bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Both TMEM16F-dependent and TMEM16F-independent pathways contribute to phosphatidylserine exposure in platelet apoptosis and platelet activation
Authors: van Kruchten Roger , Mattheij Nadine J. A. , Saunders Christine , Feijge Marion A. H. , Swieringa Frauke , Wolfs Jef L. N. , Collins Peter W. , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , Bevers Edouard M. 
Published: January 2013

Key PointsTMEM16F is not essential for apoptosis-induced phosphatidylserine exposure in platelets. Collagen plus thrombin-induced phosphatidylserine exposure in platelets results from 2 distinct pathways, one being TMEM16F dependent.
Health-related quality of life, depression, and self-esteem in adolescents with leprosy-affected parents: results of a cross-sectional study in Nepal
Authors: Yamaguchi Nobuko , Poudel Krishna C , Jimba Masamine 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundLeprosy is a chronic infectious disease that has an impact on the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of sufferers as well as their children. To date, no study has investigated the effects of parental leprosy on the well-being of adolescent children.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the Lalitpur and Kathmandu districts of Nepal. Adolescents with leprosy-affected parents (n = 102; aged 11–17 years) and those with parents unaffected by leprosy (n = 115; 11–17 years) were investigated. Self-reported data from adolescents were collected using the Kinder Lebensqualität Fragebogen (KINDLR) questionnaire to assess HRQOL, the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare scores between the two groups. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to explore the determinants of HRQOL for adolescents with leprosy-affected parents.ResultsANCOVA revealed that the KINDLRand RSES scores were significantly lower among adolescents with leprosy-affected parents compared with unaffected parents. However, the scores of “Friends” and “School” subscales of KINDLRwere similar between the two groups. The CES-D score was significantly higher among adolescents with leprosy-affected parents than for adolescents with unaffected parents. The KINDLRscores for adolescents with both parents affected (n = 41) were significantly lower than the scores for those with one parent affected (n = 61). Multiple regression analysis revealed that adolescents with leprosy-affected parents who had higher levels of depressive symptoms were more likely to have lower KINDLRscores. A similar result was seen for adolescents where both parents had leprosy.ConclusionsAdolescents with leprosy-affected parents had higher levels of depressive symptoms, lower levels of self-esteem, and lower HRQOL compared with adolescents whose parents were unaffected by leprosy. Thus, mental health support programs might be necessary for adolescents with leprosy-affected parents, particularly for adolescents where both parents are leprosy-affected. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to draw decisive conclusions.
Accessing the public MIMIC-II intensive care relational database for clinical research
Authors: Scott Daniel J , Lee Joon , Silva Ikaro , Park Shinhyuk , Moody George B , Celi Leo A , Mark Roger G 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
The Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care II (MIMIC-II) database is a free, public resource for intensive care research. The database was officially released in 2006, and has attracted a growing number of researchers in academia and industry. We present the two major software tools that facilitate accessing the relational database: the web-based QueryBuilder and a downloadable virtual machine (VM) image.

Results
QueryBuilder and the MIMIC-II VM have been developed successfully and are freely available to MIMIC-II users. Simple example SQL queries and the resulting data are presented. Clinical studies pertaining to acute kidney injury and prediction of fluid requirements in the intensive care unit are shown as typical examples of research performed with MIMIC-II. In addition, MIMIC-II has also provided data for annual PhysioNet/Computing in Cardiology Challenges, including the 2012 Challenge “Predicting mortality of ICU Patients”.

Conclusions
QueryBuilder is a web-based tool that provides easy access to MIMIC-II. For more computationally intensive queries, one can locally install a complete copy of MIMIC-II in a VM. Both publicly available tools provide the MIMIC-II research community with convenient querying interfaces and complement the value of the MIMIC-II relational database.
Effects of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor on the expression of fatty acid synthase in peripheral blood mononuclear cell in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Du Jian-qing , Xu Dan-yan , Zhao Shui-ping 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Researches have shown that soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors (sEHi) can protect against the development of atherosclerosis. Simultaneously, emerging evidences have implicated the association between fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We tested the hypothesis that sEHi could reduce the occurrence of ACS by regulating FAS.

Methods
Hospitalized ACS patients were selected as the ACS group (n = 65) while healthy normal subjects as the control group (n = 65). The blood levels of lipoproteins, fasting glucose, myocardial enzyme and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured within 24 hours after admission. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and cultured. Trans-4-[4-(3-Adamantan-1-ylureido)cyclohexyloxy] benzoic acid (t-AUCB), a kind of sEHi, was then added to cells in various concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100 μmol/L). The expression of FAS, interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA and protein was detected by real-time PCR or Western blot, respectively.

Results
(1) Compared with the control group, the serum concentration of hs-CRP in the ACS group was increased (P<0.05). The expression of FAS, IL-6 mRNA and protein were significantly increased in PBMCs from the ACS group (all P<0.05). Moreover, the levels of FAS and IL-6 mRNA were positively correlated with the serum concentration of hs-CRP (r = 0.685, P<0.01; r = 0.715, P<0.01) respectively. (2) The expression of FAS, IL-6 mRNA and protein in PBMCs from the ACS group were dose-dependently inhibited by sEHi (all P<0.05).

Conclusions
sEH inhibition regulated FAS and inhibited inflammation in cultured PBMCs from ACS patients, a mechanism that might prevent rupture of atherosclerotic lesions and protect against development of ACS.
The association between arterial stiffness and left ventricular filling pressure in an apparently healthy Korean population
Authors: Kim Hack-Lyoung , Im Moon-Sun , Seo Jae-Bin , Chung Woo-Young , Kim Sang-Hyun , Kim Myung-A , Zo Joo-Hee 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study is to investigate the association between arterial stiffness and left ventricular filling pressure in an apparently healthy Korean population.

Methods
A total of 115 healthy subjects without known cardiovascular risk factors or overt heart disease who underwent both transthoracic echocardiography and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement at the same day during their routine check-ups were analyzed.

Results
The mean age of study subjects was 52.8 ± 8.4 years, and 78 (67.8%) were men. The mean baPWV value was 1,325 ± 185 cm/s. Study subjects were divided into 3 groups according to E/E’ value: subjects with E/E’ < 8, 8–12.9 and E/E’ ≥ 13. As E/E’ increased, baPWV value increased gradually: baPWV in subjects with E/E’ < 8, E/E’ 8–12.9 and E/E’ ≥ 13, were 1,261 ± 163, 1,345 ± 169, 1,569 ± 232 cm/s, respectively (p < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analyses, baPWV was significantly associated with E/E’ (β = 0.371, p < 0.001) after controlling confounders including age, sex and body mass index. In receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the sensitivity and specificity for detection of E/E’ ≥ 10 were 78.6% and 59.8%, respectively with mean baPWV of 1,282 cm/s as the cut off value. The discriminatory capacity for predicting E/E’ ≥ 10 was improved from an area under the ROC curve of 0.646 with age alone to 0.734 when baPWV was added (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
There is a significant association between baPWV and E/E’ in an apparently healthy Korean population. BaPWV is useful as a simple and non-invasive method for early detection of increased LV filling pressure among these people.
Virion stiffness regulates immature HIV-1 entry
Authors: Pang Hong-Bo , Hevroni Liron , Kol Nitzan , Eckert Debra M , Tsvitov Marianna , Kay Michael S , Rousso Itay 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) undergoes a protease-mediated maturation process that is required for its infectivity. Little is known about how the physical properties of viral particles change during maturation and how these changes affect the viral lifecycle. Using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), we previously discovered that HIV undergoes a “stiffness switch”, a dramatic reduction in particle stiffness during maturation that is mediated by the viral Envelope (Env) protein.

Results
In this study, we show that transmembrane-anchored Env cytoplasmic tail (CT) domain is sufficient to regulate the particle stiffness of immature HIV-1. Using this construct expressed in trans with viral Env lacking the CT domain, we show that increasing particle stiffness reduces viral entry activity in immature virions. A similar effect was also observed for immature HIV-1 pseudovirions containing Env from vesicular stomatitis virus.

Conclusions
This linkage between particle stiffness and viral entry activity illustrates a novel level of regulation for viral replication, providing the first evidence for a biological role of virion physical properties and suggesting a new inhibitory strategy.
Feasibility study of an optimised person-centred intervention to improve mental health and reduce antipsychotics amongst people with dementia in care homes: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Whitaker Rhiannon , Ballard Clive , Stafford Jane , Orrell Martin , Moniz-Cook Esme , Woods Robert T , Murray Joanna , Knapp Martin , Carlton Barbara Woodward , Fossey Jane 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
People living in care homes often have complex mental and physical health problems, disabilities and social needs which are compounded by the use of psychiatric and other drugs. In the UK dementia care is a national priority with a vast impact on services. WHELD combines the most effective elements of existing approaches to develop a comprehensive but practical intervention. This will be achieved by training care staff to provide care that is focused on an understanding of the individual and their needs; and by using additional components such as exercise, activities and social interaction to improve mental health and quality of life (QoL) and reduce the use of sedative drugs.

Design
Work Package 3 (WP3) is the pilot randomised trial and qualitative evaluation to help develop a future definitive randomised controlled clinical trial. The study design is a cluster randomised 2x2x2 factorial design with two replications in 16 care homes. Each care home is randomized to receive one of the eight possible permutations of the four key interventions, with each possible combination delivered in two of the 16 homes. Each cluster includes a minimum of 12 participants (depending upon size of the care home, the number of people with dementia and the number consenting).

Discussion
The overarching goal of the programme is to provide an effective, simple and practical intervention which improves the mental health of, and reduces sedative drug use in, people with dementia in care homes and which can be implemented nationally in all UK care homes as an NHS intervention.

Trial Registration
Current controlled trials ISRCTN40313497
Negative pressure wound therapy management of the “open abdomen” following trauma: a prospective study and systematic review
Authors: Navsaria Pradeep , Nicol Andrew , Hudson Donald , Cockwill John , Smith Jennifer 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Introduction
The use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) for temporary abdominal closure of open abdomen (OA) wounds is widely accepted. Published outcomes vary according to the specific nature and the aetiology that resulted in an OA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new NPWT system specifically used OA resulting from abdominal trauma.

Methods
A prospective study on trauma patients requiring temporary abdominal closure (TAC) with grade 1or 2 OA was carried out. All patients were treated with NPWT (RENASYS AB Smith & Nephew) to achieve TAC. The primary outcome measure was time taken to achieve fascial closure and secondary outcomes were complications and mortality.

Results
A total of 20 patients were included. Thirteen patients (65%) achieved fascial closure following a median treatment period of 3 days. Four patients (20%) died of causes unrelated to NPWT. Complications included fistula formation in one patient (5%) with spontaneous resolution during NPWT), bowel necrosis in a single patient (5%) and three cases of infection (15%). No fistulae were present at the end of NPWT.

Conclusion
This new NPWT kit is safe and effective and results in a high rate of fascial closure and low complication rates in the severely injured trauma patient.
Efficient extraction method to collect sugar from sweet sorghum
Authors: Jia Fei , Chawhuaymak Jeerwan , Riley Mark R , Zimmt Werner , Ogden Kimberly L 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Sweet sorghum is a domesticated grass containing a sugar-rich juice that can be readily utilized for ethanol production. Most of the sugar is stored inside the cells of the stalk tissue and can be difficult to release, a necessary step before conventional fermentation. While this crop holds much promise as an arid land sugar source for biofuel production, a number of challenges must be overcome. One lies in the inherent labile nature of the sugars in the stalks leading to a short usable storage time. Also, collection of sugars from the sweet sorghum stalks is usually accomplished by mechanical squeezing, but generally does not collect all of the available sugars.

Results
In this paper, we present two methods that address these challenges for utilization of sweet sorghum for biofuel production. The first method demonstrates a means to store sweet sorghum stalks in the field under semi-arid conditions. The second provides an efficient water extraction method that can collect as much of the available sugar as feasible. Operating parameters investigated include temperature, stalk size, and solid–liquid ratio that impact both the rate of sugar release and the maximal amount recovered with a goal of low water use. The most desirable conditions include 30°C, 0.6 ratio of solid to liquid (w/w), which collects 90 % of the available sugar. Variations in extraction methods did not alter the efficiency of the eventual ethanol fermentation.

Conclusions
The water extraction method has the potential to be used for sugar extraction from both fresh sweet sorghum stalks and dried ones. When combined with current sugar extraction methods, the overall ethanol production efficiency would increase compared to current field practices.
2ab assembly: a methodology for automatable, high-throughput assembly of standard biological parts
Authors: Leguia Mariana , Brophy Jennifer AN , Densmore Douglas , Asante Angel , Anderson J Christopher 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
There is growing demand for robust DNA assembly strategies to quickly and accurately fabricate genetic circuits for synthetic biology. One application of this technology is reconstitution of multi-gene assemblies. Here, we integrate a new software tool chain with 2ab assembly and show that it is robust enough to generate 528 distinct composite parts with an error-free success rate of 96%. Finally, we discuss our findings in the context of its implications for biosafety and biosecurity.
Modeling the blood–brain barrier using stem cell sources
Authors: Lippmann Ethan S , Al-Ahmad Abraham , Palecek Sean P , Shusta Eric V 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a selective endothelial interface that controls trafficking between the bloodstream and brain interstitial space. During development, the BBB arises as a result of complex multicellular interactions between immature endothelial cells and neural progenitors, neurons, radial glia, and pericytes. As the brain develops, astrocytes and pericytes further contribute to BBB induction and maintenance of the BBB phenotype. Because BBB development, maintenance, and disease states are difficult and time-consuming to study in vivo, researchers often utilize in vitro models for simplified analyses and higher throughput. The in vitro format also provides a platform for screening brain-penetrating therapeutics. However, BBB models derived from adult tissue, especially human sources, have been hampered by limited cell availability and model fidelity. Furthermore, BBB endothelium is very difficult if not impossible to isolate from embryonic animal or human brain, restricting capabilities to model BBB development in vitro. In an effort to address some of these shortcomings, advances in stem cell research have recently been leveraged for improving our understanding of BBB development and function. Stem cells, which are defined by their capacity to expand by self-renewal, can be coaxed to form various somatic cell types and could in principle be very attractive for BBB modeling applications. In this review, we will describe how neural progenitor cells (NPCs), the in vitro precursors to neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, can be used to study BBB induction. Next, we will detail how these same NPCs can be differentiated to more mature populations of neurons and astrocytes and profile their use in co-culture modeling of the adult BBB. Finally, we will describe our recent efforts in differentiating human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to endothelial cells with robust BBB characteristics and detail how these cells could ultimately be used to study BBB development and maintenance, to model neurological disease, and to screen neuropharmaceuticals.
Overcoming bortezomib resistance in human B cells by anti-CD20/rituximab-mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity and epoxyketone-based irreversible proteasome inhibitors
Authors: Verbrugge Sue Ellen , Al Marjon , Assaraf Yehuda G , Niewerth Denise , van Meerloo Johan , Cloos Jacqueline , van der Veer Michael , Scheffer George L , Peters Godefridus J , Chan Elena T , Anderl Janet L , Kirk Christopher J , Zweegman Sonja , Dijkmans Ben AC , Lems Willem F , Scheper Rik J , de Gruijl Tanja D , Jansen Gerrit 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
In clinical and experimental settings, antibody-based anti-CD20/rituximab and small molecule proteasome inhibitor (PI) bortezomib (BTZ) treatment proved effective modalities for B cell depletion in lymphoproliferative disorders as well as autoimmune diseases. However, the chronic nature of these diseases requires either prolonged or re-treatment, often with acquired resistance as a consequence.

Methods
Here we studied the molecular basis of acquired resistance to BTZ in JY human B lymphoblastic cells following prolonged exposure to this drug and examined possibilities to overcome resistance by next generation PIs and anti-CD20/rituximab-mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC).

Results
Characterization of BTZ-resistant JY/BTZ cells compared to parental JY/WT cells revealed the following features: (a) 10–12 fold resistance to BTZ associated with the acquisition of a mutation in the PSMB5 gene (encoding the constitutive β5 proteasome subunit) introducing an amino acid substitution (Met45Ile) in the BTZ-binding pocket, (b) a significant 2–4 fold increase in the mRNA and protein levels of the constitutive β5 proteasome subunit along with unaltered immunoproteasome expression, (c) full sensitivity to the irreversible epoxyketone-based PIs carfilzomib and (to a lesser extent) the immunoproteasome inhibitor ONX 0914. Finally, in association with impaired ubiquitination and attenuated breakdown of CD20, JY/BTZ cells harbored a net 3-fold increase in CD20 cell surface expression, which was functionally implicated in conferring a significantly increased anti-CD20/rituximab-mediated CDC.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate that acquired resistance to BTZ in B cells can be overcome by next generation PIs and by anti-CD20/rituximab-induced CDC, thereby paving the way for salvage therapy in BTZ-resistant disease.
Remittances, expenditure patterns, and gender: parametric and semiparametric evidence from Ecuador
Authors: Göbel Kristin 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAbstractThis study estimates the impact of migrants’ remittances on households’ spending decisions in Ecuador. Applying both parametric and semiparametric techniques, we find strong evidence that remittances enhance expenditures on education, health, and housing, but decrease expenditures on food. This supports the hypotheses that these inflows result in a stronger human capital accumulation and therefore improve the long‐run production possibilities. We do not find strong differences in the impact on expenditure patterns of male and female household heads. The sex of the remitter and the receiver affects the expenditure behavior only slightly.JEL CodesC14, C34, D12, F24, J16
Resistin - the link between adipose tissue dysfunction and insulin resistance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Cherneva Radostina Vlaeva , Georgiev Ognian Borisov , Petrova Daniela Stoichkova , Mondeshki Tsanko Lilianov , Ruseva Sylvia Rumenova , Cakova Adelina Dimitrova , Mitev Vanio Ivanov 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Background
Resistin is an adipocytokine, associated with obesity and inflammation. Its exact role in insulin resistance and diabetes in the general population is still controversial. The relation between resistin plasma levels, insulin resistance and risk of impaired glucose metabolism in OSA patients has not been investigated.

Materials and methods
Plasma levels of resistin were measured in 67 patients with OSA and impaired glucose metabolism. 34,7% (23/67) had diabetes; 40% (27/67) patients had impаired glucose tolerance(IGT); 25,3%(17/67) had normal glucose metabolism (NGM). The association between resistin, BMI, obesity, markers of insulin resistance, oxidative stress and sleep study characteristics was analysed. The different groups of patients were compared in regards to glucometabolic parameters and biomarkers of oxidative stress – isoprostanes and insulin resistance – free fatty acids (FFA).

Results
Plasma levels of resistin were higher in patients with diabetes (6,12 ±5,93ng/ml), compared to those with IGT (3,85±2,81ng/ml, p-0,021) and NGM (3,77±3,23, p-0,043). Resistin did not differ between patients with IGT and NGM (p-0,954). In OSA patients with BMI>40 resistin plasma levels correlated neither to the clinical parameters (BMI, IRI, HOMA-I, HbA1C, AHI, desaturation index), nor to the biomarkers of oxidative stress and insulin resistance. Free fatty acids (0,232>0,177mmol/l, p-0,037) were higher in diabetics in comparison to NGM.

Conclusions
Plasma resistin levels in OSA patients with BMI>40 are independent of insulin resistance and are not associated with the parameters, characterising the oxidative stress or severity of OSA. Resistin could be used in a multiple panel of clinical and biomarkers to discern patients with diabetes from those with IGT; in OSA patients with BMI >40 resistin together with HbA1C could discern patients with diabetes from those with NGM. In OSA patients with BMI >40 FFA and HbA1C are useful clinical markers in assessing the risk of dysglycaemia among patients with normal and IGT.