bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9 proteins in patients with glioma
Authors: Ma Chengyuan , Li Yang , Zhang Xianfeng , Zhao Gang , Xu Haiyang 
Published: January 2014

Objective To investigate the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) proteins in patients with glioma, in order to determine if either protein has prognostic value. Method The presence of VEGF and MMP-9 proteins in paraffin-embedded tumour specimens from patients with glioma was detected using immunohistochemistry. The correlation between the levels of VEGF and MMP-9 proteins and tumour grade was analysed. Results A total of 32 patients with low-grade gliomas (World Health Organization [WHO] grade II) and 48 patients with high-grade gliomas (WHO grades III–IV) participated in the study. Positive immunohistochemical staining of VEGF and MMP-9 proteins was detected in 58/80 (72.5%) and 60/80 (75.0%) of patients, respectively. The level of VEGF immunostaining was significantly positively correlated with the level of MMP-9 immunostaining ( r = 0.78). Significantly more high-grade gliomas (grades III–IV) demonstrated positive VEGF and MMP-9 immunostaining compared with the low grade gliomas (grades I–II). Conclusions These data suggest that VEGF and MMP-9 play an important role in the malignant behaviour of gliomas.
Increased permeability of blood–brain barrier is mediated by serine protease during Cryptococcus meningitis
Authors: Xu Chi-Yu , Zhu Hong-Mei , Wu Jian-Hua , Wen Hai , Liu Cui-Jie 
Published: January 2014

Objectives To determine the role of serine protease in the disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) during Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis. Methods Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the production of serine protease by different strains of C. neoformans. BBB permeability in immunosuppressed rats inoculated with C. neoformans or C. neoformans plus aprotinin was examined via Evans blue staining. In vitro BBB permeability (transwell passage of horseradish peroxidase) was determined in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) cultured with serine protease or serine protease plus aprotinin. Electron microscopy of rat brain tissue was used to visualise C. neoformans infection. Results Serine protease mRNA and protein were detected in all C. neoformans serotypes. C. neoformans infection increased BBB permeability in vivo, but this effect was ameliorated by aprotinin. Treatment of BMECs with serine protease increased permeability in vitro. This effect was reversed by aprotinin. Conclusion Serine protease secreted by C. neoformans leads to BBB disruption during Cryptococcus meningitis. Serine protease may be a novel treatment target for Cryptococcus meningitis .
The hidden ethical element of nursing care rationing
Authors: Papastavrou Evridiki , Andreou Panayiota , Vryonides Stavros 
Published: January 2014

Objective: To explore nurses’ experiences and perceptions about prioritizations, omissions, and rationing of bedside nursing care. Methods: A total of 23 nurses participated in four focus groups. The interviews were based on a semi-structured interview guide; data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Findings: Four themes were developed based on the data: (a) priorities in the delivery of care; (b) professional roles, responsibilities, and role conflicts; (c) environmental factors influencing care omissions; and (d) perceived outcomes of rationing. Discussion: The delivery of nursing care is framed by the biomedical ethos and inter-professional role conflict while the standards of basic care are jeopardized. Organizational and environmental factors appear to exert significant influence on prioritization. Failure to carry out necessary nursing tasks may lead to adverse patient outcomes, role conflict, and an ethical burden on nurses. Conclusion: There is a need for further exploration and possible redesign of the nursing role, scope, and responsibilities, as well as addressing the arising ethical issues of rationing in nursing care.
Colour vision impairment is associated with disease severity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Martínez-Lapiscina Elena H , Ortiz-Pérez Santiago , Fraga-Pumar Elena , Martínez-Heras Eloy , Gabilondo Iñigo , Llufriu Sara , Bullich Santiago , Figueras Marc , Saiz Albert , Sánchez-Dalmau Bernardo , Villoslada Pablo 
Published: January 2014

Background: Colour vision assessment correlates with damage of the visual pathway and might be informative of overall brain damage in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: The objective of this paper is to investigate the association between impaired colour vision and disease severity. Methods: We performed neurological and ophthalmic examinations, as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) analyses, on 108 MS patients, both at baseline and after a follow-up of one year. Colour vision was evaluated by Hardy, Rand and Rittler plates. Dyschromatopsia was defined if colour vision was impaired in either eye, except for participants with optic neuritis (ON), for whom only the unaffected eye was considered. We used general linear models adjusted for sex, age, disease duration and MS treatment for comparing presence of dyschromatopsia and disease severity. Results: Impaired colour vision in non-ON eyes was detected in 21 out of 108 patients at baseline. At baseline, patients with dyschromatopsia had lower Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) scores and Brief Repeatable Battery-Neuropsychology executive function scores than those participants with normal colour vision. In addition, these patients had thinner retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and smaller macular volume, normalized brain volume and normalized gray matter volume (NGMV) at baseline. Moreover, participants with incident dyschromatopsia after one-year follow-up had a greater disability measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale and MSFC-20 and a greater decrease in NGMV than participants with normal colour vision. Conclusions: Colour vision impairment is associated with greater MS severity.
Informal ethics consultations in academic health care settings: A quantitative description and a qualitative analysis with a focus on patient participation
Authors: Rudnick Abraham , Pallaveshi Luljeta , Sibbald Robert William , Forchuk Cheryl 
Published: January 2014

Background Ethics consultations are established in contemporary health care. Informal ethics consultations often occur and are possibly beneficial, yet they have not been empirically studied. We sought to describe features of informal ethics consultations and to identify facilitators and disruptors of patient participation in such ethics consultations. Methods We used a mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) evaluation design and conveniently sampled 64 sequential informal ethics consultations over a period of 3 years in two academic health care centers in one city in Canada. Data were collected by the two participating ethicists. We used statistical description for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Results Patients participated in only two (3%) of the informal ethics consultations. Factors that disrupted patient participation in ethics consultations were related to patients’ issues (mental impairments), family issues (family withholding information from the patient), and team members’ issues (efficiency considerations). Conclusion Informal ethics consultations may be used for ethics capacity building of health care providers rather than for engagement with addressed patients. Further research on informal ethics consultations is required, including in different sites.
Does Single Ventricle Physiology Affect Survival of Children Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support Following Cardiac Surgery?
Authors: Alsoufi Bahaaldin , Awan Abid , Manlhiot Cedric , Al-Halees Zohair , Al-Ahmadi Mamdouh , McCrindle Brian W. , Alwadai Abdullah 
Published: January 2014

Background: Improved survival with postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has expanded its application to children with single ventricle (SV) anomalies. We examine current-era outcomes of postoperative ECMO with special focus on patients with SV. Methods: Demographic, anatomic, surgical, and support details of 100 consecutive children requiring postoperative ECMO (2007-2012) were included into multivariable regression models to identify factors affecting survival. Results: Median age was 73 days (4 days-16.2 years), 31 patients had SV physiology. The ECMO indication was failure to wean cardiopulmonary bypass (34%) and postoperative low cardiac output (66%) including 37% having extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Median ECMO duration was four days (1-21). The ECMO decannulation and survival to hospital discharge were 62% and 37%. In SV group, decannulation and survival rates were 55% and 32%. The SV-ECMO outcomes were best in ECPR subgroup (54%), following shunt (57%) or Norwood (46%) and worst following Glenn, Fontan, or total anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair (0% survival). On multivariable analysis, factors affecting odds of survival were performing angiogram (odds ratio [OR]: 15.28, confidence interval [CI]: 2.34-99.89, P = .004), prolonged ECMO duration (OR: 0.64, CI: 0.47-0.88 per day, P = .005), leaving cannulation snares (OR: 28.41, CI: 2.65-304.70, P = .006), higher HCO3 (OR: 1.19, CI: 1.04-1.36, P = .01), renal failure requiring hemodialysis (OR: 0.21, CI: 0.06-0.76, P = .02), bleeding requiring re-exploration (OR: 0.21, CI: 0.06-0.75, P = .02), ECPR in patients with SV (OR: 11.84, CI: 1.11-126.07, P = .04), delayed lactate normalization (OR: 0.95, CI: 0.90-0.99 per hour, P = .02), and elevated liver enzymes (OR: 0.97, CI: 0.95-1.00 per 10 unit/L, P = .05). Conclusions: The ECMO is valuable in patients with SV however results depend on anatomy, procedure, and support indication. Persistent markers of poor perfusion, end-organ injury, and prolonged ECMO duration are associated with mortality. Those factors could be modified by early ECMO application before organ damage, meticulous homeostasis to ensure adequate perfusion, early diagnosis, and reoperation on residual lesions to expedite weaning.
The interrelations of radiologic findings and mechanical ventilation in community acquired pneumonia patients admitted to the intensive care unit: a multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Erdem Hakan , Kocak-Tufan Zeliha , Yilmaz Omer , Karakurt Zuhal , Cilli Aykut , Turkan Hulya , Yazicioglu-Mocin Ozlem , Adıguzel Nalan , Gungor Gokay , Taşcı Canturk , Yilmaz Gulden , Oncul Oral , Dogan-Celik Aygul , Erdemli Ozcan , Oztoprak Nefise , Tomak Yakup , Inan Asuman , Tok Demet , Temur Sibel , Oksuz Hafize , Senturk Ozgur , Buyukkocak Unase , Yilmaz-Karadag Fatma , Ozturk-Engin Derya , Ozcengiz Dilek , Karakas Ahmet , Bilgic Hayati , Leblebicioglu Hakan 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
We evaluated patients admitted to the intensive care units with the diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) regarding initial radiographic findings.

Methods
A multicenter retrospective study was held. Chest x ray (CXR) and computerized tomography (CT) findings and also their associations with the need of ventilator support were evaluated.

Results
A total of 388 patients were enrolled. Consolidation was the main finding on CXR (89%) and CT (80%) examinations. Of all, 45% had multi-lobar involvement. Bilateral involvement was found in 40% and 44% on CXR and CT respectively. Abscesses and cavitations were rarely found. The highest correlation between CT and CXR findings was observed for interstitial involvement. More than 80% of patients needed ventilator support. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) requirement was seen to be more common in those with multi-lobar involvement on CXR as 2.4-fold and consolidation on CT as 47-fold compared with those who do not have these findings. Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) need increased 8-fold in patients with multi-lobar involvement on CT.

Conclusion
CXR and CT findings correlate up to a limit in terms of interstitial involvement but not in high percentages in other findings. CAP patients who are admitted to the ICU are severe cases frequently requiring ventilator support. Initial CT and CXR findings may indicate the need for ventilator support, but the assumed ongoing real practice is important and the value of radiologic evaluation beyond clinical findings to predict the mechanical ventilation need is subject for further evaluation with large patient series.
Nickel removal by biosorption onto medlar male flowers coupled with photocatalysis on the spinel ZnMn2O4
Authors: Chergui Ahmed , Madjene Farid , Trari Mohamed , Khouider Ali 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Ni2+ is a highly toxic above 0.07 mg/L and its removal is of high significance. The biosorption of Ni2+ onto medlar male flowers (MMF) was studied in relation with the physical parameters like pH, contact time, biosorbent dosage, Ni2+ concentration and temperature. The interaction biosorbent-Ni2+ was examined by the FTIR technique. The equilibrium was achieved within 40 min and the data were well fitted by the Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson (R-P) models. The maximum Ni2+ uptake capacity was 17.073 mg/g at 25°C and the Ni2+ removal follows a pseudo-second order kinetic with activation energy of 13.3 kJ/mol. The thermodynamic parameters: ΔS°, ΔH° and ΔG° showed that the biosorption was spontaneous and endothermic. MMF was used as a post treatment technique and the biosorption was coupled with the visible light driven Ni2+ reduction over the spinel ZnMn2O4. The effect of the pH, ZnMn2O4 loading and light intensity on the photoactivity was investigated. 77.5% of Ni2+ was reduced after ~140 min under optimal conditions. The Ni2+ removal reached a rate conversion of 96% of with the coupled system biosorption/photocatalysis is very promising for the water treatment.
Leukemia-Inhibitory Factor—Neuroimmune Modulator of Endocrine Function*
Authors: Auernhammer C. J. , Melmed S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractLeukemia-inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine expressed by multiple tissue types. The LIF receptor shares a common gp130 receptor subunit with the IL-6 cytokine superfamily. LIF signaling is mediated mainly by JAK-STAT (janus-kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription) pathways and is abrogated by the SOCS (suppressor-of cytokine signaling) and PIAS (protein inhibitors of activated STAT) proteins. In addition to classic hematopoietic and neuronal actions, LIF plays a critical role in several endocrine functions including the utero-placental unit, the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, bone cell metabolism, energy homeostasis, and hormonally responsive tumors. This paper reviews recent advances in our understanding of molecular mechanisms regulating LIF expression and action and also provides a systemic overview of LIF-mediated endocrine regulation. Local and systemic LIF serve to integrate multiple developmental and functional cell signals, culminating in maintaining appropriate hormonal and metabolic homeostasis. LIF thus functions as a critical molecular interface between the neuroimmune and endocrine systems.
Characterization of ASC-2 as an Anti-Atherogenic Transcriptional Coactivator of Liver X Receptors in Macrophages
Authors: Kim Geun Hyang , Park Keunhee , Yeom Seon-Yong , Lee Kyung Jin , Kim Gukhan , Ko Jesang , Rhee Dong-Kwon , Kim Young Hoon , Lee Hye Kyung , Kim Hae Won , Oh Goo Taeg , Lee Ki-Up , Lee Jae W. , Kim Seung-Whan 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT
Activating signal cointegrator-2 (ASC-2) functions as a transcriptional coactivator of many nuclear receptors and also plays important roles in the physiology of the liver and pancreas by interacting with liver X receptors (LXRs), which antagonize the development of atherosclerosis. This study was undertaken to establish the specific function of ASC-2 in macrophages and atherogenesis. Intriguingly, ASC-2 was more highly expressed in macrophages than in the liver and pancreas. To inhibit LXR-specific activity of ASC-2, we used DN2, which contains the C-terminal LXXLL motif of ASC-2 and thereby acts as an LXR-specific, dominant-negative mutant of ASC-2. In DN2-overexpressing transgenic (Tg) macrophages, cellular cholesterol content was higher and cholesterol efflux lower than in control macrophages. DN2 reduced LXR ligand-dependent increases in the levels of ABCA1, ABCG1, and apoE transcripts, as well as the activity of luciferase reporters driven by the LXR response elements (LXREs) of ABCA1, ABCG1, and apoE genes. These inhibitory effects of DN2 were reversed by overexpression of ASC-2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that ASC-2 was recruited to the LXREs of the ABCA1, ABCG1, and apoE genes in a ligand-dependent manner and that DN2 interfered with the recruitment of ASC-2 to these LXREs. Furthermore, low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)-null mice receiving bone marrow transplantation from DN2-Tg mice showed accelerated atherogenesis when administered a high-fat diet. Taken together, these results indicate that suppression of the LXR-specific activity of ASC-2 results in both defective cholesterol metabolism in macrophages and accelerated atherogenesis, suggesting that ASC-2 is an anti-atherogenic coactivator of LXRs in macrophages.
Dual Ablation of Grb10 and Grb14 in Mice Reveals Their Combined Role in Regulation of Insulin Signaling and Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Holt Lowenna J. , Lyons Ruth J. , Ryan Ashleigh S. , Beale Susan M. , Ward Andrew , Cooney Gregory J. , Daly Roger J. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT
Growth factor receptor bound (Grb)10 and Grb14 are closely related adaptor proteins that bind directly to the insulin receptor (IR) and regulate insulin-induced IR tyrosine phosphorylation and signaling to IRS-1 and Akt. Grb10- and Grb14-deficient mice both exhibit improved whole-body glucose homeostasis as a consequence of enhanced insulin signaling and, in the case of the former, altered body composition. However, the combined physiological role of these adaptors has remained undefined. In this study we utilize compound gene knockout mice to demonstrate that although deficiency in one adaptor can enhance insulin-induced IRS-1 phosphorylation and Akt activation, insulin signaling is not increased further upon dual ablation of Grb10 and Grb14. Context-dependent limiting mechanisms appear to include IR hypophosphorylation and decreased IRS-1 expression. In addition, the compound knockouts exhibit an increase in lean mass comparable to Grb10-deficient mice, indicating that this reflects a regulatory function specific to Grb10. However, despite the absence of additive effects on insulin signaling and body composition, the double-knockout mice are protected from the impaired glucose tolerance that results from high-fat feeding, whereas protection is not observed with animals deficient for individual adaptors. These results indicate that, in addition to their described effects on IRS-1/Akt, Grb10 and Grb14 may regulate whole-body glucose homeostasis by additional mechanisms and highlight these adaptors as potential therapeutic targets for amelioration of the insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes.
Novel Regulators of Fgf23 Expression and Mineralization in Hyp Bone
Authors: Liu Shiguang , Tang Wen , Fang Jianwen , Ren Jinyu , Li Hua , Xiao Zhousheng , Quarles L. D. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT
We used gene array analysis of cortical bone to identify Phex-dependent gene transcripts associated with abnormal Fgf23 production and mineralization in Hyp mice. We found evidence that elevation of Fgf23 expression in osteocytes is associated with increments in Fgf1, Fgf7, and Egr2 and decrements in Sost, an inhibitor in the Wnt-signaling pathway, were observed in Hyp bone. β-Catenin levels were increased in Hyp cortical bone, and TOPflash luciferase reporter assay showed increased transcriptional activity in Hyp-derived osteoblasts, consistent with Wnt activation. Moreover, activation of Fgf and Wnt-signaling stimulated Fgf23 promoter activity in osteoblasts. We also observed reductions in Bmp1, a metalloproteinase that metabolizes the extracellular matrix protein Dmp1. Alterations were also found in enzymes regulating the posttranslational processing and stability of Fgf23, including decrements in the glycosyltransferase Galnt3 and the proprotein convertase Pcsk5. In addition, we found that the Pcsk5 and the glycosyltransferase Galnt3 were decreased in Hyp bone, suggesting that reduced posttranslational processing of FGF23 may also contribute to increased Fgf23 levels in Hyp mice. With regard to mineralization, we identified additional candidates to explain the intrinsic mineralization defect in Hyp osteoblasts, including increases in the mineralization inhibitors Mgp and Thbs4, as well as increases in local pH-altering factors, carbonic anhydrase 12 (Car12) and 3 (Car3) and the sodium-dependent citrate transporter (Slc13a5). These studies demonstrate the complexity of gene expression alterations in bone that accompanies inactivating Phex mutations and identify novel pathways that may coordinate Fgf23 expression and mineralization of extracellular matrix in Hyp bone.
Genomic Priming of the Antisecretory Response to Estrogen in Rat Distal Colon throughout the Estrous Cycle
Authors: O'Mahony Fiona , Alzamora Rodrigo , Chung Ho-Lam , Thomas Warren , Harvey Brian J. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT
The secretion of Cl− across distal colonic crypt cells provides the driving force for the movement of fluid into the luminal space. 17β-Estradiol (E2) produces a rapid and sustained reduction in secretion in females, which is dependent on the novel protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) isozyme and PKA isoform I targeting of KCNQ1 channels. This sexual dimorphism in the E2 response is associated with a higher expression level of PKCδ in female compared with the male tissue. The present study revealed the antisecretory response is regulated throughout the female reproductive (estrous) cycle and is primed by genomic regulation of the kinases. E2 (1-10 nm) decreased cAMP-dependent secretion in colonic epithelia during the estrous, metestrous, and diestrous stages. A weak inhibition of secretion was demonstrated in the proestrous stage. The expression levels of PKCδ and PKA fluctuated throughout the estrous cycle and correlated with the potency of the antisecretory effect of E2. The expression of PKCδ and PKA were up-regulated by estrogen at a transcriptional level via a PKCδ-MAPK-cAMP response element-binding protein-regulated pathway indicating a genomic priming of the antisecretory response. PKCδ was activated by the membrane-impermeant E2-BSA, and this response was inhibited by the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780. The 66-kDa estrogen receptor-α isoform was present at the plasma membrane of female colonic crypt cells with a lower abundance found in male colonic crypts. The study demonstrates estrogen regulation of intestinal secretion both at a rapid and transcriptional level, demonstrating an interdependent relationship between both nongenomic and genomic hormone responses.