bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of the angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas/PI3K/Akt/nitric oxide axis and the possible role of atrial natriuretic peptide in an acute atrial tachycardia canine model
Authors: Zhao Jun , Liu Enzhao , Li Guangping , Qi Lingshan , Li Jian , Yang Wansong 
Published: August 2014

Objective: To investigate the effects of the angiotensin-(1-7) signaling pathway and the possible role of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on atrial electrical remodeling in canines with acute atrial tachycardia. Methods: Forty dogs were randomly assigned to eight groups (five dogs/group): sham, paced control, paced + angiotensin-(1-7), paced + angiotensin-(1-7) + Mas inhibitor, paced + angiotensin-(1-7) + Akt inhibitor, paced + angiotensin-(1-7) + PI3K inhibitor, paced + angiotensin-(1-7) + nitric oxide (NO) inhibitor, and paced + angiotensin-(1-7) + A-71915 (ANP receptor antagonist). Rapid atrial pacing was maintained at 600 bpm for 2 h for all groups, except the sham group, and angiotensin-(1-7) (6 μg kg−1 h−1), Mas inhibitor (5.83 μg kg−1 h−1), Akt inhibitor (2.14 μg kg−1 h−1), PI3K inhibitor (2.86 μg kg−1 h−1), NO synthase inhibitor (180 μg kg−1h−1), or A-71915 (0.30 μg kg−1 h−1) were administered intravenously. Atrial effective refractory periods, inducibility, and duration of atrial fibrillation (pacing cycle lengths: 300, 250, and 200 ms), and left atrial ANP concentrations were measured. Results: After pacing, the atrial effective refractory periods at the six sites shortened with increased inducibility and duration of atrial fibrillation, which was attenuated by angiotensin-(1-7), and increased ANP concentrations, which was promoted by angiotensin-(1-7) (paced control vs. sham; P < 0.05). All inhibitors and A-71915 blocked the electrophysiological effects of angiotensin-(1-7). ANP secretion induced by angiotensin-(1-7) was also blocked by all inhibitors. Conclusion: Angiotensin-(1-7) prevented acute electrical remodeling in canines with acute atrial tachycardia via the angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas/PI3K/Akt/NO signaling pathway. ANP was related to the anti-arrhythmic effects of angiotensin-(1-7).
ACE-inhibition increases podocyte number in experimental glomerular disease independent of proliferation
Authors: Zhang Jiong , Yanez David , Floege Anna , Lichtnekert Julia , Krofft Ronald D , Liu Zhi-Hong , Pippin Jeffrey W , Shankland Stuart J 
Published: August 2014

Objective: The objective of this article is to test the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibition on glomerular epithelial cell number in an inducible experimental model of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Background: Although ACE-inhibition has been shown to limit podocyte loss by enhancing survival, little is known about its effect on podocyte number following an abrupt decline in disease. Methods: Experimental FSGS was induced with cytotoxic antipodocyte antibody. Following induction, groups were randomized to receive the ACE-inhibitor enalapril, the smooth muscle relaxant hydralazine (blood pressure control) or drinking water. Blood pressure, kidney function and histology were measured seven and 14 days following disease induction. Results: Both glomerulosclerosis and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio were less in the ACE-inhibition arm at day 14. At day 7 of disease, mean podocyte numbers were 26% and 29% lower in the enalapril and hydralazine arms, respectively, compared to normal mice in which no antibody was injected. At day 14, the mean podocyte number was only 18% lower in the enalapril arm, but was 39% lower in the hydralazine arm compared to normal mice. Podocyte proliferation did not occur at any time in any group. Compared to water- or hydralazine-treated mice with FSGS, the enalapril arm had a higher mean number of glomerular parietal epithelial cells that co-expressed the podocyte proteins WT-1 and synaptopodin, as well as phospho-ERK. Conclusion: The results show following an abrupt decline in podocyte number, the initiation of ACE-inhibition but not hydralazine, was accompanied by higher podocyte number in the absence of proliferation. This was accompanied by a higher number of parietal epithelial cells that co-express podocyte proteins. Increasing podocyte number appears to be accompanied by reduced glomerulosclerosis.
Contribution of the Medial Malleolus to Tibiotalar Joint Contact Characteristics
Authors: Lareau Craig R. , Bariteau Jason T. , Paller David J. , Koruprolu Sarath C. , DiGiovanni Christopher W. 
Published: August 2014

Background. Isolated medial malleolus fractures are typically treated operatively to minimize the potential for articular incongruity, instability, nonunion, and posttraumatic arthritis. The literature, however, has not clearly demonstrated inferior outcomes with conservative treatment of these injuries. This study measured the effects of medial malleolus fracture and its resultant instability on tibiotalar joint contact characteristics. We hypothesized that restoration of anatomical alignment and stability through fixation would significantly improve contact characteristics. Methods. A Tekscan pressure sensor was inserted and centered over the talar dome in 8 cadaveric foot and ankle specimens. Each specimen was loaded at 700 N in multiple coronal and sagittal plane orientations. After testing fractured samples, the medial malleolus was anatomically fixed before repeat testing. Contact area and pressure were analyzed using a 2-way repeated-measure ANOVA. Results. In treated fractures, contact areas were higher, and mean contact pressures were lower for all positions. These differences were statistically significant in the majority of orientations and approached statistical significance in pure plantarflexion and pure inversion. Decreases in contact area varied from 15.1% to 42.1%, with the most dramatic reductions in positions of hindfoot eversion. Conclusions. These data emphasize the importance of the medial malleolus in maintaining normal tibiotalar contact area and pressure. The average decrease in contact area after simulated medial malleolar fractures was 27.8% (>40% in positions of hindfoot eversion). Such differences become clinically relevant in cases of medial malleolar nonunion or malunion. Therefore, we recommend anatomical reduction and fixation of medial malleolus fractures with any displacement. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level V—Cadaveric Study
Health-related quality of life and sense of coherence among people with obesity: Important factors for health management
Authors: Skär Lisa , Juuso Päivi , Söderberg Siv 
Published: August 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether health-related quality of life and levels of sense of coherence among people with obesity are correlated with body mass index, age, and gender. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive research design was used. Subjects ( n = 157) were selected from a sample of participants in an ongoing survey and had a body mass index >30 kg/m2. Data were collected using the Short Form-36 Health Survey and the Sense of Coherence Scale. Results: The mean body mass index of women was higher than that of men. Compared to men, a greater proportion of women had a low sense of coherence. There was a significant relationship between low physical health and high body mass index. Female gender and older age correlated with a low sense of coherence and showed a significant association with high body mass index. Conclusion: To increase the health-related quality of life, people with obesity need support to help manage their life situation based on their individual needs and personal resources.
Hereditary spherocytosis: Consequences of delayed diagnosis
Authors: Steward Sarah C , Chauvenet Allen R , O’Suoji Chibuzo 
Published: August 2014

Objective: To determine whether patients with undiagnosed hereditary spherocytosis hospitalized for transfusions might have avoided hospitalization via earlier diagnosis. Study design: Charts of all (N = 30) patients with hereditary spherocytosis seen in pediatric hematology at West Virginia University-Charleston were reviewed. Family and transfusion history and presence of neonatal jaundice were recorded. Complete blood count and reticulocyte values during infancy were available for 20 of 30 patients, while baseline steady-state values were available for all 30. Results: Transfusions were given to 22 patients; 12 of 14 with an aplastic crisis were undiagnosed. In 10 of 12, the severity of anemia led to hospitalization (3 to intensive care). All 10 had prior mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and/or red cell distribution width elevations and a history of neonatal jaundice; 7 of 10 had a positive family history. Conclusions: Undiagnosed hereditary spherocytosis may lead to inpatient transfusions for severe anemia. Earlier detection of hereditary spherocytosis is easily achievable and may reduce hospitalizations via closer monitoring.
Obinutuzumab (GA101) in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia: final data from the phase 1/2 GAUGUIN study
Authors: Cartron Guillaume , de Guibert Sophie , Dilhuydy Marie-Sarah , Morschhauser Franck , Leblond Veronique , Dupuis Jehan , Mahe Beatrice , Bouabdallah Reda , Lei Guiyuan , Wenger Michael , Wassner-Fritsch Elisabeth , Hallek Michael 
Published: August 2014

Key Points
In this phase 1/2 study, obinutuzumab (GA101) monotherapy was active in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL. Best overall response was lower in phase 2 vs phase 1, possibly due to higher baseline tumor burden resulting in lower treatment exposure.
Mechanisms of exercise intolerance in Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease grade 1 COPD
Authors: Guenette Jordan A. , Chin Roberto C. , Cheng Sicheng , Dominelli Paolo B. , Raghavan Natya , Webb Katherine A. , Neder J. Alberto , O’Donnell Denis E. 
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine if a dissociation existed between respiratory drive, as estimated by diaphragmatic electromyography (EMGdi), and its pressure-generating capacity during exercise in mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and whether this, if present, had negative sensory consequences.Subjects meeting spirometric criteria for mild COPD (n=16) and age and sex-matched controls (n=16) underwent detailed pulmonary function testing and a symptom limited cycle test while detailed ventilatory, sensory and respiratory mechanical responses were measured.Compared with controls, subjects with mild COPD had greater ventilatory requirements throughout submaximal exercise. At the highest equivalent work rate of 60 W, they had a significantly higher: total work of breathing (32±17versus16±7 J·min−1; p<0.01); EMGdi(37.3±17.3versus17.9±11.7% of maximum; p<0.001); and EMGdito transdiaphragmatic pressure ratio (0.87±0.38versus0.52±0.27; p<0.01). Dyspnoea–ventilation slopes were significantly higher in mild COPD than controls (0.17±0.12versus0.10±0.05; p<0.05). However, absolute dyspnoea ratings reached significant levels only at high levels of ventilation.Increased respiratory effort and work of breathing, and a wider dissociation between diaphragmatic activation and pressure-generating capacity were found at standardised work rates in subjects with mild COPD compared with controls. Despite these mechanical and neuromuscular abnormalities, significant dyspnoea was only experienced at higher work rates.
Diagnostic yield of specific inhalation challenge in hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Muñoz Xavier , Sánchez-Ortiz Mónica , Torres Ferran , Villar Ana , Morell Ferran , Cruz María-Jesús 
Published: August 2014

Reliable methods are needed to diagnose hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The aim of the study was to establish the diagnostic yield of specific inhalation challenge (SIC) in patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis.All patients with suspected hypersensitivity pneumonitis in whom SIC was performed (n=113) were included. SIC was considered positive when patients showed a decrease of >15% in forced vital capacity (FVC) or >20% in diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon dioxide, or a decrease of 10% to 15% in FVC accompanied by a temperature increase of 0.5°C within 24 h of inhalation of the antigen.SIC was positive to the agents tested in 68 patients: 64 received a diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis and SIC results were considered false-positive in the remaining four patients. In the SIC-negative group (n=45), 24 patients received a diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis and SIC results were considered false-negative, and 21 patients were diagnosed with other respiratory diseases. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were 72.7% and 84%, respectively. Having hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by an antigen other than birds or fungi predicted a false-negative result (p=0.001).In hypersensitivity pneumonitis, positive SIC testing virtually confirms the diagnosis, whereas negative testing does not rule it out, especially when the antigenic sources are not birds or fungi.
Quantifying comorbidity in individuals with COPD: a population study
Authors: Gershon Andrea S. , Mecredy Graham C. , Guan Jun , Victor J. Charles , Goldstein Roger , To Teresa 
Published: August 2014

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been associated with many types of comorbidity. We aimed to quantify the real world impact of COPD on lower respiratory tract infection, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, psychiatric disease, musculoskeletal disease and cancer, and their impact on COPD through health services.A population study using health administrative data from Ontario, Canada, in 2008–2012 was conducted. Absolute and adjusted relative rates of ambulatory care visits, emergency department visits and hospitalisations for the comorbidities of interest in people with and without COPD were determined and compared.Among 7 241 591 adults, 909 948 (12.6%) had COPD. Over half of all lung cancer, a third of all lower respiratory tract infection and cardiovascular disease, a quarter of all low trauma fracture, and a fifth of all psychiatric, musculoskeletal, non-lung cancer and diabetes ambulatory care visits, emergency department visits and hospitalisations in Ontario were used by people with COPD. Individuals with COPD used about five times more health services for lung cancer, and two times more health services for lower respiratory tract infections and cardiovascular disease than people without COPD.Individuals with COPD use a disproportionate amount of health services for comorbid disease, placing significant burden on the healthcare system.
The chemokine CCL18 characterisesPseudomonasinfections in cystic fibrosis lung disease
Authors: Hector Andreas , Kröner Carolin , Carevic Melanie , Bakele Martina , Rieber Nikolaus , Riethmüller Joachim , Griese Matthias , Zissel Gernot , Hartl Dominik 
Published: August 2014

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterised by chronicPseudomonas aeruginosainfection and leukocyte infiltration. Chemokines recruit leukocytes to sites of infection. Gene expression analysis identified the chemokine CCL18 as upregulated in CF leukocytes. We hypothesised that CCL18 characterises infection and inflammation in patients with CF lung disease.Therefore, we quantified CCL18 protein levels in the serum and airway fluids of CF patients and healthy controls, and studied CCL18 protein production by airway cellsex vivo.These studies demonstrated that CCL18 levels were increased in the serum and airway fluids from CF patients compared with healthy controls. Within CF patients, CCL18 levels were increased inP. aeruginosa-infected CF patients. CCL18 levels in the airways, but not in serum, correlated with severity of pulmonary obstruction in CF. Airway cells isolated fromP. aeruginosa-infected CF patients produced significantly higher amounts of CCL18 protein compared with airway cells from CF patients withoutP. aeruginosainfection or healthy controls.Collectively, these studies show that CCL18 levels characterise chronicP. aeruginosainfection and pulmonary obstruction in patients with CF. CCL18 may, thus, serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in CF lung disease.
Immobilization of peroxidase enzyme onto the porous silicon structure for enhancing its activity and stability
Authors: Sahare Padmavati , Ayala Marcela , Vazquez-Duhalt Rafael , Agrawal Vivechana 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
In this work, a commercial peroxidase was immobilized onto porous silicon (PS) support functionalized with 3-aminopropyldiethoxysilane (APDES) and the performance of the obtained catalytic microreactor was studied. The immobilization steps were monitored and the activity of the immobilized enzyme in the PS pores was spectrophotometrically determined. The enzyme immobilization in porous silicon has demonstrated its potential as highly efficient enzymatic reactor. The effect of a polar organic solvent (acetonitrile) and the temperature (up to 50°C) on the activity and stability of the biocatalytic microreactor were studied. After 2-h incubation in organic solvent, the microreactor retained 80% of its initial activity in contrast to the system with free soluble peroxidase that lost 95% of its activity in the same period of time. Peroxidase immobilized into the spaces of the porous silicon support would be perspective for applications in treatments for environmental security such as removal of leached dye in textile industry or in treatment of different industrial effluents. The system can be also applied in the field of biomedicine.
Intra‐observer reliability for measuring first and second toe and metatarsal protrusion distance using palpation‐based tests: a test‐retest study
Authors: Martínez‐Cepa Carmen‐Belén , Zuil‐Escobar Juan‐Carlos , Chillón‐Martínez Raquel , Jiménez‐Rejano José‐Jesús , Palomo‐Toucedo Inmaculada‐Concepción 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundMeasurement of first and second metatarsal and toe protrusion is frequently used to explain foot problems using x‐rays, osteological measurements or palpation‐based tests. Length differences could be related to the appearance of problems in the foot. A test‐retest design was conducted in order to establish the intra‐rater reliability of three palpation‐based tests.Methods202 feet of physical therapy students and teachers of the CEU San Pablo University of Madrid, 39 men and 62 women, were measured using three different tests. Data were analysed using SPSS version 15.0. Mean, SD and 95% CI were calculated for each variable. A normal distribution of quantitative data was assessed using the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov test. The test‐retest intra‐rater reliability was assessed using an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). The Standard Error Mean (SEM) and the Minimal Detectable Change (MDC) were also obtained.ResultsAll the ICC values showed a high degree of reliability (Test 1 = 0.97, Test 2 = 0.86 and Test 3 = 0.88) as did the SEM (Test 1 = 0.07, Test 2 = 0.10 and Test 3 = 0.11) and the MDC (Test 1 = 0.21, Test 2 = 0.30 and Test 3 = 0.31).ConclusionsReliability of measuring first and second metatarsal and toe protrusion using the three palpation‐based tests showed a high degree of reliability.
Risk factors for self-reported arm lymphedema among female breast cancer survivors: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Togawa Kayo , Ma Huiyan , Sullivan-Halley Jane , Neuhouser Marian L , Imayama Ikuyo , Baumgartner Kathy B , Smith Ashley Wilder , Alfano Catherine M , McTiernan Anne , Ballard-Barbash Rachel , Bernstein Leslie 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Lymphedema is a potentially debilitating condition that occurs among breast cancer survivors. This study examines the incidence of self-reported lymphedema, timing of lymphedema onset, and associations between sociodemographic, clinical and lifestyle factors and lymphedema risk across racial-ethnic groups using data from a multicenter, multiethnic prospective cohort study of breast cancer survivors, the Health, Eating, Activity and Lifestyle Study.

Methods
A total of 666 women diagnosed with breast cancer staged as in situ, localized or regional disease at ages 35 to 64 years were recruited through the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries in New Mexico (non-Hispanic white and Hispanic white), Los Angeles County (black), and Western Washington (non-Hispanic white) and followed for a median of 10.2 years. We evaluated sociodemographic factors, breast cancer- and treatment-related factors, comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), hormonal factors, and lifestyle factors in relation to self-reported lymphedema by fitting Cox proportional hazards models, estimating hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results
Over the follow-up period, 190 women (29%) reported lymphedema. The median time from breast cancer diagnosis to onset of lymphedema was 10.5 months (range: 0.5 to 134.9 months). Factors independently associated with lymphedema were total/modified radical mastectomy (versus partial/less than total mastectomy; HR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.85), chemotherapy (versus no chemotherapy; HR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.02), no lymph nodes removed (versus ≥10 lymph nodes removed; HR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.33), pre-diagnostic BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (versus BMI <25 kg/m2; HR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.31), and hypertension (versus no hypertension; HR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.10). After adjusting for demographics and breast cancer- and treatment-related factors, no significant difference in lymphedema risk was observed across racial/ethnic groups. Analyses stratified by race/ethnicity showed that hypertension and chemotherapy were lymphedema risk factors only for black women.

Conclusions
Breast cancer patients who have undergone extensive surgery or extensive lymph node dissection, or who have a higher BMI should be closely monitored for detection and treatment of lymphedema. Further studies are needed to understand the roles of chemotherapy and hypertension in the development of lymphedema.