bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-17A expression in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and its relationship with clinical features
Authors: Hu Xi-Dong , Bao Yang-Yang , Zhou Shui-Hong , Yao Hong-Tian , Mao Jian-Ying , Ji Xue-Xian , Wu Xiao-Hong 
Published: April 2013

Objective To investigate the expression of interleukin (IL) 17A in Chinese patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and analyse its correlation with clinical parameters. Methods Patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery and matched controls were included in this retrospective study. Clinical assessments (using a visual analogue scale of symptom severity, Johansson endoscopic score and Lund–Mackay computed tomography score) were performed preoperatively. Mucosal specimens were analysed for inflammatory infiltration and IL-17A expression, using immunohistochemistry. Results In total, 40 patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery and 16 controls were included in the study. IL-17A levels were significantly higher in tissues from patients with CRS (with or without nasal polyps) than in control tissues. In CRS, IL-17A expression tended to be higher in tissues with infiltrating neutrophils than in those with infiltrating eosinophils, but this difference was not significant. IL-17A expression in CRS was positively correlated with symptom severity, endoscopic findings and radiological appearance. Conclusions Expression of IL-17A was higher in Chinese patients with CRS than in controls, and was associated with infiltrating inflammatory cells, symptom severity, endoscopic findings and radiological appearance. These findings suggest that IL-17A may play a role in CRS pathogenesis and remodelling of nasal polyps.
Alterations in PACAP-38-like immunoreactivity in the plasma during ictal and interictal periods of migraine patients
Authors: Tuka Bernadett , Helyes Zsuzsanna , Markovics Adrienn , Bagoly Teréz , Szolcsányi János , Szabó Nikoletta , Tóth Eszter , Kincses Zsigmond Tamás , Vécsei László , Tajti János 
Published: April 2013

Background Recent studies on migraineurs and our own animal experiments have revealed that pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-38 (PACAP-38) has an important role in activation of the trigeminovascular system. The aim of this study was to determine the PACAP-38-like immunoreactivity (LI) in the plasma of healthy subjects, and parallel with the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-LI in migraine patients in the ictal and interictal periods. Methods A total of 87 migraineurs and 40 healthy control volunteers were enrolled in the examination. Blood samples were collected from the cubital veins in both periods in 21 patients, and in either the ictal or the interictal period in the remaining 66 patients, and were analysed by radioimmunoassay. Results A significantly lower PACAP-38-LI was measured in the interictal plasma of the migraineurs as compared with the healthy control group ( p < 0.011). In contrast, elevated peptide levels were detected in the ictal period relative to the attack-free period in the 21 migraineurs ( pPACAP-38 < 0.001; pCGRP < 0.035) and PACAP-38-LI in the overall population of migraineurs ( p < 0.009). A negative correlation was observed between the interictal PACAP-38-LI and the disease duration. Conclusion This is the first study that has provided evidence of a clear association between migraine phases (ictal and interictal) and plasma PACAP-38-LI alterations.
Correction and Recurrence of Ankle Valgus in Skeletally Immature Patients With Multiple Hereditary Exostoses
Authors: Driscoll Matthew , Linton Judith , Sullivan Elroy , Scott Allison 
Published: April 2013

Background: Ankle valgus is encountered in children with a variety of congenital musculoskeletal disorders, including multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE). Guided growth with temporary distal tibial medial hemiepiphysiodesis (DTMH) may correct the deformity; however, exostoses about the ankle commonly observed in MHE patients may hinder correction and increase the risk of recurrence. Thus, the purpose of this study was to review the outcomes of DTMH in treatment of ankle valgus in MHE versus other diagnosis (non-MHE). Methods: Medical records and radiographs of patients undergoing DTMH for ankle valgus between January 1, 2005, and November 1, 2010, at a single pediatric orthopedic hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Radiographs obtained preoperatively and at 6-month intervals postoperatively were reviewed and the tibiotalar angle was measured. Results: Fifty-eight ankles in 41 patients met inclusion criteria, with minimum follow-up of 12 months (mean, 34 months). Mean age was 10 years (range, 4-14 years). MHE was the most common underlying diagnosis (19 ankles, 33%). The rate of tibiotalar angle correction (mean ± standard deviation) with hardware in place was 0.37 ± 0.28 deg/mo in MHE ankles and 0.51 ± 0.42 deg/mo in non-MHE ankles ( P = .161). Following hardware removal, the rate of recurrence was faster in MHE (0.29 ± 0.25 deg/mo) compared with non-MHE ankles (0.12 ± 0.19 deg/mo) ( P = .059), and more total recurrent valgus deformity was observed in MHE (7.8 ± 8.2 degrees) than non-MHE ankles (3.4 ± 4.6 degrees) ( P = .08) over a similar follow-up period (mean 23.4 vs 23.6 months, respectively), with differences approaching statistical significance. Conclusion: MHE is a common cause of ankle valgus in children. Guided growth interventions in this population can be successful but require special consideration given the potential for relatively gradual deformity correction and rapid recurrence following hardware removal in the skeletally immature. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Protease-Activated Receptor 1 Inhibition by SCH79797 Attenuates Left Ventricular Remodeling and Profibrotic Activities of Cardiac Fibroblasts
Authors: Sonin Dmitry L. , Wakatsuki Tetsuro , Routhu Kasi V. , Harmann Leanne M. , Petersen Matthew , Meyer Jennifer , Strande Jennifer L. 
Published: April 2013

Purpose: Fibroblast activity promotes adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling that underlies the development of ischemic cardiomyopathy. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a potent stimulus for fibrosis, and the extracellular signal-regulated kinases(ERK) 1/2 pathway also contributes to the fibrotic response. The thrombin receptor, protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), has been shown to play an important role in the excessive fibrosis in different tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a PAR1 inhibitor, SCH79797, on cardiac fibrosis, tissue stiffness and postinfarction remodeling, and effects of PAR1 inhibition on thrombin-induced TGF-β and (ERK) 1/2 activities in cardiac fibroblasts. Methods: We used a rat model of myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury, isolated cardiac fibroblasts, and 3-dimensional (3D) cardiac tissue models fabricated to ascertain the contribution of PAR1 activation on cardiac fibrosis and LV remodeling. Results: The PAR1 inhibitor attenuated LV dilation and improved LV systolic function of the reperfused myocardium at 28 days. This improvement was associated with a nonsignificant decrease in scar size (%LV) from 23 ± % in the control group (n = 10) to 16% ± 5.5% in the treated group (n = 9; P = .052). In the short term, the PAR1 inhibitor did not rescue infarct size or LV systolic function after 3 days. The PAR1 inhibition abolished thrombin-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation, TGF-β and type I procollagen production, matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 activation, myofibroblasts transformation in vitro, and abrogated the remodeling of 3D tissues induced by chronic thrombin treatment. Conclusion: These studies suggest PAR1 inhibition initiated after ischemic injury attenuates adverse LV remodeling through late-stage antifibrotic events.
Extranodal Lymphoma in the Cat
Authors: Moore Antony 
Published: April 2013

Practical relevance: The majority of feline lymphoma is extranodal. While the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the most commonly affected site, non-GI extranodal lymphomas, which are the focus of this review, account for a large proportion of lymphomas in cats. This article discusses prognostic factors for the most common of these extranodal lymphomas, both in general terms and specifically for individual sites. Clinical challenges: Prognostic factors remain poorly defined for feline lymphoma. Many cats with extranodal lymphoma have stage I disease at an accessible site. A major question for patients with apparently localised extranodal lymphoma is whether the tumour can be treated with localised therapy alone or requires systemic treatment as well. Again there is often no specific information available for a particular site, such as a localised intramuscular lymphoma. Instead, reliance must be placed on careful patient staging, particularly if local therapy alone is planned. Evidence base: Until such time as further studies looking at stage, anatomic site, histological grade and immunophenotype are available to assist treatment decision making for an individual cat with extranodal lymphoma, it seems reasonable to draw inferences from other common extranodal sites for which more specific information exists, such as nasal lymphoma.
Nucleolin inhibits Fas ligand binding and suppresses Fas-mediated apoptosis in vivo via a surface nucleolin-Fas complex
Authors: Wise Jillian F. , Berkova Zuzana , Mathur Rohit , Zhu Haifeng , Braun Frank K. , Tao Rong-Hua , Sabichi Anita L. , Ao Xue , Maeng Hoyoung , Samaniego Felipe 
Published: April 2013

Key PointsB-cell lymphomas with surface nucleolin-Fas complexes are resistant to Fas-mediated apoptosis through decreased ligand binding. Expression of nucleolin protects mice from a lethal agonistic Fas challenge, whereas a non-Fas binding nucleolin mutant does not.
Respiratory impedance in healthy subjects: baseline values and bronchodilator response
Authors: Oostveen Ellie , Boda Krisztina , van der Grinten Chris P.M. , James Alan L. , Young Sally , Nieland Hans , Hantos Zoltán 
Published: April 2013

Because of the minimal demand for cooperation by the subject, the forced oscillation technique is increasingly employed in routine lung function testing. However, comprehensive and device-independent values of respiratory impedance at baseline and after bronchodilation have not been established for healthy adults.The aim of this multicentre study was to collect impedance data from 4 to 26 Hz in healthy Caucasian subjects between 18 and 80 years of age. Five different devices were employed to assess baseline values and the bronchodilator response.Altogether, 368 subjects were examined. Despite adjustment for anthropometry, the impedance spectra differed in frequency dependence between the centres, and hence could not be pooled. However, resistance at all frequencies except 20 and 25 Hz, and the low-frequency (≤14 Hz) values of reactance did not exhibit a centre dependence. The regression equations for resistance reflected a greater height dependence in males and a greater weight dependence in both males and females than those published previously. Bronchodilation resulted in a statistically significant decrease (11%) in resistance and a 95th percentile equal to a 32% decrease in resistance at low frequency.We conclude that rigorous calibration procedures should be developed to ensure data compatibility. Furthermore, new reference equations based on different setups are recommended to replace those established with a single device.
Aspergillus fumigatusduring stable state and exacerbations of COPD
Authors: Bafadhel Mona , Mckenna Susan , Agbetile Joshua , Fairs Abbie , Desai Dhananjay , Mistry Vijay , Morley Joseph P. , Pancholi Mitesh , Pavord Ian D. , Wardlaw Andrew J. , Pashley Catherine H. , Brightling Christopher E. 
Published: April 2013

Bacteria are often isolated in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Whether fungi are also commonly present and associated with clinical and pathological features of disease is uncertain. We investigated the frequency of filamentous fungal culture and IgE sensitisation toAspergillus fumigatusand the relationship to clinical outcomes in COPD subjects.COPD subjects were recruited to enter a 1-year observational study. Assessments of lung function, allergen testing and sputum analysis for inflammation, bacteria and fungus were undertaken in COPD subjects and healthy smoking and nonsmoking controls.Filamentous fungi were cultured at baseline in 49% (63 out of 128) of COPD subjects, of which 75% (47 out of 63) wereA. fumigatus. Fungus was cultured in three out of 22 controls (two wereA. fumigatus). The total sputum cell count and inhaled corticosteroid dosage were significantly increased in COPD patients with a positive filamentous fungal culture at baseline (p<0.05). Sensitisation toA. fumigatuswas present in 13% of COPD subjects and was associated with worse lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s 39% predictedversus51% predicted; p=0.01), but not related to filamentous fungal culture.A. fumigatussensitisation is related to poor lung function. Positive filamentous fungal culture is a common feature of COPD. The clinical significance of this remains uncertain.
Impact of exacerbations of cystic fibrosis on muscle strength
Authors: Burtin Chris , Van Remoortel Hans , Vrijsen Bart , Langer Daniel , Colpaert Kristine , Gosselink Rik , Decramer Marc , Dupont Lieven , Troosters Thierry 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Adult patients with cystic fibrosis have peripheral muscle weakness, which is related to exercise intolerance and poor prognosis. The influence of acute exacerbations on muscle strength has been poorly studied. This study aimed to investigate whether quadriceps force (QF), as assessed with an involuntary technique, changes during intravenous antibiotics therapy (IVAT) for an exacerbation.

Methods
QF was measured in 20 patients using twitch stimulation of the femoral nerve at the day of hospitalization (day 1) and at termination (day 14) of the IVAT. Physical activity was monitored during IVAT using a SenseWear armband. Ten stable patients served as control subjects.

Results
QF did not change during exacerbation (potentiated twitch force at day 1: 140 ± 42 N, at day 14: 140 ± 47 N), but a decrease was observed in individual patients. Changes in twitch force during exacerbation were correlated with time spent in activities of at least moderate intensity (r = 0.61, p = 0.007).

Conclusions
QF does not systematically decrease during exacerbations of cystic fibrosis. Individual changes in QF are well correlated with daily time spent in activities of at least moderate intensity.
Analysis of the spatial and temporal arrangement of transcripts over intergenic regions in the human malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Russell Karen , Hasenkamp Sandra , Emes Richard , Horrocks Paul 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
The ability of the human malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum to invade, colonise and multiply within diverse host environments, as well as to manifest its virulence within the human host, are activities tightly linked to the temporal and spatial control of gene expression. Yet, despite the wealth of high throughput transcriptomic data available for this organism there is very little information regarding the location of key transcriptional landmarks or their associated cis-acting regulatory elements. Here we provide a systematic exploration of the size and organisation of transcripts within intergenic regions to yield surrogate information regarding transcriptional landmarks, and to also explore the spatial and temporal organisation of transcripts over these poorly characterised genomic regions.

Results
Utilising the transcript data for a cohort of 105 genes we demonstrate that the untranscribed regions of mRNA are large and apportioned predominantly to the 5′ end of the open reading frame. Given the relatively compact size of the P. falciparum genome, we suggest that whilst transcriptional units are likely to spatially overlap, temporal co-transcription of adjacent transcriptional units is actually limited. Critically, the size of intergenic regions is directly dependent on the orientation of the two transcriptional units arrayed over them, an observation we extend to an analysis of the complete sequences of twelve additional organisms that share moderately compact genomes.

Conclusions
Our study provides a theoretical framework that extends our current understanding of the transcriptional landscape across the P. falciparum genome. Demonstration of a consensus gene-spacing rule that is shared between P. falciparum and ten other moderately compact genomes of apicomplexan parasites reveals the potential for our findings to have a wider impact across a phylum that contains many organisms important to human and veterinary health.
Comparative expression profiling of miRNA during anther development in genetic male sterile and wild type cotton
Authors: Wei Mingming , Wei Hengling , Wu Man , Song Meizhen , Zhang Jinfa , Yu Jiwen , Fan Shuli , Yu Shuxun 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Genetic male sterility (GMS) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) plays an important role in the utilization of hybrid vigor. However, the molecular mechanism of the GMS is still unclear. While numerous studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNA) regulate flower and anther development, whether different small RNA regulations exist in GMS and its wild type is unclear. A deep sequencing approach was used to investigate the global expression and complexity of small RNAs during cotton anther development in this study.

Results
Three small RNA libraries were constructed from the anthers of three development stages each from fertile wild type (WT) and its GMS mutant cotton, resulting in nearly 80 million sequence reads. The total number of miRNAs and short interfering RNAs in the three WT libraries was significantly greater than that in the corresponding three mutant libraries. Sixteen conserved miRNA families were identified, four of which comprised the vast majority of the expressed miRNAs during anther development. In addition, six conserved miRNA families were significantly differentially expressed during anther development between the GMS mutant and its WT.

Conclusions
The present study is the first to deep sequence the small RNA population in G. hirsutum GMS mutant and its WT anthers. Our results reveal that the small RNA regulations in cotton GMS mutant anther development are distinct from those of the WT. Further results indicated that the differently expressed miRNAs regulated transcripts that were distinctly involved in anther development. Identification of a different set of miRNAs between the cotton GMS mutant and its WT will facilitate our understanding of the molecular mechanisms for male sterility.
Assessment of maternal anemia in rural Western China between 2001 and 2005: a two-level logistic regression approach
Authors: Pei Leilei , Ren Lin , Wang Duolao , Yan Hong 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
There are multiple adverse effects of anemia on human function, particularly on women. However, few researches are conducted on women anemia in rural Western China. This study mainly aims to investigate the levels and associated factors of maternal anemia between 2001 and 2005 in this region.

Methods
6172 and 5372 mothers with children under three years old were selected from 8 provinces in 2001 and from 9 provinces in 2005 respectively in Western China by means of a multi-stage probability proportion to size sampling method (PPS). The blood samples were tested and related socio-demographic information was obtained through questionnaires. A two-level logistic regression model was employed to identify the determinants and provincial variations of women anemia in 2001 and 2005.

Results
The results indicated that the crude prevalence of women anemia in 2005 was higher than the rate in 2001(45.7% vs 33.6%). Based on the nationwide census data in 2000, the age-standardized prevalence of women anemia in the study were obtained as 38.0% in 2001 and 50.0% in 2005 respectively. Two-level logistic model analysis showed that compared to the average, women were more likely to be anemic in Guangxi and Qinghai in 2001 as well as in Chongqing and Qinghai in 2005; that women from Minority groups had higher odds of anemia in contrast with Han; that women with higher parity, longer breastfeeding duration and higher socioeconomic level had a lower rate of anemia, while age of women was positively associated with anemia. The positive correlation between women anemia and altitude was also observed.

Conclusions
The study demonstrated that the burden of maternal anemia in rural Western China increased considerably between 2001 and 2005. The Chinese government should conduct integrated interventions on anemia of mothers in this region.
Factors influencing research engagement: research interest, confidence and experience in an Australian speech-language pathology workforce
Authors: Finch Emma , Cornwell Petrea , Ward Elizabeth C , McPhail Steven M 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Recent initiatives within an Australia public healthcare service have seen a focus on increasing the research capacity of their workforce. One of the key initiatives involves encouraging clinicians to be research generators rather than solely research consumers. As a result, baseline data of current research capacity are essential to determine whether initiatives encouraging clinicians to undertake research have been effective. Speech pathologists have previously been shown to be interested in conducting research within their clinical role; therefore they are well positioned to benefit from such initiatives. The present study examined the current research interest, confidence and experience of speech language pathologists (SLPs) in a public healthcare workforce, as well as factors that predicted clinician research engagement.

Methods
Data were collected via an online survey emailed to an estimated 330 SLPs working within Queensland, Australia. The survey consisted of 30 questions relating to current levels of interest, confidence and experience performing specific research tasks, as well as how frequently SLPs had performed these tasks in the last 5 years.

Results
Although 158 SLPs responded to the survey, complete data were available for only 137. Respondents were more confident and experienced with basic research tasks (e.g., finding literature) and less confident and experienced with complex research tasks (e.g., analysing and interpreting results, publishing results). For most tasks, SLPs displayed higher levels of interest in the task than confidence and experience. Research engagement was predicted by highest qualification obtained, current job classification level and overall interest in research.

Conclusions
Respondents generally reported levels of interest in research higher than their confidence and experience, with many respondents reporting limited experience in most research tasks. Therefore SLPs have potential to benefit from research capacity building activities to increase their research skills in order to meet organisational research engagement objectives. However, these findings must be interpreted with the caveats that a relatively low response rate occurred and participants were recruited from a single state-wide health service, and therefore may not be representative of the wider SLP workforce.