bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exercise Mediates the Association Between Positive Affect and 5-Year Mortality in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Hoogwegt Madelein T. , Versteeg Henneke , Hansen Tina B. , Thygesen Lau C. , Pedersen Susanne S. , Zwisler Ann-Dorthe 
Published: September 2013

Background—
Positive affect has been associated with better prognosis in patients with ischemic heart disease, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We examined whether positive affect predicted time to first cardiac-related hospitalization and all-cause mortality, and whether exercise mediated this relationship in patients with established ischemic heart disease.

Methods and Results—

The sample comprised 607 patients with ischemic heart disease from Holbæk Hospital, Denmark. In 2005, patients completed the Global Mood Scale (GMS) to assess positive affect and a purpose-designed question on exercise. Data on mortality and hospitalization were collected from Danish national registers for the period 2006–2010. Adjusted Cox and logistic regression were used to analyze the mediation model. Because no significant association between positive affect and cardiac-related hospitalization was found, we constructed no mediation model for hospitalization. Importantly, patients with high positive affect had a significantly reduced risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.37–0.92; unadjusted analysis) and were more likely to exercise (odds ratio, 1.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.44–2.76; unadjusted analysis; odds ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–2.13; adjusted analysis). When controlling for positive affect and other relevant variables, patients engaged in exercise were less likely to die during follow-up (hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.31–0.80;
P
=0.004). Importantly, exercise acted as a mediator in the relationship between positive affect and mortality.

Conclusions—
Patients with higher levels of positive affect were more likely to exercise and had a lower risk of dying during 5-year follow-up, with exercise mediating the relationship between positive affect and mortality. Interventions aimed at increasing both positive affect and exercise may have better results with respect to patients’ prognosis and psychological well-being than interventions focusing on 1 of these factors alone.
Sediment quality assessment using Gmelinoides fasciatus and Monoporeia affinis (Amphipoda, Gammaridea) in the northeastern Baltic Sea
Authors: Berezina Nadezhda A. , Strode Evita , Lehtonen Kari K. , Balode Maija , Golubkov Sergey M. 
Published: September 2013

Crustaceans in the order Amphipoda are sensitive organisms for the assessment of sediment quality. In this work we performed 10-day toxicity tests on muddy sediments collected from a total of 29 sites in the Gulf of Finland, the Gulf of Riga and the Gulf of Bothnia (northeastern Baltic Sea) using Baltic Sea species such as the native amphipod Monoporeia affinis (Bousfield, 1989) and the invasive amphipod Gmelinoides fasciatus (Stebbing, 1899), and also compared these results with those of bioassays carried out using the standard test species, laboratory-cultivated amphipod Hyalella azteca (Saussure, 1858). The sediment samples (three cm of the upper layer) were collected by a GEMAX Dual Corer during the R/V “Aranda” cruises in August and September of 2009 and 2010. Toxicity of sediments in bioassays with M. affinis and G. fasciatus gave varied results depending on the amphipod species used. The lowest quality of sediments determined using M. affinis was recorded at sites located in the offshore and deepwater areas (60-100 m depths) of the Gulf of Finland characterized by hypoxic/anoxic conditions. Toxicity testing applying G. fasciatus showed that sediments at >50% of the study sites in the Gulf of Finland and in the Gulf of Riga can be assessed as highly contaminated. Males of G. fasciatus were significantly more sensitive to potential contamination in sediments than females. The lower survival of males under contaminant stress may result in a skewed sex ratio in natural populations and in a decline of reproduction success. The survival rate of G. fasciatus in the toxicity tests correlated positively with the Shannon diversity index (calculated for macrozoobenthos at the study sites), weight losses on ignition (%) in sediments, and it also showed a negative relation with the bottom water oxygen content (mg/l). The results suggest that G. fasciatus is the more sensitive species of the three amphipods tested and can be used as a indicator of sediment quality in the Baltic Sea and other water bodies.
Chemoprotective effect of Vernonia amygdalina Del. (Astereacea) against 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Adesanoye Omolola A , Adekunle Abiodun E , Adewale Olusola B , Mbagwu Abraham E , Delima Adetutu A , Adefegha Stephen A , Molehin Olorunfemi R , Farombi Ebenezer O 
Published: September 2013

Natural products possessing antioxidant properties play a very crucial role in ameliorating deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species. This study investigated the chemoprotective properties of methanolic extract of Vernonia amygdalina (MEVA) in an experimental model of hepatic oxidative damage induced by 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF). Rats were divided into six groups. Groups 1 and 2 received saline and dimethyl sulfoxide, respectively, and served as controls. Group 3 received MEVA at a dose of 250 mg/kg, while groups 5 and 6 were pretreated for 14 days with MEVA at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg doses before coadministration with 2-AAF at 100 mg/kg for another 7 days. 2-AAF was administered to group 4 for the last 7 days. Animals were killed 24 h after the last administration of 2-AAF. 2-AAF significantly ( p < 0.05) induced marked hepatic damage as revealed by increased activities of serum enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyl transferase and bilirubin concentration. 2-AAF also elicited decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione- S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase, depletion of reduced glutathione, and increase in malondialdehyde levels. The activities of glucose-6-phosphatase and 5′-nucleotidase were also depleted. MEVA at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg significantly ( p < 0.05) ameliorated the oxidative damage, functional impairments, and histopathological changes associated with 2-AAF toxicity by reducing the activities of serum enzymes, upregulating the antioxidant defense enzymes and glutathione with decrease in malondialdehyde level. In this study, the revealed ameliorative and hepatoprotective effects of MEVA against 2-AAF-induced toxicity may be due to its antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activities, thus suggesting its usefulness as a possible chemoprophylactic agent.
Free radical scavenging activity in in vitro-derived tissues of Eruca sativa
Authors: Abbasi Bilal Haider , Ali Jawad , Ali Mohammad , Zia Muhammad , Bokhari Saleem A , Khan Mubarak Ali 
Published: September 2013

Feasible regeneration protocol for economically important plant Eruca sativa was established and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity of regenerated tissues was evaluated and compared with plant material collected from the wild. Leaf portions inoculated onto Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium responded to all plant growth regulators exploited. Optimum callus production was achieved on a combination of 2.0 mg l−1 6-benzyladenine (BA) + 1.0 mg l−1 α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and the lowest response was recorded for 0.5 mg l−1 gibberellic acid (GA3) + 1.0 mg l−1 NAA. The callus was subcultured on similar composition/concentrations of plant growth regulators after 4 weeks of culture time. A 5.0 mg l−1 6-BA + 1.0 mg l−1 NAA produced optimum percentage shoot organogenesis after 4 weeks of subculturing. However, optimum number of shoots per explant was recorded for moderate concentrations (1.0 and 2.0 mg l−1) of kinetin. Incorporation of NAA into MS medium-containing GA3 also produced a feasible number of shoots/explant. Similar mean shoot length was recorded for 2.0 mg l−1 kinetin + 1.0 mg l−1 NAA and optimum concentrations (2.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mg l−1) of GA3 + 1.0 mg l−1 NAA. In vitro generated shoots were shifted to MS medium augmented with indole acetic acid (IAA) for rooting after 4 weeks of subculturing. Moderate concentrations (5.0 mg l−1) of IAA produced feasible rooting. Investigation of radical scavenging activity showed that callus possesses higher levels of radical scavengers than other plant tissues tested. Phenolics and glucosides are reported to be active components of Eruca sativa phytochemistry.
Variations of IGHMBP2 Gene Was Not the Major Cause of Han Chinese Patients With Non-5q-Spinal Muscular Atrophies
Authors: Lin Xiang , Zhang Qi-Jie , He Jin , Lin Min-Ting , Murong Shen-Xing , Wang Ning , Chen Wan-Jin 
Published: September 2013

Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1), a notably common form of non-5q-spinal muscular atrophy, can be confused with infantile spinal muscular atrophy and is characterized by the early onset of diaphragmatic palsy and predominantly distal muscle weakness. The defective gene, immunoglobulin mu-binding protein 2 ( IGHMBP2), is located on chromosome 11q13-q21. In this study, we screened the IGHMBP2 gene in 53 unrelated Han Chinese non-5q-spinal muscular atrophy patients and 100 healthy controls. Two novel mutations (c.711+1G>C and c.1817G>A) and 5 nucleotide polymorphisms (c.57T>C, c.1554C>T, c.1914G>A, c.2080C>T, and c.2270G>C) were identified. However, only 1 patient harbored the compound heterozygous mutations (c.711+1G>C, c.1817G>A). Furthermore, the homozygous c.2636C>A (p.T879 K) variation, which has been included as a mutation in the Human Gene Mutation Database, was found both in patients and healthy individuals. In conclusion, the IGHMBP2 gene was not found to be a major causative gene linked to Han Chinese non-5q-spinal muscular atrophy patients.
Disease-activity-free status in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis treated with daclizumab high-yield process in the SELECT study
Authors: Havrdova Eva , Giovannoni Gavin , Stefoski Dusan , Forster Samantha , Umans Kimberly , Mehta Lahar , Greenberg Steven , Elkins Jacob 
Published: September 2013

Background: Daclizumab high-yield process (DAC HYP) is a humanized anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody that inhibits high-affinity interleukin-2 receptor signaling. Objective: The objective of this paper is to assess the proportion of DAC HYP- versus placebo-treated patients who were free from disease activity. Methods: SELECT was a randomized, double-blind, multicenter study of DAC HYP 150 mg or 300 mg, or placebo, administered subcutaneously every four weeks for 52 weeks. In this post-hoc analysis of the SELECT trial, ‘disease-activity free’ was defined as completion through week 52 without relapses or confirmed three-month disability progression (clinical), with no new/newly enlarging T2-hyperintense lesions and no new gadolinium-enhancing lesions at the week 52 scan (radiological). Primary analyses were based on logistic regression controlling for baseline characteristics. Results: More DAC HYP-treated (39%, n = 156) versus placebo-treated patients (11%, n = 22) were disease-activity free (odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 6.18 (3.71–10.32); p < 0.0001). Furthermore, 77% and 48% of DAC HYP-treated patients were free from clinical or radiological disease activity, respectively, compared with 60% and 18% of placebo-treated patients. Conclusion: At one year, DAC HYP resulted in a meaningful increase in the proportion of relapsing–remitting MS patients who were disease-activity free versus placebo.
Is the debate about single or double embryo transfer following in vitro fertilisation really an ethical dilemma?
Authors: Jean Miguel , Tessier Philippe , Bonnaud-Antignac Angélique , Freour Thomas , Barriere Paul , Dabouis Gérard 
Published: September 2013

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) daily practice reveals that couples are willing to take greater risks than doctors if there is a higher chance of pregnancy. Arising from this is a frequently addressed issue regarding the embryo transfer strategy: single or double embryo transfer? The dilemma is faced by patients, as well as physicians, who are caught between the possibility of no pregnancies at all and facing the prospect of iatrogenic twin gestation. How could the couple's preferences concerning how many children they would like be taken into account in determining the number of embryos transferred? How should the physician exercise his medical responsibility towards his patients and the unborn child? An effective approach could be to enhance a couple’s autonomy by advocating a medical beneficence that incorporates patients’ values. This can be achieved through a case-by-case approach in a deliberative process of decision-making which includes real patient-centred communication.
BLT-humanized C57BL/6 Rag2−/−γc−/−CD47−/− mice are resistant to GVHD and develop B- and T-cell immunity to HIV infection
Authors: Lavender Kerry J. , Pang Wendy W. , Messer Ronald J. , Duley Amanda K. , Race Brent , Phillips Katie , Scott Dana , Peterson Karin E. , Chan Charles K. , Dittmer Ulf , Dudek Timothy , Allen Todd M. , Weissman Irving L. , Hasenkrug Kim J. 
Published: September 2013

Key Points
Tolerance induced in the absence of CD47 signaling. C57BL/6 Rag2−/−γc−/−CD47−/− mice humanized without GVHD.
GATA1-mutant clones are frequent and often unsuspected in babies with Down syndrome: identification of a population at risk of leukemia
Authors: Roberts Irene , Alford Kate , Hall Georgina , Juban Gaetan , Richmond Helen , Norton Alice , Vallance Grant , Perkins Kelly , Marchi Emanuele , McGowan Simon , Roy Anindita , Cowan Gillian , Anthony Mark , Gupta Amit , Ho John , Uthaya Sabita , Curley Anna , Rasiah Shree Vishna , Watts Timothy , Nicholl Richard , Bedford-Russell Alison , Blumberg Raoul , Thomas Angela , Gibson Brenda , Halsey Chris , Lee Pek-Wan , Godambe Sunit , Sweeney Connor , Bhatnagar Neha , Goriely Anne , Campbell Peter , Vyas Paresh 
Published: September 2013

Key Points
GATA1 mutations are common in neonates with Down syndrome but are often unsuspected and detectable only with sensitive methods. Multilineage blood abnormalities in all Down syndrome neonates in the absence of GATA1 mutations suggests that trisomy 21 itself perturbs hemopoiesis.
Transcriptome analysis of two buffalograss cultivars
Authors: Wachholtz Michael , Heng-Moss Tiffany , Twigg Paul , Baird Lisa , Lu Guoqing , Amundsen Keenan 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Buffalograss [Buchloë dactyloides (Nutt.) Engel. syn. Bouteloua dactyloides (Nutt.) Columbus] is a United States native turfgrass species that requires less irrigation, fungicides and pesticides compared to more commonly used turfgrass species. In areas where water is limited, interest in this grass species for lawns is increasing. While several buffalograss cultivars have been developed through buffalograss breeding, the timeframe for new cultivar development is long and is limited by a lack of useful genetic resources. Two high throughput next-generation sequencing techniques were used to increase the genomic resources available for buffalograss.

Results
Total RNA was extracted and purified from leaf samples of two buffalograss cultivars. ‘378’ and ‘Prestige’ cDNA libraries were subjected to high throughput sequencing on the Illumina GA and Roche 454 Titanium FLX sequencing platforms. The 454 platform (3 samples) produced 1,300,885 reads and the Illumina platform (12 samples) generated approximately 332 million reads. The multiple k-mer technique for de novo assembly using Velvet and Oases was applied. A total of 121,288 contigs were assembled that were similar to previously reported Ensembl commelinid sequences. Original Illumina reads were also mapped to the high quality assembly to estimate expression levels of buffalograss transcripts. There were a total of 325 differentially expressed genes between the two buffalograss cultivars. A glycosyl transferase, serine threonine kinase, and nb-arc domain containing transcripts were among those differentially expressed between the two cultivars. These genes have been previously implicated in defense response pathways and may in part explain some of the performance differences between ‘Prestige’ and ‘378’.

Conclusions
To date, this is the first high throughput sequencing experiment conducted on buffalograss. In total, 121,288 high quality transcripts were assembled, significantly expanding the limited genetic resources available for buffalograss genetic studies. Additionally, 325 differentially expressed sequences were identified which may contribute to performance or morphological differences between ‘Prestige’ and ‘378’ buffalograss cultivars.
Microspheres targeted with a mesothelin antibody and loaded with doxorubicin reduce tumor volume of human mesotheliomas in xenografts
Authors: Macura Sherrill L , Steinbacher Jeremy L , MacPherson Maximilian B , Lathrop Melissa J , Sayan Mutlay , Hillegass Jedd M , Beuschel Stacie L , Perkins Timothy N , Spiess Page C , van der Vliet Albert , Butnor Kelly J , Shukla Arti , Wadsworth Marilyn , Landry Christopher C , Mossman Brooke T 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Malignant mesotheliomas (MMs) are chemoresistant tumors related to exposure to asbestos fibers. The long latency period of MM (30-40 yrs) and heterogeneity of tumor presentation make MM difficult to diagnose and treat at early stages. Currently approved second-line treatments following surgical resection of MMs include a combination of cisplatin or carboplatin (delivered systemically) and pemetrexed, a folate inhibitor, with or without subsequent radiation. The systemic toxicities of these treatments emphasize the need for more effective, localized treatment regimens.

Methods
Acid-prepared mesoporous silica (APMS) microparticles were loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and modified externally with a mesothelin (MB) specific antibody before repeated intraperitoneal (IP) injections into a mouse xenograft model of human peritoneal MM. The health/weight of mice, tumor volume/weight, tumor necrosis and cell proliferation were evaluated in tumor-bearing mice receiving saline, DOX high (0.2 mg/kg), DOX low (0.05 mg/kg), APMS-MB, or APMS-MB-DOX (0.05 mg/kg) in saline.

Results
Targeted therapy (APMS-MB-DOX at 0.05 mg/kg) was more effective than DOX low (0.05 mg/kg) and less toxic than treatment with DOX high (0.2 mg/kg). It also resulted in the reduction of tumor volume without loss of animal health and weight, and significantly decreased tumor cell proliferation. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) of tumor tissue confirmed that APMS-MB-DOX particles delivered DOX to target tissue.

Conclusions
Data suggest that targeted therapy results in greater chemotherapeutic efficacy with fewer adverse side effects than administration of DOX alone. Targeted microparticles are an attractive option for localized drug delivery.
Pain management policies and practices in pediatric emergency care: a nationwide survey of Italian hospitals
Authors: Ferrante Pierpaolo , Cuttini Marina , Zangardi Tiziana , Tomasello Caterina , Messi Gianni , Pirozzi Nicola , Losacco Valentina , Piga Simone , Benini Franca ,   the PIPER Study Group
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Pain experienced by children in emergency departments (EDs) is often poorly assessed and treated. Although local protocols and strategies are important to ensure appropriate staff behaviours, few studies have focussed on pain management policies at hospital or department level. This study aimed at describing the policies and reported practices of pain assessment and treatment in a national sample of Italian pediatric EDs, and identifying the assocoated structural and organisational factors.

Methods
A structured questionnaire was mailed to all the 14 Italian pediatric and maternal and child hospitals and to 5 general hospitals with separate pediatric emergency room. There were no refusals. Information collected included the frequency and mode of pain assessment, presence of written pain management protocols, use of local anaesthetic (EMLA cream) before venipuncture, and role of parents. General data on the hospital and ED were also recorded. Multiple Correspondence Analysis was used to explore the multivariable associations between the characteristics of hospitals and EDs and their pain management policies and practices.

Results
Routine pain assessment both at triage and in the emergency room was carried out only by 26% of surveyed EDs. About one third did not use algometric scales, and almost half (47.4%) did not have local protocols for pain treatment. Only 3 routinely reassessed pain after treatment, and only 2 used EMLA. All EDs allowed parents’ presence and most (17, 89.9%) allowed them to stay when painful procedures were carried out. Eleven hospitals (57.9%) allowed parents to hold their child during blood sampling. Pediatric and maternal and child hospitals, those located in the North of Italy, equipped with medico-surgical-traumatological ED and short stay observation, and providing full assessment triage over 24 hours were more likely to report appropriate policies for pain management both at triage and in ER. A nurses to admissions ratio ≥ median was associated with better pain management at triage.

Conclusions
Despite availability of national and international guidelines, pediatric pain management is still sub-optimal in Italian emergency departments. Multifaceted strategies including development of local policies, staff educational programs, and parental involvement in pain assessment should be carried out and periodically reinforced.
Biochemical and immunological mechanisms by which sickle cell trait protects against malaria
Authors: Gong Lauren , Parikh Sunil , Rosenthal Philip J , Greenhouse Bryan 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Sickle cell trait (HbAS) is the best-characterized genetic polymorphism known to protect against falciparum malaria. Although the protective effect of HbAS against malaria is well known, the mechanism(s) of protection remain unclear. A number of biochemical and immune-mediated mechanisms have been proposed, and it is likely that multiple complex mechanisms are responsible for the observed protection. Increased evidence for an immune component of protection as well as novel mechanisms, such as enhanced tolerance to disease mediated by HO-1 and reduced parasitic growth due to translocation of host micro-RNA into the parasite, have recently been described. A better understanding of relevant mechanisms will provide valuable insight into the host-parasite relationship, including the role of the host immune system in protection against malaria.