bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platelet genetic biomarker quantification: Comparison of fluorescent microspheres and PCR platforms
Authors: Huang Erya , Zhu Wei , Dhundale Anil , Bahou Wadie , Gnatenko Dmitri 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe platelet transcriptome has been extensively characterised using distinct genetic profiling platforms, with evolving evidence for differential expression patterns between healthy individuals and subject cohorts with various haematologic and cardiovascular disorders. Traditional technological platforms for platelet genetic biomarker quantification have limited applicability for clinical molecular diagnostics due to inherent complexities related to RNA isolation and analysis. We have previously established the feasibility of fluorescent microspheres as a simple and reproducible strategy for simultaneous quantification of platelet mRNAs from small volume of blood using intact platelets. We now extend these observations by formally comparing in a 50-member normal cohort the cross-platform behaviour of fluorescent microspheres to the currently accepted Q-PCR standard, using a clinically relevant 15-biomarker gene subset able to discriminate among normal and thrombocytosis cohorts. When compared to Q-PCR, genetic biomarker quantification using fluorescent microspheres demonstrated lower coefficients of variation for low-abundant transcripts, better linearity in serially diluted samples, and good overall between-platform consistency via the geometric mean regression. Neither platform demonstrated age or gender effects for any of the 15 biomarkers studied. Binding site saturation for highly abundant transcripts using fluorescent microspheres can be readily eliminated using an optimal platelet number corresponding to 0.3 ml of peripheral blood, additionally applicable to thrombocytopenic cohorts. These data provide a detailed cross-platform analysis using a relevant biomarker subset, further highlighting the applicability of fluorescent microspheres as potentially superior to Q-PCR for platelet mRNA diagnostics.
An engineered fibrinogen variant AαQ328,366P does not polymerise normally, but retains the ability to form α cross-links
Authors: Ping Lifang , Song Jaewoo , Seo Joo-Young , Choi Tae-Youn , Choi Jong-Rak , Gorkun Oleg , Lord Susan , Park Rojin 
Published: December 2012

SummaryA fibrin clot is stabilised through the formation of factor XIIIa-catalysed intermolecular ε -lysyl-γ -glutamyl covalent cross-links between α chains to form α polymers and between γ chains to form γ dimers. In a previous study we characterised fibrinogen Seoul II, a heterozygous dysfibrinogen in which a cross-linking acceptor site in Aα chain, Gln328, was replaced with Pro (AαQ328P). Following on the previous study, we investigated whether the alteration of Gln residues Aα328 and Aα366 affects fibrin polymerisation and α chain cross-linking. We have expressed three recombinant fibrinogens: AαQ328P, AαQ366P, and AαQ328,366P in Chinese hamster ovary cells, purified these fibrinogens from the culture media and performed biochemical tests to see how the introduced changes affect fibrin polymerisation and α chain cross-linking. Thrombin-catalysed fibrin polymerisation of all variants was impaired with the double mutation being the most impaired. In contrast, sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analysis showed α polymer formation with all three engineered proteins. This study demonstrates that AαQ328 and AαQ366 are important for normal fibrin clot formation and in the absence of residues AαQ328 and AαQ366, other Gln residues in the a chain can support FXIIIa-catalysed fibrin cross-linking.
Connexin45 Regulates Endothelial-Induced Mesenchymal Cell Differentiation Toward a Mural Cell Phenotype
Authors: Fang Jennifer S. , Dai Cuiping , Kurjiaka David T. , Burt Janis M. , Hirschi Karen K. 
Published: December 2012

Objective—
The focus of this study was to investigate the role of connexin (Cx) 45 in endothelial-induced mural cell differentiation.

Methods and Results—
We created mural cell precursors that stably express only Cx45 in Cx43-deficient mesenchymal cells (ReCx45), and used our in vitro model of blood vessel assembly to assess the capacity of this Cx to support endothelial-induced mural cell differentiation. Lucifer Yellow dye injection and dual whole-cell patch clamping revealed that functional gap junctions exhibiting properties of Cx45-containing channels formed among ReCx45 transfectants, and between ReCx45 and endothelial cells. Heterocellular Cx45-containing gap junction channels enabled transforming growth factor-β activation and promoted the upregulation of mural cell–specific proteins in the mesenchymal precursors.

Conclusion—
These studies reveal a critical role for Cx45 in the regulation of endothelial-induced mural cell differentiation, which is consistent with the phenotype of Cx45-deficient embryos that exhibit dysregulated transforming growth factor-β and lack mural cell development.
Aortic Root Dilatation in Adults with Surgically Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Mongeon François-Pierre , Gurvitz Michelle Z. , Broberg Craig S. , Aboulhosn Jamil , Opotowsky Alexander R. , Kay Joseph D. , Valente Anne Marie , Earing Michael G. , Lui George K. , Fernandes Susan M. , Gersony Deborah R. , Cook Stephen C. , Ting Jennifer Grando , Nickolaus Michelle J. , Landzberg Michael J. , Khairy Paul 
Published: December 2012

Background—
Although aortic root pathology has been described in patients with tetralogy of Fallot, the scope of the problem remains poorly defined. We sought to determine the prevalence and predictors of aortic root dilatation in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot.

Methods and Results—

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted with standardized reassessment of echocardiographic parameters in 474 adults (≥18 years) with surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot or pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect. The aortic root was measured in a parasternal long-axis view, in diastole, at the level of the sinus of Valsalva. Prevalence and predictors of an absolute diameter ≥40 mm and of an observed-to-expected ratio >1.5 were assessed. The aortic root dimension was ≥40 mm in 28.9% (95% confidence interval, 26.9%–30.9%). In multivariate analyses, the only independently associated factor was male sex (odds ratio, 4.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.55–12.89;
P
=0.006). The prevalence of an observed-to-expected aortic root dimension ratio >1.5 was 6.6% (95% confidence interval, 5.3%–7.9%). It was associated with pulmonary atresia and moderate or severe aortic regurgitation in univariate analyses, but no independent predictor was identified. The side of the aortic arch was not associated with aortic root dimension. The prevalence of moderate or severe aortic regurgitation was 3.5% (95% confidence interval, 2.7%–4.2%).

Conclusions—
Although nearly one third of adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot have an aortic root diameter ≥40 mm, the prevalence of a dilated aortic root, when defined by an indexed ratio of observed-to-expected values, is low. Similarly, moderate or severe aortic regurgitation is uncommon.
Long-Term Mortality Data From the Balloon Pump–Assisted Coronary Intervention Study (BCIS-1)
Authors: Perera Divaka , Stables Rod , Clayton Tim , De Silva Kalpa , Lumley Matthew , Clack Lucy , Thomas Martyn , Redwood Simon 
Published: December 2012

Background—
There is conflicting evidence on the utility of elective intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Observational series have indicated a reduction in major in-hospital adverse events, although randomized trial evidence does not support this. A recent study has suggested a mortality benefit trend early after PCI, but there are currently no long-term outcome data from randomized trials in this setting.

Methods and Results—

Three hundred one patients with left ventricular impairment (ejection fraction <30%) and severe coronary disease (BCIS-1 jeopardy score ≥8; maximum possible score=12) were randomized to receive PCI with elective IABP support (n=151) or without planned IABP support (n=150). Long-term all-cause mortality was assessed by tracking the databases held at the Office of National Statistics (in England and Wales) and the General Register Office (in Scotland). The groups were balanced in terms of baseline characteristics (left ventricular ejection fraction, 23.6%; BCIS-1 jeopardy score, 10.4) and the amount and type of revascularization performed. Mortality data were available for the entire cohort at a median of 51 months (interquartile range, 41–58) from randomization. All-cause mortality at follow-up was 33% in the overall cohort, with significantly fewer deaths occurring in the elective IABP group (n=42) than in the group that underwent PCI without planned IABP support (n=58) (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.44–0.98;
P
=0.039).

Conclusions—
In patients with severe ischemic cardiomyopathy treated with PCI, all-cause mortality was 33% at a median of 51 months. Elective IABP use during PCI was associated with a 34% relative reduction in all-cause mortality compared with unsupported PCI.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.isrctn.org
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN40553718; and
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00910481.
Physical Activity and Risk of Cerebrovascular Disease in the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition-Spain Study
Authors: Huerta José María , Chirlaque María-Dolores , Tormo María-José , Gavrila Diana , Arriola Larraitz , Moreno-Iribas Conchi , Amiano Pilar , Ardanaz Eva , Barricarte Aurelio , Dorronsoro Miren , Egüés Nerea , Larrañaga Nerea , Molina-Montes Esther , Quirós José Ramón , Sánchez María-José , González Carlos A. , Navarro Carmen 
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose—
Large-scale prospective epidemiological data testing the association between physical activity (PA) and cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) are scarce, particularly in Europe. The objective was to assess the risk of CVD according to PA levels in adults.

Methods—
We included a total of 13 576 men and 19 416 women aged 29 to 69 years and participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort in Spain, recruited between 1992 and 1996 and followed-up until 2006 to ascertain incident CVD events. The validated European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition PA questionnaire was used to assess metabolic equivalent × hours per week dedicated to different types of PA. Hazard ratios of CVD by PA levels were estimated using multivariate Cox regression. Extensive baseline data collected on diet, lifestyle habits, medical history, and anthropometry were available to adjust for.

Results—
A total of 210 transient ischemic attacks and 442 stroke cases (80% ischemic, 10% hemorrhagic, 7% subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 3% mixed or unspecified) were registered after 12.3 years of mean follow-up. Recreational activity was inversely associated with risk of CVD in women but not in men. Women walking for ≥3.5 hours per week were at lower risk of stroke than those who did not engage in regular walking. No significant associations were found for other leisure time activities or vigorous PA with CVD in either sex.

Conclusions—
Recreational PA of moderate intensity was inversely associated with stroke incidence in women, whereas PA showed no effect on CVD risk in men. Increasing time dedicated to activities such as walking would be expected to help to reduce the stroke burden in women.
Is Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis Beneficial for M2 Occlusions? Subgroup Analysis of the PROACT-II Trial
Authors: Rahme Ralph , Abruzzo Todd A. , Martin Renee’ Hebert , Tomsick Thomas A. , Ringer Andrew J. , Furlan Anthony J. , Carrozzella Janice A. , Khatri Pooja 
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose—
The role of endovascular therapy for acute M2 trunk occlusions is debatable. Through a subgroup analysis of Prolyse in Acute Cerebral Thromboembolism-II, we compared outcomes of M2 occlusions in treatment and control arms.

Methods—
Solitary M2 occlusions were identified from the Prolyse in Acute Cerebral Thromboembolism-II database. Primary endpoints were successful angiographic reperfusion (TICI 2–3) at 120 minutes and functional independence (mRS 0–2) at 90 days.

Results—

Forty-four patients with solitary M2 occlusions, 30 in the treatment arm and 14 in the control arm, were identified. Successful reperfusion (TICI 2–3) was achieved in 53.6% and 16.7% of patients in the treatment and control arms, respectively (
P
=0.04). A favorable clinical outcome (mRS 0–2) was observed in 53.3% and 28.6%, respectively (
P
=0.19). Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusions—
Intra-arterial thrombolysis may lead to a 3-fold increase in the rate of early reperfusion of solitary M2 occlusions and could potentially double the chance of a favorable functional outcome at 90 days.

Clinical Trial Registration—
This trial was not registered because enrollment began before July 1, 2005.
Clusters of Spreading Depolarizations Are Associated With Disturbed Cerebral Metabolism in Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Sakowitz Oliver W. , Santos Edgar , Nagel Alexandra , Krajewski Kara L. , Hertle Daniel N. , Vajkoczy Peter , Dreier Jens P. , Unterberg Andreas W. , Sarrafzadeh Asita S. 
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose—
We studied the dynamics of extracellular brain tissue concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate, and glutamate during the occurrence of spreading depolarizations (SDs) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Methods—
In this prospective observational study, patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage received multimodal cerebral monitoring, including intracranial pressure, cerebral microdialysis, and subdural electrocorticography.

Results—

Seven of the 17 recruited patients had intracerebral hemorrhage, acute ischemia and severe brain oedema leading to acute ischemic neurological deficits associated with early disturbance of metabolism at the recording site. They displayed a total of 130 SDs. The remaining 10 patients without acute ischemic neurological deficits exhibited 138 single SDs and 68 SDs in clusters. In patients without acute ischemic neurological deficits, clustered SDs were associated with a significant transient decrease in glucose and increase in lactate compared with baseline during the first 140 minutes after SDs. Moreover, the number of clustered SDs correlated with the outcome (
R
=−0.659;
P
<0.01).

Conclusion—
SDs can propagate in nonischemic human brain tissue. Clusters of SDs are related to metabolic changes suggestive of ongoing secondary damage in primarily nonischemic brain tissue.
Development of a GOES-R Advanced Baseline Imager Solar Channel Radiance Simulator for Ice Clouds
Authors: Ding Shouguo , Yang Ping , Baum Bryan A. , Heidinger Andrew , Greenwald Thomas 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis paper describes the development of an ice cloud radiance simulator for the anticipated Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R (GOES-R) Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) solar channels. The simulator is based on the discrete ordinates radiative transfer (DISORT) model. A set of correlated k-distribution (CKD) models is developed for the ABI solar channels to account for atmospheric trace gas absorption. The CKD models are based on the ABI spectral response functions and also consider when multiple gases have overlapping absorption. The related errors of the transmittance profile are estimated on the basis of the exact line-by-line results, and it is found that errors in transmittance are less than 0.2% for all but one of the ABI solar channels. The exception is for the 1.378-μm channel, centered near a strong water vapor absorption band, for which the errors are less than 2%. For ice clouds, the band-averaged bulk-scattering properties for each ABI [and corresponding Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)] solar channel are derived using an updated single-scattering property database of both smooth and severely roughened ice particles, which include droxtals, hexagonal plates, hexagonal hollow and solid columns, three-dimensional hollow and solid bullet rosettes, and several types of aggregates. The comparison shows close agreement between the radiance simulator and the benchmark model, the line-by-line radiative transfer model (LBLRTM)+DISORT model. The radiances of the ABI and corresponding MODIS measurements are compared. The results show that the radiance differences between the ABI and MODIS channels under ice cloud conditions are likely due to the different band-averaged imaginary indices of refraction.
Simulation of Heavy Lake-Effect Snowstorms across the Great Lakes Basin by RegCM4: Synoptic Climatology and Variability
Authors: Notaro Michael , Zarrin Azar , Vavrus Steve , Bennington Val 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA historical simulation (1976–2002) of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics Regional Climate Model, version 4 (ICTP RegCM4), coupled to a one-dimensional lake model, is validated against observed lake ice cover and snowfall across the Great Lakes Basin. The model reproduces the broad temporal and spatial features of both variables in terms of spatial distribution, seasonal cycle, and interannual variability, including climatological characteristics of lake-effect snowfall, although the simulated ice cover is overly extensive largely due to the absence of lake circulations. A definition is introduced for identifying heavy lake-effect snowstorms in regional climate model output for all grid cells in the Great Lakes Basin, using criteria based on location, wind direction, lake ice cover, and snowfall. Simulated heavy lake-effect snowstorms occur most frequently downwind of the Great Lakes, particularly to the east of Lake Ontario and to the east and south of Lake Superior, and are most frequent in December–January. The mechanism for these events is attributed to an anticyclone over the central United States and related cold-air outbreak for areas downwind of Lakes Ontario and Erie, in contrast to a nearby cyclone over the Great Lakes Basin and associated cold front for areas downwind of Lakes Superior, Huron, and Michigan.
Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Granular Myringitis
Authors: Levi Jessica R. , Ames Julie A. , Gitman Lyuba , Morlet Thierry , O’Reilly Robert C. 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo determine the clinical characteristics of children with granular myringitis.Study DesignCase series with chart review of children with granular myringitis.SettingTertiary care children’s hospitals in Delaware and Florida.Subjects and MethodsFrom July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2011, 15 patients were identified with granular myringitis based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code 384.1 (10 male, 5 female; 10 left‐sided, 5 right‐sided).ResultsAverage age at onset was 10 years (range, 4‐18 years). Average length of symptoms was 21 months (range, 3‐48 months). Thirteen of the 15 patients (87%) had myringotomy tube placement prior to diagnosis of myringitis, and 11 had a previous perforation (73%). Eleven myringoplasties were performed on 8 (53%) patients prior to the onset of granular myringitis (5 fascia, 2 fat, 2 cartilage, 1 paper patch, and 1 at an outside hospital that was unknown). A total of 27 otolaryngologic surgical procedures were done on 14 of 15 patients. Ten patients (67%) had audiometry performed, and 6 (40%) had ear cultures. Medical treatment included ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic drops in all patients, oral antibiotics in 4 patients, and additional topical agents in 8 patients. Two patients had laser resurfacing, and 1 patient had surgical curettage. Five patients had long‐term remission, 8 had intermittent remission, and 2 had no remission of their symptoms.ConclusionGranular myringitis is a chronic, recalcitrant disease typically preceded by myringotomy and tube placement or myringoplasty/tympanoplasty. Medical and surgical intervention is varied and often does not lead to permanent resolution of the disease.
Relationship of the Intercondylar Roof and the Tibial Footprint of the ACL
Authors: Scheffel Peter T. , Henninger Heath B. , Burks Robert T. 
Published: December 2012

Background: Debate exists on the proper relation of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) footprint with the intercondylar notch in anatomic ACL reconstructions. Patient-specific graft placement based on the inclination of the intercondylar roof has been proposed. The relationship between the intercondylar roof and native ACL footprint on the tibia has not previously been quantified. Hypothesis: No statistical relationship exists between the intercondylar roof angle and the location of the native footprint of the ACL on the tibia. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Knees from 138 patients with both lateral radiographs and MRI, without a history of ligamentous injury or fracture, were reviewed to measure the intercondylar roof angle of the femur. Roof angles were measured on lateral radiographs. The MRI data of the same knees were analyzed to measure the position of the central tibial footprint of the ACL (cACL). The roof angle and tibial footprint were evaluated to determine if statistical relationships existed. Results: Patients had a mean ± SD age of 40 ± 16 years. Average roof angle was 34.7° ± 5.2° (range, 23°-48°; 95% CI, 33.9°-35.5°), and it differed by sex but not by side (right/left). The cACL was 44.1% ± 3.4% (range, 36.1%-51.9%; 95% CI, 43.2%-45.0%) of the anteroposterior length of the tibia. There was only a weak correlation between the intercondylar roof angle and the cACL ( R = 0.106). No significant differences arose between subpopulations of sex or side. Conclusion: The tibial footprint of the ACL is located in a position on the tibia that is consistent and does not vary according to intercondylar roof angle. The cACL is consistently located between 43.2% and 45.0% of the anteroposterior length of the tibia. Intercondylar roof–based guidance may not predictably place a tibial tunnel in the native ACL footprint. Use of a generic ACL footprint to place a tibial tunnel during ACL reconstruction may be reliable in up to 95% of patients.
Uptake of copper ions from aqueous solutions by Bacillus strain isolated from desert soil
Authors: Ahmady-Asbchin Salman 
Published: December 2012

Biosorption of copper (Cu) ions from aqueous solutions has been studied in a batch system using a Bacillus species AEJ-89 isolated from Maranjab desert soil. The optimum conditions of biosorption were determined by investigating the initial pH, contact time, and the initial concentrations of metal ions at constant temperature (25°C). The maximum biosorption of Cu ions was observed at pH 5.0 ± 0.1. Biosorption equilibrium times for Cu (II) ions were observed in 30 min. The maximum biosorption capacities of Cu (II) ions on Bacillus species AEJ-89 were determined to be 0.48 mmol g−1 at 200 mg l−1 concentration. The experimental adsorption data were fitted to Langmuir isotherm model. The interactions between metal ions and functional groups on the cell wall surface of the biomass were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Cu (II) ions were removed from metal-laden biomass after desorption treatments by the addition of different desorbing solutions. The results indicated that the bacterial isolate Bacillus species AEJ-89 is a suitable biosorbent for the removal of Cu (II) ions from aqueous solutions.