < 0.05, respectively) in the dyslipidemic group, while HDL-C levels were lower (P < < 0.01) compared with the control group. Increases of PAI-1, Hct, Fg, and Hs-CRP (P < < 0.01, P < < 0.05, P < < 0.05, and P < < 0.05, respectively) were present in the dyslipidemic group, while ADP level was lower (P < < 0.01) in the dyslipidemic patients compared with controls. MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 levels were higher (P < < 0.0001) in the dyslipidemic group.

Conclusions: Combined hyperlipidemic patients have increased levels of prothrombotic and microinflammatory parameters and higher levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 than control subjects. The prognostic importance of this observation has to be evaluated in adequately designed prospective studies.
Admission blood glucose and in-hospital clinical outcome among patients with acute stroke in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Wang Ning , Qiao Dawei , Tong Weijun , Zhang Fengshan , Ju Zhong , Xu Tan , Jin Erdunchaolu , Zhang Huan , Zhang Yonghong
Published: May 2017

Purpose: There is still controversy about the association between admission blood glucose concentration and outcome of acute stroke. We studied the association between admission blood glucose and in-hospital death / dependency among acute stroke patients in Inner Mongolia, China.

Methods: 2,178 acute ischemic and 1,760 hemorrhagic stroke patients in six hospitals were included in the study. Blood glucose and other study variables were collected within the first 24-hr of hospital admission. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by neurologists during hospitalization. The associations between admission blood glucose and the risk of in-hospital death/dependency were analyzed using a multiple logistic model.

Results: There were associations between admission blood glucose and in-hospital death/dependency among patients with acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Compared with patients with blood glucose < 6.1mmol/L, multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of death/dependency were 0.53 (0.23, 1.27), 2.22 (1.21, 4.11), 1.92 (1.12, 3.33) and 1.91 (1.00, 3.64) for ischemic stroke patients, and 0.93 (0.44, 1.96), 1.42 (0.65, 3.10), 1.98 (1.10, 3.55) and 2.93 (1.40, 6.11) for hemorrhagic stroke patients, with blood glucose 6.1-6.9, 7.0-7.7, 7.8-11.0 and ?11.1mmol/L, respectively.

Conclusion: Increased admission blood glucose was associated with death/dependency among patients with acute hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke.
Stem cells and models of astrocytomas
Authors: Kamnasaran Deepak
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To provide a critical assessment of current stem-cell based pre-clinical models of astrocytomas (gliomas).

Methods: Data were archived from MEDLINE using Boolean formatted keyword queries. Top articles were selected for critical analyses depending on the qualitative assessment of the citation index, novelty of the findings, reputation of the research group and relevance to stem-cell based pre-clinical models of astrocytomas.

Results: The emergence of stem-cell based pre-clinical models of gliomas offers advantages for cellular transformation studies over other current in-vitro cell cultured based models. Cells utilized in these stem-cell based pre-clinical models are easier to transform, with the induced tumours demonstrating very high molecular and pathological recapitulations of astrocytomas that are derived from humans. These stem-cell based models fall into two categories. In the first, synthetic astrocytes can be differentiated from various stem cell sources such as the nervous system and embryos, and utilized in elegant forward genetic strategies to develop novel astrocytoma pre-clinical models. The second category represents a cancer stem cell pre-clinical model. In this model, glioma stem cells exhibit very high pathological recapitulations of the human tumours, and can be very informative to comprehend the basis of radio-chemoresistance among patients.

Conclusion: The quest to develop robust pre-clinical models of astrocytomas is on an ongoing basis. The models are of clinical importance for the discovery of effective treatment modalities that can considerably improve the health of patients with this deadly disease.
Arterial baroreflex function in older adults with neurocardiogenic syncope
Authors: Madden Kenneth M , Lockhart Chris
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Neurocardiogenic syncope (formerly vasovagal) accounts for large numbers of falls in older adults and the mechanisms are poorly understood. This study examined the differences in baseline arterial baroreflex function in older adults with and without a neruocardiovascular response to orthostatic stress.

Methods: Subjects were divided into two groups based on the presence (TT+ group) or absence (TT- group) of a neurocardiovascular response to upright tilting (70 degree head-up tilt for 10 minutes after 400 micrograms of sublingual nitroglycerin). A neurocardiovascular response was defined as presyncopal symptoms (lightheadedness) in association with at least a 30 mm Hg decrease in blood pressure. Before being divided into groups, baroreflex function was assessed using the spontaneous baroreflex method (baroreflex sensitivity, BRS). This method involves the analysis of “spontaneous” swings in blood pressure and heart rate that are mediated by the arterial baroreflexes.

Results: 42 older adults (mean age 70.3±0.7 yr) were recruited, of which 18 were in the TT+ and 24 were in the TT- group. At baseline, the TT+ group demonstrated increased arterial baroreflex sensitivity in response to negative blood pressure sequences only (BRSdown, 11.2±1.9 vs. 7.3±1.0 ms/mm Hg, P=0.011). During tilt, the TT+ group demonstrated a much larger decrease in overall arterial baroreflex sensitivity than the TT- group (-6.8±1.2 vs. –3.2±0.9 ms/mm Hg, P=0.012). There was a negative correlation between BRSdown and length of tilt table test (r=-0.329, P=0.041) in the TT+ subjects.

Conclusion: Older adults with neurocardiogenic syncope have exaggerated arterial baroreflex sensitivity at baseline.
Atorvastatin reduces the expression of aldo-keto reductases in HUVEC and PTEC. A new approach to influence the polyol pathway
Authors: Ruf Tobias F , Quintes Susanne , Sternik Paula , Gottmann Uwe
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Increased flux of glucose via the polyol pathway, oxidative stress and ischaemia lead to the upregulation of the aldose reductase (AR), the key enzyme of the polyol pathway. This adversely affects the organism and can in part be reduced by inhibition of the enzyme.

Methods: In this study, we examined the effect of the HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitor atorvastatin on the expression of aldose reductase (AR, AKR1B1), aldehyde reductase (AldR, AKR1A1) and small intestine reductase (SIR, AKR1B10) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) by RT-PCR.

Results: In HUVEC, atorvastatin reduces the expression of aldehyde reductase and aldose reductase compared with control medium (-20% and -12% respectively, P < 0.05), while small intestine reductase is not expressed. In PTEC no regulation of aldehyde reductase and aldose reductase by atorvastatin could be measured, while the expression of small intestine reductase was reduced by 37% compared with control medium (P < 0.05). The reduction observed was not abolished by the addition of mevalonic acid.

Conclusion: The reduction of members of the aldo-keto-reductase family by atorvastatin is a novel way to influence the polyol pathway and a new pleiotropic effect of atorvastatin.
Co-expression of ER-beta and HER2 associated with poorer prognosis in primary breast cancer
Authors: Qui Wen-sheng , Yue Lu , Ding Ai-ping , Sun Jian , Yao Yang , Shen Zan , Fan Li-hong
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To assess the prognostic value of co-expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-beta and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in primary breast cancer patients in China.

Methods: Tumour specimens from 308 patients undergoing surgery for primary breast cancer were evaluated. Expression of ER-beta and HER-2 was investigated by the immunohistochemistry.

Results: 123 patients (40%) were ER-beta positive and 58 (18.5 %) were HER2 positive. Among the 58 HER2 positive patients, 44 were ER-beta positive and 14 were ER-beta negative. ER-beta positive was associated with HER2 positive (75.9%, P=0.018) as well as ER-alpha positive (79.7%, P=0.023), poor cell differentiation (77.2% grade 2 or 3, P=0.010) and menopause age < 45 yr (55.3%, P=0.031). HER2 positive was associated with poor cell differentiation (93.1%, P=0.001), ?3cm tumour size (67.2%, P=0.011).

Conclusion: Both ER-beta positive and HER2 positive status was associated with poorer overall survival (OS) by univariate analysis. In both HER2 positive and HER2 negative subgroups, ER-beta positive was associated with poorer distant disease free survival (DDFS) but not OS, which implied that ER-beta might relate to metastasis in breast cancer.
Right ventricular function in ST elevation myocardial infarction: Effect of reperfusion
Authors: Karakurt Ozlem , Akdemir Ramazan
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To investigate right ventricle function in successfully reperfused ST elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) and to compare reperfusion strategies.

Methods: From January 2007 to August 2008, 33 patients with anterior myocardial infarction (MI) and 48 patients with non-anterior myocardial infarction were enrolled in this study. Patients were treated with thrombolytic therapy (TT) or primary percutanaeous coronary intervention (PPCI) (Primary intervention: 16 and 25 patients (anterior and non-anterior consecutively), thrombolytic therapy: 17 and 23 patients (anterior and non-anterior consecutively)). Right ventricle (RV) function was analyzed using tissue Doppler investigation (TDI) after 72 hr of successful reperfusion.

Results: There was no difference in right ventricle function assessed by right ventricle TDI Tei index between the PPCI and TT group (0.39±0.20 vs. 0.39±0,17). RV TDI Tei index increased in anterior MI patients treated with either PPCI or TT compared with control group (0.39±0.11 vs. 0.27±0.16, P=0.015 and 0.43±0.18 vs. 0.27±0.16 , P= 0.014 respectively). RV TDI Tei index did not differ between non-anterior MI patients treated with either PPCI or TT and control group (0.38±0.23 vs. 0.27±0.16, and 0.37±0.16 vs. 0.27±0.16, respectively).

Conclusions: RV function deteriorated in STEMI compared with healthy controls. Contrary to the expectation, RV dysfunction was observed in anterior STEMI, but not in non anterior MI. There was no difference in RV function between the two treatment modalities.
Admission blood pressure indexes and risk of in-hospital death and dependency among acute hemorrhagic stroke patients, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Zhang Huan , Ju Zhong , Xu Tan , Tong Weijun , Jin Erdunchaolu , Wang Ning , Zhang Yonghong
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To study the association between blood pressure (BP) SBP, DBP, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP) and clinical outcome in acute hemorrhagic stroke patients in the Chinese population.

Methods: 1,760 hemorrhagic stroke patients admitted to six hospitals from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2005 were included in the study. BP and other variables were collected within the first 24-hr of admission. Clinical outcomes at discharge were evaluated by neurologists. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios associated with increment of 1 standard deviation (SD) mmHg in four BP were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results: The four BP indexes at admission were positively associated with death and SBP, DBP, MAP were associated with dependency. Adjusted odds ratios (95% confident interval) of death associated with increment of 1 SD mmHg were 1.74 (1.44,2.12), 1.39 (1.15,1.69),1.61 (1.32,1.96) and 1.66 (1.39,1.99) for SBP, DBP, MAP and PP, respectively (all P < 0.01), and adjusted odds ratio of dependency associated with increment of 1 SD mmHg was 1.15 (1.03,1.27), 1.21 (1.09,1.34) and 1.19 (1.07,1.32) for SBP, DBP and MAP, respectively (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Increased SBP, DBP, MAP and PP at admission were all associated with in-hospital mortality, and increased SBP, DBP and MAP were associated with dependency at discharge among hemorrhagic stroke patients.
Panton-Valentine leukocidin in pediatric community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections
Authors: Papenburg Jesse , Fontela Patricia , Raynal Lélia , Jetté Louise , Ismail Johanne , Bekal Sadjia , Al-Zahrani Ibrahim , Quach Caroline
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) is an exotoxin produced by strains of Staphylococcus aureus (SA). Its importance as a virulence factor is controversial. We aim to further characterize the role of PVL in pediatric community-acquired SA infections.

Methods: In a cohort study conducted from July to November 2006, we prospectively collected all strains of SA isolated at the Montreal Children’s Hospital causing community-acquired infections in children aged 18 years or younger. The strains were analyzed for the presence of the PVL encoding genes by PCR and were phage typed. Strains resistant to methicillin or pvl+ were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. A medical chart review blinded to patient pvl status was performed to retrieve demographic and clinical data. Data were analyzed by logistic regression.

Results: We identified 74 pediatric community-acquired SA infections. Nineteen strains (25.7%) were positive for the pvl genes. Four isolates (5.4%) were resistant to methicillin and three of these were pvl+. No predominant clone was identified by phage typing or pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Pvl+ and pvl- infections were statistically similar for patient age, hospital admission, length of hospital stay, invasive disease, intravenous antibiotics and outcomes. Pvl+ strains were more likely to cause abscesses (OR 20.79; 95% CI 4.93 – 87.58), less likely to cause superficial skin infections (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.05 – 0.64) and less likely to be resistant to erythromycin (OR 0.048; 95% CI 0.004 – 0.52).

Conclusions: In a clonally heterogeneous population of pediatric community-acquired SA infections, pvl+ strains were associated with abscess formation and erythromycin susceptibility, but not invasive disease.
Distraction osteogenesis is inhibited by cancer radiotherapy with Co 60
Authors: Kesemenli Cumhur Cevdet , Kaya Halil , Memisoglu Kaya , Kaya Beyza , Dirier Ahmet , Tosun Bilgehan , Kilinc Nihal
Published: May 2017

Aim: To investigate the effects of radiotherapy on distraction osteogenesis performed on the same bone in an area that has not received radiation. Radiotherapy (Co60) was carried out in a region where tumors may develop, and then, on the assumption that the tumoral region had been removed, distraction osteogenesis was carried out, and the effects were investigated.

Method: Thirty New Zealand rabbits were randomized into two groups, a study group (15 rabbits) and a control group (15 rabbits). In the study group, Co60 was administered by teletherapy to the distal half of the left tibia. Rabbits in the control group were kept in the same environment for the same period, but were not subjected to radiotherapy. Four weeks after radiotherapy, osteotomy was performed on the proximal part of the left tibia of all subjects, and distraction was carried out until 10mm. After distraction was completed, the outcomes were evaluated radiologically, scintigraphically, and histopathologically, and the results were compared.

Results: New bone formation achieved through distraction osteogenesis in the study group animals was inadequate, while new bone tissue achieved in the control group was superior (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Radiotherapy has a negative effect on distraction osteogenesis, even if performed on a different part of the bone.
Effects of survivin interference RNA on non-small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Liu Guan-Feng , Zhao Qi-Gang , Si Lei , Cao Yin-Guang , Li Guang-Yao , Wang Le-Xin
Published: May 2017

Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effect of survivin interference RNA (siRNA) on non-small cell lung cancer.

Methods: Lentivirus was used as a vector to transfer siRNA into human lung cancer A549 cells. The proliferation of the cancer cells was assessed by MTT
[3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. The lentivirus-mediated siRNA was also injected into the transplanted A549 tumor tissues in mice. Tumour growth was assessed after 11 injections over a period of 21 days.

Results: Compared with the placebo and the blank lentiviral vector groups, the siRNA treatment group had reduced cell growth rate following 4 days of the treatment (P < 0.01). The average size of the transplanted A549 tumours in the siRNA treatment group (0.75±0.16 cm3, n=8) was smaller than in the placebo (2.09±0.22 cm3, n=6) or the blank lentivrial vector groups (1.89±0.18 cm3, n=6) (P < 0.01). The tumour growth inhibition rate in the siRNA groups was 46.1%.

Conclusion: Lentivirus-mediated siRNA therapy inhibits the growth of human lung cancer cells in vitro. The siRNA therapy also suppresses the growth of the transplanted lung cancer in mice.
Assessment of arterial stiffness affected by atorvastatin in coronary artery disease using pulse wave velocity
Authors: Meng Xiao , Qie Liangyi , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhong Ming , Li Li
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Several studies have shown arterial stiffness changes associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Recently, statins were reported to improve arterial stiffness. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on arterial stiffness in CAD patients using pulse wave velocity (PWV).

Methods: We evaluated 63 patients with hyperlipemia and CAD. Forty-three patients were given 10mg atorvastatin daily and 20 patients were assigned to a low-fat diet. Carotid-femoral PWV (PWV-CF), carotid-radial PWV (PWV-CR) and carotid-distal PWV (PWV-CD) were measured in all patients.

Results: Compared with baseline, PWV-CF, PWV-CR and PWV-CD decreased after therapy in the atorvastatin group (13.22±3.39 & 11.85±2.87; 11.85±2.72 & 10.73±2.31; and 11.04±1.99 & 10.15±1.75, P < 0.05). There was no difference in the control group (13.29±2.89 & 13.93±2.89; 11.52±2.25 & 12.31±2.22; and 10.46±1.86 & 11.15±1.85, P > 0.05). After treatment, values of total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were reduced in the 2 groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The study demonstrated that atorvastatin can improve arterial stiffness in CAD patients independent of its lipid-lowering properties.