bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypertensive Heart Failure in Nigerian Africans: Insights from the Abeokuta Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Ogah Okechukwu S. , Sliwa Karen , Akinyemi Joshua O. , Falase Ayodele O. , Stewart Simon 
Published: February 2015

Data from the Abeokuta Heart Failure Registry were used to determine the clinical characteristics, mode of treatment, and short‐ and medium‐term outcomes of patients with hypertensive heart failure. A total of 320 patients were consecutively studied, comprising 184 men (57.5%) and 136 women (42.5%) aged 58.4±12.4 and 60.6±14.5 years, respectively. Most patients (80%) presented with New York Heart Association functional class III or IV and around one third (35%) had preserved systolic function. Median hospital stay was 9 days (interquartile range 5–21) while intra‐hospital mortality was 3.4%. The 30‐day, 90‐day, and 180‐day mortality rates were 0.9% (95% confidence interval, −0.2 to 3.5), 3.5% (95% confidence interval, −1.7 to 7.3), and 11.7% (95% confidence interval, −7.8 to 17.5), respectively. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, only serum creatinine was an independent predictor of mortality at 180 days (adjusted odds ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, −1.17 to 2.64). Hypertension is the most common etiological risk factor for heart failure in Nigeria. Most patients present in the fourth decade of life with severe heart failure and secondary valvular dysfunction and significant in‐hospital mortality.
Targeting lung cancer stem‐like cells with TRAIL gene armed oncolytic adenovirus
Authors: Yang Yu , Xu Haineng , Huang Weidan , Ding Miao , Xiao Jing , Yang Dongmei , Li Huaguang , Liu Xin‐Yuan , Chu Liang 
Published: February 2015

AbstractLung cancer stem cell (LCSC) is critical in cancer initiation, progression, drug resistance and relapse. Disadvantages showed in conventional lung cancer therapy probably because of its existence. In this study, lung cancer cell line A549 cells propagated as spheroid bodies (named as A549 sphere cells) in growth factors‐defined serum‐free medium. A549 sphere cells displayed CSC properties, including chemo‐resistance, increased proportion of G0/G1 cells, slower proliferation rate, ability of differentiation and enhanced tumour formation ability in vivo. Oncolytic adenovirus ZD55 carrying EGFP gene, ZD55‐EGFP, infected A549 sphere cells and inhibited cell growth. Tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) armed oncolytic adenovirus, ZD55‐TRAIL, exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity and induced A549 sphere cells apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway. Moreover, small molecules embelin, LY294002 and resveratrol improved the cytotoxicity of ZD55‐TRAIL. In the A549 sphere cells xenograft models, ZD55‐TRAIL significantly inhibited tumour growth and improved survival status of mice. These results suggested that gene armed oncolytic adenovirus is a potential approach for lung cancer therapy through targeting LCSCs.
Protective effect of heme oxygenase induction in ethinylestradiol‐induced cholestasis
Authors: Muchova Lucie , Vanova Katerina , Suk Jakub , Micuda Stanislav , Dolezelova Eva , Fuksa Leos , Cerny Dalibor , Farghali Hassan , Zelenkova Miroslava , Lenicek Martin , Wong Ronald J. , Vreman Hendrik J. , Vitek Libor 
Published: February 2015

AbstractEstrogen‐induced cholestasis is characterized by impaired hepatic uptake and biliary bile acids secretion because of changes in hepatocyte transporter expression. The induction of heme oxygenase‐1 (HMOX1), the inducible isozyme in heme catabolism, is mediated via the Bach1/Nrf2 pathway, and protects livers from toxic, oxidative and inflammatory insults. However, its role in cholestasis remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of HMOX1 induction by heme on ethinylestradiol‐induced cholestasis and possible underlying mechanisms. Wistar rats were given ethinylestradiol (5 mg/kg s.c.) for 5 days. HMOX1 was induced by heme (15 μmol/kg i.p.) 24 hrs prior to ethinylestradiol. Serum cholestatic markers, hepatocyte and renal membrane transporter expression, and biliary and urinary bile acids excretion were quantified. Ethinylestradiol significantly increased cholestatic markers (P ≤ 0.01), decreased biliary bile acid excretion (39%, P = 0.01), down‐regulated hepatocyte transporters (Ntcp/Oatp1b2/Oatp1a4/Mrp2, P ≤ 0.05), and up‐regulated Mrp3 (348%, P ≤ 0.05). Heme pre‐treatment normalized cholestatic markers, increased biliary bile acid excretion (167%, P ≤ 0.05) and up‐regulated hepatocyte transporter expression. Moreover, heme induced Mrp3 expression in control (319%, P ≤ 0.05) and ethinylestradiol‐treated rats (512%, P ≤ 0.05). In primary rat hepatocytes, Nrf2 silencing completely abolished heme‐induced Mrp3 expression. Additionally, heme significantly increased urinary bile acid clearance via up‐regulation (Mrp2/Mrp4) or down‐regulation (Mrp3) of renal transporters (P ≤ 0.05). We conclude that HMOX1 induction by heme increases hepatocyte transporter expression, subsequently stimulating bile flow in cholestasis. Also, heme stimulates hepatic Mrp3 expression via a Nrf2‐dependent mechanism. Bile acids transported by Mrp3 to the plasma are highly cleared into the urine, resulting in normal plasma bile acid levels. Thus, HMOX1 induction may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ethinylestradiol‐induced cholestasis.
Autophagy modulates the effects of bis‐anthracycline WP631 on p53‐deficient prostate cancer cells
Authors: Mansilla Sylvia , Vizcaíno Carolina , Rodríguez‐Sánchez Maria A. , Priebe Waldemar , Portugal José 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTreatment of p53‐deficient PC‐3 human prostate carcinoma cells with nanomolar concentrations of bis‐anthracycline WP631 induced changes in gene expression, which resulted in G2/M cell cycle arrest, autophagy and cell death. The presence of 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (2‐DG), which induces metabolic stress and autophagy, enhanced the antiproliferative effects of WP631. Changes induced by WP631, 2‐DG, or co‐treatments with both compounds, in the expression of a variety of genes involved in autophagy and apoptosis were quantified by real‐time PCR. They were consistent with a raise in autophagy followed by cell death. Some cells dying from G2/M phase showed features of necrosis like early changes in membrane permeability, while others were dying by apoptosis that occurred in presence of little caspase‐3 activity. Our results indicate that WP631 is not only an antiproliferative agent acting on gene transcription, but it can also induce autophagy regardless of the presence of other pro‐autophagy stimuli. The development of autophagy seemed to improve the cytotoxicity of WP631 in PC‐3 cells. Our results indicate that autophagy would enhance the activity of DNA‐binding drugs like WP631 that are potent inhibitors of gene transcription.
β‐PIX controls intracellular viscoelasticity to regulate lung cancer cell migration
Authors: Yu Helen Wenshin , Chen Yin‐Quan , Huang Chi‐Ming , Liu Ching‐Yi , Chiou Arthur , Wang Yang‐Kao , Tang Ming‐Jer , Kuo Jean‐Cheng 
Published: February 2015

AbstractCancer metastasis occurs via a progress involving abnormal cell migration. Cell migration, a dynamic physical process, is controlled by the cytoskeletal system, which includes the dynamics of actin organization and cellular adhesive organelles, focal adhesions (FAs). However, it is not known whether the organization of actin cytoskeletal system has a regulatory role in the physiologically relevant aspects of cancer metastasis. In the present studies, it was found that lung adenocarcinoma cells isolated from the secondary lung cancer of the lymph nodes, H1299 cells, show specific dynamics in terms of the actin cytoskeleton and FAs. This results in a higher level of mobility and this is regulated by an immature FA component, β‐PIX (PAK‐interacting exchange factor‐β). In H1299 cells, β‐PIX's activity was found not to be down‐regulated by sequestration onto stress fibres, as the cells did not bundle actin filaments into stress fibres. Thus, β‐PIX mainly remained localized at FAs, which allowed maturation of nascent adhesions into focal complexes; this resulted in actin polymerization, increased actin network integrity, changes in the intracellular microrheology at the peripheral of the cell, and cell polarity, which in turn regulated cell migration. Perturbation of β‐PIX caused an inhibition of cell migration, including migration velocity, accumulated distance and directional persistence. Our results demonstrate the importance of β‐PIX to the regulation of high mobility of lung adenocarcinoma cell line H1299 and that this occurs via regulation of FA dynamics, changes in actin cytoskeleton organization and cell polarity.
Protease‐activated receptor (PAR)‐2 is required for PAR‐1 signalling in pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Lin Cong , von der Thüsen Jan , Daalhuisen Joost , ten Brink Marieke , Crestani Bruno , van der Poll Tom , Borensztajn Keren , Spek C. Arnold 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most devastating diffuse fibrosing lung disease of unknown aetiology. Compelling evidence suggests that both protease‐activated receptor (PAR)‐1 and PAR‐2 participate in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis is diminished in both PAR‐1 and PAR‐2 deficient mice. We thus have been suggested that combined inactivation of PAR‐1 and PAR‐2 would be more effective in blocking pulmonary fibrosis. Human and murine fibroblasts were stimulated with PAR‐1 and PAR‐2 agonists in the absence or presence of specific PAR‐1 or PAR‐2 antagonists after which fibrotic markers like collagen and smooth muscle actin were analysed by Western blot. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by intranasal instillation of bleomycin into wild‐type and PAR‐2 deficient mice with or without a specific PAR‐1 antagonist (P1pal‐12). Fibrosis was assessed by hydroxyproline quantification and (immuno)histochemical analysis. We show that specific PAR‐1 and/or PAR‐2 activating proteases induce fibroblast migration, differentiation and extracellular matrix production. Interestingly, however, combined activation of PAR‐1 and PAR‐2 did not show any additive effects on these pro‐fibrotic responses. Strikingly, PAR‐2 deficiency as well as pharmacological PAR‐1 inhibition reduced bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis to a similar extent. PAR‐1 inhibition in PAR‐2 deficient mice did not further diminish bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. Finally, we show that the PAR‐1‐dependent pro‐fibrotic responses are inhibited by the PAR‐2 specific antagonist. Targeting PAR‐1 and PAR‐2 simultaneously is not superior to targeting either receptor alone in bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. We postulate that the pro‐fibrotic effects of PAR‐1 require the presence of PAR‐2.
Reaction Kinetics of Ozone Gas in Paddy Grains
Authors: Pandiselvam Ravi , Thirupathi Venkatachalam , Anandakumar S. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of ozone on paddy grains in an airtight acrylic bin with the following three aspects: saturation time, decomposition kinetics and half‐life of ozone. Experiments were performed in different bed thickness (5 and 10 cm) and moisture content (11.2 and 14.3% w.b.) at atmospheric condition. The lowest saturation time of ozone was 71 min with concentration of 773 ppm for paddy grains ozonated at 5 cm bed thickness with 11.2% (w.b.) moisture content. The decomposition kinetics obtained was first‐order model. As regard the half‐life of ozone, the lowest value obtained was 6.32 min for paddy grains ozonated at 10 cm bed thickness with moisture content of 14.3% (w.b.). In the process, half‐life of ozone in paddy grains, bed thickness (P ≤ 0.01) and moisture content (P ≤ 0.01) were found to be the key factors.Practical ApplicationsOzone is a highly reactive and strong oxidizing agent with insecticidal activity. For large volumes of stored grains, studies of ozone gas application are mostly experimental so they cannot be universal and applied to different storage systems. Reaction kinetics of ozone gas can be used to understand the effect of ozone on stored grains, optimize the design of ozone fumigation systems and find out the total fumigation time of farm‐level storage bin. An application method needs to be developed to minimize loss and distribute the fumigant evenly and quickly throughout the chamber. The effectiveness of ozone also depends on the moisture content and depth of the grains. Hence to verify the adaptability of ozone fumigation system to a large‐scale study on reaction kinetics is highly essential.
Biological Characteristics and Safety Examination of Five Enterococcal Strains from Probiotic Products
Authors: Lei Ming , Dai Xianjun , Liu Mingqi 
Published: February 2015

AbstractFive enterococcal strains (Enterococcus faecalis LS15, PF03, BF10 and SL13 and Enterococcus faecium MM08) were isolated and identified from 130 probiotic products marketed in China. The determined biological characteristics were acid tolerance, bile tolerance, pepsin tolerance, trypsin tolerance, organic acid production and antimicrobial activity. Safety examination of potential virulence factors and antibiotic resistance were also performed. The five isolated strains showed good tolerance to biological barriers in vitro, and lactic acid was the most abundant organic acid (10–11 mg/mL) produced by these strains. The isolates exhibited antilisterial activities. Safety examinations revealed that certain potential virulence factors (ace, gelE and efaA) were harbored in strains LS15, PF03, BF10 and SL13, and all of the isolates exhibited complete or intermediate resistance to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, erythrocin and tetracycline. Compared with the other isolates, the E. faecium MM08 played the leading role as a probiotic strain. These antilisterial probiotic enterococcal strains had good tolerance to biological barriers, mainly produced lactic acid, exhibited antibiotic resistance traits and could harbor certain virulence factors.Practical ApplicationsThis study aimed to examine the biological characteristics and safety aspects of probiotic enterococcal strains isolated from probiotic products. Five isolates showed good probiotic characteristics, but its safety aspects need to be studied in the future.
Strategies Used by Foreign‐Born Family Therapists to Connect Across Cultural Differences: A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Niño Alba , Kissil Karni , Davey Maureen P. 
Published: February 2015

With the growing diversity in the United States among both clinicians and clients, many therapeutic encounters are cross‐cultural, requiring providers to connect across cultural differences. Foreign‐born therapists have many areas of differences to work through. Thus, exploring how foreign‐born family therapists in the United States connect to their clients can uncover helpful strategies that all therapists can use to establish stronger cross‐cultural therapeutic connections. A thematic analysis was conducted to understand strategies 13 foreign‐born therapists used during therapeutic encounters. Four themes were identified: making therapy a human‐to‐human connection, dealing with stereotypes, what really matters, and flexibility. Findings suggest that developing a deep therapeutic connection using emotional attunement and human‐to‐human engagement is crucial for successful cross‐cultural therapy. Clinical and training implications are provided.Video Abstract
Seasonal electrocution fatalities in free‐range rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) of Shivalik hills area in northern India
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Kumar Vipin 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe arboreal nature of rhesus macaques makes them vulnerable to electrocution from high‐voltage industrial supply as well as low‐tension domestic wires. The data on pattern of electrocution injuries and electrocution mortalities in free‐ranging rhesus macaques are rarely reported.MethodsFrom January 2011 to 2013, the cases of accidental electrocution injuries were recorded in difference to sex, age group, season, body region distribution, contact details, and extent of injuries in free‐ranging rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) of Shivalik hill areas.Resultselectrocution injuries were highest in juveniles (52.05%), followed by adults (30.13%) and old (10.95%) rhesus macaques. Of the 73 cases recorded, 23 (31.50%) succumbed to death following severe electrocution and associated injuries. The intensity and body region distribution of electrocution injuries was recorded.ConclusionHigh‐voltage current is the most common factor for fatal injuries. Strategies to avoid such electrocutions include burying all lines and transformers, shielding and insulating all high‐tension lines, installing bridges that monkeys, and other arboreal species can use to move around.
Patients with 3‐Vessel Coronary Artery Disease and Impaired Ventricular Function Undergoing PCI with Impella 2.5 Hemodynamic Support Have Improved 90‐Day Outcomes Compared to Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump: A Sub‐Study of The PROTECT II Trial
Authors: KOVACIC JASON C. , KINI ANNAPOORNA , BANERJEE SUBHASH , DANGAS GEORGE , MASSARO JOSEPH , MEHRAN ROXANA , POPMA JEFFREY , O'NEILL WILLIAM W. , SHARMA SAMIN K. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of hemodynamic support using Impella 2.5 (IR2.5) vs intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) in patients with 3‐vessel coronary artery disease (3VD).BackgroundPROTECT II demonstrated favorable 90‐day outcomes in patients with impaired LVEF and left main or 3VD undergoing PCI with hemodynamic support with IR2.5 compared to IABP. It is unclear if this was due to a specific benefit in a patient sub‐population and if certain patients may derive particular benefit from PCI with IR2.5 support.MethodsPatients in PROTECT II were stratified upon enrollment into the left main/last patent vessel or 3VD subgroups and randomized to IR2.5 or IABP within those groups. Patients in the 3VD substratum were required to have LVEF ≤30%.ResultsAmong the 3VD subgroup (n = 325 patients; IR2.5 167, IABP 158) patients were well matched, except for prior heart failure or CABG, which were more common in the IR2.5 group (both P ≤ 0.01). Mean number of lesions treated was 3.0 ± 1.5 vs. 2.9 ± 1.4 (P = 0.61). At 30 days after PCI, patients that received IR2.5 compared to IABP support trended toward a reduction in incidence of major adverse events (MAE): 32.9% vs. 42.4% (P = 0.078). At 90 days after PCI, there was a significant difference favoring IR2.5 for incidence of MAE: 39.5% vs. 51.0% (P = 0.039), with this effect being consistent across multiple clinical subgroups. Use of IR2.5 was an independent predictor of improved 90‐day outcomes.ConclusionsPatients with 3VD and reduced LVEF show improved outcomes when PCI is performed with IR2.5 hemodynamic support. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:32–40)
Preventive versus Culprit‐Only Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients with Multivessel Disease: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: SONG YEO‐JEONG , SHIN HO‐CHEOL , YANG JOO‐II , LEE HO‐YOUNG , JIN HAN‐YOUNG , SEO JEONG‐SOOK , YANG TAE‐HYUN , KIM DAE‐KYEONG , KIM DONG‐SOO , JANG JAE‐SIK 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundAlthough previous studies have suggested clinical benefits of complete revascularization in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, it is still controversial whether preventive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) leads to better clinical outcomes in the clinical setting of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).MethodsRelevant studies through September 2014 were searched and identified in the electronic databases. Primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality at the longest follow‐up. Secondary endpoints included myocardial infarction (MI), repeat revascularization, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE).ResultsFrom 836 initial citations, 7 randomized trials, and 23 observational studies with 44,256 patients (8,087 preventive and 36,169 culprit‐only) were included in this study. Preventive PCI was associated with a significant reduction in repeat revascularization (odds ratios [OR]: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.51–0.99) with no differences in all‐cause mortality (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.76–1.29) or MI (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.62–1.87) as compared with culprit‐only PCI. Comparison of preventive PCI to the culprit‐only PCI group revealed OR for MACE of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.57–1.12). Stratified analysis according to revascularization strategy demonstrated a significant survival benefit of culprit‐only PCI over multivessel PCI during the index procedure and a significantly lower incidence of all‐cause mortality with staged PCI as compared with culprit‐only or multivessel PCI during the index procedure.ConclusionsPreventive PCI strategy appears to be effective in reducing the risk of repeat revascularization without significant benefits for mortality or MI when compared with culprit‐only revascularization in STEMI patients with multivessel disease. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:1–13)
(Meta)‐Analysis of Safety and Efficacy Following Edge‐to‐Edge Mitral Valve Repair Using the MitraClip System
Authors: BAIL DOROTHEE H.L. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesThe authors investigated safety and efficacy of the MitraClip‐System (MCS) using a systematic analysis.BackgroundThe safety and efficacy of the MCS continues to be debated, and randomized trials are still lacking.MethodA systematic literature search was conducted using common medical and scientific databases. The following kinds of data were obtained: at baseline, 30 days, 6 and 12 month post‐procedure. For safety and efficacy mortality‐rate (survival), mitral regurgitation <2+ (MR), adverse event rate (AE), NYHA class and reoperation‐rate were documented. A meta‐analysis with quantitative summary was performed.ResultsTwenty‐six studies including 3821 patient's who were treated with MCS, were analyzed. Weighted mean age was 73.9 ± 2.3 years and LogEuroScore was 25.2 ± 6.0%. Post‐procedural MR<2+ was achieved in 86.4% and 66.3% of the patients were in NYHA class I/II within 30 days, AE‐rate was 18.3%, mortality‐rate was 2.8% and reoperation‐rate was 3.5%. Freedom from MR>3 + −4 was 80.2% (80.1%), from NYHA III/IV was 78.6% (66.1%) and freedom from death was 82.6% (87.8%) and from reoperation 95.6% (88.6%) at 6 and 12 month.ConclusionBased on the analysis of the current literature treatment with MCS is associated with good short‐term success and low mortality. MCS is safe and effective for patients with limited surgical options. The results are comparable with open mitral valve repair (oMVR) but patients are markedly older and have a higer risk profile than patients who undergo oMVR. Prospective randomized controlled trials are warranted to determine potential AEs, device durability and long‐term follow‐up. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:69–75)