bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preserving Prostaglandin E2 Level Prevents Rejection of Implanted Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Restores Postinfarction Ventricular Function
Authors: Dhingra Sanjiv , Li Peng , Huang Xi-Ping , Guo Jian , Wu Jun , Mihic Anton , Li Shu-Hong , Zang Wang-Fu , Shen Daniel , Weisel Richard D. , Singal Pawan K. , Li Ren-Ke 
Published: September 2013

Background—
Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were immunoprivileged early after cardiac implantation and improved heart function in preclinical and clinical studies. However, long-term preclinical studies demonstrated that allogeneic MSCs lost their immunoprivilege and were rejected in the injured myocardium, resulting in recurrent ventricular dysfunction. This study identifies some of the mechanisms responsible for the immune switch in MSCs and suggests a new treatment to maintain immunoprivilege and preserve heart function.

Methods and Results—

Rat MSC immunoprivilege was mediated by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)–induced secretion of 2 critical chemokines, CCL12 and CCL5. These chemokines stimulated the chemoattraction of T cells toward MSCs, suppressed cytotoxic T-cell proliferation, and induced the production of T regulatory cells. MSCs treated with 5-azacytidine for 24 hours differentiated into myogenic cells after 2 weeks, which was associated with decreased PGE2 and chemokine production and the loss of immunoprivilege. Treatment of differentiated MSCs with PGE2 restored chemokine levels and preserved MSC immunoprivilege. In a rat myocardial infarction model, allogeneic MSCs (3×10
6
cells/rat) were injected into the infarct region with or without a biodegradable hydrogel that slowly released PGE2. Five weeks later, the transplanted MSCs expressed myogenic lineage markers and were rejected in the control group, but in the PGE2-treated group, the transplanted cells survived and heart function improved.

Conclusions—
Allogeneic MSCs maintained immunoprivilege by PGE2-induced secretion of chemokines CCL12 and CCL5. Differentiation of MSCs decreased PGE2 levels, and immunoprivilege was lost. Maintaining PGE2 levels preserved immunoprivilege after differentiation, prevented rejection of implanted MSCs, and restored cardiac function.
Altered Apoptosis-Related Signaling After Cardioplegic Arrest in Patients With Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Feng Jun , Liu Yuhong , Dobrilovic Nikola , Chu Louis M. , Bianchi Cesario , Singh Arun K. , Sellke Frank W. 
Published: September 2013

Background—
We investigated the effects of cardioplegic arrest and reperfusion (CP/Rep) on myocardial apoptosis and key apoptotic mediators, such as apoptosis-inducing factor, caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9, poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins, and protein kinase C (PKC), in uncontrolled type 2 diabetic, controlled type 2 diabetic, and nondiabetic patients.

Methods and Results—

Right atrial tissue was harvested pre- and post-CP/Rep from uncontrolled type 2 diabetic patients (hemoglobin A1c=9.6±0.25), controlled type 2 diabetic patients (hemoglobin A1c=6.5±0.15), and nondiabetic patients (hemoglobin A1c=5.4±0.12) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (n=8/group). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining was used for the identification of apoptotic cells. Total and modified apoptosis-inducing factor, Bcl-2 family proteins, phospho-PKC-α, phospho-PKC-β1, and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase were quantified by immunoblotting or immunohistochemistry. At baseline, the number of apoptotic cells and expression of total apoptosis-inducing factor, Bcl-2, Bak, and Bax in the pre-CP/Rep atrial tissue from uncontrolled type 2 diabetic patients were significantly increased compared with those of nondiabetic or controlled type 2 diabetic patients (
P
<0.05). After CP/Rep, the amount of apoptotic cells, apoptosis-inducing factor, phospho-Bad, phospho-PKC-α, phospho-PKC-β1, and cleaved poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase in post-CP/Rep atrial tissue were increased in all 3 groups compared with pre-CP/Rep. These increases after CP/Rep were more pronounced in the uncontrolled type 2 diabetic group. In addition, there were significant increases in the expression of cleaved caspase 8 and caspase 9 in the basal and post-CP/Rep atrium of uncontrolled type 2 diabetic group compared with nondiabetic or controlled type 2 diabetic group.

Conclusions—
Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is associated with increases in myocardial apoptosis and expression of key apoptosis mediators at baseline and in the setting of CP/Rep.
Longevity After Aortic Root Replacement
Authors: Etz Christian D. , Girrbach Felix F. , von Aspern Konstantin , Battellini Roberto , Dohmen Pascal , Hoyer Alexandro , Luehr Maximilian , Misfeld Martin , Borger Michael A. , Mohr Friedrich W. 
Published: September 2013

Background—
The choice of the best conduit for root/ascending disease and its impact on longevity remain controversial in quinquagenarians.

Methods and Results—

A total of 205 patients (men=155) between 50 and 60 years (mean, 55.7±2.9 years) received either a stentless porcine xenoroot (n=78) or a mechanically valved composite prosthesis (n=127) between February 1998 and July 2011. Of these, 166 patients underwent root replacement for aneurysmal disease (porcine: 39% [n=65]; mechanical: 61% [n=101];
P
=0.5), 25 for acute type A aortic dissection (porcine: 32% [n=8]; mechanical: 68% [n=17];
P
=0.51), and 14 for endocarditis/iatrogenic injury involving the aortic root (6.4% [n=5] versus 7.1% [n=9];
P
=1.0). The predominant aortic valve pathology was stenosis in 19% (n=38), regurgitation in 50% (n=102), combined valvular dysfunction in 26% (n=54), and normal aortic valve function in 5% (n=11). Concomitant procedures included coronary artery bypass grafting (13%), mitral valve repair (7%), and partial/complete arch replacement (12%/4%), with no significant differences between porcine and mechanical root replacement. Overall hospital mortality was 7.3%, with no difference between the 2 types of valve prostheses (7.7% for porcine and 7.1% for mechanical root replacement;
P
=1.0). Follow-up averaged 5.4±3.7 years (1096 patient-years) and was 100% complete. Freedom from aorta-related reoperation at 12 years was not statistically different between the groups (porcine: 94.9% versus mechanical: 96.1%;
P
=0.73). Survival was equivalent between both groups, with a 5-year survival of 86±3% (porcine: 88±4%; mechanical: 85±3%;
P
=0.96) and a 10-year survival of 76% (porcine: 80±7%; mechanical: 75±5%;
P
=0.84). The linearized mortality rate was 3.1%/patient-year (porcine: 2.9%/patient-year; mechanical: 3.2%/patient-year).

Conclusions—
In quinquagenerians, long-term survival after stentless porcine xenograft aortic root replacement is equivalent to that after a mechanical Bentall procedure. These results bring into question the predominance of mechanical composite conduits for root replacement in quinquagenerians, particularly in the current era of transcatheter valve-in-valve procedures for structural valve deterioration.
Toxico-resistance of Baltic amphipod species to heavy metals
Authors: Strode Evita , Balode Maija 
Published: September 2013

Benthic organisms are important components of aquatic ecosystems and have been widely used to assess environmental pollution. Being very sensitive to a wide range of toxicants amphipods are often used as test objects in eco-toxicological studies. The aim of this study was to compare toxico-resistance of various Baltic amphipod species to exposure of heavy metals. The acute toxicity (48-h LC50 and 96-h LC50) of cadmium (CdCl2), copper (CuSO4) and zinc (ZnSO4 ⋅ 7H2O) was detected experimentally, using juveniles and adults of brackish water amphipods, Monoporeia affinis, Bathyporeia pilosa, Gammarus tigrinus, Pontogammarus robustoides and the freshwater amphipod Gammarus pulex as test objects. Amphipods were collected in Latvian territorial waters of the Open Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Riga and in a freshwater body (Kalkugrava canal). Sensitivity of native amphipod species was compared to Hyalella azteca (a species widespread in North America; a strain obtained from the Chesapeake Culture Collection, Hayes, VA, U.S.A.). High sensitivity of all tested amphipod species, except M. affinis, to heavy metals was observed. A two-way ANOVA analysis showed significant differences in toxico-resistance of selected test objects (). The highest toxico-resistance was shown by the brackish water amphipod M. affinis (96-h LC50: Cd 5.16 mg/l; Cu 5.68 mg/l; Zn 11.31 mg/l), but the lowest by the freshwater species G. pulex and H. azteca (96-h LC50 for Cd 0.005 and 0.007 mg/l, accordingly). Cadmium was the most toxic from the tested heavy metals, followed by copper and zinc.
Interhemispheric Teleconnections from Tropical Heat Sources in Intermediate and Simple Models
Authors: Ji Xuan , Neelin J. David , Lee Sang-Ki. , Mechoso Carlos R. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The mechanisms that control the interhemispheric teleconnections from tropical heat sources are investigated using an intermediate complexity model [a quasi-equilibrium tropical circulation model (QTCM)] and a simple linear two-level model with dry dynamics. Illustrating the interhemispheric teleconnection process with an Atlantic warm pool principal case, the heat source directly excites a baroclinic response that spreads across the equator. Then, three processes involving baroclinic–barotropic interactions—shear advection, surface drag, and vertical advection—force a cross-equatorial barotropic Rossby wave response. An analysis of these processes in QTCM simulations indicates that 1) shear advection has a pattern that roughly coincides with the baroclinic signal in the tropics and subtropics, 2) surface drag has large amplitude and spatial extent and can be very effective in forcing barotropic motions around the globe, and 3) vertical advection has a significant contribution locally and remotely where large vertical motions and vertical shear occur. The simple model is modified to perform experiments in which each of these three mechanisms may be included or omitted. By adding surface drag and vertical advection, and comparing each to shear advection, the effects of the three mechanisms on the generation and propagation of the barotropic Rossby waves are shown to be qualitatively similar to the results in QTCM. It is also found that the moist processes included in the QTCM can feed back on the teleconnection process and alter the teleconnection pattern by enlarging the prescribed tropical heating in both intensity and geographical extent and by inducing remote precipitation anomalies by interaction with the basic state.
Endovascular Treatment of the Common Femoral Artery for Limb Ischemia
Authors: Davies Robert S. M. , Adair William , Bolia Amman , Fishwick Guy , Sayers Robert D. , McCarthy Mark J. 
Published: September 2013

Objective: To determine the short- and mid-term outcomes of percutaneous endovascular common femoral artery (CFA) revascularization (eCFR) of the CFA. Methods: A review of patients who underwent eCFR for limb ischemia between 2006 and 2012 was performed. Limb salvage, patient survival, survival free from reintervention, and survival free from amputation rates were determined. Median (range) follow-up was 28 (1-71) months. Results: In all, 115 patients underwent 121 eCFR for CFA occlusion (n = 13) or stenosis (n = 108); 109 (90%) were technically successful and 7 (6%) had significant perioperative complications; access site hematoma (n = 2) and thromboembolism (n = 5). Thirty-day mortality and amputation rates were 2.5% and 0.8%, respectively. The 1- and 3-year limb salvage rates were 97% and 97%, respectively. The 1- and 3-year survival free from reintervention rates were 77% and 57%, respectively. The 1- and 3-year survival free from amputation rates were 84% and 70%, respectively. Conclusion: These novel data demonstrate that eCFR is a durable treatment for patients with limb ischemia associated with CFA disease.
Longitudinal Bracketed Epiphysis of Proximal Phalanx of the Great Toe With Congenital Hallux Varus Managed Simultaneously With Monorail External Fixator
Authors: Verma Vineet , Batra Amit , Singla Rohit , Gogna Paritosh , Magu Narender , Gupta Rakesh 
Published: September 2013

Longitudinal bracketed epiphysis (delta phalanx) is a rare congenital anomaly that affects phalanges in the hand more commonly than toes. We present a rare case of congenital hallux varus with longitudinal bracketed epiphysis of proximal phalanx with bifid distal phalanx of the great toe, which was managed with monorail type of external fixator. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of its successful implementation in simultaneous treatment of longitudinal bracketed epiphysis of the proximal phalanx of the great toe and hallux varus. Apart from adding to the literature a case of rare subtype of delta phalanx with hallux varus, the present study highlights the role of a reliable alternative in its management. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV, Case study
MamX encoded by the mamXY operon is involved in control of magnetosome maturation in Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1
Authors: Yang Jing , Li Shuqi , Huang Xiuliang , Li Jinhua , Li Li , Pan Yongxin , Li Ying 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Magnetotactic bacteria produce membrane-enveloped magnetite crystals (magnetosomes) whose formation is controlled primarily by a gene island termed the magnetosome island (MAI). Characterization of single gene and operon function in MAI has elucidated in part the genetic basis of magnetosome formation. The mamX gene, located in the mamXY operon, is highly conserved in the MAI of all Magnetospirillum strains studied to date. Little is known regarding the function of mamX in the process of biomineralization.

Results
A mamX deletion mutant (∆mamX) and its complemented strain (CmamX) by conjugation in M. gryphiswaldense strain MSR-1 were constructed. There were no striking differences in cell growth among ∆mamX, CmamX, and wild-type strain (WT). ∆mamX displayed a much weaker magnetic response than WT. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of irregular, superparamagnetic magnetite particles in ∆mamX, in contrast to regular, single-domain particles in WT and CmamX. The phenotype of ∆mamX was similar to that of an ftsZ-like deleted mutant and mamXY operon deleted mutant reported previously. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qPCR) results indicated that the deletion of mamX had differential effects on the transcription levels of the other three genes in the operon.

Conclusions
The MamX protein plays an important role in controlling magnetosome size, maturation, and crystal form. The four MamXY proteins appear to have redundant functions involved in magnetosome formation. Our findings provide new insights into the coordinated function of MAI genes and operons in magnetosome formation.
Effect of dietary nonphytate phosphorus on laying performance and small intestinal epithelial phosphate transporter expression in Dwarf pink-shell laying hens
Authors: Nie Wei , Yang Ying , Yuan Jianmin , Wang Zhong , Guo Yuming 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
This study examined the effects of various levels of dietary nonphytate phosphorus on laying performance and the expression patterns of phosphorus metabolism related genes in Dwarf pink-shell laying hens. A total of 405 28-week-old Dwarf pink-shell laying hens were fed the same corn-soybean basal meals but containing 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.30%, 0.35% or 0.40% nonphytate phosphorus. The results showed that feed intake, egg production, and average egg weights were quadratically correlated with dietary nonphytate phosphorus content (P < 0.05), and the highest egg production, feed intake and average egg weights were achieved when dietary nonphytate phosphorus was at 0.3% (P < 0.05). mRNA expression of intestinal sodium phosphorus co-transporter linearly decreased when dietary nonphytate phosphorus increased. mRNA and protein expression of intestinal calbindin and vitamin D receptor correlated quadratically with dietary nonphytate phosphorus, and the highest expression was found when dietary available phosphorus was at 0.25% to 0.3%. In conclusion, the ideal phosphorus requirement for Dwarf pink-shell layer hens is estimated to be 0.3% in a corn-soybean diet. With this level of phosphorus supplementation, calbindin and vitamin D receptor reached their highest expression.
Effect of mechanical ventilation on intra-abdominal pressure in critically ill patients without other risk factors for abdominal hypertension: an observational multicenter epidemiological study
Authors: de Dios Soler Morejón Caridad , Tamargo Barbeito Teddy Osmin 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundMechanical ventilation (MV) is considered a predisposing factor for increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), especially when positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is applied or in the presence of auto-PEEP. So far, no prospective data exists on the effect of MV on IAP. The study aims to look on the effects of MV on IAP in a group of critically ill patients with no other risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH).MethodsAn observational multicenter study was conducted on a total of 100 patients divided into two groups: 50 patients without MV and 50 patients with MV. All patients were admitted to the intensive care units of the Medical and Surgical Research Centre, the Carlos J. Finlay Hospital, the Julio Trigo University Hospital, and the Calixto García Hospital, in Havana, Cuba between July 2000 and December 2004. The IAP was measured twice daily on admission using a standard transurethral technique. IAH was considered if IAP was greater than 12 mmHg. Correlations were made between IAP and body mass index (BMI), diagnostic category, gender, age, and ventilatory parameters.ResultsThe mean IAP in patients on MV was 6.7 ± 4.1 mmHg and significantly higher than in patients without MV (3.6 ± 2.4 mmHg,p< 0.0001). This difference was maintained regardless of gender, age, BMI, and diagnosis. The use of MV and BMI were independent predictors for IAH for the whole population, while male gender, assisted ventilation mode, and the use of PEEP were independent factors associated with IAH in patients on MV.ConclusionsIn this study, MV was identified as an independent predisposing factor for the development of IAH. Critically ill patients, which are on MV, present with higher IAP values on admission and should be monitored very closely, especially if PEEP is applied, even when they have no other apparent risk factors for IAH.
The impact of α-toxin on host cell plasma membrane permeability and cytokine expression during human blood infection by CA-MRSA USA300
Authors: Nygaard Tyler K , Pallister Kyler B , Zurek Oliwia W , Voyich Jovanka M 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTThis investigation examines the influence of α-toxin (Hla) expression by CA-MRSA on host immune cell integrity and cytokine expression during infection of human blood. Flow cytometry analysis of human blood infected by Staphylococcus aureus PFGE type USA300 or a USA300Δhla demonstrated that Hla expression significantly increased plasma membrane permeability of human CD14+ monocytes. The increased susceptibility of human CD14+ monocytes to Hla toxicity paralleled the high cell-surface expression on these cell types of ADAM10. USA300 rapidly associated with PMNs and monocytes but not T cells following inoculation of human blood. Transcription analysis indicated a strong up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokine transcription following infection of human blood by USA300 and USA300Δhla. CBAs and ELISAs determined that IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-4 are significantly up-regulated during the initial phases of human blood infection by USA300 relative to mock-infected blood but failed to distinguish any significant differences in secreted cytokine protein concentrations during infection by USA300Δhla relative to USA300. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that expression of Hla by USA300 has a significant impact on human CD14+ monocyte plasma membrane integrity but is not exclusively responsible for the proinflammatory cytokine profile induced by USA300 during the initial stages of human blood infection.
Mental disorders, disability and treatment gap in a protracted
refugee setting
Authors: Llosa Augusto E. , Ghantous Zeina , Souza Renato , Forgione Fabio , Bastin Pierre , Jones Alison , Antierens Annick , Slavuckij Andrei , Grais Rebecca F. 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundStudies have shown high levels of distress and mental disorder among
people living in refugee camps, yet none has confirmed diagnosis through
clinical reappraisal.AimsTo estimate the prevalence of mental disorders, related disability and
treatment gap in adult refugees living in the Burj el-Barajneh camp.MethodRandomly selected participants were screened by household representative
(n = 748) and individual (n = 315)
interviews; clinical reappraisal was performed on a subset
(n = 194) of 326 selected participants. Weighted
prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.ResultsThe prevalence of current mental disorders was 19.4% (95% CI 12.6–26.2);
depression was the most common diagnosis (8.3%, 95% CI 4.4–12.2) and
multiple diagnoses were common (42%) among the 88 persons with mental
disorder. Lifetime prevalence of psychosis was 3.3% (95% CI 1.0–5.5).
Mental disorders were associated with moderate to severe dysfunction
(odds ratio = 8.8, 95% CI 4.5–17.4). The treatment gap was 96% (95% CI
92–100).ConclusionsA range of mental disorders and associated disability are common in this
long-term refugee setting. Combined with an important treatment gap,
findings support the current consensus-based policy to prioritise
availability of mental health treatment in refugee camps, especially for
the most severe and disabling conditions.
The Shadow
Authors: Cubitt Sean 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
In both electronic scanning and film projection the image must disappear for fragments of every second. Where perspective rests on a vanishing point, projection relies on a vanishing instant, the sudden plunge into imperceptible darkness. This article traces the art history of the vanishing of the image in the history of shadow. For Plato, who wants to remove all trace of subjectivity and the doxa associated with it, shadows are evidence of the mediating role of knowledge, which reveals the temporality of truth. Platonic and positivist arguments for, respectively, the untruth or the indexical quality of photography are countered by experimental practices in film and video, which point us towards the constitutive ephemerality of mediated light and its relation with shadow.
Why are Testing Rates so Low in Sub-Saharan Africa? Misconceptions and Strategic Behaviors
Authors: Sterck Olivier 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Voluntary testing and counseling (VTC) is a popular method for fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The purpose of VTC is to reduce the incidence of the virus in a two-fold manner. First, testing provides access to health care and antiretroviral therapies that diminish the transmission rate of the virus. Second, counseling encourages safer behavior for not only individuals who test HIV-negative and wish to avoid HIV/AIDS infection but also altruistic individuals who test HIV-positive and wish to protect their partners from becoming infected by HIV. Surprisingly, DHS surveys that were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa provide empirical evidence that testing services are underutilized. Moreover, it is rare for both partners in a couple to be tested for HIV. This paper proposes a theoretical model that indicates how misperceptions about the HIV/AIDS virus may explain these puzzles. More specifically, this study demonstrates that individuals who are at risk of HIV infection may act strategically to avoid the cost of testing if they overestimate the risk of HIV transmission or believe that health care is not required if HIV is asymptomatic. The correction of false beliefs and the promotion of self-testing are expected to increase HIV testing rates.