bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Garlic extracts prevent oxidative stress, hypertrophy and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes: a role for nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide
Authors: Louis Xavier Lieben , Murphy Ryan , Thandapilly Sijo Joseph , Yu Liping , Netticadan Thomas 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
In ancient times, plants were recognized for their medicinal properties. Later, the arrival of synthetic drugs pushed it to the backstage. However, from being merely used for food, plants are now been widely explored for their therapeutic value. The current study explores the potential of skin and flesh extracts from a hard-necked Rocambole variety of purple garlic in preventing cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cell death.

Methods
Norepinephrine (NE) was used to induce hypertrophy in adult rat cardiomyocytes pretreated with garlic skin and flesh extracts. Cell death was measured as ratio of rod to round shaped cardiomyocytes. Fluorescent probes were used to measure apoptosis and oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes treated with and without extracts and NE. Pharmacological blockade of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) were used to elucidate the mechanism of action of garlic extracts. Garlic extract samples were also tested for alliin and allicin concentrations.

Results
Exposure of cardiomyocytes to NE induced an increase in cell size and cell death; this increase was significantly prevented upon treatment with garlic skin and flesh extracts. Norepinephrine increased apoptosis and oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes which was prevented upon pretreatment with skin and flesh extracts; NO, and H2S blockers significantly inhibited this beneficial effect. Allicin and alliin concentration were significantly higher in garlic flesh extract when compared to the skin extract.

Conclusion
These results suggest that both skin and flesh garlic extracts are effective in preventing NE induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cell death. Reduction in oxidative stress may also play an important role in the anti-hypertrophic and anti-apoptotic properties of garlic extracts. These beneficial effects may in part be mediated by NO and H2S.
Influence of fermentation conditions on the surface properties and adhesion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Authors: Deepika Gurjot , Karunakaran Esther , Hurley Claire R , Biggs Catherine A , Charalampopoulos Dimitris 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
The surface properties of probiotic bacteria influence to a large extent their interactions within the gut ecosystem. There is limited amount of information on the effect of the production process on the surface properties of probiotic lactobacilli in relation to the mechanisms of their adhesion to the gastrointestinal mucosa. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of the fermentation pH and temperature on the surface properties and adhesion ability to Caco-2 cells of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

Results
The cells were grown at pH 5, 5.5, 6 (temperature 37°C) and at pH 6.5 (temperature 25°C, 30°C and 37°C), and their surfaces analysed by X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gel-based proteomics. The results indicated that for all the fermentation conditions, with the exception of pH 5, a higher nitrogen to carbon ratio and a lower phosphate content was observed at the surface of the bacteria, which resulted in a lower surface hydrophobicity and reduced adhesion levels to Caco-2 cells as compared to the control fermentation (pH 6.5, 37°C). A number of adhesive proteins, which have been suggested in previous published works to take part in the adhesion of bacteria to the human gastrointestinal tract, were identified by proteomic analysis, with no significant differences between samples however.

Conclusions
The temperature and the pH of the fermentation influenced the surface composition, hydrophobicity and the levels of adhesion of L. rhamnosus GG to Caco-2 cells. It was deduced from the data that a protein rich surface reduced the adhesion ability of the cells.
Food group intake patterns and nutrient intake vary across low-income Hispanic and African American preschool children in Atlanta: a cross sectional study
Authors: Salvo Deborah , Frediani Jennifer K , Ziegler Thomas R , Cole Conrad R 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
The food group intake patterns of low income Hispanic and African American preschool children are not well documented. The aim of this study was to perform a food group intake analysis of low income minority preschool children and evaluate how macronutrient and micronutrient intake compares to Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI).

Methods
A cross sectional study design using three-day food diaries analyzed by dietary analysis software (Nutrient Database System for Research) was used. Children were recruited from well-child clinics at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding and North Dekalb Grady Satellite Clinic, Atlanta, GA. Low-income, African American and Hispanic preschool age children (n = 291) were enrolled. A total of 105 completed and returned the 3-day food diaries. Chi-squared tests were used to assess demographic variables. The mean percentage of intake per day of specific food groups and sub-groups were obtained (servings of given food group/total daily servings). Food intake data and proportion of children meeting DRIs for macro- and micronutrients were stratified by race/ethnicity, nutritional status, and caloric intake, and were compared using t-tests. Regression models controlling for age, BMI and sex were obtained to assess the effect of total caloric intake upon the proportional intake of each studied food group.

Results
The mean age of African American children was 2.24 ± 1.07 years and Hispanic children 2.84 ± 1.12 years. African Americans consumed more kcal/kg/day than Hispanics (124.7 ± 51 vs. 96.9 ± 33, p < 0.05). Hispanics consumed more fruits (22.0 ± 10.7% vs. 14.7 ± 13.7%, p < 0.05), while African Americans consumed more grains (25.7 ± 7.8% vs. 18.1 ± 6.4%, p < 0.05), meats (20.7 ± 9.0% vs. 15.4 ± 6.1%, p < 0.05), fats (9.8 ± 5.4% vs. 7.0 ± 5.8%, p < 0.05), sweet drinks (58.7 ± 17.1% vs. 41.3 ± 14.8%, p < 0.05) and low-fat dairy products (39.5 ± 19.3% vs. 28.9 ± 12.6%, p < 0.05). Among Hispanics, the proportional intake of fruits, fats and grains varied by total caloric intake, while no difference by total caloric intake was found for the dietary patterns of African Americans. Micronutrient intake also differed significantly between African American and Hispanic children.

Conclusions
Food group intake patterns among low-income children differ by ethnic group. There is a need for more research to guide program design and target nutritional interventions for this population.
Tea consumption and risk of bladder cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Qin Jie , Xie Bo , Mao Qiqi , Kong Debo , Lin Yiwei , Zheng Xiangyi 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Tea consumption has been reported to be associated with an decreased risk of several types of cancers. However, the results based on epidemiological studies on the association of tea consumption with bladder cancer were inconsistent. This meta-analysis was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between tea consumption and bladder cancer risk.

Methods
Eligible studies were retrieved via both computer searches and review of references. The summary relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated.

Results
Twenty three studies met the inclusion criteria of the meta-analysis. No association with bladder cancer was observed in either overall tea consumption group (OR =0.94, 95% CI 0.85-1.04) or subgroups stratified by sex, study design, geographical region or tea types.

Conclusions
Our findings did not support that tea consumption was related to the decreased risk of bladder cancer.
Neoadjuvant versus adjuvant treatment: which one is better for resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma?
Authors: Xu Yaping , Yu Xinmin , Chen Qixun , Mao Weimin 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide, and especially in some areas of China is the fourth most common cause of death and is of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histology in >90% of cases. Surgery alone was the mainstay of therapeutic intervention in the past, but high rates of local and systemic failure have prompted investigation into multidisciplinary management. In this review, we discuss the key issues raised by the recent availability of esophageal SCC treatment with the addition of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy to the surgical management of resectable disease and discuss how clinical trials and meta-analysis inform current clinical practice. None of the randomized trials that compared neoadjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy with surgery alone in esophageal SCC has demonstrated an increase in overall survival in those patients treated with neoadjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has been accepted recently for esophageal cancer because such a regimen offers great opportunity for margin negative resection, improved loco-regional control and increased survival. The majority of the available evidence currently reveals that only selected locally advanced esophageal SCC are more likely to benefit from the adjuvant therapy. The focus of future trials should be on identification of the optimum regimen and should aim to minimize treatment toxicities and effect on quality of life, as well as attempt to identify and select those patients most likely to benefit from specific treatment options.
Scaling-up from an implementation trial to state-wide coverage: results from the preliminary Melbourne Diabetes Prevention Study
Authors: Janus Edward D , Best James D , Davis-Lameloise Nathalie , Philpot Benjamin , Hernan Andrea , Bennett Catherine M , O’Reilly Sharleen , Carter Rob , Vartiainen Erkki , Dunbar James A 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
The successful Greater Green Triangle Diabetes Prevention Program (GGT DPP), a small implementation trial, has been scaled-up to the Victorian state-wide ‘Life!’ programme with over 10,000 individuals enrolled. The Melbourne Diabetes Prevention Study (MDPS) is an evaluation of the translation from the GGT DPP to the Life! programme. We report results from the preliminary phase (pMDPS) of this evaluation.

Methods
The pMDPS is a randomised controlled trial with 92 individuals aged 50 to 75 at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes randomised to Life! or usual care. Intervention consisted of six structured 90-minute group sessions: five fortnightly sessions and the final session at 8 months. Participants underwent anthropometric and laboratory tests at baseline and 12 months, and provided self-reported psychosocial, dietary, and physical activity measures. Intervention group participants additionally underwent these tests at 3 months. Paired t tests were used to analyse within-group changes over time. Chi-square tests were used to analyse differences between groups in goals met at 12 months. Differences between groups for changes over time were tested with generalised estimating equations and analysis of covariance.

Results
Intervention participants significantly improved at 12 months in mean body mass index (−0.98 kg/m2, standard error (SE)%20=%200.26), weight (−2.65 kg, SE%20=%200.72), waist circumference (−7.45 cm, SE%20=%201.15), and systolic blood pressure (−3.18 mmHg, SE%20=%201.26), increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (0.07 mmol/l, SE%20=%200.03), reduced energy from total (−2.00%, SE%20=%200.78) and saturated fat (−1.54%, SE%20=%200.41), and increased fibre intake (1.98 g/1,000 kcal energy, SE%20=%200.47). In controls, oral glucose at 2 hours deteriorated (0.59 mmol/l, SE%20=%200.27). Only waist circumference reduced significantly (−4.02 cm, SE%20=%200.95).
Intervention participants significantly outperformed controls over 12 months for body mass index and fibre intake. After baseline adjustment, they also showed greater weight loss and reduced saturated fat versus total energy intake.
At least 5% weight loss was achieved by 32% of intervention participants versus 0% controls.

Conclusions
pMDPS results indicate that scaling-up from implementation trial to state-wide programme is possible. The system design for Life! was fit for purpose of scaling-up from efficacy to effectiveness.

Trial registration
Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12609000507280
MVP expression in the prediction of clinical outcome of locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with radiotherapy
Authors: Henríquez-Hernández Luis Alberto , Moreno Mercedes , Rey Agustín , Lloret Marta , Lara Pedro C 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Objective
To explore the role of Major Vault Protein (MVP) in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Subjects and Methods
131 consecutive patients suffering from oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma were included in the study. In the whole series, the mean follow-up for survivors was 123.11 ± 40.36 months. Patients in tumour stages I and II were referred to surgery; patients in stage III-IV to postoperative radiotherapy (mean dose = 62.13 ± 7.74 Gy in 1.8–2 Gy/fraction). MVP expression was studied by immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded tumour tissue.

Results
MVP expression was positive in 112 patients (85.5%) and no relation was found with clinic pathological variables. MVP overexpression (those tumours with moderate or strong expression of the protein) was related to insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 (IGF-1R) expression (P = 0.014). Tumour stage of the disease was the most important prognostic factor related to survival. Tumours overexpressing MVP and IGF-1R were strongly related to poor disease-free survival (P = 0.008, Exp(B) = 2.730, CI95% (1.302-5.724)) and cause-specific survival (P = 0.014, Exp(B) = 2.570, CI95% (1.215-5.437)) in patients achieving tumour stages III-IV, in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions
MVP and IGF-1R expression were related in oral squamous cell carcinoma and conferred reduced long-term survival in patients suffering from advanced stages of the disease.
Deacetylation of H4-K16Ac and heterochromatin assembly in senescence
Authors: Contrepois Kévin , Thuret Jean-Yves , Courbeyrette Régis , Fenaille François , Mann Carl 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Cellular senescence is a stress response of mammalian cells leading to a durable arrest of cell proliferation that has been implicated in tumor suppression, wound healing, and aging. The proliferative arrest is mediated by transcriptional repression of genes essential for cell division by the retinoblastoma protein family. This repression is accompanied by varying degrees of heterochromatin assembly, but little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms involved.

Results
We found that both deacetylation of H4-K16Ac and expression of HMGA1/2 can contribute to DNA compaction during senescence. SIRT2, an NAD-dependent class III histone deacetylase, contributes to H4-K16Ac deacetylation and DNA compaction in human fibroblast cell lines that assemble striking senescence-associated heterochromatin foci (SAHFs). Decreased H4-K16Ac was observed in both replicative and oncogene-induced senescence of these cells. In contrast, this mechanism was inoperative in a fibroblast cell line that did not assemble extensive heterochromatin during senescence. Treatment of senescent cells with trichostatin A, a class I/II histone deacetylase inhibitor, also induced rapid and reversible decondensation of SAHFs. Inhibition of DNA compaction did not significantly affect the stability of the senescent state.

Conclusions
Variable DNA compaction observed during senescence is explained in part by cell-type specific regulation of H4 deacetylation and HMGA1/2 expression. Deacetylation of H4-K16Ac during senescence may explain reported decreases in this mark during mammalian aging and in cancer cells.
Prevalence of asthma in Portugal ‐ The Portuguese National Asthma Survey
Authors: Sa‐Sousa Ana , Morais‐Almeida Mário , Azevedo Luis Filipe , Carvalho Rosa , Jacinto Tiago , Todo‐Bom Ana , Loureiro Carlos , Bugalho‐Almeida António , Bousquet Jean , Fonseca João Almeida 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundAsthma is a frequent chronic respiratory disease in both children and adults. However, few data on asthma prevalence are available in Portugal. The Portuguese National Asthma Survey is the first nationwide study that uses standardized methods. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of current asthma in the Portuguese population and to assess the association between ‘Current asthma’ and comorbidities such as upper airways disease.MethodsA cross‐sectional, population‐based, telephone interview survey including all municipalities of Portugal was undertaken. Participants were randomly selected to answer a questionnaire based on the Portuguese version of the GA2LEN survey. ‘Current asthma’ was defined as self‐reported lifetime asthma and at least one of 3 symptoms in the last 12 months: wheezing, waking with breathlessness or having an asthma attack.ResultsData were obtained for 6 003 respondents, with mean age of 38.9 (95%CI 38.2‐39.6) years and 57.3% females. In the Portuguese population, the prevalence of ‘Current asthma’ was 6.8% (95%CI 6.0‐7.7) and of ‘Lifetime asthma’ was 10.5% (95%CI 9.5‐11.6) Using GA2LEN definition for asthma, our prevalence estimate was 7.8% (95%CI 7.0‐8.8). Rhinitis had a strong association with asthma (Adjusted OR 3.87, 95%CI 2.90‐5.18) and the association between upper airway diseases and asthma was stronger in patients with both rhinitis and sinusitis (Adjusted OR 13.93, 95%CI 6.60‐29.44).ConclusionsCurrent asthma affects 695 000 Portuguese, with a prevalence of 6.8%. People who reported both rhinitis and sinusitis had the highest risk of having asthma.
Does circumpatellar electrocautery improve the outcome after total knee replacement?
Authors: Baliga S. , McNair C. J. , Barnett K. J. , MacLeod J. , Humphry R. W. , Finlayson D. 
Published: August 2012

The incidence of anterior knee pain following total knee replacement (TKR) is reported to be as high as 49%. The source of the pain is poorly understood but the soft tissues around the patella have been implicated. In theory circumferential electrocautery denervates the patella thereby reducing efferent pain signals. However, there is mixed evidence that this practice translates into improved outcomes. We aimed to investigate the clinical effect of intra-operative circumpatellar electrocautery in patients undergoing TKR using the LCS mobile bearing or Kinemax fixed bearing TKR. A total of 200 patients were randomised to receive either circumpatellar electrocautery (diathermy) or not (control). Patients were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) for anterior knee pain and Oxford knee score (OKS) pre-operatively and three months, six months and one year post-operatively. Patients and assessors were blinded. There were 91 patients in the diathermy group and 94 in the control. The mean VAS improvement at one year was 3.9 in both groups (control; -10 to 6, diathermy; -9 to 8, p < 0.001 in both cases, paired, two-tailed t-test). There was no significant difference in VAS between the groups at any other time. The mean OKS improvement was 17.7 points (0 to 34) in the intervention group and 16.6 (0 to 42) points in the control (p = 0.36). There was no significant difference between the two groups in OKS at any other time. We found no relevant effect of patellar electrocautery on either VAS anterior knee pain or OKS for patients undergoing LCS and Kinemax TKR.
A comparison of radiological and computer navigation measurements of lower limb coronal alignment before and after total knee replacement
Authors: Willcox N. M. J. , Clarke J. V. , Smith B. R. K. , Deakin A. H. , Deep K. 
Published: August 2012

We compared lower limb coronal alignment measurements obtained pre- and post-operatively with long-leg radiographs and computer navigation in patients undergoing primary total knee replacement (TKR). A series of 185 patients had their pre- and post-implant radiological and computer-navigation system measurements of coronal alignment compared using the Bland-Altman method. The study included 81 men and 104 women with a mean age of 68.5 years (32 to 87) and a mean body mass index of 31.7 kg/m2(19 to 49). Pre-implant Bland–Altman limits of agreement were -9.4° to 8.6° with a repeatability coefficient of 9.0°. The Bland–Altman plot showed a tendency for the radiological measurement to indicate a higher level of pre-operative deformity than the corresponding navigation measurement. Post-implant limits of agreement were -5.0° to 5.4° with a repeatability coefficient of 5.2°. The tendency for valgus knees to have greater deformity on the radiograph was still seen, but was weaker for varus knees.The alignment seen or measured intra-operatively during TKR is not necessarily the same as the deformity seen on a standing long-leg radiograph either pre- or post-operatively. Further investigation into the effect of weight-bearing and surgical exposure of the joint on the mechanical femorotibial angle is required to enable the most appropriate intra-operative alignment to be selected.
The use of a virtual learning environment in promoting virtual journal clubs and case-based discussions in trauma and orthopaedic postgraduate medical education
Authors: Palan J. , Roberts V. , Bloch B. , Kulkarni A. , Bhowal B. , Dias J. 
Published: August 2012

The use of journal clubs and, more recently, case-based discussions in order to stimulate debate among orthopaedic surgeons lies at the heart of orthopaedic training and education. A virtual learning environment can be used as a platform to host virtual journal clubs and case-based discussions. This has many advantages in the current climate of constrained time and diminishing trainee and consultant participation in such activities. The virtual environment model opens up participation and improves access to journal clubs and case-based discussions, provides reusable educational content, establishes an electronic record of participation for individuals, makes use of multimedia material (including clinical imaging and photographs) for discussion, and finally, allows participants to link case-based discussions with relevant papers in the journal club. The Leicester experience highlights the many advantages and some of the potential difficulties in setting up such a virtual system and provides useful guidance for those considering such a system in their own training programme. As a result of the virtual learning environment, trainee participation has increased and there is a trend for increased consultant input in the virtual journal club and case-based discussions. It is likely that the use of virtual environments will expand to encompass newer technological approaches to personal learning and professional development.
Biological reconstruction after excision, irradiation and reimplantation of diaphyseal tibial tumours using an ipsilateral vascularised fibular graft
Authors: Mottard S. , Grimer R. J. , Abudu A. , Carter S. R. , Tillman R. M. , Jeys L. , Spooner D. 
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of 15 patients (mean age 13.6 years (7 to 25)) with a primary sarcoma of the tibial diaphysis who had undergone excision of the affected segment that was then irradiated (90 Gy) and reimplanted with an ipsilateral vascularised fibular graft within it.The mean follow-up was 57 months (22 to 99). The mean time to full weight-bearing was 23 weeks (9 to 57) and to complete radiological union 42.1 weeks (33 to 55). Of the 15 patients, seven required a further operation, four to obtain skin cover. The mean Musculoskeletal Society Tumor Society functional score at final follow-up was 27 out of 30 once union was complete. The functional results were comparable with those of allograft reconstruction and had a similar rate of complication.We believe this to be a satisfactory method of biological reconstruction of the tibial diaphysis in selected patients.