bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
S‐Adenosylhomocysteine Inhibits NF‐κB‐Mediated Gene Expression in Hepatocytes and Confers Sensitivity to TNF Cytotoxicity
Authors: Watson Walter H. , Burke Tom J. , Doll Mark A. , McClain Craig J. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundChronic alcohol exposure results in liver injury that is driven in part by inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF). Hepatocytes are normally resistant to the cytotoxic effects of TNF, but they become sensitized to TNF by chronic alcohol exposure. Recently, we reported that the decrease in the ratio of S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) to S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) that occurs with alcoholic liver injury renders hepatocytes sensitive to TNF cytotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether inhibition of the transcription factor nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) contributed to TNF‐induced cell death in hepatocytes with high levels of SAH.MethodsPrimary human hepatocytes or HepG2 cells were pre‐incubated with a combination of adenosine plus homocysteine to increase SAH levels. Following exposure to TNF, viability was determined by the MTT assay, and activation of the NF‐κB pathway was assessed by measuring degradation of cytosolic IκB‐α, phosphorylation and translocation of NF‐κB to the nucleus, and expression of NF‐κB‐dependent genes. TNF‐induced apoptotic signaling pathways were assessed by monitoring levels of the anti‐apoptotic protein, A20, and cleavage products of the caspase‐8 substrate, RIP1.ResultsNF‐κB‐mediated gene expression was inhibited in cells with high SAH, despite the fact that TNF‐induced degradation of the cytoplasmic inhibitor IκB‐α and accumulation of NF‐κB in the nucleus persisted for much longer. In contrast to control cells, the NF‐κB that accumulated in the nucleus of cells with high SAH levels was not phosphorylated at serine 536, a modification associated with activation of the transactivation potential of this transcription factor. The inhibition of transactivation by NF‐κB resulted in lower mRNA and protein levels of the anti‐apoptotic protein A20 and increased cleavage of RIP1.ConclusionsHigh SAH levels inhibited NF‐κB‐mediated gene expression and sensitized primary hepatocytes and HepG2 cells to the cytotoxic effects of TNF. It is likely that crosstalk with other transcription factors is perturbed under these conditions, resulting in still other changes in gene expression.
Centrifugal Blood Pump for Temporary Ventricular Assist Devices With Low Priming and Ceramic Bearings
Authors: Leme Juliana , da Silva Cibele , Fonseca Jeison , da Silva Bruno Utiyama , Uebelhart Beatriz , Biscegli José F. , Andrade Aron 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA new model of centrifugal blood pump for temporary ventricular assist devices has been developed and evaluated. The design of the device is based on centrifugal pumping principles and the usage of ceramic bearings, resulting in a pump with reduced priming (35 ± 2 mL) that can be applied for up to 30 days. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis is an efficient tool to optimize flow path geometry, maximize hydraulic performance, and minimize shear stress, consequently decreasing hemolysis. Initial studies were conducted by analyzing flow behavior with different impellers, aiming to determine the best impeller design. AfterCFDstudies, rapid prototyping technology was used for production of pump prototypes with three different impellers. In vitro experiments were performed with those prototypes, using a mock loop system composed ofTygon tubes, oxygenator, digital flow meter, pressure monitor, electronic driver, and adjustable clamp for flow control, filled with a solution (1/3 water, 1/3 glycerin, 1/3 alcohol) simulating blood viscosity and density. Flow‐versus‐pressure curves were obtained for rotational speeds of 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 rpm. As the next step, theCFDanalysis and hydrodynamic performance results will be compared with the results of flow visualization studies and hemolysis tests.
A System to Help Physicians With Fracture Detection in Stents
Authors: Ricchetti Pier Marco , Nicolosi Denys Emilio Campion , Kambara Antonio Massamitsu , de Andrade Aron José Pazin 
Published: November 2013

AbstractFractures in stents are usually detected by visual analysis, which may be affected by the presence of noise and image deformations. The lack of research into automating stent fracture detection has motivated this work, in which techniques are developed to facilitate diagnosis by observation (Image Delineation Algorithm) and, when possible, to point out areas of possible fractures (Fracture Detection Algorithm). The use of classical elements and the development of additional computational techniques contributed to the process of image analysis, providing a possible way to aid medical diagnosis. The developed algorithms are applied to image samples from femoropopliteal arteries, and the results are compared to those of medical diagnosis. As a result, aside from the improvement of image display, a kappa concordance index of 0.878 for the detection of fractures confirms the method as satisfactory, with very good agreement with medical diagnosis.
Prevalence of thrombophilia according to age at the first manifestation of venous thromboembolism: results from the MAISTHRO registry
Authors: Weingarz Lea , Schwonberg Jan , Schindewolf Marc , Hecking Carola , Wolf Zsuzsanna , Erbe Matthias , Weber Adele , Lindhoff‐Last Edelgard , Linnemann Birgit 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThrombophilia is a well‐established risk factor for a venous thromboembolic event (VTE), and it has been proposed that hereditary thrombophilia may substantially contribute to the development of VTE in young patients. We aimed to analyse the prevalence of thrombophilia with special regard to the age of VTE manifestation. The study cohort consisted of 1490 patients (58% females) with a median age 43 years at the time of their first VTE. At least one thrombophilic disorder was identified in 50·1% of patients. The probability of detecting a hereditary thrombophilia declined significantly with advancing age (from 49·3% in patients aged 20 years and younger to 21·9% in patients over the age of 70 years; P < 0·001). This may be primarily attributed to the decreasing frequencies of the F5 R506Q (factor V Leiden) mutation and deficiencies of protein C or protein S with older age at the time of the initial VTE event. Moreover, thrombophilia was more prevalent in unprovoked compared with risk‐associated VTE (57·7% vs. 47·7%; P = 0·001). The decline in the prevalence of hereditary thrombophilia with older ages supports the use of a selected thrombophilia screening strategy dependent on age and the presence or absence of additional VTE risk factors.
Association of hospital volume with conditional 90‐day mortality after cystectomy: an analysis of the National Cancer Data Base
Authors: Nielsen Matthew E. , Mallin Katherine , Weaver Mark A. , Palis Bryan , Stewart Andrew , Winchester David P. , Milowsky Matthew I. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the association of hospital volume and 90‐day mortality after cystectomy, conditional on survival for 30 days.Patients and MethodsThe National Cancer Data Base was used to evaluate 30‐ and 90‐day mortality for 35 055 patients who underwent cystectomy for bladder cancer at one of 1118 hospitals.Patient data were aggregated into hospital volume categories based on the mean annual number of procedures (low‐volume hospital: <10 procedures; intermediate‐volume hospital: 10–19 procedures; high‐volume hospital: ≥20 procedures).Associations between mortality and clinical, demographic and hospital characteristics were analysed using hierarchical logistic regression models. To assess the association between hospital volume and 90‐day mortality independently of shorter‐term mortality, 90‐day mortality conditional on 30‐day survival was assessed in the multivariate modelling.ResultsUnadjusted 30‐ and 90‐day mortality rates were 2.7 and 7.2% overall, 1.9 and 5.7% among high‐volume hospitals, and 3.2 and 8.0% among low‐volume hospitals, respectively.Compared with high‐volume hospitals, the adjusted risks among low‐volume hospitals (odds ratio [95% CI]) of 30‐ and 90‐day mortality, conditional on having survived for 30 days, from the hierarchical models were 1.5 (1.3–1.9), and 1.2 (1.0–1.4), respectively.ConclusionsA low hospital volume was associated with greater 30‐ and 90‐day mortality. These data support the need for further research to better understand the relatively high mortality rates seen between 30 and 90 days, which are high and less variable across hospital volume strata.The stronger association between volume and 30‐day mortality suggests that quality‐reporting efforts should focus on shorter‐term outcomes.
The Impact of the Width of the Tracking Area on Speckle Tracking Parameters—Methodological Aspects of Deformation Imaging
Authors: Stoebe Stephan , Tarr Adrienn , Pfeiffer Dietrich , Hagendorff Andreas 
Published: November 2013

AimsThe aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the tracking area width on myocardial wall motion and deformation parameters in 2D speckle tracking.Methods and ResultsStandardized apical views were acquired in 30 healthy subjects and 15 patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction using 2D echocardiography. Longitudinal peak systolic strain (PSS), longitudinal peak systolic strain rate (PSSR), postsystolic index (PSI), peak longitudinal (PLD), and peak transverse displacement (PTD) were determined by 2D speckle tracking to analyze the impact of the tracking area width on global and regional myocardial wall motion and deformation parameters. The dimension of the tracking area has a significant impact on all parameters. With increasing width of the tracking area higher values of PSS, PSSR, PSI, and lower values of PLD and PTD were determined. With increasing width of the tracking area a significant number of segments were not tracked. In summary, especially global PSS is significantly influenced by the width of the tracking area.ConclusionsThe strain values determined by 2D speckle tracking are significantly influenced by the tracking area width. The tracking of the subendocardial layers only results in lower global strain values than tracking the complete ventricular wall using the medium or wide tracking area widths. The tracking quality in the far field is worse if the tracking area is too wide. The present data show that standard and reference values of deformation imaging should include detailed information about the position and the width of the tracking area.
Evaluation of Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness and Aortic Elasticity in Patients with Nondipper Hypertension
Authors: Ozdemir Emrah , Yildirimturk Ozlem , Cengiz Betul , Yurdakul Selen , Aytekin Saide 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundThe relationship between cardiovascular diseases and the diurnal blood pressure (BP) rhythm was researched in many studies. It has been demonstrated that the nondipping pattern has been associated with target organ damage and worsened cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between aortic elasticity parameters and carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) and diastolic dysfunction in terms of “dipper” and “nondipper” hypertension subtypes.MethodsA total of 60 hypertensive patients without known coronary heart disease were recruited to our study. All patients were classified as “dipper” or “nondipper” after ambulatory BP follow‐up. Patients' left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions were assessed with transthoracic echocardiography. Ascending aorta diameters and CIMT were measured by ultrasonography and the elasticity parameters of aorta were calculated by using relevant formula.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups with respect to demographic, biochemical data, and cardiovascular risk factors. Aortic stiffness was significantly increased in nondippers, whereas aortic strain and distensibility were significantly decreased (P = 0.005, P = 0.005, and P = 0.024, respectively). Carotid artery IMT was significantly increased in nondippers compared to dippers (P = 0.013). A significant correlation was noted between CIMT and mean BP. No significant difference was detected between 2 groups in terms of LV hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction.ConclusionIn our study, we showed that impairment of aortic elasticity parameters and increase in CIMT as a predictor of end organ damage were more often in the nondipper hypertensive patients.
Dietary supplementation with pollen enhances survival and Collembola boosts fitness of a web‐building spider
Authors: Schmidt Jason M. , Peterson Julie A. , Lundgren Jonathan G. , Harwood James D. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractUncertainties exist about the value of non‐prey food for predators that are commonly food‐limited, and the dietary conditions where non‐prey foods are beneficial for carnivorous species. Prior studies show that large quantities of pollen grains are intercepted in the webs of web‐building spiders. We examined the nutritional benefits of pollen as a non‐prey food for a common ground‐dwelling, sheet web‐building spider, Mermessus fradeorum (Berland) (Araneae: Linyphiidae). These predators were provided diets of prey or no prey in the presence and absence of pollen. Treatment effects were quantified by measuring predator body nutrient composition, survival, body size, and offspring production. Per unit dry weight, pollen had less nitrogen and lipids than prey, although relative quantities of these nutrients per meal were not measured. Dietary treatments altered the body tissue composition of the spiders, leading to the highest N content and lipid reserves in spiders provided with Collembola. Supplementing diets with pollen increased both juvenile and adult survival, and the greatest survivorship and offspring production was observed when spiders were provided diets of Collembola supplemented with pollen. Our results show that Collembola are high‐quality prey for spiders and pollen has positive effects on nutritional status and survival of a carnivorous species. Foraging on plant material potentially promotes population growth at early and late developmental stages by supplementing diets of poor‐quality prey, and preventing starvation when prey are scarce.
When the brain expects pain: common neural responses to pain anticipation are related to clinical pain and distress in fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis
Authors: Brown Christopher A. , El‐Deredy Wael , Jones Anthony K. P. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSupraspinal processes in humans can have a top‐down enhancing effect on nociceptive processing in the brain and spinal cord. Studies have begun to suggest that such influences occur in conditions such as fibromyalgia (FM), but it is not clear whether this is unique to FM pain or common to other forms of chronic pain, such as that associated with osteoarthritis (OA). We assessed top‐down processes by measuring anticipation‐evoked potentials and their estimated sources, just prior (< 500 ms) to laser heat pain stimulation, in 16 patients with FM, 16 patients with OA and 15 healthy participants, by using whole‐brain statistical parametric mapping. Clinical pain and psychological coping factors (pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression) were well matched between the patient groups, such that these did not confound our comparisons between FM and OA patients. For the same level of heat pain, insula activity was significantly higher in FM patients than in the other two groups during anticipation, and correlated with the intensity and extent of reported clinical pain. However, the same anticipatory insula activity also correlated with OA pain, and with the number of tender points across the two patient groups, suggesting common central mechanisms of tenderness. Activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was reduced during anticipation in both patient groups, and was related to less effective psychological coping. Our findings suggest common neural correlates of pain and tenderness in FM and OA that are enhanced in FM but not unique to this condition.
Neuropsychological approaches to epileptic encephalopathies
Authors: Filippini Melissa , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Gobbi Giuseppe 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Commission report on classification and terminology indicates that “diagnosing an individual as having an encephalopathic course requires demonstration of a failure to develop as expected relative to the same‐aged peers or to regress in abilities.” In this chapter, basing our discussion on the theoretical framework of neuroconstructivism, on the latest results deriving from functional neuroimaging and on the concept of system epilepsy, we use continuous spike‐waves during slow‐wave sleep (CSWS) as an example of how non–rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep spikes interfere with the organization and consolidation of neuropsychological networks in the sensitive phase of development, affecting also interconnected systems. Indeed, recent discoveries show that the normal overnight downscaling of slow wave activity (SWA) from the first to the last hours of sleep is absent in electrical status epilepticus during sleep (ESES) patients, thus impairing the neural process and possibly the local plastic changes associated with learning and other cognitive functions. Moreover, specific patterns of spike‐induced activation (especially in perisylvian and/or prefrontal areas) and deactivation of default mode network (DMN) have been shown in patients with CSWS. Consequently, to date, we may conceive that the possible mechanisms underlying neuropsychological disorders in encephalopathic epilepsy (EE) may be double, since NREM sleep interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) induce both a pathologic activation in epileptogenic areas and a pathologic deactivation of DMN beyond the epileptogenic zone. The growing body of literature on the effects of ESES in CSWS provides us with increasing knowledge on the complexity of brain development and a better understanding of plasticity, enlightening the pathogenesis of damage on developing neuropsychological functions. Finally, the need for an individually tailored interpretation of the neuropsychological testing results, expected to integrate neurophysiology and functional neuroimaging data, is suggested.
Topical cholesterol treatment ameliorates hapten‐evoked cutaneous hypersensitivity by sustaining expression of 11β‐HSD1 in epidermis
Authors: Murota Hiroyuki , Itoi Saori , Terao Mika , Matsui Saki , Kawai Hiromi , Satou Yasunari , Suda Kazuma , Katayama Ichiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractChanges in the stratum corneum extracellular matrix impair epidermal barrier function and may cause dermatoses. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of exogenous cholesterol application on skin barrier function and cutaneous inflammation. Skin barrier‐disrupted or hapten‐stimulated mice were treated with topical cholesterol. The effect of topical cholesterol application on an oxazolone (OXA)‐induced hypersensitivity reaction was evaluated. Topical application of cholesterol efficiently decreased transepidermal water loss in areas of barrier‐disrupted skin and ameliorated OXA‐induced cutaneous hypersensitivity. These favourable effects may have resulted from sustained expression of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1) in the cholesterol‐treated skin. As 11β‐HSD1 is known to produce active cortisol, topical cholesterol may attenuate contact hypersensitivity by normalizing secretion of hormonally active cortisol from the skin.
Evidence‐based medicine and complementary and alternative medicine teaching in UK medical courses: a national survey of the student experience
Authors: Ho Derek , Chan Kenneth , Bewley Susan , Bender David A 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundWith substantial public interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), future doctors will need to provide evidence‐based advice on their safety and efficacy. Informing medical students of CAM therefore becomes increasingly important.ObjectiveTo determine the extent and context of teaching on evidence‐based medicine (EBM) and CAM in UK medical schools from the student perspective.MethodsA web‐based, 10‐item anonymous questionnaire was sent to selected UK medical students to assess their experience of teaching on EBM (including statistics) and CAM. The questionnaire measured the following parameters: number of lectures on EBM, number of lectures or workshops on statistics, number of lectures or availability of student‐selected components on CAM, rating of CAM teaching as critical, uncritical or discursive, and quality of feedback after placements with CAM practitioners.ResultsThere were 95 student responses representing 25 different medical courses. Of the respondents, 54% had received lectures on CAM in the core course. Of these students, 46% stated the lectures were ‘critical’, 16% ‘uncritical’ and 39% ‘discursive’. Of the 33 who reported on placements with CAM practitioners, 61% stated there was no feedback, 12% received feedback from a specialist tutor, 15% from a non‐specialist facilitator, 9% via peer‐led reflection and 3% through a tutor‐marked written account.ConclusionsTeaching of EBM, statistics and CAM is covered by most UK medical schools. However, we have identified areas in which CAM teaching could be improved. The survey demonstrates a need for UK curriculum coordinators to review the teaching of CAM‐related components in their courses.
The effects of tai chi qigong exercise on plasma glucose levels and health status of postpartum Thai women with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Youngwanichsetha Sununta , Phumdoung Sasitorn , Ingkathawornwong Thitiporn 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundPostpartum women with type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing cardiovascular complications. Tai chi qigong is one kind of exercise considered to be effective in improving glycaemic control. However, little is known about the health benefits for postpartum women.ObjectivesThis randomised controlled trial was carried out to investigate the effect of tai chi qigong exercise on plasma glucose levels and health status of postpartum women with type 2 diabetes.MethodsSixty‐four participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=32) and control group (n=32). Participants in the intervention group practised a 50‐min tai chi qigong exercise programme, three times a week for 12 weeks during the period of 3–6 months postpartum. The control group received usual care.ResultsA statistically significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and blood pressure were seen in the intervention group when compared with the control group (P<0.05) at 12 weeks. Mean fasting plasma glucose in the intervention and control groups at 12 weeks were 120.19 (standard deviation (SD)=17.51) mg/dl and 129.88 (SD=15.23) mg/dl, respectively. There were no significant between‐group differences in body‐weight or body‐mass index at trial completion.ConclusionsTai chi qigong exercise improved glycaemic control and blood pressure in postpartum women with type 2 diabetes. Its use should therefore be considered in clinical and community health services.