bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐Crimping Superelastic Nitinol Prosthesis and Malleostapedotomy
Authors: Magliulo Giuseppe 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the results of application of 2 types of superelastic nitinol prostheses.Study DesignTemporal bones study with planned data collection.SettingTertiary referral center.Subjects and MethodsMalleostapedotomy was performed in 15 human temporal bones implanting 3 different prostheses: manually crimping polytetrafluoroethylene (MC‐PTFE) piston, nitinol self‐crimping polytetrafluoroethylene (SC‐PTFE) piston, and a modified nitinol self‐crimping polytetrafluoroethylene (mSC‐PTFE) piston. The first 2 have a diameter of 0.4 mm and length of 7 mm, whereas the mSC‐PTFE piston has a diameter of 0.4 mm but a length of 7.75 mm. We evaluated various parameters of prosthesis attachment—that is, the time for implantation of SC and mSC nitinol loop pistons and the MC platinum loop piston, the quality of attachment of the prostheses to the malleus, their positions with respect to the center of the stapes footplate, and the protrusion of the piston into the vestibule.ResultsThe mSC‐PTFE superelastic nitinol prosthesis showed a statistically significant difference in mean operation time (mSC vs SC, P <. 0001; SC vs MC, P <. 0001; mSC vs MC, P <. 0001). The protrusion of the piston into the vestibule was highly reproducible in all 3 prostheses.ConclusionBecause of its greater length, the mSC‐PTFE allows for management of the most varied anatomical conditions. At the same time, its self‐crimping nature prevents the risk of distortion of the prosthesis by the crimping process and reduces the operation time in combination with standardized bending of the prosthesis shaft.
Controlling intrathoracic hemorrhage on ECMO: help from Factor VIIa and Virchow
Authors: Rigby MR , Kamat P , Vats A , Heard M 
Published: December 2012

Objective: Thoracentesis with chest tube placement is often needed to decompress a clinically significant pneumothorax or pleural effusion. The risks of such a procedure may be considered too great to perform on a systemically anticoagulated patient supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Results: An 8-year-old child with respiratory failure due to necrotizing pneumonia and autoimmune vasculitis, on veno-venous ECMO, developed a severe tension pneumothorax that required emergent decompression with a chest tube. Post-procedure, the patient developed a hemothorax that was approaching non-sustainability. We developed a strategy based on Virchow’s triad to favor homeostasis in the patient while avoiding thrombosis in the ECMO circuit. We employed selective lung ventilation, passive pleural drainage, high flow ECMO, and aggressive coagulation cascade control, including the use of aminocaproic acid and activated factor VIIa. Following this strategy, the hemorrhage was controlled and, later, the patient was able to successfully come off ECMO. Conclusions: With careful coagulation cascade manipulation, complete lung rest for the affected lung, control of ECMO blood flow, and prudent hemothorax drainage, we were able to facilitate hemostasis that was required for the successful recovery of our patient while avoiding critical ECMO circuit thrombosis. Even with today’s highly advanced medical technologies, centuries-old basic medical principles can still assist in the care of our sickest and most complex patients. Chest tube placement while on ECMO is rare and, although necessary, may be a risky procedure. With precise coagulation control, it can be a successful procedure on ECMO.
Accumulation of peripheral autoreactive B cells in the absence of functional human regulatory T cells
Authors: Kinnunen Tuure , Chamberlain Nicolas , Morbach Henner , Choi Jinyoung , Kim Sangtaek , Craft Joseph , Mayer Lloyd , Cancrini Caterina , Passerini Laura , Bacchetta Rosa , Ochs Hans D. , Torgerson Troy R. , Meffre Eric 
Published: December 2012

Key Points
Peripheral B-cell tolerance is defective in IPEX patients, suggesting that Tregs are involved in the maintenance of B-cell tolerance. T cells, including Tregs, display an activated phenotype in IPEX patients that may favor the accumulation of autoreactive B cells.
Resolvin D1 attenuates inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury through a process involving the PPARγ/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Liao Zenglin , Dong Jiajia , Wu Wei , Yang Ting , Wang Tao , Guo Lingli , Chen Lei , Xu Dan , Wen Fuqiang 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and DHA-derived lipid mediators have recently been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties. In fact, DHA can down-regulate lipolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of NF-κB via a PPARγ-dependent pathway. We sought to investigate the effects of the novel DHA-derived mediator resolvin D1 (RvD1) on LPS-induced acute lung injury and to determine whether these effects occur via a PPARγ-dependent pathway.

Methods
BALB/c mice aged 6–8 weeks were randomly divided into seven groups: two control groups receiving saline or RvD1 (600 ng) without LPS; a control group receiving LPS only; an experimental group receiving RvD1 (300 ng) or RvD1 (600 ng), followed by LPS; a group receiving the PPARγ antagonist GW9662; and a group receiving GW9662, then RvD1 (600 ng) and finally LPS. LPS (50 μM) and saline were administered intratracheally. RvD1 was injected intravenously 24 h and 30 min before LPS, while GW9662 was injected intravenously 30 min before RvD1. Mice were killed at 6, 12, and 24 h. Samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed for cell counts and cytokine analysis. Lung tissues were collected for histology, Western blotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs).

Results
At all three time points, groups receiving either dose of RvD1 followed by LPS had significantly lower total leukocyte counts and levels of TNF-α and IL-6 levels in BALF than did the group given only LPS. RvD1 markedly attenuated LPS-induced lung inflammation at 24 h, based on hematoxylin-eosin staining of histology sections. RvD1 activated PPARγ and suppressed IκBα degradation and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, based on Western blots and EMSAs. The PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 partially reversed RvD1-induced suppression of IκBα degradation and p65 nuclear translocation.

Conclusions
These results suggest that RvD1 may attenuate lung inflammation of LPS-induced acute lung injury by suppressing NF-κB activation through a mechanism partly dependent on PPARγ activation.
Evidence for selection at HIV host susceptibility genes in a West Central African human population
Authors: Zhao Kai , Ishida Yasuko , Oleksyk Taras K , Winkler Cheryl A , Roca Alfred L 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundHIV-1 derives from multiple independent transfers of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) strains from chimpanzees to human populations. We hypothesized that human populations in west central Africa may have been exposed to SIV prior to the pandemic, and that previous outbreaks may have selected for genetic resistance to immunodeficiency viruses. To test this hypothesis, we examined the genomes of Biaka Western Pygmies, who historically resided in communities within the geographic range of the central African chimpanzee subspecies (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) that carries strains of SIV ancestral to HIV-1.ResultsSNP genotypes of the Biaka were compared to those of African human populations who historically resided outside the range ofP. t. troglodytes, including the Mbuti Eastern Pygmies. Genomic regions showing signatures of selection were compared to the genomic locations of genes reported to be associated with HIV infection or pathogenesis. In the Biaka, a strong signal of selection was detected atCUL5, which codes for a component of the vif-mediated APOBEC3 degradation pathway. ACUL5allele protective against AIDS progression was fixed in the Biaka. A signal of selection was detected atTRIM5,which codes for an HIV post-entry restriction factor. A protective mis-sense mutation inTRIM5had the highest frequency in Biaka compared to other African populations, as did a protective allele forAPOBEC3G, which codes for an anti-HIV-1 restriction factor. Alleles protective against HIV-1 forAPOBEC3H,CXCR6andHLA-Cwere at higher frequencies in the Biaka than in the Mbuti. Biaka genomes showed a strong signal of selection atTSG101,an inhibitor of HIV-1 viral budding.ConclusionsWe found protective alleles or evidence for selection in the Biaka at a number of genes associated with HIV-1 infection or progression. Pygmies have also been reported to carry genotypes protective against HIV-1 for the genesCCR5andCCL3L1.Our hypothesis that HIV-1 may have shaped the genomes of some human populations in West Central Africa appears to merit further investigation.
The tomato RLK superfamily: phylogeny and functional predictions about the role of the LRRII-RLK subfamily in antiviral defense
Authors: Sakamoto Tetsu , Deguchi Michihito , Brustolini Otávio JB , Santos Anésia A , Silva Fabyano F , Fontes Elizabeth PB 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) play key roles during development and in responses to the environment. Despite the relevance of the RLK family and the completion of the tomato genome sequencing, the tomato RLK family has not yet been characterized, and a framework for functional predictions of the members of the family is lacking.

Results
To generate a complete list of all the members of the tomato RLK family, we performed a phylogenetic analysis using the Arabidopsis family as a template. A total of 647 RLKs were identified in the tomato genome, which were organized into the same subfamily clades as Arabidopsis RLKs. Only eight of 58 RLK subfamilies exhibited specific expansion/reduction compared to their Arabidopsis counterparts. We also characterized the LRRII-RLK family by phylogeny, genomic analysis, expression profile and interaction with the virulence factor from begomoviruses, the nuclear shuttle protein (NSP). The LRRII subfamily members from tomato and Arabidopsis were highly conserved in both sequence and structure. Nevertheless, the majority of the orthologous pairs did not display similar conservation in the gene expression profile, indicating that these orthologs may have diverged in function after speciation. Based on the fact that members of the Arabidopsis LRRII subfamily (AtNIK1, AtNIK2 and AtNIK3) interact with the begomovirus nuclear shuttle protein (NSP), we examined whether the tomato orthologs of NIK, BAK1 and NsAK genes interact with NSP of Tomato Yellow Spot Virus (ToYSV). The tomato orthologs of NSP interactors, SlNIKs and SlNsAK, interacted specifically with NSP in yeast and displayed an expression pattern consistent with the pattern of geminivirus infection. In addition to suggesting a functional analogy between these phylogenetically classified orthologs, these results expand our previous observation that NSP-NIK interactions are neither virus-specific nor host-specific.

Conclusions
The tomato RLK superfamily is made-up of 647 proteins that form a monophyletic tree with the Arabidopsis RLKs and is divided into 58 subfamilies. Few subfamilies have undergone expansion/reduction, and only six proteins were lineage-specific. Therefore, the tomato RLK family shares functional and structural conservation with Arabidopsis. For the LRRII-RLK members SlNIK1 and SlNIK3, we observed functions analogous to those of their Arabidopsis counterparts with respect to protein-protein interactions and similar expression profiles, which predominated in tissues that support high efficiency of begomovirus infection. Therefore, NIK-mediated antiviral signaling is also likely to operate in tomato, suggesting that tomato NIKs may be good targets for engineering resistance against tomato-infecting begomoviruses.
Expression profile and prognostic role of sex hormone receptors in gastric cancer
Authors: Gan Lu , He Jian , Zhang Xia , Zhang Yong-Jie , Yu Guan-Zhen , Chen Ying , Pan Jun , Wang Jie-Jun , Wang Xi 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Increasing interest has been devoted to the expression and possible role of sex hormone receptors in gastric cancer, but most of these findings are controversial. In the present study, the expression profile of sex hormone receptors in gastric cancer and their clinicopathological and prognostic value were determined in a large Chinese cohort.

Methods
The mRNA and protein expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), progesterone receptor (PR), and androgen receptor (AR) in primary gastric tumors and corresponding adjacent normal tissues from 60 and 866 Chinese gastric cancer patients was detected by real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry method, respectively. The expression profile of the four receptors was compared and their associations with clinicopathological characteristics were assessed by using Chi-square test. The prognostic value of the four receptors in gastric cancer was evaluated by using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results
The presence of ERα, ERβ, PR, and AR in both gastric tumors and normal tissues was confirmed but their expression levels were extremely low except for the predominance of ERβ. The four receptors were expressed independently and showed a decreased expression pattern in gastric tumors compared to adjacent normal tissues. The positive expression of the four receptors all correlated with high tumor grade and intestinal type, and ERα and AR were also associated with early TNM stage and thereby a favorable outcome. However, ERα and AR were not independent prognostic factors for gastric cancer when multivariate survival analysis was performed.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that the sex hormone receptors may be partly involved in gastric carcinogenesis but their clinicopathological and prognostic significance in gastric cancer appears to be limited.
Intraocular pressure in a cohort of healthy eastern European schoolchildren: variations in method and corneal thickness
Authors: Krzyżanowska-Berkowska Patrycja , Asejczyk-Widlicka Magdalena , Pierscionek Barbara 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Intraocular pressure (IOP) in the developing eye of a child is not always easy to measure and there is no technique that is known to be the most accurate for the young eye. Measurements are needed on many cohorts of children with different tonometers to determine how the values correlate between instruments, whether corneal parameters affect readings and whether correlations between age and IOP values can be discerned. The aim of this study was to undertake a comparative analysis of three different tonometers on a group of healthy children to see whether differences exist and whether these may be related to central corneal thickness and/or radius of curvature. In addition, the study adds to the relatively small body of literature on IOP in the growing eye which will collectively allow trends to be identified and ultimately norms to be established.

Methods
IOP was measured on 115 eyes in a group of Polish children, aged between 5–17 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD] 11.3 ± 3.0 years) using three different tonometers: non-contact (NCT), the ICare and Goldmann applanation (GAT). Readings obtained were compared between instruments and with central corneal thickness and radius of curvature.

Results
The ICare tonometer provided statistically higher IOP values (16.9 ± 3.4 mmHg) than the GAT (14.7 ± 2.9 mmHg) regardless of corneal thickness and whether or not a correction factor was applied. A correlation was found between central corneal thickness (CCT) and IOP values obtained with all three tonometers but only the IOP values detected with the ICare tonometer showed a statistically significant correlation with radius of curvature (p < 0.004). No correlations with age or gender were found for IOP values measured with any of the instruments.

Conclusions
IOP measurements on children vary significantly between instruments and correlations are affected by the corneal thickness. Further studies on children are needed to determine which instrument is most appropriate and to derive a normative IOP scale for the growing eye.
Rates of undiagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in London drug and alcohol detoxification units
Authors: Huntley Zoe , Maltezos Stefanos , Williams Charlotte , Morinan Alun , Hammon Amy , Ball David , Marshall E Jane , Keaney Francis , Young Susan , Bolton Patrik , Glaser Karen , Howe-Forbes Raoul , Kuntsi Jonna , Xenitidis Kiriakos , Murphy Declan , J Asherson Philip 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
ADHD is a common childhood onset mental health disorder that persists into adulthood in two-thirds of cases. One of the most prevalent and impairing comorbidities of ADHD in adults are substance use disorders. We estimate rates of ADHD in patients with substance abuse disorders and delineate impairment in the co-morbid group.

Method
Screening for ADHD followed by a research diagnostic interview in people attending in-patient drug and alcohol detoxification units.

Results
We estimated prevalence of undiagnosed ADHD within substance use disorder in-patients in South London around 12%. Those individuals with substance use disorders and ADHD had significantly higher self-rated impairments across several domains of daily life; and higher rates of substance abuse and alcohol consumption, suicide attempts, and depression recorded in their case records.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates the high rates of untreated ADHD within substance use disorder populations and the association of ADHD in such patients with greater levels of impairment. These are likely to be a source of additional impairment to patients and represent an increased burden on clinical services.
Malaria in infants aged less than six months - is it an area of unmet medical need?
Authors: D’Alessandro Umberto , Ubben David , Hamed Kamal , Ceesay Serign Jawo , Okebe Joseph , Taal Makie , Lama Eugene Kaman , Keita Moussa , Koivogui Lamine , Nahum Alain , Bojang Kalifa , Sonko Aja Adam Jagne , Lalya Honorat Francis , Brabin Bernard 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Despite the protection provided by several factors, including maternal antibodies, the burden of malaria in young infants may be higher than previously thought. Infants with congenital or neonatal malaria may have a different clinical presentation than older children, and diagnosis may be confused with other neonatal diseases due to an overlap of clinical manifestations. In addition, there is little information on the use of artemisinin-based combination therapy in young infants. There is the need for a more accurate estimate of the parasite prevalence and the incidence of clinical malaria in infants under 6 months old, as well as a better characterization of risk factors, pharmacokinetic profiles, safety and efficacy of currently available anti-malarial treatments, in order to develop evidence-based treatment guidelines for this population.
Fabrication and characterization of DNA-loaded zein nanospheres
Authors: Regier Mary C , Taylor Jessica D , Borcyk Tyler , Yang Yiqi , Pannier Angela K 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Particulates incorporating DNA are promising vehicles for gene delivery, with the ability to protect DNA and provide for controlled, localized, and sustained release and transfection. Zein, a hydrophobic protein from corn, is biocompatible and has properties that make it a promising candidate material for particulate delivery, including its ability to form nanospheres through coacervation and its insolubility under physiological conditions, making it capable of sustained release of encapsulated compounds. Due to the promise of this natural biomaterial for drug delivery, the objective of this study was to formulate zein nanospheres encapsulating DNA as the therapeutic compound, and to characterize size, charge, sustained release, cell cytotoxicity and cellular internalization of these particles.

Results
Zein nanospheres encapsulating DNA were fabricated using a coacervation technique, without the use of harsh solvents or temperatures, resulting in the preservation of DNA integrity and particles with diameters that ranged from 157.8 ± 3.9 nm to 396.8 ± 16.1 nm, depending on zein to DNA ratio. DNA encapsulation efficiencies were maximized to 65.3 ± 1.9% with a maximum loading of 6.1 ± 0.2 mg DNA/g zein. The spheres protected encapsulated DNA from DNase I degradation and exhibited sustained plasmid release for at least 7 days, with minimal burst during the initial phase of release. Zein/DNA nanospheres demonstrated robust biocompatibility, cellular association, and internalization.

Conclusions
This study represents the first report on the formation of zein particles encapsulating plasmid DNA, using simple fabrication techniques resulting in preservation of plasmid integrity and tunable sizes. DNA encapsulation efficiencies were maximized to acceptable levels at higher zein to DNA ratios, while loading was comparable to that of other hydrophilic compounds encapsulated in zein and that of DNA incorporated into PLGA nano- and microspheres. The hydrophobic nature of zein resulted in spheres capable of sustained release of plasmid DNA. Zein particles may be an excellent potential tool for the delivery of DNA with the ability to be fine-tuned for specific applications including oral gene delivery, intramuscular delivery, and in the fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds.
Use of silver nanowires to determine thresholds for fibre length-dependent pulmonary inflammation and inhibition of macrophage migration in vitro
Authors: Schinwald Anja , Chernova Tanya , Donaldson Ken 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to examine the threshold fibre length for the onset of pulmonary inflammation after aspiration exposure in mice to four different lengths of silver nanowires (AgNW). We further examined the effect of fibre length on macrophage locomotion in an in vitro wound healing assay. We hypothesised that exposure to longer fibres causes both increased inflammation and restricted mobility leading to impaired clearance of long fibres from the lower respiratory tract to the mucociliary escalator in vivo.

Methods
Nine week old female C57BL/6 strain mice were exposed to AgNW and controls via pharyngeal aspiration. The dose used in this study was equalised to fibre number and based on 50 μg/ mouse for AgNW14. To examine macrophage migration in vitro a wound healing assay was used. An artificial wound was created in a confluent layer of bone marrow derived macrophages by scraping with a pipette tip and the number of cells migrating into the wound was monitored microscopically. The dose was equalised for fibre number and based on 2.5 μg/cm2 for AgNW14.

Results
Aspiration of AgNW resulted in a length dependent inflammatory response in the lungs with threshold at a fibre length of 14 μm. Shorter fibres including 3, 5 and 10 μm elicited no significant inflammation. Macrophage locomotion was also restricted in a length dependent manner whereby AgNW in the length of ≥5 μm resulted in impaired motility in the wound closure assay.

Conclusion
We demonstrated a 14 μm cut-off length for fibre-induced pulmonary inflammation after aspiration exposure and an in vitro threshold for inhibition of macrophage locomotion of 5 μm. We previously reported a threshold length of 5 μm for fibre-induced pleural inflammation. This difference in pulmonary and pleural fibre- induced inflammation may be explained by differences in clearance mechanism of deposited fibres from the airspaces compared to the pleural space. Inhibition of macrophage migration at long fibre lengths could account for their well-documented long term retention in the lungs compared to short fibres. Knowledge of the threshold length for acute pulmonary inflammation contributes to hazard identification of nanofibres.