bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antioxidants and tumor necrosis factor alpha-inhibiting activity of sesame oil against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Saleem Mohamed T. S. , Chetty Madhusudhana C. , Kavimani S. 
Published: January 2014

Objective: Oxidative stress is currently considered to be the key factor in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Comparatively small quantity of the endogenous antioxidant content of the heart is assumed to be the predisposing factor for doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. The present research was designed to evaluate the antioxidant potential and tumor necrosis factor alpha-(TNF-α) inhibiting activity of sesame oil against acute doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Methods: Male Wistar albino rats (180–200 g) were administered sesame oil in two dissimilar doses (5 and 10 ml/kg body weight, orally) for 30 days, followed by a single dose of doxorubicin (30 mg/kg s.c.). Results: In the doxorubicin-treated group, increased oxidative stress was proven by a significant rise of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level and a decrease of myocardial superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione content. Histopathological studies showed myocardial necrosis with accumulation of inflammatory cells, vacuolization and overall enlargement of the myocardium. Western blot analysis showed marked expression of TNF-α in the myocardium. Alteration in biochemical parameters by doxorubicin administration was prevented significantly ( p < 0.0001) in the 5 and 10 ml/kg sesame oil treated rat hearts. Treatment with 5 and 10 ml/kg of sesame oil reduced the doxorubicin-induced TNF-α expression in the myocardium, which was associated with reduced myocyte injury. The overall effect of sesame oil was comparable with probucol, which shows similar protection. Conclusion: The chronic oral administration of sesame oil prevents acute doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by enhancing cardiac endogenous antioxidants and decreasing myocardial TNF-α expression.
A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Saroglitazar 2 and 4 mg Compared to Pioglitazone 45 mg in Diabetic Dyslipidemia (PRESS V)
Authors: Pai Vikas , Paneerselvam A , Mukhopadhyay Satinath , Bhansali Anil , Kamath Dinesh , Shankar V , Gambhire Dhiraj , Jani Rajendrakumar H. , Joshi Shashank , Patel Pankaj 
Published: January 2014

Background: Dual PPARα/γ can improve both metabolic effects and minimized the side effects caused by either PPARα or PPARγ agonist. The PRESS V study was aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of saroglitazar 2 mg and 4 mg capsules (Lipaglyn™; Zydus Code: ZYH1) as compared to high dose pioglitazone in patients with diabetic dyslipidemia. Methods: In this 26-week double-blind, parallel arm, phase 3 study patients with hypertriglyceridemia with type 2 diabetes mellitus (BMI > 23 kg/m2; hypertriglyceridemia: TG > 200 to 400 mg/dL; glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c] >7 to 9%) were enrolled from 14 sites in India. After 2 weeks of lifestyle modification, 122 patients were randomized double-blind to 24-week treatment with the study drugs (saroglitazar 2 mg or 4 mg or pioglitazone 45 mg once daily) in a 1:1:1 ratio. The primary end point was change in plasma triglyceride level at week 24. The secondary end points were change in lipid profile and fasting plasma glucose at week 24. Patients who received study medication and had undergone at least 1 postbaseline efficacy evaluation were included in the efficacy analysis. All randomized patients who received at least a single dose were included for safety evaluation. Results: The efficacy analysis included 109 patients (n = 37 in saroglitazar 2 mg; n = 39 in saroglitazar 4 mg; n = 33 in pioglitazone). Saroglitazar 2 mg and 4 mg significantly reduced ( P < .001) plasma triglyceride from baseline by 26.4% (absolute change ± SD: −78.2 ± 81.98 mg/dL) and 45% (absolute change ± SD −115.4 ± 68.11 mg/dL), respectively, as compared to pioglitazone -15.5% (absolute change ± SD: −33.3 ± 162.41 mg/dL) at week 24. Saroglitazar 4 mg treatment also demonstrated marked decrease in low-density lipoprotein (5%), very-low-density lipoprotein (45.5%), total cholesterol (7.7%), and apolipoprotein-B (10.9%). Saroglitazar treatment was generally safe and well tolerated. No serious adverse events were reported in saroglitazar treatment arm and no persistent change in laboratory parameters. Conclusions: Saroglitazar appeared to be an effective and safe therapeutic option for improving hypertriglyceridemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Mutations in Krüppel-like factor 1 cause transfusion-dependent hemolytic anemia and persistence of embryonic globin gene expression
Authors: Viprakasit Vip , Ekwattanakit Supachai , Riolueang Suchada , Chalaow Nipon , Fisher Chris , Lower Karen , Kanno Hitoshi , Tachavanich Kalaya , Bejrachandra Sasithorn , Saipin Jariya , Juntharaniyom Monthana , Sanpakit Kleebsabai , Tanphaichitr Voravarn S. , Songdej Duantida , Babbs Christian , Gibbons Richard J. , Philipsen Sjaak , Higgs Douglas R. 
Published: January 2014

Key Points
KLF1 mutations cause severe congenital hemolytic anemia associated with a deficiency of red cell pyruvate kinase. A severe KLF1 deficiency causes hereditary persistence of embryonic globin synthesis.
Impact of ruxolitinib on the natural history of primary myelofibrosis: a comparison of the DIPSS and the COMFORT-2 cohorts
Authors: Passamonti Francesco , Maffioli Margherita , Cervantes Francisco , Vannucchi Alessandro Maria , Morra Enrica , Barbui Tiziano , Caramazza Domenica , Pieri Lisa , Rumi Elisa , Gisslinger Heinz , Knoops Laurent , Kiladjian Jean Jaques , Mora Barbara , Hollaender Norbert , Pascutto Cristiana , Harrison Claire , Cazzola Mario 
Published: January 2014

Key PointsPatients with primary myelofibrosis and intermediate-2 or high IPSS risk have a median life expectancy of 4 years or less. PMF patients with higher IPSS risks who receive ruxolitinib treatment have longer survival than those who receive conventional therapy.
MMP-2 and TIMP-1 predict healing of WTC-lung injury in New York City firefighters
Authors: Nolan Anna , Kwon Sophia , Cho Soo Jung , Naveed Bushra , Comfort Ashley L , Prezant David J , Rom William N , Weiden Michael D 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Rationale
After 9/11/2001, most FDNY workers had persistent lung function decline but some exposed workers recovered. We hypothesized that the protease/anti-protease balance in serum soon after exposure predicts subsequent recovery.

Methods
We performed a nested case–control study measuring biomarkers in serum drawn before 3/2002 and subsequent forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) on repeat spirometry before 3/2008. Serum was assayed for matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1,2,3,7,8,9,12 and 13) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1,2,3,4). The representative sub-cohort defined analyte distribution and a concentration above 75th percentile defined elevated biomarker expression. An FEV1 one standard deviation above the mean defined resistance to airway injury. Logistic regression was adjusted for pre-9/11 FEV1, BMI, age and exposure intensity modeled the association between elevated biomarker expression and above average FEV1.

Results
FEV1 in cases and controls declined 10% of after 9/11/2001. Cases subsequently returned to 99% of their pre-exposure FEV1 while decline persisted in controls. Elevated TIMP-1 and MMP-2 increased the odds of resistance by 5.4 and 4.2 fold while elevated MMP-1 decreased it by 0.27 fold.

Conclusions
Resistant cases displayed healing, returning to 99% of pre-exposure values. High TIMP-1 and MMP-2 predict healing. MMP/TIMP balance reflects independent pathways to airway injury and repair after WTC exposure.
Comparison of different assembly and annotation tools on analysis of simulated viral metagenomic communities in the gut
Authors: Vázquez-Castellanos Jorge F , García-López Rodrigo , Pérez-Brocal Vicente , Pignatelli Miguel , Moya Andrés 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
The main limitations in the analysis of viral metagenomes are perhaps the high genetic variability and the lack of information in extant databases. To address these issues, several bioinformatic tools have been specifically designed or adapted for metagenomics by improving read assembly and creating more sensitive methods for homology detection. This study compares the performance of different available assemblers and taxonomic annotation software using simulated viral-metagenomic data.

Results
We simulated two 454 viral metagenomes using genomes from NCBI's RefSeq database based on the list of actual viruses found in previously published metagenomes. Three different assembly strategies, spanning six assemblers, were tested for performance: overlap-layout-consensus algorithms Newbler, Celera and Minimo; de Bruijn graphs algorithms Velvet and MetaVelvet; and read probabilistic model Genovo. The performance of the assemblies was measured by the length of resulting contigs (using N50), the percentage of reads assembled and the overall accuracy when comparing against corresponding reference genomes. Additionally, the number of chimeras per contig and the lowest common ancestor were estimated in order to assess the effect of assembling on taxonomic and functional annotation. The functional classification of the reads was evaluated by counting the reads that correctly matched the functional data previously reported for the original genomes and calculating the number of over-represented functional categories in chimeric contigs. The sensitivity and specificity of tBLASTx, PhymmBL and the k-mer frequencies were measured by accurate predictions when comparing simulated reads against the NCBI Virus genomes RefSeq database.

Conclusions
Assembling improves functional annotation by increasing accurate assignations and decreasing ambiguous hits between viruses and bacteria. However, the success is limited by the chimeric contigs occurring at all taxonomic levels. The assembler and its parameters should be selected based on the focus of each study. Minimo's non-chimeric contigs and Genovo's long contigs excelled in taxonomy assignation and functional annotation, respectively.
tBLASTx stood out as the best approach for taxonomic annotation for virus identification. PhymmBL proved useful in datasets in which no related sequences are present as it uses genomic features that may help identify distant taxa. The k-frequencies underperformed in all viral datasets.
Transcriptome profiling of granulosa cells from bovine ovarian follicles during atresia
Authors: Hatzirodos Nicholas , Hummitzsch Katja , Irving-Rodgers Helen F , Harland Margaret L , Morris Stephanie E , Rodgers Raymond J 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
The major function of the ovary is to produce oocytes for fertilisation. Oocytes mature in follicles surrounded by nurturing granulosa cells and all are enclosed by a basal lamina. During growth, granulosa cells replicate and a large fluid-filled cavity (the antrum) develops in the centre. Only follicles that have enlarged to over 10 mm can ovulate in cows. In mammals, the number of primordial follicles far exceeds the numbers that ever ovulate and atresia or regression of follicles is a mechanism to regulate the number of oocytes ovulated and to contribute to the timing of ovulation. To better understand the molecular basis of follicular atresia, we undertook transcriptome profiling of granulosa cells from healthy (n = 10) and atretic (n = 5) bovine follicles at early antral stages (< 5 mm).

Results
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical classification of the signal intensity plots for the arrays showed primary clustering into two groups, healthy and atretic. These analyses and size-frequency plots of coefficients of variation of signal intensities revealed that the healthy follicles were more heterogeneous. Examining the differentially-expressed genes the most significantly affected functions in atretic follicles were cell death, organ development, tissue development and embryonic development. The overall processes influenced by transcription factor gene TP53 were predicted to be activated, whereas those of MYC were inhibited on the basis of known interactions with the genes in our dataset. The top ranked canonical pathway contained signalling molecules common to various inflammatory/fibrotic pathways such as the transforming growth factor-β and tumour necrosis factor-α pathways. The two most significant networks also reflect this pattern of tissue remodelling/fibrosis gene expression. These networks also contain molecules which are present in the canonical pathways of hepatic fibrosis/hepatic stellate cell activation and transforming growth factor-β signalling and were up regulated.

Conclusions
Small healthy antral follicles, which have a number of growth outcomes, exhibit greater variability in gene expression, particularly in genes associated with cell division and other growth-related functions. Atresia, on the other hand, not only involves cell death but clearly is an active process similar to wound healing.
Coverage, quality of and barriers to postnatal care in rural Hebei, China: a mixed method study
Authors: Chen Li , Qiong Wu , van Velthoven Michelle Helena , Yanfeng Zhang , Shuyi Zhang , Ye Li , Wei Wang , Xiaozhen Du , Ting Zhang 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Postnatal care is an important link in the continuum of care for maternal and child health. However, coverage and quality of postnatal care are poor in low- and middle-income countries. In 2009, the Chinese government set a policy providing free postnatal care services to all mothers and their newborns in China. Our study aimed at exploring coverage, quality of care, reasons for not receiving and barriers to providing postnatal care after introduction of this new policy.

Methods
We carried out a mixed method study in Zhao County, Hebei Province, China from July to August 2011. To quantify the coverage, quality of care and reasons for not using postnatal care, we conducted a household survey with 1601 caregivers of children younger than two years of age. We also conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 township maternal and child healthcare workers to evaluate their views on workload, in-service training and barriers to postnatal home visits.

Results
Of 1442 (90% of surveyed caregivers) women who completed the postnatal care survey module, 8% received a timely postnatal home visit (within one week after delivery) and 24% of women received postnatal care within 42 days after delivery. Among women who received postnatal care, 37% received counseling or guidance on infant feeding and 32% on cord care. 24% of women reported that the service provider checked jaundice of their newborns and 18% were consulted on danger signs and thermal care of their newborns. Of 991 mothers who did not seek postnatal care within 42 days after birth, 65% of them said that they did not knew about postnatal care and 24% of them thought it was unnecessary. Qualitative findings revealed that staff shortages and inconvenient transportation limited maternal and child healthcare workers in reaching out to women at home. In addition, maternal and child healthcare workers said that in-service training was inadequate and more training on postnatal care, hands-on practice, and supervision were needed.

Conclusions
Coverage and quality of postnatal care were low in rural Hebei Province and far below the targets set by Chinese government. We identified barriers both from the supply and demand side.
Systemic treatment with CAR-engineered T cells against PSCA delays subcutaneous tumor growth and prolongs survival of mice
Authors: Hillerdal Victoria , Ramachandran Mohanraj , Leja Justyna , Essand Magnus 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Adoptive transfer of T cells genetically engineered with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) has successfully been used to treat both chronic and acute lymphocytic leukemia as well as other hematological cancers. Experimental therapy with CAR-engineered T cells has also shown promising results on solid tumors. The prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) is a protein expressed on the surface of prostate epithelial cells as well as in primary and metastatic prostate cancer cells and therefore a promising target for immunotherapy of prostate cancer.

Methods
We developed a third-generation CAR against PSCA including the CD28, OX-40 and CD3 ζ signaling domains. T cells were transduced with a lentivirus encoding the PSCA-CAR and evaluated for cytokine production (paired Student’s t-test), proliferation (paired Student’s t-test), CD107a expression (paired Student’s t-test) and target cell killing in vitro and tumor growth and survival in vivo (Log-rank test comparing Kaplan-Meier survival curves).

Results
PSCA-CAR T cells exhibit specific interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-2 secretion and specific proliferation in response to PSCA-expressing target cells. Furthermore, the PSCA-CAR-engineered T cells efficiently kill PSCA-expressing tumor cells in vitro and systemic treatment with PSCA-CAR-engineered T cells significantly delays subcutaneous tumor growth and prolongs survival of mice.

Conclusions
Our data confirms that PSCA-CAR T cells may be developed for treatment of prostate cancer.
Economic evaluation of access to musculoskeletal care: the case of waiting for total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Mather Richard C , Hug Kevin T , Orlando Lori A , Watters Tyler Steven , Koenig Lane , Nunley Ryan M , Bolognesi Michael P 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
The projected demand for total knee arthroplasty is staggering. At its root, the solution involves increasing supply or decreasing demand. Other developed nations have used rationing and wait times to distribute this service. However, economic impact and cost-effectiveness of waiting for TKA is unknown.

Methods
A Markov decision model was constructed for a cost-utility analysis of three treatment strategies for end-stage knee osteoarthritis: 1) TKA without delay, 2) a waiting period with no non-operative treatment and 3) a non-operative treatment bridge during that waiting period in a cohort of 60 year-old patients. Outcome probabilities and effectiveness were derived from the literature. Costs were estimated from the societal perspective with national average Medicare reimbursement. Effectiveness was expressed in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained. Principal outcome measures were average incremental costs, effectiveness, and quality-adjusted life years; and net health benefits.

Results
In the base case, a 2-year wait-time both with and without a non-operative treatment bridge resulted in a lower number of average QALYs gained (11.57 (no bridge) and 11.95 (bridge) vs. 12.14 (no delay). The average cost was $1,660 higher for TKA without delay than wait-time with no bridge, but $1,810 less than wait-time with non-operative bridge. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio comparing wait-time with no bridge to TKA without delay was $2,901/QALY. When comparing TKA without delay to waiting with non-operative bridge, TKA without delay produced greater utility at a lower cost to society.

Conclusions
TKA without delay is the preferred cost-effective treatment strategy when compared to a waiting for TKA without non-operative bridge. TKA without delay is cost saving when a non-operative bridge is used during the waiting period. As it is unlikely that patients waiting for TKA would not receive non-operative treatment, TKA without delay may be an overall cost-saving health care delivery strategy. Policies aimed at increasing the supply of TKA should be considered as savings exist that could indirectly fund those strategies.
Decision-making factors affecting different family members regarding the placement of relatives in long-term care facilities
Authors: Huang Ying-Chia , Chu Chiao-Lee , Ho Ching-Sung , Lan Shou-Jen , Hsieh Chen-Hsi , Hsieh Yen-Ping 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
The aim of this research was to investigate factors affecting different family members’ decisions regarding the placement of relatives in long-term car (LTC) facilities in Taiwan. The objective was to investigate the correlations between family members’ personal traits, the living conditions of residents in the LTC facilities, and family members’ experiences with LTC facilities.

Methods
This study selected family members visiting residents in LTC facilities as research subjects and used a structured questionnaire to perform face-to-face interviews. This study used nonlinear canonical correlation analysis (OVERALS) to categorize the decision-making factors affecting family members’ choices of LTC facilities.

Results
The results showed that when making decisions about the placement of family members, spouses chose facilities according to their own life experiences, children considered medical treatment convenience, grandchildren preferred to collect relevant information on facilities, and other relatives preferred to decide based on introductions from government departments.

Conclusions
These results help clarify how different family roles affect decision-making processes regarding the choice of LTC facilities. In particular, spouses and female relatives require an interventional service mechanism that provides consultation or referral information.
Safety and efficacy of bevacizumab combined with R-CHOP regimen in seven Chinese patients with untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Fu Zhiying , Zhu Jun , Zheng Wen , Liu Weiping , Ying Zhitao , Xie Yan , Wang Xiaopei , Lin Ningjing , Tu Meifeng , Ping Lingyan , Deng Lijuan , Zhang Chen , Ding Ning , Song Yuqin 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Rituximab plus CHOP (R-CHOP) significantly improved the outcome of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a common sub-type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. But 40% – 50% of DLBCL patients cannot be cured by this regimen. Some clinical trials showed that bevacizumab might be useful in the treatment of DLBCL. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab combined with the R-CHOP (A-R-CHOP) regimen in Chinese patients with previously untreated DLBCL.

Methods
Patients with previously untreated DLBCL received A-R-CHOP regimen therapy. All patients with complete response (CR)/ unconfirmed complete response(CRu) after 8 cycles of A-R-CHOP received the bevacizumab maintenance therapy once every 3 weeks. The remained bulky disease was treated with radiotherapy.

Results
Seven Chinese patients were treated. All of them had bulky diseases. One patient had progressive disease after 4 cycles of A-R-CHOP therapy. The rest six patients completed 8 cycles of A-R-CHOP treatment. All of these six patients reached CR/CRu (5 CR, 1 CRu). Bevacizumab maintenance therapy was given to 4 CR patients. All 7 patients experienced Grade 3/4 hematologic adverse events; additionally, one had Grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity and one had Grade 1 epistaxis. During bevacizumab maintenance therapy, one patient had Grade 1 gingival bleeding, another experienced Grade 1 proteinuria and then Grade 3 congestive heart failure 4 months after completion of maintenance therapy. At the end of July 2013, the patient who had progressive disease after 4 cycles of A-R-CHOP died of progressive disease, the other six remained CR response.

Conclusions
The A-R-CHOP regimen is effective for untreated DLBCL, but may cause bevacizumab-specific toxicities, which should be monitored.