bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurogenic factor-induced Langerhans cell activation in diabetic mice with mechanical allodynia
Authors: Dauch Jacqueline R , Bender Diane E , Luna-Wong Lucía A , Hsieh Wilson , Yanik Brandon M , Kelly Zachary A , Cheng Hsinlin T 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Langerhans cells (LCs) are antigen-presenting dendritic cells located in the skin. It has been reported that LC activation is associated with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN); however, the mechanism of LC activation is still unclear.

Methods
The db/db mouse, a rodent model of PDN, was used to study the roles of LCs in the development of PDN in type 2 diabetes. Hind foot pads from db/db and control db/+ mice from 5 to 24 weeks of age (encompassing the period of mechanical allodynia development and its abatement) were collected and processed for immunohistochemistry studies. LCs were identified with immunohistochemistry using an antibody against CD207 (Langerin). The intraepidermal nerve fibers and subepidermal nerve plexus were identified by immunohistochemistry of protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) and tropomyosin-receptor kinase (Trk) A, the high affinity nerve growth factor receptor.

Results
CD207-positive LCs increased in the db/db mouse during the period of mechanical allodynia, from 8 to 10 weeks of age, in both the epidermis and subepidermal plexus. At 16 weeks of age, when mechanical allodynia diminishes, LC populations were reduced in the epidermis and subepidermal plexus. Epidermal LCs (ELCs) were positive for Trk A. Subepidermal LCs (SLCs) were positive for CD68, suggesting that they are immature LCs. Additionally, these SLCs were positive for the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and were in direct contact with TNF-α-positive nerve fibers in the subepidermal nerve plexus during the period of mechanical allodynia. Intrathecal administration of SB203580, a p38 kinase inhibitor, significantly reduced mechanical allodynia, TNF-α expression in the subepidermal plexus, and increased both ELC and SLC populations during the period of mechanical allodynia.

Conclusions
Our data support the hypothesis that increased LC populations in PDN are activated by p38-dependent neurogenic factors and may be involved in the pathogenesis of PDN.
Clinical assessment of complementary treatment with Qishen Yiqi dripping pills on ischemic heart failure: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial (CACT-IHF)
Authors: Hou Ya Zhu , Wang Shuai , Zhao Zhi Qiang , Wang Xian Liang , Li Bin , Soh Shan Bin , Mao Jing Yuan 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Heart failure (HF) is associated with decreased quality of life, high re-admission rate and poor prognosis. In particular, ischemic heart failure (IHF) has a worse prognosis than nonischemic HF. The use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) alongside Western medicine to treat HF has developed into an integrative treatment model in China. There have been small clinical trials and experimental studies to demonstrate the efficacy of TCM for treating HF; however, there is still a lack of high-quality trials. Qishen Yiqi dripping pills (QSYQ), a TCM drug, have been commonly used alongside standardized Western medicine to treat IHF. This paper describes the protocol for the clinical assessment of QSYQ in IHF patients.

Method
A randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial will assess the efficacy and safety of QSYQ in the treatment of IHF. The trial is to enroll 640 IHF patients from 32 hospitals in China. Besides their standardized Western medicine, patients will be randomized to receive treatment of either QSYQ or placebo for 6 months and follow-up monitoring for at least a further 6 months. The primary outcome is increased exercise capacity of patients, which will be measured using the 6-minute walking test (6MWT). The secondary outcomes include composite endpoints: all-cause mortality, frequency of hospitalization or emergency due to cardiovascular events, brain natriuretic peptide levels, left ventricular ejection fraction, and cardiothoracic ratio will be documented, as well as scores on the New York Heart Association classification and Minnesota quality of life index, and information obtained from the four TCM diagnostic methods. Blood lipid tests will also be administered.

Discussion
The integrative treatment model of TCM alongside Western medicine has developed into a treatment model in China. The rigorous design of the trial will assure an objective and scientific assessment of the efficacy and safety of QSYQ in the treatment of IHF.

Trial registration
Clinical trials.gov number: NCT01555320
Using the lymph nodal ratio to predict the risk of locoregional recurrence in lymph node-positive breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy without radiation therapy
Authors: Wu San-Gang , Chen Yong , Sun Jia-Yuan , Li Feng-Yan , Lin Qin , Lin Huan-Xin , He Zhen-Yu 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the prognostic value of axillary lymph node ratio (LNR) as compared to the number of involved nodes (pN stage) in patients with axillary lymph node-positive breast cancer treated with mastectomy without radiation.

Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of patients with stage II-III node-positive breast cancer (N=1068) between 1998 and 2007. Locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared based on the LNR and pN staging.

Results
A total of 780 cases were classified as pN1, 183 as pN2, and 105 as pN3. With respect to LNR, 690 cases had a LNR from 0.01-0.20, 269 cases a LNR from 0.21-0.65, and 109 cases a LNR > 0.65. The median follow-up time was 62 months. Univariate analysis showed that both LNR and pN stage were prognostic factors of LRFS and OS (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that LNR was an independent prognostic factor of LRFS and OS (p<0.05). pN stage had no significant effect on LRFS or OS (p>0.05). In subgroup analysis, the LNR identified groups of patients with different survival rates based on pN stage.

Conclusions
LNR is superior to pN staging as a prognostic factor in lymph node-positive breast cancer after mastectomy, and should be used as one of the indications for adjuvant radiation therapy.
Advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma radiotherapy with volumetric modulated arcs and the potential role of flattening filter-free beams
Authors: Zhuang Mingzan , Zhang Tuodan , Chen Zhijian , Lin Zhixiong , Li Derui , Peng Xun , Qiu Qingchun , Wu Renhua 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the dosimetric characteristics of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with flattening filter-free (FFF) beams and assess the role of VMAT in the treatment of advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods
Ten cases of CT data were randomly selected from advanced NPC patients. Three treatment plans were optimized for each patient, RapidArc with FFF beams (RA-FFF), conventional beams (RA) and static gantry intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The doses to the planning target volumes (PTVs), organs at risk (OARs), skin and normal tissue were compared. All the plans were delivered on a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator and verified using the Delta4 phantom. Technical delivery parameters including the mean gamma score, treatment delivery time and monitor units (MUs) were also analyzed.

Results
All the techniques delivered adequate doses to the PTVs. RA-FFF gave the highest D
1%
(dose received by 1% of the volume), but the poorest conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI) among the PTVs except for the planning target volume of involved regional lymph nodes (PTV66) CI, which showed no significant difference among three techniques. For the planning target volume of the primary nasopharyngeal tumor (PTV70), RA-FFF provided for higher mean dose than other techniques. For the planning target volume receiving 60 Gy (PTV60) and PTV66, RA delivered the lowest mean doses whereas IMRT delivered the highest mean doses. IMRT demonstrated the highest percentage of target coverage and D
99%
for PTV60. RA-FFF provided for the highest doses to the brain stem, skin and oral cavity. RA gave the highest D
1%
to the right optic nerve among three techniques while no significant differences were found between each other. IMRT delivered the highest mean doses to the parotid glands and larynx while RA delivered the lowest mean doses. Gamma analysis showed an excellent agreement for all the techniques at 3%/3mm. Significant differences in the MUs were observed among the three techniques (p < 0.001). Delivery times for RA-FFF and RA were 152 ± 7s and 153 ± 7s, respectively, nearly 70% lower than the 493 ± 24s mean time for IMRT.

Conclusions
All treatment plans met the planning objectives. The dose measurements also showed good agreement with computed doses. RapidArc technique can treat patients with advanced NPC effectively, with good target coverage and sparing of critical structures. RA has a greater dosimetric superiority than RA-FFF.
Food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome caused by rice beverage
Authors: Caminiti Lucia , Salzano Giuseppina , Crisafulli Giuseppe , Porcaro Federica , Pajno Giovanni Battista 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is an uncommon and potentially severe non IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food allergy. It is usually caused by cow’s milk or soy proteins, but may also be triggered by ingestion of solid foods. The diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical history and symptoms. Management of acute phase requires fluid resuscitation and intravenous steroids administration, but avoidance of offending foods is the only effective therapeutic option.
Infant with FPIES presented to our emergency department with vomiting, watery stools, hypothension and metabolic acidosis after ingestion of rice beverage. Intravenous fluids and steroids were administered with good clinical response. Subsequently, a double blind placebo control food challenge (DBPCFC) was performed using rice beverage and hydrolyzed formula (eHF) as placebo. The “rice based formula” induced emesis, diarrhoea and lethargy. Laboratory investigations reveal an increase of absolute count of neutrophils and the presence of faecal eosinophils. The patient was treated with both intravenous hydration and steroids. According to Powell criteria, oral food challenge was considered positive and diagnosis of FPIES induced by rice beverage was made. Patient was discharged at home with the indication to avoid rice and any rice beverage as well as to reintroduce hydrolyzed formula. A case of FPIES induced by rice beverage has never been reported. The present case clearly shows that also beverage containing rice proteins can be responsible of FPIES. For this reason, the use of rice beverage as cow’s milk substitute for the treatment of non IgE-mediated food allergy should be avoided.
Inhibition of HIV replication in vitro by clinical immunosuppressants and chemotherapeutic agents
Authors: Hawley Todd , Spear Mark , Guo Jia , Wu Yuntao 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Recent studies have suggested that a functional cure for HIV-1 infection, purportedly resultant from allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, may be possible. Additionally, the first such patient was treated with whole-body irradiation, immunosuppressants, and the chemotherapeutic, cytarabine. However, the precise role of the coinciding medical interventions in diminishing detectable HIV reservoirs remains unstudied.

Findings
In this article, we demonstrate that the immunosuppressants, mycophenolic acid and cyclosporine, and the chemotherapeutic, cytarabine, are potent antiretroviral agents at clinically relevant dosages. These drugs strongly inhibit HIV-1 replication in a GFP indicator T cell line and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

Conclusions
Our study suggests that certain clinical immunosuppressants and chemotherapeutic agents may act combinatorially to inhibit HIV infection. Additionally, chemotherapy-mediated cytotoxicity may also affect the stability of viral reservoirs. Thus, further study is needed to examine potential therapeutic value of these interventions in patients.
Strategy-aligned fuzzy approach for market segment evaluation and selection: a modular decision support system by dynamic network process (DNP)
Authors: Mohammadi Nasrabadi Ali , Hosseinpour Mohammad Hossein , Ebrahimnejad Sadoullah 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In competitive markets, market segmentation is a critical point of business, and it can be used as a generic strategy. In each segment, strategies lead companies to their targets; thus, segment selection and the application of the appropriate strategies over time are very important to achieve successful business. This paper aims to model a strategy-aligned fuzzy approach to market segment evaluation and selection. A modular decision support system (DSS) is developed to select an optimum segment with its appropriate strategies. The suggested DSS has two main modules. The first one is SPACE matrix which indicates the risk of each segment. Also, it determines the long-term strategies. The second module finds the most preferred segment-strategies over time. Dynamic network process is applied to prioritize segment-strategies according to five competitive force factors. There is vagueness in pairwise comparisons, and this vagueness has been modeled using fuzzy concepts. To clarify, an example is illustrated by a case study in Iran's coffee market. The results show that success possibility of segments could be different, and choosing the best ones could help companies to be sure in developing their business. Moreover, changing the priority of strategies over time indicates the importance of long-term planning. This fact has been supported by a case study on strategic priority difference in short- and long-term consideration.
Hypothalamic Inflammation Without Astrogliosis in Response to High Sucrose Intake Is Modulated by Neonatal Nutrition in Male Rats
Authors: Fuente-Martín Esther , García-Cáceres Cristina , Díaz Francisca , Argente-Arizón Pilar , Granado Miram , Barrios Vicente , Argente Jesús , Chowen Julie A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractHypothalamic inflammation and gliosis are proposed to participate in the pathogenesis of high-fat diet-induced obesity. Because other factors and nutrients also induce weight gain and adiposity, we analyzed the inflammatory and glial responses to a sucrose (S)-enriched diet. Neonatal overnutrition (NON) exacerbates weight gain in response to metabolic challenges; thus, we compared the inflammatory response of male Wistar rats with NON (4 pups/litter) and controls (12 pups/litter) to increased S intake. At weaning rats received water or a 33% sucrose solution and normal chow ad libitum for 2 months. Sucrose increased serum IL-1β and -6 and hypothalamic IL-6 mRNA levels in NON and TNFα mRNA levels in control and NON rats, whereas NON alone had no effect. The astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein was increased by NON but decreased by S. This was associated with hypothalamic nuclei specific changes in glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cell number and morphology. Sucrose increased the number of microglia and phosphorylation of inhibitor of -κB and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in control but not NON rats, with no effect on microglia activation markers. Proteins highly expressed in astrocytes (glutamate, glucose, and lactate transporters) were increased by NON but not S, with no increase in vimentin expression in astrocytes, further suggesting that S-induced adiposity is not associated with hypothalamic astrogliosis. Hence, activation of hypothalamic inflammatory processes and gliosis depend not only on weight gain but also on the diet inducing this weight gain and the early nutritional status. These diverse inflammatory processes could indicate a differential disposition to obesity-induced pathologies.
The Impact of Ventral Noradrenergic Bundle Lesions on Increased IL-1 in the PVN and Hormonal Responses to Stress in Male Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Blandino Peter , Hueston Cara M. , Barnum Christopher J. , Bishop Christopher , Deak Terrence 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The impact of acute stress on inflammatory signaling within the central nervous system is of interest because these factors influence neuroendocrine function both directly and indirectly. Exposure to certain stressors increases expression of the proinflammatory cytokine, Il-1β in the hypothalamus. Increased IL-1 is reciprocally regulated by norepinephrine (stimulatory) and corticosterone (inhibitory), yet neural pathways underlying increased IL-1 have not been clarified. These experiments explored the impact of bilateral lesions of the ventral noradrenergic bundle (VNAB) on IL-1 expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) after foot shock. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats received bilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the VNAB (VNABx) and were exposed to intermittent foot shock. VNABx depleted approximately 64% of norepinephrine in the PVN and attenuated the IL-1 response produced by foot shock. However, characterization of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal response, a crucial prerequisite for interpreting the effect of VNABx on IL-1 expression, revealed a profound dissociation between ACTH and corticosterone. Specifically, VNABx blocked the intronic CRH response in the PVN and the increase in plasma ACTH, whereas corticosterone was unaffected at all time points examined. Additionally, foot shock led to a rapid and profound increase in cyclooxygenase-2 and IL-1 expression within the adrenal glands, whereas more subtle effects were observed in the pituitary gland. Together the findings were the 1) demonstration that exposure to acute stress increased expression of inflammatory factors more broadly throughout the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; 2) implication of a modest role for norepinephrine-containing fibers of the VNAB as an upstream regulator of PVN IL-1; and 3) suggestion of an ACTH-independent mechanism controlling the release of corticosterone in VNABx rats.
Redefining the Initiation and Maintenance of Zebrafish Interrenal Steroidogenesis by Characterizing the Key Enzyme Cyp11a2
Authors: Parajes Silvia , Griffin Aliesha , Taylor Angela E. , Rose Ian T. , Miguel-Escalada Irene , Hadzhiev Yavor , Arlt Wiebke , Shackleton Cedric , Müller Ferenc , Krone Nils 
Published: May 2013

AbstractZebrafish are emerging as a model to study steroid hormone action and associated disease. However, steroidogenesis in zebrafish is not well characterized. Mammalian P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1) catalyzes the first step of steroidogenesis, the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone. Previous studies describe an essential role for zebrafish Cyp11a1 during early development. Cyp11a1 has been suggested to be the functional equivalent of mammalian CYP11A1 in the zebrafish interrenal gland (equivalent to the mammalian adrenal), gonad, and brain. However, reported cyp11a1 expression is inconsistent in zebrafish larvae, after active cortisol synthesis commences. Recently a duplicated cyp11a gene, cyp11a2, has been described, which shares an 85% identity with cyp11a1. We aimed to elucidate the specific role of the two cyp11a paralogs. cyp11a1 was expressed from 0 to 48 hours post-fertilization (hpf), whereas cyp11a2 expression started after the development of the interrenal primordium (32 hpf) and was the only paralog in larvae. cyp11a2 is expressed in adult steroidogenic tissues, such as the interrenal, gonads, and brain. In contrast, cyp11a1 was mainly restricted to the gonads. Antisense morpholino knockdown studies confirmed abnormal gastrulation in cyp11a1 morphants. cyp11a2 morphants showed impaired steroidogenesis and a phenotype indicative of metabolic abnormalities. The phenotype was rescued by pregnenolone replacement in cyp11a2 morphants. Thus, we conclude that cyp11a1 is required for early development, whereas cyp11a2 is essential for the initiation and maintenance of zebrafish interrenal steroidogenesis. Importantly, this study highlights the need for a comprehensive characterization of steroidogenesis in zebrafish prior to its implementation as a model organism in translational research of adrenal disease.
l-Menthyl α-Maltoside as a Novel Low-molecular-weight Gelator
Authors: Ide Kohei , Sato Toshiyuki , Aoi Jun , Do Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Keiichi , Honda Yuki , Kirimura Kohtaro 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
l-Menthyl α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-glucopyranoside (l-α-MenG2), an α-maltoside of l-menthol, was synthesized through a three-step enzymatic reaction. We found that l-α-MenG2 possesses the properties of a low-molecular-weight gelator. Aqueous solutions containing l-α-MenG2 at concentrations above 30 g L−1 show a thermally reversible sol–gel transition. The sol–gel transition temperature of the aqueous l-α-MenG2 solution increases with l-α-MenG2 concentration: 12 °C at 30 g L−1 and 24 °C at 250 g L−1. d-Menthyl and d-isomenthyl α-maltosides were also synthesized enzymatically, but their aqueous solutions showed no sol–gel transition.
Synergetic Activation of Lipase by an Amino Acid with Alkyl–PEG Sulfate Ionic Liquid
Authors: Yoshiyama Kazuhide , Abe Yoshikazu , Hayase Shuichi , Nokami Toshiki , Itoh Toshiyuki 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The synergetic effect of amino acids and an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium α-cetylpolyoxyethylene(10) ether sulfate (IL1), as coating materials on lipase was discovered: coating on lipase PS using a certain amino acid with IL1 was found to be very effective for accelerating the lipase-catalyzed transesterification of secondary alcohols while maintaining perfect enantioselectivity.
Processed B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Is a Biomarker of Postinterventional Restenosis in Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Fujimoto Hirotaka , Suzuki Toru , Aizawa Kenichi , Sawaki Daigo , Ishida Junichi , Ando Jiro , Fujita Hideo , Komuro Issei , Nagai Ryozo 
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND
Restenosis, a condition in which the lesion vessel renarrows after a coronary intervention procedure, remains a limitation in management. A surrogate biomarker for risk stratification of restenosis would be welcome. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is secreted in response to pathologic stress from the heart. Its use as a biomarker of heart failure is well known; however, its diagnostic potential in ischemic heart disease is less explored. Recently, it has been reported that processed forms of BNP exist in the circulation. We hypothesized that circulating processed forms of BNP might be a biomarker of ischemic heart disease.

METHODS
We characterized processed forms of BNP by a newly developed mass spectrometry–based detection method combined with immunocapture using commercial anti-BNP antibodies.

RESULTS
Measurements of processed forms of BNP by this assay were found to be strongly associated with presence of restenosis. Reduced concentrations of the amino-terminal processed peptide BNP(5–32) relative to BNP(3–32) [as the index parameter BNP(5–32)/BNP(3–32) ratio] were seen in patients with restenosis [median (interquartile range) 1.19 (1.11–1.34), n = 22] vs without restenosis [1.43 (1.22–1.61), n = 83; P &lt; 0.001] in a cross-sectional study of 105 patients undergoing follow-up coronary angiography. A sensitivity of 100% to rule out the presence of restenosis was attained at a ratio of 1.52.

CONCLUSIONS
Processed forms of BNP may serve as viable potential biomarkers to rule out restenosis.