bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Success and Safety of Endovenous Ablation in Patients With Previous Superficial Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Skeik Nedaa , Zimmerman Kate P. , Tretinyak Alexander S. , Alexander Jason Q. , Rizvi Adnan , Alden Peter 
Published: May 2013

Objectives: Retrospective case–control study to determine the failure and endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) rates of endovenous ablation (EVA) in patients with a history of superficial venous thrombosis (SVT). Methods: Study and control groups each consisted of 73 patients with or without the history of SVT, who underwent EVA between June 2010 and July 2012. All patients were followed with venous duplex ultrasound. Procedural failure and EHIT rates were considered primary outcomes. Results: There was no difference in EHIT or failure rates between study and control groups ( P = 1.00). There was no difference in EHIT or failure rates between patients with and without the history of venous thromboembolism (VTE), with and without the history of VTE and/or SVT, with and without the history of thrombophilia, and on and off anticoagulation for either group or the combined study population. For the combined study population, failure rate was higher in patients with a history of VTE. Conclusions: Although EVA seems to be safe and effective in patients with a history of SVT, vein access in this patient group might require multiple attempts.
Development of a novel redirected T-cell–based adoptive immunotherapy targeting human telomerase reverse transcriptase for adult T-cell leukemia
Authors: Miyazaki Yukihiro , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Asai Hiroaki , Ochi Fumihiro , Ochi Toshiki , Azuma Taichi , Ishida Takashi , Okamoto Sachiko , Mineno Junichi , Kuzushima Kiyotaka , Shiku Hiroshi , Yasukawa Masaki 
Published: May 2013

Key Points
The efficacy and safety of a novel redirected T-cell–based adoptive immunotherapy targeting hTERT for patients with adult T-cell leukemia. hTERT-specific T-cell receptor gene-transduced CD8+ T cells lyse ATL cells, but not normal cells, both in vitro and in vivo.
Trends in survival of patients with Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia in the USA: an analysis of 3691 cases
Authors: Costa Luciano J. , Xavier Ana C. , Wahlquist Amy E. , Hill Elizabeth G. 
Published: May 2013

Key Points
Survival of patients with BL improved substantially in the United States during the past decade, mainly among young adults. Survival of patients with BL remains relatively low, particularly for older and black patients, identifying an unmet need.
Cell metabolism sets the differences between subpopulations of satellite cells (SCs)
Authors: Repele Andrea , Lupi Ramona , Eaton Simon , Urbani Luca , De Coppi Paolo , Campanella Michelangelo 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
We have recently characterized two distinct populations of Satellite Cells (SCs) that differ in proliferation, regenerative potential, and mitochondrial coupling efficiency and classified these in Low Proliferative Clones (LPC) and High Proliferative Clones (HPC). Herewith, we have investigated their cell metabolism and individuated features that remark an intrinsic difference in basal physiology but that are retrievable also at the initial phases of their cloning.

Results
Indeed, LPC and HPC can be distinguished for mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) just after isolation from the fiber. This is matched by mitochondrial redox state measured via NAD+/NADH analysis and alternative respiratory CO2 production in cloned cells. All these parameters are accountable for metabolic differences reflected indeed by alternative expression of the glycolytic enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (Pfkfb3). Also Ca2+ handling by mitochondria is different together with the sensitivity to apoptosis triggered via this pathway. Finally, according to the above, we were able to determine which one among the clones represents the suitable stem cell.

Conclusions
These experimental observations report novel physiological features in the cell biology of SCs and refer to an intrinsic heterogeneity within which their stemness may reside.
Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-12 in aortic dissection
Authors: Song Yi , Xie Yuehui , Liu Feng , Zhao Chong , Yu Rui , Ban Shao , Ye Qiufang , Wen Jianxion , Wan Haibo , Li Xiang , Ma Runwei , Meng Zhaohui 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Aortic dissection(AD) is an acute process of large blood vessels characterized by dangerous pathogenic conditions and high disability and high mortality. The pathogenesis of AD remains debated. Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) participates in many pathological processes such as abdominal aortic aneurysm, atherosclerosis, emphysema and cancer. However, this elastase has rarely been assessed in the presence of AD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of MMP-12 in aortic tissue so as to offer a better understanding of the possible mechanisms of AD.

Methods
The protein expression levels of MMP-12 were analyzed and compared in aorta tissue and the blood serum samples by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR), Western blotting, immuno-histochemistry, fluorescence resonance energy transfer ( FRET ) activity assay and enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay ( ELISA ), respectively. Ascending aorta tissue specimens were obtained from 12 patients with an acute Stanford A-dissection at the time of aortic replacement, and from 4 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Meanwhile, serum samples were harvested from 15 patients with an acute Stanford A-dissection and 10 healthy individuals who served as the control group.

Results
MMP-12 activity could be detected in both AD and CAD groups, but the level in the AD group was higher than those in the CAD group (P < 0.05). MMP-12 proteolysis existed in both serum samples of the AD and healthy groups, and the activity level in the AD group was clearly higher than in the healthy group (P < 0.05). For AD patients, MMP-12 activity in serum was higher than in the aorta wall (P < 0.05). MMP-12 activity in the aortic wall tissue can be inhibited by MMP inhibitor v (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The present study directly demonstrates that MMP-12 proteolytic activity exists within the aorta specimens and blood samples from aortic dissection patients. MMP-12 might be of potential relevance as a clinically diagnostic tool and therapeutic target in vascular injury and repair.
Implementation and effectiveness of 'care navigation', coordinated management for people with complex chronic illness: rationale and methods of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Plant Natalie , Mallitt Kylie-Ann , Kelly Patrick J , Usherwood Tim , Gillespie James , Boyages Steven , Jan Stephen , McNab Justin , Essue Beverley M , Gradidge Kathy , Maranan Nereus , Ralphs David , Aspin Clive , Leeder Stephen 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Chronic illness is a significant driver of the global burden of disease and associated health care costs. People living with severe chronic illness are heavy users of acute hospital services; better coordination of their care could potentially improve health outcomes while reducing hospital use. The Care Navigation trial will evaluate an in-hospital coordinated care intervention on health service use and quality of life in chronically ill patients.

Methods/Design
A randomised controlled trial in 500 chronically ill patients presenting to the emergency department of a hospital in Western Sydney, Australia. Participants have three or more hospital admissions within a previous 12 month period and either aged ≥70 years; or aged ≥45 years and of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent; or aged ≥ 16 with a diagnosis of a respiratory or cardiology related illness. Patients are randomised to either the coordinated care program (Care Navigation), or to usual care. The Care Navigation program consists of dedicated nurses who conduct patient risk assessments, oversee patient nursing while in hospital, and guide development of a care plan for the management of chronic illness after being discharged from hospital. These nurses also book community appointments and liaise with general practitioners. The main outcome variables are the number of emergency department re-presentations and hospital readmissions, and quality of life during a 24 month follow-up. Secondary outcomes are length of hospital stay, mortality, time to first hospital re-admission, time to first emergency department re-presentation, patient satisfaction, adherence to prescribed medications, amount and type of in-hospital referrals made for consultations and diagnostic testing, and the number and type of community health referrals. A process evaluation and economic analysis will be conducted alongside the randomised trial.

Discussion
A trial of in-hospital care coordination may support recent evidence that engaging primary health services in care plans linked to multidisciplinary team support improves patient outcomes and reduces costs to the health system. This will inform local, national and international health policy.

Trial registration
Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12609000554268
Relationship between serum levels of triglycerides and vascular inflammation, measured as COX-2, in arteries from diabetic patients: a translational study
Authors: Gordillo-Moscoso Antonio , Ruiz Emilio , Carnero Manuel , Reguillo Fernando , Rodriguez Enrique , Tejerina Teresa , Redondo Santiago 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Inflammation is a common feature in the majority of cardiovascular disease, including Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Levels of pro-inflammatory markers have been found in increasing levels in serum from diabetic patients (DP). Moreover, levels of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are increased in coronary arteries from DP.

Methods
Through a cross-sectional design, patients who underwent CABG were recruited. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were cultured and COX-2 was measured by western blot. Biochemical and clinical data were collected from the medical record and by blood testing. COX-2 expression was analyzed in internal mammary artery cross-sections by confocal microscopy. Eventually, PGI2 and PGE2 were assessed from VSMC conditioned media by ELISA.

Results
Only a high glucose concentration, but a physiological concentration of triglycerides exposure of cultured human VSMC derived from non-diabetic patients increased COX-2 expression. Diabetic patients showed increasing serum levels of glucose, Hb1ac and triglycerides. The bivariate analysis of the variables showed that triglycerides was positively correlated with the expression of COX-2 in internal mammary arteries from patients (r2 = 0.214, P < 0.04).

Conclusions
We conclude that is not the glucose blood levels but the triglicerydes leves what increases the expression of COX-2 in arteries from DP.
Magnetic capture from blood rescues molecular motor function in diagnostic nanodevices
Authors: Kumar Saroj , ten Siethoff Lasse , Persson Malin , Albet-Torres Nuria , Månsson Alf 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Introduction of effective point-of-care devices for use in medical diagnostics is part of strategies to combat accelerating health-care costs. Molecular motor driven nanodevices have unique potentials in this regard due to unprecedented level of miniaturization and independence of external pumps. However motor function has been found to be inhibited by body fluids.

Results
We report here that a unique procedure, combining separation steps that rely on antibody-antigen interactions, magnetic forces applied to magnetic nanoparticles (MPs) and the specificity of the actomyosin bond, can circumvent the deleterious effects of body fluids (e.g. blood serum). The procedure encompasses the following steps: (i) capture of analyte molecules from serum by MP-antibody conjugates, (ii) pelleting of MP-antibody-analyte complexes, using a magnetic field, followed by exchange of serum for optimized biological buffer, (iii) mixing of MP-antibody-analyte complexes with actin filaments conjugated with same polyclonal antibodies as the magnetic nanoparticles. This causes complex formation: MP-antibody-analyte-antibody-actin, and magnetic separation is used to enrich the complexes. Finally (iv) the complexes are introduced into a nanodevice for specific binding via actin filaments to surface adsorbed molecular motors (heavy meromyosin). The number of actin filaments bound to the motors in the latter step was significantly increased above the control value if protein analyte (50–60 nM) was present in serum (in step i) suggesting appreciable formation and enrichment of the MP-antibody-analyte-antibody-actin complexes. Furthermore, addition of ATP demonstrated maintained heavy meromyosin driven propulsion of actin filaments showing that the serum induced inhibition was alleviated. Detailed analysis of the procedure i-iv, using fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy identified main targets for future optimization.

Conclusion
The results demonstrate a promising approach for capturing analytes from serum for subsequent motor driven separation/detection. Indeed, the observed increase in actin filament number, in itself, signals the presence of analyte at clinically relevant nM concentration without the need for further motor driven concentration. Our analysis suggests that exchange of polyclonal for monoclonal antibodies would be a critical improvement, opening for a first clinically useful molecular motor driven lab-on-a-chip device.
Novel therapeutic agents in clinical development for systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Jordan Natasha , Lutalo Pamela MK , D’Cruz David P 
Published: May 2013

AbstractConventional immunosuppressive therapies have radically transformed patient survivalin systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but their use is associated with considerabletoxicity and a substantial proportion of patients remain refractory to treatment. Amore comprehensive understanding of the complexity of SLE immunopathogenesis hasevolved over the past decade and has led to the testing of several biologic agents inclinical trials. There is a clear need for new therapeutic agents that overcome theseissues, and biologic agents offer exciting prospects as future SLE therapies.An array of promising new therapies are currently emerging or are under developmentincluding B-cell depletion therapies, agents targeting B-cell survival factors,blockade of T-cell co-stimulation and anti-cytokine therapies, such as monoclonalantibodies against interleukin-6 and interferon-α.
Lupus enteritis: from clinical findings to therapeutic management
Authors: Janssens Peter , Arnaud Laurent , Galicier Lionel , Mathian Alexis , Hie Miguel , Sene Damien , Haroche Julien , Veyssier-Belot Catherine , Huynh-Charlier Isabelle , Grenier Philippe A , Piette Jean-Charles , Amoura Zahir 
Published: May 2013

AbstractLupus enteritis is a rare and poorly understood cause of abdominal pain in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we report a series of 7 new patients with this rare condition who were referred to French tertiary care centers and perform a systematic literature review of SLE cases fulfilling the revised ACR criteria, with evidence for small bowel involvement, excluding those with infectious enteritis. We describe the characteristics of 143 previously published and 7 new cases. Clinical symptoms mostly included abdominal pain (97%), vomiting (42%), diarrhea (32%) and fever (20%). Laboratory features mostly reflected lupus activity: low complement levels (88%), anemia (52%), leukocytopenia or lymphocytopenia (40%) and thrombocytopenia (21%). Median CRP level was 2.0 mg/dL (range 0–8.2 mg/dL). Proteinuria was present in 47% of cases. Imaging studies revealed bowel wall edema (95%), ascites (78%), the characteristic target sign (71%), mesenteric abnormalities (71%) and bowel dilatation (24%). Only 9 patients (6%) had histologically confirmed vasculitis. All patients received corticosteroids as a first-line therapy, with additional immunosuppressants administered either from the initial episode or only in case of relapse (recurrence rate: 25%). Seven percent developed intestinal necrosis or perforation, yielding a mortality rate of 2.7%. Altogether, lupus enteritis is a poorly known cause of abdominal pain in SLE patients, with distinct clinical and therapeutic features. The disease may evolve to intestinal necrosis and perforation if untreated. Adding with this an excellent steroid responsiveness, timely diagnosis becomes primordial for the adequate management of this rare entity.
TNA4OptFlux – a software tool for the analysis of strain optimization strategies
Authors: Pinto José P , Pereira Rui , Cardoso João , Rocha Isabel , Rocha Miguel 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Rational approaches for Metabolic Engineering (ME) deal with the identification of modifications that improve the microbes’ production capabilities of target compounds. One of the major challenges created by strain optimization algorithms used in these ME problems is the interpretation of the changes that lead to a given overproduction. Often, a single gene knockout induces changes in the fluxes of several reactions, as compared with the wild-type, and it is therefore difficult to evaluate the physiological differences of the in silico mutant. This is aggravated by the fact that genome-scale models per se are difficult to visualize, given the high number of reactions and metabolites involved.

Findings
We introduce a software tool, the Topological Network Analysis for OptFlux (TNA4OptFlux), a plug-in which adds to the open-source ME platform OptFlux the capability of creating and performing topological analysis over metabolic networks. One of the tool’s major advantages is the possibility of using these tools in the analysis and comparison of simulated phenotypes, namely those coming from the results of strain optimization algorithms. We illustrate the capabilities of the tool by using it to aid the interpretation of two E. coli strains designed in OptFlux for the overproduction of succinate and glycine.

Conclusions
Besides adding new functionalities to the OptFlux software tool regarding topological analysis, TNA4OptFlux methods greatly facilitate the interpretation of non-intuitive ME strategies by automating the comparison between perturbed and non-perturbed metabolic networks. The plug-in is available on the web site http://www.optflux.org, together with extensive documentation.
On the differential impact of the recent economic downturn on work safety by nativity: the Spanish experience
Authors: Amuedo-Dorantes Catalina , Borra Cristina 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Abstract
This paper explores differences in work injury and fatality rates between immigrants and natives and how they may have been impacted by the recent economic downturn. Our focus is on Spain over the 2001–2010 decade -a period of time during which Spain received one of the largest immigrant inflows of any developed economy and subsequently experienced a recession that has raised national unemployment rates above 20 percent. We find that immigrants worked in riskier jobs than natives during this high immigration period. Furthermore, the recession appears to have exclusively reduced job injury rates, but not fatality rates, among the average immigrant -hinting on their misreporting due to fear of dismissal as the primary cause for the observed decline. Overall, the figures are suggestive of work safety inequalities that may be important to address.

JEL codes
J61, J81
La Fronde et ses lendemains autour de Paris : Conséquences environnementales, économiques et sociales en vallée de Montmorency au XVIIe siècle
Authors: Mérot Florent 
Published: May 2013

En 1649 puis en 1652, la vallée de Montmorency, au nord-ouest de Paris, est prise dans les tourments de la Fronde et devient le coeur des opérations militaires du jeune Louis XIV et de son cousin, le Grand Condé. Les conséquences sont terribles pour la population puisque l’environnement est entièrement déstructuré. Cependant, la paysannerie, aidée par les élites urbaines, parvient à reconstruire son lieu de vie dès les années suivantes. Le système agricole évolue sous l’impulsion d’une viticulture commerciale qui se fait aux dépens de la céréaliculture traditionnelle. Ce bouleversement des mentalités s’accompagne d’une transformation sociale : les habitants doivent s’habituer à un calendrier, des outils, un savoir-faire nouveaux pour mener à bien cette transition. Celle-ci ne cible pas uniquement l’agriculture car la forêt accompagne aussi cette mutation. Les interactions entre le bois et le vin étant nombreuses, les paysans comptent sur une ressource inépuisable pour enraciner une culture nouvelle et s’opposer aux conséquences désastreuses d’une guerre.
In 1649 and then in 1652 the valley of Montmorency to the northwest of Paris was caught up in the torments of the Fronde and became the center of the military operations of the young Louis XIV and his cousin, the Grand Condé. The area was torn apart, with terrible consequences for the local population. However, with the help of the urban elites, the peasantry reconstructed their living environment over the following years. The farming system developed, driven by commercial winegrowing that emerged at the expense of traditional cereal cultivation. This revolution in attitudes was accompanied by social transformation: the inhabitants had to become accustomed to a new schedule, tools, and expertise to bring about this transition. The latter did not solely affect agriculture; the forest was also involved. As wood and wine were often associated together, the peasants relied on an inexhaustible resource to establish a new culture and counter the disastrous consequences of war.
Muscarinic cholinergic receptor (M2) plays a crucial role in the development of myopia in mice
Authors: Barathi Veluchamy A. , Kwan Jia Lin , Tan Queenie S. W. , Weon Sung Rhan , Seet Li Fong , Goh Liang Kee , Vithana Eranga N. , Beuerman Roger W. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryMyopia is a huge public health problem worldwide, reaching the highest incidence in Asia. Identification of susceptible genes is crucial for understanding the biological basis of myopia. In this paper, we have identified and characterized a functional myopia-associated gene using a specific mouse-knockout model. Mice lacking the muscarinic cholinergic receptor gene (M2; also known as Chrm2) were less susceptible to lens-induced myopia compared with wild-type mice, which showed significantly increased axial length and vitreous chamber depth when undergoing experimental induction of myopia. The key findings of this present study are that the sclera of M2 mutant mice has higher expression of collagen type I and lower expression of collagen type V than do wild-type mice and mice that are mutant for other muscarinic subtypes, and, therefore, M2 mutant mice were resistant to the development of experimental myopia. Pharmacological blockade of M2 muscarinic receptor proteins retarded myopia progression in the mouse. These results suggest for the first time a role of M2 in growth-related changes in extracellular matrix genes during myopia development in a mammalian model. M2 receptor antagonists might thus provide a targeted therapeutic approach to the management of this refractive error.