bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systems biology approach to suppress TNF-induced proinflammatory gene expressions
Authors: Hayashi Kentaro , Piras Vincent , Tabata Sho , Tomita Masaru , Selvarajoo Kumar 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a widely studied cytokine (ligand) that induces proinflammatory signaling and regulates myriad cellular processes. In major illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers, the expression of TNF is elevated. Despite much progress in the field, the targeted regulation of TNF response for therapeutic benefits remains suboptimal. Here, to effectively regulate the proinflammatory response induced by TNF, a systems biology approach was adopted.

Results
We developed a computational model to investigate the temporal activations of MAP kinase (p38), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and the kinetics of 3 groups of genes, defined by early, intermediate and late phases, in murine embryonic fibroblast (MEF) and 3T3 cells. To identify a crucial target that suppresses, and not abolishes, proinflammatory genes, the model was tested in several in silico knock out (KO) conditions. Among the candidate molecules tested, in silico RIP1 KO effectively regulated all groups of proinflammatory genes (early, middle and late). To validate this result, we experimentally inhibited TNF signaling in MEF and 3T3 cells with RIP1 inhibitor, Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), and investigated 10 genes (Il6, Nfkbia, Jun, Tnfaip3, Ccl7, Vcam1, Cxcl10, Mmp3, Mmp13, Enpp2) belonging to the 3 major groups of upregulated genes. As predicted by the model, all measured genes were significantly impaired.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that Nec-1 modulates TNF-induced proinflammatory response, and may potentially be used as a therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Strong convergence theorems for fixed point problems of a nonexpansive semigroup in a Banach space
Authors: Wang Xin , Hu Changsong , Guan Jinlin 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we study the implicit and explicit viscosity iteration schemes for a nonexpansive semigroup in a reflexive, strictly convex and uniformly smooth Banach space which satisfies Opial’s condition. Our results improve and generalize the corresponding results given by Yao et al. (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2013, doi:10.1186/1687-1812-2013-31) and many others.

MSC:47H05, 47H10, 47H17.
Approximate fixed points of generalized convex contractions
Authors: Miandaragh Mehdi Amir , Postolache Mihai , Rezapour Shahram 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the concept of generalized convex contractions and give some results about approximate fixed points of the contractions on metric spaces. By providing some examples, we show that our results are real generalization of the main results of Ghorbanian et al. (Comput. Math. Appl. 63:1361-1368, 2012) and Istratescu (I. Ann. Mat. Pura Appl. 130(4):89-104, 1982).
Iterative algorithms with regularization for hierarchical variational inequality problems and convex minimization problems
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Al-Homidan Suliman , Ansari Qamrul Hasan 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we consider a variational inequality problem which is defined over the set of intersections of the set of fixed points of a ζ-strictly pseudocontractive mapping, the set of fixed points of a nonexpansive mapping and the set of solutions of a minimization problem. We propose an iterative algorithm with regularization to solve such a variational inequality problem and study the strong convergence of the sequence generated by the proposed algorithm. The results of this paper improve and extend several known results in the literature.
Solvability of fractional boundary value problem with p-Laplacian operator at resonance
Authors: Shen Tengfei , Liu Wenbin , Shen Xiaohui 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In this paper, a class of multi-point boundary value problems for nonlinear fractional differential equations at resonance with p-Laplacian operator is considered. By using the extension of Mawhin’s continuation theorem due to Ge, the existence of solutions is obtained, which enriches previous results.

MSC:34A08, 34B15.
Spinal cord stimulation for predominant low back pain in failed back surgery syndrome: study protocol for an international multicenter randomized controlled trial (PROMISE study)
Authors: Rigoard Philippe , Desai Mehul J , North Richard B , Taylor Rod S , Annemans Lieven , Greening Christine , Tan Ye , Van den Abeele Carine , Shipley Jane , Kumar Krishna 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Although results of case series support the use of spinal cord stimulation in failed back surgery syndrome patients with predominant low back pain, no confirmatory randomized controlled trial has been undertaken in this patient group to date. PROMISE is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group study designed to compare the clinical effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation plus optimal medical management with optimal medical management alone in patients with failed back surgery syndrome and predominant low back pain.

Method/Design
Patients will be recruited in approximately 30 centers across Canada, Europe, and the United States. Eligible patients with low back pain exceeding leg pain and an average Numeric Pain Rating Scale score ≥5 for low back pain will be randomized 1:1 to spinal cord stimulation plus optimal medical management or to optimal medical management alone. The investigators will tailor individual optimal medical management treatment plans to their patients. Excluded from study treatments are intrathecal drug delivery, peripheral nerve stimulation, back surgery related to the original back pain complaint, and experimental therapies. Patients randomized to the spinal cord stimulation group will undergo trial stimulation, and if they achieve adequate low back pain relief a neurostimulation system using the Specify® 5-6-5 multi-column lead (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) will be implanted to capture low back pain preferentially in these patients. Outcome assessment will occur at baseline (pre-randomization) and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months post randomization. After the 6-month visit, patients can change treatment to that received by the other randomized group. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients with ≥50% reduction in low back pain at the 6-month visit. Additional outcomes include changes in low back and leg pain, functional disability, health-related quality of life, return to work, healthcare utilization including medication usage, and patient satisfaction. Data on adverse events will be collected. The primary analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Healthcare use data will be used to assess costs and long-term cost-effectiveness.

Discussion
Recruitment began in January 2013 and will continue until 2016.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01697358 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov)
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its predominant components among pre-and postmenopausal Ghanaian women
Authors: Kow Nanse Arthur Fareed , Adu-Frimpong Michael , Osei-Yeboah James , Obu Mensah Faustina , Owusu Lawrence 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a clump of risk factors for development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Menopause and age are thought to predispose women to the development of metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MetS and identify its predominant components among pre-and postmenopausal women in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana.
Two hundred and fifty (250) Ghanaian women were randomly selected for the study. They were evaluated for the prevalence of metabolic syndrome using the World Health Organization (WHO), National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Harmonization (H_MS) criteria.

Results
Out of the total subjects, 143 (57.2%) were premenopausal and 107 (42.8%) menopausal. The study population was between the ages of 20–78 years. The overall percentage prevalence of MetS were 14.4%, 25.6%, 29.2% and 30.4% according to the WHO, NCEP-ATP III, IDF and H_MS criteria, respectively. The prevalence was found to increase with age, irrespective of criterion used. Generally, MetS was significantly higher among postmenopausal women (p < 0.05 by all criteria) compared to their premenopausal cohort, but with marked inter-criteria variations. Abdominal obesity, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride-high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio were significantly (p < 0.05) different among the two groups of women.
Central obesity, higher blood pressure and raised fasting blood glucose were the predominant components that contributed to the syndrome in Ghanaian women.

Conclusion
The higher prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women is an indication that they are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Therefore women in that group should be monitored for the two conditions and also be advised to adopt healthy lifestyles to minimize the incidence of these conditions.
Using fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) to diagnose steroid‐responsive disease and guide asthma management in routine care
Authors: Price David , Ryan Dermot , Burden Annie , Von Ziegenweidt Julie , Gould Shuna , Freeman Daryl , Gruffydd‐Jones Kevin , Copland Anne , Godley Clifford , Chisholm Alison , Thomas Mike 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundFractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a surrogate marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation and good predictor of corticosteroid response.AimTo evaluate how FeNO is being used to guide primary care asthma management in the United Kingdom (UK) with a view to devising practical algorithms for the use of FeNO in the diagnosis of steroid‐responsive disease and to guide on‐going asthma management.MethodsEligible patients (n = 678) were those in the Optimum Patient Care Research Database (OPCRD) aged 4–80 years who, at an index date, had their first FeNO assessment via NIOX MINO® or Flex®. Eligible practices were those using FeNO measurement in at least ten patients during the study period. Patients were characterized over a one‐year baseline period immediately before the index date. Outcomes were evaluated in the year immediately following index date for two patient cohorts: (i) those in whom FeNO measurement was being used to identify steroid‐responsive disease and (ii) those in whom FeNO monitoring was being used to guide on‐going asthma management. Outcomes for cohort (i) were incidence of new ICS initiation at, or within the one‐month following, their first FeNO measurement, and ICS dose during the outcome year. Outcomes for cohort (ii) were adherence, change in adherence (from baseline) and ICS dose.OutcomesIn cohort (i) (n = 304) the higher the FeNO category, the higher the percentage of patients that initiated ICS at, or in the one month immediately following, their first FeNO measurement: 82%, 46% and 26% of patients with high, intermediate and low FeNO, respectively. In cohort (ii) (n = 374) high FeNO levels were associated with poorer baseline adherence (p = 0.005) but greater improvement in adherence in the outcome year (p = 0.017). Across both cohorts, patients with high FeNO levels were associated with significantly higher ICS dosing (p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn the UK, FeNO is being used in primary practice to guide ICS initiation and dosing decisions and to identify poor ICS adherence. Simple algorithms to guide clinicians in the practical use of FeNO could improved diagnostic accuracy and better tailored asthma regimens.
Radiographic characterization of the hands in Ritscher-Schinzel/3-C syndrome
Authors: Friesen Kaitlyn J , Chodirker Bernard N , Chudley Albert E , Reed Martin H , Elliott Alison M 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify whether specific radiographic hand changes were characteristic of RSS and could serve as a diagnostic tool.

Materials and methods

We performed a detailed radiographic hand characterization of 8 RSS patients. The patient population consisted of 5 males and 3 females from ages one month to 26 years, 7 months. The hands were characterized using metacarpophalangeal pattern (MCPP) profiles, carpal height and bone age analyses and assessment of bone morphology.

Results

There was generalized brachydactyly with the second ray being the most severely affected. There was significant shortening of the first metacarpal and the fifth distal phalanx. The MCPP profile generated showed a consistent wavy pattern with average Z-scores ranging from -0.15 (4th proximal phalanx) to -2.13 (1st metacarpal) and 0.53 (4th middle phalanx) to -1.73 (2nd proximal phalanx) for the left and right hands, respectively. Six of eight patients showed a decreased carpal height. Bone age was within normal limits for all patients. Our study population showed consistent radiographic changes including: overtubulation of the bones (especially metacarpals 2-4), prominent tufts of the distal phalanges and a hypoplastic fifth distal phalanx.

Conclusion

The hand findings identified in this study can provide helpful diagnostic tools to clinicians when the diagnosis of RSS is being considered.
Ritscher-Schinzel Syndrome (RSS) is a clinically variable, autosomal recessive disorder, involving cardiac, cerebellar and craniofacial abnormalities. Numerous reports describe hand changes in RSS patients; however, a detailed characterization of the hands has not previously been performed.
Function and control of the fish secondary vascular system, a contrast to mammalian lymphatic systems
Authors: Rummer Jodie L. , Wang Shuhong , Steffensen John F. , Randall David J. 
Published: November 2013

Summary
Teleost fishes and mammalian lineages diverged 400 million years ago, and environmental requirements (water vs. air) have resulted in marked differences in cardiovascular function between fish and mammals. Suggestions that the fish secondary vascular system (SVS) could be used as a model for the mammalian lymphatic system should be taken with caution. Despite molecular markers indicating similar genetic origin, functions of the SVS in teleost fish are probably different from those of the mammalian lymphatic system. We determined that, in resting glass catfish, (Kryptopterus bicirrhis), plasma moves from the primary vascular system (PVS) to the SVS through small connecting vessels less than 10 μm in diameter, smaller than the red blood cells (RBCs). During and following hypoxia or exercise, flow increases, and RBCs enter the SVS, possibly via β-adrenoreceptor-mediated dilation of the connecting vessels. The volume of the SVS can be large and, as RBCs flow into the SVS, the haematocrit of the PVS falls by as much as 50% of the resting value. Possible functions of the SVS, including skin respiration, ionic and osmotic buffering, and reductions in heart work and RBC turnover, are discussed.
Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) have greater blood volumes, higher diving metabolic rates and a longer aerobic dive limit when nutritionally stressed
Authors: Gerlinsky Carling D. , Trites Andrew W. , Rosen David A. S. 
Published: November 2013

Summary
Marine mammal foraging behaviour inherently depends on diving ability. Declining populations of Steller sea lions may be facing nutritional stress that could affect their diving ability through changes in body composition or metabolism. Our objective was to determine whether nutritional stress (restricted food intake resulting in a 10% decrease in body mass) altered the calculated aerobic dive limit (cADL) of four captive sea lions diving in the open ocean, and how this related to changes in observed dive behaviour. We measured diving metabolic rate (DMR), blood O2 stores, body composition and dive behaviour prior to and while under nutritional restriction. We found that nutritionally stressed sea lions increased the duration of their single long dives, and the proportion of time they spent at the surface during a cycle of four dives. Nutritionally stressed sea lions lost both lipid and lean mass, resulting in potentially lower muscle O2 stores. However, total body O2 stores increased due to rises in blood O2 stores associated with having higher blood volumes. Nutritionally stressed sea lions also had higher mass-specific metabolic rates. The greater rise in O2 stores relative to the increase in mass-specific DMR resulted in the sea lions having a longer cADL when nutritionally stressed. We conclude that there was no negative effect of nutritional stress on the diving ability of sea lions. However, nutritional stress did lower foraging efficiency and require more foraging time to meet energy requirements due to increases in diving metabolic rates and surface recovery times.
Impact of elevated CO2 background levels on the host-seeking behaviour of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Majeed Shahid , Hill Sharon R. , Ignell Rickard 
Published: November 2013

Summary
Mosquitoes rely on carbon dioxide (CO2) to detect and orient towards their blood hosts. However, the variable and rapid fluctuations of atmospheric CO2 concentrations may impact the host-seeking behaviour of mosquitoes. In this study, we analysed the effect of transient elevated background levels of CO2 on the host-seeking behaviour and the physiological characteristics of the CO2-sensitive olfactory receptor neurones (ORNs) in female yellow fever mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti. We show that the take off and source contact behaviour of Ae. aegypti is impeded at elevated background levels of CO2 as a result of masking of the stimulus signal. The mechanism underlying this masking during take off behaviour is one of sensory constraint. We show that the net response of the CO2-ORNs regulates this CO2-related behaviour. Since these neurones themselves are not habituated or fatigued by the transient elevation of background CO2, we propose that habituation of second order neurones in response to the elevated CO2-ORN activity could be one mechanism by which the net response is transduced by the olfactory system. The findings from this study may help to predict future shifts in mosquito-host interactions and consequently to predict vectorial capacity in the light of climate change.
A comparative study of single leg ground reaction forces in running lizards
Authors: McElroy Eric , Wilson Robbie , Biknevicius Audrone , Reilly Stephen 
Published: November 2013

Summary
The role of different limbs in supporting and propelling the body has been studied in many species with animals appearing to have either similarity in limb function or differential limb function. Differential hind vs. fore limb function has been proposed as a general feature of running with a sprawling posture and as benefiting sprawled postured animals by enhancing maneuvering and minimizing joint moments. Yet only a few species have been studied and thus the generality of differential limb function in running animals with sprawled postures is unknown. We measured the limb lengths of seven species of lizard and their single limb three-dimensional ground reaction forces during high speed running. We found that most species relied on the hindlimb for producing accelerative forces. Braking forces were either forelimb dominated in fours species and equally distributed between limbs in the other three. Vertical forces were dominated by the hindlimb in three species and equally distributed between the fore- and hindlimb in the other four. Medial forces were dominated by the hindlimb in four species and equally distributed in the other three, with all Iguanians exhibiting hindlimb biased medial forces. Relative hind- to forelimb length of each species was related to variation in hind- vs. fore limb medial forces; species with relatively longer hindlimbs compared to forelimbs exhibited medial forces that were more biased towards the hindlimbs. These results suggest that the function of individual limbs in lizards varies across species with only a single general pattern (hindlimb dominated accelerative force) being present.
Hip and knee replacement patients prefer pen-and-paper questionnaires
Authors: Keurentjes J. C. , Fiocco M. , So-Osman C. , Onstenk R. , Koopman-Van Gemert A. W. M. M. , Pöll R. G. , Nelissen R. G. H. H. 
Published: November 2013

Objectives Electronic forms of data collection have gained interest in recent years. In orthopaedics, little is known about patient preference regarding pen-and-paper or electronic questionnaires. We aimed to determine whether patients undergoing total hip (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR) prefer pen-and-paper or electronic questionnaires and to identify variables that predict preference for electronic questionnaires. Methods We asked patients who participated in a multi-centre cohort study investigating improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after THR and TKR using pen-and-paper questionnaires, which mode of questionnaire they preferred. Patient age, gender, highest completed level of schooling, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, indication for joint replacement and pre-operative HRQoL were compared between the groups preferring different modes of questionnaire. We then performed logistic regression analyses to investigate which variables independently predicted preference of electronic questionnaires. Results A total of 565 THR patients and 387 TKR patients completed the preference question. Of the THR patients, 81.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 78.4 to 84.7) preferred pen-and-paper questionnaires to electronic questionnaires, as did 86.8% (95% CI 83.1 to 89.8) of TKR patients. Younger age, male gender, higher completed level of schooling and higher BMI independently predicted preference of electronic questionnaires in THR patients. Younger age and higher completed level of schooling independently predicted preference of electronic questionnaires in TKR patients. Conclusions The majority of THR and TKR patients prefer pen-and-paper questionnaires. Patients who preferred electronic questionnaires differed from patients who preferred pen-and-paper questionnaires. Restricting the mode of patient-reported outcome measures to electronic questionnaires might introduce selection bias. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:238–44.