bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thrombosis of the great cerebral vein in a hemodialysis patient
Authors: Ratkovic Marina , Basic‐Jukic Nikolina , Gledovic Branka , Radunovic Danilo 
Published: September 2013

AbstractCerebral venous thrombosis is a rare condition with various clinical presentations which may delay diagnosis. It is frequently associated with severe consequences. We present the first documented case of thrombosis of the great cerebral vein in a hemodialysis patient. A 29‐year‐old female patient with end‐stage renal disease of unknown etiology was admitted to a hospital with altered consciousness and nausea. Severe headache in the right parietal area had started 2 days before. On examination, she was in the poor overall condition, dysartric, with a severe nystagmus. Urgent brain multislice computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed thrombosis of the great cerebral vein with hypodense zones in hypothalamus, thalamus and basal ganglia. She was treated with heparin bolus of 25000 IU with a favorable outcome. Detailed examination demonstrated increased lupus anticoagulant (LA) 1 and LA2 and increased LA1/LA2. Control magnetic resonance imaging performed 1 year later revealed multiple vascular lesions within the brain. Acetylsalicylate was introduced in therapy. Thrombosis of the cerebral veins should be suspected in patients with end‐stage renal disease, altered neurological status and signs of increased intracranial pressure.
Symptomatic hyperammonemia after lung transplantation: Lessons learnt
Authors: Anwar Siddiq , Gupta Diptesh , Ashraf Muhammad A. , Khalid Syed A. , RIZVI Syed M. , Miller Brent W. , Brennan Daniel C. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractHyperammonemia, post‐orthotopic lung transplantation, is a rare but mostly fatal complication. Various therapies, including those to decrease ammonia generation, increase nitrogen excretion, and several dialytic methods for removing ammonia have been tried. We describe three lung transplant recipients who developed acute hyperammonemia early after transplantation. Two of the three patients survived after a multidisciplinary approach including discontinuation of drugs, which impair urea cycle, aggressive ammonia reduction with prolonged daily intermittent hemodialysis (HD), and overnight slow low‐efficiency dialysis in conjunction with early weaning of steroids and other therapeutic measures. Our experience suggests that early initiation of dialysis, high dialysis dose, increased frequency, and HD preferably to less efficient modalities increases survival in these patients.
Restoration of the normal Clara cell phenotype after chronic allergic inflammation
Authors: Roth Felix D. , Quintar Amado A. , Leimgruber Carolina , García Luciana , Uribe Echevarría Elisa M. , Torres Alicia I. , Maldonado Cristina A. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryBronchiolar Clara cells play a critical role in lung homoeostasis. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic allergy on these cells and the efficacy of budesonide (BUD) and montelukast (MK) in restoring their typical phenotypes after ovalbumin‐induced chronic allergy in mice. Chronic allergy induced extensive bronchiolar Alcian blue‐periodic acid‐Schiff (AB/PAS)‐positive metaplasia. In addition, cells accumulated numerous big electron‐lucent granules negative for Clara cell main secretory protein (CC16), and consequently, CC16 was significantly reduced in bronchoalveolar lavage. A concomitant reduction in SP‐D and CYP2E1 content was observed. The phenotypic changes induced by allergy were pharmacologically reversed by both treatments; MK was more efficient than BUD in doing so. MK decreased AB/PAS reactivity to control levels whereas they remained persistently elevated after BUD. Moreover, most non‐ciliated cells recovered their normal morphology after MK, whereas for BUD normal cells coexisted with ‘transitional’ cells that contained remnant mucous granules and stained strongly for CC16 and SP‐D. Glucocorticoids were also less able to reduce inflammatory infiltration and maintained higher percentage of neutrophils, which may have contributed to prolonged mucin expression. These results show that chronic allergy‐induced mucous metaplasia of Clara cells affects their defensive mechanisms. However, anti‐inflammatory treatments were able to re‐establish the normal phenotype of Clara cell, with MK being more efficient at restoring a normal profile than BUD. This study highlights the role of epithelial cells in lung injuries and their contribution to anti‐inflammatory therapies.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk in Serbian population
Authors: Branković Ana , Brajušković Goran , Nikolić Zorana , Vukotić Vinka , Cerović Snežana , Savić‐Pavićević Dušanka , Romac Stanka 
Published: September 2013

SummaryGenome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified over 46 SNPs associated with human prostate cancer (PCa). Some studies have shown correlation of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) NOS3 gene polymorphisms with the risk and/or progression of PCa. This study aimed to evaluate the association of NOS3 gene polymorphisms (−786T>C, −764A>G, −714G>T, −690C>T, −649G>A and 894G>T) with PCa risk and progression. 150 patients with PCa, 150 patients with BPH and 100 age‐matched healthy controls were recruited in this study. Genotyping of promoter polymorphisms was performed by bi‐directional DNA sequencing, and for 894G>T by RFLP analysis. There was no significant association between the alleles and genotypes of these genetic variants and PCa risk. For −786T>C polymorphism, we found that C allele is associated with absence of metastases, assuming dominant genetic model (P = 0.049; OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.25–1.00). It was found that, compared with NOS3 −690C>T variant CC genotype, CT and TT genotypes confer decreased risk of developing metastases (dominant model, P = 0.015, OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07–0.88) and show association with low clinical tumour stage, compared with stages T3 and T4 (dominant model, P = 0.046, OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.04–1.02). Genetic variants −764A>G, −714G>T, −649G>A were not detected in our study group. There is evidence of an inverse correlation of the NOS3 894G>T minor allele with high serum PSA (>20 ng/ml) (dominant model, P = 0.013, OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.17–0.82). Our results suggest that NOS3 gene polymorphisms are genetic susceptibility factors for the progression of PCa and patient outcome.
Effect of different levels of fat and inulin on the microbial growth and metabolites in probiotic yogurt containing nonviable bacteria
Authors: Shakerian Mansour , Hadi Razavi Seyed , Khodaiyan Faramarz , Ziai Seyed Ali , Saeid Yarmand Mohammad , Moayedi Ali 
Published: September 2013

SummaryEffects of different levels of fat and inulin on bacterial cell counts, degree of proteolysis and concentrations of organic acids in the yogurt containing inactivated cells of probiotic strains Bifidobacterium animalis and Lactobacillus acidophilus were investigated. Results showed that both L. acidophilus and B. animalis grew well in the yogurt samples reaching cell counts higher than 106 CFU mL−1 at the final pH of 4.5. Inulin at the concentration of 1% had no significant effects on the production of organic acids and cell counts of L. acidophilus, but promoted the growth of B. animalis with a reduction in the degree of proteolysis. Generally, different fat levels showed significant effects on the production of organic acids and nonsignificant effects on the cell counts of probiotic bacteria and degree of proteolysis. In case of lactic acid, the ratio of L‐ (+)to D‐ (−) isomer ranged from 50/50 to 80/20 in yogurt samples.
Preparation of alcalase hydrolysed rice bran protein concentrate and its inhibitory effect on soybean lipoxygenase activity
Authors: Vijitpunyaruk Tawipat , Theerakulkait Chockchai 
Published: September 2013

SummaryRice bran protein concentrate (RBPC) was prepared from defatted rice bran and hydrolysed by alcalase at different hydrolysis times. As the hydrolysis times increased, the degree of hydrolysis (DHs) increased. RBPC hydrolysate obtained at 50 min (RBPCH‐50) had the highest inhibitory efficiency on soybean lipoxygenase (LOX) activity (66%). The inhibition kinetics of the reaction analysed by Lineweaver–Burk plots indicates that RBPCH‐50 is a competitive inhibitor. RBPCH‐50 inhibited soybean LOX with an IC50 of 11.73 μg μL−1 RBPCH‐50, and the obtained KI was 4.59 μg μL−1 RBPCH‐50. LOX inhibitory activity of RBPCH‐50 was significantly higher than that of 50 and 100 ppm butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and 50, 100, and 200 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (P ≤ 0.05); however, LOX inhibitory activity of RBPCH‐50 was similar to that of 200 ppm BHA (P > 0.05). Therefore, RBPCH might potentially be used as a natural LOX inhibitor.
Autophagy activation by interferon‐γ via the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling pathway is involved in macrophage bactericidal activity
Authors: Matsuzawa Takeshi , Fujiwara Eri , Washi Yui 
Published: September 2013

SummaryMacrophages are involved in many essential immune functions. Their role in cell‐autonomous innate immunity is reinforced by interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), which is mainly secreted by proliferating type 1 T helper cells and natural killer cells. Previously, we showed that IFN‐γ activates autophagy via p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), but the biological importance of this signalling pathway has not been clear. Here, we found that macrophage bactericidal activity increased by 4 hr after IFN‐γ stimulation. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) is a major downstream effector of the Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 signalling pathway that contributes to macrophage bactericidal activity via nitric oxide (NO) generation. However, no NO generation was observed after 4 hr of IFN‐γ stimulation, and macrophage bactericidal activity at early stages after IFN‐γ stimulation was not affected by the NOS inhibitors, NG‐methyl‐l‐arginine acetate salt and diphenyleneiodonium chloride. These results suggest that an NOS2‐independent signalling pathway is involved in IFN‐γ‐mediated bactericidal activity. We also found that this macrophage activity was attenuated by the addition of the p38 MAPK inhibitors, PD 169316, SB 202190, and SB 203580, or by the expression of short hairpin RNA against p38α or the essential factors for autophagy, Atg5 and Atg7. Collectively, our results suggest that the IFN‐γ‐mediated autophagy via p38 MAPK, without the involvement of NOS2, also contributes to the ability of macrophages to kill intracellular bacteria. These observations provide direct evidence that p38 MAPK‐mediated autophagy can support IFN‐γ‐mediated cell‐autonomous innate immunity.
CT scan based determination of optimal bone corridor for atlantoaxial ventral screw fixation in miniature breed dogs
Authors: Revés Núria Vizcaíno , Stahl Cristina , Stoffel Michael , Bali Monty , Forterre Franck 
Published: September 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the most reliable insertion angle, corridor length and width to place a ventral transarticular atlantoaxial screw in miniature breed dogs.Study DesignRetrospective CT imaging study.Sample PopulationCervical CT scans of toy breed dogs (n = 21).MethodsDogs were divided into 2 groups—group 1: no atlantoaxial abnormalities; group 2: atlantoaxial instability. Insertion angle in medial to lateral and ventral to dorsal direction was measured in group 1. Corridor length and width were measured in groups 1 and 2. Corridor width was measured at 3 points of the corridor. Each variable was measured 3 times and the mean used for statistical analysis.ResultsMean ± SD optimal transarticular atlantoaxial insertion angle was determined to be 40 ± 1° in medial to lateral direction from the midline and 20 ± 1° in ventral to dorsal direction from the floor of the neural canal of C2. Mean corridor length was 7 mm (range, 4.5–8.0 mm). Significant correlation was found between corridor length, body weight, and age. Mean bone corridor width ranged from 3 to 5 mm. Statistically significant differences were found between individuals, gender and measured side.ConclusionsOptimal placement of a transarticular screw for atlantoaxial joint stabilization is very demanding because the screw path corridor is very narrow.
Identification of micro‐RNA networks in end‐stage heart failure because of dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhu Xiaoming , Wang Hongjiang , Liu Fan , Chen Li , Luo Weijia , Su Pixiong , Li Weiming , Yu Liping , Yang Xinchun , Cai Jun 
Published: September 2013

AbstractMicro‐RNAs regulate gene expression by directly binding to the target mRNAs. The goal of the study was to examine the expression profiling of miRNAs in human failing hearts and identify the key miRNAs that regulate molecular signalling networks and thus contribute to this pathological process. The levels of miRNAs and expressed genes were analysed in myocardial biopsy samples from patients with end‐stage heart failure (n = 14) and those from normal heart samples (n = 8). Four networks were built including the Gene regulatory network, Signal‐Network, miRNA‐GO‐Network and miRNA‐Gene‐Network. According to the fold change in the network and probability values in the microarray cohort, RT‐PCR was performed to measure the expression of five of the 72 differentially regulated miRNAs. miR‐340 achieved statistically significant. miR‐340 was identified for the first time in cardiac pathophysiological condition. We overexpressed miR‐340 in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes to identify whether miR‐340 plays a determining role in the progression of heart failure. ANP, BNP and caspase‐3 were significantly elevated in the miR‐340 transfected cells compared with controls (P < 0.05). The cross‐sectional area of overexpressing miR‐340 cardiomyocytes (1952.22 ± 106.59) was greater (P < 0.0001) than controls (1059.99 ± 45.59) documented by Laser Confocal Microscopy. The changes of cellular structure and the volume were statistical significance. Our study provided a comprehensive miRNA expression profiling in the end‐stage heart failure and identified miR‐340 as a key miRNA contributing to the occurrence and progression of heart failure. Our discoveries provide novel therapeutic targets for patients with heart failure.
Adiponectin gene variants, adiponectin isoforms and cardiometabolic risk in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Foucan Lydia , Maimaitiming Suliya , Larifla Laurent , Hedreville Segho , Deloumeaux Jacqueline , Joannes Marie‐Odile , Blanchet‐Deverly Anne , Velayoudom‐Céphise Fritz‐Line , Aubert Roberte , Salamon Roger , Donnet Jean‐Paul , Fumeron Frederic 
Published: September 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe aim of the present study was to examine the associations of rs2241766 (+45T>G), rs1501299 (+276G>T), rs17300539 (−11391G>A) and rs182052 (−10069G>A) in the adiponectin (Ad) gene with adiponectin concentrations, and concomitantly the association of these variants with cardiometabolic risk in type 2 diabetic patients of African ancestry.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional study of 200 patients was carried out. Concentrations of total, high (HMW), middle (MMW) and low (LMW) molecular weight adiponectin isoforms were measured. The four polymorphisms were genotyped.ResultsDecreased values were noted for total Ad in overweight, dyslipidemia and coronary artery disease (CAD), for HMW in overweight and dyslipidemia, for MMW in CAD, for LMW in dyslipidemia and CAD, for the percentage HMW/total in overweight, and for MMW:HMW ratio in patients without hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW). Significant associations were noted between total Ad, HMW, and HMW/total Ad and rs182052 under a dominant model (P = 0.04, P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively), and between MMW and rs17300539 (P = 0.006). No significant difference in adiponectin concentrations was noted according to rs2241766 and rs1501299 genotypes. Patients carrying the rs2241766 G allele (TG+GG) had an increased risk of HTGW (odds ratio [OR] 3.1; P = 0.04) and of CAD (OR 3.3; P = 0.01). The odds of having low total adiponectin concentrations (<25th percentile: 3.49 ng/mL) for carrying the rs182052A allele (AA+GA) was: OR 0.40; P = 0.009. The single‐nucleotide polymorphism associated with adiponectin levels was not concomitantly associated with cardiometabolic risk factors.ConclusionsAdiponectin concentrations and ADIPOQ variants are implicated in the pathophysiological process leading to cardiovascular diseases, but the genetic effects seem to be independent of adiponectin concentrations in our Afro–Caribbean diabetic patients.
Antifungal Bioassay‐Guided Fractionation of an Oil Extract of Propolis
Authors: Finger Daiane , Machado Christiane Schinieder , Torres Yohandra Reyes , Quináia Sueli Percio , Thomaz Amanda Cristina Godot , Gobbo Angélica Rita , Monteiro Marta Chagas , Ferreira Antonio Gilberto , Sawaya Alexandra Christine Helena Frankland , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe study aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of an extract of propolis obtained with edible vegetable oil (ODEP) and to identify antifungal compounds in this extract. Propolis sample was extracted with canola oil. After filtration, the oily liquid extract was submitted to solvent partition and dried to obtain ODEP, which was tested in vitro against Candida albicans strains. ODEP was fractioned on Sephadex and by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Active fractions and/or a pure compound were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance, liquid chromatographic mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to characterize their chemical composition. Bioassay‐guided fractionation allowed the isolation of dihydrokaempferide, which was also quantified in ODEP by HPLC together with the total flavonoid content. Kaempferide and isosakuranetin were identified by LC–MS and LC–MS/MS in fractions with a potential activity against C. albicans. In vitro assays showed that some fractions from ODEP produced better inhibition of C. albicans than the propolis extract itself.Practical ApplicationsAqueous or ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) are widely used in alternative homemade medicine products mainly because of their antimicrobial and healing properties. Edible vegetal oils are known to extract bioactive compounds from propolis. The resulting extract (ODEP) has several advantages over the common EEP, such as the possibility of new pharmaceutical presentations for topical or internal applications. Because of the absence of ethanol in its formulation, edible ODEP are expected to be more tolerated. In this study, ODEP was active in vitro against Candida albicans strains. This supports the use of ODEP as an alternative to EEP and also its potential for topical application in combination with antifungal drugs. In addition, the ingestion of ODEP (e.g., contained in gelatin capsules), which have a high percentage of flavonoids, could be of nutritional value, helping to reach the recommended daily amounts of flavonoids and phenolic compounds.
Patterns and Predictors of Generic Narrow Therapeutic Index Drug Use Among Older Adults
Authors: Gagne Joshua J. , Polinski Jennifer M. , Kesselheim Aaron S. , Choudhry Niteesh K. , Hutchins David , Matlin Olga S. , Tong Angela , Shrank William H. 
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesTo ascertain predictors of initiation of brand‐name versus generic narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drugs.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingData from CVS Caremark were linked to Medicare claims and to U.S. census data.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older who initiated an NTI drug in 2006 and 2007 (N = 36,832).MeasurementsDemographic, health service utilization, and geographic predictors of whether participants initiated a generic or brand‐name version of their NTI drug were identified using logistic regression.ResultsOverall, 30,014 (81.5%) participants started on a generic version of their NTI drug. The most commonly initiated NTI drugs were warfarin (n = 17,790; 48%), levothyroxine (n = 10,779; 29%), and digoxin (n = 6,414; 17%). Older age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.22 comparing aged ≥85 with 65–74), higher burden of comorbidity (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.04–1.07 for each 1‐point increase in comorbidity score), and prior use of any generic drug (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.29–1.87) were positively associated with generic drug initiation. Independent of other predictors, residing in the census block group with the highest generic use was positively associated with greater odds of generic NTI drug initiation (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.14–1.35 compared with the lowest quintile).ConclusionDemographic, health service utilization, and geographic characteristics are important determinants of whether individuals initiate treatment with a brand‐name or generic NTI drug. These factors may contribute to disparities in care and highlight potential targets for educational campaigns.
Effects of Care Management and Telehealth: A Longitudinal Analysis Using Medicare Data
Authors: Baker Laurence C. , Macaulay Dendy S. , Sorg Rachael A. , Diener Melissa D. , Johnson Scott J. , Birnbaum Howard G. 
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate mortality and healthcare utilization effects of an intervention that combined care management and telehealth, targeting individuals with congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or diabetes mellitus.DesignRetrospective matched cohort study.SettingNorthwest United States.ParticipantsHigh‐cost Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries (N = 1,767) enrolled in two Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services demonstration participating clinics and a propensity‐score matched control group.InterventionThe Health Buddy Program, which integrates a content‐driven telehealth system with care management.MeasurementsMortality, inpatient admissions, hospital days, and emergency department (ED) visits during the 2‐year study period were measured. Cox‐proportional hazard models and negative binomial regression models were used to assess the relationship between the intervention and survival and utilization, controlling for demographic and health characteristics that were statistically different between groups after matching.ResultsAt 2 years, participants offered the Health Buddy Program had 15% lower risk‐adjusted all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.74–0.98; P = .03) and had reductions in the number of quarterly inpatient admissions from baseline to the study period that were 18% greater than those of matched controls during this same time period (−0.035 vs −0.003; difference‐in‐differences = −0.032, 95% CI = −0.054 to −0.010, P = .005). No relationship was found between the Health Buddy Program and ED use or number of hospital days for participants who were hospitalized. The Health Buddy Program was most strongly associated with fewer admissions for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and mortality for those with congestive heart failure.ConclusionCare management coupled with content‐driven telehealth technology has potential to improve health outcomes in high‐cost Medicare beneficiaries.