bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemokine (C-X-C Motif) Receptor 4 Blockade by AMD3100 Inhibits Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Expansion Through Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Authors: Michineau Stéphanie , Franck Grégory , Wagner-Ballon Orianne , Dai Jianping , Allaire Eric , Gervais Marianne 
Published: May 2014

Objective—
Inflammation plays a critical role in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Because stromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF-1) is known for its ability to attract inflammatory cells, we investigated whether SDF-1/chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis is expressed in aneurysmal aortic wall and plays a role in AAA physiopathology and asked whether its blockade modulates AAA formation and expansion.

Approach and Results—

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that
SDF-1α
and
CXCR4
mRNA levels are increased in both human and CaCl
2
-induced mouse AAA wall and are positively correlated to the aortic diameter in mice. ELISA quantification and immunostaining demonstrated that, in mice, aortic SDF-1α is rapidly induced during AAA formation, first by apoptotic vascular smooth muscle cells in the injured media and then by adventitial macrophages once AAA is fully established. Using green fluorescent protein-positive (GFP
+/−
) bone marrow transplantation experiments, we demonstrated that aortic SDF-1 overexpression is implicated in the recruitment of bone marrow–derived macrophages within the AAA wall. Furthermore, in mice, blockade of CXCR4 by AMD3100 decreases the infiltration of adventitial macrophages, inhibits AAA formation, and prevents aortic wall destruction. AMD3100 reduces the mRNA levels of MMP-12 and MMP-14 as well as that of inflammatory effectors MCP-1, MIP-1β, MIP-2α, RANTES, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and E-selectin. Finally, AMD3100 stabilizes the diameter of formed, expanding AAAs in 2 experimental models.

Conclusions—
SDF-1/CXCR4 axis is upregulated in human and mouse AAAs. Blockade of CXCR4 with AMD3100 suppresses AAA formation and progression in two rodent models. Blockade of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis may represent a new strategy to limit progression of small human AAAs.
Feasibility of Optical Coherence Tomography in Children With Kawasaki Disease and Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Harris Kevin C. , Manouzi Anas , Fung Anthony Y. , De Souza Astrid , Bezerra Hiram G. , Potts James E. , Hosking Martin C.K. 
Published: May 2014

Background—
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution intravascular imaging technique used in adults. We tested the hypothesis that OCT could identify coronary abnormalities not seen by angiography in children with a history of Kawasaki disease (KD) and pediatric heart transplant (TX) recipients.

Methods and Results—
Patients with KD and TX recipients were evaluated between December 2012 and October 2013 with angiography and OCT (Ilumien System, LightLabs, St Jude Medical, Westford, MA). Modifications were made to the adult OCT protocol to adapt this technique for children. Serial cross-sectional area measurements of the lumen, intima, and media were made. Entire imaging data were analyzed for the presence of qualitative changes. Seventeen children were evaluated (5 patients with KD; 12 TX recipients). In patients with KD, angiography was normal. However, OCT imaging revealed that significant vessel wall abnormalities were present in all children including intimal thickening (intima/lumen cross-sectional area ratio>0.4), loss of the normal layered structure of the vessel wall, white thrombus, calcification, and neovascularization. There was extensive destruction of the internal elastic lamina. In TX recipients, angiography was normal; however, intimal thickening (intima/media cross-sectional area ratio>1) was seen in 9 of 12 patients. The median intima/media cross-sectional area ratio was 1.18.

Conclusions—
In this initial experience with OCT in children, we have identified significant coronary abnormalities with OCT that are angiographically silent in children with a history of coronary aneurysms because of KD and in pediatric TX recipients.
Stroke Mortality Rates Vary in Local Communities in a Metropolitan Area
Authors: Hunt Bijou R. , Deot Deepa , Whitman Steven 
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose—
For the past decade, stroke has held steady as one of the top 4 leading causes of death in the United States. Aggregated data provide information about how the country or individual states are faring with respect to stroke mortality, but disaggregation provides data that may facilitate targeted interventions and community engagement.

Methods—
We analyzed deaths from stroke to residents of Chicago to calculate age-adjusted stroke mortality rates (AASMRs). We calculated AASMRs for Chicago by race/ethnicity, sex, and community area. We also examined the correlation between AASMR and (1) racial/ethnic composition of a community area and (2) median household income.

Results—
The AASMR for Chicago (44.9 per 100 000 population) was significantly higher than the national rate (42.2). Within both the United States and Chicago, the highest AASMRs were found among non-Hispanic blacks, followed by non-Hispanic whites, and then Hispanics. There was a strong, positive correlation between the proportion of black residents in a community area and the AASMR (0.58). There was a strong, negative relationship between household income and the AASMR for the entire city (−0.56) and for the predominantly black community areas (−0.47).

Conclusions—
These data provide insight into where the worst stroke mortality problems reside in Chicago. We anticipate that the data can be used to work toward the development of solutions to the high stroke mortality rates observed in several of Chicago’s community areas and in similar communities throughout the United States.
Predictors of Functional Dependence Despite Successful Revascularization in Large-Vessel Occlusion Strokes
Authors: Shi Zhong-Song , Liebeskind David S. , Xiang Bin , Ge Sijian Grace , Feng Lei , Albers Gregory W. , Budzik Ronald , Devlin Thomas , Gupta Rishi , Jansen Olav , Jovin Tudor G. , Killer-Oberpfalzer Monika , Lutsep Helmi L. , Macho Juan , Nogueira Raul G. , Rymer Marilyn , Smith Wade S. , Wahlgren Nils , Duckwiler Gary R. 
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose—
High revascularization rates in large-vessel occlusion strokes treated by mechanical thrombectomy are not always associated with good clinical outcomes. We evaluated predictors of functional dependence despite successful revascularization among patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with thrombectomy.

Methods—
We analyzed the pooled data from the Multi Mechanical Embolus Removal in Cerebral Ischemia (MERCI), Thrombectomy Revascularization of Large Vessel Occlusions in Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREVO), and TREVO 2 trials. Successful revascularization was defined as thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score 2b or 3. Functional dependence was defined as a score of 3 to 6 on the modified Rankin Scale at 3 months. We assessed relationship of demographic, clinical, angiographic characteristics, and hemorrhage with functional dependence despite successful revascularization.

Results—
Two hundred and twenty-eight patients with successful revascularization had clinical outcome follow-up. The rates of functional dependence with endovascular success were 48.6% for Trevo thrombectomy and 58.0% for Merci thrombectomy. Age (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.06 per 1-year increase), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.15 per 1-point increase), and symptom onset to endovascular treatment time (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.22 per 30-minute delay) were predictors of functional dependence despite successful revascularization. Symptom onset to reperfusion time beyond 5 hours was associated with functional dependence. All subjects with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage had functional dependence.

Conclusions—
One half of patients with successful mechanical thrombectomy do not have good outcomes. Age, severe neurological deficits, and delayed endovascular treatment were associated with functional dependence despite successful revascularization. Our data support efforts to minimize delays to endovascular therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke to improve outcomes.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00318071, NCT01088672, and NCT01270867.
Hearing their voices: The lived experience of recovery from first-episode psychosis in schizophrenia in South Africa
Authors: de Wet Anneliese , Swartz Leslie , Chiliza Bonginkosi 
Published: May 2014

Background: Recovery was previously regarded as a somewhat unattainable goal, and the subjective experience was de-emphasised. Lately, the person and his or her experiences are emphasised. Material: Seven participants were interviewed regarding their experience of recovery from first-episode psychosis in schizophrenia. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Discussion: Support and having to care for another are possibly the greatest contributors to their recovery. Spirituality plays an important role. Stigma, found to be ingrained and pervasive, could be a barrier to recovery. The rediscovery by the participants of their abilities (re)introduced a sense of agency. Conclusion: The narrative in the process of recovery is crucial.
Protection of neuronal cell death against diabetes-induced apoptosis by Fas blocker ZB4
Authors: Rouq Fawzia Al , Hammad Durdana , Meo Sultan Ayoub 
Published: May 2014

Objective To determine the role of apoptosis inhibition in the prevention of diabetic neuropathy using the antiFas cell surface death receptor (Fas) antagonistic monoclonal antibody ZB4. Methods This prospective study enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes with and without neuropathy and a group of healthy controls. The serum concentrations of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) were measured in all study participants using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The ability of serum from study participants to induce apoptosis was evaluated in a human neuronal cell line using flow cytometry. Results A total of 28 healthy subjects and 57 patients with diabetes were enrolled in the study. Serum Fas concentrations were significantly increased in diabetes patients with and without neuropathy compared with the controls. Cells treated with the serum from diabetes patients with neuropathy had significantly higher rates of early apoptosis compared with cells treated with control serum. Monoclonal antibody ZB4 was able to block serum-induced apoptosis. Conclusions Serum-induced apoptosis of a human neuronal cell line appeared to be mediated via Fas, which suggests that targeting and inhibiting Fas might offer a therapeutic target for diabetic neuropathy.
Interleukin-8 is associated with acute and persistent dysfunction after optic neuritis
Authors: Rossi S , Motta C , Studer V , Rocchi C , Macchiarulo G , Barbieri F , Marfia GA , Furlan R , Martino G , Mancino R , Centonze D 
Published: May 2014

Background: Acute optic neuritis is often in association with multiple sclerosis (MS). Proinflammatory cytokines trigger neuronal damage in neuroinflammatory disorders but their role in optic neuritis is poorly investigated. Objective: The objective of this work is to investigate the associations of intrathecal contents of proinflammatory cytokines with transient and persistent dysfunctions after optic neuritis. Methods: In 50 MS patients followed for up to six months, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of IL-1β, TNF and IL-8 were determined, along with clinical, neurophysiological and morphological measures of optic neuritis severity. Results: Visual impairment, measured by high- and low-contrast visual acuity, and delayed visual-evoked potential (VEP) latencies were significantly correlated to IL-8 levels during optic neuritis. IL-8 at the time of optic neuritis was also associated with persistent demyelination and final axonal loss, inferred by VEP and optical coherence tomography measures, respectively. Contents of IL-8 were correlated to functional visual outcomes, being higher among patients with incomplete recovery. Multivariate analysis confirmed that IL-8 significantly predicted final visual acuity, at equal values of demographics and baseline visual scores. Conclusion: Our study points to IL-8 as the main inflammatory cytokine associated with demyelination and secondary neurodegeneration in the optic nerve after optic neuritis.
Diagnostic and risk criteria for HSCT-associated thrombotic microangiopathy: a study in children and young adults
Authors: Jodele Sonata , Davies Stella M. , Lane Adam , Khoury Jane , Dandoy Christopher , Goebel Jens , Myers Kasiani , Grimley Michael , Bleesing Jack , El-Bietar Javier , Wallace Gregory , Chima Ranjit S. , Paff Zachary , Laskin Benjamin L. 
Published: May 2014

Key Points
Proteinuria and elevated markers of complement activation at TMA diagnosis are associated with poor outcome. Clinical interventions should be considered in HSCT patients with these high-risk features at the time TMA is diagnosed.
HAI-178 antibody-conjugated fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles for targeted imaging and simultaneous therapy of gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Can , Bao Chenchen , Liang Shujing , Zhang Lingxia , Fu Hualin , Wang Yutian , Wang Kan , Li Chao , Deng Min , Liao Qiande , Ni Jian , Cui Daxiang 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The successful development of safe and highly effective nanoprobes for targeted imaging and simultaneous therapy of in vivo gastric cancer is a great challenge. Herein we reported for the first time that anti-α-subunit of ATP synthase antibody, HAI-178 monoclonal antibody-conjugated fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles, was successfully used for targeted imaging and simultaneous therapy of in vivo gastric cancer. A total of 172 specimens of gastric cancer tissues were collected, and the expression of α-subunit of ATP synthase in gastric cancer tissues was investigated by immunohistochemistry method. Fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles were prepared and conjugated with HAI-178 monoclonal antibody, and the resultant HAI-178 antibody-conjugated fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles (HAI-178-FMNPs) were co-incubated with gastric cancer MGC803 cells and gastric mucous GES-1 cells. Gastric cancer-bearing nude mice models were established, were injected with prepared HAI-178-FMNPs via tail vein, and were imaged by magnetic resonance imaging and small animal fluorescent imaging system. The results showed that the α-subunit of ATP synthase exhibited high expression in 94.7% of the gastric cancer tissues. The prepared HAI-178-FMNPs could target actively MGC803 cells, realized fluorescent imaging and magnetic resonance imaging of in vivo gastric cancer, and actively inhibited growth of gastric cancer cells. In conclusion, HAI-178 antibody-conjugated fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles have a great potential in applications such as targeted imaging and simultaneous therapy of in vivo early gastric cancer cells in the near future.
Simplified ZrTiO
x
-based RRAM cell structure with rectifying characteristics by integrating Ni/n + -Si diode
Authors: Lin Chia-Chun , Wu Yung-Hsien , Chang You-Tai , Sun Cherng-En 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
A simplified one-diode one-resistor (1D1R) resistive switching memory cell that uses only four layers of TaN/ZrTiO
x
/Ni/n+-Si was proposed to suppress sneak current where TaN/ZrTiO
x
/Ni can be regarded as a resistive-switching random access memory (RRAM) device while Ni/n+-Si acts as an Schottky diode. This is the first RRAM cell structure that employs metal/semiconductor Schottky diode for current rectifying. The 1D1R cell exhibits bipolar switching behavior with SET/RESET voltage close to 1 V without requiring a forming process. More importantly, the cell shows tight resistance distribution for different states, significantly rectifying characteristics with forward/reverse current ratio higher than 103 and a resistance ratio larger than 103 between two states. Furthermore, the cell also displays desirable reliability performance in terms of long data retention time of up to 104 s and robust endurance of 105 cycles. Based on the promising characteristics, the four-layer 1D1R structure holds the great potential for next-generation nonvolatile memory technology.
LiFePO4 microcrystals as an efficient heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst in degradation of rhodamine 6G
Authors: Li Zhan Jun , Ali Ghafar , Kim Hyun Jin , Yoo Seong Ho , Cho Sung Oh 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
We present a novel heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst of LiFePO4 (LFP). LFP has been widely used as an electrode material of a lithium ion battery, but we observed that commercial LFP (LFP-C) could act as a good Fenton-like catalyst to decompose rhodamine 6G. The catalytic activity of LFP-C microparticles was much higher than a popular catalyst, magnetite nanoparticles. Furthermore, we found that the catalytic activity of LFP-C could be further increased by increasing the specific surface area. The reaction rate constant of the hydrothermally synthesized LFP microcrystals (LFP-H) is at least 18 times higher than that of magnetite nanoparticles even though the particle size of LFP is far larger than magnetite nanoparticles. The LFP catalysts also exhibited a good recycling behavior and high stability under an oxidizing environment. The effects of the experimental parameters such as the concentration of the catalysts, pH, and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide on the catalytic activity of LFP were also analyzed.
One-step synthesis of platinum nanoparticles loaded in alginate bubbles
Authors: Yang Chih-Hui , Wang Wei-Ting , Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai , Huang Keng-Shiang , Lin Yung-Sheng 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Composite particles with multifunctions have been extensively utilized for various applications. Bubble particles can be applied for ultrasound-mediated imaging, drug delivery, absorbers, cell culture, etc. This study proposes a one-step strategy to obtain Pt nanoparticles loaded in alginate bubbles. A needle-based droplet formation was used to generate uniform alginate particles about 2 mm in diameter. The hydrolysis reaction of NaBH4 was utilized to produce gaseous hydrogen and then trapped within alginate particles to form bubbles. The Pt4+ mixed with alginate solution was dropped into the reservoir to react with reducing NaBH4 and hardening CaCl2 to form Pt nanoparticles-alginate composite bubbles. Results indicate that the size of bubbles decreases with the CaCl2 concentration (1% ~ 20%), and size of bubbles increases with the NaBH4 concentration (1 ~ 20 mM). The advantages for the present approach include low cost, easy operation, and effective production of Pt nanoparticles-alginate composite bubbles.
Efficient enumeration of monocyclic chemical graphs with given path frequencies
Authors: Suzuki Masaki , Nagamochi Hiroshi , Akutsu Tatsuya 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
The enumeration of chemical graphs (molecular graphs) satisfying given constraints is one of the fundamental problems in chemoinformatics and bioinformatics because it leads to a variety of useful applications including structure determination and development of novel chemical compounds.

Results
We consider the problem of enumerating chemical graphs with monocyclic structure (a graph structure that contains exactly one cycle) from a given set of feature vectors, where a feature vector represents the frequency of the prescribed paths in a chemical compound to be constructed and the set is specified by a pair of upper and lower feature vectors. To enumerate all tree-like (acyclic) chemical graphs from a given set of feature vectors, Shimizu et al. and Suzuki et al. proposed efficient branch-and-bound algorithms based on a fast tree enumeration algorithm. In this study, we devise a novel method for extending these algorithms to enumeration of chemical graphs with monocyclic structure by designing a fast algorithm for testing uniqueness. The results of computational experiments reveal that the computational efficiency of the new algorithm is as good as those for enumeration of tree-like chemical compounds.

Conclusions
We succeed in expanding the class of chemical graphs that are able to be enumerated efficiently.
Prevalence and determinants of Campylobacter infection among under five children with acute watery diarrhea in Mwanza, North Tanzania
Authors: Deogratias Anna-Pendo , Mushi Martha F , Paterno Laurent , Tappe Dennis , Seni Jeremiah , Kabymera Rogatus , Kidenya Benson R , Mshana Stephen E 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Campylobacteriosis, a zoonotic bacterial disease observed world-wide, is becoming the most commonly recognized cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans. This study was done to determine the prevalence and determinants of Campylobacter infection among under-fives with acute watery diarrhea in Mwanza City, Tanzania.

Method
This cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) and Sekou Toure Hospital in Mwanza City. All inpatients and outpatients under-fives who met the inclusion criteria from October 2012 to April 2013 were enrolled in the study. Demographic and clinical data were obtained using standardized data collection tools. Stool samples were collected for gram staining and culture for Campylobacter spp. on Preston selective agar media. In addition, blood slides for malaria and HIV tests were done to all patients.

Results
A total of 300 children were enrolled with a median age of 12 [interquartile range, 8–19] months. Of these, 169 (56.5%) were from BMC and 131 (43.7%) from Sekou-Toure hospital. One hundred and seventy (56.7%) of the participating children were male. Of 300 under-fives with acute watery diarrhea, 29 patients (9.7%) were found to have Campylobacter infection. A significant higher number of children with Campylobacter infection were found in Sekou Toure hospital compared to BMC [16.0% (21/29) versus 4.7% (8/29), p = 0.002)]. Age above 2 years was independently found to predict campylobacter infection (OR: 2.9, 95% CI 1.1-7.7, p = 0.0037). Of 30 patients with a positive blood slide for Plasmodium falciparum, 20.0% were also positive for Campylobacter infection (OR: 3.9, 95% CI 1.2-10.1, p = 0.021).

Conclusion

Campylobacter infection shows a comparatively low prevalence in under-fives with acute watery diarrhea in Mwanza city and is independently associated with positive slides for malaria and an age above 2 years. Further studies are needed to type the most prevalent Campylobacter species and to determine their antibiotic susceptibility pattern.