bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoglin Deficiency in Bone Marrow is Sufficient to Cause Cerebrovascular Dysplasia in the Adult Mouse After Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Stimulation
Authors: Choi Eun-Jung , Walker Espen J. , Degos Vincent , Jun Kristine , Kuo Robert , Pile-Spellman John , Su Hua , Young William L. 
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—

Bone marrow–derived cells (BMDCs) home to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–induced brain angiogenic foci, and VEGF induces cerebrovascular dysplasia in adult endoglin heterozygous (
Eng
+/−
) mice. We hypothesized that
Eng
+/−
BMDCs cause cerebrovascular dysplasia in the adult mouse after VEGF stimulation.

Methods—

BM transplantation was performed using adult wild-type (WT) and
Eng
+/−
mice as donors/recipients. An adeno-associated viral vector expressing VEGF was injected into the basal ganglia 4 weeks after transplantation. Vascular density, dysplasia index (vessels >15 µm/100 vessels), and BMDCs in the angiogenic foci were analyzed.

Results—

The dysplasia index of WT/
Eng
+/−
BM mice was higher than WT/WT BM mice (
P
<0.001) and was similar to
Eng
+/−
/
Eng
+/−
BM mice (
P
=0.2). Dysplasia in
Eng
+/−
mice was partially rescued by WT BM (
P
<0.001). WT/WT BM and WT/
Eng
+/−
BM mice had similar numbers of BMDCs in the angiogenic foci (
P
=0.4), most of which were CD68
+
.
Eng
+/−
monocytes/macrophages expressed less matrix metalloproteinase-9 and
Notch1
.

Conclusions—
Endoglin-deficient BMDCs are sufficient for VEGF to induce vascular dysplasia in the adult mouse brain. Our data support a previously unrecognized role of BM in the development of cerebrovascular malformations.
Post Stroke Use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Clinical Outcome Among Patients With Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Mortensen Janne Kaergaard , Larsson Heidi , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Andersen Grethe 
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely prescribed after stroke. We aimed to investigate whether potential antiplatelet or vasospastic effects have important clinical implications.

Methods—
Using data from Danish medical registries, we did a nationwide follow-up study among ischemic stroke patients between 2003 and 2009. We identified 5833 SSRI users, and propensity score matched these patients with nonusers in a 1:1 ratio, followed by Cox regression analysis to compute hazard ratios (HRs) of acute myocardial infarction, recurrent stroke, major bleeding, and death.

Results—
Median follow-up time (from 30 days after discharge to death/end of follow-up) was 1159 days. In total, 2.9% had myocardial infarction, 8.1% recurrent ischemic stroke, 20.2% major bleeding, 1.4% intracranial bleeding, and 34.4% died during follow-up. SSRI users had a lower risk of the combined outcome of myocardial infarction or recurrent ischemic stroke (adjusted HR, 0.77; confidence interval [CI], 0.62–0.96). However, the SSRI users also experienced a higher risk of overall major bleeding (adjusted HR, 1.33; CI, 1.14–1.55) and a nonsignificantly higher risk of intracranial bleedings (adjusted HR, 1.14; CI, 0.62–2.12). Mortality increased in SSRI users (adjusted HR, 1.13; CI, 1.00–1.28) and death caused by bleeding increased (adjusted HR, 1.89; CI, 0.97–3.66) as compared with death by other causes (adjusted HR, 1.11; CI; 0.98–1.26).

Conclusions—
SSRI use after ischemic stroke was associated with a lower risk of new cardiovascular events and also with an increased bleeding risk. There was an increased mortality among SSRI users, which may be related to the increased bleeding risk.
Leaders of spontaneous group movements influence whole-group social organization: an experimental study on grazing heifers
Authors: Della-Rossa Lia , Chadœuf Joël , Boissy Alain , Dumont Bertrand 
Published: January 2013

Group-living animals have to reach consensus decisions through recruitment processes while collectively exploiting food resources in heterogeneous environments. In farming conditions, the group compositions are frequently modified, which can force the animals to readjust their collective strategies, e.g., when group leaders are removed. We, therefore, conducted a group-manipulation experiment for testing how the loss of the individual with the highest leadership score in spontaneous group movements is likely to influence decision-making and whole-group social organization. Observations were carried out in two groups of nine familiar heifers, as using animals of the same age-class simplifies the analysis of the proximate determinants of leadership. Under the hypothesis of distributed leadership, we expected the emergence of a new leader but no change in social relationships due to the stability of dominance hierarchy and affinities among the familiar remaining heifers. Both group leaders were heifers that had a low cohesion index and expressed few allogrooming interactions. Leadership did not relate to position in the dominance hierarchy. After removing the leader and replacing it with a familiar peer, the number of spontaneous group movements decreased by 40% in both groups, and no new leader emerged. Both groups maintained a structure after leader removal but the distribution of pairwise association was modified. Allogrooming interactions dropped by nearly 60% in one group and their overall distribution were modified in the other group. These findings demonstrate interrelations between various social traits — even in the case of same-age herbivore groups — and difficulties with rapidly reaching a new consensus for maintaining synchronized activity and group cohesion.
A randomised controlled trial of the Flinders Program™ of chronic condition management in Vietnam veterans with co-morbid alcohol misuse, and psychiatric and medical conditions
Authors: Battersby Malcolm W , Beattie Jill , Pols Rene G , Smith David P , Condon John , Blunden Sarah 
Published: January 2013

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the Flinders Program™ of chronic condition management on alcohol use, psychosocial well-being and quality of life in Vietnam veterans with alcohol misuse. Method: This 9-month wait-list, randomised controlled trial used the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score ≥ 8 as the entry criterion. Intervention veterans received the Flinders Program plus usual care and controls received usual care. The primary outcome measure was AUDIT score at baseline, 3, 6 and 9 months. Secondary measures included quality of life, alcohol dependence (DSM-IV), anxiety and depression. All measures were repeated at variable trial end dates between 9 and 18 months in the intervention group. Results: Randomisation resulted in 46 intervention and 31 control participants. Intent-to-treat analyses showed AUDIT scores improved significantly from baseline to 9-month follow-up ( p = 0.039) in the intervention group compared to control group. The control group had 1.46 times the risk of alcohol dependence than the intervention group at 9 months ( p = 0.027). There were no significant differences between groups for secondary measures. Within-group analyses showed that both groups significantly improved in AUDIT ( p < 0.001), anxiety and depression ( p < 0.01), anger ( p < 0.001), and post-traumatic stress ( p < 0.01). Improvements in AUDIT ( p < 0.001) and alcohol dependence were maintained in the intervention group to 18 months. Conclusions: Use of the Flinders Program in addition to usual care resulted in reduced alcohol use, reduced alcohol dependence, and global clinical improvement in Vietnam veterans with risky alcohol behaviours and chronic mental health problems. The findings demonstrate that the Flinders Program provides a structured framework for delivering self-management support, case management and coordinated care for people with chronic conditions. This clinical approach has the potential to bridge the gap between physical and mental illness service delivery for people with long-term conditions in Australia.
Cooperative working towards family-centred health education in acute care: Improvement in client satisfaction
Authors: Bastani Farideh , Golaghaie Farzaneh , Farahani Mansoureh A. , Rafeie Mohammad 
Published: January 2013

Objective: To establish family-centred health education for patients in a neurosurgery unit and to evaluate its impact on patients’ and families’ satisfaction. Design: Cooperative participatory research through which a group of clinical nurses and an academic researcher engaged in cycles of action and reflection. Setting: The study was conducted in a 26-bed neurosurgery unit in a university hospital located in a central province of Iran. Method: Parallel mixed methods were used to gather and analyse the data. Qualitative data regarding existing health education practice among nurses were collected using focus group discussions. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify problems in context. Quantitative analysis using t test (two tailed) was also done to compare the scores of patients and their families’ satisfaction with the nurses’ educational activities before and after implementing the agreed action plans. Results: Three main hindering factors including intra-professional, inter-professional, and institutional factors were recognized as barriers to establishing family-centred health education. The satisfaction scores of patients and families with the nurses’ health education practices was significantly ( P < 0.001) improved after performing the action phases. Conclusion: It seems that improvement in patients and their families’ satisfaction indicated the success of the nurses in meeting health informational needs. Practical knowledge of health education practice was also enhanced through collaborative working.
Endoscopic Posterior Cricoid Split and Costal Cartilage Graft Placement in Children
Authors: Gerber Mark E. , Modi Vikash K. , Ward Robert F. , Gower Verlia M. , Thomsen James 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesTo review a multi‐institutional experience using endoscopic posterior cricoid split and costal cartilage graft (EPCSCG) placement in the management of pediatric bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI), posterior glottic stenosis (PGS), and subglottic stenosis (SGS).DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary medical centers.MethodsReview of all patients treated between 2004 and 2012 with EPCSCG placement in 3 academic and multispecialty group settings. The main outcomes measured include indications, complications, and outcome (need for additional procedures, decannulation rate).ResultsA total of 28 patients underwent EPCSCG. Age range at time of surgery was 1 month to 15 years (mean, 56 months). Overall, 25 of 28 were decannulated or never required tracheostomy, and 24 of 28 had adequate symptom control with mean follow‐up of 25 months. Twenty‐two patients had resolution of their symptoms without additional procedures. Sixteen patients had SGS in isolation or in combination with cricoarytenoid fixation, glottic stenosis, or vocal fold immobility. Decannulation and/or symptom control was achieved in 14 of 16. Three patients had isolated PGS or cricoarytenoid fixation with all achieving decannulation. Nine patients had isolated BVFI with 7 being able to achieve resolution of their airway symptoms, 5 without additional procedures.ConclusionThis descriptive series shows a consistent outcome in more than double the number of cases previously reported in the previously published series. We believe that EPCSCG is an important option to have in the management of pediatric glottis/subglottic stenosis and bilateral vocal fold immobility.
Cerebellar Infarctions Mimicking Acute Peripheral Vertigo
Authors: Casani Augusto P. , Dallan Iacopo , Cerchiai Niccolò , Lenzi Riccardo , Cosottini Mirco , Sellari‐Franceschini Stefano 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of cases of missed cerebellar stroke mimicking acute peripheral vertigo (APV), the so‐called pseudo‐APV, and to identify the clinical indicators useful for differentiating APV from cerebellar infarction that presents as isolated vertigo.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary referral center.Subjects and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of cases of missed cerebellar infarction over the past 5 years. All patients had first undergone an otoneurological evaluation and computed tomography brain scan in the emergency department before a complete bedside examination was performed in our otoneurological unit.ResultsWe identified 11 patients with pseudo‐APV (2.8% of all the cases presenting to our unit complaining of acute vertigo). Spontaneous nystagmus (of central type in 2 cases) was recorded in all patients. The Head Impulse Test was clearly negative in 9 cases. The duration of vertigo lasted more than 72 hours in 7 patients. In 4 patients, delayed neurological signs followed acute vertigo 2 to 3 days after the onset. Magnetic resonance imaging showed 8 cases of infarction in the posterior‐inferior cerebellar artery territory; in 1 patient, an involvement of the anterior‐inferior cerebellar artery territory was recorded; 2 patients showed a hemispheric ischemic cerebellar involvement.ConclusionsPseudo‐APV is not an uncommon diagnosis in otoneurological practice. The presence of moderate‐severe imbalance and the persistence of vertigo for more than 72 h from the onset, together with the results of bedside examination tests (spontaneous nystagmus and Head Impulse Test), are useful indicators for recognizing a cerebellar ischemic origin in cases of acute vertigo.
Relationship between oxidative stress and chronic daily headache in children
Authors: Vurucu S , Karaoglu A , Paksu MS , Yesilyurt O , Oz O , Unay B , Akin R 
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and chronic daily headache (CDH) in children. Although there are reports that oxidative injury may play a role in the pathophysiology of some neurologic disorders, such as migraine and epilepsy, by disrupting or destroying cell membranes through the formation of free radical and reactive oxygen species, the pathophysiology of headache is not clearly established. A total of 38 children (16 boys and 22 girls) with CDH, aged between 7 and 15 years, were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of 39 healthy children (17 boys and 22 girls), aged between 7 and 14 years. The mean age was 10.9 ± 2.2 years for both the groups. Activities of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in all the children of both the groups were measured. Mean activities of erythrocyte SOD, CAT, and GPx as well as MDA levels were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group ( p < 0.001). The findings of this study suggest that oxidative stress may play a causal or consequential role in children with CDH.
Silica nanoparticles-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and apoptosis in cultured A431 and A549 cells
Authors: Ahamed Maqusood 
Published: January 2013

In medicine, the use of silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) offers new perspectives in biosensor, drug delivery and cancer therapy. However, questions about potential toxic and deleterious effects of SiO2 NPs have also been raised. The aim of this study was to investigate the induction of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and apoptosis by SiO2 NPs (size 15 nm) in human skin epithelial (A431) and human lung epithelial (A549) cells. SiO2 NPs (concentration range 25–200 µg/ml) induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity in both types of cells, which was demonstrated by cell viability (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide) and lactate dehydrogenase leakage assays. SiO2 NPs were also found to induce oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner, indicated by depletion of glutathione and induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lipid peroxidation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that following the exposure of cells to SiO2 NPs, the messenger RNA level of apoptotic genes (caspase-3 and caspase-9) were upregulated in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9 enzymes were also significantly higher in both kinds of cells exposed to SiO2 NPs. This study suggested that SiO2 NPs induce cytotoxicity and apoptosis in A431 and A549 cells, which is likely to be mediated through ROS generation and oxidative stress.
Protective effects of puerarin on experimental chronic lead nephrotoxicity in immature female rats
Authors: Wang Lin , Lin Shuqian , Li Zifa , Yang Dubao , Wang Zhenyong 
Published: January 2013

Puerarin (PU), a natural flavonoid, has been reported to possess anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. In the present study, female Sprague-Dawley rats received lead (Pb) nitrate (300 mg/L, via drinking water) and/or PU (400 mg/kg/day, orally) to investigate the protective effects of PU on Pb-induced renal damage. Renal toxicity was evaluated by detecting urinary proteins excretion as well as levels of serum urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Ultrastructural observations and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses were performed on kidney cortex tissues to identify the mitochondrial damage and quantify gene expression levels of cytochrome oxidase submits (COX-I/II/III), respectively. Renal cell damage was assessed by light microscopic examination. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and antioxidant status in kidney were also evaluated. Animals that received both Pb and PU showed a better renal function than those that received Pb alone, with minor pathological damage. Moreover, PU significantly reduced LPO and markedly restored the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants levels in kidney of Pb-treated rats, which may be related to its restoring mitochondrial function. Furthermore, PU administration significantly increased urinary Pb excretion and decreased its level in the serum and kidney. In conclusion, these results suggested that PU reduces renal damage induced by chronic Pb administration through its antioxidant properties and chelating ability.
Electrophysiological Characterization and Antiarrhythmic Efficacy of the Mixed Potassium Channel-Blocking Antiarrhythmic Agent AZ13395438 In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Jacobson Ingemar , Duker Göran , Florentzson Malin , Linhardt Gunilla , Lindhardt Emma , Nordkam Ann-Kristin , Åstrand Annika , Carlsson Leif 
Published: January 2013

Objective: To examine the electrophysiological, hemodynamic, and antiarrhythmic effects of the novel antiarrhythmic agent AZ13395438. Methods: The ion channel-blocking potency of AZ13395438 was assessed in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing various human cardiac ion channels and in human atrial myocytes. The in vivo electrophysiological, hemodynamic, and antiarrhythmic effects of intravenously administered AZ13395438 were examined in anesthetized rabbits, in anesthetized naive dogs, and in dogs subjected to rapid atrial pacing (RAP) for 8 weeks. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD) modeling was applied to predict the potency of AZ13395438 in increasing atrial and ventricular refractoriness. Results: AZ13395438 potently and predominantly blocked the atrial repolarizing potassium currents IKur, IAch, and Ito in vitro. In vivo, AZ13395438 caused a concentration-dependent and selective increase in atrial refractoriness with no or small effects on ventricular refractoriness and repolarization and on hemodynamics in both rabbits and dogs. The PKPD modeling predicted unbound plasma concentrations of AZ13395438 of 0.20 ± 0.039, 0.38 ± 0.084, and 0.34 ± 0.057 µmol/L to increase the right atrial effective refractory period by 20 milliseconds in the rabbit and in the naive and the RAP dogs, respectively. In the RAP dog with atrial fibrillation (AF), AZ13395438 significantly increased AF cycle length and successfully converted AF to sinus rhythm in 12 of the 12 occasions at an unbound plasma concentration of 0.48 ± 0.076 µmol/L. During saline infusion, conversion was seen only in 4 of the 10 occasions ( P = .003 vs AZ13395438). Furthermore, AZ13395438 reduced AF inducibility by burst pacing from 100% to 25% ( P < .001). Conclusion: AZ13395438 can be characterized as a mixed potassium ion channel-blocking agent that selectively prolongs atrial versus ventricular refractoriness and shows promising antiarrhythmic efficacy in a clinically relevant animal model of AF.
Intraarticular Administration of Dexamethasone after Mesenchymal Stem Cells Implantation Does Not Improve Significantly the Treatment of Preestablished Full-Thickness Chondral Defect in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Espinosa Maximiliano , Vaisman Alex , Nazal Nicolas , Figueroa David , Gallegos Marcela , Conget Paulette 
Published: January 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution to hyaline cartilage regeneration of dexamethasone intraarticular administration after autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) implantation into a preestablished knee full-thickness chondral defect. Design: Full-thickness chondral defects of 4.5 × 4.5 mm2 were surgically made in both medial femoral condyles of adult male New Zealand rabbits. Two weeks later, autologous ex vivo expanded bone marrow–derived MSCs were embedded in hyaluronic acid and implanted into the chondral defects. Immediately and every week after the intervention, dexamethasone 0.25 mg/kg was intraarticularly administered (MSC/dexa-treated group). Six weeks after MSC transplantation, the animals were euthanized and condyles were characterized molecularly according to aggrecan, collagen type II, and collagen type I gene expression (quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) and histologically (hematoxylin–eosin staining). Data of MSC/dexa-treated condyles were compared with untreated, dexa-treated, MSC-treated, or normal unlesioned condyles. Results: The ratio between collagen type II expression versus collagen type I expression in MSC/dexa-treated condyles was higher than one, even though the group mean value was not statistically different from that of untreated defects. Histological changes were observed between MSC/dexa-treated and untreated defects mainly in surface regularity and in hyaline matrix abundance. However, International Cartilage Repair Society score analysis did not support robust differences between those groups. Conclusion: Intraarticular administration of dexamethasone after autologous MSC implantation into a preestablished full-thickness chondral defect does not contribute significantly to the regeneration of a tissue with molecular and histological characteristics identical to hyaline cartilage.
Aberrant T-cell antigen expression in classical Hodgkin lymphoma is associated with decreased event-free survival and overall survival
Authors: Venkataraman Girish , Song Joo Y. , Tzankov Alexandar , Dirnhofer Stephan , Heinze Georg , Kohl Maria , Traverse-Glehen Alexandra , Eberle Franziska C. , Hanson Jeffrey C. , Raffeld Mark A. , Pittaluga Stefania , Jaffe Elaine S. 
Published: January 2013

Key PointsCases of cHL may express TCA on the neoplastic cells. TCA-cHL have nodular sclerosis histology and lack T-cell genotype, with worse outcome compared with TCA-negative cHLs.
Intrathymic progenitor cell transplantation across histocompatibility barriers results in the persistence of early thymic progenitors and T-cell differentiation
Authors: de Barros Stéphanie C. , Vicente Rita , Chebli Karim , Jacquet Chantal , Zimmermann Valérie S. , Taylor Naomi 
Published: January 2013

Key PointsA thymus with available stem-cell niches can support long-term renewal by resident hematopoietic progenitors. Intrathymic administration of semiallogeneic BM progenitors results in long-term T-cell reconstitution in the absence of conditioning.
Hepatocyte tissue factor activates the coagulation cascade in mice
Authors: Sullivan Bradley P. , Kopec Anna K. , Joshi Nikita , Cline Holly , Brown Juliette A. , Bishop Stephanie C. , Kassel Karen M. , Rockwell Cheryl , Mackman Nigel , Luyendyk James P. 
Published: January 2013

Key PointsMouse hepatocytes express cell surface tissue factor. Hepatocyte tissue factor activates the coagulation cascade in mice.