bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of fish oil supplementation on inflammatory markers in chronic heart failure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Xin Wei , Wei Wei , Li Xiaoying 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Effects of fish oil on systematic inflammation in chronic heart failure remain unclear. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the influence of fish oil supplementation on circulating levels of inflammatory markers in patients with chronic heart failure.

Methods
Human randomized controlled trials, which compared the effects of fish oil supplementation with placebo in patients with chronic heart failure, were identified by systematic search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane’s library and references cited in related reviews and studies up to November 2011. Outcome measures comprised the changes of circulating inflammatory markers. Meta-analysis was performed with the fixed-effect model or random-effect model according to the heterogeneity.

Results
A total of seven trials with eight study arms were included. The pooled results indicated circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor α (SMD = -0.62, 95% CI -1.08 to -0.16, p = 0.009), interleukin 1 (SMD = -1.24, 95% CI -1.56 to -0.91, p < 0.001) and interleukin 6 (SMD = -0.81, 95% CI -1.48 to -0.14, p = 0.02) were significantly decreased after fish oil supplementation; however, high sensitivity C reactive protein, soluble intracellular adhesion molecular 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecular 1 were not significantly affected. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis results suggested the difference in dose of fish oil and follow-up duration might influence the effects of fish oil on tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6. Greater reduction of these two markers might be achieved in patients taking fish oil of a higher dose (over 1000 mg/day) or for a longer duration (over 4 months).

Conclusions
Limited evidence suggests anti-inflammation may be a potential mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of fish oil for chronic heart failure. Further large-scale and adequately powered clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.
Immunization with live virus vaccine protects highly susceptible DBA/2J mice from lethal influenza A H1N1 infection
Authors: Dengler Leonie , May Mathias , Wilk Esther , Bahgat Mahmoud M , Schughart Klaus 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The mouse represents an important model system to study the host response to influenza A infections and to evaluate new prevention or treatment strategies. We and others reported that the susceptibility to influenza A virus infections strongly varies among different inbred mouse strains. In particular, DBA/2J mice are highly susceptible to several influenza A subtypes, including human isolates and exhibit severe symptoms after infection with clinical isolates.

Findings
Upon intra-muscular immunization with live H1N1 influenza A virus (mouse-adapted PR8M, and 2009 pandemic human HA04), DBA/2J mice mounted virus-specific IgG responses and were protected against a subsequent lethal challenge. The immune response and rescue from death after immunization in DBA/2J was similar to those observed for C57BL/6J mice.

Conclusions
DBA/2J mice represent a suitable mouse model to evaluate virulence and pathogenicity as well as immunization regimes against existing and newly emerging human influenza strains without the need for prior adaptation of the virus to the mouse.
Team care to cure adolescents with braces (avoiding low quality of life, pain and bad compliance): a case–control retrospective study. 2011 SOSORT Award winner
Authors: Tavernaro Marta , Pellegrini Anna , Tessadri Fabrizio , Zaina Fabio , Zonta Andrea , Negrini Stefano 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Bracing could be efficacious, given good compliance and quality of braces. Recently the SOSORT Brace Treatment Management Guidelines (SBTMG) have highlighted the perceived importance of the professional teams surrounding braced patients.

Purpose
To verify the impact of a complete rehabilitation team in the adolescent patient with bracing.

Materials and methods
Design. Initial cross-sectional study, followed by a retrospective case–control study. Population: Thirty-eight patients (15.8 ± 1.6 years; 26 females; 10 hyperkyphosis, 28 scoliosis of 29.2 ± 7.9° Cobb) extracted from a single orthotist database (between January 1, 2008 and September 1, 2009) and treated by the same physician; brace wearing at least 15 hours/day for a minimum of 6 months; age 10 or more. Treatment: Braces: Sforzesco, Sibilla, Lapadula or Maguelone. Exercises: SEAS. Methods: Two questionnaires filled in blindly by patients: SRS-22 and one especially developed and validated with 25 questions on adherence to treatment. Groups (main risk factor): TEAM (private institute: satisfied 44/44 SOSORT criteria; grade of teamwork, “excellent”) included 13 patients and NOT 25 (National Health Service Rehabilitation Department: 35/44 SOSORT criteria respected; grade, “insufficient”).

Results
TEAM was more compliant to bracing than NOT (97 ± 6% vs. 80 ± 24%) and performed nearly double the exercises (38 ± 12 vs. 20 ± 13 minutes/session). The self-reduction of bracing was significant in NOT (from 16.8 ± 3.7 to 14.8 ± 4.9 hours/day, , P<0.05); TEAM showed a significant reduction in the difficulties due to bracing (from 8.9 ± 1.4 to 3.5 ± 2.0 in 12 months on a 10-point scale, P<0.05). Pain was perceived by 55% of NOT versus 7% of TEAM (P < 0.05). The populations did not differ at the baseline studied outcomes. The absence of a good team surrounding the patient increases by five times the risk of reduced compliance to bracing (odds ratio OR 5.5 – 95% confidence interval 95CI 3.6-7.4), along with more than 15 times that of QoL problems (OR 15.7 - 95CI 13.6-17.9) and pain (OR 16.8 - 95CI 14.5-19.1).

Conclusions
Provided the limits of this first study on the topic, the SBTMG seems to be important for brace treatment, influencing pain, QoL and compliance (and so, presumably, final results). Future studies on the topic are advisable.
Cigarette smoke impairs granulosa cell proliferation and oocyte growth after exposure cessation in young Swiss mice: an experimental study
Authors: Paixão Larissa LO , Gaspar-Reis Rejane P , Gonzalez Gabrielle PL , Santos Aline S , Santana Aluana C , Santos Rachel MM , Spritzer Poli Mara , Nascimento-Saba Celly Cristina A 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Cigarette smoke is associated with decreased female fertility, causing damage to ovarian function and disturbing follicle development. However, the effects of cigarette toxicants on ovarian function depend on duration and intensity of exposure. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of brief, intense exposure to tobacco smoke on granulosa cell number, oocyte growth, and follicle size during puberty in female Swiss mice.

Methods
Ten female Swiss mice aged 35 days were exposed to tobacco smoke from 3R4F reference research cigarettes. They were exposed to an automatic smoking machine 8 h/day, 7 days/week for 15 days. Ten age-matched controls were kept in a different room and exposed to ambient air. At the end of 15 days, five mice in each group were euthanized and the ovaries were analyzed for follicular morphometry and granulosa cell count. The remaining animals were kept for an additional 30 days for further analysis as an ex-smoker group and control group. Comparison between the two groups was evaluated by the Student’s t-test or a two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-test was applied for multiple comparisons.

Results
We found that cigarette smoke impaired antral follicular growth even after exposure cessation (p < 0.001). Both smoking and ex-smoking groups exhibited similar follicle diameter. However, at the same follicular stage, the number of granulosa cells was smaller in the ex-smoking group compared to smoking animals (p < 0.001). This was associated with increased oocyte diameter in ex-smoking animals compared to smoking animals (p < 0.01).

Conclusions
The negative effects of cigarette smoking seem to last even after exposure has been interrupted. Moreover, brief exposure during puberty may induce silent oocyte disruption, which could in turn lead to decreased fecundity rates.
The role of circulating fibrocytes in inflammation and autoimmunity
Authors: Galligan Carole L , Fish Eleanor N 
Published: September 2012

AbstractReview on the role of circulating fibrocytes in augmenting the inflammatory/immune processes, and contributing to tissue remodeling in autoimmune diseases.Autoimmunity is a chronic process resulting in inflammation, tissue damage, and subsequent tissue remodeling. Circulating fibrocytes are bone marrow-derived cells with characteristics of hematopoietic and mesenchymal cells. These cells have been implicated in many inflammatory and fibrotic conditions as well as in wound healing. Fibrocytes can amplify the inflammatory/immune response through multiple mechanisms, including antigen presentation, cytokine and chemokine secretion, and production of MMPs. Increased numbers of circulating fibrocytes are observed in RA, systemic scleroderma, and Gravesˈ disease. Here, we review the current literature and potential involvement of fibrocytes in inflammation and autoimmunity.
Dynamics of clathrin-mediated endocytosis and its requirement for organelle biogenesis in Dictyostelium
Authors: Macro Laura , Jaiswal Jyoti K. , Simon Sanford M. 
Published: September 2012

Summary
The protein clathrin mediates one of the major pathways of endocytosis from the extracellular milieu and plasma membrane. In single-cell eukaryotes, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the gene encoding clathrin is not an essential gene, raising the question of whether clathrin conveys specific advantages for multicellularity. Furthermore, in contrast to mammalian cells, endocytosis in S. cerevisiae is not dependent on either clathrin or adaptor protein 2 (AP2), an endocytic adaptor molecule. In this study, we investigated the requirement for components of clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) in another unicellular organism, the amoeba Dictyostelium. We identified a heterotetrameric AP2 complex in Dictyostelium that is similar to that which is found in higher eukaryotes. By simultaneously imaging fluorescently tagged clathrin and AP2, we found that, similar to higher eukaryotes, these proteins colocalized to membrane puncta that move into the cell together. In addition, the contractile vacuole marker protein, dajumin-green fluorescent protein (GFP), is trafficked via the cell membrane and internalized by CME in a clathrin-dependent, AP2-independent mechanism. This pathway is distinct from other endocytic mechanisms in Dictyostelium. Our finding that CME is required for the internalization of contractile vacuole proteins from the cell membrane explains the contractile vacuole biogenesis defect in Dictyostelium cells lacking clathrin. Our results also suggest that the machinery for CME and its role in organelle maintenance appeared early during eukaryotic evolution. We hypothesize that dependence of endocytosis on specific components of the CME pathway evolved later, as demonstrated by internalization independent of AP2 function.
Activity of PLCε contributes to chemotaxis of fibroblasts towards PDGF
Authors: Martins Marta , Warren Sean , Kimberley Christopher , Margineanu Anca , Peschard Pascal , McCarthy Afshan , Yeo Maggie , Marshall Christopher J. , Dunsby Christopher , French Paul M. W. , Katan Matilda 
Published: September 2012

Summary
Cell chemotaxis, such as migration of fibroblasts towards growth factors during development and wound healing, requires precise spatial coordination of signalling events. Phosphoinositides and signalling enzymes involved in their generation and hydrolysis have been implicated in regulation of chemotaxis; however, the role and importance of specific components remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that phospholipase C epsilon (PLCε) contributes to fibroblast chemotaxis towards platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB). Using PLCe1 null fibroblasts we show that cells deficient in PLCε have greatly reduced directionality towards PDGF-BB without detrimental effect on their basal ability to migrate. Furthermore, we show that in intact fibroblasts, signalling events, such as activation of Rac, are spatially compromised by the absence of PLCε that affects the ability of cells to enlarge their protrusions in the direction of the chemoattractant. By further application of live cell imaging and the use of FRET-based biosensors, we show that generation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and recruitment of PLCε are most pronounced in protrusions responding to the PDGF-BB gradient. Furthermore, the phospholipase C activity of PLCε is critical for its role in chemotaxis, consistent with the importance of Ins(1,4,5)P3 generation and sustained calcium responses in this process. As PLCε has extensive signalling connectivity, using transgenic fibroblasts we ruled out its activation by direct binding to Ras or Rap GTPases, and suggest instead new unexpected links for PLCε in the context of chemotaxis.
A Multidomain Approach to Understanding Risk for Underage Drinking: Converging Evidence From 5 Data Sets
Authors: Jones Damon E. , Feinberg Mark E. , Cleveland Michael J. , Cooper Brittany Rhoades 
Published: September 2012

Objectives. We examined the independent and combined influence of major risk and protective factors on youths’ alcohol use. Methods. Five large data sets provided similar measures of alcohol use and risk or protective factors. We carried out analyses within each data set, separately for boys and girls in 8th and 10th grades. We included interaction and curvilinear predictive terms in final models if results were robust across data sets. We combined results using meta-analytic techniques. Results. Individual, family, and peer risk factors and a community protective factor moderately predicted youths’ alcohol use. Family and school protective factors did not predict alcohol use when combined with other factors. Youths’ antisocial attitudes were more strongly associated with alcohol use for those also reporting higher levels of peer or community risk. For certain risk factors, the association with alcohol use varied across different risk levels. Conclusions. Efforts toward reducing youths’ alcohol use should be based on robust estimates of the relative influence of risk and protective factors across adolescent environment domains. Public health advocates should focus on context (e.g., community factors) as a strategy for curbing underage alcohol use.
Heterogeneity of Falls Among Older Adults: Implications for Public Health Prevention
Authors: Kelsey Jennifer L. , Procter-Gray Elizabeth , Hannan Marian T. , Li Wenjun 
Published: September 2012

Objectives. We examined risk factors for falls among older people according to indoor and outdoor activity at the time of the fall and explored risk factors for seriously injurious falls. Methods. Data came from MOBILIZE Boston, a prospective cohort study of 765 community-dwelling women and men, mainly aged 70 years or older. Over 4.3 years, 1737 falls were recorded, along with indoor or outdoor activity at the time of the fall. Results. Participants with poor baseline health characteristics had elevated rates of indoor falls while transitioning, walking, or not moving. Healthy, active people had elevated rates of outdoor falls during walking and vigorous activity. For instance, participants with fast, rather than normal, gait speed, had a rate ratio of 7.36 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.54, 21.28) for outdoor falls during vigorous activity. The likelihood of a seriously injurious fall also varied by personal characteristics, activity, and location. For example, the odds ratio for serious injury from an outdoor fall while walking outside compared to inside a participant’s neighborhood was 3.31 (95% CI = 1.33, 8.23). Conclusions. Fall prevention programs should be tailored to personal characteristics, activities, and locations.
A Ban on Menthol Cigarettes: Impact on Public Opinion and Smokers' Intention to Quit
Authors: Pearson Jennifer L. , Abrams David B. , Niaura Raymond S. , Richardson Amanda , Vallone Donna M. 
Published: September 2012

Objectives. We assessed support for a ban by the Food and Drug Administration on menthol in cigarettes and behavioral intentions among menthol smokers in the event of such a ban. Methods. We surveyed 2649 never, former, and current smokers and used ordinal logistic regression to calculate weighted point estimates and predictors of support for a menthol ban among the adult population and menthol smokers only. For menthol smokers, we also calculated weighted point estimates and predictors of behavioral intentions. Results. Overall, 28.2% of adults opposed, 20.0% supported, and 51.9% lacked a strong opinion about a menthol ban. Support was highest among Hispanics (36.4%), African Americans (29.0%), never smokers (26.8%), and respondents with less than a high school education (28.8%). Nearly 40% of menthol smokers said they would quit if menthol cigarettes were no longer available, 12.5% would switch to a nonmenthol brand, and 25.2% would both switch and try to quit. Conclusions. Support for a menthol ban is strongest among populations with the highest prevalence of menthol cigarette use. A menthol ban might motivate many menthol smokers to quit.
The Impact of a Free Older Persons’ Bus Pass on Active Travel and Regular Walking in England
Authors: Coronini-Cronberg Sophie , Millett Christopher , Laverty Anthony A. , Webb Elizabeth 
Published: September 2012

Objectives. We assessed the potential public health benefit of the National Bus Pass, introduced in 2006, which permits free local bus travel for older adults (≥ 60 years) in England. Methods. We performed regression analyses with annual data from the 2005–2008 National Travel Survey. Models assessed associations between being a bus pass holder and active travel (walking, cycling, and use of public transport), use of buses, and walking 3 or more times per week. Results. Having a free pass was significantly associated with greater active travel among both disadvantaged (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.35, 4.86; P < .001) and advantaged groups (AOR = 4.72; 95% CI = 3.99, 5.59; P < .001); greater bus use in both disadvantaged and advantaged groups (AOR = 7.03; 95% CI = 5.53, 8.94; P < .001 and AOR = 7.11; 95% CI = 5.65, 8.94; P < .001, respectively); and greater likelihood of walking more frequently in the whole cohort (AOR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.07, 1.12; P < .001). Conclusions. Public subsidies enabling free bus travel for older persons may confer significant population health benefits through increased incidental physical activity.
Current Tobacco Use Among Adults in the United States: Findings From the National Adult Tobacco Survey
Authors: King Brian A. , Dube Shanta R. , Tynan Michael A. 
Published: September 2012

Objectives. We assessed the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of tobacco use among US adults. Methods. We used data from the 2009–2010 National Adult Tobacco Survey, a national landline and cell phone survey of adults aged 18 years and older, to estimate current use of any tobacco; cigarettes; cigars, cigarillos, or small cigars; chewing tobacco, snuff, or dip; water pipes; snus; and pipes. We stratified estimates by gender, age, race/ethnicity, education, income, sexual orientation, and US state. Results. National prevalence of current use was 25.2% for any tobacco; 19.5% for cigarettes; 6.6% for cigars, cigarillos, or small cigars; 3.4% for chewing tobacco, snuff, or dip; 1.5% for water pipes; 1.4% for snus; and 1.1% for pipes. Tobacco use was greatest among respondents who were male, younger, of non-Hispanic “other” race/ethnicity, less educated, less wealthy, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Prevalence ranged from 14.1% (Utah) to 37.4% (Kentucky). Conclusions. Tobacco use varies by geography and sociodemographic factors, but remains prevalent among US adults. Evidence-based prevention strategies are needed to decrease tobacco use and the health and economic burden of tobacco-related diseases.
Cultiver l'« être-ensemble », même dans son salon : une approche communicationnelle des DVD de metal
Authors: Schall Céline 
Published: September 2012

Résumé Cet article propose une étude exploratoire du DVD de musique metal en tant que dispositif de médiation. L’approche communicationnelle permet d’analyser les modalités d’instauration du sentiment d’« être-ensemble », si cher aux fans de musique metal, et ce même lorsqu’un DVD est regardé seul et en privé. Cette médiation passe essentiellement par trois modalités, qui se construisent aux niveaux de l’énonciation, de la textualité et des représentations véhiculées par le film. Ainsi, quand Metallica, Iron Maiden ou Motörhead fondent la relation au spectateur sur l’intimité dévoilée de ses membres (avec des procédés filmiques proches de ceux utilisés par la téléréalité), Slipknot ou Down préfèrent placer le spectateur en immersion dans l’ambiance (et l’inconfort) du concert, tout en jouant sur les codes et les représentations les plus « rebelles » du metal.
Matrices rituelles de la culture ibérique au XVIe siècle
Authors: Gabbay Marcello M. 
Published: September 2012

Résumé Dans ce texte nous essayons d’exposer certains aspects de la puissance concrète de la spiritualité catholique pendant l’époque des colonisations, au XVI e siècle. La confluence parmi le répertoire mythique chrétien de cette époque-là, avec ses stratégies de domination symbolique et matérielle, et le répertoire religieux africain et indigène des colonies, et autres références andines, arabes, juives, etc., est le noyau symbolique de ce que nous comprenons aujourd’hui comme la résurgence de la magie dans les systèmes sociaux et de communication, et aussi de sa « matérialité » poignante dans le processus de changement social et culturel. Il s’agit ici d’une première analyse à partir des rapports historiques et de quelques observations dans le champ de recherche au nord du Brésil.
Dihydroartemisinin Ameliorates Inflammatory Disease by Its Reciprocal Effects on Th and Regulatory T Cell Function via Modulating the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Pathway
Authors: Zhao Yan G. , Wang Yunqi , Guo Zengli , Gu Ai-di , Dan Han C. , Baldwin Albert S. , Hao Weidong , Wan Yisong Y. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is an important derivative of the herb medicine Artemisia annua L., used in ancient China. DHA is currently used worldwide to treat malaria by killing malaria-causing parasites. In addition to this prominent effect, DHA is thought to regulate cellular functions, such as angiogenesis, tumor cell growth, and immunity. Nonetheless, how DHA affects T cell function remains poorly understood. We found that DHA potently suppressed Th cell differentiation in vitro. Unexpectedly, however, DHA greatly promoted regulatory T cell (Treg) generation in a manner dependent on the TGF-βR:Smad signal. In addition, DHA treatment effectively reduced onset of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and ameliorated ongoing EAE in mice. Administration of DHA significantly decreased Th but increased Tregs in EAE-inflicted mice, without apparent global immune suppression. Moreover, DHA modulated the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, because mTOR signal was attenuated in T cells upon DHA treatment. Importantly, enhanced Akt activity neutralized DHA-mediated effects on T cells in an mTOR-dependent fashion. This study therefore reveals a novel immune regulatory function of DHA in reciprocally regulating Th and Treg cell generation through the modulating mTOR pathway. It addresses how DHA regulates immune function and suggests a new type of drug for treating diseases in which mTOR activity is to be tempered.