bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for Surgical, Angioplasty, or Medical Therapeutics for Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Vieira Ricardo D'Oliveira , Hueb Whady , Hlatky Mark , Favarato Desiderio , Rezende Paulo Cury , Garzillo Cibele Larrosa , Lima Eduardo Gomes , Soares Paulo Rogério , Hueb Alexandre Ciappina , Pereira Alexandre Costa , Ramires José Antonio Franchini , Filho Roberto Kalil 
Published: September 2012

Background—
The Second Medicine, Angioplasty, or Surgery Study (MASS II) included patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and normal systolic ventricular function. Patients underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG, n=203), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI, n=205), or medical treatment alone (MT, n=203). This investigation compares the economic outcome at 5-year follow-up of the 3 therapeutic strategies.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed cumulative costs during a 5-year follow-up period. To analyze the cost-effectiveness, adjustment was made on the cumulative costs for average event-free time and angina-free proportion. Respectively, for event-free survival and event plus angina-free survival, MT presented 3.79 quality-adjusted life-years and 2.07 quality-adjusted life-years; PCI presented 3.59 and 2.77 quality-adjusted life-years; and CABG demonstrated 4.4 and 2.81 quality-adjusted life-years. The event-free costs were $9071.00 for MT; $19 967.00 for PCI; and $18 263.00 for CABG. The paired comparison of the event-free costs showed that there was a significant difference favoring MT versus PCI (
P
<0.01) and versus CABG (
P
<0.01) and CABG versus PCI (
P
=0.01). The event-free plus angina-free costs were $16 553.00, $25 831.00, and $24 614.00, respectively. The paired comparison of the event-free plus angina-free costs showed that there was a significant difference favoring MT versus PCI (
P
=0.04), and versus CABG (
P
<0.001); there was no difference between CABG and PCI (
P
>0.05).

Conclusions—
In the long-term economic analysis, for the prevention of a composite primary end point, MT was more cost effective than CABG, and CABG was more cost-effective than PCI.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

www.controlled-trials.com
. Registration number: ISRCTN66068876.
Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Analysis of Mitral Annular Dynamics
Authors: Levack Melissa M. , Jassar Arminder S. , Shang Eric K. , Vergnat Mathieu , Woo Y. Joseph , Acker Michael A. , Jackson Benjamin M. , Gorman Joseph H. , Gorman Robert C. 
Published: September 2012

Background—
Proponents of flexible annuloplasty rings have hypothesized that such devices maintain annular dynamics. This hypothesis is based on the supposition that annular motion is relatively normal in patients undergoing mitral valve repair. We hypothesized that mitral annular dynamics are impaired in ischemic mitral regurgitation and myxomatous mitral regurgitation.

Methods and Results—

A Philips iE33 echocardiographic module and X7–2t probe were used to acquire full-volume real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography loops in 11 normal subjects, 11 patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation and 11 patients with myxomatous mitral regurgitation. Image analysis was performed using Tomtec Image Arena, 4D-MV Assessment, 2.1 (Munich, Germany). A midsystolic frame was selected for the initiation of annular tracking using the semiautomated program. Continuous parameters were normalized in time to provide for uniform systolic and diastolic periods. Both ischemic mitral regurgitation (9.98±155 cm
2
) and myxomatous mitral regurgitation annuli (13.29±3.05 cm
2
) were larger in area than normal annuli (7.95±1.40 cm
2
) at midsystole. In general, ischemic mitral regurgitation annuli were less dynamic than controls. In myxomatous mitral regurgitation, annular dynamics were also markedly abnormal with the mitral annulus dilating rapidly in early systole in response to rising ventricular pressure.

Conclusions—
In both ischemic mitral regurgitation and myxomatous mitral regurgitation, annular dynamics and anatomy are abnormal. Flexible annuloplasty devices used in mitral valve repair are, therefore, unlikely to result in either normal annular dynamics or normal anatomy.
Changes in Microvascular Reactivity After Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Patients With Poorly Controlled Versus Controlled Diabetes
Authors: Feng Jun , Liu Yuhong , Chu Louis M. , Singh Arun K. , Dobrilovic Nikola , Fingleton James G. , Clements Richard T. , Bianchi Cesario , Sellke Frank W. 
Published: September 2012

Background—
We investigated the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on peripheral arteriolar reactivity and associated signaling pathways in poorly controlled (UDM), controlled (CDM), and case-matched nondiabetic (ND) patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods and Results—

Skeletal muscle arterioles were harvested before and after CPB from the UDM patients (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]=9.0±0.3), the CDM patients (HbA1c=6.3±0.15), and the ND patients (HbA1c=5.2±0.1) undergoing CABG surgery (n=10/group). In vitro relaxation responses of precontracted arterioles to endothelium-dependent vasodilators adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP) and substance P and the endothelium-independent vasodilator sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were examined. The baseline responses to ADP, substance P, and SNP of arterioles from the UDM patients were decreased as compared with microvessels from the ND or CDM patients (
P
<0.05). The post-CPB relaxation responses to ADP and substance P were significantly decreased in all 3 groups compared with pre-CPB responses (
P
<0.05). However, these decreases were more pronounced in the UDM group (
P
<0.05). The post-CPB response to SNP was significantly decreased only in the UDM group, not in the other 2 groups compared with pre-CPB. The expression of protein kinase C (PKC)-α, PKC-β, protein oxidation, and nitrotyrosine in the skeletal muscle were significantly increased in the UDM group as compared with those of ND or CDM groups (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—
Poorly controlled diabetes results in impaired arteriolar function before and after CPB. These alterations are associated with the increased expression/activation of PKC-α and PKC-β and enhanced oxidative and nitrosative stress.
Cerebral Microembolization After Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Al-Atassi Talal , Lam Khanh , Forgie Melissa , Boodhwani Munir , Rubens Fraser , Hendry Paul , Masters Roy , Goldstein William , Bedard Pierre , Mesana Thierry , Ruel Marc 
Published: September 2012

Background—
No human physiological data exists on whether aspirin only is as effective as warfarin plus aspirin in preventing cerebral microembolization in the early postoperative period after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (bAVR).

Methods and Results—

We prospectively enrolled 56 patients who had no other indication for oral anticoagulation, who underwent bAVR and received, in an open-label fashion, either daily warfarin (for INR 2.0–3.0) plus 81 mg of aspirin (n=28) or 325 mg of aspirin only (n=28). Cerebral microembolization was quantified at 4 hours (baseline) and at 1 month postoperatively, by recording 1-hour bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) microembolic signals (MES). Platelet-function analysis (PFA) of closure times (CT) on collagen was also used as a marker of platelet-dependent activation. Follow-up to 1 year was complete. Preoperative demographics and baseline platelet function were equivalent in both groups. There was no mortality, stroke, or transient ischemic attack at 1 year in either group. No significant differences were found in the proportion of patients with MES among those receiving warfarin plus aspirin versus aspirin only, at baseline (68% versus 82%, respectively;
P
=0.4) and at 1 month (46% versus 43%;
P
=1.0) after bAVR. The total MES and PFA were also equivalent between groups, at baseline and follow-up.

Conclusions—
Early after bAVR, the effects of these 2 antithrombotic regimens on cerebral microembolization and platelet function are equivalent. These data bring new mechanistic support to the premise that aspirin only may safely be used early after bAVR in patients who have no other indication for oral anticoagulation.
Administration of Cardiac Stem Cells in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: The SCIPIO Trial
Authors: Chugh Atul R. , Beache Garth M. , Loughran John H. , Mewton Nathan , Elmore Julius B. , Kajstura Jan , Pappas Patroklos , Tatooles Antone , Stoddard Marcus F. , Lima Joao A.C. , Slaughter Mark S. , Anversa Piero , Bolli Roberto 
Published: September 2012

Background—

SCIPIO is a first-in-human, phase 1, randomized, open-label trial of autologous c-kit
+
cardiac stem cells (CSCs) in patients with heart failure of ischemic etiology undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In the present study, we report the surgical aspects and interim cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) results.

Methods and Results—

A total of 33 patients (20 CSC-treated and 13 control subjects) met final eligibility criteria and were enrolled in SCIPIO. CSCs were isolated from the right atrial appendage harvested and processed during surgery. Harvesting did not affect cardiopulmonary bypass, cross-clamp, or surgical times. In CSC-treated patients, CMR showed a marked increase in both LVEF (from 27.5±1.6% to 35.1±2.4% [
P
=0.004, n=8] and 41.2±4.5% [
P
=0.013, n=5] at 4 and 12 months after CSC infusion, respectively) and regional EF in the CSC-infused territory. Infarct size (late gadolinium enhancement) decreased after CSC infusion (by manual delineation: −6.9±1.5 g [−22.7%] at 4 months [
P
=0.002, n=9] and −9.8±3.5 g [−30.2%] at 12 months [
P
=0.039, n=6]). LV nonviable mass decreased even more (−11.9±2.5 g [−49.7%] at 4 months [
P
=0.001] and −14.7±3.9 g [−58.6%] at 12 months [
P
=0.013]), whereas LV viable mass increased (+11.6±5.1 g at 4 months after CSC infusion [
P
=0.055] and +31.5±11.0 g at 12 months [
P
=0.035]).

Conclusions—
Isolation of CSCs from cardiac tissue obtained in the operating room is feasible and does not alter practices during CABG surgery. CMR shows that CSC infusion produces a striking improvement in both global and regional LV function, a reduction in infarct size, and an increase in viable tissue that persist at least 1 year and are consistent with cardiac regeneration.

Clinical Trial Registration—
This study is registered with clinicaltrials.gov, trial number NCT00474461.
Ethanol extract of paeonia suffruticosa Andrews (PSE) induced AGS human gastric cancer cell apoptosis via fas-dependent apoptosis and MDM2-p53 pathways
Authors: Choi Hyeong Sim , Seo Hye-Sook , Kim Ji Hye , Um Jae-Young , Shin Yong Cheol , Ko Seong-Gyu 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews (PSE), also known as Moutan Cortex, has been widely used in Asia to treat various diseases. The molecular mechanisms by which PSE exerts its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities are well known, but its anti-cancer activity is not yet well understood. Here, we present evidence demonstrating that PSE can be used as a potent anti-cancer agent to treat gastric cancer.

Methods
The effects of the ethanol extract of PSE on cell proliferation were determined using an MTT (1-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenylformazan) assay. Cell cytotoxicity induced by the PSE extact is measured using an LDH leakage assay. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle and to measure the subG0/G1 apoptotic cell fraction. Apoptosis induced by the PSE extact is also examined using a DNA fragmentation assay. Western blot analysis is used to measure the levels of apoptotic proteins such as Fas receptor, caspase-8, caspase-3, PARP, Bax, Bcl-2, MDM2, and p53.

Results
This study demonstrated that treating AGS cells with the PSE extact significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced cytotoxicity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The PSE extract also induced apoptosis in AGS cells, as measured by flow cytometry and a DNA fragmentation assay. We found that the PSE extract induced apoptosis via the extrinsic Fas-mediated apoptosis pathway, which was concurrent with the activation of caspases, including caspase-8 and caspase-3, and cleavage of PARP. The MDM2-p53 pathway also played a role in the apoptosis of AGS cells that was induced by the PSE extract.

Conclusions
These results clearly demonstrate that the PSE extact displays growth-suppressive activity and induces apoptosis in AGS cells. Our data suggest that the PSE extact might be a potential anti-cancer agent for gastric cancer.
Widespread and persistent invasions of terrestrial habitats coincident with larval feeding behavior transitions during snail-killing fly evolution (Diptera: Sciomyzidae)
Authors: Chapman Eric G , Przhiboro Andrey A , Harwood James D , Foote Benjamin A , Hoeh Walter R 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundTransitions in habitats and feeding behaviors were fundamental to the diversification of life on Earth. There is ongoing debate regarding the typical directionality of transitions between aquatic and terrestrial habitats and the mechanisms responsible for the preponderance of terrestrial to aquatic transitions. Snail-killing flies (Diptera: Sciomyzidae) represent an excellent model system to study such transitions because their larvae display a range of feeding behaviors, being predators, parasitoids or saprophages of a variety of mollusks in freshwater, shoreline and dry terrestrial habitats. The remarkable genusTetanocera(Tetanocerini) occupies five larval feeding groups and all of the habitat types mentioned above. This study has four principal objectives: (i) construct a robust estimate of phylogeny forTetanoceraand Tetanocerini, (ii) estimate the evolutionary transitions in larval feeding behaviors and habitats, (iii) test the monophyly of feeding groups and (iv) identify mechanisms underlying sciomyzid habitat and feeding behavior evolution.ResultsBayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses of molecular data provided strong support that the Sciomyzini, Tetanocerini andTetanoceraare monophyletic. However, the monophyly of many behavioral groupings was rejected via phylogenetic constraint analyses. We determined that (i) the ancestral sciomyzid lineage was terrestrial, (ii) there was a single terrestrial to aquatic habitat transition early in the evolution of the Tetanocerini and (iii) there were at least 10 independent aquatic to terrestrial habitat transitions and at least 15 feeding behavior transitions during tetanocerine phylogenesis. The ancestor ofTetanocerawas aquatic with five lineages making independent transitions to terrestrial habitats and seven making independent transitions in feeding behaviors.ConclusionsThe preponderance of aquatic to terrestrial transitions in sciomyzids goes against the trend generally observed across eukaryotes. Damp shoreline habitats are likely transitional where larvae can change habitat but still have similar prey available. Transitioning from aquatic to terrestrial habitats is likely easier than the reverse for sciomyzids because morphological characters associated with air-breathing while under the water's surface are lost rather than gained, and sciomyzids originated and diversified during a general drying period in Earth's history. Our results imply that any animal lineage having aquatic and terrestrial members, respiring the same way in both habitats and having the same type of food available in both habitats could show a similar pattern of multiple independent habitat transitions coincident with changes in behavioral and morphological traits.
Metagenomic analysis reveals a functional signature for biomass degradation by cecal microbiota in the leaf-eating flying squirrel (Petaurista alborufus lena)
Authors: Lu Hsiao-Pei , Wang Yu-bin , Huang Shiao-Wei , Lin Chung-Yen , Wu Martin , Hsieh Chih-hao , Yu Hon-Tsen 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Animals co-evolve with their gut microbiota; the latter can perform complex metabolic reactions that cannot be done independently by the host. Although the importance of gut microbiota has been well demonstrated, there is a paucity of research regarding its role in foliage-foraging mammals with a specialized digestive system.

Results
In this study, a 16S rRNA gene survey and metagenomic sequencing were used to characterize genetic diversity and functional capability of cecal microbiota of the folivorous flying squirrel (Petaurista alborufus lena). Phylogenetic compositions of the cecal microbiota derived from 3 flying squirrels were dominated by Firmicutes. Based on end-sequences of fosmid clones from 1 flying squirrel, we inferred that microbial metabolism greatly contributed to intestinal functions, including degradation of carbohydrates, metabolism of proteins, and synthesis of vitamins. Moreover, 33 polysaccharide-degrading enzymes and 2 large genomic fragments containing a series of carbohydrate-associated genes were identified.

Conclusions
Cecal microbiota of the leaf-eating flying squirrel have great metabolic potential for converting diverse plant materials into absorbable nutrients. The present study should serve as the basis for future investigations, using metagenomic approaches to elucidate the intricate mechanisms and interactions between host and gut microbiota of the flying squirrel digestive system, as well as other mammals with similar adaptations.
Carotenoid biosynthesis and overproduction in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Heider Sabine A E , Peters-Wendisch Petra , Wendisch Volker F 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background

Corynebacterium glutamicum contains the glycosylated C50 carotenoid decaprenoxanthin as yellow pigment. Starting from isopentenyl pyrophosphate, which is generated in the non-mevalonate pathway, decaprenoxanthin is synthesized via the intermediates farnesyl pyrophosphate, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, lycopene and flavuxanthin.

Results
Here, we showed that the genes of the carotenoid gene cluster crtE-cg0722-crtBIY

e

Y

f

Eb are co-transcribed and characterized defined gene deletion mutants. Gene deletion analysis revealed that crtI, crtEb, and crtY

e

Y

f
, respectively, code for the only phytoene desaturase, lycopene elongase, and carotenoid C45/C50 ɛ-cyclase, respectively. However, the genome of C. glutamicum also encodes a second carotenoid gene cluster comprising crtB2I2-1/2 shown to be co-transcribed, as well. Ectopic expression of crtB2 could compensate for the lack of phytoene synthase CrtB in C. glutamicum ΔcrtB, thus, C. glutamicum possesses two functional phytoene synthases, namely CrtB and CrtB2. Genetic evidence for a crtI2-1/2 encoded phytoene desaturase could not be obtained since plasmid-borne expression of crtI2-1/2 did not compensate for the lack of phytoene desaturase CrtI in C. glutamicum ΔcrtI. The potential of C. glutamicum to overproduce carotenoids was estimated with lycopene as example. Deletion of the gene crtEb prevented conversion of lycopene to decaprenoxanthin and entailed accumulation of lycopene to 0.03 ± 0.01 mg/g cell dry weight (CDW). When the genes crtE, crtB and crtI for conversion of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate to lycopene were overexpressed in C. glutamicum ΔcrtEb intensely red-pigmented cells and an 80 fold increased lycopene content of 2.4 ± 0.3 mg/g CDW were obtained.

Conclusion

C. glutamicum possesses a certain degree of redundancy in the biosynthesis of the C50 carotenoid decaprenoxanthin as it possesses two functional phytoene synthase genes. Already metabolic engineering of only the terminal reactions leading to lycopene resulted in considerable lycopene production indicating that C. glutamicum may serve as a potential host for carotenoid production.
Transcriptome analysis of rice root responses to potassium deficiency
Authors: Ma Tian-Li , Wu Wei-Hua , Wang Yi 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Potassium (K+) is an important nutrient ion in plant cells and plays crucial roles in many plant physiological and developmental processes. In the natural environment, K+ deficiency is a common abiotic stress that inhibits plant growth and reduces crop productivity. Several microarray studies have been conducted on genome-wide gene expression profiles of rice during its responses to various stresses. However, little is known about the transcriptional changes in rice genes under low-K+ conditions.

Results
We analyzed the transcriptomic profiles of rice roots in response to low-K+ stress. The roots of rice seedlings with or without low-K+ treatment were harvested after 6 h, and 3 and 5 d, and used for microarray analysis. The microarray data showed that many genes (2,896) were up-regulated or down-regulated more than 1.2-fold during low-K+ treatment. GO analysis indicated that the genes showing transcriptional changes were mainly in the following categories: metabolic process, membrane, cation binding, kinase activity, transport, and so on. We conducted a comparative analysis of transcriptomic changes between Arabidopsis and rice under low-K+ stress. Generally, the genes showing changes in transcription in rice and Arabidopsis in response to low-K+ stress displayed similar GO distribution patterns. However, there were more genes related to stress responses and development in Arabidopsis than in rice. Many auxin-related genes responded to K+ deficiency in rice, whereas jasmonic acid-related enzymes may play more important roles in K+ nutrient signaling in Arabidopsis.

Conclusions
According to the microarray data, fewer rice genes showed transcriptional changes in response to K+ deficiency than to phosphorus (P) or nitrogen (N) deficiency. Thus, transcriptional regulation is probably more important in responses to low-P and -N stress than to low-K+ stress. However, many genes in some categories (protein kinase and ion transporter families) were markedly up-regulated, suggesting that they play important roles during K+ deficiency. Comparative analysis of transcriptomic changes between Arabidopsis and rice showed that monocots and dicots share many similar mechanisms in response to K+ deficiency, despite some differences. Further research is required to clarify the differences in transcriptional regulation between monocots and dicots.
Kalanchoe tubiflora extract inhibits cell proliferation by affecting the mitotic apparatus
Authors: Hsieh Yi-Jen , Yang Ming-Yeh , Leu Yann-Lii , Chen Chinpiao , Wan Chin-Fung , Chang Meng-Ya , Chang Chih-Jui 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background

Kalanchoe tubiflora (KT) is a succulent plant native to Madagascar, and is commonly used as a medicinal agent in Southern Brazil. The underlying mechanisms of tumor suppression are largely unexplored.

Methods
Cell viability and wound-healing were analyzed by MTT assay and scratch assay respectively. Cell cycle profiles were analyzed by FACS. Mitotic defects were analyzed by indirect immunofluoresence images.

Results
An n-Butanol-soluble fraction of KT (KT-NB) was able to inhibit cell proliferation. After a 48 h treatment with 6.75 μg/ml of KT, the cell viability was less than 50% of controls, and was further reduced to less than 10% at higher concentrations. KT-NB also induced an accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle as well as an increased level of cells in the subG1 phase. Instead of disrupting the microtubule network of interphase cells, KT-NB reduced cell viability by inducing multipolar spindles and defects in chromosome alignment. KT-NB inhibits cell proliferation and reduces cell viability by two mechanisms that are exclusively involved with cell division: first by inducing multipolarity; second by disrupting chromosome alignment during metaphase.

Conclusion
KT-NB reduced cell viability by exclusively affecting formation of the proper structure of the mitotic apparatus. This is the main idea of the new generation of anti-mitotic agents. All together, KT-NB has sufficient potential to warrant further investigation as a potential new anticancer agent candidate.