bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utilisation of preoperative imaging for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: a population‐based study
Authors: McInnes Matthew D.F. , Siemens D. Robert , Mackillop William J. , Peng Yingwei , Wei Shelly , Schieda Nicola , Booth Christopher M. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo test the hypotheses that: (i) use of preoperative imaging for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) conforms to practice guidelines; (ii) preoperative imaging, through more accurate staging is associated with improved outcomes.Patient and MethodsIn this population‐based cohort study, records of treatment were linked to the Ontario Cancer Registry to identify all patients with MIBC treated with cystectomy from 1994 to 2008. Utilisation of chest, abdomen‐pelvis and bone imaging were evaluated. Trends were evaluated over time. Logistic regression was used to analyse factors associated with utilisation. Cox model analyses were used to explore associations between imaging and survival.ResultsIn all, 2 802 patients with MIBC underwent cystectomy during 1994–2008. Over the three 5‐year study periods there was an increase in the proportion of patients having preoperative: chest X‐ray (55%, 64%, 63%, P < 0.001), computed tomography (CT) of the chest (10%, 10%, 21%, P < 0.001), bone scan (30%, 34%, 36%; P = 0.04) and CT/magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasonography abdomen/pelvis (80%, 87%, 90%, P ≤ 0.001). Use of chest imaging was associated with age (odds ratio [OR] 1.24–1.59 compared with the youngest age group), N‐stage (OR 0.79 for the NX group compared with the N+ group), surgeon volume (OR 0.47–0.53 compared with the highest volume quartile) and geographic region (OR 0.47–2.19 compared with the largest region). Use of bone scan was associated with N‐stage (OR 0.57 for the NX group compared with the N+ group) and geographic region (OR 0.71–1.34 compared with the largest region). In adjusted analyses, we found that patients who did not have preoperative chest imaging had inferior overall survival (OS), hazard ratio (HR) 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.25) but not cancer specific survival (CSS), HR 1.09 (95% CI 0.97–1.22); those who did not have preoperative bone scan had inferior OS (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01–1.22) and CSS (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01–1.25). Survival in the abdomen and pelvis imaging group was not evaluated due to lack of a suitable control group.ConclusionIn routine clinical practice there is considerable variation in use of preoperative chest, body, and bone imaging. Preoperative chest and bone imaging is associated with improved outcomes; this association probably reflects better patient selection for cystectomy.
Angiotensin‐(1‐7) attenuates airway remodelling and hyperresponsiveness in a model of chronic allergic lung inflammation
Authors: Magalhães G S , Rodrigues‐Machado M G , Motta‐Santos D , Silva A R , Caliari M V , Prata L O , Abreu S C , Rocco P R M , Barcelos L S , Santos R A S , Campagnole‐Santos M J 
Published: January 2015

Background and PurposeA long‐term imbalance between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators leads to airway remodelling, which is strongly correlated to most of the symptoms, severity and progression of chronic lung inflammation. The Angiotensin‐(1‐7) [Ang‐(1‐7)]/Mas receptor axis of the renin‐angiotensin system is associated with attenuation of acute and chronic inflammatory processes. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ang‐(1‐7) treatment in a model of chronic allergic lung inflammation.Experimental ApproachMice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA; 4 injections over 42 days, 14 days apart) and were challenged three times per week (days 21–46). These mice received Ang‐(1‐7) (1 μg·h−1, s.c.) by osmotic mini‐pumps, for the last 28 days. Histology and morphometric analysis were performed in left lung and right ventricle. Airway responsiveness to methacholine, analysis of Ang‐(1‐7) levels (RIA), collagen I and III (qRT‐PCR), ERK1/2 and JNK (Western blotting), IgE (elisa), cytokines and chemokines (elisa multiplex), and immunohistochemistry for Mas receptors were performed.Key ResultsInfusion of Ang‐(1‐7) in OVA‐sensitized and challenged mice decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the airways and lung parenchyma, and prevented bronchial hyperresponsiveness. These effects were accompanied by decreased IgE and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and decreased pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Mas receptors were detected in the epithelium and bronchial smooth muscle, suggesting a site in the lung for the beneficial actions of Ang‐(1‐7).Conclusions and ImplicationsAng‐(1‐7) exerted beneficial attenuation of three major features of chronic asthma: lung inflammation, airway remodelling and hyperresponsiveness. Our results support an important protective role of Ang‐(1‐7) in lung inflammation.
Stage‐dependent benefits and risks of pimobendan in mice with genetic dilated cardiomyopathy and progressive heart failure
Authors: Nonaka Miki , Morimoto Sachio , Murayama Takashi , Kurebayashi Nagomi , Li Lei , Wang Yuan‐Yuan , Arioka Masaki , Yoshihara Tatsuya , Takahashi‐Yanaga Fumi , Sasaguri Toshiyuki 
Published: January 2015

Background and PurposeThe Ca2+ sensitizer pimobendan is a unique inotropic agent that improves cardiac contractility with less of an increase in oxygen consumption and potentially fewer adverse effects on myocardial remodelling and arrhythmia, compared with traditional inotropes. However, clinical trials report contradictory effects of pimobendan in patients with heart failure (HF). We provide mechanistic experimental evidence of the efficacy of pimobendan using a novel mouse model of progressive HF.Experimental ApproachA knock‐in mouse model of human genetic dilated cardiomyopathy, which shows a clear transition from compensatory to end‐stage HF at a fixed time during growth, was used to evaluate the efficacy of pimobendan and explore the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms.Key ResultsPimobendan prevented myocardial remodelling in compensated HF and significantly extended life span in both compensated and end‐stage HF, but dose‐dependently increased sudden death in end‐stage HF. In cardiomyocytes isolated from end‐stage HF mice, pimobendan induced triggered activity probably because of early or delayed afterdepolarizations. The L‐type Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil decreased the incidence of triggered activity, suggesting that this was from over‐elevated cytoplasmic Ca2+ through increased Ca2+ entry by PDE3 inhibition under diminished sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ reuptake and increased Ca2+ leakage from sarcoplasmic reticulum in end‐stage HF.Conclusions and ImplicationsPimobendan was beneficial regardless of HF stage, but increased sudden cardiac death in end‐stage HF with extensive remodelling of Ca2+ handling. Reduction of cytoplasmic Ca2+ elevated by PDE3 inhibition might decrease this risk of sudden cardiac death.
Compound 21, a selective agonist of angiotensin AT2 receptors, prevents endothelial inflammation and leukocyte adhesion in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Sampson Amanda K , Irvine Jennifer C , Shihata Waled A , Dragoljevic Dragana , Lumsden Natalie , Huet Olivier , Barnes Tyrone , Unger Thomas , Steckelings Ulrike M , Jennings Garry L , Widdop Robert E , Chin‐Dusting Jaye P F 
Published: January 2015

Background and PurposeAngiotensin AT2 receptors are upregulated in disease states such as atherosclerosis and blockade of the AT2 receptors exacerbates plaque formation. Direct stimulation of these receptors is anti‐atherogenic but the mechanisms and pathways involved remain unknown. We examined the effect of direct AT2 receptor stimulation with Compound 21 (C21) on the leukocyte adhesion cascade in vitro, right through to plaque formation in vivo.Experimental ApproachEffects of C21 on TNFα‐induced inflammation were assessed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), activation of monocytes, polarisation of monocyte‐derived macrophages and in intact mouse aortae.Key ResultsC21 attenuated TNFα‐induced: monocyte adhesion to cultured HUVECs, adhesion molecule expression and abolished TNFα‐induced ROS production. TNFα‐induced NFκB translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, essential for cytokine production, was prevented by C21. C21 did not influence monocyte activation or macrophage polarisation but did reduce TNFα and IL‐6 mRNA expression in M1 macrophages. The anti‐inflammatory effects of C21 were abolished by an AT2 receptor antagonist confirming that the effects of C21 were AT2 receptor‐mediated. Also, leukocyte adhesion and cytokine gene expression, induced by high‐fat diet (HFD), was attenuated in ApoE‐/‐ mice treated with C21. Plaque size and stability were improved with C21 treatment with increased smooth muscle cell composition and decreased lipid size, compared with HFD‐saline treated mice.Conclusion and ImplicationsC21 prevented TNFα‐induced and HFD‐induced vascular inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Our data provide strong evidence that the anti‐atherosclerotic actions of C21 were due to vascular anti‐inflammatory effects, mediated by AT2 receptors.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Inflammation: maladies, models, mechanisms and molecules. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2016.173.issue-4
Worse outcome in women with STEMI: a systematic review of prognostic studies
Authors: van der Meer Manon G. , Nathoe Hendrik M. , van der Graaf Yolanda , Doevendans Pieter A. , Appelman Yolande 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has improved enormously since the introduction of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). It remains unclear whether differences in survival between women and men treated with pPCI exist and whether these potential differences can be explained by gender or by differences in baseline‐ or procedural characteristics. Therefore we systematically reviewed the available evidence.Materials and methodsOn 10 May 2013 PubMed, Embase and Cochrane were searched for studies comprising original data on STEMI patients treated with pPCI. A separate gender analysis including > 100 women was a requirement. Data were extracted and pooled whenever possible.Results21 studies were included from 2001 to 2013 comprising 47·439 men and 16·927 women. Women were older, had more diabetes (women 24%, men 15%) and hypertension (women 58%, men 45%), and were less current smokers (women 30%, men 54%). The procedural characteristics were comparable except for a longer symptom‐to‐balloon time (women 266 min, men 240 min) and less use of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in women (women 51%, men 57%). Crude short‐ and long‐term mortality was higher in women. Although we could not pool adjusted mortality proportions due to heterogeneity, generally the difference in mortality disappeared after adjustment for baseline‐ and procedural characteristics.ConclusionMortality is higher in women with STEMI and can be explained by their unfavourable risk profile and longer symptom‐to‐balloon time.
Unnatural Contexts Cause Honey Bee Guards to Adopt Non‐Guarding Behaviours Towards Allospecifics and Conspecifics
Authors: Couvillon Margaret J. , Boniface Taylor J. , Evripidou Alexis M. , Owen Christopher J. , Ratnieks Francis L. W. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractContext plays an important role in a discriminator's ability to make appropriate recognition decisions, such as accepting what is acceptable and rejecting what is not acceptable. Previously it was shown that in both honey bees and stingless bees, discriminating workers (guards) make more errors towards conspecific non‐nestmates when the guards are removed from the natural hive entrance. However, it may be that guards, in addition to making incorrect recognition decisions, also may adopt non‐guarding behaviours. Here, we tested honey bee guards in two contexts (natural versus unnatural) against five types of introduced arthropods (conspecific nestmates and non‐nestmates; allospecific wasps, beetles and woodlice), which should be rejected without error. We scored a guard's response as accept, reject, avoid and ignore. Total errors significantly increased from natural to unnatural contexts. Specifically, guards were significantly more likely to make an acceptance error, guarding and accepting both conspecific and allospecific non‐nestmates, in the unnatural context. Importantly, guards were significantly more likely to adopt a non‐guarding behaviour in the unnatural context, which usually involved ignoring or avoiding, where a guard makes contact but then immediately retreats, the introduced arthropod. Overall, these data demonstrate the context is important. Removing a guard from the home that it protects elicits either incorrect discrimination or, additionally, a complete lack of discriminator behaviour altogether.
Effects on Repolarization Using Dynamic QT Interval Monitoring in Long‐QT Patients Following Left Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation
Authors: DESIMONE CHRISTOPHER V. , BOS J. MARTIJN , BOS KATY M. , LIANG JACKSON J. , PATEL NIKHIL A. , HODGE DAVID O. , NOHERIA AMIT , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. , ACKERMAN MICHAEL J. 
Published: January 2015

Dynamic QT Interval Monitoring Post‐LCSDBackgroundVideoscopic left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) is an adjunct therapy for reduction of arrhythmia‐induced events in patients with long‐QT syndrome (LQTS). LCSD reduces LQTS‐triggered breakthrough cardiac events. The temporal effects of QTc changes post‐LCSD have not been studied.MethodsWe utilized continuous QTc monitoring on 72 patients with LQTS. We evaluated acute and long‐term QTc changes in comparison to 12‐lead ECG‐derived QTc values prior to surgery, 24 hours postsurgery, and at follow up ≥3 months.ResultsSeventy‐two patients underwent LCSD at our institution (46% male, mean age at LCSD was 14 ± 10 years). The mean baseline, pre‐LCSD QTc was 505 ± 56 ms, which had decreased significantly at ≥3 months post‐LCSD to 491 ± 40 ms (P = 0.001). QTc monitoring revealed that the majority of the cohort (53/72; 74%) had a transient increase >30 ms in QTc from baseline, with an average maximum increase of 72 ± 30 ms. Resolution within 10 ms of baseline or less occurred in 57% (30/53) at 24 hours post‐LCSD.ConclusionsAlthough LQTS patients may have a paradoxically increased QTc post‐LCSD, the effects are transient in most patients. Importantly, no patients experienced any arrhythmias in the postoperative setting related to this transient rise in QTc.
Effect of Garlic on Blood Pressure: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wang Hai‐Peng , Yang Jing , Qin Li‐Qiang , Yang Xiang‐Jun 
Published: January 2015

Garlic supplements are thought to reduce blood pressure (BP). The authors performed a meta‐analysis to investigate garlic's effect on BP. Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, and PubMed (1946 to November 2013) were used to search for randomized controlled trials. Seventeen trials were included. Pooled analysis showed that garlic intake caused a 3.75‐mm Hg reduction (95% confidence interval [CI], −5.04 to −2.45, I2=30.7%; P<.001) in systolic BP and a 3.39‐mm Hg reduction (95% CI, −4.14 to −2.65, I2=67%; P<.001) in diastolic BP compared with controls. Meta‐analysis of subgroups showed a significant reduction in systolic BP in hypertensive (−4.4 mm Hg; 95% CI, −7.37 to −1.42, I2=0.0%; P=.004) but not normotensive patients. No significant reduction in diastolic BP was seen. After sensitivity analysis, heterogeneity disappeared and significant diastolic BP reduction (−2.68 mm Hg, 95% CI, −4.93 to −0.42, I2=0.0%; P=.020) was shown in hypertensive patients. This meta‐analysis suggests that garlic supplements are superior to controls (placebo in most trails) in reducing BP, especially in hypertensive patients.
MiR‐146b attenuates high‐fat diet‐induced non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice
Authors: Jiang Weiwei , Liu Juan , Dai Yanyan , Zhou Nan , Ji Chenling , Li Xiaonan 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground and AimNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. In this study, we investigated the role of miR‐146b in the Toll‐like receptor‐4 signaling pathway and high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced NASH in vivo and in vitro.MethodsThe effect of miR‐146b on the expression of IL‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in RAW264.7 cells and HepG2 was studied, and the effect of miR‐146b on lipid accumulation in HepG2 was also studied in vitro. The levels of IRAK1, TRAF6, NF‐κB, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, as well as the histologic features and lipid accumulation in the livers of HFD‐induced non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and an miR‐146b‐administered HFD mouse model, were studied in vivo.ResultsAfter miR‐146b administration, TRAF6 and IRAK1 mRNA and protein levels in macrophages after lipopolysaccharide administration and in HepG2 cells after oleic acid (OA) administration were significantly decreased in 146b group compared with control group (P < 0.001). The lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells exposed to OA was also decreased by inactivation of IRAK1 and TRAF6, then downregulation of the downstream molecules (NF‐κB) and upregulation of the tension homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) level. In vivo, after administration of miR‐146b, TRAF6 and IRAK1 mRNA and protein levels as well as TNF‐α and IL‐6 mRNA and protein levels were decreased, and hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that the 146b group had low average adipose cell cross‐sectional areas compared with control group.ConclusionMiR‐146b ameliorated HFD‐induced NASH by directly suppressing IRAK1 and TRAF6.
Epicardial fat accumulation, cardiometabolic profile and cardiovascular events in patients with stages 3–5 chronic kidney disease
Authors: Cordeiro A. C. , Amparo F. C. , Oliveira M. A. C. , Amodeo C. , Smanio P. , Pinto I. M. F. , Lindholm B. , Stenvinkel P. , Carrero J. J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundIt has been hypothesized that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) exerts pathogenic effects on cardiac structures. We analysed the associations between EAT and both cardiovascular (CV) disease risk factors and CV events in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Patients and methodsWe included 277 nondialysed patients [median age 61, interquartile range (IQR) 53–68 years; 63% men] with stages 3–5 CKD in this cross‐sectional evaluation. EAT and abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were assessed by computed tomography. Patients were followed for median 32 (IQR 20–39) months, and the composite of fatal and nonfatal CV events was recorded.ResultsWith increasing EAT quartiles, patients were older, had higher glomerular filtration rate, body mass index, waist, VAT and coronary calcification, higher levels of haemoglobin, triglycerides, albumin, C‐reactive protein and leptin and higher prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial ischaemia; total and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D and 1, 25‐dihydroxy‐vitamin D progressively decreased. Associations between EAT and cardiac alterations were not independent of VAT. During follow‐up, 58 CV events occurred. A 1‐SD higher EAT volume was associated with an increased risk of CV events in crude [hazard ratio (HR) 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.12–1.78) and adjusted (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.21–1.99) Cox models. However, adding EAT to a standard CV disease risk prediction model did not result in a clinically relevant improvement in prediction.ConclusionEpicardial adipose tissue accumulation in patients with CKD increases the risk of CV events independent of general adiposity. This is consistent with the notion of a local pathogenic effect of EAT on the heart or heart vessels, or both. However, EAT adds negligible explanatory power to standard CV disease risk factors.
Description of a Rat Palatal Acrylic Plate That Can Be Relined
Authors: Meister Lissandra Matos Bról , Bail Michele , Pellissari Cláudia Viviane Guimarães , Ban Manuella de Cássia Iglesias , Campagnoli Eduardo Bauml , Jorge Janaina Habib , Campanha Nara Hellen 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPurposeThe objective of this article is to describe a method to construct an intraoral acrylic device that permits a reline material to be added to the inner surface of the palatal plate.Materials and MethodsFifteen 60‐day‐old adult female rats (Rattus Norvegicus Albinus Wistar), weighing 150 to 250 g were used for this study and allocated to three groups (n = 5): G1, animals wearing a heat‐polymerized acrylic resin palatal plate (Lucitone 550) for 14 days; G2, animals wearing a heat‐polymerized acrylic resin palatal plate (Lucitone 550) relined with Tokuyama Rebase II for 14 days; and G3, animals maintained under the same conditions as the experimental groups, without wearing palatal plates for 14 days. The manipulation of the animals followed the guidelines of the Brazilian College of Animal Experimentation, under the approval of the animal ethics committee of the State University of Ponta Grossa. The palatal plates covered the whole palate, were fixed in the molar region with light‐cured resin, and were kept there for 14 days. The animals received a paste diet and water ad libitum. Before and after the trial period, the rats were weighed individually on a precision scale. Statistical analysis was performed using a two‐way analysis of variance (α = 0.05) test for comparison of the animals’ weight (g) at time 0 and after 14 days of using the palatal plate.ResultsNo statistical differences were observed regarding the weight of the animals among the experimental groups in the study.ConclusionsThe individual master impressions, the molar teeth coverage, and the method of cementation with nonadhesive composite resin provided good stability for the palatal plate showed in this study, not disturbing the eating habits and nutrition of the animals. This model seems reproducible, offering adequate histopathological evaluation. Differences in tissue morphology exist between the animals that used the palatal plate and the animals that did not use this device. Use of these palatal plates could clarify how prostheses bring changes in the palatal mucosa of users.
The Digital One‐Abutment/One‐Time Concept. A Clinical Report
Authors: Beuer Florian , Groesser Julian , Schweiger Josef , Hey Jeremias , Güth Jan‐Frederik , Stimmelmayr Michael 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe digital fabrication of dental restorations on implants has become a standard procedure during the last decade. Avoiding changing abutments during prosthetic treatment has been shown to be superior to the traditional protocol. The presented concept for implant‐supported single crowns describes a digital approach without a physical model from implant placement to final delivery in two appointments. A 54‐year‐old man was provided with a single‐tooth implant on his left mandibular first molar. Before wound closure, the implant position was captured digitally with an intraoral scanning device. After bone healing at the time of second‐stage surgery the final screw‐retained crown fabricated without a physical model was inserted. Soft tissue healing took place at the definitive restoration, avoiding abutment changes or changes of the healing cap. These led to stable soft tissues with a minimum of surgery. The benefits of digital fabrication and the unique way to scan the implant right after placement give an additional value that would not be achieved by analog techniques. In addition to financial benefits it represents a biologically advantageous, one‐abutment/one‐time approach with customized screw‐retained, full‐contour crowns or cemented crowns on custom abutments.